A Key to Open Scripture Metaphors

Inferences.

I. WE may infer from hence, how infinitely Sinners are obliged and beholden unto God, in providing such a great and good Match for them. Did ever any King manifest such Kindness to vile and wicked Traitors, as to send his own Son to die for them, that they might be interested in all the Blessings of his Court and Kingdom? God propounds Christ to us as a Spouse and Bridegroom.

II. Moreover, how infinitely are we obliged to Jesus Christ, for bearing such good-will unto us, to pass by the fallen Angels, and fix his Eye upon poor fallen Man; to come into the World, and expose himself to all those base Affronts, Shame, Sorrow, and Death itself, that he might accomplish this glorious Design of Love and Marriage-Union with us!

III. It shows what great Folly, and horrid Ingratitude, those Sinners are guilty of, that slight and contemn this Offer. Which may lead you to consider:

1. What is your State without Christ? If you have not Christ, what have you? No Life, no Light, no Pardon, no Peace, no God, no Glory. You are without all true Good, if you are without God and Christ. Sine summo bono, nihil bonum.

(1.) Is it not Folly to prefer Bondage to Sin and Satan, before a Marriage-State with Jesus Christ? rather be the Devil's Slave and Vassal, than Jesus Christ's dearest Consort?

(2.) Is it not great Folly to refuse such an Offer, that will make you happy forever, if embraced, and when there is no other way of being happy? If this Offer be rejected, thou art undone, and must be damned.

(3.) Is it not great Folly to value the Lusts of the Flesh, and Pleasures of this World, above Christ? to value the greatest Evil above the chiefest Good?

2. 'It is great Ingratitude. Hath Christ done all this, and wilt thou slight him at last? Shall he come to thy Door, and wilt thou shut him out? Is there no room for him in the Inn? shall he lie in the Stable? Shall Satan command the Heart, and Christ only have the Lip?

(1.) Is it not great Ingratitude to pour such contempt upon Christ? Do not they that refuse him, and slight the Offers of his Grace, derogate from him? Do not such vilify his Person? Do you not say in your Hearts, There is no Beauty in him, Form, nor Comeliness?

(2.) Do you not pour contempt upon his Undertaking, and undervalue his Blood and Suffering? We read of some that tread underfoot the Blood of the Son of God, and judge it to be a thing of no worth nor excellency; and what dost thou less, who dost not believe in him, embrace him, and apply his precious Blood and Grace for Help and Healing?

Exhort. If this be so, then labor, whoever thou art, to accept of Christ. Dost think to do better? what Object canst thou find, that more deserves thy Affection?

1. He is great, honorable, a King, the King of Kings; all other Kings are his Subjects; he is King of Heaven, Earth, Hell.

2. Great in Power: He has led captive the King of Darkness, has spoiled the Principalities of Sin, that so long tyrannized over Thousands, yea, Millions of Thousands; has overcome Death, the King of Terrors, that none of the Mighty could ever encounter with.

3. He is the amiablest Object in the World, his Beauty far exceeds the Beauty of the Luminaries, much fairer than the Children of Men.

4. He is rich, unsearchable in Riches. What wouldst thou have, or canst thou desire, but 'tis in him?

Wouldst thou know the ready way to be espoused unto him? Then,

1. First of all, break off that Affinity thou holdest with Sin, and get thy Heart off from the inordinate Love of this World.

2. Thou must become dead to the Law, and thine own Righteousness.

3. Labor to see an absolute Necessity of marrying with him.

4. Get thy Judgment well enlightened in the Mysteries of Grace and Glory, that come by Jesus Christ.

5. Hearken to the Motions of thy own Conscience; for Conscience is employed, when thoroughly awakened, and rightly informed, as a Spokesman for Christ.

6. Take heed of a divided Heart; never rest till thy Will is brought over to accept of Christ, and the Offers of Grace.

7. Labor to choose Christ singly, a naked Christ. Christ is able every way to make thee happy, and fully answer all thy Desires; take heed therefore of going after other Lovers, give not his Headship and Sovereignty away.

IV. This shows what a happy State the Godly are in. Can the Soul be poor, that has such a Friend and Husband as Christ is? If David concluded he should not want, because the Lord was his Shepherd; be sure thou shalt not, because Christ is thy Husband: The Bridegroom takes more care, and is more tender of his Bride, than any Shepherd of his Sheep or Lambs.

V. This speaks great Terror to the Wicked, that oppress and misuse God's People, and make a Spoil of his Church. What will they do, when the Bridegroom rises up to plead the Cause of his Darling? He will not spare his Arrows, but tread them down in his Fury.

Lastly ; Be prepared, you that are Virgins; the Bridegroom is coming, the Midnight-Cry will soon be heard; get your Lamps trimmed, and Oil in your Vessels.

An EPITHALAMY on the Soul's Marriage with CHRIST.

Christ the express Image of the Father.

THe Term [ Character ] is a Metaphor taken from the Image, Figure, or Impression of a Seal, representing the Proto-type, or first Pattern, in everything. The Word is derived of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , ( charattein ) which signifies to engrave; the Father having (as it were) most indelibly engraven his whole Essence and Majesty upon this his Eternal Son, and drawn his own Effigies upon him from everlasting, being his substantial Image and exact Representation. Which Explication fairly agrees with this Mystery, leading our Mind to such Discoveries, as will stir us up to desire the gracious participation of its Fruit and Efficacy: For it opens the Secret of eternal Generation, and the Love of the Heavenly Father. A Seal is more highly valued, and more closely kept, than other things. See Isa. 42.1. Mat. 3.17. & 17.3. John 3.35. & 17.24. Through an Union with this blessed Image, the lost Image of God is restored in Believers; now inchoatively, or with respect to Beginning; after Death, consummatively, or with respect to Perfection. Col. 3.10. 1 Pet. 1.4. not by Essential Transmutation, but by a Mystical Union.

Metaphor.

I. AN Image is the Likeness of, or doth represent and express the Person whose it is.

II. An express Image represents a Person unto others.

III. An express Image represents a Person unto us, whom we many times cannot see personally, because absent, and at a great Distance from us.

IV. An Image, and the Person it represents, are not the same.

V. An express Image brings him, who is held forth or represented by it, into our Minds, whereby we call to remembrance what manner of Person he is, and thereby contemplate upon his Beauty, and excellent Accomplishments, which before probably might be forgot.

VI. An express Image, if it represents some noble or renowned Person, one that hath an endeared Love and Affection to him or her to whom it is sent, their great and only Benefactor, or a dear Relation, is exceedingly prized and valued by the Receiver.

VII. An express Image of a Person is curiously drawn, and is a most rare and admirable Piece of Workmanship; it is viewed and commended by all skillful and discerning Persons in that Art.

Parallel.

I. CHrist is the Likeness of the Father, the true Form, Figure, Character, or Representation of him. This Similitude (saith a Reverend Divine) relates to the Persons of the Godhead; 'tis borrowed from the Impression of a Signet: The Son in himself is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , in the likeness of God.

II. Christ is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , the Image of God, representing him unto Men; he manifesteth God unto us. He is said to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , the Image of the Invisible God, because partaking of the Nature of the Father, the Goodness, Power, Holiness, Grace, and all other glorious Properties of God, do shine forth, or are represented, declared, and expressed to us.

III. Christ represents God the Father to Believers, in his true Form, Character, or Likeness, whom we see not as he is in himself, nor can see, he dwelling in inaccessible Light, at an infinite distance of Divine Nature, and manner of Being, from our Apprehensions and Conceptions. No Man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the Bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

IV. Christ, respecting his Essence, is the same God with the Father; but the Subsistences or Persons of the Father and Son are different, and so not the same.

V. Christ being the express Image of the Father, brings into our Minds what kind or manner of God the Almighty is; his Excellencies, and glorious Perfections, are hereby presented as it were to our view: By which means we are taken up into holy Meditations and Contemplations of him, whom by reason of Sin, we had forgotten, and lost the true knowledge of.

VI. Christ being the express Image of God the Father, who is the blessed and only Potentate, and the glorious King of Heaven and Earth, who hath dear and tender Love to us his poor Creatures, who is our Friend, Husband, Father, gracious and chief Benefactor, causes all true Believers greatly to prize, love, and esteem the Lord Jesus, not only for his own sake, but for the sake of him whom he doth resemble and represent.

VII. Christ, God-Man in one Person, or God manifested in the Flesh, the glorious Representation of the Father to Sinners, is the Admiration of Saints and Angels; 'tis a great Mystery, and comprehends the Depths of God: That the Glory of God should shine forth in the Nature of Man, is, and will be the Wonder of both Worlds; tis judged by all the Godly, to be the Master-piece of Divine Wisdom.

Metaphor.

I. AMong Men, the Substance of a Thing hath the precedency, or is before the Sign or Image of it; the Person, and then the Picture or Emblem of it.

II. An Image, Figure, or Character among Men, cannot fully and perfectly, in everything, express or represent the Person 'tis made for; it differs in Matter, Life, and Motion, &c.

III. 'It is gross Idolatry to worship Images, or the Likeness of any Thing in Heaven above, or the Earth beneath.

IV. Other Images are soon mar'd, and pass away.

Disparity.

I. THat which is said of Christ, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , being, or existing and subsisting in the Form of God, that is, being so essentially; for there is no 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Form in the Deity, but what is essential unto it: This Christ was absolutely, antecedently to his Incarnation, the whole Nature of God being in him, and consequently he being in the Son of God.

II. Christ is a lively, perfect, and complete Image, Character, and Representation of all the glorious Attributes, Excellencies and Perfections of the Father; the Fulness of the Godhead dwelling bodily in him. Were it not so, he could not gloriously represent unto us the Person of the Father; nor could we, by contemplation of him, be led to an Acquaintance with the Person of the Father.

1. The Father is from Everlasting; so is the Son.

2. The Father is a perfect Divine Person, or Subsistence; so is the Son.

3. The Father hath Life in himself; so hath the Son Life in himself.

4. The Father created the World; so did the Son.

5. The Father upholds all things by the Word of his Power; so doth the Son.

6. All things were made for the Father; so all things were made for the Son.

7. The Father is to be worshipped; so is the Son.

8. The Father knows all things, and searches the Heart; so doth the Son.

9. The Father is in the Son; so is the Son in the Father: The Father is in me, and I in him. The Father being thus in the Son, and the Son in the Father, all the glorious Properties of the one shine forth in the other. The Order and Economy of the Blessed Trinity in Subsistence and Operation, requires, that the Manifestation and Communication of the Father to us be through the Son.

10. All other Perfections of the Father shine forth in Christ; 'tis he that makes them manifest to us, according to that of the Apostle: For God, who commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness, hath shined in our Hearts, to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ. The Wisdom of the Father is great and infinite many ways; but wherein doth it shine more gloriously, than in the Son's working about our Redemption, in reconciling Justice and Mercy, in punishing Sin, and pardoning the Sinner? To the intent that now unto the Principalities and Powers in heavenly Places, might be made known by the Church the manifold Wisdom of God.

11. The Father is still of Goodness and Love to Man; this appears in his making of him Supreme over all Creatures on Earth. But what is this Favor and Goodness, to that which is manifested in and by Christ? in raising him up (when a Rebel and vile Traitor) to the Honor and Dignity of a Son, and to accomplish this, to give his only begotten Son to die in his stead? He made him to be Sin for us, who knew no Sin, that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him. Christ hath redeemed us from the Curse of the Law, being made a Curse for us. There was much Favor and Love in the Blessings and Privileges of Creation; but in Redemption Mercy is magnified likewise to admiration, and shines in equal Glory.

12. God the Father is infinitely holy, just and righteous. His Holiness and Justice appeared in casting off the fallen Angels, and by executing his Severity upon our first Parents, and by destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, and the Cities about them, and in several other respects: Yet how much more abundantly doth his Holiness and Justice shine forth in the Son, the Image of the Father, when he came forth to redeem Mankind? in that he made his Soul an Offering for Sin, God letting out his Wrath upon him, sparing him not, when he stood in the place of the Sinner: For the Transgressions of my People was he stricken. As Mr. Burroughs observes, there is nothing sets out God's Justice, Holiness, and infinite Hatred of Sin, like this, &c. Our Nature is united to the Divine Nature of God, that so by that mystical Union, Grace and Holiness might be communicated in a glorious manner unto us.

13. The Power and Condescension of God is wonderful, many ways demonstrated, but nothing like what it is in Christ, in taking our Nature into Personal Union with himself; That the Son of God should become Man! the Ancient of Days become a Child! He that made the World, born of a Woman! When Satan had done his worst, that he might destroy Man, Man is by the Power of God advanced to greater Glory and Happiness than he had before he fell.

14. Moreover, I might speak of the Patience, Forbearance, and Faithfulness of God; all which, and many more of the glorious Attributes of the Father, shine forth most lively in Jesus Christ. Besides, the Persons or Subsistences of the Blessed Trinity are more clearly discovered by Jesus Christ, than ever before.

First; In his own Person.

Secondly; In his Doctrine.

Thirdly; In his Baptism, or when he was baptized.

Fourthly; In his Commission, Mat. 28.19, 20.

Fifthly; In their distinct Offices, Operations, and Workings.

Lastly; The Will of God, and his holy Laws and Institutions, are only made known by the Son.

III. Christ, who is the Image of God, ought to be adored and worshipped by Men and Angels: And when he brings in the First-begotten into the World, he saith, And let all the Angels of God worship him.

IV. Christ, the Image of God, abides forever; Time, nay, Eternity, will not alter or change him, nor mar his Beauty.

Christ a Physician.

