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AT
BRIEF VIEW
OF THE
figures;
EXPLICATION
METAPHORS,
CONTAINED IN SCRIPTURE.
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BY JOHN BROWN,
Minister of the Gospel at Haddington.
Starch the Scriptures — John v. 39.
I hivve used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets — Hc^xlL IQ:
FIRST AMERICAN EDITION.
MIDDLEBURY, Vt.
PUBLISHED BY SAMUEL 'SWIFT,
TV C, STRONG, PH/itcr.
THE PREFACE.
THE advantage of a clear, comprehensive, and regular view of the figures, the types, and the predictions of scripture, is obvious. In the first, we observe the sur- prising eloquence of Heaven, and discern almost every form in nature, a guide to, and an illustrator of inspired truih. By the second, we perceive the whole substance of the gospel of Christ, truly exhibited in ancient shadows, persons, and things ; — in laws apparently carnal and tri- fling. In the third, we observe how astonishingly inspi- red predictions properly arranged, and compared with the history of nations and churches, do illustrate each other ; and modern events, as with the evidence of miracles, con- firm our faith in the oracles of God, The usefulness of what I have attempted, with respect to all the three, must.be left to the providence of God.
The subsequent meditations, relate to the figures of sacred writ* To avoid too peremptory parallels, and to awaken devotion, they are cast into the present form. — The emblems, the signification of which appeared uncer- tain or diversified, are repeated under different heads. To shun interfering with types, many rich emblems, as of Zion priests, &c. are wholly omitted, or but slightly touched. To shun a tiresome length, and a sinking dul- aess, that which was just before hinted, on ^similar em-, blem, is not seldom passed ever ; and the history of em- blems is left to be collected from the account of the ob- jects which they represent ; nor on this are ought but hiats offered, and the enlargement is left to the reader's* own meditation. What friendly indulgence -is requisite to pardon mistakes, the peruser must judge. Meanwhile, it is hoped he will remember, that the espial of faults is much easier work than to aviod them^
CONTENTS.
BOOK I.
A general view of the figures of scripture language*. f'<i 5. — 16%
BOOK If;
Explication of metaphors., respecting person*, viz., God,/>. 16.— Christ, 47.— The Holy Ghost, 12 5.— Holy angels, 135. — Fallen angels, 138. — Men in general, 144. — Saints, 159. — Wicked men, 213. — Faithful ministers, 242.— False teachers, 257. — The true church, 264— Corrupt churches, Antichrist, 289. — Nations, Jew s, Egyp- tians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Persians Greeks, Romans, Tyr- ians, Saracens, Turks ; armies, families, 297*
BOOK IIL
Explication of metaphors respecting things, viz. God's, purpose and providence, 334.— Covenants of works and grace, 338. — Word of God, 344. — Law and gospel, 354*, —Gospel-dispensation and ordinances, 367.-^-God,s fa- vour, and gifts of change of state and nature; justifica- tion, sanctification, fellowship with God, 377.— Saving^ grace, faith, hope, love, repentance, zeal, humility, and ex- ercise of grace, 391.— Sin, in its state, course, kinds, temp- tations, 411. — Prosperity, spiritual or temporal, 440. — Adversity, 443. — Human life, 456. — Opportunities of doing good, 459. — Death, 463.~r.The resurrection,
467 The day of judgment, 468.— This world, 471.— .
The state of glory in heaven, 473v—-Hell, 478.
N. B. The above contents show, that the ensuing work; contains a whole system of divine truth, represented ia scrip-. t$r;e-metaphQis.
A.
BRIEF VIEW
OF THE
FI G ft RES,
AND EXPLICATION OF
METAPHORS.
CONTAINED IN SCRIPTURE.
BOOS I.
SCRIPTURE LANGUAGE IN GENERAL.
IN the manner of the East, the language of inspi- ration abounds with the most striking and instructive figures. In noble and candid simplicity, in bold allu- sion, not all the writings of men can vie with these oracles of God. Here, as one would expect in the idiom of Godhead, the principal truths are brought down to. the weakest capacity, that ignoran e may have nothing to plead for excuse ; others, chiefly pre- dictions, are often wrapped up in figures, obscure, and hard to be understood. Thus, till the fulfilment, the learned are forced to acknowledge their ignorance, and malicious opposers rendered incapable to stop the pre- dicted event.
The figures of sacred language are either 'Jjhmblti or complex. The formes, without changing the native sense of the words-, embellish the stile, enliven the rep- resentation, or illustrate the subject : the latter, while they ennoble the stile, and illustrate the subject, do
B
also convert the terms, from £heir ordinary signification, to another connected with it.
Simple figures are, 1. A repetition of the same term or phrase -/whether in the same, or in different sentences of a chapter, or section ; as of my, Psal. xviii. 1, 2, 8 ; my God, Psal. xxii. 1. and cxviii. 28; my kelp, Psal. cxxi. 1, 2*—ivhatsoever things are, Phil. iv. 8. his mercy endureth forever, Psal. cxxxvi. Lord our Lord, &c. Psal. viii. 1. 9. 2. Diversifying of the sense, while the sound is nearly retained, Thus, Walk in the flesh; and war after the flesh ; agree pretty much in sound, but differ vastly in sense. 3. Chang- ing of the sense of a word in the same sentence. Thus good,, in Matth. xix. 16. signifies, first, wrhatisg"Oodand useful, in a limited sense ; and then, what is infinitely and originally good : fruit of the vine, Matth. xxvi. 29. both signifies natural wine, and eternal happiness. 4. Canformation of the sound of the terms, to the mournful, the joyful, the terrible, detestable, or amia- ble nature of the subject. Thus the portion of the wicked is described in words sounding forth terror, Psal. xi. 5, 6 ; the last day, in most dreadful language, 2 Pet. iii. 10. 12. 5. Outcries of admiration, abhor- rence, derision, commendation, wishing, pity, joy, grief ; as, How great is his goodness ! Zech. ix. 17. O wretched man thai I am / &c.' Rom. vii. 24. G woman great is thy faith ! Matth. xv. 28. 6. Corrections of what was just before asserted ; as, Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, Gal. ii. 20. Yet not I, but the grace of God, 1 Cor. xv. 10. 7. In promises, there- ward ; , and especislly that which is terrible in a threatening, complaint, or oath, is sometimes partly suppressed : as, lie shall be chief and. captain, 2 Sam* v. 8. I will drive him out, Gen. iii. 22. Wilt thou cast me off ? Psal. vi. 3. Let me cease to exist, if I lie, Psal. ixxxix. 35. 8. Interrupting addresses : as of Nehemiah to God, chap. iv. 4, 5 ; of God, by JceJ, to lire Hebrews, chap. ii. 12, 13 ; of David to the moim-. tan.s of Gilboa ; to the daughters of Israel ; to Jona-
t] n, 2 Sam. i. 21. 24. 25, 26. 9» Intkoeuction of speeches, real or feigned : as, of the chosen ruler of Judah, Is. iii. 7 ; of their women, Is. iv. 1 ; of the fir- trees, and of the dead, Is. xiv. 8, 9 ; of hell and de- struction, Job. xxviii. 22* When these speeches are wicked, they are sometimes expressed, not as uttered by the author, but as they truly meant. Thus, sinful means of relief are called a covenant with hell, and a- greement ntiih death, Is, xxviii. 15; flattering prophe- cies are called deceits, Is. xxx. 10 ; false witnesses called sons pf Belial, 1 Kings xxi. 10. 10. -Questig expressive of absurdity, wonder, doubt, deni lion,
expostulation, anger, insult, grief, negation, pi refusal, prohibition : as, How can a man be born ■?:. he is old ? John iii. 4, How excellent is thy loving kindness J Psal. xxxvi. 7V Shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear ? Gen. xvii, 17. Is any thing too hard for the Lord f Ge-v xviii. 14v &c. 11. Appeals to those who are argued agair^t : as, of the apos les to* the Jewish rulers, Act? iv. 19 of Paul to the Galatians, chap. iii. 2. 12. Retortion, or throwingjback an ac- cusation or objection, on the starter of iii So God throws back the charge of injustice on the Jews, who charged him with it, Ezek. xviii ; the SyrophenHair v/oman pleads- the character of a dog, thrown cut a- gainst her, as an argument rcy, Matth. xv, 26,
27. To repel the question, by what authority he act- ed? Jesus proposed xhe inquiries, Whether the baptism of John was from heaven, or of men ? Matth. xxi. 23. 25, 13. Prevention of objections, by answering them be- fore they be started : Thus the objection, of God's de- serting his church is prevented, Is. xiix. 14, 15. Ik An apparent yielding of that which an opposer pleads, in order to shew its ahnirdity ; or its insufficiency to establish the point in dispute. So Paul grants the Jews to have great knowledge of the law, and a capa- city to instruct others ; in order to shew thera, howr their sin in breaking the law was aggravated, Rom. ii, 17. 2L James grants the ungodly professor, that he
8
had faith 4 but shews that the devils also believed and trembled. Jam. ii. 19. 15. Asssignation of the reason of an action, or name. Thus, Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel, because it was the power of God for salva- tion to believers ; and it was so, because therein the righteousness of (loci was revealed, Rom. i. 16, 17. The law silenceth and condemns all men, because, by it is the knowledge of sin ; and therefore, by the deeds of it shall no flesh be justified ; Rom. iii. 19, 20. No man can be saved by the law ; because it worketh wrath in our corrupt mature against God, and condemns us to his just wrath, Rom. iv. 14, 15. 16. Livel/ descrip- tion's ; which, as- it were, present the objects to our eyes, and other senses : as, of Tophet, Is. xxx. S3 ; of Goliah, 1 Sam. xvii. 4.6; of God's compassion, Jer. xxxi. 20, Ho-, xi. 7, 8. 17. Digressions ; in which the speaker for a time, turns aside from his immediate subjects, and descants upon an obje t occasionally men- tioned- Thus the apostles often turn aside to discourse concerning Jems Christ : as Rev. i. 5. 8. CA. u 14. 22. 18= Tkansitions ; in which one part of the sentence respects that which went before, a^d another what follows. Thus, Covet earnest/?/ the best gifts, « respects what precedes ; and, I sh w you a more excellent way, that which follows, 1 Cor. xii. 31. 19. Contrasts ; m which subje ts dissimilar are compared, in "order to mark clearly the nature, value, or u^worthiness of the one : so the condition of the wicked is contrasted with that of the righteous, Psal. i. God's kindness and men's unfruttfufciess and wickedness, are contrasted, I?, v." I. — 4. Men arid the Holy Ghest are contrasted, Acts v. 4. 20. Comparison of things, like or unlike, in order to argue from the one to the other. Thus Christ argues from the lesser to the greater, Matth. vi. SO. audvii. 11 ; ard that God is to be feared rath- er than men, Matth. x. 28. 21. Induction; by which compound things are represented in their various parts. And here there is, generally, an ascending, as to the object, or the language. Thus the desolation of a
country is described irem the case of the fields, the inhabitants, people, priest, servant, master, seller, buyer, &o. Is. xxiv. 1, 2, 3. God's just judgment is represented in his rewarding the righteous, and p ishing the wicked, Rom. ii. 6. — 9. The resurrection is described, as partly to happiness, and partly to damna- tion, John. v. 28, 29. Christ's state isdes ribed, from the debased and exalted circumstances of it, Phil. i. 6, — 10. Thus the sin or the judgment of men is ofiei- described, in a variety of particulars, Ezek. xxii. and xxiii. 22. Crowding of various qualities or things into- one sentence : as, of sacrifices, ranis, bullocks, lambs, he-goats, vain oblations, new moons, sabbaths, assemblies, Is. i. 11. 13, 14; of foreknowledge, predes- tination, calling, justification, glorification, Rom. viiL 29, 30. 23. Redoubled r&pkesentatioxs ; in which objects are represented, first more obscurely, and then more plainly ; as, Hear the right ; attend to my cry ; give ear to my prayer, Psal. xvii. 1. Water, and the Spirit, John iii. 5. Thy silver is become dross ; thy wine is mixt rvith water ; thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves, Is. i. 22, 23. 24. Circumlocu- tion ; in which, for modesty, or to sweeten or heigh- ten the languagej the proper name of an object is avoided, and an indirect description is given in its stead. So a chamber-pot is '.called a vessel ruherein there is no pleasure, Jet. xxii. 2. 8. Urine is called the waters of the feet, 2 Kings xviii. 27. Heb,. is called the Jci-ag of terrors, Job xviii. 14. 25. Re-. jerences ; in which the wcrds, or sense of another speaker, or writer, are quoted, or alluded to. Here the words are sometim.es quoted in a sense which i] did not originally seem to bear ; and sometimes the terms or the sense of divers passages are conjunctly quoted into one. Quotations or allusions abound in the New Testament, Matth. i. 23. and xxi. 4, 5. Acts vii. 43. &c. &c. concerning which, many excellent ob- servations may be found in Carpzow's Defence cf tkc Bible,
B 2
Complex figures are, metonymy; synecdoche ; me» iosis ; hyperbole ; irony ; metaphor.
By metonymy, the name of one object is given to another, because of some connection, not similitude, be- - twixi them. Thus, 1. The name of the matter, the author, the cause, or instrument, is given to that which is produced from, or by it ; or the name of the effect is given to the author, cause, or instrument. Thus the wood in the houses and furniture of Jerusalem is called a forest, Jer. x:d. 14 ; Ezek. xx. 46 ; the tem- ple, for its plenty of cedar- wood that grew in Lebanon, Is called Lebanon, Zc\h. xi. 1 ; a heavenly frame is called the Spirit, Rev. i. 10 ; the name of a lather, as of Jacob, Moab, &c. is given to his posterity, Is. xliii. 22. and xvi. ; a testimony is called the mouth. Dent, xvii. 6 ; speech is called the tongue, Prov. xxv. 15 ; the benefits God bestows are called his love, 1 John iii. 1. Contrariwise, Christ is called salvation, because he is the author cf it, Gen. xlix. 18. Esau's taking Ca- raaniiisl: wives is called a grief, i. e. a cause of grief, Gen. xxvi. 35 ; the gospel is called the power of God, i. e. the instrument of exerting it, Rom. i. 1G ; victory over the world is called faith, as faith obtains it, 1 John v. 4 ; the transgression of Israel is called Sama- ria ; and the high-plaees of Judah, Jerusalem ; because these cities chie3y promoted wickedness and idolatry, ?. i. 5 ; wisdom and knowledge are called stability, y are the means of it, Is. xxxiii. 0. 2. The name cf a subject is given to its adjunct ; and of an adjunct to its subject. Thus a city, a country, the earth, the world, is put for the inhabitants of it, Jer. iv. 29. Gen. vi. 11; a cup, for that which is contained in it, 1 Cor. xi. 25. This cup, &c. Psal. xxxiii. 4 ; a nest for the pullets in it, Dent. xxiL 11 ; the heart, for the derires, or oiler things, contained in it, Psal. Ixii. 8. Pour out your hearts. The name of a possessor, is given to what is possessedi ; so Christ's people are called himself, AJatthu xxv. £5. — 45. Acts ix 4. 1 Cor. xii. 12 ; so the Lords.i. e. vhat offerings belonged to
II
him, is ca.IIed Levi's inheritance, Deut. x, 9. The name of the thing signified is given to the sign; so the wine in the Lord's supper is called Chrisfs bloody or the New Testament in it, Matt. xxvi. 2G ; and of the sign to the thing signified ; the sovereign rale is called a sceptre. Gen. xlix. 10. The name of the qual- ity is given to its subject ; so a scarlet . and crimson coloured thing is called scarlet and crimson. Is. i. 18, The name of that which is contained, is given to that which contains it ; so fields are called the upper and nether springs, Josh. xv. 19. 3. Names are put for the person Or thing named ; so the name of Christ, or of God, often signifies precisely Christ, or God himself, Acts iv. 12. Deut. xxviii. 58. 4. Persons and things are named according to appearance, not reality : so an- gels are called men, Gen. xviii. Satan is called Samuel^ 1 Sam. xxviii. 14. — 20 ; error is called a gospel, Gah i. 6.
By synecdoche, 1. More universal terms are put for such as are more restricted: as all, for many; for all kinds ; for the greater or better part, Matth, iii. 5. and xix. 28 ; the world,, for the Roman empire, the Gentiles, the wicked, the Anticliristians, Luke ii. 1. 1 John 11. 2. and v. 18 ; Rev. xiii. 8 ; every crea- ture, for men, Mark xvh 15 ; or the plural number for the singular, as children, for child, Gen. xxi. 7. 2. More restricted terms are put for such as are more ex- tensive : as, one for all of the kind, Psal. i. 1 ; yester- day, for time past, Heb. xiii. 8 ; a limited number, zs thrice, seven, or ten times, for frequently, 2 Cor. xii. 8. Psal. cxix. 164; a thousand, five thousand, for an un- certain number, Is. xxx, IT. 8. A whole person, thing, pla^e, or time, is put for an adjunct or part of ii. So Christ is said to die ; to be buried ; when only his body died, and was buried, John xix. 42. and ii. 13 ; world is put for Canaan, Rom. iv. 13 ; north for Caldea Jer. i. 13 ;for ever, for a long time, Dan. ii. 4. 4. A part of a person, thing, place, or time, is put for the whole of it. So souls denote human persons, Acts ii,
12
41 ; resurrection is put for Christ's whole appearance in our natufe, Acts i. 22 ; hour for a period of time, John iv. 23.
By meiosis, a great deal less is expressed, than Is really signified. Thus, in the negative precepts, much more is intended than Is literally expressed* Exod. xx. 3.— 17.
By hyperbole, things are represented, as far more insignificant, great, glorious, numerous, than they re- ally are. So the Hebrew spie& are represented as grasshoppers, Numb. xiii. 33 : the top of a tower or wall is said to reach to heaven? Gen. xi, 4?. Deut. xi. 1 : the histories of all Christ's works could not be contain- ed, rather perused? by the world, John xxL 25 : the Is- raelites are represented, as in number like to the sand on the sea shore, or dust of the earth, Gen. xiii. 16. and xxii. 17 : so contentions are called wars, Jam. iv. 1 : plenty of milk, honey, and butter, or oil, is represented as rivers of it, Job xxix. 6. Saul and Jonathan are represented as swifter than eagles, and stronger than lions, 2 Sam. i. 23. The terms of this figure must al- ways be understood with due limitation.
By irony, words are uttered with such an air, or other circumstance, as makes them bear a signification quite contrary to their common one : as, Let them, the false gods, rise up and help you, Deut. xxxii. 38. Bless God, and die, Job ii. 12.. Rejoice, O young man, &c> Eccl. xi. 9. Sleep on now, Matth. xxvi. 45. Cry aloud ; for he is a God, &c. 1 Kings xviii. 27. Go up and pros- per : for the Lord shall deliver it, &c. 1 Kings xxii. 15. When the irony is extremely sharp and reproachful,. it is called a sarcasm, as a goodly price, &c. Zech. xi. 13. How glorious was the King of Israel to-day I 2 Sam, vi. 20 He trusted in God,F$a\. xxii. 8.
By Metaphor, the names, qualities, and actions, proper to some persons or things, are ascribed to other persons or things, because of some likeness between them. These of rational beings, are ascribed to other rational beings ; so Satan is called a god; ministers^
13
angels, &c. Those of inanimate things, to other inan- imate things ; so God's purpose, or gospel, is called a foundation, &c. These of living creatures, to things without life -. so the creation is said to groan, to travail, to tvill> &c. Those of things without life; tcr such as have it ; so Christ is called a way, a door, the truth, &c, That, by comparing the volumes of nature with the or- acles of God, we may be alway, and every where, sur- rounded with spiritual monitors. No figure is more frequent than this : nor is there almost any thing in nature, from which it is not drawn. Particularly, 1. From rational beings : as God, holy angels, devils ; chiefly from men, in their parts, souL body, flesh, blood, bones, head, f (tee, eyes, ears, noseT mouth, cheeks, locks, hair, neck, shoulder, back, belly, hands, loins, bowels 9 na- vel, bosom,' knees, legs, feet ; in their relations, mar- riage, husband, spouse, men, women, virgins, young men, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, children, babes, widows, masters, servants, kings, judges, captains, subjects, sol- diers, army, shepherds, teachers, Canaanites, Arabians, Sodom, Gomcrmh, Babylon, Egypt ; in their adjuncts, life, health, strength, beauty, wounds, sickness, leanness, lameness, blindness, plague, consumption, death, burial ; and in their sensations, of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling, hunger, thirst ; with their relatives, comely, greer^ red, white, black, ugly, sweet, bitter, loath- some, hard, soft ; in their actions, to, eat, drink, stay, stamp, walk, fun, gird, care, fight, steal, rob, beget, &c. 2. From seasts, fowls, birds, eagles, pelicans, owls, doves, hens sparrows, flies, bees, locusts, grasshoppers, lions, unicorns, leopards, bears, boars, wolves, foxes^ hinds, harts, roes, goats, kids, horses, bullocks, kine, heif- ers, asses, wild-asses, dromedaries, dogs, swine, sheep, rams, lambs, dragons, serpents, asps, vipers, scorpions ,. worms, spiders, fishes ; with their -adjuncts, tail, horns, teeth, wings, scales, sting, fat, milk ; and actions, to bite, sting, swallow, tear, fly, #c. 3. From things celes- tial, heaven, firmament, light, sun, moon, stars, clouds* vapour, shadow, darkness, rain, dew, n4i\:7; hailt snore,
24
thunder, tempest, lightning, rainbow, &c. 4. From fire, flame, coal, brand, fuel, furnace, smoke, light, heat, burning. 5. From liquid substances, water, sea, fountain, rivers, streams, brooks, cisterns, channels, banks flowing, overflowing, breaking out, dropping, swelling? honey, wine, oil, he. 6. From things ea&thly, dust, sand, mountains, hills, Carmel, Lebanon, Sharon, Bashafi, earth, rocks, dens, deeps, pits, valleys, fields, gardens, ways, desarts, dirt, dung, stones, gold, silver, brass, iron, tin, lead, carbuncles, agates, adamants, sardine, sap- phire, jasper, emerald, jewels, nitre, brimstone, salt, pearl, woods, trees, cedars, firs, oaks, tyles, Shittahs, palms, apple-trees, pomegranates, myrtles, olives, tines, thorns, briers, iiowers, myrrh, camphire, spikenard, cin- namon, lillies, wormwood, nettles, grass, com, seed, root, leaves J branches, buds, plants, fruit, mandrakes, apples, grapes, wheat, barley, ehajj] ploughing, sewing, planting, reaping, threshing, winnowing, sifting, grinding, hardest, vintage, grape-treading, leaven, bread, earthquake, &e.«— 7. From human accommodations and utensils, king- doms, nation, country, city, house, chamber., foundation, wall, pillar, ^ornertJ window, gate, door, bed, bar, beam, rafter, gallery, fort, prison, grave, food, feast, supper, morsel, tuble, vessel, cover, garment, girdle, yoke, bond, cord, rope, mirror^ rod^ armour, sword, sheath, shield, spear, helmet, bow, arrows, quiver, staff, chariot, bridle, race, prize, price, spoil,* measure, balances, weights, scales, wealth, treasure, inheritance, debt, wages, hand- writingy testament, crown, sceptre, throne, guard, ship, nail, hammer, net. 8. From duration of time, year, month,: week, day, .dght, watch of the night, morning, noon, evening, hour, moment. 9. F cm Old-Testament types, ad New-Tesiarfrent institutions ; as from Adam, David, Solomon, Israel, priests, Levites, Canaan^ Jerusalem, Zi on, tabernacle, temple, holy of holies, altar, mercy-seat, sacrifices, first fruits, circumcision, sprink- ling of blood, anointing with oil, new-moons, paesov?r<, feast of tabernacles, baptism, Src.
To understand Metaphors, it must- be observed, that
15
the foundation thereof is likeness between the things from which the metaphor is drawn, and that to which it is applied. When this likeness is exhibited in one or a few expressions, it is a simple metaphor. When it is pursued with a variety of expressions, or there is a continued assemblage of metaphors, it is called an allegory. When the resemblance is harsh and far- fetched, as to see a voice, it is a catachresis. When it is couched in a short- saying, obscure and ambiguous, it is called a riddle. When it is couched in a short saying commonly used, it is termed a proverb. When the metaphoric representation is delivered in form of a history, it is a parable. % Because erery thing . has various qualities and operations, one thing may be the metaphorical emblem of persons or things differ- ent, or contrary : so a lion is the emblem of God, of Christ, of Satan, and of men, good and bad. 3. The difference between the emblem and the object of the metaphor ; that is, between that from which the met- aphor is drawn, and that which it exhibits, renders it impossible for any metaphor fully to represent its ob- ject, and absurd to expect, that an universal similitude betwixt the emblem and the object should ever be found. 4. Hence it follows, that to squeeze meta- phors, by running the parallel further than truth and decency, with respect to the emblem and object will •admit, is not to illustrate, but to discredit and darken the mysteries o£ God. 5. Nay, in the sacred meta- phors, one particular is generally the principal thing thereby exhibited. This, by the attentive reader or preacher, should, from the circumstances of the text or context, be especially enquired after and considered,.
16 BOOK II.
Metaphors representing Persons*
chap. 1/
Metaphors respecting God,
1. GOD is compared to a man, because of his wis- dom and prudence ; his manifold excellency ; his ex- tensive sovereignty ; his dominion over, and tender af- fection towards his creatures. Things respecting man, almost innumerable, are divinely constituted the em- blems of his perfections and works. He is called the bead of Christ ; to him as man and Mediator, he is the undoubted superior ; and he supports, rules, and directs him, as such (a). His countenance and face, when represented as set against any, denote the mani- festation of his indignation and wrath (&). In other circumstances, they signify the discovery of his glory, his favor and grace (c). Commonly his eyes import his knowledge ; his care ; his favour, and regard ; but sometimes they mean the display of his wrath (d). — His ear6k'd(*iiQie his perfect knowledge ; his exact ob- servation, and favorable regard (e). His nostrils and nose signify his anger, his aprobation, and his exact judgement, (f). His mouth and lips denote his will; his authority ; his word ; his command ; his wrath {g). His back imports his anger and disregard (A). His back-parts denote discoveries of his glory and goodness ; but such as are scanty and obscure, in respect to our immediate vision of him, face to face, in heaven (t). — His arms, his hands, his fingers, denote his almighty power manifested in acts of sovereignty, justice, boun-
(a.) 1 Cor. xi. 3. John xiv. 28. (b.) PsaUxviii. 1. Ezek- xiv. 28. (c.) Dan. ix. 17. (</.) Heb. iv. 13. Deut. xi. 12. Psal. xxxi, 8, and xviii. 8. Amos ix, 4. Isai lii. 8, («) Jam.
v, 4. Psal. x. 17, and cxxx. 2. (f.) Psal. xviii. 8 Isa. Ixv. 5.
(g.) Deut. viii. 3, Isa. xi. 3. and xxx. 27. (A.) Jer. xviii. 17,
Tsa(xxxvm. 17. [i>) Exod, xxxiii, 23,
17
ty and grace (&). His right hand imports a signal dis- play of his almighty power, his love, mercy or wrath (Z). Bat as relating to the exalted station of Christ, it im- ports the highest power, authority, glory and digni- ty (m). The hollow of Ms hand, denotes his easy com- prehension, protection, and support of all things (n) .
His soul is his nature, his holiness and love (0). His heart is his essence, his will, purpose, pleasure, and grace (p). His bowels are his most ardent love; his tender mercy, and unbounded compassion (q). His bosom imports secrecy, safety, eminent nearness, amaz- ing intimacy, and endeared love (r). His feet are the less glorious manifestations of his presence ; the exer- cise of his power and providence, for the relief of his people, and the overthrow of his enemies (5).
His joy imports his divine pleasure, approbation and delight {t). His haired, anger, wrath, fur?/, denote his fixed, high, and holy displeasure with sin, and sin- ners ; and his awful displays thereof, in his righteous judgement (u). His sadness and grief, import his just displeasure, and righteous withdrawment of favor (v). His gr ief for the misery of his people, denotes his ten- der mercy ; his infinite compassion toward them (w). His repentance imports the changing, not of his mind and purpose, but of the course of his providential work (x ). His jealousy denotes his distrust of his crea- tures ; his tender regard of his honor ; his love to his people, and his indignation against his enemies (y). — His knowledge imports his clear view of all things, his
(i) Jer. xxxii. 17. Exodus xv. 16. Psalm xx:i\ 6. (/) Psal. xxx 6. Song ii. 5. Exod. xv. 6. (m) P a!, ex. 1. 5a (n) Isa. xl. 12. Pro v. xxx. 4. (0) L?v.
xxvi. 11. Jer. xxxii. 39» 40. (p) Gen. vi. 6. and vni. 21. Jer. xix. 5. and xxxii. 41. (q) Isa. Ixiii. 15. (r) P:>al.
Ixxtv. 11. Johni.lv). ( s) ±sa iah lxvi. 1.,:: lx. }3.
PsaLlxxvi. 3. (t) Fs^- civ. 31% Deut. xxviii. 9. (u) Ps. v. 4. — 6. and vi. 10 jer. ix, 9. (*o) Isaiah lxiii. 20. Ezek. vi. 9. (w) Judg. x. 16. £*J Gen, iv. 6. 1 Sam. xv. 26, (y) Exod. xx. 6* Zejh. i. 14. IS.'
C
18
discovery of secrets; his approbation and love (r). His thoughts are his purposes, and his judgment con- cerning things («).
His enquiry and search, import the perfection and infallibility of his knoj ledge ; his patient and convin- cing procedure against transgressors, and his discovery of things that are hid (5). His remembrance, denotes his extensive knowledge and observation ; with the signal dispkys.of his pity, favor or wrath (< ). His re- membering sin, imports his punishing men on account of it : his not remembering it, denotes his gracious for- giving of it (d). His /org tiling persons, imports his disregarding and exposing them to affliction and mise- ry (e). His hissing for men, denotes his easy and sud- den assembling, and bringing them to execute his judgments (J). His breat h or breathing, signifies the exercise of his power, in the easy formation of man ; in the re&dy destruction of his enemies, or the deliver- j of his people (g). His mocking and laughing at men, denote his pleasnre i just punishment ;
his full security from, and disregard of, their wicked attempts against his interests, and his contemning the prayers which they preceni feo him in their affliction (/>). His crying out, imports his earnest invitation cf Sinful men, to accept his favors and return to their duly, and his severe correction and punishment of those that ob- end him (/). His speaking, signifies the s wdl; o.ce in the air; his
dec! ;, his word, or
:xe(k)> His ;\ oil his ccnvni-
r* ) John xxi. 17. Matth. vii. 23. Gen. xxii. 12. (a) Jet.
xxi*. 1 1. t:xt. lix. 8, (i) Gen- i.ii. 9.— 13. and iV. 10,
and xvjii, 21. (c) Psal. exxx^ d xxv. 7. Rev.
xviii. 5. (d) Psal. !yx:x. 8. Heb. vni. II. (?) Ps.'
I, and ix. 18. (/) Isa. v. 26, and vii. 18, (g) £
\ Ezek. xxi. SI. Ila, xi, 4. {b) Psal. ii. 4. Prov.
i. 22. Isa. xltf. 13. Mic. vi. 9. (I) Gen.
:. 1 Exoil. xx. i. Psal. ixxxv, 8, 2 Sain, xxiii. 3. Psah
19
I men of sin ;- his correcting and punishing them for it; and his restraining of things (Z). His calling things, signifies his easy forming, exciting, and manag- ing of ihem : Ids calf ing parsons, imports his authorita- tive sending them to an office ; and earnest inviting and drawing them to their duty and privilege m:
His commanding things, imports his making them do whatsoever he pleaseth(it-). His being commanded by his people, signifies his ready fulfilment of his gracious promises, whenever they are plead by the prayer of faith (0). His hearing, his giving ear to, and answer- ing of prayer import his gracious regard to and accept- ance of It, and his readily granting the benefits therein requested (J?\ His silence to men, denotes his sove- reign delay to comfort or relieve them (y). His skid- ting out prayer, and casting the dung of their sacrifices anto men's face?, import his contempt and disregard of them : and by hi^ terrible judgments, shei\ ing him- self greatly displeased therewith (r). His numbering of things, signifies his exact kr ge and per-
management of them ; his regard to, or wrathful de- letion or, them (s). His selling of men, imports his apparently renouncing of his favorable claim to them ; and giving them up Into the hand of their enemies, for the vindication of his holiness, and satisfaction of justice (/). His selling his favors, denotes his open of- fer, his deliberate and gracious bestowal of them on Christ's accoint (<v). lib buying in \ de-
live em from misery ; his bringing them into an
outv te of nearness to himself; or his
bringing them into a new*-cove:i&ni state through the xl of his Son (r). His redeeming men, is his recov- ig them, by price or by power, to former felicity ;
(/) John xvi. 9. Isa, xvli. IS. Psa!. civ, 7. (m) Psal. cv. IS. Rom. iv. 17. Heb. v. 4. and iii. 1. (72) Is. v. 6. (a) Isa. xlv. 11. (p) Psal. iv. Land v. 1. ' (q) Psal. xxviii. L (r) Lam. iii. 8. Mai. ii. 3. (/) Psal. Wu
8. Dan. v. 28. {tj Judg. ii. 14. Psal. xliv. 12. («) Is. Iv. L fvj Deut. xxxii. 6. 2 Pet, ii. 1. 1 Cor. vh 19.
20
chiefly his recovering them from sin and misery thro' the price of his 'Son's blood, and the power of his holy spirit, to everlasting holiness and happiness fwJ* His labor or working, is his almighty, his wise production, upholding, actuating, and ruling of all things (#). His resting, imports his ceasing from his work of creation ; his taking pleasure in his creatures ; his forbearing sig- nally to interpose between contending nations (j/). His resting in the tabernacle or temple, or in Zion, imports the lasting continuance of the cloud of his glory there ; and the fixed continuance of his gracious influences and good will in the church z.
His wiping cmay men's tears, denotes his removing occasions of grief, and filling them with comfort and 3°y (a)' B*s wiping out persons or things, imports his y, his easy, and sudden destruction of them from off the face of the earth (3). His binding angels, or men, signifies his severely afflicting them ; his power- ful restraint of their motions and work (c). His tear- is wounding and making them sore, import his severe, shocking and painful afflicting of them in soul or bcdy (d). His binding men up, imports his kindly redressing their grievances, and healing the ptegues, the griefs, the diseases of their soul (. ). His girding men, denotes his fitting ard preparing them for their work ; his rendering them powerful and active thereir (/). His loosing, imports his taking off re- straints ; his conferring liberty, ease, and felicity, tem- poral and spiritual (g). But his loosing the bands of Icings, denotes his depriving them of their power, their honor, ard their authority (h). His opening his hand, imports the ready, the free, the large, the liberal, com- munication of his favors and influence (?). His open-
(w) Isa. xlviii. 17. 1. Pet. i. 19. (*) John v, 17
[y) Exod. xxxi. 17- Isa. xix 4. {%) Psal cxxxii. 14.
{a) Rev. vii. 17. \b) 2 Kings xxi. 13, (c) Jobxxxv. 8. (d) Job v. 18. (e) Hos. vi. I. (/) Psal. xviii. 82. (g) Ps, cxlvi. 7. {!>) Is. xlv. 1. Job xii. 18. (#) Psal. cxlv. 16,
21
ing a door to the apostles, imports his giving them great opportunity to preach/ the gospel with success (k). His opening the doer cf faith »to the Gentiles, denotes his offering them Christ and his salvation, in the preach- ed gospel ; and giving them faith to receive tlie same (I). His opening the heart, imports his convinc- ing the conscience ; his enlightening the mind ; his renewing the wrill, and stirring up the affections, to embrace Christ, his unspeakable gift, in the wordf7?zjo His knocking at the. door of men's hearts, implies his inviting and commanding thfem by his word, his alarm- ing them by his providence, and exciting them by the striving of his spirit, to receive himself zV* his Son, into their hearts fnj. His holding one's hand, implies his directing, upholding, and succeeding him in his work(e)- His concluding men in sin, signifies his permitting them to harden themselves in it ; his solemn declaration of their being guilty of it, and by nature fixed in a state of it (p). His shutting men up, denotes his be- reaving them of their liberty, $nd laying them under so£e affliction (q ).
His trying men, imports his making a discovery of their state and quality ; his purging them, by means of trouble, from their corruption ; his destroying them in his just indignation (r). His breaking men, imports his awfully chastising, or wrathfully punishing them (s), His sifting his people, denotes his tossing, afflicting, and correcting of them, while he wonderfully preserves them ft J* His sifting the.natioxis.signifies his severe- ly punishing and scattering them fuj. His shaving men, ^nd making them bald, imports his depriving them of their number, their wealth, their glory (v). His stripping men naked, implies his bereaving them m '
(i)-l Cor. ni; 9. (?) Acts xiv. 29* (m) Acts xvL 14, (n) Rev. iii. 20. (o) Isa. xlii. 6> and xlv. 1.'
(f) Gal. iii. 22. Rom. xi. 32. (q) Job ml 14. (r) Ps.xvii, 3. (j) Isa. xxxviii. 13. (t) Amos ix, 9. [ul &•
xxx, 28. |>] Isa, iii, 17. and vii. 20.^
C2.
22
of their safety, their riches; and exposing them to trouble., shame, and reproach ( wj. His blotting men's names fr am under heav en, imports his destroying them utterly, and canning their remembrance to cease (oc). His devouring and swallowing up, signifies his easy, his sudden, his terrible, his litter destruction of an ob- ject (yj. Ills pouring out, imports the heavenly, the gradual, the regular, the abundant communication of his spiritual influence, his merciful favors, or wrathful jndgments ( zj. His hewing men, implies his alarming their conscience, or his hardening their soul, and ripen- ing it iov destruction fa J. His stretching out the line of confusion upon a land, imports his giving it up to desolating judgments, to the perplexing of the inhab- itants, and tiie putting of every thing in it out of due order (b). His bearing, carrying, and upholding, im- ply Jiis preserving in existence, or life ; his bestow- ing of refreshful comfort ; his protecting from injury ; and his governing, directing, and drawing in a right ( c ). Hia binding up men's souls in the bundle of v itli himself, imports his kindly securing and pro- iinotirfg their life, their health, their prosperity and comfort (d). His slinging out men's souls, implies his cutting them off by a sudden, a violent, a wrathful exit (f). '
His making a Kay for Ms anger, signifies his provi- dential ordering of events, to promote the execution of his righteous judgments (fy. His making maintains his nay, and exalting his high-way, import, that to the exa s gracious designs and methods towards
makes ordinances, and e\;en obstructions, subservient to further his work ' (gj. His weighing the mountains, in scales, and comprehending the waters
O] Ezek. xxiii. 26. [#] Deut. xxix. 20. |>] Is.
xxv. 8, [z] Prov. i. 24. Isa. xliv, S, 4, 5: Psal. Ixxix. 5, 6. [>J Hos. vi. 5. 0] Isa. xxxiv. 1J, [Y] ps. xlvi. 4. and cxlv. 14. [J] 1 Sam. xxv. 29, [<n ibid*
if) Psal, lxxviii. 50. (jj Isa,xlix> 11,
in a measure^ imply his fuli knowledge ; his easy support ; and management of ail things, even the greatest (h). His weighing men's spirits, imports his. comprehensive knowledge of their state, their frames, their qualities, and thoughts (i). His weighing mens paths and prayer ; his considering their meditation, imply his most perfect acquaintance therewith, and his constant readiness to render atlue reward and prop- er answer to it (k). His searching Jerusalem with lighted candles, imports his open discovery, and pun- ishing of the most secret sins thereof (I). His blotting out sin, is his full and final pardon thereof, through the blood of his Son (;n). His blotting men out of his book, signifies his casting off his providential care of them on earth ; his cutting them off by death ; and his man- ifesting by, wrathful events, that they were never writ- ten in his book of life (n). His cutting men of from his hand, imports his taking them away by death, so that their temporal life is no longer the object of his care or providence (o).
His writing things in a book, denotes his perfect knowledge, exact remembrance, and continued just re- gard to them CP)* His writing bitter things against one, signifies his gradual afflicting of him with severe and lasting troubles (q). His writing of his law in men's hearts, and sealing them with his spirit, import his ap- plying his word, by his spirit, to their hearts ; that they may be conformed to his image and law, and com- forted by his influence (r ). His writing men's names in heaven, in his book of life with the living, or with the righteous, imports his particular and fixed choice of them, with the rest of the elect, to obtain everlasting life (sj. Tils writing his name in their foreheads, im-
[£] Isa. xl. 12. [/*] Prov. xvi. 2. [i] Isa. xxvi.- 7. Psal. v. 1. Jobxxi.'6. [/] Zeph. i. 12. [>] Isa, xliv. 21. [a] Exod. xxxii, 32.' Rev, xxii. 18. [>] Psal. Ixxxviii. 5. [p~] Isa. Ixv. 6. and xlix, 16. [?] Job
xiii. 26. - [r] 2 Cor. iii. 3. Jer. xxxi. 33. [j] Luke x, 20, Rev, xiii. 8, PsaUxix. 28, Isa, iv, S.