THe same is repeated, Mark 2.17. with which you may compare Isa. 61.1. in which places the Term is attributed to Christ the Redeemer ; the Metaphor being taken from Physicians, because he gives spiritual Healing in Soul-Diseases, as Physicians do in the Diseases of the Body; see also Luke 5.31. We read, Job 13.4. of Physicians of no value: Such indeed are all to whom Application for Remedy is made, besides this Heavenly Physician, who never fails to cure such as receive his Medicaments. In what respects Christ is termed a Physician, is to be seen in the following Parallel.

Metaphor.

I. A Physician is a Person skillful in Distempers of the Body, knows the Nature of Diseases.

II. A Physician is one that knows the Nature of Simples, and other Ingredients that are good for Cure ; studies the Nature of Herbs, Plants, Minerals, &c.

III. A Physician is one that is authorized or licensed. They are first tried, and approved, and commissioned, before they are admitted to practice Physic, because many pretend to it that have no Skill, but are mere cheating Quacks and Mountebanks, that kill more than they cure.

IV. A Physician ought to show and produce his Authority or Licence to practice Physic, to such as have Power to require it, that so it may be the better known, whether he be what he says or not, there being many counterfeit Physicians.

V. A Physician ought to know the Name and Nature of that particular Disease under which his Patient laboreth; he that knoweth not the Distemper, can never cure it unless by chance.

VI. A Physician, as he ought to know the Name and Nature of the Disease, so he must know the Cause of the Disease. The Cure is found, saith one, in the Cause; to discover whence the Distemper grew, and what the Occasion of it was, directs unto the Remedy.

VII. It behooveth a Physician to know the Constitution of his Patient ; thereby he finds out what Diseases the Patient is most subject and incident to.

VIII. A Physician ought to know what Diseases are Chronical or Habitual, from such as are Acute, that have seized on the Patient suddenly, by Heats, Colds, Blood, or from other causes.

IX. A Physician ought to be an experienced Man; that greatly tends to his more necessary Accomplishment: for if he be one that hath not seen the Effect of his Medicines in his own Body, nor in others, 'tis hard venturing to have to do with him.

X. A Physician useth proper and suitable Preparatives to dispose his Patient's Body to a Cure.

XI. A Physician prescribes proper Medicines for every Disease; he does not apply Medicines that are hurtful and noxious, such as rather kill than cure, that instead of having virtue in them to cure, are of a poisonous nature, or have no virtue at all.

XII. A Physician doth not only know what Medicines are good for his Patient, but also takes care to apply them at a right Time; if those things that are proper for the Disease be not rightly and wisely applied, the Effects are lost. A Man may do as much hurt by giving a good Medicine, as by giving an ill one. Hence it is vulgarly said, That that which is one Man's Help, is another Man's Death; one Man's Meat is another Man's Poison.

XIII. A Physician is very diligent and careful of his Patient he hath in Cure, looks with a quick Eye, tries the Pulse, and gives great charge to all that attend upon him.

XIV. A Physician rectifies Disorders, and Inequality of Humors.

XV. A Physician searches Wounds to the bottom, to prevent inward Festering, Corruption, or proud Flesh, that may spoil the Cure.

XVI. A Physician, in desperate cases, when a Member is corrupted, and comes to a Gangreen, so that the Body is in danger, prescribes ways to cut it off.

XVII. A Physician deals very tenderly in binding up the Wounds of his Patient; though he hath a Lion's Heart, when he hath to do with some in dangerous cases, yet he hath a Lady's Hand, when he comes to others.

XVIII. A Physician gives Antidotes to preserve from Distempers, and save from Infection.

XIX. A Physician prescribes Rules to Men and Women to preserve Health, as to Meat, Drink, Sleep, Exercise, &c.

XX. A Physician, when he finds his Patient's Spirits ready to faint, swoon, and die away, gives him of his choice and high-prepared Spirits.

XXI. A Physician greatly rejoices, to see his Medicines take their desired Effect, and work an effectual Cure on his Patient.

XXII. A Physician often visits his Patient.

XXIII. It behooveth a Physician to be faithful to his Patient, to let him know how it is with him, whether better or worse; if Death is like to ensue, he lets him know it, that he may prepare for it.

Parallel.

I. JEsus Christ is very skillful in Distempers of the Soul and Body too; he knows what the Nature of every Sin is, (which is the Disease and Sickness of the Soul.)

II. Christ knows what the Nature, Virtue, and Property is, of all spiritual Medicines, that are good to cure the Soul, viz. the Nature of his Word, Spirit, &c.

III. Christ, the spiritual Physician, is authorized and appointed to this Work. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the Poor: He hath sent me to preach Deliverance to the Captives, and recovering of Sight to the Blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. All he did was as he received Commandment from the Father. He was tried many ways, and gloriously approved, to be every way able and capable to undertake the Care and Cure of Souls.

IV. Christ, when he was asked about his Commission, or by what Authority he did those things, shown his Power and License to all, produced his Father's Seal to his Commission, by the mighty Wonders he did; he had John also to bear witness to him, but saith he, I receive not Testimony from Man, but have a greater Witness than that of John; for the Works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same do bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. By which means he made it appear that he was no Deceiver. And indeed, whoever they be that take upon them to bring in new Ways and Means to cure Souls, if they cannot confirm their Doctrines by such Mediums that no Deceiver can pretend unto, they are mere Cheats and Impostors.

V. Christ knows the inward Parts, knows every Sin and Disease of the Soul, knows whether it be the Distemper of the stony Heart, or the Tympany of Pride, or Unbelief (that Consumption of the Soul) or whatever Plague or Disease doth afflict thee.

VI. Jesus Christ doth not only know every Distemper of each Man and Woman, but also the Cause of it, the first Rise from whence it springs; what Diseases are Epidemical, and what not; whether the Cause arises from within, from that inward and universal Depravity, the original Cause indeed of all spiritual Sickness; or whether the present Grief arises more immediately from an infectious Air, Persons, or distempered Companions, the Ruin of many Souls; whether it arises from Unbelief, or Worldly-mindedness, or Neglect of Duty, Temptation of Satan, or from other Causes, He knows them all.

VII. Christ knows the Inclinations of every Soul, what Sin or Sins do most easily beset them, or they are chiefly subject unto, whether it be Pride, or Passion, or the inordinate Love of the Creature, or whatever else.

VIII. Christ knows all the habitual Diseases of the Soul, such Distempers as are inveterate, stubborn, contumacious from those common Weaknesses and Infirmities of Christians, which the best of Men may be overtaken with.

IX. Christ is well experienced; no Physician so ancient, or hath had so long Experience of Distempers of the Body, as he hath had of the Diseases of the Soul. How many hath he cured since the beginning of the World, of all manner of Sicknesses and Diseases whatsoever?

X. Jesus Christ useth proper and meet Preparatives, to dispose and fit Men for their spiritual Cure; makes them sensible of their State and Condition by Nature; humbles, and lays them low at his Feet; puts them upon the Duty of Prayer, and hearing the Word; and quickly after the Cure follows.

XI. Jesus Christ knows what is proper for every Disease of the Soul, and applies such Medicines as are meet and proper, according to the Distemper, such as are not hurtful and dangerous, or that have no healing or saving Quality in them; doth not send them to the Light within, to Principles of Morality, to Popish Pardons, or Dispensations from Rome, to a bare Reformation from a notorious and scandalous Life, or an external Profession of Religion, Prayer, hearing the Word, Alms-Deeds, &c. to trust to, or rely upon for Salvation: But contrary-wise, to Faith in his own Blood, to Repentance and Remission, through the Atonement and Merits of his Sacrifice on the Cross.

XII. Christ makes a right Application of Truth, as well as he applies that which is good and proper in itself; he does not preach the Terrors of the Law, the Severity and Justice of God, to a poor broken Soul, that lies languishing and trembling, that has the Pillars of his Comfort shaken with the breakings of Divine Wrath; for such an one he does not prescribe Corrosives, but Cordials, and Supports from the Mercy of God; He pours the Oil of Gladness into his Wounds, and gives him the Wine of Consolation. On the other hand, when a Soul is stubborn, swelled in Pride, impenitent, presumptuous, contemning Advice and godly Counsel, &c. yet say, They shall have Peace, though they add Drunkenness to Thirst ; to apply Pardon, and the glad Tidings of Salvation, (saith Mr. Caryl ) to such a Soul, may be its hardening and undoing. Tho Mercy may be tendered to the Ungodly, for God justifies such; yet says, not to a Man that perseveres in his Ungodliness, that he will justify or pardon him; but contrary-wise says, he will not pardon them, but condemn and destroy them. The worst of Sinners may be saved, but God will not save them in their Sins. 'It is dangerous to daub with untempered Mortar, to pronounce Peace where there is no Peace.

XIII. Christ is very diligent and careful of poor Sinners that he undertakes, tries their Hearts and Reins, hath Eagles Eyes; his Eyes are never off them; gives charge to his Servants, Ministers of the Gospel, to look carefully after them, that they want nothing; that every Direction be followed, and wholesome Diet provided.

XIV. Christ rectifies disorderly Affections, and other Faculties of the Soul. When Pride or Worldliness would predominate, he checks those Evils by his Word, Spirit, or by Affliction, a sharper way of Cure; and endeavors to balance the Soul with an Equality of every Grace, that there may be Love as well as Faith, and that Patience might have its perfect Work.

XV. Jesus Christ cures none slightly that he undertakes, but searches to the quick, breaks the very Heart to pieces, and lays it open, with applying Causticks and Corrosives, viz. Afflictions, &c. corroding Medicines, and then effectually cures it: They were pricked in their Heart.

XVI. Jesus Christ prescribes a way to his Church, to cut off a corrupt or rotten Member, when no other means will preserve it.

XVII. Christ carries it gently and very tenderly, when he hath to do with some poor broken-hearted Sinners. The bruised Reed shall he not break: Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

XVIII. Christ uses many Sovereign Antidotes and Preservatives to deliver from the Infection of Sin, his Word, Promises, Threatenings, &c. Thy Word have I hid in my Heart, that I might not sin against thee.

XIX. Jesus Christ hath prescribed Golden Rules to Saints, how they may preserve their Souls in a healthful condition, to avoid Surfeiting, all Excess, and immoderate Use of this World; to keep good Company, and to keep a good Diet; to live under an able and powerful Ministry, and to be frequent in the exercise of Religious Duties, Prayer, Meditation, reading God's Word, and Christian Conference, &c.

XX. Christ, when he finds the Soul of a Believer under Affliction, Losses, Temptation, Persecution, &c. begins to faint, and his Spirit low, he gives more of his holy Spirit; the Spirit of Faith is the choicest Spirit in this case in the World; 'twill not only revive and quicken a dying and doubting Christian, but will raise to Life such as are dead in Sins and Trespasses: I had fainted unless I believed.

XXI. Christ rejoices greatly when he sees his Word take place upon the Heart of Sinners, and when Afflictions, like powerful Potions, cleanse the Soul from all those noxious Humors, that bring Sickness and manifold Distempers on the Soul, and that his Patient is effectually cured.

XXII. Christ often visits his poor Patients that stand in need of his Help.

XXIII. Christ is very faithful to poor Sinners, he lets them know the worst of their Estate, that Death is like to ensue, if they repent and believe not. Unless ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. And unless you believe that I am he, ye shall die in your Sins.

Metaphor.

I. THe most learned Physician in the World may be deceived in his Judgment about the Cause and Nature of a Distemper, and so miss of the Cure.

II. Some Physicians, through Ignorance or Carelessness, administer very destructive and ill-prepared Medicines, often killing more than they cure.

III. Physicians come not to the Sick, until they are sent for; and though they come not far, yet expect to be paid for that, besides their Physic.

IV. Physicians are mercenary, do all for hire; some pay for the Physic ('tis to be feared) much more than 'tis really worth.

V. A Physician will be sure not to expend any of his own Treasure to cure his Patients, will not be wounded himself, to heal others, or part with his own Blood to do it.

VI. Earthly Physicians cannot raise the Living; their Patients dy whilst they are with them, and ofttimes whilst they look on them.

VII. Physicians cannot bless their Physic, know not how to make it effectual to this or that Patient; the whole Success of what they give depends upon another.

VIII. Physicians are not patient under Repulses; they cannot bear to be kept out of door, and slighted by the Sick they come to cure.

IX. Physicians cannot visit many Patients at one and the same time, who live far and remote from each other.

X. Physicians are subject to the like Diseases with their Patients.

XI. The best Medicines other Physicians use, are compounded of earthly and corruptible Ingredients, and lose their Virtue by keeping long.

XII. Physicians attend the Rich chiefly, few of them mind or visit the Poor.

XIII. Physicians provide not Hospitals, nor other Accommodations, as Food, Nurses, and other Attendants, for their Patients, at their own charge.

XIV. A Physician may die himself, and leave his Patient uncured.

Disparity.

I. CHrist cannot be mistaken about the Cause and Nature of any spiritual Disease, because he is God, and knoweth all things, yea, the very thoughts of the Heart: There is not a thought in my Heart, nor a word in my Tongue, but thou knowest it altogether.

II. Christ never administered any improper Medicines; all is well and skillfully prepared, that Christ gives forth to his Patients; if the Dose be hard and unpleasant to take, yet there is no Aloes, nor one dram of bitter Ingredient in it, more than he sees a necessity of. Neither do any miscarry under his hand; for he wants neither Skill nor Care. So that if a Sinner perishes, 'tis for not coming to him, or not taking his Medicines, and not observing of his Directions. O Israel, thy Destruction is of thyself.

III. Christ came to us who sent not for him, which made him say, I am sought of them that asked not for me, and found of them that sought me not. The Patients seek not first, come not first to the Physician, but the Physician to the Patient. I am come to seek and to save that which is lost : and besides he dearly paid all the Charge of his long Journey.