Is liis rendering the in like him in holiness; and enabling them to make an op#n profession of his truth (tj. His putting their tears into his bottle, and marking them in his book, import his kind observation, and careful rewarding of them fuj. His engraving of Christ the one corner . stone, implie his forming of his human nature ; his furnishing it with ali beautiful graces ; and his severely bruising, and deeply wound- ing him with the strokes of his wrath (Vj. His break- ing men's teeth, arms, or bow, imports his depriving them of ability, of courage, of opportunity to oppress and do violence to others ; or defend themselves [w]. His putting his hook in their nose, and his bridle in their jaws, denote his checking their fury, and thwarting their projects [>]. Mis fanning men, denotes his try- ing, his scattering and destroying them [3?]. His cut- ting off their spirit, signifies his taking away their wis- dom, their strength, their courage, or life '[*]• His sweeping a land with the besom of destruction, imports his cutting oJffthe inhabitants by death, or giving them up for captivity and spoil ; his overturning the build- ings, and rendering it desolate [a]. His bruising Sa- tan under the feet of his people, implies his restrain- ing, Ms conquering, and triumphing over him, in and by them [5 J His bruising, smiting', striking, wounding of men, imports his laying heavy afflictions on them [c]. His sealing up meiis hands, denotes Ms forbidding, 9 his hindering them to act [d]. His sealing, or sew- ing up iniquity in a bag, imports his exact knowl- edge of it ; bis continued remembrance of it. and read- iness to avenge it [<?]. His sealing up his people, de- notes his particular protection of them in danger ; his confirming and marking them by his Spirit ; his assur-
[/] Rev. xiii. 12. and xiv. 1. [>] Psal. lvl 8. [>] Zee. iii. 9. [w] Psal, x. 15, and Iviii. 6> Hos. i. 5. « |V] Is. jurxvii, 29. [v] Matth. iii. 12. Jer. xv. 7. \%\ Ps.
hxvi. L O] Isa. xiv.. 23. [3] Rom. xvi. 20. |V} Isa. iiii. 4, 10. [<] Job xxxvii. 7. |Y1 Job xiv. 17.
25
ing them of his special love [f~\. His sealing of Christy imports his sending him into the world with sufficient authority and furniture to be the Mediator, Saviour, Prophet, Priest, and King of his church [g]. His draw- ing of men, imports his freeing them from trouble ; his bringing them from a state of sin and misery ; enab- ling them to receive his Son ; and giving them more and more intimate fellowship with himself [//]. His pursuing men, his driving them away, imports his bringing sudden and heavy judgments upon them, notwithstanding whatever they can do to prevent or escape them ; his quick and wrathful bereaving them of their outward property, comfort or life [f]. His setting a hedge about men, denotes his favorable pro- tection of them ; or his angry surrounding of them with manifold grievous afflictions [k]. His removing the hedge, implies his exposing them to danger and ruin [Y\, His treading men under his feet, imports his se- vere punishing of them ; his reducing ihem to the low- est plunge of contempt, misery, and want [?>?].
His seeing or looking to persons or things, implies his exact knowledge of them; his gracious favor and approbation ; the execution of his righteous indigna- tion (n). Before him ; before his eyes, or in his sight, is openly, boldly, well known to him. Out of his sight, is out of his favor, deprived of his peculiar displays of his love and care ; out of his peculiar land and church {o). His hearing, denotes his fixed attention to, and exact knowledge of all things ; chiefly his gra- cious acceptance, and kind answering, of his people's prayers (p). His smelling and tasting, import his un- erring judgment, and gracious approbation of things (?),
[/] 2 Cor. i. 22. Rev. vii. 3. [£) John vi. 27- M Ps. jviii. 16. John vi. 44. Song i- 4. [/'] Lam, iii 66.
Prov. xiv. 32. [7] Job i 10. Laip. iii. & [/] Ps.
lxxx. 12. and lxxxix. 40. [>] Lam' i. 5. [>] Psal. x. 11. and lxxxiv. 9. Numb. xvi. 1. [o Gen- x. 9. 2 Kings xvi. 20. Gen. iv. 16. * Psal. x. 16. a Exod, xix. 18. 25. 41. Hos. ix. 4,
26
His touching, denotes his easy change and removal of things ; his afflicting of persons (r). His sleeping, de- notes his apparent indifferency about his cause and people; his delaying to comfort or help them (5). His awaking and rising up, imply his manifestation of his power, mercy, and' wrath, in favor of his people, and for the ruin of his enemies t. His coining to men, his visiting and meeting them, import 1 is freely granting them his comfortable presence, deliverance, or help ; or his severely punishing or afflicting them u. Hisg*o- itig, or walking with men, signifies his pleasure to grant his comfortable presence, abide with, do good to, uphold, and defend, and direct them tu His talk- ing contrary to men, imports his deliberate crossing of their designs, and his executing his terrible judgments upon them w. His shaving himself froroard, or a wrestler with the froward, signifies his heaping of the most disagreeable and irresistable troubles upon them x. His coming dorm, denotes his condescension ; his mani- festation of his peculiar presence on earth, to favor and bless his people ; and for the punishment and de- struction of his enemies y. His going up, signifies the ascent or removal, of some visible token of his pres- ence z. His returning to has place, imports the with- drawment of his favors ; and his coming out of it, de- notes his begining to display his perfections, in execut- ing judgment upon his opposers a. His returning on high, imports his open display of his glorious and tre- mendous excellencies, and sovereign dominion, in help- ing and comforting his people, and in avenging him- self of his adversaries b. His returning to men, de- notes his shewing them his glory and grace ; and be- stowing his favor on them, after a signal hidings or
r PfaL civ. 32, and cxliv. 5. x,/-Psal. xliv. 23.. 24. Numb. x. 36. Psal Ixviii. 1. u Exod. xx. 24. Gen. xxi. 1. Psal. xvii. 3. Isa. xxvii. 1. v Lev. xxvi. 17. Gen. xlvi. 4. w Lev. xxvi. 2 k x Psal. xii:. 26. y Isa. Ixiv, 1. Gen. xi. 5. 7. z Gen. xxxve 12. a Hos. v. 15, IssL'xsvi.21; flPsal. vii. 7
■yithdrawment thereof c. His hiding; himself, his cov- ering himself with a cloud, his standing afar off, import his refusing to discover his glory and grace ; and de- nying to bestow sensible favors, to regard or grant men's requests, or to help them in a time of need d.— His riding on cherubim s, represents his majestic em- ployment of angels in the administrations of his provi- dence e. His riding on swift cloups, imports his awful and majestic speed in executing his manifold, his astonishing judgments /. His running, his fly- lj-g, denotes the quick, the easy progress of his wrath- ful, or merciful providences g* His passing by ini- quities, imports his forgiving them ; and forbearing to punish men on their account h. His passing
ougiJ; or over a people or \:s\(\, signifies his ibr- bearing to afflict them, or his humbling them by light- er strokes i.
His searching out a EAND, implies his wise allot- ment of it to a people ; and iris preparing it for ther Hi? seeking and finding of me:;, imparts his delight in n id his d ig them from their fallen
a ; or from the depths of a
:g, finding out, and visiting ini- quity, denotes his discovering it, and punishi ig men for it m. His finding gut his enemies, inipues his ledge of their persons and crimes ; and his irresislable and easy execution of his vengeance upon them n. Hi finding his infinite-
ly wise choice of him to be 7. His an-
ointing of person*, de~ 'i^g and furnishing
m an office ; or his giving them the Holy Ghost to sanctify, comfort, a- n p. His
c Psal. vi. 4, 5. d Psal xiii. 1, Lam. ill. 44«. Ps. x. 1. e Psai. xviii. 10 /tea. xix. 1- g Lnke iv, 20. Psal xviii. 10. h Mic. vii, 13. i Amos vii. 3. and viit. 2. Hos. x. 11. k Eze.k. xr, 6. / John iv. 23. B»t cxix, 176. m Gen. xliv. 16. E.xod. xx, 6, n Ps,
xxi. S. e PsaLlxxxix, 20, p Psai. xlv. T. • 2 Co?,
28
tempting a person, imports his trying his obedience ; and calling him to make a clear discovery of his real grace q. His leading into temptation ; his hard- ening, deceiving, blinding, or sleepening men, im- ports his righteous exposure of them to such things as may innocently occasion their sin ; his withholding his preserving, softening, directing, and awakening influ- ences from them ; and his permitting Satan, wicked men, and their own lusts, to entice them to sin, and render them stupid and obstinate, mistaken, ignorant, and careless therein r. His being disjoined from his professing people,implies how very disagreeable it is to him, to be provoked to withdraw his special favors from them s. His being made to serve with men's sins, signifies that his goodness, his mercy, his patience, his ordinances, words, and works, are, by them, ren- dered occasions to, and instruments of iniquity t. His being wearied with, grieved by, and pressed un- der sin and sinners, import his being long and singu- larly provoked by their course of iniquity ; and his purposing speedily to punish the guilty transgressors u. God's place, or presence, denotes his being every where ; his special friendship, intimacy, and favor; or that part of creation, as Eden, the tabernacle, tem- ple, heaven, 8?c. Avhere some symbol of his glory is seen v. His seat or throne, is Chrsit ; his ordinan- ces ; heaven ; or whatever he displays his especial presence, majesty, and authority, in w. His dwell- ing in Christ, in eternity ; in heaven ; in the hearts of his people ; in the temple, imports his abiding and delightful connection with them ; and his shewing forth,and exerting the riches of his glery and grace in them x. His footstool is the earth, where he vouch- safed but imperfect displays of his excellency and
q Gen. xxiu 1. r Matth. vi. 13. Exod. vii. 3. Ezek. xiv* 9. Rom. xi 8. s Jer. vi. 8. t Isa. xliii. 24-, u Is* xliii* 24>» Gen. vu 6. Amos ii. 13. v Psal, cxxxix. 7« PsaL xxiv. 3. Gen, iv. 16« w Heb. iv. 16. Matth. v« 34\ x 2 Cor, v. 19. Isa, Ivii, 15, PsaL cxv* 3%
29
v
Brightness ; and -where he cruslieth down and afflicts his adversaries : and his tabernacle, temple,- or ordi- nances ; where he abides with imperfect Saints, and bestows but scanty views of his glory y. Mis stand- ing, imports his fitness to govern, and his readiness to help, comfort, correct, or punish men z. His sitting, denotes his supreme authority ; his unlimited power ; his ever fixed happiness, and undisturbed repose a.— His lifting up his hand, import s his swearing, his giv- ing the most solemn, firm, and evident security for a thing; his threatening of trouble ; or his exerting of his power b.
His life, denotes the eternal existence, activity, and happiness of his nature c. His days and yeajls, signi- fy his everlasting and unsucce«sive duration ; with the distinguished seasons of his mighty works cL His be- ing CLOTHED WITH LIGHT, WITH MAJESTY, WITH HONOR,
zeal, &<\ imports his divine pleasure in his constant and glorious display of his wisdom, holiness, power, greatness, authority, righteousness, kindness, or wrath e. His being armed, denotes his full sufficiency ; his per- petual readiness to conquer and protect his people, and to parish his enemiec/. His bow, his strings, and arrows, his s w-obd, his spear, and helmet, are his power and justice ; with the threatenings raid instru- ments of his vengeance : or his all-conquering and pro- tecting love, promise, and grace g. Wicked men are called his sword, and hard, because by lie exe-
ruleth his afflictive designs h. His buckler, and ean- nes$, denote his all-powerful help, and protection of his people, by means of his word, his providence, and grace l\ His rod, his staff, and sceptre, represent
y Is. Ixvi. L Psal. cxix. 5. % Psa!. cix. 31. a Psal. ii. 4. and xxix. 10. b Deut. xxxiu 40. Ezek. xx. 5. 6. c Psal. xviii. 46. Jer. x. 10. r/Ban. vii. 9. Psal. Ixxvii. 10, e Psal. xciii. 1. and civ. 1. 2. Is. Ii. p. and lix. 17. /Is. lix. I?- 18. g Psal. xxxv. 23, Lam. 11. 4. Deut. xxxii. 41. Hab. iii. 11. Psal. xlv. 3. 5. h Psal, xviu 13, 14, i Psal. xxxv. 2. and lx. 4,
D
30
the direction, support, defence, and correction of his people, according to his promise ; and the destruction is enemies according to his threatening : rod, too, denotes the instruments of God's judgment k. The cup iii his hand, is anger, wrath, ripe for execution ; which is full of mixture, as the judgments contained are numerous, various, and bitter L And without mixture, as no mercy is mingled therewith in heli m. His chariots, are clouds, angels, and providences n. His chariot-wheels are the wind, flames of fire, aw- ful judgments, or rolling clouds o. His riches are his fuluess of majesty, glory, and grace, with all the blessed effects thereof. His treasures, are his pow- er, vengeance, justice, goodners, patience, or the clouds and heavens p. Wis furnace is the execution of his just judgments, for the refining of his people, and the' ru- in of his enemies q. His lot and portion, is his chosen people, whom he esteems, delights in, and f -om whom he receives a revenue of glory r. The Mosaic sa- crifices are called his bread, and the wine-offerings represented as cheering his heart : they were food dedicated to his service ; and he-accepted and delight; ed in them, when offered in the faith of his promised Son &. His book, is his predestining purpose ; his nite knowledge ; his unfailing remembrance ; and ex- act providential care i. His signet and seal, are what is very dear to him : chiefly his seal is his holy Spirit i/.-— My soul, Is every thing in Jiie, every thing about me, an emblem of God ? why then are not the thoughts of him innumerable, and precious to me ? why, when :i!k by the way, when I lie down or rise up, am
i jEsal. ixnl i. MIc. vii. 14. Psal. ii 8. 9. Is. x. 5
Psal. Ixxv. 8. m> Rev. xiv. 10. N. B. In Canaan
wine was mixed with spices, to render it strong* Song viii. 2. la Greece wine \\.r mixed with water, to render it weak. a Psal, Ixviii. 17^ Is\ 19. 1. * Psal lxv. 11. Phil iv. 19. p Deut. xxxli. 3k and xxviiu 12. q Is. xxxi. 9. r Deut. jxx.xtt, 9- s Numb, xxviii. 2. Psal. civ. t Is. iv. 3. Dan. %\u I. Psal. cxxxix, 16. Exod, x^sii* 32. u Jer. xxii. 24. Eph. i. 13.
31
not I still with him ? Why doth not my God, my kLtf meet me in every view ?
2. God is called the Ancient of days v : he is from everlasting to everlasting : when empires are overturn- ed, and nations destroyed, he continues ever the same. His garment white as snow, is the purity of his nature ; the brightness of his glory and majesty ; and his un- corruptne'ss in judgment. His hair like pure wool, de- notes his venerableness, gravity, wisdom, and fit: for judgment. His fiery throne, denotes his awful na- ture ; his severe, irresistible, and piercing judgments; iis fiery wheels, may signify his clear and distinct view of all things, and the speedy and terrible execution of his sentences.
3. God is compared to a Father n\ In the fi person of the adorable Godhead, he, from eternity, begot. our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the contriver, pur- poser, former, and preserver of all things. He is the author and source o£ ali light, knowledge, glory, mer- cy, and goodness. From eternity, he chose into the number of his children ; in time, he spiritually begets all his ransomed people : he bears, preserves, and com* forts them ; he nourishpth them with the flesh and blood of his Son ; with the fulness of his love ; the influence of his Spirit ; and the sincere miik of his word: he clothes them with the imputed righteous- ness of his Son ; the robe of implanted grace ; and of a glorious gospel-conversation. Never is he judicially wroth with any of his saints ; but, to astonishment, loveth and delights in their persons, their graces, and good works : never doth he hurt ; but saves and de- fends them from sin, Seitan, and the world. He is es- pecially tender of them, when they are weak and af- ilicted. Himself he proposeth for their copy and* pat- tern : in every point of due behaviour, in all spiritual knowledge, godliness, and honesty, he trains them up and instructs them ; readily he hears their requests f grants them every good thing ; preserves them front
v Dan. vii. 9. iv. Jer. iii. 4.
evil, that it may not defile, hurt, or grieve them : his honourable name he puts upon them ; his holy Spirit within them ; and appoints his angels and ministers to guard, direct, and supply them. In all their ways, he leads them, takes tnein by their arms, teaching them to go : his word is their rule ; his Spirit their com- fprter, instructor, and guide ; his church and' ordinan- ces are his chamber of. fellowship with them ; his heavenly mansions lie assigns for tlieir habitation ; af- fectionately he remeiiibe- s and cares for them, even while they seem tq be cast out of his sight ; graciously he forgives their transgressions; he bears with their in- firmities ; and tenderly he sympathizes with them un- der tlieir troubles ; he is exceedingly grieved and dis- honoured by their offences ; and he wisely and kindly :m en account thereof; every one of them lie: 3 with his fulness, and makes heirs cf his
;. In the promises of his word he dispones ; indue time, he actually bestows salvation, endless, un- ite Self, for their ever- lasti ig inheritance, — Be thou. Jehovah, myfyther, and the guide of my youth, my Father of glory, mercies, and comforts.
<k God is compared to a master and householder. By him every mansion of heaven and earth was erect- ed arid furnished ; by him is the whole family of an- gels, men, and every creature, ordered and settled. To eYQTj one he hath assigned his proper law, his sta- tion, and work. Angels and men he hath peculiarly connected with himself ; and, by laying before them most enriching and agreeable rewards, and the ihocking and fearful punishments, he engageth them co be faithful in their respective rank and ser- , His family he instructs arid protects. Every r necessary for their peace, their health, and hap- he richly provides. Those who are unruly, he and pu .usheth. Wicked angel?, and in orri- le meoj he expels from his house. He hath ap- pointed a day, in which he will call every rational ser-
83
vant to account, for his trust and conduct* His pecul- iar family is his church among men : to this he gives peculiar laws : this he governs, protects, and corrects ; and rewards cr punisheth every member- according to his work. Lord, may I dwell in thy house, and be still praising thee. Every where is a hell, if I am ab- sent from my God. N
5. God is compared to a king. How infinite is his dignity ; extensive his renown ; great his power ; ab- solute his authority ! To every reasonable creature lie gives laws and wisely governs, righteously rewards, or punisheth them. Heaven is his palace and throne. Angels and saints are his honorary guard?. All crea- tures are his armies. Divine glory and greatnes- are his crown. Infinite power, justice, and love are kis sceptre. Every lawful court on earth, every man's breast, and the general judgment, are his courts of ju- dicature ; conscience, magistrates, and ministers, are his deputies. The saved nations of mankind are his queen, his children. The ancient, the everlasting council of peace is the privy, the governing source of his whole administration. Our adored Mediator is his Secretary, his M inister of state. The scriptures of truth are the statutes of his kingdom, and the authentic records of his reign. The sentences of free forgive- ness, of undeserved happiness, or of everlasting dam- nation, are the momentous edicts which proceed from his throne. — " Thou art my King, O God, command deliverance for Jacob."
6. God is compared to a judge. With infinite wis- dom and prudence ; with unblemished equity, terrible majesty, unbounded authority, power, and courage, he maintains the honour of his sacred laws. Eifectually he fists every man and devil at his bar : solemnly and convincingly he chargeth them with their proper deeds : authoritatively he pronounceth, and infallibly he executeth upon them, the most righteous sentences^ correspondent to the precept and the sanction of his law. It is at the highest peril, if I, if any creature,
D2
despise him ; pretend to appeal from him ; or find fault with his decisions.— Lord, " enter not into judg- ment with thy servant," upon his own works ; " for in. thy sight no living can he justified."
X. God is a swift witness. How exact is his knowl- edge of all things ! he is infinitely true and faithful. Solemnly, by subscription and oath, he attests the in- spired declarations of truth ; the glad tidings of great joy ; the record concerning his Son, — That in him there is eternal life for sinners of mankind, even the chief. In opposition to my wretched unbelief, he tes- tifies to my heart, I am God, even thy God, At the tre- mendous peril of calling, of attempting to make the God of truth a liar, a perjured person, do I, and do you children of men, hesitate a moment to believe \h.e joy- ful sound ? Your whole conduct he knows ; and ac- cording to his remembrance of it shall you be quickly judged,and your eternal state fixed. Even now, ye wick- ed, he testifies of your guilt by his judgments upon you ; by his word unto you : but suddenly he shall de- clare it to your face ; publish it to the world ; and has- ten your endless ruin. If God be my witness, what man- ner of person ought I to be " in all holy conversation and godliness ?"
8. God is compared to a captain, and called the Loud of hosts. It is his to levy, to march, to mus- ter, and manage every army upon earth. It is his to t, to arm, to strengthen, direct, and make all his creatures to fight against his enemies; and to protect Ms chosen subjects. He enlists his people under his banner of truth, and of love. He teachetli them the spiritual warfare ; gives them the whole " armour of righteousness, on the right hand and on the left !" and directs, encourageth, and enableth them to use it a- right. To every one he prescribes his proper station and work ; chuseth for them the field, and manner of conflict 5 safely he leads them on ; secures them from death ; heals their wounds ; procures them complete
35
victory ; and bestows on them an everlasting reward. — Let nie always follow hini, and fight under his protec- tion.
9. God is stiledaMAN of wak, or expert warrior. — With unbounded wisdom, equity, power, and courage, he manage th every temporal, every spiritual warfare on earth. His chosen people he conquers by the sword of his Spirit, and the power of his grace. His, and their enemies, he seasonably, secretly, suddenly, bold- ly, and furiously attacks, routs, and destroys. Thus he advanceth his honour ; extends his peculiar domin- ion ; protects his friends ; and enricheth them with his spoil. Against my corruptions, Lord, draw out the spear and shield ; stain ail thy raiment with their blood.
10. God is. likened to a giant ; because of his un- bounded might, bold courage, and awful terror. No creature is able, nor without infinite peril dares to op- pose him. With ease he dismays, discomfits, and ru- ins his enemies. Fearfully he often corrects his friends, and makes them to tremble under his hand. " Stand in awe/' my soul, " and sin not. Fear him that is able to cast soul and body into hell-fire ; yea, I say, Fear him ?" And be thou strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11. God is compared to an husband. By the invi- tations of his word, and exercise of his providence, he wooeth his chosen people. He enters into marriage covenant with them, and they become his. He dweils with, and in ikem, according to his infinite knoivledge and love. Other members of the visible chureh are united to him by external relation, and share of his common favours : but those he peculiarly provides for, counsels, comforts, protects,, and cherishes : nor doth he ever leave them, or forsake them. Is my Ma- ker my husband ! is the Lord of hosts his name ? the God of the whole earth may he be called.
12. God is compared to an husbandman (a). The^ (a) John xv, 1, Is. v, 1— 6«
universal frame of nature, the whole vineyard of his church, and outfield wilderness of this world, is of his plantation ; and is under his care and management. This he divideth, hedgeth, defends, plants with men, good or bad, as he pleaseth. According to the bene- fits he bestows, is the fruit he requires. In, the rich pastures of prosperity are many sinners, through their own corruption, fed for the slaughter of endless ruin. His own Son he planted in the barren soil of our na- ture ; raised him up a plant of renown, the growth, the branch of the Lord ; in death he cut him down, and trode him to dust, in the wine-fat of his indignation : he raised him again, and gave him glory ; that our faith and hope might be in God. At infinite expence of power, love, care, meritorious suffering, and divine intercession, he plants, he manageth, the- vineyard of his church. The stones of Heathenism, Popery, and like abominations, he gradually digs out. The wine- press of ordinances, he graciously erects* Her mem- bers he divides into their proper place and station. — With rules of government, and with his special pro- tection, he hedgeth her about. He sows her w7ith the good seed of his word, and plants her with his precious saints. Every one of these he forms into a fruitful field, and delightful vineyard for himself. By break- ing, by melting, and removing their hardness and obdu- racy, he digs out the stones of their heart : by con- vincing, enlightening and renewing influence, he ploughs up its fallow ground and sows therein the good seed of his grace. It is thine O Jehovah, to weed, to prune thy vineyard, by sanctified affliction, and sin- killing influence : to water it with the heavenly dew, • the blessed rain of thy word and Spirit : thine to purge the world, by rooting out, by lopping off the noxious, the Iuxurient transgressors ; and to water it with the drops of prosperity. Angels, ministers, and magistrates, are employed to labour in, cultivate, and protect thy husbandry. Thine all-seeing eyes are ev- er on i , to shew thyself strong in the behalf of them t
37
that fear tliee. But such as bring not forth good fruit, wilt thou give up to the stroke of thy wrath, and at last to the vengeance of hell fire. May I, Lord, be thy husbandry : plant ire in Christ ; sow to me, in his righteousness ; so shall I reap in mercy.
13. God is compared to .a shepherd a. He forms his people to be the sheep of his pasture. By his prov- idence, by his word, and chiefly by his Spirit, he gath- ers them out from an evil world that lieih in wickedness ; and feeds, refresheth, leads, heals, and protects them. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
14. God is compared to a guide b. The proper course of every creature he fully understands ; and di- rects them in their respective motions. His conduct is the most perfect pattern. It is his to recover his be- wildered chosen ; to bring them into the way thai lead* elh unto life ; to comfort, direct, defend, and keep them in it ; to reduce them from every wandering ; and at last usher them afely into everlasting glory and happiness. Is this, my soul, thy God, and thy guide even unto death ? Shall he guide me with his counsel
while here, and afterward bring me to glory ?
15. God is compared to a hunter c. How great is Ms activity ! he slumbers not, nor sleeps ; quickly his vengeance overtake th. his enemies; nor can any es-
i out of hi hand* His chastisements of Ms people severe, terrible, and disturbing—How often by in- I terrors, and outward troubles, has he hunted my soul as a lion I
16. God is compared to a builder d. In his e- er- urpose he wisely planned ; in time he skilfully
f >nred, the whole structure of heaven and eir:Ii, and all that is therein. Upon his own power and will he hud tie foundation. Gradually he finished, arid mar- vellously he connected, and adorned his work. Wise- ly he -ears up the body of every animal for its partic- use. In a gradual, a well-connected, comely, and
a Peal, xxiii. J. b Psal. xlviii. 1*, c Job x. 16. d Heb. iu. 4.
38
marvellous manner, he fashions the bodies and persons of men. By increasing their number and prosperity, he builds up particular families on earth. According to his eternal purpose, he raiseth up, strengthens, and embellisheth the nations : arid when they are corrupted and wasted with sin, he pulls them down, and rears up others in their stead. In his everlasting love, in the blood of his Son, he lays the foundation of our salva- tion, and of his church, and of the work of grace in his people's hearts. Gradually he carries forward the e- rection, till it be perfected in that endless felicity, that house eternal in the heavens, which he hath prepared and furnished for them that love him.
17. God is compared to a potter e. With infinite care and skill he formed all things according to his pur- pose and pleasure. In the most different forrys, and for the most different ends, he fashioned his creatures. Many of them he formed out of the clay and dust of the earth. Some angels and men he sovereignly ap- pointed to everlasting honour ; others, for their sin, to everlasting shame and contempt. At his pleasure, he disposeth of things, of persons, and nations ; and won- derfully he preserveth them amidst their native frailty and weakness. Never, my soul, say to him, Why hast thou made, why hast thou used me thus ?
18. God compares himself to a travailing womast/. In infinite tenderness to, and care for his children, he, after a while's patient restraint of the breath, the blast, of his judgments, cries aloud in his tefrible providences ; and to the confusion of his enemies, brings forth great deliverance to them, and rejoiceth therein. — Lord, ho?v excellent is thy loving kindness I
19. God is compared to an eagle g. How high his excellency and sovereign dominion over all things ! — How infinite his knowledge, and exact his observation ! How great his strength ! how eminent his duration, and care to provide for, uphold, cherish, and preserve his people ! By the exercise of his wisdom, his power,
els, Ixiv. 8, / Is. xlii. 14. g Deut. xxxii, 11. 12.
♦ so
Iiis goodness and truth ; by the agency of his provi- dence, and the accomplishment of his promise, He, as with feathers and wings, bears, covers, protects, and warms them. — My God thou hast borne and carried me from the womb, and from the belly ; and even unto old age thou art he : thou wilt bear, thou wilt carry, and wilt deliver me.
20. God is compared to a lk># fa How terrible O Jehovah, is thy majesty ! How unlimi y sove-
reignty ! How unbounded thy might to hy
foes, and to save thy children ! How shaking ! h alarming the voice of thy roan tie threafenings
of thy word, or the judgment* of ^hine kand ! How un- blemished thine equity, towards every creature ! How watchful! how ever open tiiiae eyes, to abserve all our goings, and advert to th rest ! lie that keeps
Israel neither slvmbers nor sleeps. HowT perfect thy hatred to those who indulge themselves in wolvish ty- ranny ; apish flattery ; or squint looks of hypocritical dissimulation ! O thy astonishing patience ! thy un- matched generosity ! thy unbounded mercy, to such as submit themselves to thy sovereign will ! thy - infinite readiness to reward the services done to thee ! But, ah thy hatred ! the terrible, the unrelenting rage of thy wrath against those who dare to oppose thee ! who dare to oppress,7 to injure thy chosen seed ! — -Consider now, my soul, lest he tear thee in pieces, while there is no deliverer.
21. God is compared to a leopard i. How infinite- ly comely and glorious. in himself how diversified his appearances to crqatures ! How fierce, especially al a long sleep of exercised patience, is his wrath against his enemies ! how he ohserveth their goings ! 'watch- eth for the evil to bring it upon them ! how often his judgment break forth an them before iliey are aware ! and what spiritual blindness ai:d everlasting darl" are their remediless doom !~With me, Lord, wait that thou mayest be gracious ; I died that thou may.
h Hos, riii. 7. and v. 14*. i Hos* xiii. 7.
40
est shew mercy : and because thou art a God of judg- ment, let me wait for thee.
22. God is compared to a beau bereaved of her whelps, and lying in wait k. How terrible, though of- ten slow, are his judgments ! how wisely his providence decoys these, who hate him, into destruction and ruin ! How astonishing his love to, and care of his people, whom, by the application of his infinite kindness in his promise, he forms into new, into perfect men ! How fearful his vengeance against those that hurt them, or seek to draw them from him ! In hell his mercy is clean gone, and he will be favourable no more ! Be- hold, my soul, the goodness and severity of God ! on others that fell, severity ; towards thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness ; otherwise thou shalt also be cut r.T,
23. God compares himself to a jmoth and rotten- ness I. Secretly, insensibly, and gradually, he often, by his judgments, wastes mens spirits ; their gifts ; their privileges ; and poverty ; eaid renders them use- less and contemptible.
24. God is called love in. O the incomprehensible and unbounded love of the three divine persons one to another ! O his kindness to all his creatures ! How full of love his heart, his purpose, his word, his work ; chiefly, the giving of his Son for arid to sinful men ! How' kindly he wills good to them ! doth them good ! and, delights in them ! — How high ! how extensive ! how free ! how powerful and conquering his love to my soul ! may it ever be shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost !
25. God is compared to light n. How infinitely glorious, pure, holy, pleasant, and incomprehensible, is his nature ! how clear a id unbounded his knowledge ! how unlimited his omnipreseice ! O the quick ap- proaching, the refreshful, the illuminating, discovering and directing influences, of his goodness and grace \
k Hos. xiii. 8. / Hos. v. 12. m 1 John iv. 8.
n 1 John i, 5.
41
Walk, my soal, for ever walk, in the light of the Lord,
26. God is compared to the sun o. O his unspeakable greatness ; his dazzling glory! his transcendent highness! He is the restful centre of all things ; the father and source of all tight, natural, gracious, or glorious ; all things are naked and open to him : and it is his to re- fresh, quicken, and support, his creatures, chiefly his chosen ; and to render them fruitful after their kind. He is always the same, and useful to the whole world : all his influences are bestowed without money, and without price. Yet, O your unliappiness who live far from him ! ye who live in the torrid zone of a natural, an infernal state, what tremendous power hath he to scorch you with fire! Uncreated Sun, now during our temporary night, we but see thee by the reflected rays of thy glory in creatures, in ordinances, in words, in works ; and though it be a da)r of grace to our soul, how clouds of guilt, desertion, dark providences, shear thy rays, and hide thee from our view ! — O for that eternal noon, when my sun shall no more go down, no more be hid ! but I shall for ever see thee as thou art ; shall for ever, enlightened and dazzled with thy brightness, bask and melt in the rays of redeeming Godhead ; till my soul be kindled into a pure, an end- less ftarae of love !
21. God is compared to firej&. O the infinite pureness, power, and awful, majesty of his nature ! How heart-warming, purifying, and softening, his in- flueace ! He is a consuming fire : how terrible the na- ture of his justice and wrath f how righteous, holy, tremendous, irresistible, quick, spreading, and destruc- tive his vengeance ! how suddenly his judgments break f jrth in an instant ! haw effectually they purge away his people's dross, while they fill their hearts with ter- tor ! how fearfully they consume the wicked ! and, as in a solemn day, surround them with horror.
23. God is compared to a clxab, heat after rain !
o Psal. lxxxiv. II, p Is. x. 17. Deut. iv. 24.
42
and a cloud of dew in harvest q. How refreshful, how nourishing, comforting, and fructifying, V^e saving influences of his goodness and grace, during, or after, our trouble ; how refreshful, ye Jev, s, was your deliv- erance from Sennacherib, after the fearful judgments of God on Egypt and Ethiopia ?
29. God is compared to a fountain r. O the puri- ty ; the perpetuity ; the self-existence of his nature and. influence ! O the mystery, not of his origin, but of his unorigination ! How sweet the fulness ! the refresh- ful, cleansing, and fructifying virtue of his influences ! How free ! how common ! how patent our access to re- ceive of his goodness, redeeming or natural ! O Foun- tain of living waters, it is thine to possess an infinite fulness of life, and of ever-fresh influence, in thyself : thine, to be the source of all created life, natural, spir-~ itual, or eternal ; thineto be ever communicating such virtue as begets, maintains, restore^, increases, and perfects Lfe in his creatures ; chiefly thy redeemed. O Fountain of life, because thou livest, I shall live also. .
30. God is compared to broad rivfrs s. By him, ye saints, are you, your situation, your blessings adorn- ed a:;d beautified : by him the air, your souls breathe in, is rendered pure and wholes ms : by him ye are completely defended from every foe : by him ye have full access to the profitable commerce of the celestial country : in Lim, how wide your prospect into eterni- ty : into things in heaven and on earth ! how inexhaust- ible his fulness to quench your thirst ! satisfy your de- sires ! refresh your soul, and purge away your filth ! Art thou Lord, my God, that caiisfielh, that sanciifi- eth me !
31. God is compared (g a rock f. How transcend- ent his height ! how immoveable his firmness ! The invisble in his nature, how visible in all his works i clearly seen by the things which he hath made i W
a refreshful and protecting shade to his people ! what herbs of precious hie -sings and healing promises ;•
q Is. xviii. 4. r Jer. ii. \X s Is. xxxiii. 21*
t Deut. xxxii. 4.
. 43
feed from him! what unsearchable aircl enriching
os of grace and glory, belter than gold, are in h£*P ?
at springs of comforting, of nourishing virtue, flow
from him ! — Be thou, Jehovah, my rock, to which 1
may ever resort : what time mine enemies are in
power, I will trust in thee.
32. God is compared to a shadow u. How sweet the safety, the refreshment, the secret happiness, wkr h his people find in him, and in the exercise of his perfections towards, and the accomplishment of his premises to them ! — Here may I hide myself, till all calamities be overpast.
33. God is compared -fc* & hiding-place, v. How invisible is his nature ! how hidden and mysterious are ills methods of protecting his people ! how great their secret comfort and happiness in him J how fully ins defence ot them preserveth them from every dan_ ger, e.iccurage*h their fainting heart, dispels their fears and disappoints their fees ! Lord, I flee to thee to Cover me ; hide the outcast, the criminal that files to thy refuge.
34*. God is compared to a refuge tj. In his per- fections, his covenant, his promise, his providence, what qj&xuited fulress cf sure protection from every danger, every enemy ! With what speed, assurance pfc welcome, ought every man te flee to him, through Christ, the new, the sole, the plain, the pave t way ! In hixn we may boldly defy cur adversaries ; and in i v. e must for ever abide : for O the fearful, ths able dagger of those, who, in tire moments of 'death, of judgment, are found without ! Lord, all that are far from thee shall perish. — en all refuge -e, when no man cares for my
f.3u^ then be thou " my refuge, my portion in the I of the living/'
God is compared to a strong-hold and for- tress x. In him is all fulness of spiritual defence, ar-
u PsaL lvih 1. v PsaU xxxii. 7, w Ps.xlvi. 1. x Ps» xviii. 2. 3.
&:our, and provision. It is imporsible to batter doTrs, scale, or u ndernune, the Eternal ; and with infinite hazard do any attempt it ; or to hurt these who are in him. It is only his to be the protestor of his people. Only those who ilee to him, share of his full security, and safe rest : and it is theirs to boast and glory of him ; and by his influence to fight against, and annoy their spiritual enemies, sin, Satan, and the world.
36. God is called his people's eewakd j« While they are unfit, unready, to defend themselves agai ;st the secret, the sudden attacks of their enemies, he kind- ly prote^ is their person, and maintains their cause. Cry, my coui, unto Gcd, " unto God who perfermeth all things for fne%"
3f. God is compared to a shield : his lave, favour, and truth, to a shield and uucrler z. Ills perfec- tions, his premise, his providence are especially useful In cbnger : they protect the whole man, chielly , w is most exposed ; and frcm the most eminent enemies, temptations, and troubles*, we a e thereby pro(:e ieu : By Go,;'- c:c hus f.-;.vciir, and/uIfiUiig his truth,
his faithful word; he not o ly oeiends from dangers, but embolden and §na&Ieth us, unhurt, to contend with our spi; itn. ! jfces. let me say of the Lord, " He is my shield a; d bii kler, my God in whom I \ trust: though an host encamp agai sl me, I will be confident in tl-is/5
38, Gad is compared to a wall, a \ or lie k a.
He is the great support, be uty, ai : 3ns
people en eve y c;de : he surround with his
mise, perfe (ions, and presence ; a m do -oil
ihe*r chambers of c f'inan es, ai d w . ing assem-
blies depend : with his be gn influer e, :<e erli ens and i rts of his peop'^ : v. ithfcis co$ja-
le, Km awful proie tion, he rende bold,
and fearless/ amidst their brutish a u- ene-
mies.
y Is lii. 12. % Gen. xV. 2. Psalm v, 12. and xci. 3. 4* f'Ezek. tu 41. Zech. ii. 5,
45
39. G-cd is compared to an habitation and dwell- ing place b. We enter into his favour, by Jesus, as our door, our way : In Inm are contained all our choice richps, and comfort : In a state of union to, and fellow- ship with him, we are safe from the scorching heat of divine wrath, the fiery darts of temptation, the cold of spiritual deadliest, and storms of trouble ; and enjoy complete pleasure, and rest to our soul ; with every thing comely and useful : here we have sweet fellow- ship with divine persons, holy angels, and ransomed men. — Thrice, thrice unhappy is our case, if we be without him ! we want every thing good ; and are ex- posed to endless danger, wandering and wo.
40. God is compared to a' portion and inheri- tance c. In infinite kindness, and through cur rela- tion to Jesus as our father, he is freely bestowed upon us : In himself he comprehends every thing necessary", useful, precious, or comely : The enjoyment of him supports, satisfies, enriches, ennobles, enables to use- fcilness in our station ; and how highly, O Jehovah, are we to esteem, love, delight in, and boast of thee ;
0 thou incorruptible, sweet, ever-present, infinite, ne- cessary, ali-comprehending, unmixed, unmatched, and everlasting portion of our soul- ! — " Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that
1 desire besides thee !"
41. God is called an exceeding great reward ; and exceeding joy d. Our enjoyment of him is the proper re ward of Christ's righteousness imputed ; and the gracious reward of our "holy obedience : He infi- nitely surpasseth every other privilege. Nothing, my soul, is worth tiiy joys, or lovely as thy God :. He infi- nitely transcend: our comprehension, and desert. He is the cause and object of such solid, pure, and spiritual joy, £3 in sweetness, usefulness, and duration, far ex-
. ceeds tlie jcy of child-binh, of marriage, of harvest, of victory, of f iendship, or of recovery of what had been
£ Psal. xc, 1. c Psal. xvi. 5. 6. d Gen, xv. 2, Psal. xliiw 4.
E21
m
lost. Rejoice, my soul, in*the Lord, and again rejoice* 43. God is compared to gold and silver e. How infinitely pare, precious, glorious, desirable, durable, useful, and enriching ! How glorious and honourable he renders every one that enjoys him ! how to them he answereth all things ! how he emboldens them to- wards himself : toward their conscience ; toward Sa- tan ; and toward a present evil world ! Be thou, O Almighty, ray gold, and I slmll have plenty of silver.
43. God is compared to a jasper stone f, which is either white ; or green, and spotted with red or pur- ple. O the excellency ! the glory ! the brightness ! the majesty ! and the refreshful influence of his nature, and countenance ! He is light itself, dwells in, and is clothed with it. How sweetly, how mysteriously, are all his perfections connected together, and contained in one another ! Thrice fair Original of all that is love- ly, be thou mine, my God, and my all in all.
44. God is likened to a red sardine stone g. How terrible his majesty ! How fiery his indignation a- gainst his enemies ! how severe his correction of his people ! No wonder my soul be, with Moses, afraid to look on God.
45. God is called the strength ; salvation ; hope ; and gl PvV, of his people h. He is the author, the fubsisnce, the mamtaaner, perfeeter, and end of their glory, salvation, and strength ; and the ground, the ob- ject, the cherislier, preserver, and perfeeter of their hope. Is Jehovah how my strength and song ? Is he also become my salvation ?
46. God's ju^ ice is called his sword h By it, with astonishing p an, he slaughtered the Son of his love : It reached even to his heart. Hs soul was amazed and very heavy ; troubled till he knew not what to say ; sorrovdul even unto death. By it, with tormenting pain, and often suddenly, he cuts oil his enemies. Thou bloody flaming sword, how wast thou sheathed
e Job xxii. 25. /Rev. iv. 3. g Ibid. h Is. xii, 2, and lx* 19. Joel iii. 16. i Zeeh. xiii. 7.
in a Saviour's heart for me>! — for poor, — for sinful,- worthless, — wretched me !
CHAP. II.
Metaphors respecting Christ.
1. CHRIST is compared to an angel k. As Medi- ator, he is his Father's servant, his principal attendant ; sits at his right hand ; is admitted into ineffable near- ness and intimacy with him ; clearly he always beholds, and with infinite pleasure and delight is he always be- held by him ; God's heart and eyes are on him con- timydly. It is thine, O Jesus, to excel in holiness, in activity, wisdom, and strength : thine to be sent on the principal errands of Heaven ; and to publish the most important messages of God to men. He is the great Michael, who is as the mighty God ; who saves, protects, and delivers his people ; and restrains and conquers his foes : the Angel that appeared to the an- cient patriarchs ; and was with the Hebrews in the wilderness. His having power over fire ', imports his absolute dominion over all the judgments of God, and the angry contentions of men ; and his coming in flam- ing fire, to take vengeance on them who know not God, and who obey not the gospel. His lightening the whole earth with his glory y imports his display of his shining excellencies in his righteous and fearful judgments ; and i 1 the spread of his glorious gospel.— Is it not thine, blessed Angel, to minister to me ; to encamp about me ? Am not I sanctified by God the Father, preserved in Christ Jesus, and called ?