IV. Christ, the spiritual Physician, doth all freely, without Money, and without Price. We never read of his taking a Penny of any of all those he cured in the days of his Flesh, either of Distemper of Body or Soul.

V. Christ made himself very poor, and laid out plentifully his Divine Treasure, that he might cure poor Sinners of all their Maladies. He that was rich became poor ; and, He was wounded for our Transgressions, he was bruised for our Iniquities; by his Stripes we are healed. We could not live, such was our Disease, unless our Physician died; he therefore poured forth his own Blood, to wash and cleanse our wounded, Sin-sick Souls.

VI. Christ cures not only the Living, but also the Dead; he out-does all other Physicians in this respect; if he speaks the word, Lazarus, come forth. The Dead shall hear the Voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live. You hath he quickened, who were dead in Trespasses and Sins.

VII. Christ can make effectual all his Medicines; he can say peremptorily, This Soul, this Sickness I will heal, and it is immediately done. As the Father quickens them, even so doth the Son quicken whom he will.

VIII. Christ, the spiritual Physician, is endued with infinite Patience under all those base Repulses he meets with from vile Sinners. When he comes to heal, he ofttimes stands at their Doors, and knocks, waiting till his Head is wet with Dew, and his Locks with the drops of the Night, before he can persuade Sinners to open to him; other Physicians will not do so.

IX. Christ can visit Thousands, yea, Millions of Thousands, if he please, and speak to them all at one and the same moment, though they live Thousands of Miles asunder.

X. Christ was made like unto us in all other things, but not in this; he was without Sin; though he bore our Sicknesses, he had none of his own. He was made Sin for us, that knew no Sin, that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him.

XI. The Medicines Christ uses are heavenly; his Word and Spirit abide forever; they never lose, nor can lose their Virtue, but have the like efficacy they had five thousand years ago.

XII. Christ takes more care of the Poor than of the Rich, he had rather attend upon the Poor; such his Bowels yearn unto, and helps out of Pity, as he did the Woman that had the Bloody-Flux twelve years, when all her Money was gone.

XIII. Christ is at all the charge with poor Sinners; he, like the good Samaritan, sets the poor Soul on his own Beast, brings him to his own Inn or Hospital, which was his Church, and gives Money to the Host to provide all things necessary for him, with a Promise he would discharge the whole Score at last.

XIV. Christ dies no more, Death hath no more power over him, so that he lives to see every Cure perfected that he takes in hand.

Christ a Testator,

THo this Term is thought by some not to be a Metaphor, (Christ being really a Testator ) yet it may not be unprofitable to run the Parallel with Human Testators. The word in the Greek is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , (diathemenos) of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , which signifies a Testament, which is of the same import with the Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Berith. A Testament is the Sentence and Declaration of our just Will, of what we would have done after Death, and is so called, because it is a Testimony of our Mind, which is not in force (because revocable) till the Testator dies. Thus the New Testament, or Law of the Gospel, is ratified and confirmed by the Death of Christ. The Parallel is as follows.

Testator.

I. A Testator signifies a Disposer, or one that makes a Will and Testament, who hath Goods to bestow, and Relations or Friends to give them to.

II. A Testator is one that is under a natural Tie or Obligation, and full of Thoughts, Cares, and Good-Will to his Friends, and hence provides for them when he is gone.

III. A Testator imports a Person dying, or under the apprehension of approaching Death, and from hence makes a Testament, and bequeaths Legacies.

IV. A Testator hath full power to dispose of whatsoever he possesseth, or hath a Right unto, and according to his sole Will and Pleasure bequeaths unto others.

V. A Testator sets down the Person in his Will, to whom he doth bequeath or give Legacies.

VI. A Testator, to make his last Will and Testament firm and authentic, calls others to witness it.

VII. A Testator, finally to complete, perfect, and confirm his last Will, doth sign and seal it himself; which (according to the Laws and Customs, especially of the Eastern Nations, as divers have observed) is done by Blood; moreover, the Epistle to the Hebrews shows us, that the first Testament was dedicated by Blood, hence called the Blood of the Testament.

VIII. A Testator, by making his last Will and Testament, usually disannulls any Will made before.

IX. A Testator makes his Last Will and Testament unalterable by any other, or by himself; as others must not, so he will not.

X. A Testator takes care to have his Will made known and published after his death, that the Legatees may know what Legacies are left and bequeathed to them.

XI. A Testator oftentimes limits the Legacies bequeathed to some of the Legatees, upon Conditions by them to be performed.

XII. The Will of a Testator gives a sure and firm Title to those that he wishes well to, and bestows Riches on; they hereby are secured: For what can be more full and undeniable Right, than that which is left or bequeathed to a Man, by the last Will and Testament of his Friend?

XIII. A Testator ordains or assigns Executors in Trust, to see that his Will be punctually observed and fulfilled.

XIV. A Testator being dead, no Man can attempt to abrogate or alter any part or thing that is in his last Will; though it be but a Man's Covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no Man disanulleth, or addeth thereunto.

XV. A Testator dies, and thereby opens a way for all the Legatees to come into the possession of the Inheritance that is left them.

Parallel.

I. CHrist, our spiritual Testator, hath store of Blessings and good things; in his hand are all Riches of Grace and Glory; and at the end he will bestow them on his spiritual Relations, viz. his Children, his Elect, who are called his Friends: Ye are my Friends, &c.

II. Jesus Christ, by taking his People into Covenant-relation and Union, hath laid himself under strong Bonds and Obligations to them, and from hence takes care of them, and is filled with thoughts of kindness to them, and provides for their future Good in his absence.

III. Jesus Christ, knowing his Hour was coming, that he must go out of the World to the Father, he being appointed to Death, made his last Will and Testament, and left Legacies to all his Saints, and faithful Followers.

IV. Jesus Christ, the Testator of the new Covenant, hath not only full Power and Authority to convey all Gospel-Blessings; but all Grace here, and Glory hereafter, is solely disposed of at his Will and Pleasure, in which way, and to whom he pleases. He gives Power to become the Sons of God. He hath given him Power over all Flesh, that he should give eternal Life to as many as thou hast given him. Father, I will that those which thou hast given me, be with me, where I am. My Peace I give unto you.

V. Jesus Christ, as Testator, hath set down in his Testament, who the Persons are to whom he hath bequeathed the Blessings of the Covenant, both Grace and Glory, viz. all that are his Sheep, all that the Father hath given him, all that are regenerated, who truly repent, and believe in him, and keep his Word.

VI. Jesus Christ, to establish and make firm his last Will, called sufficient Testimony to witness it; as first, the Father; secondly, his Miracles; thirdly, John the Baptist ; fourthly, the Scriptures; and then fifthly, his Apostles: We are his Witnesses of all things that he did.

VII. Jesus Christ ratified and confirmed his last Will and Testament with his own Blood: He shall confirm the Covenant, — he shall be cut off. For where a Testament is, there must be the Death of the Testator. — This is my Blood of the New Testament shed for many. By Christ's Death there is a Confirmation of the Verity and Reality of the Covenant, of the Validity and Authority of it, and lastly, of its Efficacy and Availableness to us; for a Testament is of force after Men are dead, otherwise 'tis of no strength whilst the Testator liveth.

VIII. Jesus Christ disannul'd the Law of the Old Covenant, by his establishing the New; there is a disannulling of the Commandment going before, for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof: He took away the first, that he might establish the second.

IX. Christ hath made his last Will and Testament so, as never to be altered by himself. I will put upon you no other Burthen, but what you have already, &c. My Covenant will I not break▪ nor alter the thing that is gone out of my Mouth.

X. Christ ordained and commanded his Disciples to publish his Mind and Will to the Children of Men. Go into all the World, and preach the Gospel ; that is, to make known the Testament: He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; and he that believeth not, shall be damned.

XI. Christ hath appointed Conditions to be performed by some Men, before they can actually possess the Grace and Blessing promised, viz. to attend upon hearing the Word, to pray, believe, repent, &c. If thou dost well, shalt thou not be accepted of? If thou followest on to know the Lord, then shalt thou know him. Seek, and ye shall find. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.

XII. Christ's last Will and Testament is the godly Man's Title. Whoever he be, that Christ hath bequeathed such and such a Blessing or Promise to, he is sure enough of it, from the Nature of the Covenant, and from the Provision that is made by Christ the Testator, for the fulfilling and accomplishing thereof: My People shall be willing in the day of my Power. Christ makes the Condition easy to his Elect.

XIII. Christ hath resigned this great Trust of fulfilling of his Will, into the hands of the Father, and the Holy-Ghost, who are not only faithful Executors of this his Testament, but able to supply the Wants of everyone, and helps all those to whom the Covenant doth belong, Holy Father, keep through thine own Name those whom thou hast given me. I will pray the Father, and He shall send you another Comforter, who shall abide with you forever.

XIV. Christ's Will and Testament being confirmed and ratified by his Blood, as He will not alter it himself, much less may any Man or Angel presume to do it. If We, or an Angel from Heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you, than that which we have preached, let him be accursed. If any Man shall take away from the Words of the Prophecy of this Book, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life. If any Man add unto these things, God shall add unto him the Plagues that are written in this Book.

XV. Christ by dying opened a way, and gave Legacies to Sinners, to have his Testament executed; if the Testator had not died, there had been no room nor access to them that are called, to receive the Eternal Inheritance.

Testator.

I. THe Death of a Testator amongst Men, makes only his own Will valid, cannot make and confirm the Will of another.

II. A Testator amongst Men cannot be a Witness to the Will he ratifies and establishes.

III. A Testator among Men bequeaths or gives Legacies comparatively but to a few.

IV. A Testator among Men cannot enjoy or possess that Kingdom, Estate, or Inheritance himself, after he hath given it away to others, and settled them in possession.

V. A Testator amongst Men, commits his last Will and Testament to Men to be fulfilled.

VI. The best Legacies Testators among Men bequeath, are but earthly and temporal things.

Disparity.

I. CHrist did not only give force and value to his own Will, but to the Will of the Father also.

II. Christ is not only a Testator, but a Witness of the same Testament, as 'tis the Father's. He is given of God as the great Evidence of Covenant-Love, and of all the choice Favors and Good-will to Sinners: God so loved the World, &c. And secondly, he is given as the great Covenant-Interest and Relation betwixt God and Sinners. He testifies that all that is contained in the Covenant is true, and the absolute Will and Pleasure of God: He said, these things are true and faithful. Who is it that affirms and testifies this? Jesus Christ, who is the true and faithful Witness.

III. Christ gives Legacies to Thousands, and Ten Thousands; no Godly Man hath, nor ever shall have, any spiritual good thing, but what was bequeathed to him by Christ's Will and Testament.

IV. Christ, the spiritual Testator, though he hath given away all that he hath, and gives the possession to Believers by his last Will and Testament; yet is Co-heir of the same Kingdom and Glory, and shall possess it together with them.

V. Christ, the spiritual Testator, surrogates his Spirit, in his absence, and after his Death, to see his Will executed in all points, and to give real and actual possession of all his Covenant-Blessings, unto them to whom they are given.

VI. The Legacies Christ bequeaths are spiritual, things of a high and most sublime Nature. As all things are given to Christ the Mediator, so all that he is or hath, he parts with freely to his faithful Followers; the Graces of the Spirit, Adoption, Pardon of Sin, Peace of Conscience, precious Promises; in a word, all things that appertain to the Life that now is, and to that which is to come: All is yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

Christ compared to an Hart.

THe Lord Jesus in several places is resembled to an Hart.

Simile.

I. AN Hart is a lovely and pleasant Creature, so called in the Proverbs, pleasant Roe. 'It is observed by Writers, that the Hart hath some resemblance of a Lion, a Horse, and a Grey-hound, which are all accounted very stately Creatures.

II. An Hart (as Naturalists tell us) hath no Gall.

III. An Hart is a Creature that exceedingly delights in Music, loves to hear such that can sweetly sing.

IV. An Hart or Stag (saith Pliny ) is the most gentle and mild Beast in the World.

V. An Hart is a Creature that has a very clear Sight, and a quick Hearing; nay, can see (if Credit may be given to Historians) in the Night as well as in the Day.

VI. An Hart is a very loving Creature to those of its kind, and will help its Fellow, when forced to take to a River, one resting his Head upon the Loins of his Fellow; and if the foremost tireth, the hindmost changeth place with him.

VII. An Hart is a very sociable Creature, greatly delights in Company; Multitudes of them will (if they can) be together.

VIII. An Hart is a Creature that is chased exceedingly by Dogs, and vexed by Hunters.

IX. The Hart is a mighty swift Beast, excellent in leaping, and ascending Mountains: Their Swiftness doth not only appear upon the Earth, but also upon the Waters. David alludes to this, when he says, The Lord hath made my Feet like Hinds Feet. The lame Man shall leap (saith the Prophet) as an Hart.

X. Dictum est de Cervis, quod a •• errime pugnant pro uxoribus, & sua certamina instituunt in montibus. — It is said of the Harts, that they fight fiercely for their Females upon the Mountains.

XI. An Hind, when she has brought forth her Young, lodges them (say the Naturalists) in some Rock, or other bushy and inaccessible Place, covering them; and if they be stubborn and wild, beating them with their Feet, until they lie close and contented. They leap over their young, teaching them to run, and leap over Bushes, Stones, and small Shrubs, against a Time of Danger. Or, as Pliny saith, their little Ones they practice and exercise to use their Legs from the very beginning, &c. They bring them to high, steep, and ragged Rocks, and there show them how to leap, and withal acquaint them with their Dens, and Places of Harbor.

XII. The Hart, when 'tis hunted by the Dogs, will fly to Men; nay, rather than be made a Prey to the Hounds, run to the Huntsman: In short, it greatly desires and pants after Help and Relief in its Distress.