2. Christ is compared to a man I. In the new cove- nant-transaction, he represarts only men ; under the Old Testament he ofien appeared in the likeness of man ; in his incarnation he partook of the commoa na-
h Is. lxiii. 9. Dan xii. 1. Rev. xii. 7- and xiv. 18, ar;i xviii. 1. /Zech. vi. 1%
tare of man; To represent him are the parts, {he ac- tions, the adjuncts, and relations of men, used in scrip- ture, times almost innumerable. His whole hod?/, sig- nifies his person, God man ; or his obedience and suf- fering in his human nature m. His having the ap- pearand? of brass, imports his firmness,- strength, puri- ty, and brightness n. His likeness to' amber, or rather a metal mixed of gold and silver*, imports the precio.u s- ness and shining glory of his person ; and the union of his two natures in it : or, if the word signifies a burn- ing coal, it denotes his infinite purity ; his being the brightness of the Father's glory; his flaming love to his people ; his burning zeal for their good, and his Father's honour ; and his fiery indignation against his enemies o. His having the appearance of a rainbow, signifies that he is the surety, the mediator, the head, the messenger, the all of the new covenant^. His having the appearance of fire, imports his awful and unspotted Godhead ; his warming, and enlightening his people ; his being a wall of fire to protect, and pil- lar of fire to direct and guide them cj. His body being like the asure beryl, denotes his excellency, precious- riess, heavenly giory, and brightness: or, if the sardo- nyx, a flesh-coloured stone be meant, it signifies his dwelling in our nature r.. His body, as distinguished from his head, denotes his church, which, by the neck of covenant union, of scripture, and of ministers, is unit- ed to him, directed, and nourished by him s. He is white, glorious, pure, and comely, in his divinity, his holiness, his exaltation, and love; and ruddy inhisman- liood,*his bloody suffering, his low abasement, and his tremendous vengeance t. His head as the most fine y the most solid and sliming gold, is his all-comely, exalt- ed, pre "ions, and durable Godhead, high dignity, and royal dominion over all u. But the filling of his head with the d'W\ and his locks with the drops of the nighty m Dan, x 5. n Ezek. xl. 3. o Ezek. i. 4. 27. p Ezek. i. 28. q Ezek i. 27. r Dan. t. 6. € Eph, u 22. t Song; v. 10* u Song v. 11.,
49
imports his manifold, his shocking, and perplexing suf- ferings for our sins ; and his enduring our innumera>- bie and provoking affronts x. His white hairs, denote his wisdom, his majesty ; and his being from everlast- ing God y. His bushy and black locks, import his un- charge ableness ; . his perpetual vigour, freshness, and beauty ; with the shining wisdom of his appearances and counsels z His eyes, denote his knowledge of all thiags ; his tender care and affection towards his peo- ple. These, like the eyes of doves washed with nvlk, and sitting on fulness, are pure, clear, comely, conde- scending, and fixed on his chosen bride ; are ever fix- ed on his own fulness of Godhead, and communicative grace ; on the fulness of time appointed by the Fa- tner ; and on the church, which is the fulness of him that filieth all in all a. These, like aflame of fire, are piercing, irresistible, and terrible to his enemies b. His lips and mouth, denote his authority and word; which, like lilies dropping sweet-smelting myrrh, are e, pleasant, savoury, glorious^majes'i , a::d conde- scending ; and do gradually, powe: fully, consta, ly, and gently, communicate his ever-fresh, his previous, his purifying, his souI-ref>es!iing, and pe 'fuming grace and glory <\ His cheeks like a b^d of spices, are the comely, delightful, refreshful Testaments of his \\ ' • ; and the ordinances of his grace ; the manifestation of his glory to us ; or his humiliation and suffering in our stearic?. His mighty voice like many waters, like the roaring of a lion, ot* the voice of a multitude, is the kw- ful, the important language of his word and providence ; which extends to every erd of the earth ; rerLeih the heart of men; brings manifold particular mec sa- ges ; is terrible to his enemies, and threatens thstn with sudden and fearful destruction e. His whole face and countenance^ a •-.? his manifestations of himself, in his person a d office ; which, like Hgfmting,™ve sur- x. Song v. % y R*v. i, 14. z Sone v 11,^ a Song v. 12. * Dan- x. 6 Re^. i. 14. c Song v. 13. d Ibid. e Rev. i. 15. and x. 3. Dan, x. 6.
pMsitt|J, majestic, ftiid awful : like the sun shining in his strength, are enlightening, warming, glorious, daz- zling and pleasant : are as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars, ever fresh, firm, romely, and delightful. But his face and visage as marred more than any man, im- port the dreadful suffering and shame which he en- dured in his nnman nature f.
His shoulders, denote his almighty power, his infi- nite wisdom, are, and love, which qualify him to bear our sins in his own body on the tree ; to bear our per- so .-rs to glory ; and to bear the change of government commuted to him by the Father #\ His arms like pQchfied brass, are his powerful, his glorious strength, p vxdenre, mercy a :d love h. His hands, are liis power, his operation, and bounty; which like gold- rings set with the beryl; are perfert, celestial, comely, and every way excellent ; and by which he appre- he >ds and holds fast his jewels, his se§d /. His
paps denote his comnuinicaftive, his all-nourishing, ful- ness of grare and yr\6mk. His bosom is his love, care, his special protertirijB ; his beiowrl of ejxiiSe t fellowship with ui.rrelf /. His belly-ov bo?v^s as br;ght ivory overlaid with sapphires, are his tender syni his boundless compassion; which, O how vahi\" htfw \){\ie aad unmixed ! how constant, urpi, and du ble! hoMr revivi g, refreshings ami love-exchirg m\ His heart, denocos his isost ende i^, and ten-
der regard n. H 's loins, are his fii d al-
migiity power o. His legs like pillars of marble set in sockets yf gold, de ote hisev hlity,:tos
pot the weight cation ; the weight of
new covenant con 'ens ; the weight of che per os, the sins; the punishments, tile care, the salvation of his, people ; a \d the weight of the glo y bestou el o \ erm hj tie F "uer ; and his sufficiency to t cave! the whole
/Dan.x 6. Rev. 1 16. Song v. 15. Is. Hi. 14. g Luke xv, 5 Is, x. 6 h Is. xl. 11. Dan. x 6. i Song v 14. k Rev. i 13. / Is. xl 11. m Sony v. 14, n Song viii. 6, o Dan. x. 5.
51
journey, and run the whole race of car redemptioa, set before him ; and to tread down his opposers with fury and ease/?. His feet, a^e his providence ; his va- rious motions in coming to this world, in travelling through suffering and wo, in treading the wine-press of his vengeance, and trampling down his obdurate foes ; which, like polished brass, are firm and deter- mined, glorious and pure ; and like^re or brass burn- ing in a furnace,, are awful and*, majestic to all, but de- structive and terrible to them that oppose him q — . His heel, is his holy, but created manhood, which Sa- tan bruised and afflicted during his humbled debase- ment ; and his people and followers, whom, while on earth, Satan bruiseth and afflicts by his manifold temp- tations r. His steps and goings, are his various ap- proaches, .towards incarnation in the likeness of sinful flesh ; his conduct, in fulfilling all righteousness, and receiving Ms glorious reward : .his manifold approach- es tow ards cur perse; s, in the influence of his grace ; his operations innumerable in managing the world s. His one foot on the sea, and the other on the earth, sig- nifies that all the creation, every thing troublous, or restful, is subject to his will, and under his care t.
His having a rainbow round about his head, imports his high estimation of the new covenant ; bis being ev- er mindful of it ; and in his whole conduct acting ac- ^ordi^g to the tenor of it u. His power, his glory, and zeal lor our salvation, and his Father's honour, are his beautiful garments, which adorn his person, and reider him fit for his work x. His linen garment down to the foot, is the universal purity of his admin- istration ; and the finished righteousness, which covers • both him and his seed?/. His being clothed nith a cloud, imports his tremendous majesty ; his incompre- sihle nature; 'and his gloomy and unsearchable providences. His glorious, his pure, and everlasting
p Song v. 15. q Dan. x. Rev. i. 15. and x. 1 r Gen. iih 15. s Psal. lxxxix* 5L and Ixviit. 24«, / Rev. x. 2, u Rev. x. 1. x Is. lix. 17« y Rev. i. 13. % Rev. x. 1.
52
power, faithfulness, equity, and love ; and his Father's commission, to be our priest and sovereign, are his gol- den girdle, by- which he is adorned and qualified for his mediatorial work a. His life, is his uninterrupted activity, with the fulness of grace and of glory, lodged in him, for us b. His meat, is the infinite pleasure he takes in honouring his Father, and saving his chosen c. His sitting at God's right hand, imports the firm se- curity, the unceasing continuance, of his high dignity ; his extensive authority, and his undisturbed rest d. His sitting on a cloud or white cloud, denotes the mys- terious, the awful, but pure, righteous, and glorious na- ture of his procedure e. His standing at God's right hand, and appearing in his presence, signifies his con- stant, zealous, and ever-prevalent intercession for us/. His standing among the myrtle-trees in the bottom, and at the right hand of the poor, and at the door of our heart, denotes his favourable presence with the Jews in their captive and distressed condition ; his presence with his people in their deepest afflictions ; and his readiness to help and relieve them ; and his readi- ness to enter into our soul, and his desire to be receiv- ed, by us g. His walking among the golden candle- sticks, imports his peculiar presence and delight in his churches ; his constant operations in them ; his un- ceasing supply cf them with the oil of his spiritual in- fluence ; and Ins unwearied snuffing of their corrup- tions/?. His walking with persons in a fiery furnace, represents his distinguished nearness to, comfort, and support of his people, under their heaviest and sharp-. est trials L His treading in the wine-press, and, staining his garments with red, imports his terrible and bloody victory over all his opposers, sin, Satan, the world, or death k. His travelling in the greatness of his strength, imports his gracious presence in every part of his
a Dan. x 5 Rev. i. 13. I John v. 36. Gal. ii, 20.
c John iv, 31 d Psal. ex. 1. e Rev. xiv 14. / Acts vii.
56 g Zech. i, 8. Psal. cix. 31. Rev. iii. 20. b Rev, ii. i. i Dan. iii. 25, i Is. lxiii. 1. 2. 3.
GO
church : and his display of the s of
his power and love, to save his and ruin their
s /. His having tL "writer's inkhorn by Ms side, to mark for safety the mourners in Jerusalem ; and his being over the men with the slaughter-pjeapons ; import his sovereign power to save alive or destroy ; his ten- der and exact preservation of his mourning saints ; and his supreme direction and management of the bloody ruin of his enemies m. Kis measuring the vis- ionary temple and city before Ezekiel, and shewing him the parts and ordinances thereof, import his pre- rogative to appoint every form and statute cf the church ; and to give men the ti*ue kn in.
His holding the stars in hi: right hand, imports fcis giv- ing ministers their cor ting them in their work o. His having I ririts of God, implies his full possession cf the divine Spirit, in his diversified gifts and graces^?. His' book in his hand, which he delivered to John to c and his opening the seven seals of God's book, Im; his manifesting of the secrets, the purpose?, and mys- teries of God, to men q.
Hv .is his church*; T
he builtand furnished ; which he rule" is, and
with re, dwells in r. His chambers, are his ordi-
nances ; his worshipping assemblies ; and his bestow- ing of intimate com i with himself s< ~nU green bed, is his ever-pleasant, 6
it, word, and ordinance [is table,
y denote heaven, ra-
tion, here he now is ; — iudea,
dnri t of his debas ; — or rathe: tLe ordi-
icesof the gospel, where he delight isheth hi6 friends u. His prov:. of Jlesh9 of hone?/, fnilks. water, or wine, is the blessings ofth :oveiiant ; himself, and his righl 33 ;
/Is. Ixiiu 1. wEzek. it. and x. n Ezek. xl. — -x!*iiuchap« 0 Rev. ii. L p. Rev, iii. 1. q Rev. x.and v. and vi, chap* r Song i, 17. * s Song 1. 4. t Song i. 16. u Song i, 12,—
F
his Father and fulness ; his Spirit and grace x. His ointments, are his fulness of Spirit and grace, which sof- tens our heart, and renders us pleasant and comely to God y. The kisses of his mouth, may denote his com- ing into cur nature and world ; rather the promises of his gospel, and manifestations of his love ; which mark his kindness and reconciliation to us ; inexpressibly de- light our soul, and enkindle our love to himself z. His * chariot of the wood of Lebanon, is his pure, his firm, his fragrant, and incorruptible manhood ; its silver pillar s^ are precious, comely, pure, and durable graces : its golden bottom, is his glorious, almighty, immu- table, inestimable, and everlasting God-head : its • purple covering, is his bloody suffering, and royal exal- tation : its mid-pavpne?ii of love, is his unbounded favor to his chosen, that inspired him to undertake for, obey, and suffer in their stead ; and which is the foundation of all their comfort and rest s-*-or this chariot may de- note his new covenant, his gospel, or church a. His 7ihite horse, is his pure, pleasant, and glorious gospel of peace ; by means of which he maris cut his greatness, marcheth through ?h. conquers, and enters the
hearts of his people b. His Low, his arrows, and sword, erful word, and ty influences, where-
by lie convinceth his choseyi, and subdues them to i self. I ig his i>&w ; shooting his arrows ; and
gir&ing :.r- sword on his High, denote his spirited e:;-
; grace c. His key of Da- vid, is his royal authority over ]xk church, to rule and cor; pired word, by
ichhe cpe::s our If, and opens for us
an e every d : the
the ]iea\ . Kis sharp sickle, is his
b he punish*
rUienatj .thers them to his
and to their eternal side e. D adored
x Prow ix. 5. Is. xxv. 6. Song v« 1. y Scpg L 3. — - % Song i, 2. a Song iii. 9- 10. b Rev4 vi. cl. c Rev. vi, % Psal. xlv. 3. 5.'J J Rev. ii:. 7 tea. *xii. 22, e V
jcrv. 1
55 ■
V).
Redeemer so resemble a man ? Call Iilrn then, my sou!3 no more Baali ; bat eail him Ishi, my main, my hus- band. Go thou with this man. Hide not thyself from thine own flesh.
3. Christ is called the man of God's right handf. By sole. Ei, J eiioyah consecrated him to his of* fice. By his infinite strength he supports him in it.
Eests the exceeding* greatness of
in the solvation of meti> And to* his right
1 he hath exalted him, to sit thereon, iili he make
his enemies his footstool. — O thouM&n of God, let
my life be precious in thy sight. Thus saith my soil?,
Com quickly? he thou ever at my right hand,
that I may never be moved*
4. Christ is of ecially by himself, called the son of man g ; to denote the reality of his human ns ,- ture ; his astonishing debasement t
delight in it.-— But did Geo 1 dwell with
dwell id manL h! Was he indeed the
mother called Mary ! and wen • hre i ai :re with us ! O what is
that God hath done for! — hath done to us!
5. Christ is " compared td an head A. His people, like hail rooted and grounded, and do grow up in h > purpose of God, they were chosen in
nant, they were represented by i. Ho is the great honour and beauty of, and &:- rns, and coi tent to, ail his
saints ; — who are joined to him by faith. It is his to add honor and dignity to, and to rule over his church, which is united to him by his word, his ordinances, t ministers. — Is this Carmd-like he*d, this lofty, pleasant, fruit ful, and all-exhibiting Immanuel ; this crhnson-lilcc, this sin-bearing, this suffering, this royal- ly-exalted Jesus, my one head ? my Lord, and my God ? , 6, Cliri 1 is called a Mediator, or days-man i. He is God and man in one person ; a truly middle person between God and us. How infinitely wise ! how peace-
/Psal, lx*r. 17. jRev.xiv. 14. hCo\. 1. 18. i iTim. ii 5.
56
md condescending ! how just! how merciful! fa Impartial, faithful, and well aflected towards both God men ! Jfocessarily chosen to i sconeuie his Father's honour with odi happiness, he effects it by satisfy] his offended justice \yiti ahteoasness and blood ;
by slaying cur enmity by his Spirit and love.— If I refme his mediation, a~n I not infallibly left to the se- verity of the broken latV, and incensed vengeance 'of God ? Kiss; receive, my £OuI3 ihe-Son, lest he be angry. Obey his voice ; beware of him ; provoke him not.
7. Christ is called a sukety k. At his Father's call, he5 from eternity^ became one with us in the eye of the broken law : kindly he undertook for us: infallibly he secured the full payment of that obedience and satisfaction which we ©wed to his Father's law and jus- tice. Ii!?:d to astonishment, he took oar whole debt upon himself, and erased our name from the bond : iihdly he r . ■, if thou, justice, admit me, let these go their way: what they owe thee, put it on mine account. — Never, my soul, go about to es- tablish thine own righteousness : never thus attempt to thrust Jecus' name from thy debt-bond, to in; thy own : never repine, that when I had nothing pay, he frankly undertook all ; aadin due time gave his life a ransom for many.
8. Christ is compared to a Father I. By his suffer- ings, the travail of his soul ; by his. resurrection from the deixl ; by the influence of his Spirit ; by the in- corruptible seed of his grace and word ; he, in our re- generation, begets us agr?i:: to a lively hope: his im- age he puts en us, and calls us by his new name. By Ms word -and Spirit he teachetfe, and guides us in the ■miy wherein we should. go. By his power, his angels, and "minister^ h< : cts us from daoger. With his " ro!>s2 of righ I ^rment of salva- tion.5J he cov^^f our nakedness, rns our person. With his flesh and blood \ obedience, and a- ionaxneiit, he refresheth and ncurishqth our soul : and for i e giveth us his fave, which is better than
I Heb.vii, 22. /Is. ir. 8.
57
xe, — -Thrice blessed Father of the fatherless, slay of the orohans ! when both father and mother forsake me, Jo thou tike me up.
9. Christ is called a testator m. In his unbound-
ismev, he^ as our Re-
deemer, irre ^annulled our obligation to the
broken law ; and before witnesses, before God, angels, and men, he, in the lattev-will o£ his blessed word, solemnly bequeathed to us his whole fulness, his pur-
sed blessings. By h h he confirmed; wj
his name he signed ; i spired records he regis-
;I; in the ordinances of the gospel he hes ;
its he. seals his donation: He himself, it, are the faithful execu- creof. — -Search, n^y sou!, the Scriptures, they (he Tan of a bleeding
Redeemer ; V to W
e; Can I, wi hout enraptur-
ing love, without : sins, his murderers,
think what he there oJ tome!
10. Christ is ce: arid htt^- rp ??.. Whh his ae, with infinite doni and prudence, fixed h
His friends and servant $ the blessed
Baptist, he sent before him to iiitiirsate his gracious de- signs. In the fiilness cf time,, he a I on: nature. To pay our debt ; to d mage with sin,, Satan, and the broken law; toco and day our I foes ; to prepare for himsei ding garment of eve j righteousness \ — -he laid down his life. In the gospel he demands and wooeth our heart. Notwithstanding on birth, our froward- temper, our loathsome appearance, our brutish igno- rance and folly, our poverty- weakness^ unworthiness,. cur infamous eh: :ries without number, we do him, he, to the endless admi- ration of angels and men, intimates his love to us, o£ fers and presents himself for our spiritual husband. lii. fl?.Heb, ix. 15; 16. n Math, rsj, 6. 2 Cor. xi. 2*
58
the promise, he proclaims his intention of marriage : with unmatched earnestness and patience, he invite?, he intreats, he urges our heart to accept him. With the n of our absolute necessity.; of his own ex-
cell: is high dignity ; his unfading comeliness ;
his unsearchable riches ; his dying, his giving, his al- mighty love,— he enforceth his suit. The love-tokens of ordinances, of common spiritual operations, being given, he, in the moment fixed by his ancient pur- pose, breaks our union to the broken covenant/ to our Iijgts, to Satan3 and to a present evil world. With pleasure and joy he unites, he espouseth us to himself; h ns an interest in his person, and all that he hath ; hd arrays us with the robes of his righteousness and grace ; he forgives our offences ; he covers our infirmity; pplies our need. Kindly and pru-
t s with, cherisheth, delights in, defends* Eh, ennobles, and favours with due direction, f. At last, with solemn pomp, and lie transport? ns, without spot or an\ siich thing, into his celestial rc; that J b? e"e:* with him, to behold his glory,
e him, by seeing him as .-Listen, ye children of men, M all things are ready, rriage. See that ye refuse not hiiu , "from heaven, My fee* : 'hie."
: HEIR, Of FIRST-B0RH CI.
f God. He hat:
[e right to his rati: . He is the support, the honour of ■|v, in 1 or in earth. Him hath his Father
m&iy ei)feoff©d in all that he hath, and blessedhim akov iessing and praise. It is his to portion out
evej ture, chiefly his ransomed brethren and sis-
ters of men ; and out of his fulness do roe all receive, end '-race fir grace. — For ever, in ail things, let him
*Heb. i. 12. Col.i. 5.— 18,
59
have the pre-eminence. Ah ! alas ! that he was so lately born in my heart!
12. Christ is compared to a brother b. He is a true descendant of Adam, and wears the same human nature with us. O how he loveth, how bound, how ready to teach, to help, relieve, and protect us ! Nor, however 'worthy, exalted, aiid honourable he be, is he •ashamed to "own his fraternal relation to us. How pleased in converse, in fellowship, in familiar intimacy with us! He is a brother born for adversity : in days of tribulation, he shews the most distinguished kind-
s ; he affords the most speedy and signal relief. — ver, O Possessor cf all fulness, shall thy bowels suf- fer me, thy base, thy sinful, thy indigent brother, to perish for want ! Jesus, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise ; thy Father's children shall bow down be- ? thee. When I find thee without, in this evil world, let me kiss ; let me embrace ; let me openly avouch thee ; let me bring thee to my mother's housey lo the chambers of ihzX church that conceived me.
13. Christ is compared to a fsie^dt. In no wise his people be without him. Infinitely he loves
m ; tenderly he sympathizeth with them, O the
countless, the astonishing, the gracious words, and
:s, by which he sheweth them his kindness! How
wisely he considers their case ! With his love, that
io evil : with his imputed atonement ; he
;ednes£, and conceals our infirmity. It
lot thtne, adored Redeemer, to say; Be warmed and
t \o give what is needful, even above all that
mn ask cr think, it is thine, to warn us of 'our
danger ; to reprove our mistakes : surely thy smiting
head, but be a precious oil to me.
It is thine, to help us in trouble .; to turn ail our bed
:ess ; to comfort us when cast down. la
death, and at the awful bar, it is thine to stiek closer
to us than a brother : though all men forsake us, yet
wilt not thou. It is thine, rather to die for us, than to
h Scpg viii. 1. c Song v, 16>
GO
deny us in any wise ; — it is thine to solve our doubts ; to give us counsel in perplexity ; to allow us frequent messages of thy love.; to impart to us, the secrets of thy providence, thy covenant : — thine to delight in cur, ah thrice-unworthy company: It is thine always to seek our true welfare ; to be highly grieved when we slight thy favours ; to count them, who hate us, thine enemies, and avenge them as such. — " This is my be- loved and my friend, O ye daughters of Jerusalem. 5? Let me shew myself friendly-; mine own friend, and my Father's friend, my soul, forget, forsake thou not.
14. Christ is a Liwoiv^R a. He gives law to eve- ry creature in heaven and on earth. All the laws of inspiration derive their origin from him. It is only his to enact statute? of 'doctrine, worship, discipline and government, for his visible church. It is his to give ns the law of faith, fulfilled not by doing, but by be-, lievingon him that justifieth the ungodly ; to give us the moral law, without an annexed sanction of eternal life or death ; to give us the new- commandment to love one another. And from regard to his authority, must we, ransomed subjects, obey ; for, though dead to the law, as a covenant, we are not without law to God, but under the huv to Christ, O Jesus, " how love I thy law ! it is my meditation all the day.55
15. Christ is called a king a. As God,, he hath a natui 3 over all; as Mediator, he hath
m " all power in heaven and on earth." It, prescribe rules, for his kingdom of the church, and see to the execution thereof. It is his to erect, in, and order his kingdom ; his to subdue to : ".self, to pardon, to rule, honor, reward, -and protect his people ; and to observe, restrain, conquer, and pun- ish, hie and their enemies, a6 is good in his sight. In his hands is the power and oi-po?al of our life and deatj Ltual, temporal, or eternal His special king-
dom is the church visible and invisible, militaiiL or tri- umphant. His'gaiace is the celestial mansions, the
a Rev* ix. 2 J. b Psali ex. 5. Rev. xv. 3, and xix% \6*,
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gospel-church, nay, every sanctified heart. The new covenant, the true church, the ordinances of the gos- pel, are his royal chariot and bed of state. The Fa- ther's right hand, the airy clouds, the ordinances of his ■worship, the hearts of his people, are his stately throne. The oracles of inspiration, are his useful, his unblem- ished, his binding lams. The promises and thfest- nings, With the execution thereof, are his golden tod iron sceptre, whereby he manifests his favor and wrath. The Holy Ghost is his royal seal, which distinctly marks and secures what is his. The high dignity* the amazing glory, the various offices bestowed on him by his Father, the honors ascribed to him by his mother the church, are his everlasting, his golden, his many crowns. The service of every creature, the praises of angels and men, are his revenue royal. Gospel minis- ters are his watchmen, deputies, ambassadors, and her- alds. Every creature, chiefly angels and saints, are his army and honorary guard. Truly, O Jesus, many kings " have done virtuously but thou excellest them all." It. is thine to form thy subjects in creation; to make them anew in regeneration ; to need nothing from them ; to be anointed by God himself; to pos- sess an universal dominion. It is thine to be infinitely wise, mighty, merciful, patient, peaceful, honourable, unchangeable, immortal. Have I, my soul, seen this King in Ms beauty ? Have I beheld his goings in the sanctuary ? Have I felt his powerful voice, and mighty arm, in my heart ? do I think, do I " speak, of the things that concern the King ?" Is my tongue " as the of a ready writer ?"
16. Christ is a counsellor a. O his infinite digni- ty, wisdom and prudence ! He is the hi e of IJeaven: entirely acquainted with all the se- crets. Nor is any thing transacted by his Father, without his express concurrence. In harmonious con- cert, with his adored Father, and blessed Spirit, he ised, he fixed, the whole plan of our redemption,
a Is* ix, 6.
fend every concern thereof, without ever needing as- sistance from the wisdom of creatures. His whole conduct is infinitely reasonable and wise in itself, though often dark and mysterious to created, chiefly to
:.al, reason. It is thine, O Jesus, to advise and di- rect us in every hard and intricate case ; to acquaint us savingly with the laws, the statutes, the gospel- edicts, of Heaven. It is thine to shew us the weakness or validity of our claim, and of -our evidence of right to the inheritance above ; — -thine- to manage every im- portant concern of our spiritual marriage, our peace, or prosperity, to thy honour and our endless advan- tage.—Shall / bless the Lord, that gave me counsel y and made my reins to instruct me, in the secret watch- es of the night !
17. Christ is represented by the prince in EzekieFs last visions b. By his own righteousness, and as the sovereign head of the church, he alone enters into the temple, the presence of God. How extensive is his dominion, and redoubled his glory in heave i and earth ! Under his evangelic, his millennial reign, magistrates, ministers, and people, do justice; vole righteousness, and cheerfully exert themselves, and their Substance, to promote his honour. It is his to bear the whole expense of offerings for his chosen subjects :— His to offer himself an nSce ; and to enable them
to offer their persons and service, living and accepta- ble sacrifices to God: — His to cause his own person sa- crifice, and fulness^ to be din >itedi, ard spirit- ually received, on every proper and solemn occasion. He is alway in the \ people/ iem
m every fee; sympathize with ! every trou--
■ supply them with eve ; i ssist
them in every holy service ; at :een
and enjoyed by . lie g< 0 the
thrtoe ef grace,, to i At peti-
the house ( 0 green
tures ; in to the s ee^vis, to shew them
b Ez«k. xliir. 1, % 3, and xlv. 7.— 25« and xlvi. 1.— 18.
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what and ^iose they are. He goetli out with the)% from ordinances, to give them his Spirit, to bring to their remembrance what he said to them ; to preserve them from an evil world, and keep them from falling : and to go out with them at death,- to usher them into the inheritance of the saints fn light. Whatever he bestows, is out of his own immense fulness. What is given to slavish and formal professors, he will in wrath take from them : But what is bestowed on his genu- ine children, shall abide with them for ever.
18, Christ is compared to an ambassador a. In the name of Jehovah, the great King, whose name is dreadful among the Heathen, he came personally in the flesh ; and, in the gospel, still comes spiritually to our world. With infinite v> isdom, untainted faithfulness, unspotted integrity, and tender affection to God., and to men, he solemnly proposes the terms, lays the foundation of, and completes the blessed treaty of ev- erlasting peace and friendship ; of spiritual marriage and traffic, between his almighty Father, and us sin- ful, rebellious, and sell-ruined men. Think, my soul, how it grieves him, nvlien his proposals are slighted ! how he leaves tbe despisers to wonder and perish, un- der the fury of his Father's just vengeance 1 to whom, at the end, he will deliver up the kingdom, and ren- der an exact account of his management a id success. — If this Ambassador of peace weep bitterly; if by tears, by groans, by blood, by death, he beseech me to be reconciled ,unto God ; O my soul, beware of him; obey ]iis voice ; provoke him not ; He will not pardon my wilful, my final, transgressions ; for my Father' name is in him.
19. Christ is a judge b. In his Father's name and authority, he, with unlimited wisdom, impartial equi- ty, almighty power, and. undaunted courage, main- tains the honour of the divine law, and the peace and order of his subjects. By passing and executing prop-
a Is. xlix. 3.-8. % Cor. v. 18, 19, 20, Is, liii. 15, lh 15. * John v. 22. 3 Tim. iv. 8.
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er and seasonable sentences, he renders himself infi- nitely terrible to offenders. It is his to. recognize ev- ery man's deeds, and to reward or revenge, as they are good, or bad. Now, every conscience, every church ruler, is deputy under hira. At the last day, every man, every 3 angel, shall be publicly arraigned
at his decisive U )u; laj. By the- testimony of God and of their conscience, shall he fully evince ; and openly shall he cleclar^ what they have been, or done. Ad- cording to H righteous law, shall he pronounce an ^ execute aeir sentence ; dismissing the wicked into ever j ~ ' \ but the righteous into life eter-
nal.— M ye obstinate transgressors, u be-
hold, he cor h clouds ; every eye shall see him,
and they also which pierced him : all the wicked kin- dreds of the earth shall wail because of him. No?v, now is the accepted time ; now is the day of salvation : now embrace him as your offered, your all-sufficient Saviour; so shall ye be for ever delivered from him, as your angry Judge. If you neglect this, how shall you " abide the day of his coming, in flaming fire, to take vengeance on all them that know not God, and lot the gospel ?'5 Lift up thine head, my soul; u Ise is judge but Christ. Will he, who
bare my sins, plead against me in judgment ? " No ; but he will put strength in me. I know in whom I have believed ; and that he is able to keep that salva- tion of my soul, which I have committed to him, against that day."
2®. Christ is an advocate or. According to his Fa- ther's appointment, he openly invites sinful men, par- ticularly his children, to commit their spiritual causes into his hand. Kindly, freely, readily, and often un- derfed, he undertakes them, as far as equity permits. With infinite skill, rue ^ity, faithfulness, boldness, care, and success, he pleads them at his Father's bar, notwithstanding all that a broken law, a malicious de- vil, r conscience^ can alledge to oppose hi
a 1 John ii. 1. _
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resisting on the unanswerable plea, ol his finished right- eousness, of his own and his Father's honor, love, prom- ise, his intercession alway prevails, obtains the gracious pardon of every crime, the full, claim to, and perfect possession of, all that grace, and that glory, allotted and established by" the laws of the new covenant. — Hail, my soul, Jesus " is able to save me to the utter- most ; seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for me" Let me intercede for myself, and others, with groanings which cannot be uttered.
21. Christ is the captain of salvation a. By his Father's commandment, he, in the display of his hon- or, his valour, his wisdom, faithfulness, and strength, cheerfully, openly, and boldly proclaimed war with sin, Satan, and a carnal world. Armed with zed, with righteousness, with power and wrath, he, in his incar- nation, his death, resurrection, ascension, his spiritual and second coming, fights with, conquers, and spoils fhem ; enriching his friends with the prey. It is thine, O Jesus, with the sword of the Spirit, which is* the word of God, with the gospel-arrows, of deep conviction, of saving illumination and heart-melting influence, to sub- due thy people, and make them willing in the day of thy power. It is thine, to cause them to enlist under thy banner, and take hold of thy covenant : — Thine to teach their hands to war, and their fingers to fight, with principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places ; and to mortify the deeds of the body, and crucify the flesh, that they may live : — Thine to array them with the military robes of thy righteousness and grace, and to equip them with the whole armour of God. It is thine to appoint each his particular station and wori, and direct them to watch, march, attack, or retreat ; to watch against temptation ; lust against the flesh ; resist the devil ; or flee ijouthful lusts. It is thine to encourage their heart, with the hopes of vic- tory, and of an exceeding great reward. Thine to pro- vide their spiritual provision ; to shew them the ene- a Heb. ii. 10. Rev. xix. 12.— 21. Is. lv. £
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my ; prudently discover their force, and point out their stratagems. It is thine to protect from the fiery darts of the devil, and keep from evil, that it may not grieve them. Thine to lead on to the attacks ; and to suc- ceed, prefer, reward, or correctjas is good in thy sight. It is thine to purchase, to bestow, to promote, and maintain our everlasting salvation ; and to punish with unsupportable ruin, such as refuse thy terms of peace, or decline to enlist in thy bands. — In all my spiritual warfare, let me set the Lord continually before me : let me stand still, and see his salvation ; " and follow after him, only to spoil."
22. Christ is a leader and guide a. . By his di- vine providence he directs all things. In the wilder- ness of a natural state, and of a present evil world, he meets with his chosen. In their regeneration, he con- verts them from the error of their way ; makes them to enter in at the strait gate ; and brings them into himself, the way that leadeth unto life. He abides with, comforts, assists, goes before, and shews a pat- tern to them ; and by his word and Spirit directs them in every case, till they enter into the joy of their Lord. Rejoice, my soul, — he shall guide me in a right way ! thy way to him commit ; he shall bring it to pass : with him I shall walk, and not be weary ; I shall run, and not be faint*
23, Christ is called a prophet and teacher b. In consequence of divine appointment and furniture for his work, he, by his word and Spirit, faithfully and in- fallibly reveals to men his Father's will ; chiefly, what relates to a future state, and the way to it. How un- bounded, and exact, is his knowledge of the divine mind. It is his to have " compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way :" with astonish- ing patience and care, freely to teach them the mys- teries of the kingdom. It is his to inform his people, how to cleanse themselves from iniquity ; how to avert divine judgments ; how to war with their spiritual foes, a Is. lv. 4. b Acts iii. 22. Johniii.
w
and to assure them of success therein. It is his to solve all their doubts ; and speak a word in season to them that are weary. It is his to confirm his mission with miracles, obvious to the world ; and with al- mighty influence, felt by the heart. It is his to ap- point and qualify every true teacher in his church. And ah the fearful doom, that awaits such as neglect to attend his instructions ! O ye sons of men, whether you hear, or whether you forbear, you shall know that a prophet was among you ! — God forbid that our Proph- et should be without honor in his own country.
24. Christ is the interpreter, cue among a thou- sand a. To his children he explains the secrets of his covenant ; the mysteries of his word ; the deeps of his
"nature, person, and purpose ; the wonders of his prov- idence. By him they are made to understand, when, and what, the Lord speaks to them ; and taught to ex- press the language 01 heaven in prayer, praise, and ho- ly conference. — -When, O Jesus, wilt thou privately explain every parable to me ? When wilt thou nn- teach me this Ashdod-like jargon of carnal and unknown words ? and turn to me a pure language ? O when shall this Babel-like strife about words entirely cease in the church and world ; and men " serve the name of the Lord with one consent."
25. Christ is called the faithful and true witness bs Being divinely called, he, with the utmost fidelity and clearness, declares to men the whole truth of God, ne- cessary to be known, and nothing else. Solemnly he confirmed it, by his own, and his prophets' and apos- tles' miracles, almost innumerable. Solemnly he con- firmed it, by his own suffering and death. Solemnly he confirms it, by his oath and sacraments ; by the testimony of his Spirit to men's conscience, and by the attesting course of his providence in the world. And according to thy declarations, O Jesus, shall we be judged at the last day.— Shall I reject the attested promises of God ?— My soul, dost thou now believe ?
a Job. xxxiii. 23. b Rev. iii. 15* Is. lv. 4>.
6S
26. Christ Is called the apostle, or missionary of our profession a. Solemnly hath God called thee, O Redeemer ; and wonderfully hath he qualified thee, to make a clear, complete, and infallible revelation of his will to men, as the standard and rule of their re- ligious profession. It is truly thine to confirm thy mission and doctrine with miracles, benevolent, great, and many ; to confer the Holy Ghost, by laying on of thy hands ; to be equally concerned with all the churches ; and to be properly succeeded by none in thy office. It is thine to frame, to found, and order the gospel-church ; and to be the author, matter, and end, of our whole Christianity. — My soul, consider him ; let him be thy meditation all the day.
27. Christ is called a eisiiop, overseer, and minis- T£it b. For the welfare of his church, he overseeth, watchcth over, preacheth the gospel to, instructs, gov-
is, and intercedes for, his people. He is the bishop nf souls ; he searcheth the heart, and trieth the reins; lie instructs, governs, and corrects the souls of men ; doth a visible profession, but real inward grace* constitute any the sheep of his pasture. He is called the mhdster of the sanctuary. How near he approach- eth to God ! intercedes in the holy place above ! and at last will, for ever, remain the only minister of the church. He is called the minister of the circumcision. In his debased state, he preached to few but circum- cised Jews.— Am I returned to this shepherd and bishop of souls ? Am I of the true circumcision, who worship God in the spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and liave no confidence in the flesh ?
28. Christ is called a priest c. Taken from among vien. with respect to his humanity, he is solemnly call- ed of God, and furnished with all necessary gifts and :e, to give himself a sacrifice of infinite value, to fy divine justice, and reconcile us to God ; and. to :e continual intercession for us. His golden altar a Heb. Hi. 1. b 1 Pet. ii. 25. Heb. viii. 2. Rom. xv. 8* „ •^Heb. iii. 1. and vii; 2J, Rev. viii, 3, 4, 5. Ezefc. x. 7.
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is himself, his own precious and divine nature. The much incense, wherewith he offers up the prayers of all saints to God, is his own merits and intercession. His " taking fire from the altar, or from between the cherubim5, and casting it on the earth," imports that the contempt of his person and finished righteousness, is the great cause of vengeance ; and he hath the man- agement of all the fiery judgments of God sent upon apostate churches. He is made priest with an oath : for his encouragement, and for our comfort and sted- fastness in the faith of his righteousness and interces- sion, God hath, in the most solemn way, ascertained the eternal duration of his priesthood. He is spriest of good things to come : his purchase and intercession chiefly relate to the good things, the spiritual privi- leges enjoyed in the evangelic and eternal state of the church. He is " the High priest of our profession,15 our only Mediator whose sacrifice and intercession are the whole sum and substance of the gospel. He is a great High priest altogether unparallelied in the dig% nity of his person, office raid work.
29. Christ is called the breaker that is gone r? a. In the greatness of his wisdom and power, he, in counsel of peace, came vp, and engaged for us. In his incarnation, he came up, and assumed cur nature. In his life, and in his death, he came up, and obeyed the law, and satisfied the justice of God in our stead. In his resurrection, in his ascension, he went up, and took possession of everlasting felicity in our name. In his intercession, he stands up, as our advacate, to " appear in the presence of God for us.'5 At last he will break through and come in the clouds. Even now he breaks through, and comes up, in the offer and application of his grace. Having, through manifold impassable-like paths, broken up a new and living way, to eternal happi- ness, he breaks the head of Satan, by destroying his power ; breaks off our chains of darkness ; removes pur guilt and corruption ; brings us out of cur spirits
a Mic. ii, 13,
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$1 prison of blindness and bondage. By conviction and illumination, he breaks up the fallow-ground of our heart. By the almighty influence of his love, he breaks the power of our enmity and rebellion. With heavy chastisements, he often breaks the spirits of his people. And with unrelenting strokes, and unceasing storms of wrath, he breaks to pieces his incorrigible foes. — Re- joice, my soul, for I shall go up and pass through ; and the Lord on my head. Break all things as they will, never shall I be broken off from him.
30. Christ is compared to a master and lord a. With infinite expense, tenderness, skill, and authority, he erects his church ; and provides for her every thing necessary. He instructs, adraonisheth, and cor- rects his people ; assigns them their respective work and reward. It is his to be heartily chosen, highly feared, loved, honored, and served with faithfulness, and singleness of heart. — Let me, call no man master ; for one is my master, even Christ : he is my Lord ; O my soul, worship thou him.
31. Christ is compared to a minister of state, a treasurer, and steward b. To him hath the Fa- ther committed all power in heaven and earth ; and given him to be head over all things to the church. In- to his hand is given all the fulness of grace and glory, to be distributed by him to sinful men, according to the manner prescribed in the purpose and covenant of God. On him the happiness of creation, chiefly of his body the church, doth depend : and to him we mu?t apply in every time of need. With infin'te prudence^ with unspotted fidelity, he manageth and dispenseth every thing committed to his charge. In the end, he will render to God an honorable account of it ; and be rewarded with everlasting glory and greatness. — My soul, cast all thy ir- care upon him ; for he careth for thee;" and will give thee thy portion in due feason.