XIII. Mirabilis est 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 inter Cervos & Serpentes, &c. There is, say Historians, a marvelous Antipathy, and continual Enmity between the Hart and Serpents.

1. The Hart knows, by a wonderful Instinct of Nature, in what Holes or Caverns they lurk and hide themselves, and by his Breath brings them out, that he may spoil and destroy them.

2. The Hart is hard beset, and much annoyed by Serpents, in Libya. Multitudes of them do set upon him together, fastening their poisonful Teeth in every part of his Body; some on his Neck, Breast, Sides, Back; twine about his Legs, biting him with mortal Rage, which he, throwing himself upon the Ground, destroys, others he bruises, and so clears himself of them.

XIV. Cervi, devoratis Serpentibus, ita inflammantur, ut ardentissimam sitim concipiant, — ejulationes edant, donec ad fontem perveniant, &c. The Hart, when it hath devoured Serpents, is so inflamed with vehement Thirst, that he cries with a lamentable Moan, and rests not, till he comes to a Fountain to drink.

XV. Odium inter Serpentem & Cervum etiam durat post mortem, &c. The Hatred between the Serpent and the Hart continues after Death, when the Hart is slain. Pliny and Sextus affirm, that if a Man sleep on the Ground, having upon him an Hart's Skin, Serpents never annoy him. The Virtues of his Horn are wonderful; nay, Naturalists affirm, the whole Nature and Disposition of every part of this Beast to be good against Poison, and venomous things; his Blood hath excellent virtue in it.

Parallel.

I. JEsus Christ is exceeding lovely, and pleasant to look upon, though not to every Eye. Some cannot discern wherein the Hind resembles a Lion, a Horse, or a Grey-hound; this is known only to the curious Observer: So there are some that see nothing lovely nor pleasant in Christ, think there is no Form nor Comeliness in him ; but a Believer, who hath the Eyes of his Understanding enlightened, can clearly discern a Loveliness and Amiableness in the Lord Jesus.

II. Jesus Christ hath no Rancour of Spirit, retains no Envy or Indignation to poor Sinners for Injuries done to him; he prayed for those that murdered him: Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.

III. Jesus Christ greatly delights in the Melody of the Souls of sincere Christians, in the well-tuned Instruments of their Hearts, who by fervent Prayer can open their Case, and send forth the Desires and Breathings of their Souls to him; such make sweet Music in his Ear: When they sing spiritual Songs, and Hymns of Praise to him, with Grace in the Heart, he is exceedingly delighted. Sing Praise unto the Lord, sing Praises.

IV. Jesus Christ is meek and humble in Spirit, and may rather be compared to a Hart than Naphtali, whom Jacob says was as a Hind let loose, giving goodly Words. Learn of me, for I am meek, and lowly in heart, and you shall find Rest to your Souls.

V. Jesus Christ hath so quick and sharp an Eye, that he can see into the very Heart of a Man or Woman. All things lie naked and open to his Eyes. Day and Night are alike to him; he sees as well in Darkness as in the Light. His Ears are always open to the Prayers of his Saints, he is quick in hearing their Complaints.

VI. Jesus Christ dearly loveth his People, all sincere Christians, and is ready to help them, not only when they are in the Water, but in the Fire. When thou passest through the Waters, I will be with thee, and through the Rivers, they shall not overflow thee: When thou walkest through the Fire, thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the Flame kindle upon thee. — I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my Righteousness.

VII. Jesus Christ was very sociable in the days of his Flesh, he took delight to be amongst poor Sinners, and great Multitudes flocked together to him. My Delight was with the Children of Men.

VIII. Jesus Christ was exceedingly chased, pursued, and hunted by wicked Men, in the days of his Flesh, (as he is now in his Members.) No sooner was News brought of his Birth, but Herod, that Fox, pursued him, (Blood-hound like) to take away his blessed Life; many Dogs were (I may say) always at his Heels) hunting him from one place to another: He was seldom quiet, or had rest whilst on Earth; such was the Rage of the Devil against him, that old malicious Hunter.

IX. Jesus Christ (saith Mr. Ainsworth ) is ready to help his Church; he is like an Hart for Swiftness. Some of the common Epithets expressing the Qualities of this Creature, are (amongst the rest) these, nimble, agile, or winged, as if he did rather fly than run; now for agility and swiftness none like Christ; he is said to come leaping over the Mountains, and skipping over the Hills, that is, over all Impediments that might hinder Good from his People, whether it respect their Sins and Unworthiness, or the Opposition of the World, and their and his Adversaries, who are likened to a Mountain: Who art thou, O great Mountain, before Zerubbabel? And every Mountain and Hill shall be made low.

X. So Christ ( pro sua Ecclesia certamina acria cum Diabolis & Morte sustinuit ) sustained sharp Encounters and Conflicts with the Devils and Sin, for his Spouse, (the Church,) removing those Mountains that hid his Grace, and separated him from her.

XI. Jesus Christ lodges his Children under his own Pavilion, he hides them in the secret Place of the Almighty, or under the Wings of his Power, Love, and gracious Protection, covering them with the Mantle of his pardoning Mercy. But if Believers are stubborn and disobedient, kicking like an untamed Heifer, the Lord Jesus in a way of Mercy beats them with the Rod, lays Afflictions upon them, to humble them, and bring them to submit to his blessed Pleasure, and causing them to be contented with their Condition. He teaches his Saints to leap over all Opposition, or exercises them to use their Feet from the beginning, how to improve their Graces, and learn Experiences so, that they may escape the Danger of the Hunter, and keep clear off the Hounds before pursued. And because he would every way secure and save them from Death, he acquaints them where their Dens, Place or Places of Safety and sure Harbor are. Behold, there is a Place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a Rock. — I will put thee in a Clift of the Rock, and will cover thee with my hand, &c.

XII. Jesus Christ, when pursued, and under the heavy pressure or weight of our Sins, saw the great need he had of Help and Succor; and therefore 'tis said, In the days of his Flesh he offered up Prayers, with strong Cries and Tears, unto him that was able to save him from Death, and was heard in that he feared. He accepted of Relief from the very Angels, who in his Distress shown their readiness to comfort him.

XIII. There is an irreconcilable Enmity between Jesus Christ, and the old Serpent, and his Race. I will put Enmity between thy Seed and her Seed, &c.

1. Jesus Christ knows all the Holes and lurking Places of the old, venomous, and mischievous Serpents, and by his Spirit, and Breath of his Mouth, viz. the Preaching of the Gospel, brings them out of the Hearts and Bodies of Men, that he may dispossess, spoil, and destroy them.

2. Christ was hard beset with evil Spirits, his Enemies were numerous; the Devil tempted him; many with Serpentine Rage assaulting him, grievously annoyed him; and at last, how did this venomous Off-spring set upon him, and torment him in every part of his Body, and cast Contempt upon all his Offices? and to this day, how doth Satan and his Instruments, twine about and annoy every Member of his Mystical Body? But Christ, notwithstanding all their Rage, by humbling himself unto Death, overcame them all. He spoiled Principalities and Powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. He shall bruise thy Head.— To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the Works of the Devil.

XIV. Christus destr •• ens Diabolum vere sensit ardentissimum onus irae Dei in se derivari, &e. When Christ came to destroy, break the Head of, or devour the Serpent, (the Serpent as 'twas foretold, crushed or bit his Heel) he was sensible that the heavy Wrath of God was upon him, insomuch that he sweat as it were great Drops of Blood in the Garden; and when he was on the Cross, he cried out, I thirst, and with a bitter Cry ran to the Fountain of all Fulness, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

XV. Christus post mortem ubi resurrexit, &c. Christ being slain, or after his Death and Resurrection, sitting at the right hand of the Eternal Father, retains mighty Efficacy in himself against the old Serpent, and all the Venom of Sin. A Man that hath on him the Robe of his Righteousness, cannot be hurt or devoured by the Devil. The Virtue of his Horn of Power is infinite, whether respecting the Power of his Grace to help his Church, or the Power of his Anger to destroy his Enemies. The whole and every part of Christ is excellent against Satan, and the Poison of Sin; the Example of his Life, his Death, Resurrection, Intercession; his Word, Spirit, Gospel, and Grace, powerfully expel it. The Virtue of his Blood is admirable, it heals all Diseases of the Soul, makes Atonement, and cleanses us from all Sin.

Metaphor.

I. THe Hart is but a weak Creature in comparison of Lions, Elephants, &c. and cannot save himself from his Enemies.

II. The Hart is a very timorous and fearful Creature, will run as being affrighted, when no danger approaches.

III. An Hart is, as Naturalists tell us, an envious Creature, is loath to part with that which is good for others; when he has cast his Horn, he hides it in the Earth, so that 'tis hard to find it; and is unkind to such of its own kind as are wounded.

IV. The Hart, though he lives long, and is famous for length of Life, yet dies at last as well as other Creatures.

Disparity.

I. JEsus Christ excels all in strength, all the mighty Monarchs of the Earth, and Powers of Hell and Darkness, are nothing in his hand: I have laid Help upon one that is mighty.

II. Jesus Christ is void of all Fear, his Courage is beyond the fearless Courage of a Lion, flies from no Enemies, &c.

III. Jesus Christ is ready to part with anything that will do poor Sinners good. He left his Kingdom, the Bosom of his Father, and shed his precious Blood for our sakes; He gives all things that are good both for Body and Soul. He envies not our Happiness, and is exceeding merciful to poor wounded Sinners.

IV. Jesus Christ, though he once died, yet dieth no more: Death hath no more Power over him. He ever liveth to make Intercession for us.

Christ a Door,

AMongst the many Metaphors that our Blessed Savior is expressed by in the Holy Scripture, certainly this of Door must carry some Emphasis and Signification, for Use and Improvement; otherwise He that was wiser than Solomon, and spake as never Man spake, (for excellency of Matter and Form) would never have likened himself to a Door. And therefore whatever may be imagined concerning a Door, in point of Excellency and Usefulness, in respect of Appointment and Necessity to the Children of Men, according to the Scope of the Text, that (even that) by way of Eminency is the Son of God unto Sinners. For the better understanding of which, we shall distinctly consider the Subject, and run the Parallel as followeth.

Metaphor.

I. A Door is of the same substance with some part of the House, to which it is purposed or intended as an useful Part.

II. A Door is fitted, by the Power and Wisdom of him who is concerned to do it, for a premised End.

III. A Door is set a part or assigned to a proper Place and Service, which other parts of a House are not fit for.

IV. A Door is of necessity; who can be without it, that is of human Race, whose dwelling is with Men?

V. A Door is as really the Propriety of the Owner of the House, as any other part or parts of the House besides.

VI. A Door lets into possession; if Men hire or purchase, and take possession, the Door is the Entrance thereto.

VII. A Door is under the Command of the Master that owns it; 'tis he that shuts and opens it at his own pleasure.

VIII. A Door is the place of legal Entrance; no Men are allowed by Law to climb up to Windows, or break down any part of the Walls for entrance.

IX. A Door is the common Passage for the Family and Strangers, for Children and Servants, for Friends and Enemies.

X. A Door is of use to all, even to Emperors and Kings, as well as meaner Men and Cottagers.

XI. A Door is not only for the convenient Entrance of Men and Women, whether of the Family or not, but for the bringing in of other things, that the Master likes of, and requires to be brought in.

XII. By the Door admittance is given to view the inward Excellencies of the House; who can see what there is within, if they are without the door?

XIII. A Door lets into the best Parts and Privileges of a House; into the Dining-Room for Meat, into the Cellar for Drink, into the Wine-Cellar for Wine, into the Wardrobe for Cloaths, into the Treasury for Cash, into the Closet for Books, &c.

XIV. The Door is the Privilege-place for the Poor, where they often meet with good Gifts and Refreshments.

Parallel.

I. JEsus Christ, the Spiritual Door, was of the same substance in respect of his human Nature, that Men are, even like to them in all things, Sin only excepted. In as much as Children are Partakers of Flesh and Blood, he himself took part of the same ; therefore very often in Scripture called a Man.

II. Jesus Christ is fitted by the Power and Wisdom of Him, who hath laid a most worthy Platform and Contrivance, and premiseth all things to his own most wise and admirable Ends. He sent forth his Son made of a Woman. A Body hast thou prepared me.

III. Jesus Christ is sanctified, or set apart by God the Father, to be a Mediator and Savior, which no other besides himself is fit for: Whom the Father hath sanctified (or set apart) and sent into the World. And there is no Name under Heaven given, by which Men can be saved, but by him.

IV. Jesus Christ is of such absolute necessity, that none can be happy without him, that have immortal Souls to save. Whoso findeth me, findeth Life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. He that hates me loves Death. Except ye believe that I am he, ye shall (abide without, viz.) die in your Sins.

V. Jesus Christ is truly and really God's Propriety, as the Church, and each particular Believer, or Member thereof; therefore in Scripture is called his own Son. All is yours, ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

VI. Jesus Christ has the Honor and Office of letting all true Believers into the possession of that eternal Inheritance purchased by his own Blood for them; 'twas he that gave the poor Thief entrance into Heaven, Luk. 23.43.

VII. Jesus Christ is under the Command of God the Father, as Man; and he receives in, and shuts out, according to his pleasure; acts even so, and speaks even so, as he receives Commandment from the Father.

VIII. Jesus Christ is the legal way of Entrance, whether into the visible Church, or into the Kingdom of Heaven. Whosoever shall attempt to enter into either of these, otherwise than by Christ, will be looked upon as Thieves and Robbers.

IX. Jesus Christ is the common Passage to the Mercy of God, to the Privilege of Children, to the Fellowship of the Sheep, and to eternal Life; all are admitted through him: No Man comes to the Father, but by me.