32. Christ hath the key of j:avid c. He " openeth a John xiii. 13. b John iii. 35. Col. i. 19. Psal. hviii.
18. Hetfc iii, 2* c Rey. iii, 7i Is, xxii, 22«
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and no man shutteth ; and shutteth, and no man open- eth." He hath the key of knowledge ; he knows all his people's persons, cases, and cares : he understands the scriptures, and appoints others to explain them. He hath the key of authority, and government in his church ; he fixeth ordinances, bestows gifts, and dis-^ penseth blessings as he pleaseth. In spite of all op- position, he opens the scripture ; spreads the light and knowledge thereof : he opens a door of opportunity to preach the gospel, and gives ministers a door of utter- ance therein ; and opens the heart to receive the in- grafted word, to the saving of the soul. It is his to open the door of the church, and admit his chosen sheep, adding daily " such as shall be saved/' It is his to open the door of heaven by his blood, and bring his saints into that glorious place. Notwithstanding every contrary attempt, it is thine, O Jesus, to shut up the scripture, and render it a sealed book ; to shut out the gospel, by forbidding to preach it ; to shut the heart, by giving it up to the powrer of its corruptions ; or having entered thyself, to shut out thy rivals in hell or in earth ; and at last to shut the gates of happiness against thine obstinate despisers. It is thine to shut up men in trouble, spiritual or temporal ; and to re- lieve them therefrom, at thy pleasure " O bring my
soul out of prison that I may glorify thy name." Shut he my heart to every temptation ; to every vanfty ; to every lust.
33. Christ is compared to an husbandman, or mas- ter of a field, or vineyard a. With the inestimable price of his blood, he purchased the field, the vineyard of his church. He hedgeth it about with discipline and government. Every one in, or about it, he placeth in his proper station. AH his people, chiefly his min- isters, he appoints to labor in, and watch over it. By convictions, he digs and ploughs it. By gospel-offers and gracious influences, he fattens it. With his full flood of divine doctrines, and spiritual grace, he wa-
a i-uke xiii, G*r- 9.
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ters it. By cutting off unruly professors, by death, or by church-censure ; by purging out unruly lusts, and Irregular practices ; oy means of sanctified afflictions, good laws, and gracious influences, he prunes and weeds it. With infinite pleasure he reviews, walks in, watcfreth over it, and patiently waits for the fruit of it. His ripe saints he cuts down, transports them
M to his celestial barns, and store-house ; while he casts the w icked tares into unquenchable fire. The chief honor of the whole management, he claims for him- self; but allowrs a proportionate reward to his minis-
. ters, his people. — Be thou, my soul, the vineyard of the Lord of hosts ; and be my graces his pleasant plants.
34. Christ is compared to a sower a. With infU nite care and skill, he casts abroad the good seed of his wrord in the visible church. Partly it falls upon inattertive sinners, who, like the wayside, give it no reception, not so much as into their memory and judg- ment : part of it upon stony ground, upon obdurate and hard-hearted sinners, who, though at first some- what affected, quickly wither and return to their wonted unconcern : part of it among Hhorns, upon sin- < ners under the power of carnal cares, which choke and render it unfruitful : part of it upon good ground, upon renewed hearts, which, in different degrees, bring forth abundant fruits of righteousness, to the praise and glory of God. After ploughing our heart by con- viction and trouble, it is thine, O Jesus, to cast into it the good seed of thy grace ; thine, by repeated influ- ence, to water and harrow the soil. — Justly dost thou Seal!, and look for our precious fruits ; justly dost thou reckon thyself honored, when evangelical truths, gra- cious influences, and special providences, make us te abound in the wTork of the Lord. — O thy long-suffer- ing patience, and kind waiting for our repentance !— . But ah the vengeance, that shall at last overtake such as are obstinate and barren! Aks! wrhat tares ofhy- a Matt, xiiit 3.-8. 24,-32,
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pocntes, Satan sows in thy church ! What tares of sin- ful inclinations and practices are in our heart and life ! But we look for a time, when these dissemblers shall be utterly destroyed. — Hasten, my soul, unto the coming of this day of God.
35. Christ is compared to a shepherd a. The Fa- ther hath appointed Him to oversee his people, the flock of his pasture, to seek and save them when lost. In the wilderness of a natural state, on the mountains of vanity and guilt, he seeks them out, follows after, and apprehends them by the word and power of his grace : with joy and gladness, he lays them on the shoulder of his almighty love ; bears them into a new covenant state ; carries them through a present evil world ; and, notwithstanding their weakness and frow- ardness, bears them at last to his heavenly fold. Ex- act, O Savior, is thy knowledge of them, in their per- sons, their state, and case. It is thine, to mark the sheep of thy outer pasture, thy visible church, with a semblance of sanctity ; and those of the inner, the in- visible church, with thy real image and Spirit in the hidden man of their heart. It is thine to feed them with knowledge and understanding, upon the green pastures of thy person, thy relations, covenant, right- eousness, and love. It is thine to preserve them from the unwholesome pastures of false doctrine, sinful cor- ruption, and carnal care. It is thine to gather the weak lambs with tlty arms, and carry them in thy bo- som ; and gently to lead those who are burdened in spirit ; and are with young ; concerned to convert oth- ers to thy way. It is thine to gather thy chosen into the fold of the visible church, and of intimate near- ness to thyself. In the scorching noon-tide of persecu- tion, of temptation, or of prevalent corruption, it is thine to give them rest, under the shadow of thy pow- erful protection and love ; to cause them to lie down in the green pastures, and beside the still waters of re- freshful ordinances, redeeming kindness, and gracious a Is. xl. 11. Heb.£iii;20.
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influence. By exposing, by giving thy life for them ; by applying thy righteousness ; and by exerting thy providence, in their defence ; it is thine to shelter them from every storm; to save them from every de- vourer ; and preserve them from destruction : It is thine, tenderly, and with infinite exactness, to observe their condition, watch over, and keep them, that none may ever be lost : It is thine to follow after, and by power and love reduce them from every wandering; kindly to pluck them out of every fearful pit, and mi- ry clay, and wash from their filthiness in the streams of thy blood, thy Spirit. It is thine^ to heal their grievous, their unnumbered diseases ; to restore their soul when faint ; and lead them in a way that is right. By church-censure, he now separates the infected with scandal, that the rest be not partakers in their sins, or their plagues : at last, he will fully separate the goats, the unclean; and present the residue before God, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. The Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall for ever feed them, in & good pasture ; he shall guide them unto fountains of living water. — Bless the Lord, O my soul, that he " brought again from the dead, the great Shepherd of the sheep," by the finished price of our redemption, " the blood of the everlasting covenant." 36. Christ is compared to a physician a. Him the Father hath sent, sealed, and furnished, to heal our spiritual ailments. Every man, whose soul is alfected with the blindness of ignorance, the deafress cf spir- itual unconcern, the fever of concupiscence, the jaun- dice of malice, the swelling tympany of pri^e, the vertigo of inconstancy, the quinzy of cursing and blas- phemy, the dropsy of covetous ess, the palsy of stu- pidity, the pleurisy of envy, the rheumatism of dis- content, the delirium of constant levity, the moon-struck madness of passion and rage, or with legality, unbe- lief, hardness of heart, tlie temptations of Satan, the
a Matt. ix. 12, 13. Is. Ixi. 1. Exod. xv, 26,
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stings of conscience, or any other plague, hath Ml warrant to apply to him for a care. In the word of the everlasting gospel, he exhibits his sign, publish- eth his all-comprehending skill, and the unfailing ef- ficacy of his prescriptions. He fully understands our distempers, and their proper, their infallible remedy. By day or night, he is infinitely ready to visit the dis- tressed ! how he rides on cherubs, on wings of ever- lasting love, to attend them ! O his infinite concern for the welfare of his patients! All of them, poor and needy, he heals without money, and without price. How often, while insensibility, self-naughtiness, unbe- lieving fear, and shame, restrain us from calling him, comes he, of his own accord, and saith to our soul, Wilt thou not be made whole ? O the large assortment of his spiritual medicines, contained in the promises of the new covenant ! When he applieth them, how thoroughly he examines our case, not that he, but that we may know it ! How thoroughly he searcheth our wounds, by convictions and trouble ! The poison- ous morsels we had swallowed, he makes us, by -peni- tent grief, to vomit up : our sinful, our inward filth, he purgeth away. Every means of cure he applieth in its proper order and time. Tenderly he binds up our painful wounds ; and by his promise applieth his blood, his righteousness, and grace to our soul. To prevent, or recover from, fainting fear and despond- ency, he pours out his Spirit, sheds abroad his encour- aging, supporting, and refreshful love in our heart, by the Holy Ghost. How often he visits ! how kindly he sympathized with us in our affliction ! How greatly he rejoiceth in our recovery ! How wisely he pre- scribes such spiritual exercise and diet, as infallibly tend to restore and promote our inward health ! Nor do any ever perish under his hand. — Is he the Lord my God, that healeth me ? My $ll-diseased soul, what wouldst thou that Christ should do unto thee ?
re
3iT. Christ is the spiritual miracle-worker a. Such as were dead in trespasses and sins5 he raiseth to spir- itual and everlasting life. To the blind and ignorant, he giveth saving instruction. The deaf, the stupid, he causeth to hear his melting, his still, his small, his gospel voice. 'Tthedumb, he enahleth to express them- selves in prayer and praise. He cleanseth from the leprosy of indwelling sin. The gospel of peace, the glad tidings of salvation, he preacheth to sinful men, poor, wretched, miserable, blind, and naked. Inconse- quence of our happy marriage with him, he turns our AVater of adversity into comfort and usefulness ; he sweetens it, enableth to rejoice in it, arjd causeth it to work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. The Jewish confined and carnal sacrifices he threw out of his church, and made her a sanctified house of prayer for all people- Many Gentile sinners, many Roman subjects, notwithstanding all their aston- ishing ignorance and unbelief, he restored to everlast- ing life. Satan he ejects from our heart. By a* word, a touch of his power, he cures our spiritual fever, our long-running issues, cur aged impotency ; and deter- mines us, when we are healed, to honour him with the best that we have, and to spread abroad the good sa- vour of his fame. Along with his command, he ena- bles the withered to stretch out the hand of faith for a cure. Such as are not only spiritually dead, but by repeated acts of horrid transgressions, seemingly des- perate ; or by long custom, stinking and utterly loath- some in lust, he_ restores to eternal life ; and makes
a Matt, xl 5. Johnii. 1. — 19. Matt, xxi. 12. John iv, 44. Mark i. 21— 46. Luke viii. 42, 43, 44. John v. 5.— 9. Mark Hi. v. Luke viii. 49 — 55. and vii. 11. — 17. John xi. 39. — 44. Johnix. Mark viii. 22. — 26. Matt. xx. 34. Matt, viii. 24. — 33. Mark v. 1. — 20. Matt. xiv. and xv. Matt. viii. 5. — 13. and xv. 21. — 28. Luke xxii. 50, 51. Matt, xxi. 18, 19. Luke v, L — 10. John xxi. 6. It is here sup- posed, Christ's rqal outward miracles were emblems of his spiritual work.
i i
the distinguished transgressors the chief of his saints. By despised ordinances and promises ; by conviction of our blindness ; by the washing of his blood and Spirit, lie opens our blind understanding : gradually he increaseth our spiritual knowledge, till we see eve- ry thing clearly in the immediate vision of God. The enraged, the torn by -Satan, he; kindly delivers, and makes sound in the faith. The storm? of trouble, out-
d or inward, his word changeth into a calm of peace. By a few debased apostles, he nourished the souls gF si mere unnumbered in the wilderness of the people : by &fcn \ cd truths, he nourisheth his people in this wilderness-world, without diminishing the virtue thereof: nay, the more of his provision we receive, the more we behold to remain. How ready to do any thing expected by a vigorous, a courageous faith I How many, of his betrayers and murderers, did he heal by his saving touch ! How fearfully, amidst their lazy, their fair pretences to holiness, did he curse the Jewish church into barrenness ; and, quickly after his ascdi uake them to wither away I But witness,
ye apostles, when you cast the gospel-net on the right, on the New-Testament side of the church, what thou- sands of souls were caught in it ! " Sing unto the Lord, for he hath done excellent things ; this is known in all the earth. Is any thing too hard for the Lord ?"
38. Christ is compared to a merchant a. How in- finite is his assortment of all necessary, and" useful blessing?, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. In the gos- pel he publishgth his fulness, and his gracious terms of sale. How there he constantly exhibits his mani-
-blessings, to attract our affection, and excite our souls to buy ; to receive them as the free, the unspeak- able, the oiTered " gift of God, without money and
out price," without righteousness present, and without engaging to render a requital ! How earnest his invitations ! How enraptured^ his joy, when num- bers apply for his benefits, and humbly submit to his a Isa, ly. 1. Rev. ifi, 18.
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terms of grace ! How grieved, when we will have none of him ! will not come to him, that we m ay- have life ! How displeased, when, by presenting our base, our counterfeit, our self-righteousness, we aver that his gifts may be purchased with our money ; and when we try to raise his price !— ^Alway he under- stands the whole state of his affairs; what blessings he liath on hand ; who are his merchants; and what debts theyr owe : and at the last day, he will call eve- ry man to an account. — Trade with him, my soul, for thy God, thy glory, and thy all in all.
39. Christ is compared to a refiner a. Finding Ms chosen in a state of corruption and misery, he breaks them with tfie hammer of his word, melts them in the furnace of a fiery law, of fiery troubles, and especially, of his redeeming love contained in the promise, and, shed abroad in their heart by the Holy Ghost, the spirit of burning. Thus he purgeth away their corrupt dross, and nothing more ; and forms them into glorious vessels of eternal mercy and hap- piness. By persecution and censure, he purgeth his church from scandalous and naughty persons, till at last he presents her before God without dross, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Blessed Refiner, O when wilt thou purge away all my dross, and take away all my tin !
40. Christ is compared to a builder b. Upon the foundation of his own infinite love, he, with his everlasting Father, and adored Spirit, laid the found- ation, and built up the whole structure of his new cov- enant and of our salvation by it. The fabric of his human nature he built up, in assuming it : this tem- ple being destroyed by death ; he in rising from the dead, reared it up in three days. By his birth, his life, his death, his resurrection, his ascension, intercession, and second coming ; by his word, ordinances, and in- fluences, he builds up the church and temple of God. On his own marvellous person he founds it ; with his
a Mai. iii. 2,3. bZtoku vi. 13.
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blood, grace, and truth lie cements it : mysteri- ously he connects all the parts and concerns thereof : according to his ancient purpose and plan, he frameth every thing relative to it.-^-Xt is thine, O Jesus, to dig us, thy chosen, out of the quarry of our natural state ; to hew and form us by regeneration and sanctification ; to bind us to thyself by mystical union ; to rear up a structure of grace in each of our hearts ; build us up in our most holy faith ; and to adorn and finish the work, "with shoutings of grace, grace unto it. — Mercy shall be built up forever.''
■41. Christ is compared to a traveller a. In the greatness of his strength, in the display of his love, lie, as it were, goeth about in the ordinances, and influen- ces of his grace, to seek and save sinners, even the chief ; and to visit his people. How, often he endures the saddest injuries ! By his word, his providence, and Spirit, how he knocks at the door of our heart ! How7 wickedly ! how shamefully is he often resisted, and ex- cluded ! What ravishing feast of spiritual delights he beetoweth on those who receive him ! He and his Fa- ther enter in, and irtanifest to them the glory and sweet- ness of their person and love,
42. Christ is compared to a servant b. Cheerfully he engaged to his Father in the service of our salva- tion. With amazing diligence, faithfulness, humble condescension, and single regard to his Father's honour, he assumed our nature, and obeyed* and suffered in our stead. By his w ord he publish eth, by his Spirit he applieth, his purchased redemption to our soul. In all mediatorial procedure, he promotes our everlasting happiness ; glorifieth his Father to the highest, per- forms the work which he gave him to do ; and shall receive from him, a transcendant, an eternal reward of personal glory, and a. numerous seed. What, O Re- deemer, shall I render unto thee for thy service for me ! "Truly I am thy servant ; I am thy Servant :-— thou hast loosed my bonds."
a Isa. Ixiii. 1. b Isa. xlix. 3.
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43. Christ is called a forerunner a. His going* forth for us were of old, from everlasting. With what swiftness, strength, and courage ! with what patience, cheerfulness and joy, did he run the race set before him ; go about doing good, healing diseases, preaching the gospel, obeying the law, and suffering death for us ! Glorious Jesus, how much more excellent than all runners'! How hast thou outrun and exceeded all ! How hast thou first entered into heaven by thy blood ; and opened the gates thereof for us ; and taken posses- sion of if in our name ! How hast thou at once paved mi way, and given us a complete pattern ! Lord, dram me ; we will run after thee.
Mj. Christ is compared to a burb en-bearer h. He bare our sins and the punishment thereof, in his own body upon the tree. He bares the care of all his church- es. Gn his shoulders of power, mercy, and love, he bears the persons of ail his saints, and carries them safe to the mansions above : he bears their cares, in light- their pressure,and caring for them: he bears les, iii sympathising with, and supporting tl em under them : he bears their burden of service, their work and labour of love, in performing it in and" for then*, working in them, " to will and to do of his good pleasure!? It is thine, O Jesus, to bear me up under ev- ery pressure : bear me out against every opposition ; bear rue or, in the Way of holiness ; bear me home, to glory ; and bear me in to thy immediate embraces, that where thou art,! may be there also,to behold thy glory,
45. Christ resembles the kind Samaritan c. How- ever mu h hated, reproached, and abused by our race ; yet finding us fallen among thievish and mur- derous devils and corruptions, and by them rendered dead in trespasses and sins; — when neither broken nor ceremonial law, nor any thing earthly, could shew us the least pity or relief, he tenderly turneth aside to us, binds up our wounds, applieth the most effectual medicine, commands his angels and ministers to takQ a Heb. vl 20. * P§aL Iv. 2. c Luke x. 30—57.
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care of us, comfort and help as with the doctrine of his word; and promises to them a proper, an abund- ant reward. Blessed Redeemer, pass by me, who am more than half dead ; let my time be a time of love ; and say unto my soul, Live.
46. Christ resembles Lazarus of the parable a. — In his debased estate he was exceeding poor, had no help but m God alone : was oppressed with griefs, sorrows, wounds, and bruises. As an humbled Saviour, he was divinely sent to, offered, and laid at the door of the scribes, Pharisees, and other Jews ; — urged on their heart and conscience. These, being rich in the conceitof their own righteousness, many of them rich in worldly honour and wealth, ajkl every day refreshed
delighted with the views of their numerous admir- rers, wickedly refused and despised him. Meanwhile, numbers of detested publicans, unclean Gentiles,arid no- torious sinners, affectionately applfed his blood and suf- fering for the nourishment of their soul. In due time he died : quickly he rose again : and thereafter, amidst in- numerable hosts of angels ascended to heaven. Soon af- ter, God's flaming vengeance to the uttermost, came up- on his Jewish despisers. In a hell of trouble upon earth, > they were partly awakened, and lifted up their eyes : partly convicted of his Messiahship, they earnestly wished further demonstration thereof for themselves* their various sects, and their brethren of the ten tribes. But notwithstanding their requests, and their relation to AbraIiaiD,.uever shall any but scripture evidence be allowed them. If you believe not this, ye j. i of
men, neither will ye " be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
47. Christ is compared to a travailing. woman b, Ah, how .dreadful the, pangs,, the throws, the agonies, which he underwent f How shocking the voice of his roaring ! How necessary this, to aeompiish and bring forth our everlasting salvation ! How comely and pleas- ant the fruit of his travail ; " glory to God iu the high-
a Luke xyi, 19—31. & las .-.Inf.
est, peace m earili, and good will towards men !" No 3nore ask, my soul, Doth a man travail with child ? — Wherefore see I him with his hands on his loins ? But ask, with astonishment ask, Doth the God man travail with child ? Why, O Redeemer, see I thee " exceed- sorrowful, even unto death, amazed, and very heavy ?" Why thy tears, thy cries, thine anguish ? Was ever sorrow like uhIq thy sorrow ? But now thou rememberest it no more, for joy that men-children are born unto God : now, thou seest thy seed, the travail of thy soul, and art satisfied.
43. Christ resembles a woman with a candle sweep- ing' an house , to find a lost piece of silver a, To search out, and bring his chosen people to everlasting life, he lights the candle of his inspired oracles, and preached gospel. Often he sweeps nations and churches, with the besom of fearful calamity." He sweeps and purg- eth places and persons, by the dispensation of his or- dinances ; whicfi, through the opposition of men, raise a mighty stir, when they enter a country or conscience : Nevertheless, Jesus contiuueth his work, till his pre- cious, his ransomed o*ies, are, to the praise of God, the joy of aisgels and saints, recovered from among the rep- robate world, and the dross of their own corruption. O Redeemer, how hast thou condescended to seek and £v/e me, who was lo?t ! how precious have I been in thine eyes ! shalt not thou be infinitely precious in mine ?
49- Christ is compared to an eagle b. Uncomely indeed v/ere his debased appearances, but how infinite is his power ! all piercing his knowledge ! unbounded his duration and age ! speedy his execution of his pur- pose ! deep-rooted his enmity to Satan and his serpent- ine seed ! furious his conquest and destruction of them ! powerful and majestic the voice of his word and prov- idence ! mysterious and incomprehensible the track of his purpose and work ! royal and large his dominion over all things, especially over the household of faith !
a L ik xv. 8, b Rev. xii, 14.
33
It is thine, adored Immanuel, with stedfast and com- prehensive view, to behold the uncreated Sun of God- head : thine to instruct thy people, and enable them to apprehend it now, by faith ; hereafter by immedi- ate vision. It is thine to ascend on high, far above all, heavens, principality and power ; and forever sit down on the right hand of God •, that, with amazing love and vigour, thy Spirit may descend to take the prey from the mighty ; that, with amazing, but god- like fury, thou mayest make thine enemies thy foot- stool. It is thine to love thy children with an infinite invincible love ; and, by kind application of thyself, to, bring them into spiritual existence. It is thine to pro- tect them in danger, arid hide them in the munitions of rocks ; bear them amidst weakness ; and, as is ne- cessary, noujish tjiem with thy blood. Rejoice, my soul ; upon the two ivings of his word and providence, shall I, shall all the ransomed escape from our ene- mies! With the feathers of his love, his faithfulness his power, and protecting care, he shall cover us ; and his truth shall be our shield and buckler.
50. Christ compares himself to sliiks gathering her chick- ens under her ivings a. How boundless his love ! How tender his pity and compassion towards his people !— How kindly, how earnestly, chiefly amidst danger, he invites them to himself! How readily he receives^ hides, and protects them ! How tenderly he cherish- eth them in their weakness ! Think, my soul, how, in our behalf, he submitted to the sword of divine jus- tice, fought to the death with sin, Satan, and the wrorld ; and through his own poverty and want, secures our sweet, our plentiful provision.— Blush, ye gospel-des- pisers, how often would the tender Jesus " have gath- ered you, and ye would not !"
51. Christ is compared to a jao^ b. How royal is his power and dignity ! How great his terrible ma- jesty ! How infinitely tender, even unto death, is. his love to his seed ! How courageous, even towards God
a Mauh. xxiii. 37* b Rev. v. $.
his boldness, in his suffering and intercession ! How narrow and unceasing his observation of, and how fear- ful his indignation against his enemies ; who presump- tuously oppose, guilefully dissemble with him, wilfully hurt his interest, or wickedly injure his children ! How unbounded his mercy to those that wholly submit to him ! But thy despisers, O Lion, sprung of the tribe of Judah, shall none deliver out of thy hand! How full is his death, like the carcase of Sampson's lion, of ' honey and sweetness for us ! filled indeed with all the savoury, the inexhaustible fulness of God I How ef- fectually the sprinkling of his blood heals the most ma- lignant gangrenes of our corruption ! How infallibly it prevents our destruction from those wild beasts, sinful lusts, a malicious devil, an evil world, and a devouring death.
53. JXe is compared to an ox ; fatlisg ; fatted calf a. How unbounded his patience ! his purity ! his strength ! his nourishing fulness of grace and glory ! How laborious in his work ! Was not he, my soul, by bloody suffering; slaughter, and sacrifice, prepared to be thy sweet, thy wholesome and nourishing food ? — His "flesh is meat indeed, and his Hood is drink in- deed."
53. Christ is Compared to a roe ; a hind, or hart b* How extensive is his duration ! How great his love! his loveliness ! his gentleness ! How quick his motions ! How quickly he discerns the case of his children ! — How readily he hears their prayer. How kindly he helps them, when they pass through the waters of af- fliction ! How eminently he delights in fellowship with them ! How speedily, how triumphantly, he leaps ovee. the mountains of distance, suffering, sin, separa- tion ; and on the mountains of gospel ordinances, to do them good ! How kindly he watcheth over, and careth for them, while they are young, tender, and weak ! How wisely he teacbeth them to walk in the way of his commandments ; and where to flee in time a Prov. ix. 2, Mat. xxii, 4. Luke xy. 23, b Song 9. Pj. xxii. title
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of danger ! How valiantly he fights with their ene- mies in their defence ! How strong and irreconcilable is his hatred of the old serpent and his seed ! In his de- based state, how these fastened upon and tormented him ! In devouring them, his " thirst was great ; and ' his throat dried as a potsherd.'5 In destroying them? he was " obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Hunted and pursued by wo, from the morn- ing to the end of his life, he was rendered the sweet, the tender, the divinely allotted nourishment of our soul. Nor do his righteousness and grace ever fail to counterwork the rage and venom of hell. Blessed hind cf the mornings wast thou early hunted by Jehovah's wrath! cursed be my sins the cause !
54. Christ is the lame a. How infinite is his inno- cence, meekness, purity, patience, resignation, loveli- ness ! How marvellous an oblation, a sacrifice to God ! How exposed to the wrath of devils and wicked men ! How useful to cover our nakedness, with his robes of righteousness and salvation ! and to be the sweet, the nourishing food of our soul ! He is the Lan^b, which God begat, prepared, slew, raised up, received into glory, and set down ' on his right hand : the Lamb which God loves as himself ; and in whom his soul de- iighteth. His being in " the midst of God's throne,'5 imports his fixed residence, his universal influence, his equal accessibleness to all comers, and his having the Father's heart and eye on him continually. His appear- ing there as he had been slain, imports, that his honour and intercession for us, are the fruit of his suffering, and reward of his death. His seven homs, signify his perfect power and authority over ail thing?, particu- larly in the seven-fold period of the Nev, -Testament dispensation, for the good of his church. His seven eyes denote his perfect knowledge of all things, past, pres- ent or future ; and his perfect fulness of the divine Spirit, in his various gifts and grace, to bestow upon his ministers and people on earth, " Behold, my soul, a Rev, v. John i. 29.
m
£his Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. The marriage of the Lamb is come," and him- self hath made me ready. Quickly, O quickly may I meet him, " as a bride adorned for her husband;" and so be forever with the Lord !
55. Christ compares himself to a scarlet-colour e& worm a. He assumed our weak and earthly nature ; he condescended to the deepest abasement ; our scar- let-\i\e iniquities, our crimso?i-CYimes, wrere imputed to9 and laid npon him ; the punishment of them, the satisfaction for them was exacted, and he answered it. Ah, how lie was exposed to oppression, suffering, de- testation, contempt ! In the garden ! on the cross, how bedewed ! how reddened with his own blood ! — Take heed, my soul; beware of trampling him under thy feet : crucify not the Son of God afresh ; nor put him to an open shame, O sweet ! O shocking ! — Why great Jehovah, wast thou made a worm, a bruised, a bloody worm for me ! Bread of life, why hungry for me ! Fountain of living waters, why thirsty for me !— ■ Consolation of Israel, why a man of sorrows for me !— Holy one, why made sin for me ! Adored Immanual, why despised, rejected, and contemned for me ! God blessed forever, why made a curse for me ! Plant of renown, wThy a reproach of men for me .l Brightness of the Father's glory, why thy visage marred! why abu- sed with shame and spitting for me ! Omnipresent, exalted God, why shut up in a stable, nailed to a cross, ior me ! Life eternal, why murdered by my sins ! — why love-slain for me !
5G. Christ is called the name of God b. In him the glory, the perfections, the titles, ordinances, words, and works, of God, do centre, and are illustriously and for- ever displayed. By knowing him, I know the Father, who he is, " the holy one of Israel, the Father of light," glory, mercy, and grace ; the God of all grace, pa- tience, salvation, and comfort ; my God, and mine ex- ceeding joy. How sweet ! how lofry his name ! How can they who know it forbear to trust in it ?
#Psal. xxii, 6. b P$al, xxv. 11. fcxod. xxiii, 2L
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57V He is called the image of God a. In his divine sonship, he is a perr o i distinct from, perfectly like to and equal with the Fatter; the brightness, the bright representation of his glory, and equally prer:ciisto the saints. As Mediator, he is the most illustrious work of God. In his underlaid g/his bii th, life, death ; in Ms ascension, intercession, second coming, and un- ceasing glory ; in Jus saving office of Surety, Media- to Redeemer. Prophet, Priest, and Kirg; in his ami- able relations, aj peai-ances, and works, the infinity, the eternity, uuchangeobleness, wisdom, ptfwer, holi- ness, justice, goodness, trulh, sovereignty, 'love, mercy, and majesty of God, with the subsistence of his undi- vided essence in three distinct persons, are most har- moniously, clearly, and gloriously unfolded, and rep- resented. Truly, O Jesus, he that hath seen thee, hath seen' the Father also. Thrice worderful ! in one person, Jehovah's adequate image, and the likeness ef sinful flesh ! Turn aside, my soul, and behold this great sight.
58. Christ is called the power of God b. In his divine person, he is possessed of the same infinite pow- er with 'his Father and blessed Spirit. In the union fif his infinitely different, his opposite natures ; in God's punishing him for our ski, and supporting him- under it ; in his numerous miracles ; in his bearing our sins, and rendering full satisfaction for them : in his rising from the sealed, the watched grave, as our quickening head ; in his ascending to glory/and sit- ting down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ; in his eternal and ever-prevalent intercession ; in his judging the world, and executing his decisive senteiir ces ; in his removing our guilt, by justification ; in his removing the power and filth of our sin, by regenera- tion and sanctification ; in his bearing with our un- numbered infirmities and provocations ; in his preserv- ing us from dangers, snares, and temptations, more than the hairs of our head ; in his bearing us to a
a Heb. i. 3{ b 1 Cor. i. 2*.
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state of unspotted holiness, and everlasting joy ; is the almighty power of God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, vigorously exerted, and illustriously displayed. O to know, to feel, the exceeding greatness ; the heart- cap- tivating force thereof !
59. He is called the wisdom of God a. As the se- cond person in the adorable Godhead, he is infinitely wise and prudent. As Mediator, he is the foundation of all the counsels of God. In the constitution of his person ; in his saving offices, relations, and acts ; — how clearly is the manifold wisdom of God manifested! Here natures,' infinitely distinct, are closely, are insep- arably joined. Here, in the purpose, the promise, the purchase, and application of our redemption, mercy meets with truth, righteousness and peace kiss each other. Here divine justice is satisfied in the nature that sinned. Satan is conquered in the nature which lie corrupted. Sin is condemned and destroyed, while the sinner is acquitted and saved. Sin, the worst of all things, occasions the highest honour to God, whom it had 'offended ; and the greatest felicity to transgres- sors, whom it had ruined. The innocent, the holy One and the Just, is justly condemned, and punished ; while ungodly criminals are righteously acquitted, ac- cepted, and rewarded with endless and inconceivable bliss. Everlasting life to the betrayers and murder- ers, flows from the death of God. Sinners are saved acrordh.g to the richers of his grace, and yet in equi- ty most strict. Tempations and troubles are made to work for us, an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. And in thee, O Jesus, are " hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," to be communicated to men. Whatever therefore thou art to Jews or Greeks^ be to me the " wisdom of God, and .the power of God."
60. Christ is called love b. How astonishing his kindne-s to unworthy sinful mer- ! in undertaking our debt ! in assuming our likeness of sinful flesh ! in ful- filling our bond service ! in suffering and dying in our
a 1 Cor. i. 24?, Prov. viii. and ix. b Song. ii. 7»
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d! and rising again for our justification ! in 2 tending to prepare celestial mansions for us ! in ap- pearing in the presence of God for us, as our advocat and in his coming the Second time, without sir, unto our salvation ! O his kindness in inviting, ii seeking and saving that which, was lost! in convincing*, in e ening, i.i converting, and espousing us to himself! in fo-'giving our sin, accepting our person, and clean?: our nature! in supporting our spirit, cheering our heart, and allowing us the most familiar fellowship, and endless intimacy with himself ! O the love of God to him, and to us, in giving him to us, our surety, cur husband, our portion! — O blessed channel of Jeho- vah's love to us, and of our's to him ! blessed author, cause, and object of our love ! and who, in thy person, thy nature, thy names, thy qualities, thy: office, rela- tion, appearances, states, words, and works, art alto-
ker irooly ! Despised, detested, be my love, that is no an the©.
61. Christ is called the tkutii a. He h the true
I and the true, the sole Mediator between God and man : the true, the only way to the Father. h\ hi; inca , saxfeiing, resurrection, and work, how
cfea ked the untainted faithfulness of God in
every promise and threatening! How plain, that he is the truth and substance of all the promises ; of all the anci g ! the repository, centre, matter,
chief ber, and witness of all inspired truth ! the
enser of all true holiness and hap- pi less ! If I profess to be his, let truth be in my in- i ' me " love the peace and the truth ;" l" in pired truth in the love of it ; and speak ai-
ghbour.
6 ?. Christ is qalled the word of God b. He is the
image of His Father's person and mind. In
a ii of peace he spoke for us ; undertook as our
ety. In the beginning he spoke all things out of
a John xiv. 6. b John i. 1. Pvev. xix. 13.
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nothing. In hi,« intercession with the Father, he ever speaks in our behalf. _ By his word and Spirit, he speaks to our ear, to our heart. He is the author, the interpreter, the witness, the subject matter and scope of God's written word. Inspired page, if he is thy all in all, be thou the darling of my heart.
63. Christ is called the mercy promised a. With- out controversy, he is the greatest blessing ever prom- ised, offered, or given by a gracious God, to sinful wretched men. He is the contriver, the purchaser, the price, the repository, the dispenser, the centre, the substance, the glory, and end, of all the gracious ben- efits of the new covenant. Give thanks, my eoul, to God, for he is good ; for his mercy endurcth for ever. Thy mercy, Lord, is in the heavens ; the earth is full of thy mercies
64. Christ is called the unspeakable gift of God b. Freely, without constraint, without request, without desert, without hope of any requital, without money and without price, God, in the council of peace, and in his debased estate, gave him for us as our surety and ransom. Now, in the gospel invitations and promises, he giveth him as a complete, able, willing, and ready Saviour, a glorious husband, and everlasting port io a to us, as sincere, even the chief. Is not unspeakable love the sole source and motive of the donation ? Is there not in him all inexpressible, all inconceivable goodness, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ? Is he not. meide of God to us unspeakable fulness of wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ? How unspeakably precious and useful is he in his person, of- fice, and work ! From what unspeakable corruption and misery ; and to what unspeakable holiness and fe- licity doth he save us. How unspeakably his entrance into cur heart endears God to us ; maketfa room for him in our soul ; and workelh in us gladness, and joy unspeakable, and full of glory ! And through what un- ci Luke t 58. 72, 73. b 2 Cor., ix, 1.5.
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speakable, inconceivable duration, shall he abide -v itli us as our God, and our ail ! a .Thanhs be to God for his unspeakable gift."
G5. Christ is called the covenant given to the peo- ple a. He is the foundation, the framer, the finisher, the fulfiller, of the new covenant. He is the surety, the Mediator, the priest, the trustee, the testator, the prophet, interpreter, messenger, witness, and king of it. Its condition he undertook and performed: Its blessings he purchased ; and is the substance and glory thereof. All of them were primarily promised to him, and lodged in his hand. According to the terms of it, he bestows them upon sinful men, who, being clothed with his righteousness, and quickened by his Spirit, do, in his strength, lay hold of it, enter into the bond of it and perform the gratitude required by the law of it. Blessed covenant, thou art " all my salvation, and all my desire."
68. Christ is called cur peace b. From eternity he devised the matter, the means, the measure of our peace with- God; with our conscience; with neigh- bours; with angels; with animals ; with creatures un- numbered. With his blood he purchased it. His continuance in our nature is the unceasing pledge and security of it. His advocacy before God procures ■ maintains the actual possession of it. In the blessed gospel he preached it to them " that are far oil, and to them that are near." In our new birth, our par- don, our acceptance, our adoption, sanctiScation, and endless felicity, he, by his Spirit, supplies it ; slays our enmity ; and constrains us to love God, who first loi us. By his incarnation and death, he made of Je and Gentiles one new man, so making peace. Blessed
onciler of ail things, author, means, and end, of all true peace in the church, militant or triumphant; thy peace thou hast left us ; peace thou hast given us ; not sparingly, not revocably, as the world giveih. I;i
a Is. xHi, 6. and xlix. 8. b Mtc. v. 5. Esh. if; 14.
the world we shall have tribulation ; but in thee we shall have peace. Thy covenant of peace shall not be broker.
67. Christ is called the salvation of God a. Of cur great deliverance from sin and wo, to everlasting hc- Imess and happiness, his love is the source, the moving cause ; his wisdom the deviser ; his blood the price ;. his person and fulness the substance, the repository ; Lis word the publisher ; his Spirit the appher ami confirm er ; his glory the end. — Bless the Lord, O my it he remembered us in our low estate. Ke uhaih devised mea?i2? that his banished should not be expelled from him/' He hath delivered my soul from the lowest helL The Lord Jehovah is ray strength song : he alsq is become my salvation. 63. Christ is called the consolation o£ Israel b^ He is the deviser, the procurer, the price, the dispen- ser, the matter, and grcurd, the end of all cur true fort. In his undertaking, his person, hir is acts, past, pjcesept, and future, how our spir- it rejoiceih in God cur Saviour / In every divire per- character, word, and work, as manifested in him, - exceedingly we rejoice, and are glad ! how com- forted when cast down! In him shall I be justified,, preserved, and sanctified ; and in him will I glory. Nor principalities, nor powers*, nor sin, nor trouble,. Bor hall stop me of this boasting. Rejoice, my
Lord ; and again rejoice. Rejoice ever-
GO. is called the resurrection c* By his
i, his death, his resurrection, and spiritual in-
flu rs us froiTi a sting of a natural, and
* fromtc i of spiritual and eternal death. The
divine perfections, and broken law,
• man'e primitive integrity, knowledge, righteousness, holfeess, peace, friendship, and intimacy with God, he re cov e, h rubbish, and ruin. He is the life-
« Is. slix. 6. b Luke ii. ?5. c John xi. 25,
U-i
giving source, and author of oar filth, our hope, oar ntanee, love, and new obedience. It is his to re- vive cur languishing graces and comforts ; to restore the expiring life, beauty, and order of his church ; to q uiexen the dead, and bring them oat of their graves ;
»me to everlasting life, and some to everladi rhamo a:id contempt." Be that belioveth on 1hh>> . ere dead, yet shall he live. \ Christ is called the life a. lie is the living , God, who giveth life and breath unto all things. In Iiis wisdom and love he devised ; by his obedience, suffering, and death, he purchased ; in himself he ex- emplifieth ; by his intercession he procures ; from his fulness he giveth ;- by his word and Spirit he convey,? and maintains ; and himself and fukiess are the mat- ter, and his glory the end of— our life &t justification, holiness, comfort, and endless felicity. It is his to re- vive us again ; restore our fainting soul ) and render us lively and active in the service of God. — Is my life hid faith Christ in God, that when he who is my life ■year, I may also appear with h;m in glory ? Am I crucified with Christ, im(\yet live ; ami yet not J\ Christ Ifa'eih in vi-f Is the lift that I live, by faith the Son of Gody rvko loved rw\ mulgv.de kimse/J lor
Christ is called ligkt b. He is the ex the influence?, the director, the glory of ail tkp Being coeval with his eternal Father, ^hrt clivrre S how sweet, pleasant, huoraprehen-IhJe, b ightj fend glorious! lie giveth the power of v means, and first object of spiritual k in his own influence, and by his owr li Is ifti
O light of fife, to diffuse beauty, glieorfultiess, joy, and life, among thy people. It is thine, by tliy presence, lo chase away the shadows and darkness of %n« corruption and woe. Without thee, every t:o pears to los<? its beamy and come!! E2e€\
a 1 John v. 20. b John i. 4? 9. and viir. 12.
I 2
95"
etfjcynjente, creal .ion, nay, Godhead, appear an unsight- W awful spectre to my soul. How free, common, ble, and useful, art thou! and yet only reported cv9 to multitudes of blind sinners, who never beheld thy brightness ! It is thine to discover things in their true nature : and hence how hated, how shunned by men, .whose foolish Leai t is darkened ; whose deeds are evil ! It is thine, without contracting any defile- ment, to penetrate, to shine into, defiled churches and souls. How swift thy approaches to, and thy motions in our heart ! t4nd as the lightning cometh from the ei^t, and shineth unto the west, so shall thy coming, Q- Son of nian, be»-r- — Blessed author, purchaser, price, repository, bestower, substance of all our light, spirit- ual and eternal ; when I sit in darkness, be thou a light unto me ; my everlftfcting light, my Gcd, my glory.