X. Jesus Christ is useful to all, even to Emperors and Kings, to mean Men and Cottagers; none of them can by any means deliver his Brother, or give to God a Ransom for him, &c. Riches profit not in the day of Wrath. He is the only Savior of all Men that are saved; neither is their Salvation in any other.

XI. Jesus Christ is not only for the acceptance and entrance of Men and Women to God the Father, but for the acceptance of their Works and Services, as Prayer, Thanks-giving, &c. Their Services and Performances are accepted in and through the Beloved, as well as their Persons: Thy Prayers and Alms are come up.

XII. Jesus Christ gives an inspection into the Excellencies of the Father, and the World to come: For no Man hath seen the Father, save the Son, and he to whom the Son reveals him. 'Twas He that brought Life and Immortality to light through the Gospel. How can we see things that are within the Vail, but by and through Christ? Who was it told us of a Kingdom above, and an immortal Crown, sitting upon Thrones, and walking in white Robes, but Christ? 'It is he that opens to the Holy of Holies, where the King sits in Majestick Glory.

XIII. Jesus Christ lets the Souls of Men into the best Parts and Privileges of Heaven, of Glory, and Blessedness itself. 'It is through him they come to the King's great Feast, to the Waters of Life, the Streams of that River that makes glad the City of God. 'It is through him they come into the King's Wine-Cellar, to drink of the Wines, the refreshing Influences of the Spirit, the precious Promises, the Consolations of God, which are not small. 'It is through him that Men have an imputed Righteousness for a Wedding-Garment, the white Robes, that render all fair, and without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. 'It is through Him, that Men receive Riches and Treasures of Grace, to help in time of Need. 'It is through Him that we come by that excellent Book, which informs about all Affairs, and gives a true and full account of that Estate which belongs to us in the World to come. It is through Him that all things are enjoyed, whether Grace here, or Glory hereafter. All are yours, you are Christ's. Life is through his Name, Remission of Sins through him, eternal Life through him, Justification through him, Riches of Grace and Glory through him.

XIV. Jesus Christ is the Door where the Poor have privilege to come without molestation or control; here they meet with Relief; they never come and lose their Labor. As he calls, so he gives when they come, and the best sort of Alms too, the Bread of Life, the Water of Life; He gives Help and Healing, as well as Bread and Nourishing; the Deaf receive their Hearing, the Dumb their Speech, the Blind their Sight, &c. 'It is through this Door God's bountiful hand is stretched forth, to disperse abroad to them that are in Necessity. Blessed are they that wait at the Posts of this Door.

Christ the Servant of God.

CHRIST is in these Scriptures called a Servant.

Metaphor

I. A Servant is one chosen to Office. If Men have Work or Business to do, they choose one to be their Servant, whom they think fitly qualified, and able to do it.

II. A Servant is a Name of Subordination and Subjection, it respects an Office of an inferior Rank and Quality.

III. A Servant is one that hath a Trust committed to him, by a Master or Superior, to whom he is to be accountable.

IV. A Servant is oftentimes employed to labor, and hard Work, as to plow and sow, build and plant, &c.

V. A Servant is not to seek his own Glory, nor to do his own Will, no further than it comports or agrees with the Glory and Will of his Master or Father, but doth everything that is commanded him, not being ashamed to acknowledge himself to be a Servant.

VI. A Servant is sent sometimes abroad to do Business, far from home, and is thereby exposed to many Dangers, and great Hardships.

VII. A Servant that is faithful, delights to do his Father's or Master's Business, preferring it above his Meat and Drink, as appeared by the Servant of Abraham, who would not eat nor drink before he had done his Errand.

VIII. A Servant that is faithful, will not go beyond his Commission in anything. Saith God to Moses, Look that thou make them according to the Pattern that I have shown thee in the Mount. Thus did Moses; according to all that the Lord commanded him, thus did he.

IX. A Servant hath Right to Wages, and expects it, as the Desert of his Work; as Jacob said, Give me my Wife, for my Days are fulfilled. He demanded his Wife, after he had served seven Years for her.

X. 'It is the Hope and Expectation of a Reward, that causeth a Servant to go through Difficulties and Hardships cheerfully; as it was in Jacob 's case: As I was in the Day, the Drought consumed me, and the Frost by Night ; yet he served seven Years for Rachel, and they seemed unto him but as a few Days, &c.

XI. A Servant is attended with Fear: If I am a Master, where is my Fear?

Parallel.

I. CHrist was chosen by the Father, not to one Office only, but to many, to be a Mediator, King, Priest, and Prophet. Behold my Servant whom I have chosen. He was every way furnished and fitly qualified for the great Work appointed for him. I have laid Help upon one that is mighty: I have exalted one chosen out of the People.

II. Christ in his Humiliation was abased so low, as to be in subjection to the Father: He made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the Form of a Servant. I have been amongst you as he that serveth.

III. Christ hath a great Trust committed to him: Is it a light thing that thou shouldest be my Servant, to raise up the Tribes of Israel? And as all the Treasures and Riches of Egypt were committed to Joseph ; so are all the Riches of Heaven, both of Grace and Glory, committed to Christ: It pleased the Father, that in him should all Fulness dwell, in whom are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge.

IV. Jesus Christ was employed in hard Work, viz. to redeem, and not only so, but to build the Temple or House of God. Upon this Rock will I build my Church. Behold, the Man that is called the Branch, he shall build the Temple of the Lord. A Sower went out to sow, this Sower is the Son of Man.

V. Jesus Christ, as God's Servant, sought not his own Glory. I honor my Father. If any Man will do his Will, he shall know of the Doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself, seeketh his own Glory; but he that seeketh the Glory of him that sent him, the same is true, &c. Father, not my Will but thy Will be done. He that sent me, gave me commandment what I should say, and what I should speak. As I have kept my Fathers Commandments, &c.

VI. Jesus Christ, to do the Work of God as Mediator, was sent on a long Journey, as far as 'tis from Heaven to Earth, and was thereby exposed to much Difficulty, and great Hardships, from Men and Devils. He was persecuted from place to place, his Life being often in jeopardy; he had no-where to lay his Head; and was at last most basely betrayed, and put to Death.

VII. The Lord Christ was most faithful. Tho he was a Son, yet learned he Obedience by the things he suffered. My Meat is, to do the Will of him that sent me, and to finish his Work. I delight to do thy Will, O God. Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's Business?

VIII. The Lord Christ was faithful, in doing all things which God required of him; he went not beyond his Commission, nor did he neglect any part of his Work. He that God sent, speaketh the Words of God, and I know that his Commandment is Life everlasting. Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so speak I. Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as Moses was faithful in all his House.

IX. The Lord Jesus Christ hath an absolute Right to a Reward for his Work's sake. Tho there is no Merit or Desert for the Works which Believers do, being unprofitable Servants when they have done all; yet there is very great Merit and Worth in what Christ did. And the Father will give him his Wages; he shall have his Wife, his Church, for whom he served above fourteen Years; nay, He shall have the Heathen for his Inheritance, and the uttermost Parts of the Earth for his Possession. Behold, my Servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high: I will divide him a Portion with the Great, and he shall divide the Spoil with the Strong, because he hath poured out his Soul unto Death.— But we see Jesus, who for suffering Death is crowned with Glory and Honor, &c.

X. The Lord Jesus Christ, having in his eye that eternal Advantage his Elect should receive, and what Glory He, as Man, should be raised unto, as the Reward of his Undertaking, went through all his Sorrows with much cheerfulness. Who for the Joy that was set before him, endured the Cross, despised the Shame, and is set down at the right-hand of the Throne of God

XI. The Lord Jesus Christ was subject, whilst he was here in our Nature, in the Form of a Servant, (at some time) unto Fear. He was made under the Law. 'It is said, He was troubled in Spirit, and was heard, in that he feared.

Metaphor.

I. A Servant and the Master are not essentially and inseparably one.

II. A Servant amongst Men hath not an inseparable Interest in his Master's Goods and Estate.

III. Servants among Men many times, through Temptation, prove unfaithful, and deceive either Father or Master; yea, the best Servants of good Men have in something or other miscarried.

IV. A Servant may be turned out of his Master's Service, and lose his Honor.

V. The Servant abides not in his Master's House forever.

VI. A Servant differs from the Heir in Place, Dignity, and Privilege.

VII. Too many are oftentimes forced to become Servants, because they cannot otherwise tell how to live.

Disparity.

I. JEsus Christ, altho a Servant, is essentially one with the Father; the Father, Son, and Spirit, are but the one everlasting and eternal God. I and my Father are one. There are three that bear Record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are inseparably one.

II. Christ hath a full, a clear, and inseparable Interest in all that the Father hath: All mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them.

III. It was impossible for Christ to be unfaithful, or disobey God his Father, because he was without Sin, and Satan had nothing in him to fasten a Temptation upon.

IV. The Lord Jesus Christ did not, could not displease his Father, and therefore did not, nor could lose his Honor. I do always the things that please him.

V. Jesus Christ abideth in the House of God forever.

VI. Jesus Christ, though he be called the Servant of God, yet is he his own beloved Son, and Heir of all things, by whom he made the World. There is none in Heaven or Earth, that hath greater Glory, Place, or Privilege conferred upon upon him, than the Lord Jesus Christ.

VII. Christ had no necessity of Nature laid upon him, to accept of the low Place and Office of a Servant. He was not forced to it, because he could not tell how to live without serving, he being infinitely happy in himself from Eternity; but the Glory of his Father, and the dear Love he bore to the Creature, even to poor lost Man, moved him to become a Servant; he did it freely for our sakes, that we might be Lord's.

Christ a Lion.

IN this Text Christ Jesus is expressed by the Metaphor of a Lion, whose Nature and Properties are illustrated and applied in the following Parallel. The word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is derived 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , which signifies to see, because of his acute Sight.

Metaphor.

I. A Lion (saith Ainsworth ) is a Kingly Beast, and as Topsall tells us, justly styled by all Writers the King of Beasts.

II. The Lion is a Majestical Creature; Majesty (saith one) sits in his very Face: Which occasioned that Speech, That an Army of Harts (which are timorous Creatures) having a Lion to their Captain, were more terrible than an Army of Lions with a Hart to their Captain.

III. The Lion is a very strong Creature: Out of the Strong (saith Sampson) came forth Sweetness.

IV. The Lion is a very magnanimous Creature, and courageous Beast, and a great Conqueror; he was used by the Ancients as an Hierogliphick to denote Dominion; and it was counted ominous, if a Woman brought forth a Lion, as signifying that Country to be subdued by Strangers. Hence the Adage, Societas Leonum, the over-ruling Society.

V. The Lion coucheth down to take his Rest, and then is very still and quiet.

VI. The Lion is a very fierce, fearless, and terrible Creature, especially when he is roused up, and provoked by an Enemy.

VII. A Lion hath a terrible Voice; when he roareth, all the Beasts of the Field tremble.

VIII. A Lion is sharp-sighted; his name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is derived of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , a Greek Verb, that signifies to see.

IX. The Lion seems to be a Creature much for Justice, and will retaliate to others, according to the Nature of the Offence done. See the Metaphor where God the Father is compared to a Lion.

X. A Lion marks those that have injured him, or abused or wronged his young Ones, and will revenge it; as appears by divers Passages mentioned by Naturalists, one of which take as followeth:

In Bangius, a Mountain of Thracia, there was a Lioness which had Whelps in her Den, the which Den was observed by a Bear. The Bear one day finding the Den unfortified, by the absence both of the Lion and Lioness, entered into the same, and slew the Lions Whelps, afterwards went away, and fearing Revenge, for better security against the Lion's Rage, climbed up into a Tree, and there sat as in a sure Castle of Defense. At length the Lion and the Lioness returned both home, and finding their little Ones dead in their Blood, according to natural Affection, became both exceeding sorrowful, to see them so slaughtered, whom they loved; but searching out the Murderer by the foot, followed with great Rage up and down, until they came to the Tree whereon the Bear was ascended; and seeing her, looked both of them ghastly upon her, oftentimes assaying to get up into the Tree, but in vain, being not endued with the Power of climbing. Then the Male forsook the Female, leaving her to watch the Tree, and he, like a mournful Father for the loss of his Children, wandered up and down the Mountains, making great Moan and Sorrow, till at last he saw a Carpenter hewing Wood, who seeing the Lion coming towards him, let fall his Ax for fear; but the Lion came very lovingly towards him, fawning gently upon his Breast with his Fore-feet, licking his Face with his Tongue. Which Gentleness of the Lion the Man perceiving, he was astonished; and being more and more embraced and fawned upon by the Lion, he followed him, leaving his Ax behind; which the Lion perceiving, he went back, and made Signs with his foot to the Carpenter, that he should take it up. But the Lion seeing the Man did not take it up, he brought it himself in his Mouth, and delivered it unto him, and then led him into his own Cave, where the young Whelps lay all imbrued in their own Blood; and from thence to the Place where the Lioness did watch the Bear. They making Signs, and looking up into the Tree where the Bear was, the Man conjectured that that Bear had done this grievous Injury unto them; he thereupon took his Ax, and hewed down the Tree near the Root, which being done, the Bear tumbled down headlong, and the furious Beasts tore her all to pieces. After this, the Lion conducted the Man to the Place and Work where he first found him, without doing him the least violence or harm.

The Truth of this, and of the following Story, is not imposed upon the Reader; yet finding it recorded by such credible and eminent Authors, (and in itself probable) we thought fit to transcribe it, as serving to divert the Reader, and illustrate the insensible Wisdom of God in his Works.

XI. As a Lion will revenge the Hurt and Injury done to him, and to his young Ones, so he is ready to requite Kindnesses done to him; as appears by another Passage, thus recorded by Historians:

One Andradus, having fled from his Master by reason of some hard Usage received at his hands, by chance happened to take up his Lodging in a Cave, which (unknown to him) was a Lions's Den; where when he had been a while, not long before Night, the Lion came from Hunting, and having gotten a Hurt upon his foot, he no sooner espied the trembling Man in this fearful Place, but he cometh gently unto him, stretching forth his foot, and making Moan, as though he desired Help. The Man took the Lion by the Paw, searched the Wound, pulled out a Thorn, bound up his Foot, and gave him ease; which kind Office being performed, was first of all requited with a daily portion of Provision, which the poor Slave roasted in the Sun. After this the Man escaped, and got away; and the Lion missing him made great Lamentation. But so it happened, he was no sooner gone, but he was taken by some whom his Master had sent out to search for him; and then, alas! there was no other way but Death, and no other Death but to be torn in pieces by wild Beasts; for the Romans kept Beasts on purpose upon that account. But it so fell out, that this Lion was took up before the time came, and put into the Theater, who greedily rent in pieces such as were thrown unto him; yet when this poor Slave, his old Friend, was cast in, he forgot his Fury, and turned it into Fawning; by which the por Soul perceived what Lion it was, and thereupon renewed his Acquaintance with him, to the Admiration of all. The Matter being known, and related to them that that were concerned, he had not only his Life, but the Lion also to wait upon him, who became a faithful Servant to him. Hic est Leo Hospes Hominis, hic est Homo Medicus Leonis, was that which the People would say, when they saw him lead along his Lion through the Streets: Here goes the Lion which was the Man's Host, and there is the Man who was the Lion's Physician.

XII. No Creatures love their Young (as you may percieve by the foregoing Story in part) more than the Lions, which they further demonstrate in their Defense; for they will receive many terrible Blows, Slashes, and Wounds, the one opening the bleeding Body, and the other pressing the Blood out of the Wounds; standing invincible, never yielding till Death, as if Death itself were nothing to them, (saith the Historian) so that their young Ones might be safe.

XIII. Lions are full of Clemency to them that prostrate themselves at their feet; they will not touch such as do (as it were) by submission humble themselves to them.

XIV. Out of the dead Carcase of Sampson 's Lion came forth Sweetness, as in his Riddle.

XV. None can take away the Prey from an hungry Lion.

XVI. 'It is affirmed, that if a Man be anointed all over with the Blood of a Lion, he shall never be destroyed by wild Beasts.

XVII. The Blood of a Lion (as Naturalists say) being rubbed or spread upon a Canker or Sore, which is swelled about the Veins, will presently cure the Grief.

Parallel.

I. THe Lord Jesus is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lord's, King of the Kings of the Earth.

II. Jesus Christ is full of Majesty. It may be truly said of him, that he carries Majesty in his Face, Majesty in his Looks, Majesty in his Words, Majesty in his Walking. Christ being our Captain, though we are timorous Creatures, is enough to oppose, scatter, and vanquish the most potent Army, that ever the Prince of Darkness, or the God of this World, could raise against them; his Looks and Words affright his Enemies.

III. Christ is the Power of God; He is a mighty Man, nay, He is a mighty God, mighty to save.

IV. Christ is of superlative Courage, of an invincible Mind; for he never encountered with any, but he was Conqueror. He subdued the Devil, yea, whole Legions of them, and rode in Triumph through the Air. He overcame the World, trampling it under his Feet. He conquered Sin, yea, Death itself. The Woman bringing forth the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, portended nothing less, than the Conquest of the Devil's Kingdom.

V. Christ appears in his Dispensations, for some time to couch down, as it were; suffers himself to be abused (in his People) and seems to lie still, as if he were asleep.

VI. Christ, when he is roused up by the Cruelties of the Enemies of his Church, and the Cries of his People, will be very terrible; he will come upon Princes, as upon Mortar. Tho now he seems still and peaceable, like a Lamb; yet the Day is at hand, when he will rise up like a Lion, to destroy and devour at once.

VII. When Christ shall utter his Voice at the last Day, and come to Judgment, he will make the Nations of the World quake. Let all the Inhabitants of the Earth tremble, for the Day of the Lord cometh, for 'tis nigh at hand. The Lord shall also roar out of Zion, and utter his Voice from Jerusalem, and the Heaven and Earth shall shake, &c.

VIII. There is nothing hid from the Eyes of Christ, he sees into the darkest Corners of Men's Hearts and Imaginations; the most subtle Sinners cannot escape his Notice. There is no secret Place, where the Plotters, or wicked Men, can hide themselves from him; He sees all their horrid Designs and Combinations.

IX. Jesus Christ will reward everyone according to the Nature of his Works, in the great Day; and when he comes forth to judge Babylon, he will retaliate upon her according as she hath done. Thou hast given them Blood to drink, for they are worthy, for they have shed the Blood of thy Saints and Prophets. Reward her as she hath rewarded you.

X. Christ marks all those that injure him and his People. Wherefore doth the Wicked contemn God? he saith in his Heart, he will not requite it. Thou hast seen it, for thou beholdest Mischief and Spite, to requite it with thy hand. I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, now go and smite Amalek. I will contend with them that contend with thee, and I will save thy Children: And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own Flesh, and they shall be drunken with their own Blood, as with sweet Wine.

XI. The Lord Jesus, as he avenges the Wrongs and Injuries done to his People, so he will requite Kindnesses shown to them. Such as feed the Hungry, clothe the Naked, visit the Sick, and those that are in Prison, for Christ's sake, shall be rewarded: Their Work of Faith, and Labor of Love shall not be forgotten ; yea, He that gives but a Cup of cold Water in the Name of a Disciple; shall not lose his Reward. Which is a Reward of Grace, not Merit; for there is no proportion between eternal Life, and the best of our Performances, yet God accepts of them.

XII. The Lord Jesus loveth his People with such a strong and endeared Love, that he did not only fight with cruel Enemies in their behalf, but freely also received many Lashes and sore Wounds in his Body, and stood invincible, never yielding till Death: He made his Soul an Offering for Sin. Yea, Death itself was nothing to him, so that he might save his poor Church from Wrath, and eternal Misery.

XIII. The Lord Jesus is full of Clemency, Compassion, and Tenderness of Bowels to all that humble themselves at his Feet. He resisteth the Proud, (and will tear them in pieces) but giveth Grace to the Humble.

XIV. Sampson 's Riddle is unfolded best in the slain Body of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah ; from thence comes all the Honey, the Sweetness of Grace and Glory.

XV. None can deliver themselves out of Christ's hand, when he rises up for the Prey.

XVI. That Person, whosoever he be, who applieth Christ's Blood by Faith, or hath every Faculty of his Soul, viz. the whole Man bathed therein, shall never be destroyed by the Devil, nor the Powers of Darkness.

XVII. The Blood of Christ cures all Wounds, Cankers, and putrifying Sores of the Soul, or inward Man, when applied by the hand of Faith.

Metaphor.

THe Lion is cruel, blood-sucking, proud, preying, stony-hearted, malicious, a Devourer of Flocks and Herds, the very Tyrant of Beasts.

Disparity.

THe Lord Jesus is mild, merciful, tender-hearted, forgetting Injuries, the Preserver and Savior of the innocent, poor, weak, and helpless Ones, &c.

Christ the true Manna.

CHRIST, and the Graces of Christ, are called Manna, the Antitype of that Manna that fell in the Wilderness, Exod. 16. Manna in Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Man, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Manah, preparare, to prepare, because it was Food prepared from Heaven for the Israelites in the Wilderness.

Flacc. Illyricus, and others, say, That when the Israelites saw it like congealed Dew, or small Hail or Snow, lying up and down about the Camp, they asked one another, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 What's that? what's that? And because of frequent Repetition, that it might be more easily pronounced, they added the Letter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and pronounced Manhu, whence they retain the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Man, Manna.

Type.

I. MAnna was a strange and mysterious thing at first to the Israelites, they knew not what it was.

II. Manna was Food prepared from Heaven.

III. Manna came down or descended from Heaven.

IV. Manna was white, it was a pure, fair, and bright thing.

V. Manna was round in Form and Figure.

VI. Manna was a Gift, it was given to Israel freely, it cost them nothing.

VII. Manna was given to all, to the Poor, as well as to the Rich; none were forbidden to partake thereof.

VIII. Manna was pleasant, it had all the Taste and Relish of Sweetness in it.

IX. Manna did nourish well, and was given in great plenty.

X. Manna was to be bruised in a Mill, that so it might become more useful for Food.

XI. Manna was given equally to all the Israelites ; they had all a certain measure, not one more than another, were all Fellow-commoners; every Man had his part, his Omer.

XII. Manna was a small and little thing unto the Eye, like to a Coriander-Seed.

XIII. Manna came down with the Dew, it was covered or hid as it were with Dew.

XIV. Manna was not given to the Israelites, whilst they were in Egypt.

XV. Manna fell round about the Camp of Israel, and in no other place.

XVI. Manna was given to Israel in the Wilderness; it was their only Food, whilst they remained in that desert State.

XVII. It was gathered daily, except on the Sabbath, then there was none to be found.

XVIII. They went out of their Tents to gather it.

XIX. If Manna was kept or received otherwise than God ordained and appointed, it stank, and bred Worms.

XX. Manna ceased when Israel came into Canaan.

XXI. Manna was only given to the Israelites.

XXII. Those that would receive the Benefit of Manna, were to eat it.

XXIII. Manna came very seasonably to Israel, they had else starved.

XXIV. Manna was to be kept, and put in a Golden Pot before the Lord, to remain in the Holiest forever.

XXV. Manna was loathed by those evil Murmurers on whom the Wrath of God fell, they esteemed it light Bread.

XXVI. In the day before the Sabbath, in the night, Manna fell abundantly, that so they might gather it on that day, to provide Food for the Sabbath.

Parallel.

I. JEsus Christ is the Wonder of Men and Angels; and when He came into this World, yea, to his own, they knew him not.

II. Christ had a Body prepared of the Father, that he might be Food for Believers.

III. Christ is the true Bread, or Manna from Heaven.

IV. Sic Christus describitur, Apoc. 1. So is Christ described without Sin.

V. Christ, respecting his Divinity, is infinite, perfect, and entire, no beginning, no end.

VI. Christ is called a Gift, the choicest Gift that ever God bestowed, given freely for the Life of the World.

VII. Christ is sent to all, to Jews and Gentiles, to the Small as well as the Great, to the Poor as well as the Rich; none are excluded.

VIII. Whatsoever is pleasant, sweet, and delicious in a spiritual sense, is found in Christ; his Word is sweet as Honey, or the Honey-Comb: O taste and see how good the Lord is.

IX. Christus sufficit ad omnes, &c. Christ is very sufficient and plentiful, there is in him enough to nourish and feed all. What Soul is there but may be filled to the full, if he comes to Christ?

X. Christus, ut animis nostris cibus esset, doloribus mortis in Cruce contundebatur: Christ, that he might be Food for our Souls, was bruised: It pleased the Father to bruise him.

XI. All true Israelites have their equal Share in Christ, a whole Christ is given to every Saint; they have all one Portion, one Husband, one Kingdom and Crown, that fadeth not away.

XII. Christ was little, low, and contemptible in the Eyes of the World, of no reputation.

XIII. Christ came down with the Dew of the Spirit, being baptized or covered therewith, hence called, as some conceive, hidden Manna.

XIV. Christ, who is the true Manna, is not given to Unbelievers, that remain in Bondage and Slavery, under the Power of Sin and Satan.

XV. Christ is conversant within the Limits of his Church. The Graces of the Spirit fall upon Mount Hermon; the Dew descends upon the Mountains of Zion. There God commanded the Blessing, even Life for evermore. Christ walks in the midst of the Golden Candlesticks.

XVI. Christ, and the Blessings of Christ, are given to us, who are in the Desert or Wilderness of this World. We have no other Food for our Souls, but are to live upon Christ by Faith, so long as we are in this howling Wilderness.

XVII. Those that would have Christ, must seek him in the Time God hath appointed. In the Day of the glorious Rest or Sabbath, that remains to the People of God, there will be no Christ, no Manna for Sinners.

XVIII. We must go out of the old Man, and sensual Rests, and Love of this World, if we would participate of Christ.

XIX. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, or any other Institutions of Christ, made use of, or received in other manner than Christ hath ordained and appointed, it stinks in the Nostrils of God, and is abhorred by good Men.

XX. Living by Faith, and our being fed by Ordinances, will cease when we come to Heaven.

XXI. Christ, and the Bread of Life, is only given to Believers.

XXII. Those that will receive saving Benefit by Christ, must receive and eat him spiritually by Faith.

XXIII. Christ was promised seasonably, and came seasonably into the World, in the very nick of Time. In due time Christ died for the Ungodly. We had perished else forever.

XXIV. Christ is glorified in Heaven, in his human Nature, at the right-hand of God, and abides there forever for the Faithful.

XXV. Jesus Christ, in his Word, Ordinances, and Administrations, is loathed by carnal and ungodly Men; yea, and many account Christ's good Word light Bread.

XXVI. Christ now before the last day, the beginning of the true eternal Sabbath, is more fully revealed, that so poor Saints might be provided for, before the everlasting Rest, and End of Time comes.

Type.

I. THe Manna was Food for the outward Man, for the Body only.

II. Manna was eaten by many that were wicked, though of the National Church of the Jews.

III. Manna did corrupt and putrefy.

IV. Manna was only found at some certain times, it melted away when the Sun rose.

V. Those that did eat of Manna in the Wilderness are dead, they perished.

VI. The Manna that was reserved in the Holiest, was spoiled, and did perish.

Disparity.

I. CHrist is Food for the Soul.

II. Christ is not Food for, nor received by any, but those who are truly godly, and Israelites indeed. He that eateth me, even he shall live by me: He that eateth my Flesh, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

III. Christ, the true Manna, can never corrupt, but abideth forever.

IV. Christ is ever the same, and always to be found by those that seek him aright, both in Prosperity and Adversity, to his Elect.