72. Christ is called the da.y-&vriizg from on high a. He is the Most High, Gcd over all, blessed for ever, amen. How necessary ! how choice ! how refreshful a blessing to men ! B; caking up avid appearing for us in the council of peace ; breaking forth towards us in ancient promises and types ;— in his actual incarnation; -rrin his obediential life, bloody death, and glorious resurrerition •; visiting us in the gospel-revelation; manifesting himsell to us in the moment of conversion, of renewed nes of Lis love* of death, and at the last day, he, after a sad, cold, and dark night of igno- rance, corruption, trouble, or death, doth in a most sovereign, certain, free, gradual, and irresistible man- ner, k>use, refresh, quicken, and enlighten his people or church ; and manifest his o^ h glory ; and introduce a pleasant, a happy day, of love, of grace, of power, of salvation, of spiritual espousals, of Me, of liberty, of everlasting felicity, rest, admiration, and praise, — « Dawn, 0 day-spring, on my soul, on the work!. Let thy glory fiil the whole earth, Amen, and ame
73. Christ is called the s*fn of righteousness with healing in his wings b. All things are obflous, naked, a Lake i 78.' b Mai. iv. 3,
96
and open to him. He is the only fountain of saving light and knowledge. From him do angels, ministers, and saints, derive their whole insight into the mystery of our salvation. How wonderful i how unbounded ! how high ! how sovereign ! how comely ! how glori- ous ! how pure, undefiled, and undefileable ! how pleasant ! how usef ul is this our blessed Sun ! How cheerfully ! how freely ! how regularly ! how constant- ly ! how unweariedly ! how powerfully ! how exten- sively ! hq communicateth his convincing, his enlight- ening, his heart-penetrating, warming, and melting ; his soul quickening, healing, refreshing, directing, and fructifying; his sin- withering, and consuming influ- ence ! How truly is he the restful centre of all things, chiefly of you redeemed, and of all your concerns ! How fast fixed in his sphere ! No principality nor power, nor sin, nor trouble, nor death, shall ever pluck iii.ni from his station, in the new covenant, — in the third heaven,— in the church, — or in my heart; nor ever arrest his course, Not ten thousand lamps of or- dinances, ministers, or graces ; not ten thousand moons of creation, but his countenance alone, can give day to my soul. It, is thine, O blessed Sun, to bring life and immortality to light ; to guide our feet in the way of peace. Oh, how sweet to walk in thy light, and work out our salvation with fear and trembling ! It is thine, to warm my cold aflections, to melt my frozen heart, enkindle my soul into an unquenchable flame of hve. It is thine to dispel my clouds of ignorance, guilt, desertion,_ temptation ; and to chase these shad- ows as far as east is distant from the west. It is thine to gild my clouds of trouble, and make my darkness,, my death, my grave, to smile. It is thine to cheer my heart, call forth my flowers of grace, make tliem emt out their roots, and spread their smell as Lebanon. None, O Jesus, remain in darkness, but those who shut trheir eyes toj^y illumination. Fe sons of sloth, you offspring of darkness, awake from your sleep ; arise
9r
that Christ may give you light. It is high time for you to awake ; the day of your life is far spent ; now is your damnation, if mercy prevent not, nearer than when you were conceived. How different, Lord, the tendency of thy solar, thy gospel-light ! how it ope- rates according to the nature of those on whom it shines! Some are instructed, melted, fructified* ai ripened in grace ; others are blinded, offended, hard- ened, scorched, and fitted for endless fire. Blessed Sun, how diversified is thy appearance ! thy perceiv- ed influence! Now, the clear shine of thy incompre- hensible brightness, makes all my heart to leap, and all my lot to smile, with joy and gladness. Viewed, in the firm faith that thou art mine, the desart of ad- versity, the valley of the shadow of death, blossoms as the rose ; the excellency of Carmel and Sharon is giv- en to it ; I account myself, above all, loaded with lov- ing kindness, and tender mercies. Dazzled with thy giory, that excelleth, my eyes lose sight of created comely scenes ; I tread the moon of this world under my feet : I count all but loss, but dung, for the excel- lency of Christ Jesus my Lord: all my powers cry out, " O Lord, who is like unto thee? Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none on earth that I desire besides thee.55 Anon, how beclouded with black desertion, towering guilt, slavish fear, and rag- ing corruption ! How eclipsed by our earthly moon ! Her cares, her comforts, come between thee and mj| heail ! Ah, how they hide thy face, shear thy rays, and blot out the day from ray soul ! How often is my frim put down at noon ! Now, blessed Lord, thy near approach, thy high elevation, create the summer of my soul : I bask, I melt, below thy warming rays ; and am love-sickened jsvith thy genial heat. Anon, thou dost withdraw, and standest afar from me ; sure* cause of inward wintry woe ! What then succeeds ? A withered, fruitless, miry life ; a faint, a frozen, care- less h^art I Have I forgot the shocking period, when
93
the sun himself was darkened ; the cause of summer' was bewintered f Bright Sun ! brightness of the Fa- ther's glory ! how wast thou turned into blackness, and into blood ! how fall from heaven ! lie groaning on the ground ! hang fixed to a cross ! descend to the sides of the pit ! darkness thy curtain, and thy bed the grave ! The astonished earth on trembling fell ! cre- ated sun was shocked to see thy shame! How I saw ! ten thousands saw thee set in darkness, and in purple gore ! Vile,, rocky, shameless heart, didst thou see and sit unmoved at the sight ! Cursed be my sins, mylusts7 the guilty cause. But happy morn! by faith I saw him burst the bonds of death ; I saw him rise ; — rise , with ten thousand charms; — my finished ransom ; my endless light ; my God ; my glory ; and my all ik all ! I saw him rise with thousands of once fallen, but now rising stars. I felt the raising power, and straight with him did mount, to plant the new-framed heavens* of grace. How, blessed Jesus, by rising in the ancient promise, didst thou dispel the midnight ignorance, and utter, hopelessness of men ! By rising in thy birth, thy death, thy resurrection, and ascension, how did?t thou dispel the darkness, and cha?e away the shadows of Hebrew ceremonies ! By arising in gospel ordinances, how didst thou abolish the winter of Heathenism, er- ror, and delusion ! By rising in thy spiritual influence, how thou turnest our darkness into light ; makest our darkened souls become light in the Lord ! By rising to judgment, how thou wilt totally, finally, dispel the darkness of ignorance and error ! banish the cold of sin, trouble, temptation, or death ! chase far off ev- ery shadow of imperfection, of vain imagination ! ex- tinguish every candle, of minister, ordinance, or scrip* furel and usher in the eternal noon of perfect vision, and unclouded glory ! Eternal Sun, whose morning measures all our temporary periods of duration, how gradually h&st thou risen al! along ; and gradually thou risest in my soul ! 0 when wilt thou attain thy blessed
99
meridian, that in my flesh I may see God ; see him as he is, and know him even as I am known ! Art not thou the Sun of righteousness ? Thine it is to bring in an everlasting righteousness. It is thine to declare and preach the righteousness of Go$. It is thine, by the imputation of thy life, thy death, and by the in- fluence of thy grace, to render all thy people right* eons. O the healing in thy wings I If I but see thy countenance ; if I but feel thy rays ; I am made whole of whatsoever disease \ had*
74i. Christ is called the morning star a. In great- ness, and constancy, how far his height, his glory, his benign influence, transcend those of angels and minis- ters ! Who, O Jesus, among gods, or stars, is like unto thee ? O great ornament in the firmament of the cre- ation and church, it is thine to gyiide thy chosen in this world ; chiefly in the winter of their affliction. It is thine to be the sure pledge of an approaching, an ev- erlasting glory. Thou art the first and the last ; the Alpha and Omega of all our salvation, and all our de- sire : the author and the finisher of our knowledge, our faith, our hope, our repentance, love, and new o- bedience ; our evening and our morning comforter and guide. Nothing can pluck thee from thy office and station. Nothing can arrest thy course, or retard thy coming to suffer or save. To the adulterous and thievish sons of obscurity, how unwelcome and terrible is thy brightness j But how desired of those who hate the unfruitful works of darkness ! Thy coming in the flesh ushered in the day of the gospel-period. Thy spiritual coming ushers in the day of effectual salva- tion. Thy coming in the clouds shall introduce a day of universal account, and of endless glory. — Is this day Star, O my soul, risen in thine heart ?
75. Christ is compared to rain and dew br Je- hovah alone is his Father. He is at once the Lord from heaven : and the virgin' b son, the fruit of tke
* Rev. ii. 28, I P?al, hill Hos. xiv.
100
earth. From the vast ocean of redeeming love, his of- fices, his relations, his promises, and influences, pro- ceed ; and to the glory thereof they return and re- dound. O how sovereign ! how seasonable ! haw grad- ual ! how comely ! how numerous and necessary ! how refreshful! how reviving, and nourishing, and fructi- fying, the applications of them to our heart.
76. Christ is a fountain or well a. In the coun- cil of peace, and in his incarnation and death, he was digged by his Father. In his person, his office, his relations, his righteousness and grace, what a marvel- lous, a deep, an abundant, a never-failing source of all necessary, free, plentiful, pure, pleasant, refreshful, heart-cooling, comforting, cleansing, quickening, and fructifying influence to men ! and which are especial- ly conveyed to them, while they are abased in his sight ! Thrice-blessed, that, by purifying millions of polluted souls, he himself can never contract defile- ment ! He is a fountain of gardens, for the use of his churches : in these, in his worshipping assemblies, and in the hearts of his people, his influence breaks forth, and is effectual. He is a fountain of living wa- ters. The ever-fresh influence of his word, his blood, his Spirit, begets life in dead sinners, maintains it in saints, restores it when languishing, and perfects it in- to life eternal. He is a fountain opened. He is pub- licly and freely exhibited to every sinner in the gos- pel : and how constant is our access to apply his word, his blood, his Spirit, for our purification! So, Je?us, sprinkle thou many nations. Except thou wash me', I can have no part in thee.
77. Christ is compared to rivexs of water in a dry place b. To you, sons of men. who live in the dry, the barren, the blasted, withered wilderness of this world ; to you who are in the barren, sapless stale of nature ; to you who are in a scorched, withered* and lifeless condition ; there is in him, an open, free, com-
a Songiv, 15. Zech.xiii. 1. b Is. xxxii. 2.
101
mon, a perpetual, pure, fresh, ever-running, and abirr datit fulness of cleansing, comforting, strengthening ; of if uctilyliig, adorning, enrii-imig, protecting power, grace, love, wisp )tii? rigliteou^pessj sanctifkation, and redemption. Thrice- blessed River, whose streams feOake gi&ct the city, the bhureli of God. Here drink, here bat e, - y soul ; drink, yea, drink and wash abun- dantly, 0 b dovo- .
78. CL 1st is called streams from Lebanon a. From the bowels of Godhead, his mediatorial office ~ and ful- ness, proceed. From the high mountain of his divine person, his influenced stream. How various their forms ttnd effects 1 How powerfully they bear down, con- quer, and remove every impediment, cf Fin, unworthi- tiess, or guilt '! ftoiyfree ! howcooli- g ! how pleastfat! how refreshful, nourishing, ahd constant ! Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye to the wters; whosoev- er will, let him take of the water of I i Te freely : come to him, and drink. Never, ye chief of sinners, shall you be able to exhaust and draw up this overflowing Jordan into your iiibtilli. Ye leprdus Syrians, wash here; wash seven time;, ad be clean. AVill men leave this snow of Lebanon, thai eorrieth ffcftri the I:o:k of ages, the rock cf ike field . the dommoii, the obvious Saviour ? Ska!1 the cold fldwing ?vaters} that come fromWie heavenly pliee^bcforsiAn?
79. Christ is compared to a tree i. How deer- rooted ill self-existence, absolute independency, immutability, is his divine persori ! How strong ! durable, exalted, and gloriou-! How firilily footfed in the everlasting, and infinite love, in Oe bricliange; perfections and purposes of GcJ, a e -he consliiu-on of his person as God-man, and his rnedi tory office ! Iti his humble birth, how, in his manhood, he grew up, as a oot out of a dry ground! In his life, affli^teci and sorrowful; how he grew utfl how he increased, in grace, and in favour will* God and #ilK men ! In his
a Song iv. 15, b Ezek. xvii. 22, 23, 2h
102
sufferings, how the 'axe of his Father's 'wrath was hitl to the root of the tree ! In his death, how he was cut down ! Three days and three nights, he lay prostrate in his grave. In his resurrection, and in his ascension, how he grew up to astonishing height, transcending both angeis and men ! Now he is planted, he grows on the high mountain and eminent of his Father's right hand ; on the lofty ordinances of the gospel-church. In him there is abundant sap— a never-failing fulness of grace and glory. Among the branches, and under the shadow of his excellencies, offices, and relations, do the - ransomed birds of paradise fix themselves, and sing forth his praise. May I sit there triumphant, and shout the Redeemer.
80. Christ is called the tree of life a. He pre- pared, he purchased, he offers, he bestows, he restores, maintains, and perfects our life, spiritual and^eternal, He is the food on which we now live by faith : the cer- tain pledge that we shall live for ever ; because he liv- <eth we shall live also : and when he who is our life shall appear, we " shall also appear with him in glory. He grows in the street, and on either side of the river :" In every gospel ordinance, he is exhibited : to men in general, wicked, of gracious, Jews, or Gentiles, he is offered: everywhere in his church militant or trium- phant is he present, and is the life, the open refresh- ment, the substance, the support, and glory thereof. And by the influence of his blessed Spirit, that river of life, is he apprehended and enjoyed. He " bears twelve manner of fruits every month :" by him an an- gry Gcd is appeased and reconciled : justice is satisfi- ed ; the broken law is magnified ! an everlasting right- eousness is brought in ; the covenant of grace, con- firmed ? Satan conquered ; cur sin pardoned and sub- dued ; our persons accepted ; our hopes of glory re- covered ; our victory over sin, Satan, death, and an evil world, secured ; ministerial gifts bestowred; the
« Rev. xxii. 2.
K
J-iJO
gospel published ; the Holy Ghost sent to sanctity, preserve, direct, and comfort us ; the mansions of heav- en prepared for us ; freedom from a broken covenant, a ceremonial law, and satanical temptations ; boldness ^towards God ; familiar intimacy with him ; a full and ready answer to every charge, that can be laid against us, before him ; the favourable acceptance of our good works ; the constant hearing and seasonable granting of our requests ; a believing assurance of all new-cov- enant blessings, are infallibly secured. All are ever ripe and ready, for the enjoyment of his people in ev- ery case, delightful or grievous. His " leaves for the healing of the nations," are his word, his ordinances, and spiritual influences, which communicate spiritual healing to the nations of them that are saved, in eve- ry age, place, and condition.
81. Christ is compared to an apple-tree a. In use- fulness, for honouring his Father, and saving his peo- ple ; in comeliness and beauty, he infinitely transcend- eth angels and men : he is the darling, the chief, care of Heaven. His honour is easily injured ; he is readi- ly touched with the injuries, done to his children. For us, he bears the wholesome, the sweet, the savou- ry, the cooling, the refreshing, the healing, the love- exciting, apples of everlasting righteousness, of pardon, acceptance, regeneration, adoption, sanctification, of spiritual, peace, comfort, and endloss happiness. How savoury ! how medicinal, are the very leaves and bios- corns of his word and ordinances, to those who la- bour under the sense of their spiritual enmity, igno- rauce, pride, hypocrisy, malice, envy, unbelief, legal- ity, earthly mindedness, of heart wandring, deadiess, or other inward plagues ! If by faith we touch the hem of his garment, we shall be made whole. But if the pouecitron tree be here meant, Christ is compared to it, for his greatness and excellency. la the produic-
a Song ii. 3,
1U*
tion, how bitter tasted to him were his fruits, which are so fragrant to us ! and amidst what bitter tribula- tions we now experience their delightful sweetness ! How constantly ripe ! how effectual a remedy against the poison of sin ! How they strengthen, and perfume our spiritual breath ! — Sit, O my soul, under his shad- ow with great delight, and let his fruit be sweet to thy taste.
82. Christ is compared to a cedar-tree a. How infi- nite the depth, the firmness of his root ; his Godhead ; and even the establishment of his Mediatorial person and office ! How high! how excellent ! how strong, firm, and incorruptible ! how ever flourishing and comely ! In his incarnation, he grew as a root out of dry ground. In his humiliation, how exposed lo storms and suffer- ing ! How complete ! how extensive and refreshing the shadow of his protection and righteousness ! How abundant his fulness of sap ! — of grace and virtue ! How manifold his use in erecting the temple ! the church! the new covenant building of mercy ! and the frame of grace in our heart ! How sweet ! how fra- grant to* our soul, his person, his office, his relation?, his names, his ordinances, righteousneis, and grace ! — Is he to me as " Lebanon, excellent as the cedars J"
83. Christ is compared to a tir-tree b. In his de- basement, he sprang up in a barren ground, from a de- generate nation, and from a debased family ; and an impoverished virgin ; and grew up in the cold, the bar- ren soil of a blasted world, a low, an afflicted life. How infinite his excellency and comeliness ! How un- tainted his integrity and uprightness ! Being exalted to the right hand of the Majesty on high, how he bends downward his boughs of promises and influences, that he may dwell with, and be apprehended and held fast by the debased transgressor, the humble foul ! how perpetually verdant f « the same yesterday, to- day, and, forever !" How unfading his glory ! How free
. a Song v. 15; Ezek. xvii. 23. b. Hos. xifc 8.
10S
*mm every knot of corruption ! Flow unbounded his p, his fulness of grace and of glory ! In him it pleas- ed the Father that all fulness should dwell. How com- pletely he protects Lis chosen from the heat, the storm ^idinighty vengeance, and ef the temptations of Sa- tan ! Hotv he exposed his head, his heart, for our is ! How sweet ! hew open ! how abundant the ac- cess of unclean storks of polluted sinners to enter in, M& abide under, the shadow of his branches ; — My sdijil* make him thy house, thy safe, thine endless hab-
Clirist is compared to an olive-tree, or two
SLivjE branches a. How infinite is the fulne'S of
o3 whidh resides in his complex person. And how
iaCnite is his readiness to communicate it to his people.
And what a sure emblem of perfect peace between
OcJd and my soul !— If I hear of him in the gospel, it
±e voice of the Lord, saying, " Peace, peace to him
is afar off, and to him that is near." If I believe*
if I feel him in my heart, God keeps me in perfect
peace : his covenant of peace shall not be broken.
Lsi is compared to a cluster of copher* in ds af Engedi lu If- co-fa eh mean the cyp- res vine ; Christ resembles it in his abundant, his nour- ishing, his strengthing,. and comforting virtue.. If it mean the cypress-tree ; Christ resembles it in his sweetqess, his purity, his healing, and anointing vir- tue ; his ever appearing as our dying, our crucified Redeemer, If it signify the cypirusy or sword-grass ; Christ resembles it in his fruiliuhiess, his savouriness*. his marvellous virtue to strengthen our soul, and to heal the bites, the stings, the wounds made by the old serpent. If it mean dates, the fruit of the palm-tree ; Christ resembles them in his wide-spread renown, his infinite sweetness, and nourishing virtue. If it denote balsam ; Christ resembles it in his preciousness, his ac- ceptableness, his sweetness and fragrancy, his preserve
& Zech. iv. 11— *14, £. Songi. 1%
ICG
ing, his all-healing, and nourishing virtu c. If it be camphire ; Christ resembles it in his good savour, his healing, his reviving, rird cxhilirating virtue. He is compared to a cixster : for, O the fulness, the sweet, the firm, the mysterious connection of his unnumber- ed excellencies, graces, blessings, promises !
86:* Christ calls himself the true vine a. In hi> humanity, how tender, weak, debased !" exposed to contempt and suffering ! how spoiled by foxes, by Sa- tan, by Jewish seducers ! by Gentile persecutors L— r- buthow honorable in his person, his character, and of- £c ! how easily ; how much injured t how sensible, and observant, ef it I how quietly he grew up iff favor with God, and with men ! how early was he about his Father's business i how he abounds with quicken- ing, with heart-warming, and enlightening virtue !~ What sweet, what profitable, refreshing, and medicin- al grapes of righteousness, of peace, of pardon-, accept- ance ; of spiritual sonship, sri rectification, perseverance,, comfort, and eternal glory, he brings forth ! what ex- tensive and refreshful shadow of protecting perfections,, offices, premises, and providence, he affords to his peo- ple ! Blessed Vine, why, afier thy friiitfutrles?; wast thou cut down ! why burnt in the fire of thy Father's wrath i not for thine,, hut for Gur barrenness, our un- profitableness. Why wrast thou trodden in the wine- press cf hi? indignation ! why was thy soul troubled,, squeezed, and pressed out of measure ! Was it, that I might for it forever drink new nine mith ikec in the 'Fa- ther's kingdom / Arise, ye sinners, ye companions of sorrow ; take this cvp of salvation, a»d call * tho name of the Lord. With pleasure, sit every one tin- der the shadow of Jesus, his ojm vine, his aknjtg^tr^f.
87. Christ is compared to a. root K lie is the hid- den, the invisible God : on earth ins glory was veiled : now we see him not, but believing we rejoice. How infinitely safe, firm and unchangable ! how full of'jdpfc
a Johaxv. 1. b Is. liii. 1. R«v«.-xsnv 14
tor
of communicative virtue! how be -supports P how mysteriously lie conveys existence, life, and nourishing virtue to his people ! In the winter of spiritual indif- ference, deadness, darkness, desertion, and in the storms of persecution, temptation, and trouble, how effectually he preserveth them from total withering ! Against Kir?* iji his person, office, righteousness, and grace, do our enemies with their axe of opposition principally strike. —Blessed Hoot ef David, and of every other creature* especially of these of the household of faith, neither storm, nor drought, nor axe^ nor age, can despoil thetr of thy vigour, thy freshness, When the earth and the works thereof are burnt up, thou, shalt appear in all the budding glories of the spring, and because thou livest, 1 shall five al^o.
88. Christ is called the b-rajN-gh or growth a. In Ills humanity he springs out of the root of Jesse. His humanity hath no root of itself, but subsists in his di- vine person. How comely, verdant, and fruitful is he> as man and Mediator. With honour to God, and hap- piness to men ! He is a top branch, sprung of David's royal family ; and in himself most excellent and hon- orable, higher thau kings of any land, He is the branch of the Lord, raised up by, cared for, and fruitful to, the glory of, God. He is a branch of righteousness % for the display of his righteousness, God sent him into the world, raised him up, and made him bring forth, an everlasting righteousness, for our justification ; and by his influence are all his children made righteous in good; work?.
89. Christ is called the pla^t of renown raised up "by God b.. In his ancient purpose, in his incarnation and death, God planted him : in his resurrection and ascen- sion, he raised him up, and gave him glory : In the preaching of the gospel, in the esteem and affection of his people, he continueth to exalt him : at the last day he will raise him up to judge the %vor!ci, and th/
* Is. 3d. J. Zeck^i. 8.* b. Ezefcxxxiv: gp
208
by display hid astonishing height and grandeur. In his pedigree, his person, his natures, names, his quali- ties, offices, relations, and work, how infinitely famous ! for antiquity ; for deep humiliation ; for excellent beauty ; for never fading verdure ; for nourishing and medicinal virtue ? for refreshful savour and shadow ; for astonishing fruitfulness in every necessary, every useful benefit; how widely is he renowned I O publish his name ; declare his doings among the people : ascribe ye greatness to our Christ ; let every one to another, "the fathers unto the children, declare his truth," My Soul, what think I of Christ, whom prophets, apostles, and divine persons, so much extol ?
90. Christ is called the rose of Sharon, or field a. In his birth, he grew out of David's withered root ; he grew up in the field of this worlds and was therein ex- posed to contempt, trouble, and death. In the field of his woixl and ordinances, he is to be found as the free, the common Saviour of men. In his person God-man, how beautiful and glorious, — the honour of creation ! His character, offices, his relations righteousness, and grace, how savoury and refreshful ! how, effectually, if applied, they cure our heart-burning enmity and mal- ice ! our spiritual blindness, despondency, and consump- tion in sin !;
91. Christ is called the xilt of the valley b< Once he was planted in a debased state, in the low valley of our world. To the most wretched sinners he i§ offer- ed ; and in the humble heart he takes up his abode,. How infinitely savoury, pure comely, and fruitful ! How high ; yet how meek, Jowly, and condescending ! What an effectual remedy are his influences, against our spiritual pride* faintness, blindness, hardness of heart, or any like plague ! None of the diseases of Egypt, O Saviour, rfiall come upon me;, for thou art the Lord my God, that healeth me. Under my fool- ish, my sinful attempts, every ailment is feopeiess ; but
4, Song ii. 1. 6. Sojpg ii, 1.
13*
thou hast power over all plagues ; when thou rjilt, thou €<inst malce me whole.
92. Christ is compared to a bundle of myrrhs. How unbounded and unsearchable ! how well connect- ed, and inamissible, his fulness of righteousness and grace ! how it endears him to his Father, and to his people ! how it pleaseth, refresheth, beautifieth, per- fumes, purifies-— prevents corruption, heals and anoints their soul ! Bitter indeed, Q Redeemer, were thy sufferings to thee ! bitter is our cross, which attends thy coming to our soul ! but, thyself, how precious an offering to God, and how precious a gift of God to men ! — O, till the night of trouble, of time be finished, lie between my breasts ; dwell near my heart : lodge amidst the embraces of my faith and love !
9& Christ compares himself to a cors of wheat, ca^t into the ground, that it might die and bring forth much fruit b. In himself how pure, precious, and sub- stantial ! how sweet and durable I — In his incarnation he fell into the earth ; in his suffering and exit he di- ed ; but rose again, and grew up to- amazing heights of exaltation. Innumerable glories he brought forth, to himself and to his Father : innumerable blessings he brought forth, for the wholesome nourishire.it. of our soul : innumerable saints he brings forth, and ren- ders the blessing and substance of the nations.- — Feed, my soul, on this finest of the wheat. Let ray useful Jife b&ar witness, that for me feus diedyand rose again, according to ike scriptures
94. Christ is called the rinsx-muiTs ,<v First, in or- der of nature, and as the pledge of our resurrection, he rose from the dead. How transcendent and incompa- rable is his excellency L How solemnly was he himself and ty him, are his saints, cause crated to the service ©f God. On that day the first-fruits of barley were offered, he rose from the grave. On that, upon which the first-fruits of wheat were offered, he returned t* bless the nations in the power of his Spirit
^ Sofcg i. U* b. Jcto £i. 24 c. 1 Oq* sy.
HO
93. Christ is compared to a great rock b. How infinitely high ! how firm ! unchangeable! and invin- cible ! V/hat a boundless mine of precious ; of more than golden blessings ! What a source of living, cf life- giving waters ! What a furnished herbary of medicir- aJ simples for the healing of the nations I What a sure foundation of our hope f our endless felicity ! What a safe, a lofty, a curious residence ! where no enemy can annoy us ! where we are sheltered, protected, and re- freshed, with divine perfections and providences ! where we enjoy the most clear, extensive, and pleasant prospect of the whole fulness and ways of God ! Bles^ sed Rock higher than 1 1 more excellent than mountains of prey ; sufficient to overshadow me ! Lofty munition ef rocks, cause my soul to mount up, and reside in thee ; ( so shall I see the King in his beauty, and the land that is very far off : bread shall be given me, and my wa- ter shall be sure. O Rock* of ages, while I am in this weary world, this weary estrangement from my God, be thou my rest and my refreshing. Smitten by thy Father's wrath, pour me forth streams of oil, of honey,, and butter. Never envy^ O my soul, the portion of the wicked : their rock is not as my rock, mine enemies themselves being judges.
96. Christ is compared, perhaps, to mount Carmel b*_ As God, how infinitely high! As Mediator, how exalt- ed ! In him, on the one hand, how wide our prospect of creation and time ! on the other, of the sealike per- fections of God 1 of unbounded eternity ? How fertile he, of grace and of truth t How productive of glory to God, and blessings to men ! Planted in him, how w^ abound in the fruits of righteousness, to the praise of the glory of his virtue and grare ! But if the word signify crimson, Christ resembles it, in bearing our sins, in suffering their punishment ; and in receiving his royal and glorious reward. Suppose, my soul, thou: ishouldst resist unto blcod^ striving against sin, let thy
fl..fe. xxx^r % |f»l x\l IB. Mat' <- 54* 2% b. Song* vii, 5^
Ill
conversation be in heaven, whence I look for the Sa- viour : let the fruits of the Spirit in all goodness he in me and abound ; so shall I. never fail.
97. Christ is compared to Lebanon, that goodly mountain on the north -of Canaan a. How infinitely higher than angels and men ! How far ascended above all heavens ! How great ! how unfading his comeliness and excellency ! how pleasant to behold ! How fra- grant and precious his product ! his unfailing fruits of righteousness and grace ! What unnumbered cedars of saints grow up in him I What cleansing and refresh- ful streams of mercy flow from his bowels ! How fully he protects our promised land, our new-covenant state, from the northern blasts of devouring wrath ! And hap- py ! happy ! in him are no dens of lions, no lodging of leopards. — Be thou my residence, my dwelling place in all generations.
98. Christ is compared to a little stone, cut out of the mountain without hands, which brake in pieces Dan- iel's fourth beast, and became a great mountain, which filled the whole earth b. In his debasement, how low was his condition ! How is he despised and rejected of men ! How much unknown to, and disesteemed by the saints ! How sovereignly sent of God to save us ! How conceived and born into human nature by a virgin, who knew not a man ! To make way for his spiritual kingdom, he overthrew the Heathenish empire of Rome, and subdued the nations ta himselF. A time cometh, when the knowledge of him shall cover the whole earth, as the waters cover the sea ; when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his 'Christ ; and he shall reign fop ever and ever. O blessed Mountain, fill my country, my house, my heart !
99. Christ is called a stone, livingy chosen, precious, and tried e. How firm, strong, immutable, and last- ing ! He hath all life in himself and quickencth whom
*, Song v. 15. £.Dmi. ii. 34*35. cl»a. xx\iu. 16. 1 Pet il &
112
he will ! How infinitely valuable, and dear to God, angels, and saints ! the desire of all nations ! the gold that perisheth not ! the inestimable jewel, that ma- keth multitudes boast themselves, because they are ber orae exceeding rich ! Jehovah chose him to be our Mediator, and tried him in the fire of his indignation. The saints choose him for their husband, their all ; and try him, by dependence on him, in theix* convic- tion, their temptations, and fiery troubles.
100. Christ is called one stone, upon which are seven eyes a. How infinitely firm and durable ! How dis- tinguished and unmatched ! the chief among ten thou- sand ! Of what perfect, what divine knowledge is he possessed ! It is his to know and direct all things ; to observe, to pity, and regard his chosen in every state and case. On him how fixed are his Father's eyes ! With what pleasure he views his person ! his underta- king ! his incarnation J his life ! his death ! his resur- rection, and ascension ! his intercession for us ! How fixed on him are the eyes of the blessed Spirit, to take of his, and shew it unto us ! How fixed on him, the eyes of angels, to admire, depend and wait on, wor- ship and serve him ! How fixed on him were the eyes of ancient believers, looking, and longing for his com- ing into the likeness of sinful flesh ! They saw his day afar off, and rejoiced to see it. How fixed on him are the eyes of all saints, looking to him for pardon, for . righteousness and salvation ; andlonging for his second appearance ! When he cometh with clouds, how fixed en him shall be the eyes of every rational creature ! Every eye shall see him ! and all the wicked kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. With what burning love, ravishing wonder, and enrapturing praise, shall holy angels, and ransomed men, forever gaze on his person, and see him as he is ! Look to him, my son!,
tliat thou may est be lightened. Let my waiting eye*
a. Zech. iii. 9.
113
?je set oil him. Beholding as in a glass, the glory o the Lord ; be thou changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Ifce is the stone, of which God engraveth the graving. Up- on the palms of his hands, are divinely engraven the names of all his chosen ; their salvation is pat under his care and management. They are graven on his heart. He was divinely constituted their land repre- sentative and surety, and appointed to appear in the presence of God for us. In respect of manifestation, how deep engraven, on his person and office, are the perfections of God ! How gloriously engraven on his humanity, the adorning graces of the Holy Ghost I In his debasement, how was he marked with wounds and bruises ! how divinely made perfect through suifer- ing ! In his exaltation, how divinely is he marked with glory and honour !
101. Christ is called a stone of stumbling, and rock of offence a. Provoked at his humble birth, his deba- sed life, his ignominious death, and sorry retinue of dis- ciples ; at the holiness of his law, the searching and 'evangelic nature of his doctrine ; at the simplicity of his ordinances, the meanness and misconduct of his fol- lowers i — the Jews, and many others, to their spiritual hurt, to their everlasting ruin, refuse to embrace and obey him. Blessed, O Jesus, is he, whosoever is not of- fended in thee.
102. Christ ir compared ton way b. By his Fa- ther's royal appointment, he came into this world. He removed every impediment of our access to God, and left us an example to walk in his steps. Through his mediation, his atonement, and intercession, we iiuist go out to our warfare witn Satan, with the world, and our lasts ; must go forth to trade with heaven in the free receipt of ali the fulness of God ; and to walk m holiness towards the celestial bliss. In the gospel, his
«♦ 1 Pet. ii. 8. 6. John xiv. 6. Is. xxxv. 8,
Hi
person and office are exhibited, as the sole means of Jehovah's kind visits to u?, and of our passage from Satan to God ; and from sin and misery to grace and glory. In this, all who hear the gospel, are fully war* ranted to enter and walk ; and by him they are gra- ciously received, freely supported, perpetually direct- ed, and finally ushered into endless felicity. O new and living way of holiness, in which men shall not remain unclean, though it be for thosje ! O sure, safe, easy, plain, pleasant, heavenly path ! O costly, free, divine, way ! may foolish I walk in thee, without erring 1 United to thy person ! justified by thy blood ; influen- ced by thy love ; enabled by thy strength ; subject to thine authority ; acting as under thine eye ; aiway in- tending thine honour ; let me follow thee, and go vp and down in thy name, and walk humbly with my God# 103. Christ is compared to a, gat£ and door a. By the wisdom, the power, and authority of God, he is con- stituted the proper means of our admission to the church, and the offices thereof : the only means of our access into a gracious state, or into the knowledge, favor, and presence of God : the sole means of our defence from the storm of divine wrath, or the violence of our spiritu- al foes. Thro' hijn alone, Jehovah bestows his gracious alms of a full salvation, on tho^e destitute sinners, who apply for the same : and in him alone, our prayers and services are accepted. Now> in the promises, the invi- tations, and offers of the gospel, he is wide opened to men ; him that cometh to him, he will in no wise cast out. At death, this exhibition will be shut to us ; and at the judgment, to all his despisers : and forever shall those, who are found without him, be confirmed in their miserable estate. He is represented a& sev- eral, as twelve gates, three looking towards every quar- ter of the earth : he is preached to sinners in all |Eo ends of theearth; and O their free, their abundant access to God by him ! He is represented is gates of pearl • IW,
a John x. 9.
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O his unbounded preciousness and excellency, in hie person and mediation ! And blessed be the Lord, he is open night and day ; in every case, a ready means of access to God. They that come to him, shall, in spir- itual liberty, go in and out, anil find pasture ; but shall no more. go out from their gracious state. By this gate of God, let me enter in, and bless the Lord.
104?. Christ is compared to an habitation, and dwel- ling place a. How furnished with every necessary ac- commodation, all spiritual provision ! His righteousness and strength are the covering : his love the bed to re- fresh, wad the fire to warm and melt our heart : his flesh and bloed, his person, righteousness, and purcha- sed benefits, are the nourishing provision : he, his Fa- ther, and blessed Spirit, the delightful companions. With transcendant pleasure and gladness, his people abide in their state of union and communion with him. With familiar boldness, they receive and improve the righteousness, peace, pardon, acceptance, adoption, wisdom, sanctification, and redemption, which are lodg- ed in him,- — Where, my soul, dwellestthou ? Is Christ thy home ? Kail then thy happy state ! No plague shall come near thy dwelling. Charge me, my conscience, to be a keeper at home, that my house may guide me : never let my be a bird wandering from her nest.
105. Christ is compared to a coveut and hiding- place b. Secretly and mysteriously, in his person, righteousness, power, and love, are the persons, the life, safety, happiness, and comfort of his people, hidden and infallibly secured, from the avenging fury of an angry God, and against ail danger and hurt, from sin, Satan, the world, death, or hell.-— Am I hidden in him ? Let rains come, and winds of temptation blow; no evil shall come near me. Quickly, O mine enemies, shall you seek me, and shall not find me ; nay, even now, whither I go, ye cannot come ; for having entered iato his heart, his hand, the Lord hath shut me in.
n John vi. 50. b Isa. iv\ 6. and xxxii, 2.
in
106. Christ is called a sanctuary and refuge a. What a sufficient shelter and residence for guilty and bestomied sinners ! How divihely prepared, and allot- ted for them to flee to for protection from God's aveng- ing justice, from a broken law, a raging devil, and an evil world ! And in him we ?.re to live, denying un- godliness, and worldly lusts, and walking soberly, right- eously, and godly, offering the proper sacrifice, and incense of praver, of praise, and of cood works unto God.
107\ Christ is compared to a tent and shadow b. How divinely reared ! By his imputed righteousness, how sweetly he saves his people from the scorching heat of Godrs wrath S By his power and love he pro- tects them from the windy storms which are raised by Satan and wicked men, and gives them a sweet, a re- freshful rest in himself. This, my soul, is thy test, and thy refreshing.
103. Christ is compared to a rest, or resting-place c. God hath prepared him for sinful men, wearied with fulfilling their lusts, with bearing their troubles, with enduring the shocking views of their sin and their punishment. The imputation of his righteous- ness removes our burden of guilt. The faith, the sen- sible perception of it, removes our burden of legal con- viction. The effectual intimation of his love makes our heart to cease from her sinful and legal courses ; — and delivers it from its burdens of carnal care. The faith of his unstinging our trouble, our death, and of his sympathizing with us therein, and making them to work for us a " far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," removes their oppressive load. The faith of his veracity pledged in his promise, dispels every des- pondent fear, relative to cur own or the church's true interest. In him we enjoy -the firmest establishment in grace ; the most powerful security against spiritual
a Heb. vi. 19, I Isa. iv. 5. c Matth. xi. 28. Psal. cxvi. 7.
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w andering ; the fullest satisfaction to aH our desires ; sind the sweetest refreshment, joy, and comfort to our fotiL — Return to this rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.
109. Christ is represented as God's habitation ; his resting place ; his thronje of grace a. Not only is the Father in him, by mutual coexistence of nature ; but he is eminently and eternally glorified by, satisfied with, delighted in, and rejoiceth over him, as our Me- diator. In him God is ever accessible to our humble requests, and ever found ready to bestow his purcha- sed mercy and grace, — Go therefore boldly, my soul, to his throne of grace, that thou raayest " obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
1 10. Christ is compared to a foundation 6. First in order of nature, his person, his office, his righteousness and intercession, are placed by his Father, as the firm, the eternal principle, support, security, and ornament of his whole dispensation of mercy and grace ; and of every doctrine, ordinance, and true member, of the church ; and of all our religious worship and service ; and of all our hopes of eternal felicity. " Another foun- dation can no man lay, than that whi(jh is laid, which if Christ Jesus." — Be thou, my soul, grounded in him ; j?or do thou build <n him the hay and stubble of legal righteousness, of fanciful opinions, or unwarranted practices.
111. Chri#is called the chief corner stone c. He was indeed despised aid rejected by the Jewish buil- ders, their rulers in church and state : but, by his per- son, his office, his relations, his righteousness, his in- tercession, power, and love, — the whole new-covenant building of mercy, the w hole temple of the church, Jewish or Gentile, militant or triumphant, the whole structure of grace in every believer's heart, is myste- riously and beautifully united, regulated, adorned,
a 2 Cor. t. 19. Heb. iv. 16. I laa. xxviii, 16. c Eph. ii. 20.
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Supported, strengthened, and preserved. — Blessed Cor- ner stone, cement my soul to thee.
112. Christ is compared to<a xail in a sure place a. On him, as irrevocably appointed of God, to be our sole, our all sufficient Mediator, doth every purpose, promise, and providence of God, relative to our solva- tion,— and doth the whole doctrine, worship, discipline, and goverment, of the church ; every office, officer, and member, thereof ; and every person, privilege, gift, and grace, of his people, firmly and safely hang, and depend.— Here hang, my soul, thy life, thy hope, thy work, thy car% thy all.
113. Christ is represented as food indeed, and bread of life b. Being broken and bruised for our sins ; trodden in the wine press of his Father's wrath ; roasted in the flames of his indignation ; his person, his righteousness, and saving benefits, are the most ex- cellent, the wholesome, pleasant, nourishing, the strengthening p,nd medicinal, the universal, absolutely necessary, and never-surfeiting provision of our soul, which begets, restores, maintains, and perfects our ev- erlasting life. ;i Bread that cometh dowufrom heaven, 5 true, substantial provision, given of God to us, starving sinful men : may 1, with alt saints, daily by faith receive thee, with earnest desire, particular appropriation, and inward delight. — -Evermore give us this bread.
Hi. Christ is called Vce hidden manxa c- Him- self and his fulness are the heavenly, the divinely pre- pared, the free, the all-suiting provision, on which his chosen people are forever nourished and fed. How invisible and unknown -to a carnal world i How much at present unknown to the saints ! How incomprehensi- ble in any state, to angels or men ! — Ever may my soul have this" bread to eat, which the world know^th not of.
llo. Christ is compared to raiment d. . How exact-
|
a Isa. xxii. 21 — 24>. |
1 John vi. 55. 48. c Rev. Ik |
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17. //Rom. xffi. H. |
Rev. ii*. 18. and xix. 8. Mauk |
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xxii. 11. 12. |
L2
11$
ly stilted to our condition, are his imputed righteous- ness, and imparted grace ! How they hide, they re- move, our sinful deformity, guilt, and pollution ! How they protect from scorching heat, from freezing cold, and every other spiritual hurt ! How comely and ac- ceptable they render us before God, angels and good men ! What spiritual health, what warmth of affection to good, they promote ! How they qualify us for good works, and distinguish us from the rest of the world ! They are " white raiment, fine linen, clean and white V* How pure and beautiful ! How comely a badge, that we are more than conquerors of sm, Satan, and the world ; and do always triumph in him ; are at peace with God ; are kings and priests, unto him; and al- ways called to rejoice in him, as the God of our salva- tion ! How tliey extract our corruption, and refresh our heart ! They are a wedding-garment, applied in the moment of our mystical marriage to Christ. And how transcendent their richness, and beauty ! Kow or- namental to our person and nature. How far prefer* able to any other covering ! His righteousness imput- ed, is the ground of our joy ; the foundation of our right t© the presence and favor of God. His grace im- parted, is the occasion of our spiritual joy ; the mark of cur union to Christ ; and the substance of our meet- ness for his fellowship, and of our becoming a joy and £ejoi;ingto him. Not only profess but put on, O my foul, " the Lord Jesus, and make no provision for ths flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof :" let my garments of a holy, cheerful conversation, be always white, and let my head, my heart, lack no ointment of his grace.
116. Christ is compared to gold tried in the fire a. HowT solid and substantial are his person and fulness J How copely, pure, and unmixed ! How precious, in- corruptible, and lasting ! What an enriching, a satisfy- ing treasure and ornament ! Kow tried in his Father's estimation ; in his own£ery sufferings \ and in his pof*
a Re v« ii> 1*.
120
pie's hot tribulation ; and yet alwfty found sufficient and genuine ! Effectually counsel me, O Jesus, to buy this gold tried in the fire, that I may be rich ; and thy white raiment of imputed atonement, that 1 may be clothed ; and that the shame of my filthy, my sinful nakedness do not appear.
117. Christ is called the pearl of great price a. How wonderful his divine, his human generation !~ Who can declare it? Not round in shape, but, the ev- erlasting God, he hath an absolute fulness of spiritual excellency ! How solid, substantial, comely, and glori- ous. How truly he reconcileth hearts, makes peace by the blood of his cross, and is the one Mediator between God and man! How adorning, preserving, healings strengthening! How enriching, and ennobling, his vu> the ! What care; what diligence it requires to find him ! How often, diving amidst waves and floods of guilt, corruption, and trouble, are we in danger of be- ing torn asunder by Satan and his agents ! How pre- cious ! not millions of worlds ; not the obedience of angels or men ; but only thine own bleeding right- eousness, can purchase our title t6 thee. Yet, alas, how few possess, desire, or know, thine excellency !— Having found thee in the gospel, let me deliberately consent to sell all, disesteem all, forego all, to " win Christ, and be found in him," and he in me the hope of glory. » Tread not, my soul, on him ; turn not again to tear the Father that giveth him.
118. Christ is called a treasure hid in the field b+ How precious and inexhaustible are his excellency and fulness ! How he satisfieth, enricheth, ennobleth, and, before God, devils, and men, emboldens such as possess him ! What hlessings, useful, lasting, invaluable, un- numbered, are comprehended in him ! in him all the promises, benefits of the new covenant are summed up f On him his saved nations for ever live ; and of him do they boast and glory ! With infinite skill Uq is
m Matth. iiii. 45, 46. b Matth. xiii. 44*
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securely deposited in the purpose, the power, the love, the faithfulness of God y in the field of inspiration he is divinely laid up, hid, and concealed, that carnal, care- 'less, sinners behold him not. O far a firm, a lively faith, to credit the Almighty's word, and call the treas- ure 9,11 my own ! Be it hid for ever in the treasury of my heart.
119. Christ is compared to a treasury or store- house a. In him, as Mediator, God-man, God hath hid, lodged, and secured, all the rich innumerable, and everlasting blessings of the new covenant, that they might be ever near to us ; and none of them be lost ; and that he might be honoured in the conveyance of them. Without receiving him, we obtain no saving benefit ; and in embracing him, we obtain all inex- haustible stores of grace and glory. Fear God, my soul, "- there is no want to them that fear him."
120. Christ is compared to a refiner's fire, and ful- ler's soap b. By the pure preaching of his word, he removeth drossy and spotted errors and heresies. By the influence of his spirit, he piirgeth out spots, and drossy corruption from our heart. By common or spe- cial influence, he renders spotted persons apparently, or really pure in his sight. By fearful judgments, he removeth th£ spots, the wicked persons, of a nation or church, into endless misery. Who may abide the day of his coming \
121. Christ is compared to. a standard, ensign, or banner c. The elevation of him in his person, his faithfulness, and love, in the ancient council of peace ; in the Old-Testament promises and types ; in his inr carnation, life, death, resurrection^ and glory ; and in the gospel revelation, and saving discovery of his ex- cellency ; is God's great signal of ^rar with sin, with Satan, and the world ; and of his victory over them ; and of our peace with God, with our concience, with Jioly angels, and good men : it is the grand means of
a Cols i. 1 9. b Mai. iii, 2. a fcu xi, 10. and lix J g*
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dispiriting Satan and his allies ; and of gathering us to, and enlisting us under Jesus himself ; the great means of exciting, encouraging, and directing us in our spirit- ual conflicts, and enabling us, to obtain complete victo- ry therein. He is represented as a standard bearer a- ynong ten thousand. In the above manner, and for the mentioned purposes, he lifts up himself, and goeth be- fore his people in their spiritual war. — Be thou, my sou], " strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
122. Christ is compared to a staff, a stay, or stt*- j»orti5G friend a. By dependance on his righteousness, his power, his love, his intercession, and faithfulness, his chosen people are supported under their burdens, of guilt, of corruption, or trouble ; and enabled to walk up through this wilderness-world, to the high, the promised land of endless felicity. For ever, O Jesus, let me lean on thee.
123. Christ is like the chariots of Amminadib b* How quick ! how majestic his love approaches, to re* lleve and comfort his distressed saints ! in what easy, safe, quick, and royal manner, he bears and carries them, through this waste howling desart, into eternal happi- ness !
124. Christ is called wojberful r. What countless \ what unsearchable mysteries and miracles of infinite, eternal, and immutable, being, wisdom, power, holi- ness, justice, goodness, and truth, are exhibited in his person, his office, appearance, and work ! In him every wonderful union, created or divine, concurs, and every marvellous purpose, doctrine, promise, and providence, do centre ! How incomprehensible his divine excellen- cies ! his eternal generation ! his assuming the likeness of sinful flesh ! How deep his abasement ! how high iris exaltation ! how finished his righteousness ! how tender his love ! how incomprehensible his whole work ! how strange his bounty ! how marvellous his habitat-
a Song Yiii. 5. t Song vi. 12. c Isa. ix. ft
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lion in us ! and his returns to fcless us ! — Ask, ray soul, pry into his name ; for it is secret,
125. Christ is called all in all a. He is in all pla- ces, in all the churches, and all the hearts of his peo- ple. He makes and performs all things : he compre- hends all excellency, transcends all creatures, contains and bestows all good. Be is the Creator, the preser- ver, the governor, disposer, heir, and end of all crea- tures, the antitype, the substance, the scope, and end of all divinely instituted ceremonies; the deviser, the foundation, the means, and end of all divine purposes ; the maker, the furnisher, the publisher, the confirmer, the fulfiiier, the substance, centre, and scope, of all gra- cious promises ; the author the revealer, the exempli- fies the subject, and end of all inspired doctrines ; the giver, the fulfiiier, the end of all sacred laws ; the contractor, the magnifier, and executer of all divine cov- enants ; and the purchaser, price, dispenser, matter, and end of all saving privileges. He is the institutor, maintainer, substance, and scope of all gospel ordinan- ces ; the author, the object, the example, the preserv- er, restorer, increaser, and finisher of all Christian gra- ces ; and the cause, the pattern, the motive, the as- sistant, the director, and mean of acceptance, in all ho- ly exercises. — All comprehending Lord, art thou my god, and my all ?
126. Christ's name is like ointment poured forth b. Apprehended by faith, his person, character, office, re- lations, righteousness, and grace, have a most free, a most extensive, precious, and sweet-smelling influence to quicken, cleanse, mollify, heal, strengthen, exhilarate and adorn our souls, and fit them for wrestling with Sa- tan and our lusts ; and for running in the way of God's commandments.- — Be thou, my soul, a good savour of Christ to all around.
127. Christ's love is life, and better than life c. It is the source, the begetter, the restorer, the main-
a Col. iii. 11. b Song i, 3, c Psal. xx*. 5. and lxiii. 3*
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tainer, and perfecter of our spiritual life ; the bestow- er, conserver, and sabstance of our eternal life. How inexpressible its comforts ! How it sweetens my natur- al existence ! heals my maladies ! redresseth my griev- ances ! enricheth my soul with God as her portion ! and enraptureth my heart ! How much more precious, pleasant, lasting, sure, and useful than this natural life ! When heart and flesh faint and fail, it shall be my eternal excellency, and joy of many generations.
128. Christ's love is compared to wine a. By his being trodden in the wine-fat of his Father's wrath it was manifested, and prepared* How precious, pleas- ant, and distinguishing is it ! and what a reviving, comforting, healing, appetizing, invigorating, and em- boldening influence it hath on our heart ! And for an- tiquity, duration, harnilessness, freeness, purity, plen- ty ; and for its power to quicken the dead in trespas- ses and sins, preserve from death eteri al and create joy unspeakable, and full of glory, how far it ex eeds the best wine! Drink of it abundantly, Omy soul, tEat fchou mayest forget thy sorrows, and remember thy misery no more.
129. Christ's love is compared to a banner display- ed in a banouetting-house b. While he openeth his word to his people ; while he admits them into cov- enant-union, and entertains them with speoial intimacy with himself ; how his love engageth and draws their heart to his service ; and excites, encourageth, strength- ens, disiinguisheth, directs, and protects them in their spiritual conflicts with Satan, the world, and their lusts ! — Thus let me fight with principalities and powers, and with spiritual wickedness in high places.
130. Christ's righteousness Is called blood c. By the shedding of his blood he finished it. Closely it adheres where ever it is applied. How marvellous its efficacy to quench the fiery indignation of God, the fiery darts of Satan's temptation, and the flaming en-
a Sang i. 2. 4. b Song ii. 4. c 1 Pet. i. 2.
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Baity of our corrupt heart ! The sprinkling of it, ha* ports a real, a close, a liberal, full, kindly, and skilful application of it to our conscience, by the Spirit o^ God, — # To him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his blood, be glory and honour for ever and ever. Amen."
131. Christ's righteousness is called clean water a. It is the pure righteousnes of God. How sweetly it refresheth our heart, purifieth our conscience from dead works, purgeth off all our guilt ; and, before God as a judge, renders us clean every whit, whiter than the snow / Blessed water, how plentiful ! how com- mon and free ! how useful, quickening, and refreshing ! how it spreads its virtue ; and penetrates into my heart ! — And how unhampered my access to drink of, or bathe myself in it !
132. Christ's righteousness is compared to a breast- plate b. Being imputed by God and applied by faith, it protects our soul, repels Satan's accusations, resists his fiery temptations, and secures us from the condemnation, the vengeance of Heaven.
Christ's righteousness is compared to a garment or linen roue. See No. 115.
CHAPTER III.
Metaphors respecting the Holy Ghost.
1. The Holy Ghost is compared to an ambassa- dor c. Agreeable to the dispensation of the new covenant, he is sent by, he comes in the name of Je- sus Christ, the King of nations, and of his adored Fa- ther. And with infinite wisdom, power^ and solemnity, he in the word of the gospel, proposeth to our soul, a treaty of peace with God, oi marriage with Christ and
a Ezek« xxxyi. 25. b Eph. vi. 14. c Joho xvi. 7.
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I I traffic with heaven. Powerfully he pfcrsuadetk us heartily to accept of it ; and, by sealing us up to the' tlay of redemption, he irreversibly ratified! the a- greement. And alas ! how vexed, how grieved with our rejection of his proposals ; oar resistance of his motions, and his striving with our conscience ! — Grieve not, my soul, the hohj Spirit, by whom I aui staled to the day of redemption.
2. The Holy Ghost is called an advocate a. By his word, and fey the miraebs and common operations which attend it, he pleads the cause of Giir adored Re- deemer against an evil world. By his saving discove- ries and influences, he ple?.ds# it in oiirheart, against our corrupt lusts and affections ; and against the false and injurious allegations of Satan. According to the will of God, he maketh intercession for the saints, exciting them to prayer ; enditing their requests directing and ^enabling them to present them at a throne of grace ; and wait for the gracious answer of them. — Blessed pleader, m?vke intercession for and in me, with groan- tings, which cannot be uttered.
3. The Holy Ghost is compared to a teach eh b- Possessed of a comprehensive, an infinite bnwled^e q£ sill things ; and notwithstanding the most fearful con- tempt and opposition, he, with amazing skill, care, kindness, and patience, seasonably and effectually in- spired, and still opens tip the mysterious doctrine?, laws, promises, and threatnings of the oracles of God, and fixeth them in our memory and hearu He shew- eth us the sinfulness and misery of our fallen state : sheweth what and whose we are. He enliglitens our mind in the knowledge of the person, the offices, the relations, righteousness, power and love of Jesus Christ : and' instructs us how to receive and improve him, as made of God to us wisdom^ righteousness, sanctificatzon,
a. John xvi. 8, 9, 10. Rom. viii. 26, 27. b. John xiv. 26.
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and redemption. ?■. He teacheth us the way to manage oar heart, cur time, our gifts, our grace ; and how, therewith, best to promote the glory of God, and our own, and our neighbour's real and lasting felicity. His presence, how inestimable a blessing J his ab- sence, how fearful a plague ! When sinners remain har- dened in sin, how often he ceaseth striving with their G3ns:ience, and giveth them up to the lusts and imag- inations of their evil heart. O unparalleled instructor, w open thou mine eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of thy law." Instruct and teach me in the way wherein I should go-
4. The Holy Ghost is compared to a witness a. With unbiassed fidelity, with unsullied clearness and evidence, he testifieth against us ; undeniably proves to our concience, the truth, and the heinous nature of our crimes : he testifieth of Christ ; convincingly "proves to our soul, that he is infinitely glorious, pow- erful, suitable, and ready to save us, who are lost : he testifieth of the promises of the new covenant, that they are adapted to our case, and divinely directed to our conscience : he testifieth the truth of our gracious estate, witnessing with our spirits that roe are the chil- dren of God ; exciting and shining on the grace with- in us, and on the marks of it exhibited in scripture ; and persuading us of the true similitude betwixt them: he testifieth the sincerity of our good works,witnessing with our conscience that they proceed from Jesus' presence in our heart,and are agreeable to God's law, and acceptable in his sight.
5, The Holy Ghost is compared to a leader and guide b. Possessed of a perfect knowledge of the wil- derness and sea of a present evil worlcf, and of the course proper for every believer while in it, he comes to them in their time of need, continually abides with them, dwells in their heart, and by his word and in-
a. John xv. 26. Rom. viii. 16. b . John xiv. 16, 17
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fiuences, leads them to the promise, the person, the blood, and righteousness, power and fulness of the Re- deemer ; heencourageth their spirit ; directs them to their duty ; and points out the dangerous errors, habits, and practices which they ought to avoid ; he protects them from the assaults of sin, Satan; and the world ; and at last brings them safe to the desired habitation of endless felicity. To thee, O good Spir- it,! resign my blind, my bewildered soul ; lead thou me to- the land of uprightness : Let me no more com- plain of rough ways ; it is the Lord who leads me a- bout, to humble me, and to prove me, and to do me good in my latter end.
6. The Holy Ghost is called the comforter a.— How kindly he sympathizeth with the saints in their manifold afflictions ! he comes to, abides wTitb, and is highly desired and esteemed by them. Tenderly he examines our case, reproves what is faulty, and en- ableth us to wash off its guilt in a Savior's blood, and in his strength mortify the deeds of the body, that we may live. In his word he seasonably presents the most swreet, substantial, and sure grounds of spiritual comfort ; that Jesus the Son, the sent of God, hath borne our griefs, carried our sorrows, satisfied for our sins, and brought in an everlasting righteousness, to cover our guilty souls : that, well pleased for his right- eousness sake, God who loveth us with an everlasting love, doth in the promise give himself to be our God that in the new covenant promises, the whole fulness of God is brought near and secured to our soul : that our manifold troubles flow from redeeming kindness, are light and short ; but useful to promote our sanc- tification,. and work for us an exceeding and eternal weight of glory : that we shall be forever with the Lerd, filled with his fulness, and made like him, by seeing him as he is. These he determines and ena-
4- John xiv. 6.
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hies our heart to apply, and so quickens, supports, re- fresheth, sanctifieth, and fills it with joy unspeakable and full of glory.*,
7. The Holy Spirit is represented as a guest, an in- habitant a. His person being infinite, ard all the saints the one mystical body of Christ, he in his person and influence, resides in each of their hearts. This- dwelling he chooseth, prepareth, and furnisheth for himself, and is, with inexpressible delight, ever pres- ent and operative therein. Blessed Spirit of all grace* let all my powers be filled with thy glory. If I have, not thee, I am none of Christ's.
8. He is compared to a dove or tfetxe b. In sub- sistence he is distinct from the Father and Son ; is a complete, a divine person in himself, flow infinitely glorious, pure, and holy ! How meek, condescending^ arii peaceable ! How firmly he cleaveth to such as are
e joined to him. How swiftly he flies to relieve and comfort them ! How affectionately he delights in them ! how convincingly he -informs their conscience, that the wir.ter storm of God's wrath is past, and the floods of his vengeance are dried up ! Ard, by resting en Christ and his members, how mysteriously he conveys his quickening, sanctifying, meckening, and refreshful in- fluence !
9. He is called the power or finger of God r. Op- erating in his person, with what astonishing might and skill, doth the divine nature mske, furnish, and adorn the works of crertion, providence, and redemp- tion !< — Come, my soul, behold the doing of the Lord : let it be wondrous in thine eyes.
10. He is compared to firf, and called spirit of huring d. How powerfully his influence perietratcs in- to the inmost recesses cf our soul ! How it entfevhters our mind ; melts, softens, and subdues our will -y
a Rom. viii. I Matth. iii. 16, Song ii. 12, c Luke I 34. and xi.,20. d lsa. iv. 4?. Acts ii. ~3, Rev. iv. 5.
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purgeth our conscience ; warms and quicken? oar ai* fections ; comforts our heart ;~ consumes our dros*, ren- dering us holy as he is holy, and enabling us to ascend in heavenly desires, affections, and meditations ! But a- las! how hindered, obscured, and quenched, by carnali- ty of mind ; by sensuality ; sloth, or presumptuous sin- ning ! He is represented by cloven tongues of fire sitting on the apostles, to denote his qualifying them, zealously, successfully, and in divers languages, to preach the ev- erlasting gospel. He is called seven lamps of fir e, to denote his perfect fulnQss of enlightening and heart- warming influence.
11. He is compared to n:>nrf. In what a sove- reign, surprising, incomprehensible, invisible, pierc- ing, powerful, and conquering manner, do his convin- cing, his illuminating, his renewing, comforting, strengthening, — his heart-melting, drawing, enlarging, sanctifying — his !ust-coo!mg, sin-mortifying — his in er- ceding, witnessing, and sealing influence^ affect our soul I His influences are represented by a rushing migh- ty wind ; to signify, that nothing can withstand the'r power. They are called four winds ; to denote their abundant variety ; their fitness and readiness to an- swer every man's case. His convincing influences are calkd the north wind, because they are often bob GiF,aiways nipping to our conscience, causing us to trem- ble on account of our sinful nakedness and guilt. His enlightening and comforting influence, is called tie south windy because it delights, warms, ref reshcth, and fructifies our heart.
13. The Holy Ghost is compared toKAix and pew 8. What a free, a sovereign, a seasonable gift of God to men ! How gently ; how gradually ; h&w extensive- ly, and irresistibly, do his influences descend on our soul ! and on some, while others are passed by ! How
a John in. 8. Acts. ii. 2. Ezek. xxxvii. o, Song iv. 16, * Isa. v. 6. V
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absolutely necessary in the seed-time of converse and in the season of spiritual drought, whether .occa- sioned by desersion, or produced by carnal care, and prevalent lust I How often they decend in consequence of fervent prayer ! And what a beneficial, softening, and refreshing, fructifying, and adorning mercy they are to the church I
13. He is compared to water a. How absolutely necessary are his influences to our spiritual life I In the gospel, how generally oifered and free ! How ef- fectual to quench the fire of lust, of pride, of passion, hatred, malice ; to extinguish the fiery darts, the temptations of Satan ; to wash away our sinful de- filement; heal our spiritual wounds and bruises ; soft- en our stoney hearts, and render them susceptible of impressions by the word, and providence of God ! How sweetly they refresh our languishing soul ; — > quench cur sinful thirst after carnal things ; nourish our new man ; render u$ strong in gracious habits, and fruitful in every good word and work ! God's pouring out this water, denotes his liberal and abundant com- munication thereof. His sprinkling it on us, imports his real, his close, his plentiful, kindly, skilful, and gradual application thereof.
14. He is compared to waters ; rivers ; and ploods b. How pure, perpetual, free, patent ! How abundant, powerful, unsearchable, spreading, and all- overcoming his influences ! How pleasing, refreshing* and cleansing ! How fructifying, enriching, adorning, and protecting ! How, on some occasions, they over- flow the banks of ordinances, which are their ordina-. ry channels! By these, how sweetly v.e trade with God, in receipt of his free favours, and returns of ho-. ]y duties ; and with men, in the exercise of charity
a John iii. 5. I Isa. xxxv, 6. and xliv. 4. Zech. xiv. 8. Rev. xx Li, 17- John iv. 14?. Ezek. xlvii. 1—13. Rev. x\ll 1, 2. Joel iii. 18,
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and brotherly kindness ! by them, how sweetly are we separated and distinguished from carnal men ; are protected from our spiritual enemies : and at last car- ried out into the ocean cf endless felicity ! He is call- ed " living waters ; water of life ; a well of water* springing up to everlasting life." His influences are ever fresh and running ; and do beget, restore, main- tain, and perfect the life of our soul. His " proceed- ing from under the temple ; from Jerusalem ; from under the throne of God, and the Lamb ; his run- ning beside the altar in the midst of the city towards the east, to water the valley of Shittim ; and running into the dead sea, causing every thing to live, and be fruitful ; healing every thing except the marishes,, and continuing both summer and winter ;" imports,, that his saving influences are the fruit of Jesus' death, and of God's being pacified and pleased in him ; that they are easily and equally accessible to all that are in the church; that they water the lowly, fructify the barren, quicken the dead, and make all that are or- dained to eternal life to. revive, and live by faith on the Son of God ; that they are to be obtained, and do attend the saints, in every case, pleased, or distressing* Blessed River, O quieten, and with the streams of thine influences make glad the city of our God. May thy floods prevail, till our highest mountains of cor* ruption, error, and division, be covered.
15. The Holy Ghost is compared to wi^e a. Is not his saving influence the fruit of the pressure of Jesus Christ, in the fat of his Father's fury ? And how re- freshful, exhilarating, nourishing, strengthening, and emboldening to our soul ! How, blessed Spirit, it re- fresheth my languishing heart, and restores me again ! How it fills me with joy and gladness ; strengthens me \n the Lord my God ; enables me to run in the way of his commandments, when thou hast enlarged mj
a Isju hi 1. Joel iii. 18.
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heart ; makes me to rejoice in God my Saviour, rejoice in tribulation, and fill my mouth with his praise all the day ! How it emboldens me to come near unto God, even to his seat, and plead my very sinfulness and crimes, as an argument for mercy ! Refreshful with this wine, I seek out my spirtual enemies ; and in the name of the Lord destroy them. Though ten thou- sands rise up against me, in this I am confident : daunt- less, I resist the devil, till he flee from me ; crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts ! glory in the cross of Clirist, by which the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world,
16. The Holy Ghost is compared to milk a. How pure and unmixed his influence ! How sweet and pleas- ant ! How nourishing under weakness ! How natural provision to the heaven born soul! How medicinal and healing) How restorative under spiritual consump- tions !
17. He is compared to oil and ointmext b. How efficaciously his influences enlighten our mind in the knowledge of Christ and spiritual things ! soften our heart ; search, cleanse, and cure our spiritual wounds .r revive, exhilarate, warm, refresh, nourish, strengthen^ and adorn our soul ! How they sweeeten, give an a- greeable relish to the word, and providence of God ! expel the poison, the venom of sinful corruption ! pre- vent convulsive fits of unbelief, despondent fainting, and carnal fear ! open obstructions of legal terror and perplexing doubts ! how they enable us to breathe after God in holy desire and fervent prayer ! anoint and consecrate us tonaiid qualify us for serving God, and warring with our spiritual enemies ! Never, Bless- ed Spirit, can thy influence utterly dry up, nor in the ieast incorporate with our lust : and for this, how ha-
a Song v, 1, £ 1 John ii. 20. 27. Psal. xiv. 7. Rc¥. iii. IS.
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ted ; how disrelished by carnal men ! He is called the oil of joy or gladness ; for what pleasure and joy, especially in the heavenly state, doth his influence pro- duce ! — Under its power, " I rejoice ki tribulation, count it all joy when I fall into divers temptations.
18, The Holy Ghost is compeared to a seal a. By the application of his word and gracious influences, he, with infinite power aud authority, changeth our heart, making us holy as he is holy. He stamps the author- ity of Heaven upon the histories, the doctrines, the laws, the promises, threatenings, and predictions of scripture ; and unfolds, or conceals them from men as he pleaseth. He confirms the new covenant with his chosen, confirm? them in their gracious state, seals them up to the day of redemption, and hides, cecureF, and distinguisheth them from the rest of the world. Nay, it we^s'he that furbished and marked out our ado- red Jesus to his mediatory office. At your highest peril, do you, sons of men, counterfeit and break this seal, by adding to, or takirg from the terms or sense of Lis word : or by indulging yourselves in hypocrisy and hist. — If I name the name of Christ, let me de- part from iniquity.
19. He is compared to an earnest b. Ills influ- ences corferre^ on lis in this life are of the same na- ture .with those in heaven : they confirm God's cove- nant to us, and our engagement to him : they secure our eternal happiness; and axe sufficient to preserve our spiritual life, till we arrive at that more abundant perfection. — Blessed Spirit, be thou in me, my God^ my guide, my seal, my earnest^ and my all m all*
a Eph. i. 13. and iv. SO. b Eph. i. 14,
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CHAPTER IV.
Metaphors respecting good Angels.
1. Angels are called Elohim or Gods «, for their spiritual nature, their transcendent dignity;, power, and wisdom.
2. They are called sons of God b. They were im- mediately created by him, and deaHy are they be^- loved in his sight : daily they attend his glorious pres- ence ; and are admitted into the most familiar inti- macy. How like* Mm in their spiritual substance, wisdom, and strength ! How actively they imitate him in his spotless holiness, and care of his church ! And with what readiness, delight, and pleasure, do they keep kls commandments, and hearken to the voice of his wo d !
3. They are called princes, principalities, pow* r,rvS, thrones, eominions c. With distinguished pow- er, and as the deputies of God, they inspect, manage, and 'direct events unnumbered, &nd execute his pur- poses of mercy and judgment on earth.
4. They are called God's host ch Commanded by jehovah, by Jesus the captain of our salvation, they, in comely order, guard and protect his saints ; repress, or cut off his and their enemies ; and with loud-Halle- lujah's celebrate hi s victorious triumphs.— Rejoice, ye ransomed, more and stronger are with you, than with the world.
5. Perhaps they are called watches e* They sleep not, day nor night ; but are continually exercised in attending and prai sing God \ in waiting their respec- tive orders from hi m ; in careful observation of persons and things in this world ; in providing for, in healing, comforting, teaching, encouraging, guarding, deliver-
a Psal. xcvii. 7. b Job xxxviii. 7. c Col. i. 16. Dan* x. 2L ^Gen. xxxii. %. *Dan. iv. 17.
1S6
Ing, and rejoicing over the saints ; in transporting theh: soul to heaven at death, in gathering and seperating them from the wicked at the last day ; and in infat- uating, restraining, and ruining their enemies : and are sometimes divinely employed to give warning of approaching judgments or mercies. — But watches in that text may mean the divine persons.
6. Angels are represented as the messengers of God, and ministers to his saints a. At God's commis- sion they come forth to assist the saints, in whatever business they have need of them. How often they assist to provide for their bodies, to heal their mala- dies, to direct and preserve them on journies ; to de- liver them from outward calamities ; to restrain v hat tends to hurt them ; or to cut o£ their enemies ! How often they make known to the saints the will of God ; suggest good thoughts ; comfort them ; help and assist them against temptations ! See No 5,
7- They are called men b. Often they appeared in the likeness of strong and beautiful men, importing their beauty of holiness, and their readiness to run in the way of God's commandments, or to fight his battles.
8. They are calted chekubims c, because of their strength and comeliness. And if the cherubims of image-work had four faces, that of a man represented angels' knowledge, affection, majesty, prudence, and beauty ; that of a lion, their might, boldness, and courage : that of an ox, their delight, patience, activ- ity, and faithfulness in God's service : that of an ea- gle, their immediate vision of God ; their deep pene- tration into his mysteries ; their perpetual vigour ; and quick execution of their work.
9. Perhaps they are called seraphims, or fiery, oftes. d, because of their spiritual nature, purity, strength, and majestic awe. Their wings import their vigour, readiness, and quick execution of God's command-
a Heb. i. 14. b Gen. xviii. and xix. c Psal. Kviii. 10. rflsa. vi. 2, 5,4.
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Bients : " the covering of their faces with their wings/' signifies their inability to behold the full brightness of the divine glory ; their " covering of ihcir feet with their wings" denotes their blushing at their best ser- vices before God.
10. Angels are compared to 'chariots and horses «, because of their spiritual comeliness, strength, cour- age, and usefulness, in the display of God's peculiar presence, majesty, glory, and might ; and in saving his people, transporting them to paradise, and in conquer- ing and treading down their opposers. They are some- times represented as red ?cvA fiery, to signify how ter- rible and destructive is their execution of God's w rath ; and what dread their protection of the saints spread among their enemies ; sometimes as white, to denote their execution of God's purposes of mercy and love : sometimes as black, to signify the unsearchable, awful, «md confounding nature of their work : sometimes as hay and grizzled, to signify their mixed execution of xuercy and wrath.
11. Angels are called morning stars b. Being createa in the beginning of God's work, how beautiful and glorious are they in their nature ! how constant \n their holy exercise ! how useful to conduct and com- fort the saints in the dark morning of their militant state ! And is not their attendance* a sure pledge of an approaching, a near day of endless brightness and
joy?
12. Tjiey are compared to flames of fire c. How eminent their love to God ! how burning their zeal for his glory ! How awful, irresistable, and often sud- den, is their destruction of the wicked j RoTfc complete their defence of the saints!
18. They c.re compared to the wisri> d. Being in- visible to our bodily eye, they come forth* move, and
a 2 Kings ii. 11. and vi. 17' b Job xxxviiu 7* c PsaU civ» in d Psal. civ. 4.
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Wt at the pleasure of God. How transcendeiilly quick
asd powerful their operation, in Wasting the persons
: 1 property of the wicked ; and in refreshing the
, s. and helping them forward to their haven of bliss !
CHAPTER V.
Metaphors respecting fallen angels.
I. They are called devils, or falsa accusers a. They mast wickedly slander God to men, misrepresen- ting'hi- wisdom, his power, holiness, justice, goodness, mercy and truth ; — his doctrines, his laws, purposes, proniipe% threatening?, end providence. In order to obtain his permission to hurt and destroy, they often anaicioiiSiy accuse men to God ! How often to men's own consciences, they falsely uccuse them, saints as hypocritical dissemblers ; and convinced persons as chargeable with the unpardorible sin ! How actively, though secretly, they suggest the reproachful thoughts and speeches so common on earth ! Till I choose to he a devil incarnate, let me speak evil of no man.
2. They are called principalities, powers, and bulers of the darkness of this world b. How great and extensive is their power and dominion over Jews Heathens, Mahometans, and nominal Christians, these large, but blind and ignorant tribes of mankind ! Igno- rance and delusion are the support of their power and influence ; men being all naturally ignorant of God, are subject to them, till effectually called from dark- ness to GocFs marvellous light : atid where, on earth, the light of inspired truth is unknown, or obscured, they openly govern, — Ah, howr these other lords h*we had dominion over me! But now, Lord, will I only make mention of thy .mtme.
*. Matth. iv. 24. £. Eph. vK 11.
N
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-3. They are compared to warriotjrs a. Armed with the permission of God and their own malice, they with the utmost fury and fraud, oppose the work of God, in his church and in the souls of men ; they cast terrible, destructive, ar,d fiery darts of temptation into men's hearts, and fiery content ions and persecutions into the visible church : How often, with open vio- lence, they att ck the people of God : Or, under some innocent or holy appearance, they lay snares for their life : Proud, daring, unwearied arid cruel, they always •thirst for our ruin : constantly they watch in their own defence, and seize every advantage against our soul. How often they take captive, and cruelly use the most precious saints ! How haughtily they triumph in every defeat given to the church, and her true members! But, fresh sprinkled with Jesus' blood, strong in his might, resist, my soul, the devil, and he shall flee from thee.
4. They are called Belial, without yoke, profit, or ascent b. Furiously they rebel against God, as if they were unbound by his lawr : no promise to their de- luded votaries they sincerely regard : nothing in them or done by them is of any true value or use : never shall they regain their former estate, or ascend to their ancient felicity.
5. They are compared to prisoners and captives c. In the strong, the tormenting, the shasneful chains of darkness ; the chains of their cwn corruptions, and of the condemning curse, and restraning providence of God, they are confined, and bound over to endless wrath. From their wretched state they can never escape ; nor can they do ought, without a divine per- mission. Inhjs death, in his exaltation to glory, Jesus took them captives, and condemned them to the slavish drudgery of scourging his foes, or chastizing his chil- dren, as he pleaseth. Let never their dread damp my soul ; they are fast bound in my God, my Savior's chain.
<?. Rev. xii. 7- h. 2 Cor. vi. 15. <r Rev. xx. 1,2. Jude & Psal. Ixviii. 18.
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$. They, and their agents, are compared to fowls tfthe air a. How devoid is their condition of all true fixedness and rest ! How suddenly they assault us when we are hearing God's sacred word and carry it off from our memory, our heart, our affection ! Lord, hide it deep in my soul, that it may ever abide with, me, and bring forth much fruit.
7. They are called goats, or hairy ones b. Before. God, their moral appearance, and often before raea, their visible, — how unsightly, abominable, and shock- ing ! how they delight in, feed upon, and are filled with the poison of iniquity f How detestable is their behaviour, to every one holy and pure I With what pleasure they perform mischief ; what injury they do to Christ's sheep in this worfd ! And how often, under the form of goats, satyrs, and other hairy animate, have their Heathenish votaries adored them as gods of this world,
8, Evil angels especially their chief, is called Satajt, the malicious, obstinate, impudent adversary c. How burning, shameless, and implacable, is their m?Jice to- wards God, or towards men ! How craftily ; hoAV fu- riously, they seek and seize Opportunities of dishonor- ing the former, and ruining the latter ! — " When he speaketh fair, my souly believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart.5"'
9* Satan is called the god of this world d. To the most part of men on earth he gives law and governs, directs, and influenceth them ; and by their ignorance, profaneness, dissimulations, idolatry, and superstition, is he cheerfully and zealously worshipped and served. Other evil spirits, wicked magistrates, and ministers, are his angels, mesengers, attendants, and deputies, whom he sends forth to act in his name. Transgress- ing against God, and injuring of the souls of men, are
a. Matth. xiii. 4. b. Lev. xvii. 7. 2 Chron. xi. 15* c. Job i and ii. d* 2 Coj. m 4.
14:1
his acceptable worship. Sinful oaths, witchcraft, sor- cery, charming, necromancy* are his solemn appoint- ments. Superstitious seasons are his sabbaths, his fe ~ tivals. Wanton balls, stage plays,, drunken clubs, con- ventions for idol&try, or will- worship, are the solemn assemblies of his adorers. " Come not, my soul, into their secret : mine honour be thou not united. "
10. Satan is transformed into an angel of ligat a, Once he was so ; and how often, while lie seeks to pro- mote the vilest crimes, doth lie put on the most shi- ning- pretences to eminent knowledge, wisdom, evangel- ical libei ty, holiness, or zeal !-*- Be net, my soul, igno- rant of, or inadvertant to his devices.
11. He is ceilled the prince of the power of the air b. Such evil spirits as partly reside in, and fly about m the air ; such unstable men as labour and feed on airy and unsubstantial fancies, — are under his rule and direction. And, at God's permission, he can raise ae- rial storms and tempests. — Is my God in the heavens ! what pleased him he hath done : Die not then, my sou!,, for want of heavenly and substantial wisdom : ask it ©fGod
, 12. He Is called the rather of lying and liars c» By him was deceit and falsehood conceived and brought into the world. By him it is affectionately cherished, protected, encouraged, and rewarded with momentary, but carnal profit and pleasure. He first rendered men wicked and deceitful ; and by them ho is naturally, cheerfully, and readily honoured and obey- ed.— -Behoki your parent, you children of falsehood ^ind guile ; be ashamed ; return ; do so no more.
13. He is compared to a captain (L How active, daring, and crafty, in his warlike attempts against God and his people ! What numbers of evil angeis7 of wicked men, of mistaken saints, he gathers, hires, encourageth, directs, and commands to concur with
/?, 2 Cor. xi. li. I. Eph. ii. 2. c\ John viii. 44. d. Rev. x\u ?♦
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him, in fighting against God and his ways I But " if God be for me, who can be against me ?" Though mine enemies flourish, it is that they may be destroyed.
14. Satan is called a strong ^abt armed, that keep- eth the home in peace a. Armed with his own malice, with the divine permission, with the curse of the bro- ken law lying on men's conscience, and with the do- minion of sin oyer our heart ; he, with great powei\ activity, care, and craft, maintains his work of wicked? ness in us, and. his authority over us ; confirms anc$ promotes our ignorance and unconcern ; bolts our heart with carnality, enmity, unbelief, or despair, till Jesus Christ, who is stronger than he, in the day of his pow - er come, recal his permission, awaken our conscience, enlighten our mind, remove the curse, subdue, our corruption, and so spoil him of his armour a* d goods. — Search, my soul, and, look, ^;ho is thy guardian ;
who keepeth thee.
15. Satan is compared to a traveller b. Con- stantly he walks to and fro in the earth, to spy oppor- tunities of mischief ; to tempt and ruin men. Often, for a while, he seemingly departs from wicked profes- sors, with-holds his gross suggestions, or even stirs up to the external performance of rel igious exercise. Af- ter employing himself a while in the heart of real be* lie vers, where there is less corrupt moisture to work upon, er in dry and withered Heathenish countries, he returns to those whom he had deserted, and hurries them more furiously than ever into wickedness. Why, to entertain him, didst thou, Hebrew monarch, defile the wife of thy faithful hero ; his onp lamb that lay in his bosom?
16. Satan is compared to a sowter of tares c. In the field o'f creation, he fir t sowed the seeds of iniqui- ty. His cursed temptations he daily sows in our heart, to produce the good-checking tares of sinf'ii
& M#, xii, 29. I. Ma*, rii. 43, 44, 45. c. Mat, siii, 39.
N 2
lustp. By him is the seed of open abominations, con- t le fion, idolatry, and will- worship, sown among men. He is the true parent of every tare-like, every naught ty person in the church. — How, Lord, hath thy ene- my sowed: tares in my soul, while I slept ! Nor shall they be weeded out, till I die.
17. He is compared to an hunter and fowler a, With astonishing and unw earied care, alertness, and fraud, he allures, he indisc ernibly spreads his entang- ling* nets of temptation ; transforms himself into an ar-* gel of light ; employs false teachers, wicked rulers, and deceitful men, to ensnare and ruin our souls. And how often we are unawares entangled and undone i— * Lord, deliver me as a bird, as a roe, from this hunter ; from the snare of this fowler.
18. He is compared to a lion b. How terrible is Ilis roaring, his temptations to the watchful saint ! How insatiable in doing mischief! With what vigour* violence* and cruelty, he ever seeks to devour the souls especially of his opposers ! — Blessed Lion of the tribe o/Judah, for me, tear him in pieces, while there is none to deliver him : make me sober and vigilant j because he goeth about seeking whom he may devour*
19. He is called a great dragon c. How terrible is ;iis appearance ! How shocking his fierceness! his bloody cruelty J How outrageous his fury and malice against mankind, chiefly against Christ and his follow- ers, who dare to oppose him,, and trample on his au- thority ! How suddenly he assaults ! How infectious and deadly are his bites, his breathing, his temptations to our soul ! In the Bight of debasement, how he bit and bruised, though not infected the heel, the man- hood of Jesus Christ ! In the night of ignorance, deser- tion, and trouble, how he assaults the children of men ! — When, Lord, wilt thou bruise ; when shall I tread the lion and the dragon under my feet ?
a Prov. vi, 4, 5. b\ Pet, v. 8. c Rev, xx. 2%
1U
20. Satan is called an old serpent a. In the form of a serpent, he anciently seduced mankind. In this form, have they since frequently adored him ! How filled with the poison of sinful corruption, wherewith he infects and ruins the children of men I How aston- ishing his subtle deceit ! How deep rooted his envy ! How ii phcable his malice ! With what surprising eare, craft, and vigour, he secures his head, his authori- ty I—Came not, my soul, into his lurking places ; pass not by his paths ; turn away ; get thee far hence,
CHAPTER VI.