V. Those that eat of the spiritual Manna shall never die. He that believeth is passed from Death to Life, and shall not come into Condemnation. This is the Bread that came down from Heaven, that a Man may eat thereof, and not die.

VI. But our heavenly Manna abides still in the holy Place.

See Christ the Bread of Life.

Christ a King.

BY the Lamb is meant JESUS CHRIST, which is evident and indisputable; the Dignity to which he is advanced is the highest among the Sons of Men, Potentate, Son or Man of Power, King of Kings, &c. There is no higher Name or Title to set forth Dignity amongst Men, than Kings or mighty Potentates. 'It is one of the Titles of the Most High, the God of this Blessed Lamb, and indeed it originally belongs to him, but he is pleased to bequeath it unto Men, for which reason they are called God's on Earth: I said ye are God's, but you shall die like Men, and fall like the mortal Princes. God is in the Congregation, He judgeth among the God's. This King, invisible, immortal, the only wise God, hath chosen a Vicegerent to represent him to his Subjects, hath placed his Name in him, not only Wonderful Counselor, and the Man that is his Fellow, but as King, the chief of Titles in this lower World. By this the Royal and most renowned Branch, that ever sprang from the Loins of Jesse and David, is set forth. Upon which we note, That JESUS, the Lamb of God, is compared to, and represented by the most magnificent Title of King, the highest and chiefest of Kings. And indeed there is nothing doth more fully set forth the Glory, Power, and Splendor of Christ, than this; as will appear, if we consider these following Particulars.

Metaphor.

I. A King is usually very highly descended, comes to his Dignity by Inheritance, is the Son of a Noble.

II. A King hath, or ought to have great Qualifications, having the advantage of such Education; to his natural Wisdom is added Skill in Politick Affairs, even the Knowledge of the Laws of his Kingdom.

III. Kings are sometimes chosen or appointed, as Solomon was by David his Father, or as Alexander by Philip his Father; or else by the People, as was David, and many others.

IV. Kings are anointed as well as chosen. Samuel anointed Saul. 'Twas a Divine Ceremony, much in use at the consecrating of Kings in the Kingdom of Israel.

V. Kings are proclaimed at their Instalment. Samuel said to all the People, See him whom the Lord hath chosen: And all the People gave a Shout, and said, God save the King.

VI. A King, after he is anointed and proclaimed, enters upon his Government.

VII. Kings (de jure) have a Palace by Right belonging to them, whether they are in immediate possession or not.

VIII. Kings have great Attendants belonging to their Courts, though they be not visible in all parts of their Dominions.

IX. Kings are invested with Power; they have sometimes some of them less at the first entrance upon their Kingdom, than afterwards; as David 's was, who had but two Tribes at his entrance.

X. Kings have many Subjects, who subscribe to their Power.

XI. Kings have Laws and Rules to govern by.

XII. Kings, though they rule well, are not loved and honored by all, are often troubled with Rebels, and Sons of Belial.

XIII. Great Kings have large Dominions, as Nebuchadnezzar, the Golden Head, who was over an hundred and twenty seven Provinces.

XIV. Kings have a Prerogative in their own Dominions, to make Peace and War when they please.

XV. Kings have a Crown to wear, a Scepter to wield, and a Throne to sit upon.

XVI. Kings have the Privilege of a Grand Council, to advise with in Matters of Importance.

XVII. Kings have the Privilege and high Prerogative of sending Ambassadors, to treat with States and Kingdoms about Affairs of Public Good.

XVIII. A King ordains and constitutes Officers, or makes Substitutes, to whom he doth delegate Power to execute his Will and Laws to all his Political Body.

XIX. Kings do vouchsafe Security and Protection to their Subjects (sometimes,) by good Counsel, and eminent Acts of Providence.

XX. Kings have Courts of Judicature, both high and inferior, for the Punishment of Offenders, according to their Rank and Degree.

XXI. Kings have many and great Prerogatives, Rights, Privileges, and Excellencies pertaining to them; as to receive Petitions, and pardon Offenders; to confer Honor, and give Commissions; to have Tribute paid, and keep an Exchequer; to shut out and scatter wicked Persons, and thereby become a Terror to them that do evil, and a Praise to them that do well.

Parallel.

I. THe Lord Jesus Christ, our great King, comes to this Dignity by Birth; he is eldest Son to a mighty Emperor, and so right Heir to Kingship: When he bringeth the First-begotten into the World, &c. He is the First-born of every Creature, and thereby Heir of all things. He hath by Inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they, (viz. the Angels.)

II. The Lord Jesus Christ hath glorious Qualifications. He is not only endued with natural Wisdom, and that far beyond Solomon, (A greater than Solomon is here) ; but hath had the Advantage also of such Education that none ever had, being brought up with God himself. He hath all the Treasures of Wisdom in him, is skilled in all Politicks, hath knowledge in all Laws; nothing passeth his Skill: Thou knowest all things. He is called the Wisdom of God: Christ, the Power of God, and the Wisdom of God.

III. Jesus Christ was chosen to be King by God the Father, as 'tis said, I have exalted one chosen out of the People. And though the Fathers or Elders amongst the Jews refused him, yet the Children gave their Vote for him, crying, H •• sannah to the Son of David.

IV. Jesus Christ was anointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows. He was by the Holy Spirit consecrated King forever: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me, &c.

V. Jesus Christ was likewise proclaimed; first, by the Angels, To you is born in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord: Afterwards by the Wise Men, at Jerusalem, and at Herod •• s Court; by a Star, and by the Shepherds at Bethlehem.

VI. This did Jesus Christ in three eminent Cases: 1. In speaking comfortably to all his Loyal Subjects, as you may see in Mat. 5. at large. 2. In giving Laws, and expounding Difficulties, as you may see in Mat. 6. at large. 3. In bestowing his Bounty upon the Poor, releasing Prisoners that were bound, and in appointing an Hospital for the Sick.

VII. Jesus Christ hath a Right to the highest Palaces in this World, as he was born Heir to the Universal Emperor, by whom he was at last advanced to the great Palace of the highest Heavens, called the holy Palace.

VIII. Jesus Christ our great King, had the Attendance of Angels, who shown their Allegiance, and paid their Homage and Service at sundry times, as there appeared Occasion for them.

1. They proclaimed him. 2. They attended his Person, to assist him in his Straits. 3. They assisted his other Servants. 4. They declared his Resurrection from the Dead. 5. They assured his coming in Glory after his Ascension. 6. They are appointed to bear him company, and to attend him at his coming from Heaven the second time. The Son of Man shall come, and all the holy Angels with him.

IX. Jesus Christ is invested with Power, All Power is given to me in Heaven and Earth ; though at the first entrance upon his Kingdom, in the days of his Flesh, his Power did not appear so splendent and glorious, as it will hereafter.

X. Jesus Christ hath many Subjects assigned him by God, which subscribe to his Power: Some voluntarily, as the Angels; others by force, as the Devils; and by virtue of his commanding Power, as the Winds and Seas, which obeyed him.

XI. Jesus Christ received Commandment from the Father, from which he would never swerve; and also published and established Laws, to be observed as Rules of Government to the end of the World.

XII. Jesus Christ rules and governs so well, that his worst Enemies could not, cannot charge him with Evil; yet they did not, do not love and honor him; but the Sons of Wickedness rose up, and still do rise up in Rebellion against him: I honor my Father, but you dishonor me, a Man which hath told you the Truth, this did not Abraham. Bring out those mine Enemies, &c.

XIII. Jesus Christ hath great and large Dominions, all Power in Heaven, Earth, and Hell. He is the Head of all Principalities and Powers in Heaven, he is the Head of every Man on Earth, and hath the Command of all the infernal Spirits in Hell.

XIV. Jesus Christ hath this great and high Prerogative, to make Peace, or to proclaim Peace to all the Sons of Men upon Submission; and to send a Sword, where his just Prerogative is resisted. In whatsoever House ye enter, first say, Peace, if the Son of Peace be there, &c. I came not to send Peace, but a Sword.

XV. Jesus Christ, that was made a little lower than the Angels, for the suffering of Death, is crowned with Glory and Honor, &c. The Scepter of thy Kingdom is a right Scepter. As I have overcome, and sat down with my Father upon his Throne.

XVI. Jesus Christ hath the Father and Holy Spirit, without whose Counsel he acteth nothing, either in the Affairs of Heaven, Earth, or Hell. There are three that bear Record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Spirit; and these three are one. Of this Council Offenders are in danger, and to this Council grand Criminals are delivered up for Punishment.

XVII. Jesus Christ hath the peculiar Prerogative to send Ambassadors. He sent the twelve Apostles to the World, who said, We are Ambassadors for Christ. And He sent his Angel to the Churches, to treat with them about their present and eternal Welfare: I Jesus have sent mine Angel, &c.

XVIII. Jesus Christ makes Substitutes to this end. By him Kings reign, and Princes decree Justice: By him Princes rule, and Nobles, even all the Judges of the Earth ; these for the World. And when he ascended up on high, he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for his Church ; by this, showing that He is supreme Head in all Causes, Ecclesiastical as well as Civil.

XIX. Jesus Christ saved the Gospel-Church before the Destruction of Jerusalem, by giving them counsel to fly upon the sight of Signs; and the Legal Church in the Wilderness, by the convenient Providences of a Pillar of Fire by Night, and a Pillar of a Cloud by Day. He was the Angel of God's Presence that saved them, and marvelously hath he, and doth he now save and preserve his Church from Popish Rage and Cruelty, in this and other Nations.

XX. Jesus Christ hath a high Court of Judicature in Heaven, where he judgeth Emperors and Kings, that are out of the power and reach of a human Hand; from whence he sends Angels, who are higher than they, to punish them for Pride and Oppression; as in the Case of Nebuchadnezzar, who was by the holy Ones cast from his Throne; and Herod, who was smitten by an Angel for his Pride: And a lower Court, where his Church, for him, and in his Name, judgeth Delinquents of a lower Rank.

XXI. Jesus Christ hath many great Prerogatives, Rights, Privileges, and Excellencies pertaining to him. 1. He receives Petitions: Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit. 2. He pardons Offenders: The Son of Man hath Power to forgive Sins. 3. He confers Honor: I thank Christ Jesus, who hath put me into the Ministry. 4. He gives Commissions: Go ye into all the World. 5. He receives Tribute: The honorable Women ministered unto him not without reason, for he was Lord of all. 6. He keeps an Exchequer, called the unsearchable Riches of Christ. 7. He shuts evil Persons out of the Church, as he served Judas, and will shut them out of the new Jerusalem at the last Day. He scatters Wickedness by his Laws and Doctrine of Holiness. He takes care of his Subjects, and smites those that persecute his Church. He is a Praise to all them that do well, and much more will be, when he advanceth his Saints to be Rulers over many Cities, and sets them upon Thrones; and he pronounces the Sentence, Well done, good and faithful Servant, enter into the Joy of thy Lord.

King.

I. THe Kings of the Earth do not create their Subjects.

II. The Kings of the Earth are naturally weak, and many ways defective in point of Qualification.

III. The Kings of the Earth are ordinarily made and instituted by Men.

IV. The Kings of the Earth have their Political Power, Strength and Maintenance from their People.

V. Kings have their Power limited and confined to a certain part of the Earth.

VI. The Kings of the Earth may be over-reached in their Politicks, as Solomon was by Women.

VII. The Kings of the Earth may alter from better to worse, and turn Tyrants, as too many have formerly done.

VIII. The Kings of the Earth may be tossed from their Thrones, and have their Kingdoms taken from them by an invincible Force, which they cannot withstand; as in the Case of Nebuchadnezzar, and many others.

IX. The Kings of the Earth are mortal, and must die: I said ye are God's, but you shall die like Men, and fall like one of the Princes.

X. The Kings of the Earth, even the greatest and highest amongst them, are but the Sons of Earth, earthly, very low and meanly descended, in comparison of Christ.

XI. The best and greatest Honors and Favors the Kings of the Earth can confer on Men, are temporal and fading.

XII. The Kings of the Earth, in their Execution of Wrath, and taking Revenge, can but hurt and kill the Bodies of their Enemies; the Soul is out of their reach.

Disparity.

I. JEsus Christ, the King of Kings, created his Subjects, both Angels and Men: Whether they be Principalities or Powers, Things in Heaven, or Things on Earth, all Things were made by him, and for him.

II. Jesus Christ hath more than the Strength of an Unicorn, is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, hath all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge, yea, all Fulness.

III. Christ is a King made and set up immediately by God himself, who hath made him higher than the Kings of the Earth, and set him King forever upon the holy Hill of Zion. He hath exalted one chosen out of the People.

IV. Christ's Riches and Strength are of and from himself. He that has the Power of the Godhead dwelling bodily in him, needs not Strength or Maintenance from others.

V. Jesus Christ is Lord of all, hath all Power in Heaven and Earth committed to him. He hath an unlimited Power. Angels and Principalities are subject to him; he is set up over all the Works of God's hands.

VI. Jesus Christ is the Wisdom of God, and could not be circumvented by great Beelzebub, who is the most subtle Politician; all his mysterious Stratagems were to Him, but as the Cords of Tow to Sampson, in the Mightiness of his Divine Strength. This great Captivity Jesus led captive ; and having spoiled Principalities and Powers, he made a show of them openly, and was with a most Majestick Triumph attended to his Throne in Heaven.

VII. But Jesus Christ being naturally and essentially good, abides immutably so, is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

VIII. But Jesus Christ is forever set down at the right hand of God, upon the Throne of his Excellency, and there will continue till the end of Time, till all his Enemies shall be made his Footstool. He will overthrow the Dragon with all his Infernal Force, so that there shall be no more Place found for them, and in a short time will swallow up Death in Victory: The last Enemy that shall be destroyed is Death.

IX. But Jesus Christ, being raised from the Dead by the Glory of his Father, dies no more, Death hath no more dominion over him. I am he that was dead, and am alive; and behold, I live for evermore, and have the Keys of Death and Hell. To Him it is said, Thy Throne, O God, is forever and ever; a Scepter of Righteousness is the Scepter of thy Kingdom.

X. Jesus Christ is highly descended, the immediate Off-spring of God, greater in point of Pedegree than all the Sons of Nobles, called in Scripture the Man of God's Right-Hand, his Fellow. He thought it no Robbery to be equal with God. The second Man Adam is the Lord from Heaven. Therefore truly called the Lord of Glory: Had they known him, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.

XI. But Jesus Christ, the King of Heaven, can confer Honors, and enrich with such Favors, as are everlasting: With him are durable Riches, and Righteousness. He hath promised a Crown which never fadeth away.

XII. But the Lord Jesus can destroy both the Bodies and Souls of Men, whether Kings, or mighty Ones of the Earth, that are his Enemies; and make them cry out to the Rocks to fall on them, and to the Mountains to cover them, and hide them from the Wrath of the Lamb, who can cast the Dragon, the Beast, and the false Prophet, with all their Adherents, into the Lake that burns with Fire and Brimstone.

Christ a Priest.

Type.

I. THe High Priest was taken from among Men, but it behooved him not to have any Blemish.

II. The Priest assumed not to himself this Office, but was called to it of God; they were consecrated by Imposition of Hands, when they were twenty five Years old.

III. The Priests were anointed with Oil, and washed with Water. Thou shalt take thee anointing Oil, and pour it upon his Head, and he shall wash his Flesh in Water.

IV. The Priest was gloriously clothed: Thou shalt make holy Garments for Aaron thy Brother, for Glory and Beauty.

V. The Priest was to have a holy Crown upon his Head.

VI. The Priest's Body and Loins were to be covered with clean Linnen.

VII. The High Priest bore the Names of the Tribes of Israel upon his Breast, when he went in before the Lord.

VIII. The High Priest had Urim and Thummim upon his Breast.

IX. The High Priest had an engraven Plate of Gold: Thou shalt make a Plate of pure Gold, and engrave upon it, like the engraving of a Signet, HOLINES TO THE LORD: And it shall be upon Aaron's Forehead, that Aaron may bear the Iniquity of the holy Things; and it shall always be upon his Forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.

X. Aaron the Priest was Moses 's Mouth to the People.

XI. The High Priest was not to marry a Widow, a divorced Woman, nor an Harlot, but a chaste Virgin.

XII. The Priest's work was to offer Sacrifices for the Sins of the People: For every High Priest is ordained to offer Gifts and Sacrifices, &c.

XIII. The Priest was to take the Blood of the Bullock, and dip his Finger in it, and sprinkle seven times the Mercy-Seat, &c. and likewise the Blood of Calves and Goats, and he sprinkled the Book, and all the People, the Tabernacle, and the Vessels of the Ministry.

XIV. The Priest's Garments were to remain after him, to clothe and adorn his Sons withal.

XV. The Priests were to sound the Trumpets, which (as Mr. Godwin observes) were twofold, sometimes an Alarm to War, sometimes to assemble the People.

XVI. The Priests of the Lord were to teach the Law to the People: The Priest's Lips should keep Knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his Mouth.

XVII. The Priest was to judge of the Plague of the Leprosy, and to pronounce clean, or unclean.

XVIII. The Priests under the Law made and anointed Kings. Jehoiada the Priest, and his Sons, anointed Joash King of Judah.

XIX. The Priests were to appoint Officers over the House of God; and it did not appertain to the Civil Magistrate to intermeddle in the Priest's Office. See the Case of Uzziah, 2 Chron. 26.20.

XX. The Priests of the Lord were to bless the People.

XXI. The High Priest only went into the Holiest of all, and that not without Blood, to make Atonement.

XXII. The High Priest only made the Perfume for Burnt-Offerings; and it might not be applied to any other use, but to burn before the Lord.

XXIII. The Death of the High Priest set the guilty Person, or Manslayer free, who had fled to the City of Refuge: After the Death of the High Priest, the Slayer shall return to the Land of his Possession. By the High Priest's Death an Atonement was made for him, saith Mr. Ainsworth.

XXIV. The High Priest brought the Bodies of those Beasts (whose Blood was brought into the Sanctuary) to be burnt without the Camp.

Parallel.

I. CHrist was of the Race of Mankind, of the Seed of David according to the Flesh: Forasmuch as Children are Partakers of Flesh and Blood, he likewise took part of the same ; but was altogether pure, spotless, without the least Stain of Sin.

II. So Christ glorified not himself, to be made an High Priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, &c. and in another place, Thou art a Priest forever, &c. The Father invested him in this Office: Him hath God the Father sealed. He was baptized, and the Spirit came down visibly upon him, when he was about thirty Years old.

III. Christ was anointed with the Oil of Gladness above his Fellows. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy-Ghost, and with Power. He had also immaculate Sanctity and Purity in him.

IV. Christ was said to be glorious in his Apparel, clothed with the Divine Nature as with a Garment; he was adorned with perfect and complete Righteousness.

V. Signifying (saith Mr. Guild ) the Deity of Christ, which as a Circle hath neither beginning nor end; and the Royal Dignity, whereby he is advanced to be the Supreme Head in all things to his Church, or his Kingship. See Goodwin 's Moses and Aaron.

VI. Christ's Humanity is clothed with true Holiness, which is compared to fine Linnen, clean and white.

VII. The Lord Jesus, as our High Priest, presents, •• or bears the Remembrances of all his faithful People upon his Heart, when he appears before God to make Intercession for them: He knows his own Sheep by Name.

VIII. Christ hath in him the Perfection of true Light, Beauty, and Holiness. Urim and Thummim signified Christ's Prophetical Office, whereby He, as a standing Oracle to his Church, answers all Doubts and Controversies whatsoever.

IX. Christ is the real Antitype of this engraven Plate, in likeness of a Signet, Holiness to the Lord, in that the Father hath actually communicated to him his Nature, who is the express Image of his Person, a glorious Representation of him to us, being able to bear, and hath born our Iniquities: The Lord hath laid on him the Iniquities of us all.

X. Christ is the Mouth of the Father to the Sons of Men; He is called the Word of God. God hath spoken unto us by his Son.

XI. Christ's Church must be a pure Virgin, chaste, unstained with Superstition or Idolatry, giving neither Love nor Worship to any other; Christ owns none but such a People for his Spouse.

XII. Christ offered up his own Body, as a Sacrifice for our Sins: He appeared to put away Sin, by the Sacrifice of himself. Christ was once offered to bear the Sins of many, &c.

XIII. As Christ was offered upon the Cross for the Sins of Mankind, as a propitiatory Sacrifice; so must his Blood in a spiritual manner be sprinkled upon our Consciences, that we may be cleansed from our Sins, and accepted in the sight of God. Let us draw near with a true Heart, in full assurance of Faith, having our Hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience, &c. For if the Blood of Bulls and Goats, and the Ashes of an Heifer, sprinkled the unclean, sanctified to the purifying of the Flesh; how much more shall the Blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself to God, purge your Consciences from dead Works, to serve the living God? But ye are come to Mount Zion, &c. — And to Jesus, the Mediator of the new Covenant; and to the Blood of Sprinkling, that speaks better things than the Blood of Abel.

XIV. Christ's Righteousness remains forever, to clothe and adorn all true Believers. 'It is the Wedding-Garment, whosoever hath it not, shall be shut out of the Marriage-Chamber, and cast into utter Darkness.

XV. Christ sounds the great Trumpet of the Gospel, for the assembling and gathering together of his Elect to himself, from all the four Quarters of the Earth; and will sound an Alarm at the last Day, to the general Judgment. The Trumpet shall sound, and the Dead shall be raised, &c.

XVI. Christ is the great Teacher of God's Law; 'tis he that gives us the knowledge of Salvation, that guides our Feet into the way of Peace. We must seek the Law, i. e. the Mind and Will of God, at his Mouth, who shows us plainly of the Father. His Tabernacle is only standing; not Moses 's, not Aaron 's, not Elias 's, but Jesus 's: This is my beloved Son, hear him. He is the last and only Teacher sent from God.

XVII. Christ is Judge concerning the Plague of every Man's Heart, what Sin is deadly, and what not. Tho there is no Sin venial, as the Papist's affirm, yet there is much more danger and evil in some Sins, than in others. As for example, 'It is worse to have Sin in the Affection, than in the Conversation; to love it, than to commit it. The best of Saints have not been without Sin; Infirmities have attended them, yet they loved them not. 'It is a loathsome thing to a true Believer: That which I hate, that do I. The Priest was to pronounce a Man utterly unclean, if the Plague was got into his Head: So if a Man's Judgment, Will, and Affection, are for the ways of Sin; if they choose and love that which is evil, Christ the High Priest, in his Word, pronounces such unclean. When Men approve not of God's ways, because they forbid, and give no toleration to their beastly Lust and Sensuality, and from hence secretly contemn Religion in the strictness of it; these surely have the Plague in their Heads.

XVIII. The Lord Jesus makes and anoints many to be Kings; for besides his acting towards Men, in bringing of them to their Thrones and Kingdoms, as 'tis said, By me Kings reign, he makes all his Saints Kings and Priests, and they shall reign on Earth.

XIX. Christ hath the absolute Power of appointing what Officers should be in his Church: He gave some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Pastors and Teachers. Those that make any other spiritual Office or Officer, than Christ hath ordained, will be found grand Criminals in the great Day.

XX. Christ was sent to bless the People, by turning everyone of them from the evil of their Ways ; to give Pardon, yea, the holy Spirit, and eternal Life, to as many as believe on him.

XXI. Christ entered into Heaven itself alone for us, as Mediator, through the Merit of his precious Blood, shed to make Atonement once for all, there to appear in the presence of God for us. Neither by the Blood of Goats and Calves, but by his own Blood, he entered in once into the holy Place, having obtained eternal Redemption for us.

XXII. Christ only makes the Prayers of the Saints to come up into the Nostrils of God, through his own Mediation, as sweet Incense; and no other Prayer must be made to God, but such only as the High Priest directeth us in.

XXIII. Christ's Death makes an Atonement for all guilty Sinners, that fly to the spiritual City of Refuge, not for the Man slayer only, but for the Adulterer, Drunkard, and Murderer also; all, whoever they be, that take hold of God in Christ by a lively Faith, are set at liberty, and forever delivered from the Avenger of Blood, and all spiritual Thraldom whatsoever.

XXIV. Jesus also, that he might sanctify the People with his own Blood, suffered without the Gate, that so we might from thence go forth unto him without the Camp, bearing his Reproach.

Type.

I. THe Jewish High Priest was taken of the Tribe of Levi, and so was after the Order of Aaron.

II. The Jewish High Priest was made without an Oath, and after the Law of the carnal Commandment.

III. The High-Priests under the Law were Men that had Infirmities, and needed to offer up Sacrifices for their own Sins.

IV. The Priests under the Law offered up Sacrifices of Sin continually: Every Priest standeth daily, ministering or offering often the same Sacrifices, which cannot take away Sins.

V. The Priests under the Law offered up the Bodies of Beasts, and it was impossible that the Blood of Bulls and of Goats could take away Sin, or purge the Conscience, or make the Comers thereunto perfect. Hence 'tis said, there was a Remembrance of Sin every Year.

VI. The High Priest under the Law had a Successor; there were many, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of Death.

VII. The Priest under the Law, and the Sacrifices, were two things.

VIII. The Priest under the Law entered into the holy Place, with the Blood of Bulls and Calves.

IX. The Priest under the Law offered Sacrifices only for the Jewish Nation, or Israel according to the Flesh.

Disparity.

I. CHrist sprung of the Tribe of Judah, and not after the Order of Aaron, but after the Order of Melchizedek. Wherefore the Priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a Change of the whole Law.

II. Christ was made a Priest with an Oath: By so much was Jesus made a Surety of a better Covenant.

III. But Christ is an High Priest without Infirmity: For the Law maketh Men High-Priests, which have Infirmity; but the Word of the Oath, which was since the Law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from Sinners, and made higher than the Heavens.

IV. Christ having offered up but one Sacrifice for Sin, sat down at the right-hand of God. Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the High Priest entered into the holy Place, — For then must he have often suffered since the Foundation of the World; but now at the end of the World hath he appeared to take away Sin, by the Sacrifice of himself. Christ once suffered to bear the Sins of many, &c. By one Offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.

V. Christ offered up his own Body, which was the Antitype of all those Legal Sacrifices: By which we are sanctified, through the offering up the Body of Christ once for all. Those Sacrifices cleansed only ceremonially : The Law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better Hope did. Christ's Blood, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purges the Conscience from dead Works, to serve the Living God. The Blood of Christ cleanses us from all Sin.

VI. Christ, because he continueth forever, hath an unchangeable Priesthood. He hath none, needeth none, can have none to succeed him in the Priesthood, seeing he ever liveth, and hath taken the whole Work upon himself, being infinitely able and sufficient to discharge the whole Trust reposed in him.

VII. Christ is both Priest and Sacrifice. The Divinity, or eternal Spirit, offered up the Humanity, as an acceptable Sacrifice unto God.

VIII. Christ entered into the Holiest by his own Blood, having obtained eternal Redemption for us.

IX. Christ offered up a Sacrifice both for Jews and Gentiles. He is a Propitiation for our Sins, and not for ours only, but for the Sins of the whole World.