Metaphors respecting men in general*
1. Men are compared to a human body. A hu- man body is their most visible part : their complex frame consists of various well-connected powers and members, and grows to a proper measure and stature, JVIany bodily members and acts, are used as symbols of human acts and endowments. To bow down the head as a bull rush b, imports appearance of humiliation and grief, without any real concern. Women, having power on their head because of the angels c, imports, that in religious assemblies, where holy angels ob- serve, where evil angels tempt, women ought to mark their husband's power over them by a decent|covering on their head. The falling of the countenance d, de- notes a mixture of shame, anger, and grief. To open the ear e, is to hear, or make one hear, with attention. To stop the ear f is to refuse and disregard. Ting- ling of the ears g, signifies shocking terror at the report
a Rev. xx. 2. b Is. lviii. 5. c I Cor. xi. 10. d Gen. iv. 5. * Is. xlii. 20. /Acts vii. 57* g \ Sam, iii. II,
of some fearful calamity. Itching ears a, denote un- settled levity of mind, always desirous of novelties,, and not relishing simple truths. Eyes b, represent knowledge, and what Is dear to a man. A right eye to be plucked out c, is a beloved lust, or endeared sin- ful en joyment, deemed very pleasant and useful ; and which cannot, without much pain, be inortified or for* saken. To lift up the face or eyes d, imports boldness, Courage, expectation, and desire. Not to do it e, im- plies shame and blushing, Our eyes look straight onf^ when we singly aim at the glory of God ; candidly es- py and follow the path of duty, without turning aside, to any crooked wray. An evil eye g, imports discover^, ed covetousness, malice, lmtre^j 9$ discontent. To be of one mouth A, is to be, profesc, and speak the same thing. To, devour with open mouth i, j& greedily^ quickly, extensively, and almost irrecoverably, to swaK low up and destroy. Tq open, the mouta mide, that God may fill it k, is earnestly to desire, pray for, expect*, and receive his promised goodness- To draw out thsr tongue, shoot out the lip, and make a wide mouth against one /, is cruelly, openly, and impudently, to mock and reproach him. To stop the mouth w, is to be, or to render one silent, ashamed, and sensible of guilt. To come out of the mouth n, is to proceed from one's author- ity, influence, or principles. To bring out of one's mouth or belly, what he had swallowed c, is to take from him what he had unjustly seized, and seexjiingly secur- ed to himself. One's mouth kissing his hand p, imports idolatrous reverence and worship, To beep, the mouth or lips q, is to watch carefully over oijlt speech. To
a 2 Tim. iv, 3. b Deut. xvi, 19. Gen, iii. % c Matth, v. 29. rfJob. xxii. 26, Is. xxxvii. 23. Psal. exxiii. ]. sEzraix. 6. /Prov. iv. 25. g Prov. xxiii. 6. h 1 Kings xxii. 13. i 18. ix. 12, h Psal. lxxxi, 10. /Is. lvii. 4. m Rom. iii. 19. n Rev. xvi. 13, o Job xx, 13. 15. p Jofe, ^xxi. 27. ?-E^ri- xxxix. 1,
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lay the^ hand upon the mouth a, imports sense of guilt* blushing, shame, and resignation to the will of God.- Mouth, lips, and tongue b, signify speech, Uncircumcis- ed lips, c, denote a difficulty of speaking freely, readi- ly, and pleasantly. God's speaking to men with stammering lips, deep speech, and another tongue d, im- ports his declaring his will, by making a foreign na- tion, whose language is not understood, to harass or destroy them. To make the lips of those that are asleep to speak e, is to awaken, revive, edify, comfort, slothful and unconcerned souls, and induce them to praise the Lord, and express his kindness. The calves of the lipsf and the fruit of the lipsf sacred to, or created by God, are sacrifices of prayer and praise, through his influ- ence, offered up unto him. The priest's lips keeping knowledge g, imports their habittial readiness to give good and wholesome instruction or reproof. The talk of the Upstendeih only to penury h, when it is vain and unprofitable, wastes time, is not attended with, but hinders our proper work. The tongue is represented as a scourge i, because with its reviling angry speech- es, we lash our neighbor. It is compared to a fire fc3 because its passionate and sinful words emit the fire of our inward lust ; and kindle the iud, pride, or pas- sion of others. It is called a world of iniquity, What astonishing and extensive wickedness is contained it! our language \ Or the words may be rendered an or- nament of iniquity I, because by excusing, extenuating* and defending, it attempts to deck and gild over our sin with fair colours. It is represented ?s untame- able m, because no creature can wholly restrain it from eyil. A soft tongue which breqketh ike bon^s n, signi- fies meek, mild, and humble language, which remov-
a Job xl. 4. b Job xix. 16. and ii. 10. c Exod. vi. SO. dls. xxviii. 11. e Song vii. 9. / Hos. xiv. 2, Is. lvii. 19. g Mai- ii, 7- ^Prov. xiv. 23f i Job y. 21. k Jam. iii. 6. / Jam. Hi. 6. rp Jam. iii. 8. n Prov. xxv, 15.
etn prjudices. melts the heart, and draws out the \o\er the compassion of our friend or neighbor. The cleav- ing of the tongue to the jawsy or roof of the mouth a, imports deep silence, painful thirst. Whispering or low speech b} signifies our speaking- in a humble, a debas- ed manner. Fair speech cy is flattery, whereby we shew much more kindness than is really in our heart. Hard speeches d> are these which are passionate, con- temptuous, and reviling. Sound speech er is that Trhich is true, solid, and edifying to men's souls. To have a stiff neck, & neck like an iron sinew f is to be ob- stinate and perverse in sinning. To harden cur neck or heart g9 is to despise the alarms of God's word' and providence, and refuse to* return to him. To have a yoke on the neck /*, is to lie under sore trouble and bondage. The arm i, denotes help, power, and wealth. A swo7d on the arm k, denotes an enraged enemy, tak- ing away our power and wealth. Drying up of the arm /, signifies the loss of our strength or riches, or of the proper use thereof. Men's eating the flesh of their own arm m, is their desti oyirg that which ought to be dear, or would be helpful to them. To makejlesh our arm n, is chiefly to depend on men for our assistance^ and felicity. Hands o, signify power of receiving or acting: and our actions and practice. Clean or cleans- ed hands py denote a holy and blameless conversation, Laying on of hands q, imported the conveyance of the Holy Ghost, in his miraculous influence, or the ordain- ing of men to office in the church. Stretching out the hand to God r, imports earnest player, for ready re- ception of his salvation, and cheerful surrender to his
a Psal, xxii.5. and cxxxvii, 6. h Is, xxix, 4. e Prov. yfi. 21. d Jude J 5. <?Tit. ii. 8. /Jer. xviu 23, Is, xlviii. 4, g Neh, ix, 16* Deut* xv, 7. h Jer. xxvii, 12. i Ezek. xxx. 21, i Zech, xi. 17* /Zcch. xi* 17, m Is. ix, 20, n Jer* xvii, 5, o Jer, xxiii, 14- p Job xvii, 9, g 2 Tim. i. 6» % Psallxviiiv31v
service. To lift up the hands to him a, is to pray earnestly. To lift up the hands that hang down, and feeble knees bris to help and encourage persons faint and distressed. To lift up the hand against a king c9 is to rebel against him. Consecration to the Jewish priesthood is called & filling of their hands d, because therein their hands were filled with their wave-offer- ing. Washing of the havids e, imports a solemn pro- fession of innocence : in application of Jesus' blood for the removal of past guilt ;.anci a serious purpose of reformation. Pouring water upc : on^s hands f signified to be Ms servant. Smiting the hands togeth- er g, imports an alarm of approaching judgment; or lamentation over distress. Clapping of hands /*, de- notes shouting for victory ; great joy and gladness. Men of war not finding their hands % implies their be- ing quite dispirited and disenabled to exert their might, and improve their advantages. A right handy or right foot offending, to be cut off k, is a beloved lust, however dear and apparently useful, to be mortifiecL There being a lie in our right hand /, imports our lov- ing, practising, and holding fast hypocrisy and deceit. The putting out of the finger m, imports ridicule and reproach. Relioboam's little finger deing thicker than his father's loins n, signified, that he would reduce his subjects to far more grievous servitude and punish- ment. Shoulder o, signifies ability to bear, help, or oppress. Breasts p, denote useful comfort and assist- ance. Breasts or teats of virginity pressed or bruised q, Imply commission of whoredom, natural, or spiritu- al. Smiting or tabertig on the breasts r, implies sore trouble, vexing grief, and bitter lamentation. Bosoms, denotes love, intimacy, secrecy. JlxAtohide the hand
a Psal. xxviii. 2. blleh. xii. \% c 2 Sam. xx. 21. dExod. xxix- 9. Heb. e Psal. xxvi. 6. /2Kings in. 11. ^Ezek. xxi. 14. A Psal. xlvii. 1. i Psal. Ixxviif. 5. k I -Jaith. v. 30'. lis. xliv. 20. nils* Mii. 9. n 1 Kings xii. 10. o Is. ix. 4. p Songviii. 10. #Ezek. sxiii. 3, rNah. ii. 7. s Ecd. vii. 9.
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£n the bosom a, imports excessive sloth. Bowels b, im- port compassion, or the soul. Inward parts; heart, belly c, signify the soul, understandings will, affections, and conscience. The curse coming like wostfr into one's bowels d, imports extensive and shocking inward fear, trouble, and grief. Unequal legs oftne lame e9 signify, that one's profession and practice* or some part, or either, does not correspond with the other. Feet or foot f denote the affections and conversation. To dip one's foot in the blood of kis enemies g, is to be- hold an awful revenge of their Injuries. To dip one's foot, or wash o?ie's steps in butter*, honey., and oil k, is to enjoy great prosperity, or gre->t abundance of there particular coinjforis. Siutqjt ling or slipping of the feet i, implies the loss oi comfort or hope ; the faffing frito sin, temptation, or trouble. To ?iithdraw the foot k; is to leave off a dangerous o sinful practice. To keep the feet i, is to watch over our 'Sections and conversa- tion, in order to preserve them from sin and danger. To open the feet, ard scatier the way to strangers m, implies great, forwardness to whoredom or idolatry. Stamping with the foot n, is expressive of great trouble and anguish^ Stamping down, treading under foot o, implies coaiempt, abuse, utter destruction. To lift up the feet p, importf walking with speed, alertnecs, and joy. To lift up the heel ; to hick against q, im- ports conteniptuqug treachery and rebellion. To Trick against th^priks r, is furiously to offend God, and in- jure his people, notwithstanding eminent warning and danger The uuquities of our heels s, are the sins ofourchly qonversati^'i. Steps, footsteps t, repre- sent the acts of our life, by which we set an example to others. To hear u, is to attend, to perceive, be af-
aProv.xlx. 24. b Is. xvi. 11. c Prov. xx. 5. 27. rfPsal. cix. 18. eProv. xxvi 7. /Feci. v. 1. ^ Psal. lxviii. 23. AJobxxix. 6. i Job xii. 5. k Prov. xiv. 17. Is. Iviii. 12. I Eccl. v. 1. ??jEzek. xvi. 25. ?iEzek, vi. 11. o Dan. viii. 13. pGen. xxix. 1. q PsaL xli. 9. r Acts ix. 5. s Psal. xlix. 5. t Song i, 8. u Is.lv. 3.
Sected with. To see a, is to discern, experience, enjoy, suffer, feel. To taste b, is to experience, know, feel the power of. To handle r, is to have a familiar knowl- edge* To pant, hunger, thirst d, is to have a deep, painful sense of want; and an earnest desire and long- ing. To stand e, imports a fixed condition ; a bold appearance; earnest prayer. Silting f9 imports rest; continuance ; and sometimes honor. To sit under one's vine and fig-tree g, implies safety, prosperity, and comfort. To sit in the dust h^ implies humility and abasement. Dwelling r, implies fixed continuance, and often that attended with pleasure and delfght* "Walking k, represents the practice and conversation. Being hid /, is to. be unknown, or protected. Clothing er garments vu represent the practice, or what cleaves close to us, as our garments and ornaments do.
2 Men are compared to husbandries Hi With great care and diligence ought they to manage and keep the field, the vineyard of their heart and conver- sation. They ought earnestly to break up the fallow- ground of their soul ; to labor after thorough convic- tions ; and as they sow in the spring-tide of this life, so shall they reap hereafter: these, that sow to the Spirit, sow in righteousness, receive the righteousness and Spirit of Christ, and live agreeably thereto, shall reap in mercy, reap everlasting life: and those, w&o sow to the flesh, soav among thorns,— -live under the influ- ence of sinful corruption and carnal cares, — rdiall reap endless misery.
3. Men are compared to beasts o. Their bodies are of the earth, earthy How ignorant, stupid, and thoughtless are roost of them ! How vile, carnal : how ontfSigeciis, untameable, hurtful ! Hot/ generally they care only for their body, and neglect the concerns of
a John vi. 40- ft~Ps& xxxiv. 8. c I John i. 1. d Psal. xlii. 1- Matth. v. 6. e Psal. i.55 1 Kings xvii. 1. / Re<~. iii. 21. g Mic- iv. 4. Als.xivii. 1. iJTocl Hi. 20. ^2 Cor. x 3. JNah. iii. IV Job r. 21. m Jude 23. n'Hos. x. 12. g Eccl. iii. 1&
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their immortal, their rational soul ! How often are even the worst horned with authority, and teethed with power of doing mischief ! How they roar like Mods! mourn sore like doves, who have lost their mates! hiss like serpents! with anguish wail like dragons ! enlarge their baldness ; mourn desperately ; and become stripped of all things like moulted eagles ! But blessed be the Lord, that now the Gentiles, as well as Jews, are cleansed, and no man has right to ex- clude us from the oiler of a Savior^ as common or urv- •clean.
4. They are compared to fowls or birds a. How light and vain their disposition ! How necessary their dependence on air ! How great their stupidity ! their readiness to be ensnared in the evil net of temptation! How frequent their exposure to storms and hazards j How unsettled their nests of carnal confidences, and earthly enjoyments ! What need of -Jehovah for our provider^ director, and deliverer ! And how quickly must we wing our flight into the eternal state!
5. They are compared to Asses and wild asses b. How stupid and rmttachable ! How exceedingly they affect the wilderness of a present world ; and of a nat- ural state ! How they snuff up, and amuse themselves with vanity ! How averse to restraints of their inclina- tion ! — Stupendous! hath God redeemed me, a wild ms, with the death of his Son ; his Lamb I Hath he sent out my soul free ; and allowed me to drink my £11 of the river of life, that runs among the hills of di- vine ordinances ! the range of the everlasting moun- tains is my pasture. Scorn, my soul, the multitude of the city ; be not conformed to the men of this world, who act, as it they had been born to make a noise, ajid no more.
6. They are compared to dead dogs c. How desti- tute of power and life ! How base ! how vile, insig-
a Dan. iy. 12. b Job xi. 12 . c 2 Sam. ix. 8. "l Saw. xxiv. 14
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fiificant, and useless !— And did the Sou of God look: upon ! did he die for ! did he espouse such a dead dog as lam ! Let ray tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I cease to publish the praises of his love.
7. They are compared to fishes a. How astonishing their multitude ! How different their disposition, their station, power, and guilt ! In the sea of this world, in the sea of their natural state; with what coifusiqn and unconcern they live aifi act ! How barbarously they prey upon ©tie another ; robbing every one hfa neigh- bour of his character, prope ty, or life f At last, how- caught in the gospel-net, and drawn to Jesus f Or caught in the net of trouble and punishment, and drawn to infernal fire ! — When, my Lord, shall I be fit for drawing to the happy, the eternal shore ?
8. They are compared to worms b. From the earth our bodies proceed : on it they live and move ; and to it at death they return. How much toe affect earthly things ! The heart of the earth, the grave, is our long home. How insignificant is out value and strength ! How daily are we obnoxious to ten thousand dangers ! How easily affrighted or ruined ! How dif- ferent our tempers and disposition ! Some delight ri the dunghill riches and profits of this present world. Others with pleasure wallow7 amidst uasufferable cor- ruption, uncleannes.3, drunkenness, malice, and other* vices unnumbered. Some have a hypocritical, a gil- ded appearance, while their heart is filled with ail un- righteousness. Some, as glow worms, shine only in the dark night of trouble or time : In distress how gra- cious, when pangs come upon them ! they fear the Lord, and cry to him. How many, as caterpillars and canker-Twrras, mar every thing good, which comes in their way ! How many, as the silk- worm, out of their own bowels, spin a covering of self righteousness ! But ah! how few like her, spend themselves to be useful-!—
a Hab, i, 13—19. Matth, xiii. 47. b Job xxv. %
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Be thou, my soul, one of the .e : load 5- to spend and he spent for Christ.
9. David compares himself to a flea, a. How haM for Saul to apprehend him ! And to how little pur- pose, when done !— Astonishing ! how, Lord, hast thou pursued and laid hold on me ! My goodness extendeth not unto thte. O, why was not I cursed, with the en- joyment of my mad wish, of vanity, of filth, of distance from my God'!.
30. Men are compared to flesh h. Our body is a fleshy substance ; and how weak and frail are we ! What a source of inward corruption ! unless salted with God's purifying,hispreserving,and sin-mortifying influence, how quickly, especially in the suminer of prosperity, do we become utterly corrupt and noi- some, with sinful habits, and wicked courses ! How quickly we die away to. a state of corruption in the grave !- — Lord, what an insignificant dog's head am I t O rectify me with thy grace ; and make me as season- ing, as purifying salt, to all around me.
Jl. Men are compared to fruit-bearing trees e* According to the quality of our nature, sudi is the fruit, the works, we bear in our life. If our heart be unregenerated, every thing we do is evil fruit ; abom- ination to the Lord ; we cannot cease from sin. If our nature be changed, we cannot but in some degree bring forth good works ; our persons being accepted in Christ, our goo4 works must be well pleasing in his right— Now, my soul, the axe is laid to thy root; take heed, lest, for thy bad fruit, his judgments sud- denly cut thee off.
12. They are compared to trees of the. wood d. How high in pride, or in station, many of them tower ! How barren of good works ! How confused their or- der ! How often ore draws the sap from, and depress- eth his fellow ! How sour ; how unp^iUble; or hurt-
a 1 Sam. xxiv, 14. 6 Is. xi. & c Matth, iii. 10, and vii. 16.-2%
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fill their fruit ! What wild beasts of sinful Corrup- tions or satauical fiends, lodge among them! How many of them, after they are a while used, by divine .providence, are cast into eternal fire ! How contempt- ible, are ail of them, in comparison of Jesus, the apple- tree among the trees of the too od ! Now, my soul, the axe of the gospel is laid to thy root, to cut thee off from thy natural stock ; quickly shall the axe of troub- le, or death be laid to my root ; if I am found with- out Christ, how fearful shall be my fall ! my wo T
13. They aje compared to grass and flowers a. From one root, what multitudes descend 1 How fresh, a:d pleasant ; but short-lived, our first appearance on earth i How weak i! how. easily endangered! how quickly blasted and withered by trouble ! How often in the top of bur prosperity, are wre mown down by death, and cast into the oven of divine vengeance r Under the most blooming and rich appearance, Low often lurk the most unsavoury lives and wicked hearts ! Under an unsightly aspect, how often a gracious dis- position ! In the field' of the world, that lieth in wickedness, grow the most ; but in the church, the most valuable. And even here, are not the flourish- ing saints, at their best^, ciropt off, and cut down bv death ?
14. They are compared to leaves and stubble bl How light and unsubstantial! How qui&kly withered J How readily plucked and scattered by trouble or death ! How easily scorched, or burnt up, by the fire of God's wrath '-— How, Lord, hist thou pursued the leaf toss- ed to and fro ! honored the dry stubble, to unite me to, and fix me in thy Son ! Here no fire can consume me ; no blast can drive me away ; neither height nor depth, principalities nor powers, can separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus rayXord.
15. They are likened to a wind thatfiasscth awayc,
nls-.xLr 8. James i. 10. 6Job.xiiL 25. c PsaJ. Ixxviii. 39'
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How uns olid and fleeting ! How proud, noisy, and boisterous ! How blasting and hurtful ! How sove- reignly, at God V pleasure, are they brought forth, and managed on earth ! How he rides on them, as instru- ments of fulfilling his purposes! How quickly the breath of his mouth blows them into eternity ! Know- est thou, my soul, whence I came ? and whither I shall go?
16. They are compared to potters' vessels <?. Be- ing formed out of the clay, according to the sovereign will of God, how base are they in themselves ! how easily broken to pieces ! how reasonably may God, at Iiis pleasure, make them vessels unto honor, or dishon- or !— Blessed forever, be the Lord ; that thousands of them are vessels of mercy, afore prepared unto glory*
17. They are compared to potsherds b. How brok- en by sin ! by trouble ! In themselves, how useless and unprofitable ! how exposed to the vilest debase- ment ! Never, ye frail, ye easily destroyed potsherds of the earth, strive with yonr Maker: let not the clay
ont her Creator. — Shall I, a broken pot, a worth- less, braised nothing, be refitted, sanctified, and made meet for the Masters use !
18. They are compared to earth1, stjst, and ash- es c. Of earth we are formed ; on earth we Kve ; and to earth we return, by death. Naturally our af- fections cleave to earthly things*. Ah h how unfit for
dilation! for heavenly desir*: 1 forholy exer- cise! How base before God ! and how miserable, stupid and useless, till we be enlightened^ watered, warmed^ and nourished, with the beuign influence? of his Spirit !
19. Man's soul is compared to a darling child d. How eminentiy precious ! How dear it. ought to be to us ! Ought not the watching over, the feeding, the guiding, tlie cleansing, the eternal salvation thereof, to
e Rom. ix. 21. b Is. xlv. 9. c Jer. xxiji. 29. Gen. xviii. 27. rfPsaJ* *xii, £0.
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be aur great care ; our principal business ! For, what am I profited, if I gam the whole world, and lose my own soul ?
20. It is compared to a ship a. How curious its frame ! How great its worth ! How extensive its use ! With what care ought it to be bottomed in Jesus and his covenant ! to be cleansed from all filthiness of flesh. and spirit ! and often repaired with new strength and grace from the fulness of .Christ ! How incapable to move heavenward, without the gales of the Holy Ghost ! In the troubled sea of this world, how expo- sed to, swelling billows of adversity ! to rocks of temp- tation ! to robberies of Satan and wided men ! How carefully are its motions to be watched, and its course directed by the word of God ! To secure a happy land- ing on the shores of immortality^ hoy/ necessary is a firm anchoring of faith and hope in Jesus, the Rock of ages, within the vail ! Alas ! how many, the neglect of proper bottoming on Christ, the neglect of proper ballast of humbling grace, and of proper care about spiritual things, bring to make shipwreck of the doc- trines of faith, and of a good conscience ! and to drown themselves in everlasting perdition ! — O, to swim for ever in the deeps of everlasting love, where there is neither brink, nor bottom, surface, nor shore !
21. Man's soul is compared to a house or palace b. The understanding faculty is the windows : the receptive capacity is the door : the will, in her su- preme regard, is the throne sin or grace is the furni- ture : divine persons, or infernal fiends, are the inhab- itants. Christ's knoekiug for entrance at the door ofity is his alarming it by his providence ; inviting it by his word ; and striving for it, by the common opera- ; tions of his Spirit. To open the heart to nim, is to re- ceive his instructive light into the mind, and' embrace him and his given fulness as excellent, with our desire
sis, 54. 11. £Rer. iii. 20.
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and will. — Ah, my soul, what bolts of ignorance, Athe ism, enmity, pride, attachment to self-righteousness, worldly mindedness, shut thee fast against him !
22. Man's soul is compared to a treasury a. How secret and undiscovered to the world I Ho w- furnished with things deemed precious ; and which are indeed of everlasting* consequence! With her contents, we trade with God, and with men— 0 could I, out of the good treasure of my heart, bring forth things new and qldl
23. Man's soul or conscience is compared to a can- dle or lamp b. How useful, enlightening, and search- ing, her power ! At the infinite knowledge of God, &id of his Son Jesus Christ, must her understanding be lighted. And how small, in comparison thereof ! Ah, how neglect to iraproye our light, occasions our walking in dark ignorance ; our falling, into snares, and tumb- ling headlong into eternal misery !*
24. Man's conscience is compared to a judge c. To our conscience it belongs to enquire into our stateK our thoughts, words, and actions ; compare them with the law of God ; and according thereto, condemn our wickedness, and sentence us to correction or punish- ment on account of it ; and approve vv:hat is good, and assure us of a proper reward for it* May my con- science besprinkled with Jesus' blood ; may my life be by faith onu him, a constant looking to, and follow- ing his steps : so. shall not my heart reproach or con-. 4emn me while I live.
25. Man's conscience is compared to a witness d, How privily to all our conduct ! When faithful, upon what stijct examination it giveth clear testimony of the fact, and the form, of our actions, whether they be good or bad ! If it live drousy, ignorant, and inat- tentive to the nature of our qualities, our thoughts,
a Job xxxiii. 18. Matth. xiii. 52. b Prov. xx. 27. c 1 John iifV, 30.21. d Rom. ix. 1. apd ii. 15.
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«nir words, o> actions ; or is swayed in its testimony by any bribe, any consideration of carnal pleasure, hon- our, or advantage ; how horrid its wickedness f and what a plague to the possessor ! When faithful, what secret abominations, or excellencies, it manifests! Hence, how reproached ; how abused by the wicked ! And how loved by ; and what a trusty friend, protect- or, and comfort to them, who live soberly, righteous- ly, and godly, in this present world f How horrid the crime of stifling or denying its evidence ! of muz- zling its mouth, by mad rushing into further abomin- ation! or of attempting to bribe it with some carnal or legal motive ! My conscience, let me deal tenderly with thee ; he that toucheth thee ; toucheth the ap» pie of God's eye. Be thou, in a Savior's blood, purg- ed from dead works, enlightened by his word, quick- ened by his Spirit, and softened by his love : so shalt thou be to me a faithful reprover on an obedient ear ; thy smiting shall be a precious oil to me ; with joy and gladness shall I hear thy declarations at the de- cisive, the awful, bar.
26. Man's conscience is compared to an intimate companion a. What important hints and interesting newp, it can ever declare unto us ! What a candid reprover, or kind comforter f How useful to promote our holiness and felicity, is true friendship and inti- macy with it ! In the secret watches of the night, and on every important affair, how necessary is converse with, and deliberate consultation of it! — Turn aside* even now, my soul, and ask how this companion doth. Ask, what inward change have I felt? what impor- tant choice have I made ? what spiritual mercy do I need ? what is my great motive ? whither do my af- fections bend ? am I born from above ? is my heart married to Jesus ? is it right with God ? what hav<? I done ? what hath ilw Rock of Israel done to me?
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whence have I come? and whither should I now go in point of duty ? and wMtner shall I go into the eter- nal state ■?
27. Man's conscience is compared to a serpent, a gnawing worm a. By presenting our crimes, by con- demning and upbraiding for them, it stings and tor- ments our soul. You despisers of Jesus, howT, at last, shall your now1- blind, now bribed, now seared con- science, awaken upon you ? For your breaking over the hedge of the divine law, how shall it bite you like a serpen^ and sting like an adder ! How call your sin to remembrance, and slay your soul t What live- ly, bright horror, shall stare through your eye-lids, while the living worm lies gnawing within you ! — Be my conscience, adored Redeemer, satiated with thy blood; so shall it, be a pleasant roe in my bosom, a. supporting staff in my hand.
CHAPTER VII.
Metaphors respecting saints,
2. The saints are likened to god b. They are made partakers o/*, and have fellowship with the di- vine nature. How spiritual their mind ! how real their wisdom ! their sanctity ! How transcendant their excellency above their neighbors ! How powerful their interest, their prayer, in the government of the world ! By weeping and supplication they have pow- er with God, and prevail ; they command him con- cerning his soes and his daughters, and the work of his hands : for their sakes the days of tribulation are shortened j and they have power to smite the earth.
* £ccl x, 8 Ma*k hi. 44. & Zcch. xii, 8,
with plagues as often as they wiR. All are theirs, and they are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
2. They are compared to angels a. How near a people to the Most High ! How real and efficacious their views of his glory ! How intimate with Heaven ! " The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him." How they run the way of his commandments, heark- ening to, and declaring the voice of his word ! In the future state, how marvellous their spiritual wisdom and strength ! How perfect in holiness ! How fully disengaged from every natural relation, and carnal concern ! How uninterrupted ; how ready, how cheer- ful, unwearied, and universal, their service to God and the Lamb I "What manner of person ought I then to be, in all holy conversation;!"
3- In respect of different degrees of grace, they are likened to men of a different age 6. Weak saints are called babes and xittle cKiLimEN. They cannot Jive comfortably without pleasant frames. How apt to be easily tossed to and fro, with temptations ! with every wind of doctrine ,J How weal: and unfit to di- gest and feed on the deeper mysteries of God's wordl or, without frequent staggering, to continue in the course of their duty I Saints of a moderate standing and experience in grace, are called youxg jmen ; be- cause of their vigour ; their alertness ; and ability to attack and fight the good fight of faith, with Satan, with their lusts, and with a present evil world. And how upright their stature ; their conversation! how heavenly ! how ready to run in the way of God's com- mandments! Aged eminent saints are called fatkees. How multiplied their experience of Jesus' kindness ! How distinguished their sagacity in knowing his voice and way ! How prudent their foresight of danger; and ready hiding of themsejves under his wings ! how tender their love to weak saints ! How earnest their * Zeeh. sii.' 8. 1 Pot. i. 4. bl John ii. 12.— 14
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^endeavors to instruct, admonish, and give them an in- viting pattern of gospel-holiness.
4. In respect of different attainments, Saints are comparable to women of different stations in life a. Young weak saints to virgins and paughtersc Though their grace be real, yet how scanty their ex- perience of Christ -s power and love I How small their boldness and confidence before him I How ready to be slavishly afraid, that every trial shall sink them ; every tempation seduce them irom Christ 1 Others of some standing, to concubines : For, how legal their disposition I How powerful their spirit of bondage 1 How much influenced in duty by legal hopes of heav- en, and servile fears of hell ] How limited the beau- ty and cheerfulness of their spiritual practice! How few distinguished visits aud views of Jesus' love they enjoy! Strong believers are comparable to queens. In the assured faith of their marriage-relation to Christ, they daily live. How great is their familiar boldness, and sweet their intimacy with him] How triumphantly free grace reigns in their heart ! How glorious it renders them before God, and their fellow saints ! — Be thou, my soul, one of those.
5. Saints in general are compared to women b : for their beauty, as adorned with Jesus' righteousness and grace ; for their weakness; their tender affec- tion ; their subjection to manifold infirmities, troubles, and dangers on earth. The human body, especially of women, in its members and adjuncts, is often used to represent their endowments and concerns. Their head upon them as Carmel, or crimson c, signifies Christ himself as a lofty, a bleeding Redeemer; or, their top grace of hope, founded in his blood, support- ed by fxith as a neck, and animating their spirit, and preserving it from sinking ; and which looks at things
a Song. vi. 8. 9 audi. 5. aiid iii. 11. £8ong. i. 8. 10. 11. 16. If. and iii. 6. c Song. yii. 5.
that are heavenly, distant, and eternal. Their hair && their head,zs a flock of goats, and as purple a," may sig- nify their numerous, their beautifal,their adorning,tho' small, and self-undervalued, holy thoughts, words, and deeds, that spring from Jesus' fulness, and our assur- ed hope of seeing him as he is. Their locks b, rep- resent the beauty ami connection of their gracious ex- ercises. Their ey£$ c, are their spiritual knowledge and their faith by which they discern supernatural things, and are exceedingly beautified before God. These are as dove's eye:, comely, chaste and fixed on Jesus, their husband. Their eyes being within their locks, implies their modesty ; and how unseen their grace is to a carnal world. Their being in their head 5, demotes the propriety, usefulness, and excellency of their knowledge. Their ears e^ denote their atten- tion to, knowledge of, and obedience to, Christ's voice, in his word. Their nose like the tower of Leb- anon looking towards Damascus f is their holy cour- age ; their prudence, and their spiritual discerning ; whereby their conversation is mightily adorned; themselves rendered stately, and majestic; their worst, their Syrian-like adversaries are watched and dismayed; and their pleasant savour of inward grace is manifested. The' sm&ll of their nose like apples y imports, that they relish heavenly and spiritual things ; and that the exertion of their inward grace in holy desires, edifying speech, or useful conversation, is ex- tremely agreeable to Christ and his people. Their cheeks' and temples as a piece of a pomegranate g9 de- note their holy blushing; and their humble, sober, tmd chaste conversation ; which in a distinguished manner adorn them. The rows of jewels y o^. their cheeks hy may signify the laws of Christ i which are
« Song. iv. 1. and vii. 5.6 Song. vL 7, c Song. iv. 1. aijd vii. 4. flTEccl. ii. 14. els. Iv. 3. /Song. vii. 4. 8. y Song. i. 10. #*! iy.3. A Swig. i. 10.
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exemplified, and his graces exerted, in their holy, hitbMe practice. Their mouth being a deliverer a, imports, that by their prayer and godly instruction, mahy are refined and preserved from snares and troub- le. Their wholesome tongue being a tree of life ; health ; honey and milk under their tongue ; and their lips feeding many b, imports, that, by their fervent supplications and spiritual conference, many are gra- ciously quickened, refreshed, healed, and nourished ; and themselves kept in vigour and health ; and pre- pared for eternal life. Their lips of knowledge and instruction, are as a precious jewel, or choice silver c ; comely, precious, and useful Their words are as deep maters, very refreshful and unnoisy ; fitly and seasonably spoken, they more adorn their life, and prove more beneficial to others, than apples of gold in pictures of silver d* Their lips are as a thread of scarlet e : their gracious converse, their earnest pray- er, and grateful praise, turn upon Jesus' bloody death ; are presented to God through his bleeding righteous- ness ; and are a sure token of the soundness of their inner-man. Their teeth like an even shorn, newly mash- ed, and fruitful flock f, are their diviuely-cleansed faith, and spiritual meditation, whereby they chew tie bread of life, and render themselves truly holy, and fruitful in good works ; or their holy, regular, and prudent zeal, by which they are active in raising up monuments of praise, and a seed to serve the Lord Christ. Their neck g. is their faith, by which they are united to the Redeemer as their hestd ; re- ceive nourishment from him ; and return their love and praises to him j and are exceedingly beautified before him. The chains of gold about it //, are the precious and everlasting promises * which it embrac- *3th ; the blessings which it receiveth ; the graces
a Prov.iii. 6. b Prov. xv. 4. and xii. 18. and x. 21. c Prov. xx 1 5. and x. 20. d Prov. xviii. 4. andxxv. 11. e Song" iv. 3. /Song1 h r 2- g Song iv. 4. and vii. 4. h Song i. 10.
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which it actuates ; and the gifts wliici it improves Their shoulder and back a, are their strength and pa- tience ; or that wherein they are exposed to burdens, scourges, and suffering5. Their kdrid$ and fingers dropping with smect-SMsltirtg myrrh upon the Jiandlez of the lock b, are their faith by Vrhich tliey touch, a re?e*ve Christ, and work by bve t ana which — i what refreshful, and purifying virtue, — attempts to open the heart to him. Their breasts like young rocs, towers, or clusters of grapes c, are their love, their af- fection, and desire after Christ, and their edifying talk and conduct ; whereby their soul is beautified, iv\u endeared to Christ; and whereby other's are refresh- ed, helped, eiicourged, and nourished* with the sin^ cere milk^nd spiritual wine of his word and grace. Be- twixt their breasts d, is in their, heart, their most en- deared embrace. Their hear!; is at their right hand e ; they execute their purposes with dexterity and d patch. Their merry heart, or good conscience, doth good like a m 'dicine.f promotes their soundness, and strength, natural, chieiiy spiritual, and eternal ; and is, a continual feast, affords eminent and unceasing satis- faction, joy, and pleasure. Their bowels g, are mercy, kindness, io rrg-siiliering, gentleness. Their belli/ like an heap of ivheat, set about with Utiles h, may denote their particular application of Jesus Christ, iind feed- ing on him for spiritual nourishment ; and their ten- der concern to bring forth, and win others to him ; both which are eminently raid plentifully connected and adorned withsplid, savoury, and flourishing prom- ises and fruits. Their navel as a round goblet full of liquor i, may signify their ever-receiving appetite and desire after Jesus Christ, whereby nourishment is con- veyed to their tender grace. The joints of their
a Psal. exxix. 3. b Song v. 5. c Song.vii. 3. 8. mid viii. 10- d Song i, 13. eEcci. x. 2. /Prov, xvii. 22 a;id xv. 15. g CqI. ii> 12= h Songvii, i Song vii. %
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thjgfit like curious jewels a, are their . valuable, tli€:i? holy principles of faith and love ; which being curi- ously framed by the Redeemer, enable them with de- cency, pleasure, and exactness, to walk in his ways- Their feet b, denotes their affections, and well-ordered conversation : their shoes on their feet, denote the gos- pel of peace, as it were supporting, animating, and in- terwoven with their affections and practice ; that with spiritual freedom, courage, and safety, they may walk by gospel-influence, and according to gospel-rule. Their feet only need to be washed c ; the justification of their person is at first complete ; but the gtrJt of daily sirs in their soul and practice, ever needs to be >vadi€d away. But Xhewashing o//cc/?pIeaded in excuse fqr not readily receiving of Christ a% is indifference a- bout go^peJ-ti &ih, and weariness of spiritual exercirev- The sail's being b lack, but comely ; the fairest among mmerb c\ imports, that though in their own view, tho' |q themselves, and as surrounded with infirmities and trouble, they be unsightly* yet as adorned with Jesus* .righteousness and gtdjck> ar.d in his -kind estimation,, they are exceeding comely and beautifuL Their gk> YiQusgar??i'^j> wrought v ith embroidery of gold, and vffne linen f are his righteousness and £race ; and the holy conversation founded thereon. It is {"heir conversation-garment they wash and make dean in th$ blood of the lamb gy by improving it as the sole ground of their hope,cf their pardon,salvatiQi),.aK(l acceptance with God. Put the fruiting off the coat, which indis- poseth them to receive Christ h, is indifference about him and his righteousness, leaving off first love to him, neglect of commanded duty, inclination to carnal ease and spiritual sleep. Unfaithful ministers take away tjie saints vail from them i : they expose their infirmi-
a Song1 vu. !. '6SongviL<l, cJohn xiii- 10. rfjong v. S» e Song* i. 5. 8. /P«al. xlv. 13, 14. f Re* vii. 14. h Song" v
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tics ; deny them the faithful preaching of imputed righteousness; corrupt them from the simplicity of truth ; and draw' them to a compliance with the stt- perstitious devices of men. Their borders of gold and stuns of silver ; for their robes a, are the precious and permanent blessings, graces, and gifts, which flow from their Mediator's righteousness ; and which shine in their holy conversation. Their green bed b, is the comely, the refreshful, the flourishing and fruitful church, new covenant, scriptures, ordinances, and pe- culiar fellowship with Christ. Their perfumes c, are the graces given them. The church below, the heav- ens above,, are their house, and residence d. Their heart, and the task of duty assigned them, are the vine yard appointed to their care e.
6. The saints are compared to royal persons, kings, queens, princes, princesses, f. Begotten of God,, the King of all the earth : begotten of Jesus, the King of kings, by the travail of his soul ; they possess royal blood, are partakers of a divine nature, endowed with a living principle of grace derived from Christ ; are royally educated at his school of sacred inspiration, spiritual influence, and sanctified trouble ; are dispon- ed to a free, a generous, and princely service of hiui ; are married to him in the day of his power; and from him receive their honor, their fulness, and their title to an endless crown. How royal tKeir apparel of im- puted righteousness ! implanted grace ! jyid hoiy con- versation I How royal their nourishment of his flesh and blood; of all the fulness of God J How royal their palace of his invisible church, his celestial mansion ! How royal their chariot of the new covenant and go - pel of God ! How royal their rest in his well-guarded bed ! How royal their guard of divine attributes, ho- ly Angels, and faithful ministers! How royal their
a Song i. 11. b Song L 16. c Song ill 6/ d Song i If. eSor.g- i 6. ami viii. 12. /Rev. i. 6, Psal. xiv. 9. 13. 16.
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miction of the Iroi y Ghost, to consecrate and ftttfcMt them for their work t How royal the crown of divine- loving kindness and tender mercy, which they wear,, and the triple cronn of glory, life, and righteousness,, which they expect !: How royal their throne, being raised up together,and made to sit together in heavenly places in, and with Christ Jesus J How royal their council, the adored three speaking in the scripture I How royal their heart t set upon things afro ve^ and not upon things a£ the earth ! How royal and extensive their influence in managing and protecting the world, ruling the na- tions with a rod of iron, bearing rule over their owa spirit kndi conquering Satan and their lusts JU- O mar* Ffcllous, that by the grace of God I am what I am !
7. They are a hot ax priesthood a. Most honour- ably, by the sprinkling of Jesus' blood, by the received fulness of his Spirit, are they consecrated, and. seta- part to the service of God ! and appointed to draw iicar to jhini, and through his Son, offer sacrifices of grayer, and praise, of holy services, and broken hearts $ and if called, ^f their life, for the honour of his name.
8. They are called phcphets b. They know much * of God's raind in comparison of others .^ and faithfully"
oughtvthey to declare it unto others : Chiefly about fix- ture things are they concerned ; and from inspired veyeiation, have they a solid and certain knowledge thereof.
9. They are called a chosen generation, or kin- dred c. In Christ, before the world began, Jehovah diose, and ordained them to eternal life. By hi&grace 4ie renders them choice and excellent.. Of his own- will, by the soul-travail of his Son, and the regenera- ting influence of his Spirit, he begets them again ; es- pouseth them to Jesus,, as their husband and brother i. adopts them into his family, and constitutes them fel- low-members with angels and ransomed men.-^-Thoa
a 1 Pet. ii. 9. b P^rcy: 15. Uoha xi, 30. fffz c IPet. ii*&
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&ast not, my soul, first chosen him but he hath chose ii thee.
10. They are called a holy nation a. In Avhole they are a very numerous body, and closely connected, members one ofanotlier* Unfailing faith in a Redeem- er, and unceasing love to one another, being their bonds of union, how firm and lasting is the duration of their body t Christ is their King in the midst of them, and their ambassador at the court of heaven. Fellowship with him, receiving out of his fulness, and loving one another, are their gainful traffic. Angels, and implant- ed graces, are their armies. Divine attributes and promises, are their strong holds and fortifications. Re- sistance of sin, SataiH aad the world, is their warfare* The heavenly oracles are their laws. Attendance on divine worship and service, their tribute. And how holy are they in their birth ; their state ; their stat- utes ; vows ; purposes ; and conversation I
11. They are called a -peculiar pbopli: b. What a numerous, a flourishing body, whom God hath made the object of his peculiar love J' whom he hath purcha- sed with the peculiar price oi the blood of his Son ! whom he subdues to himself, by a peculiar warfare oi kindness and mercy I whom he hath enriched with peculiar blessings I whose hearts are inhabited by pe- culiar guests ; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ! whom God hath formed for himself, to shew forth his pecul- iar praise !; whom he watches over, day and night, with peculiar care I and prepares for, and assures o£ peculiar mansions of joy ! And O how different their pedigree ; their foundation ; their goverment ; their spirit ; their way ; their end ; from that of the men of this world.
12. They are a people that dwuli, aloxjk c. la* God's predestining purpose, they have a distinct situ*- alion and place. They alone are set as a ^eal on Jesus*
a I Pet. u. 9| b 1 F$& ii> 9. c Numb. -x^Ui* &
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heart and arm. TLey alone are within the bond of 6he new covenant, and pale of the invisible church. And it is yours, ye ransomed, to avoid all unnecessary intimacy with carnal men ; to study a contrariety of conduct ; and to seek the unknown, but happy attain- ment of secret fellowship with God. Let me live a- lone from the world : but let the Father and the Son come unto me, and manifest themselves to my soul.
13. They are citizens and fellow-citizens with the saints a. Solemn is their admission into the visi- ble church. Glorious are their privileges : they are the objects of Heaven's distinguished care. Great is their gospel-freedom from the law as a covenant, and from the yoke of human impositions ; gainful their traf- fic with Christ ; great their honour in bearing his im- age and badge ; comely their order ; binding their common laws ; strict their connection ;. and tender their care, one of another : peculiar thq right of their seed to an interest in Heaven's distinguished benefits. They are citizens of the church-triumphant ; their burgesship, their conversation* is in heaven. They ^reborn from above ; have their names written m heaven, in the tamb's book of life : Being made free by the Son, they are free indeed. Their stock, their treasure, their heart are in heaven : in heavenly things they trade ; in good and perfect things that come from above : they set their affections on these things that are above, where Jesus is at the right hand of God. Shortly shall there be their endtess residence ; they shall see the King in his beauty, and dwell in his pres* ence.— Canst thou, my soul, instruct thy celestial line- age ; speak the heavenly dialect of cordial praise ? I* the ticket, the everlasting covenant, laid up in my heart, as all my salvation, and all rny desire ?
14. They are represented as an household and fa- mily &. How, being gathered, protected, arid rule&
a Eph. ii. 19. EW1. in- 20. I Eph. ii. £0. Gal. y'u \%
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by God, they dwell together in unity ! How closely joined in Christ ; in God, their habitation I How bound "and disposed to promote one another's welfare and joy f They #re the household of God, made, collected, owned, provided for, employed, and governed by him to his own glory. They are the household of faith* By thegrace of faith they credit, and contend earnest- ly for the doctrine of faith once delivered to the saints. 1 y these things they live ; and in them be the life of my soul.
15. Tiiey are represented as cbjudben of God a. By him they are adopted. Of him they* new man is spiritually begotten and born. Kis- image is engraver*, his name called upon, and his Spirit put within them. BearJy be loves them. Every thing necessary for time mid eternity, he provides for them. In every danger he protects ; in every part of conduct, in every good word <md work, he directs them : and for their faults, chiefly their stubbornness, he corrects them. Their prayers he hears ; their suits he grants They are heirs of God, and joint heirs niih Christ. It is theirs to be humble, teachable, and obedient before him : — Theirs to imitate him in mer y, in meekness, in holiness, righteousness : — Their? to hute what he hales ^ to love what he kves : — Theirs to incline io abide in his family; dwell in his presence ; and seek after the most i; ■•timate fellowship with him. It is theirs to know, esteem, love, delight in him. as their Father; and to take pleasure in his word, his ordinan- ces, and people : — Theirs to be grieved aid concern- ed when he is dishonoured, or his church oppressed on polluted. — Are these things, my soul, found in thee ? Am I certainly a child of God by failL in Christ Jesus ?
1 6. Saints are compared to bases b. In themselves how exceeding helpless, "weak, and insignificant ! How exposed to danger ! but wonderfully protected and
a Rovn, viii. If, * M&tth. xi. 25, 1 Pet. il U
in
preserved by God. In what imperfect degree, they here possess all the graces of the perfect, the glorified saints ! How native ; how earnest, their inclination to pray • to suck the sincere milk of God's word ! How carefully, by Christ, by his angels, and masters are they watched, guided, and guarded ! If not hindered by their peevish temper, how^ quick is their spiritual growth, about the tune of their heavenly birth ! How innocent ; meek, harmless, and humble they are ; How candid and sincere in their faith ; their love ; their Christian profession, and holy obfcdience f Except, my soul thou bgpome as a little child, thou shalt in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
17. They are called sons ; heirs ; firs*-eoiin? <?. For a time indeed they continue in a low condition, and retain much of the Spirit of bondage; but sol- emnly are they separated to the service of God, ?.,s his pecttliar property. How blessed are they with all the best blessings of his righteousness, his grace, and salvation. How princely and exalted is their domin- ion over the rest of the world ! What a substantial blessing and honour are they to them. How sure and sweet is their title to the everlasting inheritance. ~I>e- joice, my som, I am an heir of God, and joint heir with Christ : nor can sins, nor devils, nor wicked men, disinherit me. God is my Father, ray tutor, my all. His covenant is. my charter ; thrice surer than heaven or earth.
13. They are called daughters ; virgins ; sis- ters of Christ b. How weak in themselves ! How exposed to danger and infirmity ! How engaging their spiritual comeliness ! How glorious their apparel of imputed righteousness, implanted grace, a«d holy con- versation ! Howr single their love to Jesus Christ J How chaste their adherence to him ! How sound and
a GaL iv. 4. 5. 6. Heb xij, 23. h Song- i. 3. ir and iii. 11". and , I. Psal- xte 15.
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incorrupt in the iaith ! How sincere in their worship ! How pure in their heart and life ! How candid their care to avoid temptatic is to, and appearances of evil 1 How disposed to blusn at the bast of their services ! Inferior, indeed, in every respect, they are to Christ ; but being begotten of the same Father, children in the same family, they partake of the same human na- ture with him ; have his image on them ; are nearly connected \vith,dearly beloved,and tenderly ,cared,and provided for, by him. They are daughters of Jerusa- lem, children of Zion. In the true church, they are born ; and by means of her ordinances and ministers, is their spiritual birth accomplished. On her spirit- ual provision of gospel truths, and new-covenant bless- ings, they are nourished. With the garments of sal- vation, divinely granted to her, they are clothed. In her they abide ; and are governed, directed, protected, and perfected. If I am such, wrhy should I wear the attire of an harlot ? why whorishly turn aside by the flocks of thy companions ? When, Q my Brother, shall I find thee without, on thy great white throne, that I may kiss thee, may embrace thee, and not be ashamed ? When shall I come to the Jerusalem above, which is the mother of us all f When snail we, the ransomed of the Lord, return and come to Zion, with songs, and ev- erlasting joy on our heads, and sorrow and sighing flee away ?
19. They are children of promise a. From eter- nity their birth, their life, their endless felicity, was promised to our adored Redeemer. Not by natural influence but by the gospel promises and fair ess there- of, are they spiritually begotten, born, su :kled, nour- ished, directed, supported* carried, healed, revived, restored, comforted, and sanctified. And highly they esteem and delight in the promises.— Let these thy words be found by me ; let me eat them ; and Jet
a Gal, iy. 28.
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i&era be/0 vie the joy and rejoicing of my heart* Never iet me forget thy statutes, for by them thou kast quickened, me.
80. They are called Christ's seed, the travail of his soul, a. By his infinite labour and suffering, and from his fulness of virtue and grace, they are brought forth unto God. His honour they represent; hk *iam€ they continue ; and to all generations, they are the joy and rejoicing of his heart. On the very sub- stance of his person, his flesh and blood, that he gives for the life of the world, he feeds and nourisheth their soul — ^Lord Jesus, am I so dear to thee ? am I the offspring of thy love ; thy blood ; thy grace ? Detes- ted then be my heart, if it love father, or mother, more than thee.
21. Saints are called brethren b, In-the same purpose of God, all of them are chosen. All of them have God for their Father ; the church for their moth- er ; Christ for their elder brother. Their grace, their profession, their practice, is similar. Their love' is mutual. They are Christ9 s brethren : they have one Father with him* They are ineffably near to him, and precious in his sight. In so far as their fi- nite nature admits, they share with Jiim m his grace, jiis office, and work. How quickly, my Lord, shall I hear thee say, iC Inasmuch as ye did it to the least of these my brethren, you did it unto me."
22. They are Christ's bride and spouse c .In infi- nite kindness he chooseth them for himself. Heartily and deliberately they accept of him, as their head' and husband. All their sinful debt was changed up- on him ; and he, by his obedience and sufferings,- an- swered for it. Highly he loveth ; faithfully he dwells in, tenderly he sympathized with ; sufficient- ly he provides for; fully he protects them. How deep is his interest and concerti in their persons, gra-
a Is. liii. 11. b John xxf 17% c Rev. xix. 7* Song v. h
\ temptations, and troubles. How gloriaus is their interest in his person, his righteousness, honour, and fulness. How highly they esteem ; tenderly they Jove ; ardently they desire ; humbly they serve him; and hardly do they bear his frowns ! Hoav mutual is their joy and rejoicing over one another ! How mindful are both of their marriage-contract, the covenant of peace ! By distinguished fellowship with him, they become fruitful in the works of righteousness. Open- ly, before angels and men, shall their nuptials, at the <?ad, be celebrated. Then shall they enter into the palace of the King, and shall abide. " Blessed are they, who are called to this eternal marriage-supper of the Lamb ;" and whom the Lamb himself maheth ready — Blessed for ever be the Lord, that neither meanness, nor guilt, nor vileness, nor infamy, nor de- vils, nor death, could stop, or can break my marriage to him J He betrothed me to himself for ever ; yea, betrothed me to him, in righteousness and in judgment, in loving-kindness and in mercies. Ye sinful, ye un- profitable, ye infamous men, whosoever will, let him come to the marri?vge>.
23. They are compared to b eturnhng pro vigils &. Receiving from God many noble endowments, time, talents, opportunities, how they r*i h into apostacy from Iiim ! and waste these gifts in soul-ruining fellowship with Satan and his agents \ When by trouble, and by sharp convict on, they are forced to consider their case ; nothing spiritually good they have, or can do. No more pleasure in sin, or in creatures, can they find. Now the most urgent necessity, accompanied with an attractive persuasion of God's all-sufficiency and read- iness to help, determines them to attempt an humble return to him -as their Saviour and Master,, and a can- did confession of their sin, and earnest Supplication for mercy. How the all-gracious Father, his bowels a Luke *y. 10. —24.
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of compassion, yearn towards them ! How, in their distant, their lothsome, their dreadful condition, he in mercy runs to meet them ! With what arms of mer- cy he embraceth them ! with what kisses of forgiving love he melts their heart, and determines it to a tru- ly gospel-repentance, and confession of sin ! By the ministry of the word and Spirit, how graciously he decks them with the best robe of imputed righteous- ness ; adorns them with the gold-ring of his everlast- ing favour, Spirit, and grace ; feasts and nourisheth their soul with the sweet, the tender, the all-fattening flesh and blood of his se vrificed Son ! What unending joy now cominenceth among divine persons and holy angels ; that fallen men, utterly lost, as to safety, hap- piness, or usefulness, are recovered ! those dead in trespasses and sins are quickened, and espoused to Christ !
24. Peevish saints much resemble the prodigal's el- der brother a. JBeing divinely preserved from the anore scandalous crimes, and serving God from their youth, in a tender and unbiameable practice ; how sinfully they sometimes fret at Jehovah's sovereign conduct, in giving newly-converted profligates surpri- sing measures of grace, surprisingly familiar intimacy with himself ; while he rarely bestows on themselves, such sensible experience of his love, as exhilirates their heart, and determines them with pleasure to talk of his goodness ! Alas ! ye fro ward, when will ye grow wise ? should your eye be evil, because God is good ? Do you well to be angry, that " where sin abounded, grace did much more abound ?"
25. The saints are compared to judges b. Endow- ed with wisdom, power and authority, they set them- selves for the defence of the heavenly statutes. By self examination they judge themselves, that they be not condemned with the world. By their sound pria*
a Luke xy. 25,-32. b 1 Cor- vl 2. 3.
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dples, and holy lives, they condemn the world that lieth in wickedness. At last they shall sit as assessors with Christ in the final judgment of evil angels and wicked men. — Shall this, Lord, be my honour, who have so often yielded to Satan, aud defiled myself with his wicked agents on earth !
26. They are called witnesses a. Having tasted that the Lord is gracious ; having, heard his voice, seen his glory, and his mighty deeds ; they bear witness that he is God all sufficient, possed of every perfection, and suited to every case. Having seen ihe Sou, believ- ed on him, and handled the word of life, they test iff, that he is the divinely -sent, the aple, the ever ready and compassionate Saviour of the world. Having seen an end of all perfect ion, and felt the uiisolidity and e- vil of the world, they declare, that " vanity of vani- ties, all that cometh is vanity and vexation of spirit," Having felt their heart, and seen their life, they attest the former to be " deceitful above all things, and des- perately wicked ;" and the latter, in its best estate, but filthy rags. Having felt the virtue of Jesus' word they testify, that his " law is the truth ; Ms gospel the power of God unto salvation ; his commandment spir- itual, holy, just, and good." Faithfully they bear witness, even against themselves. Boldly they often finish their testimony, resist unto blood, striving a- gainst sin." Abide, my soul, by the truth, and the truth shall make thee free.
21. They are compared to rich men and nobles b. How honourably begottonof the " everlasting Father, i possesser of heaven and earth !" Christ, and ail things in him, are their wealth, their treasure. How glori- ous their apparel of his righteousness and grace ! How ornamented with his Spirit, his love ! How liberally educated at his school, and taught to profit ! How pompous their riding in his new-covenant chariot, on
£ Isa, xiiii. 10. ; b Rev, ii:. 18. Fsal. xlv. 16.
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kis white horses, his evangelical promises, and in com- pany with hirn their King ! They indeed love t# work righteousness ; but live not by their labours, but «n God, as their inheritance, their portion ; on the delicate provision of Jesus' flesh and blood. How goodly their dwelling ! the Most High is their habi- tation. How numerous their attendants ; angels and men ! How readily every thing works 'for their good ! What burdens of labour, difficulty* and trouble, they ran sustain, without being rendered wretched or mis- erable ! How well they can forbear their full por- tion, till the end of time ! How exalted their fellow- ship with divine persons ; with angels and saints i How the view of their wealth emboldens them to ap- proach the throne of grace ; the communion of saints ; and the mansions of bliss ! and roughly to resist temp- tations from sin, Satan, and the world ! — What am I> or what is my father's house, that God hath brought me hitherto ; raise4 me out of the dunghill, and made me to sit with princfes !
28. They are called poor, or poor in spirit a. Not only are they generally poor in worldly circum- stances ; and all, in themselves, destitute and despica- ble before God ; but how unworthy, wretched, and polluted, in their own eyes ! What students of con- tentment with a low condition in the world ! With what humility, they look on all their righteousness as loss and dung ; reckon themselves less than the least of all God's mercies ; less than the least of all saints i and the chief of sinners ! With what cheerful pleas- ure, they live solely on the free, the sovereign grace ftl God in Christ ; and reckon it their great honour and happiness, to be the eternal dyvors thereof ! — Let greedy swords fight on for wealth ; I can be poor : but, Lord, I beg, to sit, and sup, and smile with thee.
29. They are compared to four and twenty ELrERS3
4 P*sd. lxriii. 10. Matth. v. $.
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crowed and surrounding the throne of God a ; be- cause of their gravity, their wisdom, their power, and authority. They are a people near unto God, and employed in the most humble and unceasing adora tion of him. And is not their faith founded on the doctrine of the " prophets and twelve apostles of the Lamb?" Thrice blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the crown of glory, the kingdom of heaven f
30. They are compared to harpers harping with their harps, and singing a new song, which none but themselves can learn b. How skilfully ; how sweetly they sing of mercy and judgment ! Knowing that all things flow from redeeming love, and work for their eternal advantage ; in every thing they give thanks. How cordially ; how pleasantly they praise their lov- ing, their eternal fair ; their endless azl ; in fine, their God ! Am I redeemed ; redeemed to him ; re- deemed with blood divine ? O may I lose my useless- tongue, when it forgets to praise !
31. They are compared to merchants c. Christ the pearl of great price, the fine gold, the treasure hid in the field of revelation, they seek out, buy, deliber- ately a:cept of, as their own ; the gift of God to them. The truth they buy ; deliberately credit ; and, at the hazard of every thing dear in a world, retain. The time they redeem, they carefully improve, be- cause the days are evil. -With wisdom, with care,, with pleasure, with desire, and hope of endless advan- tage, they deal in spiritual and heavenly things. With knowledge and deliberation they commission them by prayer ; bring them home by faith ; and receive them ruiih much affection, and joy of the Holy Ghost. Cheer- fully they give their bill, their determined purpose, in his strentgh, to reuder unto God thanks for all his mercies. Grace, glory, God himself, in all his fulness,
a Hev. ir. 4. and v. 8. 9. 10. b Rev. si v. 2. c Matt!*. xiiL 4%> Bey.iii. 18r
as
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is the subject of their traffic. Freely, without money and without price, 3s the heaven fixed rate of every commodity. Christ is their factor in the far, the heavenly, country. Prayers and supplications, with strong cries and tears, are their letters of trade.— Exceeding great and precious promises are their in- voice ; their bill of lading. Divine ordinances are the port, the exchange, the market, where they care- fully attend. Faith in the promise is the ship, the porter, which brings home their goods to their soul. A conscience purged in Jesus' blood is their account- ant. Their understanding and memory are their journal and ledger. Self-examination is their inven- tory of their stock,, their stating of accounts. Improv- ing of grace received, in holy and beneficent exercis- es, is their sale. Carefully ought they to keep dis- tinct records of the true state and frame of their soul, and of God's mercies to them, and their sins against him. Speedily ought they to pay their vows, their bills of gratitude. As their trade prospers or lan- guisheth, they ought to rejoice, or mourn.— Learn,, my soul, this gainful business ; this trade, making*ma- ny, making all its users rich ; this trade, that can nev- er be hurt by the number of sharers ; this trade, for which disappointments, straits, poverty, and guilt, may fee improved as a qualification,
32. They are compared to soldiers a. In the day of power, they are enlisted under Jesus' banner ; brought into the bond of his covenant ; clothed with the livery of his imputed righteousness, his implant- ed grace, and of an holy conversation ; and armed with the whole armour of God, with the girdle of truth, the breast-plate of righteousness, the shoes of settled gospel-principles, the shield of faith, the helmet of the hope of salvation, the inspired sword of the Spirit, and the artillery of all prayer ; which they are to keej^
« Bph,v*,l0^t9,
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undamaged, and ready on every occasion. It is theirs to distinguish themselvs from others ; to moderate their affections and care about worldly things ; to cease from their former sinful and legal labours ; and, with singleness of heart, prudence, patience, submit sion, courage, care, and activity, to follow the Captain of their salvation in their respective stations ; to .know his word ; without hesitation obey his command ; endure hardship ; espy the stratagems ; watch the motions of spiritual enemies ; improve every advan- tage against them; shew no pity to any of them; but, by means of Jesus' death, believed with appli- cation, resist Satan ; crucify and kill the body of sin, with its affections and lusts- Ye soldiers of the Lamb, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might ; encourage yourselves in your leader ; in the certain- ty of your victory ; and the reward of your warfare. Never desert your divine, your gracious commander ; nor his standard of truth. Never yield to a spiritual foe ; resist the devil, and he will flee from you ; resist unto blood, striving against sin : count not your life dear unto you, that you may finish yor.r course with j°y > fight the good fight of faith ; lay hold on eternal life. Though your enemies be many, be strong, and lively, there are more with you, than with them : stronger is he that is in ^ou, than he that is in the world. Be then the day of war, the season of ray soul.
33. They are compared to watchmen a. In their respective towers and stations they wait upon, and watch for God, more than they that watch for the morn- ing. Carefully they observe the approach of spiritual danger, and cry to the Lord for relief. It is yours, ye ransomed, to watch unto prayer, and other duties ; to wait, to prepare for, and lay hold on every oppor- tunity thereof ; to watch in duty, keep your hearty in,
a f$& cxxx. 5. Qy Prov. vi. 2*
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its disposition and aims, because out of it are the is- sues of life ; and to watch for the answer of prayer, and fruit of good worts. It U yours, to watch against the roaring lion, and his serpentine agents : to watch with Jesus as your Lord, your defence, pattern, com- panion, and guide : to watch for him, coming in the Spirit, and in the clouds ; for blessed are they, whomr at his coming, he shall find watching. Listen, my soul,, the Master cometh ; the Judge standeth at the door ; gird up thy loins ; watch and be sober : watch with him thy one hour of life : watch and pray, that thou enter not into temptation.
34. They are compared to wrestlers a. Being anointed with the Holy Ghost, and sisted in the view of angels and men, they wrestle with profane persons, testifying against, and opposing their wickedness, and patiently enduring their reproach and persecution. They wrestle with persons heretical and erroneous ; watching against their snares, refuting their error, and endeavouring to censure them on its account : They wrestle with evil angels, and sinful lusts : hating, re- sisting, crying for deliverance from them, and study- ing to have every inward corruption utterly destroy- ed. In humble and earnest supplication, they wres- tle with God : taking hold of his strength, pfeading his promise, and relying on the blood and intercession of his Son, they insist for his favours, and refuse to let him go till he bless them. Be thou, my soul, " strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Let no dis- couragement drive thee from his mergy-seat. Fill; thy mouth with argument, even with thy need, thy guilt, thy perversness ;. order thy cause before him.
35. They are compared to walkers b* Being di- vinely brought into Jesus, the way of holiness, in which the wayfaring man shall not err, in the sight, in the company, under the awe, and with & regard to the
$ Egh. vi. 12. d.Zech. x. X2,
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glory of God; in the continued application ofa Re-* deemer's blood ; in the strength of the grace daily received out of his fulness ; under the constraining power of his love ; they, with great pleasure and healthfulness, follow his pattern, obey his law, make progress in gospel-holiness, distance from sin, Satan, and an evil world, meetness for, and nearness to the celestial glory. Being brought at last into the man- sions of happiness, they, with unceasing pleasure, peace, purity, honor and triumph, forever attend the Lamb of God, in all his glorious discoveries of him- self.— My soul, having " received the Lord Jesus, walk in him ; walk up p.nd down in his name ; walk humbly with thy God ;" at last thou shall walk with him in white ; for in him thou art worthy.
36. They are compared to hu>:ners of a race #. Encompassed with so great a cloud, a multitude of wit- nesses ; animated by the example cf Christ, and his now glorified followers ^ excited by the view of God, angels and men ; they, in the most exact, thoughtful, laborious, and diligent manner, begin, prosecute, and finish their course of holy exercise. To succeed, my soul, begin it, as early as posible, Put on the light, the pliant robes of Jesus5 righteousness and grace. Be thou wholly, chiefly thy joints, thy principles of ac- tion, anointed with the HoJy Ghost. Lay aside eve- ry weight of guilt, anxious care, and sinful affection, And particularly, thy evil heart of unbelief and thy predominant lusts. Beware of " surfeiting and drunk- enness; be not highminded, but fear." Ever fix thine eye on Jesus as thy way, thy -pattern*, on his law as thy rule ; on his Spirit as thy guide ; on death as thy goal ; on endless felicity as thy prize. Stumble at no temptation, affliction, reproach, persecution, desertion, or inward weakness ; but with integrity, vigour, and unwearied diligence, proceed in thy course *, daily
a Heb. xii, 1,
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fcpply a Saviour's bleod ; grow in grdce ; abound in the work of the Lord.
37. They are compared to pilgrims or travel- lers a. Finding no rest for their soul on earth, they, at first, carefully consider the cost, the difficulty, the danger of their journey to heaven ; wisely they put on the light, the new, the defensive, and unwasting garments of salvation ; and take to them the whole ar- mour of God, for their safety against foes. Wisely they receive Jesus and his fulness, as their gold, their treasure, to bear their expence. They receive his Father for their companion ; his Spirit to be their guide ; his word to be their director and compass ; his love, his power, and promise, for their supporting staff. Carefully they ask for the good old way of ho- liness ; and continue walking therein : sweetly they drink out of its wells of salvation ; and refresh them- selves, but not tarry in the inns of ordinances built thereupon. How diversified is their condition* ! Now, their duty is pleasant and easy ; tnon, it is rugged and difficult. Now, they enjoy fine weather of peace and prosperity; clear viewt of Jesus' countenance, wide prospects of his loveiir.ess and love ; clear discov- eries of the vanity of this world, of the happiness of their present, and of the glory of their future state : anon, they are distressed with cold winters of trouble, storms of tenipt^tio^, dark nights of desertion and dis- order, that they know not what to do, Gr whither to go. How often fearfully pinched for provision ! How often the weils of promises seem dry, and inns of ordi- nances are found empty i How often are they expo- sed to the gazing, ridicule, and malice of carnal men! How often, by Satan and their lusts, harassed and rob- bed of their grace, or its evidence ! How often temp- ted to turn ba.-.k ! Eut, through every tribulation, they push forward to the city, the celestial kingdom of
Mi. 10.
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God ; and with so much more cheerfulness, if they en- joy the company of eminent saints. — May I " go from strength to strength, till I appear before God in Zion."
38. They are called strangers and sojourners with God on earth a. How strange to carnal men, is their state of union and communion with Christ ! How- strange their birth from above ! their having God their Father ! Christ their husband ! glorified saints their principal people ! In what strange ; what celes- tial country, are their portion, their inheritance, their hopes, their affections, their desires ! With what strange robes of divine righteousness, implanted grace, and gospetholiness, they are decked ! What strange armour of God they have put on ! How strangely they speak the spiritual language of prayer and praise ! pour out their hearts, behave as becometh the high calling of God ! walk with Father; Son and Holy Ghost, whom the world see and know not ! feed on the strange pro- vision of Jesus' person, righteousness, and benefits ! How employed in the much unknown labour of num- bering their days ; of considering their last end ; of ploughing up the fallow ground of their heart ; of sow- ing to themselves in righteousness ; of buying without money and without price ; of denying and loathing themselves ; of warring with principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness ; of renouncing the profit, pleasure, and honour of this world ; of extracting good from evil, and sweet oat of bitter ; of loving their mankind-enemies, and rendering them blessing for cursing! How unsatisfactory their outward enjoy- ments ! What a gazing stock to the men of this world ! And how despised, reproached, and harrassed by them ! Be content, my soul, it is enough that God hath sworn, " I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee/' In all my straits, he is a present help. la
a PsaL xxxtx. 13
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&I1 my affliction he is afflicted, so he is my Saviour. 39. They are called builders a. According to the rule and line of God's inspired word, they, by faith, lay themselves and their whole salvation upon Christ, the foundation laid in Zion ; and in his strength, "build up themselves, in their most holy faith and gos- pel conversation ; adding one degree of grace, one good word and work to another : and build up the church, by elucidating divine truths ; wanning souls to Christ ; spreading abroad the savour of his name ; and lifting up his praise. So build, my soul, and thou &halt be able to finish,
40. They are compared to threshers, or thresh- ing instruments b. In Jesus' strength, and by re- peated acts of faith and hope, of repentance and love, of humility and self-denial, they, by little and little, conquer their spiritual enemies, and bring down the mountains of wicked men, evil angels, sinful corrup- tions, manifold dangers and difficulties, which stand in their way of serving the Lord, or enjoying fellowship with him. Astonishing ! shall worm /beat them small as dust ? Let me then rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the holy One of Israel.
41. They are compared to stewards c. To their peculiar care hah God committed the vineyard of their own heart, and station in the world and church. A variety of gifts, graces, ordinances, and opportunities hath he bestowed upon them, to be improved accord- ing to the rule of his word. Solemnly hath he charg- ed them to be faithful, and to study the welfare of others ; quickly he will call them to account for their conduct ; and righteously will he reward them ac- cording to their works. How quickly, my soul, shall he cause me to give an account, of my stewardship ; for I must be no longer steward! Are all my accounts clear, and balanced with Jesus* blood ?
a Jude 20. b Is*, lxi, 15. 16* c LuJte xvi. 9,-12.
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i2. They are compared to servants u. How sol-
>iy are they engaged ! How deeply obliged to ve the Lord Christ, in whatsoever he shall com- mand them ! With what lowliness of mind, what faithfulness, gratitude, and evangelical respect to the vnpe?ice of reward, are they to do the will of God .11 things ! It is yours, ye redeemed, to remember that all your gifts, your graces, are from God, and to be used to his glory ; and to resolve upon giving him an account thereof. Bore mine ear, O Jehovah, to thy door-post, that I may serve thee forever. Li, and fcfter, keeping thy commandments, there is an exceeding great reward.
. They are called inhabitants of the gar- :;s b. Being associated into particular cengrega- tS and worshipping assemblies, they make an open, a continued, a stediast profession of Jesus' truth ; and %vith constancy, delight, and diligence, they attend upon, and improve his ordinances ; and are chiefly busied in keeping and cultivating their heart and con- versation.
4*4. They are compared tb farmers of vineyards r. To them hath God, in a subordinate respect commit- ted the vineyard of their own heart and of his church ; and to their advantage the fruitf illness thereof great- ly redounds. It is therefore theirs, carefully to ke their vineyard ; to watch over themselves and their work ; to labour earnestly, in denying ungodliness and worldly lasts ; and in living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. It is theirs to study reg- ularity and distinctness in their religious course. It is theirs to improve every event, every faculty, and gift ; to prune oil every luxuriance, mortify every lust, avoid every doubtful and dangerous practice ; ■and by a believing dependence on the tree of life, in the midst of their paradise of God, to prop every good
a Rev. .vii. 3. £3o:»gviii. 13. cSoijgviiL 21.
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word and work- It is theirs to promote the parity , peace, and prosperity of the church, and to render unto Christ, the principal, the supreme glory of all they are, and do.
45. Saints are compared to slavish keepers of other men's vineyards, to the neglect of their own a. How often are they, by their mother's children, their Indwelling corruptions, and hypocritical professors, forc- ed and decoyed into a base submission to human impo- sitions, in the service of God ; to sinful and carnal courses ; to too eager interfering with worldly affairs, cr with spiritual things in a selfish and carnal manner J How often, is their watchfulness over their heart, their resisting and mortifying of their lusts, their due cher- ishing and exercising of their grace, hereby sinfully and shamefully prevented ! How often doth their be* ing in public office, in church or state, occasion muck sinful neglect of personal piety !
46. They are represented as cahhied ones b. Be* ing lame in themselves, Jesus apprehends them, takes them up, and in the chariot of his covenant and church, and on the white horse of his gospel-promise, and in the hand of his providence, and on the shoulder of his power, and in his bosom of intimate fellowship, and in his heart of endeared affection and care, not- withstanding their manifold fiithiness, provocations, and infirmities, bears them up under every burden ; bears them out against every opposition ; bears them <w in the course of their duty ; bears them in to the throne of grace ; and home to their eternal rest.
47. They are represented as hidden ones c. How unknown to the world, and even to themselvs, is their excellency ; their gracious state ; their spiritual at- tainments ; and especially their future glory ! How hidden, how secret favours, are their election, their regeneration, their pardon, acceptance, adoption, and,
a Song" i, 5. b Isa. xlvi, 3. 4, c PsaL Ixxxiii. 3.
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inward comfort! How se:retly ; now mysteriously and safely are their person?, their state, their life, their portion, and treasure, laid up in the word, the heart, the ha >d, the Lie, the honour of Christ, and of God iu lilra !
48. They are represented as sealed ones a. By electing love, by eiiectual calling, by their justifica- tion, and by the daily influence of his Spirit, they are highly honoured of God, and appropriated and con- firmed to his use ; a id distinguished from the world. Safely hid &ndpreserved in Christ Jesus, now gracious- ly ace they enabled to make an open confession of his truth ! How, often pco:ect:d from common calamities I H:>w m irvellously saved amidst imminent troubles !
49. They are called upright ones b. How their heart, their affections, tower towards God, and heav- enly things ! With what candour they study to be what they seem ! and to live without allowed guile ! to be universally sincere in their behaviour towards God and men !
50. They are called wise mes c. Being instruct- ed by Christ, they make the best choice, choose for their portion the whole fulness of God ; pursue the best course, follow after the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. They walk in Chris!:, the best way ; and with God, the most excellent companion. They espouse Chri:t the best husband ; and live on his rlesh and blood the most wholesome and nourish- ing provision. Being acquainted with the mysteries of God's word and providence, taught of God to profit, made wise unto salvation, and learned in every state therewith to be content, they intend the most noble end of his glory, and their own happiness ; and prosecute it in the best manner, and by the most proper means. Hast thou, my soul, so learned Christ ?
51. They are compared to strong men d. Being
a Bey. vii, 3, b Song i. 4. c f sal. xcir, 8. 12. tfEpli. vi. 1^
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strengthened in and by the Lord Jesns, they eai* bear heayj burdens without repining ; can walk in God's way without wearying ; run in the path of his commandments without fainting : can attack and con- quer the strongest corruptions ; resist the devil ; over- come the world ; and bear rule over their own spirit. Rejoice, my soul, I can do all things throvgh Christ si rengl hening me.
52. They are represented as carnal men a. Alas I what power hatli their remaining carnal corruption aver them ! How much they fulfil their sinful lust I How compassed with fleshly infirmities ! How sadly are their hearts attached to worldly things I What qmyr strife, and contention, too often abound with them ! Truly the law is spiritual ; but I am carnal., sold under sin.
53. They are represented as foolish b. Alas I how often they mistake their way ; neglect their du- ty ; act contrary to God's honour, and their own in- terest : grieve their friends, and please their ene- rgies ! How often they act without thought; com- ply in of, or praise, what they knowr not! How often have I been brayed in the mortar of adver ily ; yet hath not my foolishness departed from me !
54. They are represented as captives, sold under sine. How often do Satan, arid their Lusts, prevail over them ; drag them from God and their duty, raid into the slavish service of sin ! How they buffet tliem for the least refusal ! How they abuse and maltreat their soul ! Blessed be the Lord, who brmgeth back his captives, even when, with stupidity and urxom corn, they are like men that dream. Quickly, O my soul, shall the prey be talcen from the mighty, and the lawful captive be delivered.
do. They are represented as phisonees d. How:
a Horn, vii. 14, k Li&e^xxir, 35. " c TCciro vii. 23. 24, d?.^*\ cxlii.. 6,
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often are they shut up and confined in the prison of trouble; of prevailing corruption ; of fearful tempta- tion ; of dark desertion ! How are their shameful crimes evidenced ; and their souls connected with the basest companions ! How are their light, their liberty, their honour, their happy fellowship, their spiritual warmth and comfort taken from them ! Is it not thine, O Jesus to bid us go forth and shew ourselves ? Is it not thine, with the key of thy promise, and by the power of thy grace, to open our prison doors, and i ig us forth, that we may glorify thy name ?
56. They are compared to killed and crucified. men a. O the killing providences ! the destructive, rage of inward corruption ! the violent temptations of Satan ! the persecutions of the world, with which they are afflicted ! They are crucified rvilh Christ ; in his death he represented them ; and by the application of his atonement to their conscience, i^ their old mat-, their inward corruption gradually and painfully mor- tified. They are crucified to the world, and to them. Gradually, and not without pain and shame, are they weaned from the worid as a portion, or any nece^ary part of it, and as dead malefactors are they despised by the men of it,
57. They are compared to dyi.vg and lead men b. Not only are they worthless in themselves mortal in their bodies, and plagued with an inward body of death ; but by the application of Jesus' righteousness and grace, their relations to the broken law, as an hus- band and governor ; to Satan, as a prince and father ; to sin, as a pleasure and trade ; and to the world, as a portion and treasure ; are destroyed, and finally cut off. Hence they cease from sinful works ; and from going about to establish their own righteousness : &nd are buried together ivith Christ ; share the sweet
t{ Horn, viii- If. 36. b Rom. vi:. 4. 6.
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repose that flows from his death ; in consequence whereof they rise to newness of life.
53. They are represented as living men a. O the mysterious inward motions of their heart ! O their a- greeable breathing and desiring after Christ, and liv- ing by faith on him ! O the sweet light, liberty, pleas- lire, and other enjoyments of which they &re made capable ! How manifold their frames ! How various their relations to Christ and to one another ! And how they work out their salvation with fear and trem- bling !■ — Lord, may I live and praise thee.
59. They are called a remnant b. How few in com- parison of the rest of mankind ! How often they chief- iy-consist of the poor and dregs thereof ! How often are they wonderfully preserved, when the wicked are cutoff!
60, They resemble Isaac c. They are the spirit- ual, the promised seed of Abraham ; the special, the distinguished seed of Heaven, the offspring of Jesus* intercession. By means of the promise, and notwith- standing insuperable- Jike difficulties, they are spirit- ually conceived and born. How delightful a joy and iejoicing to God their Father, and to their mother the church ! Being mercifully recovered from death, by the slaughter of God's provided burnt-offering, they love not their lives in opposition to his will. How sadly harassed by their bastard brethren! But being heirs they at last enter in to possess all the ful- ness of God.
61. They are compared to Jacob d. Being freely chosen to salvation, they strive to enter in at the strait gate of union to Christ, and renovation of their na- ture ; and struggle for glory, honour, immortality, e- ternal life. Being blessed in the robes of Christ, their elder brother's imputed righteousness ; guarded of an- gels ; highly esteeming their spiritual birthright and
« Gal. ii. 20. b Is. x*. 16. c Gal. iv. 28. d, Zech. sii, 8.
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blessing ; they wrestle with God, ar,d also prevail t and through manifold tribulation and death, go to the everlasting land of promise. — Call thyself, even now, my soul, by the name of Jacob : subscribe with thine hand unto the Lord; and sirnaine thyself, by the name of Israel.
62. They are compared to David a. Being exal- ted from the lowest degree, they sit with the Prince of the kings of the earth. Wisely they conduct them- selves : though striplings and weak in themselves, are strong in the Lord and in the power of his might ; and notwithstanding fearful guilt, and difficulties in- numerable, they are more than conquerers through him that loved them,
63. They are like unto Lazarus in the parable b* How generally poor and contemptible, in the view of the great men of the world ! How often the brutat creation work together for their good ! At death, how readily angels convey their souls to the heavenly mansions, where the damned inhabitants of hell have access to know their glory, and fruitlessly wish the least share of it I
64. They compare themselves to beasts c. For, O the stupidity, earthliness, filthiness, perverseness, mis- chievousness, unsightliness, which they discern in themselves ! — Lord, what a monstrous beast, a wretch- ed system of beasts, am I before thee ! " Neverthe- less I am continually with thee ; thou holdest me by my right hand : and wilt guide me with thy counsel while here, and afterward bring me to thy glory." — O let thy robes of salvation remove my unsightliness ; thy blood wash out my filthiness ; thy instruction re- move my ignorance and folly ; thy Spirit undo my earthliness and carnality ; thy love shed abroad in my heart, root out my stubbornness and malice !
65. They are compared to fowls or birds rf. How
a Is. xliv. 5. b. Luke xvi» 19—26. c Psal. lxxiii. 20. d Ezek, svii. 23. Song ii. 12.
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diversified are their cases and frames ! The conver- sation of some, how tender and comely! Of others, ah, how carnal and unsightly ! How, being supported by the air, the influence of the Holy Ghost, they mount and move among heavenly things ! How exposed to storms and wants ! By what amazing instinct, they take up, and return to, their rest in the person, the of- ficeSj relations, righteousness, and love of Christ, the tree of life, the unconsumed bush, and the rock of ages / Under the shadow of his protection and promise, how sweetly they sometimes sing ! — O when shall the sweet singing of birds, the ransomed's full concert, of Hallelujahs and Hosanruis, come !
66. They are compared to eagles a. How glori- ous ; how royal their spiritual dignity among men! How solid their knowledge of the most dazzling, the rocst deep, and distant things ! Renewing their strength and beauty after spiritual decays, and carried by Jesus, their parent, how unweariedly, on wings of faith, of love, and holy desire, they mount up towards God ; comfort themselves in him ; make him, the mu- nition of rocks, their habitation, from whence they o- verlook clouds and storms of trouble ! How earnestly they espy and desire the presence, and feed on the slain Lamb of God ! Grovel no more, my soul ; arise, fly away to Jesus, to the crag of the^ Mock which is higher than I.
67. They are compared to doves b. How weak jand timorous in themselves! but being justified in Je- sus' righteousness, and sanctified by his grace, how comely ! How pure in their new nature and spiritual feeding ! How harmless, loving, and affectionate ! — how chaste their desire toward Christ ! How fruitful in good works ! How great their delight in fellowship -with him, and his people ! How tenderly they weep over his death ! How inconsolably they mourn for hi*
q Is. xl. 31* Psal. ciii. 5. b Is. Ix. 8.
in
absence ! How diligently they endeavor to gain ott- ers to his cause ! How swift ; how high; how heav- enly, their motions of faith, love, and holy conversa- tion ! How sweet ; how safe their abode in the secret place of Jesus' purpose, promise, righteousness, power, and love ! How they fly to him in every time of dan- ger ! — May my life, my last end, be like theirs ! May J be " a dove in the valley, mourning for mine iniqui- ties."
C8. They compare themselves to owjls a : because of their uncomeliness in themselves ; their love to darkness ; their mournful and unpleasant cries ; and because they are so forsaken, contemned, and hated by others in the world. — On earth, Lord, am not I as a pelican of the wilderness^ an oiv I of the desert ? O when shall I be with thee ! be like thee,, by seeing thee as thou art !
69. They compare themselves to a spabeow on the house-top alone b. For alas ! how weak and insignifi- cant in themselves ! How solitary and unsettled their condition !-«-Be, Lord, what I will ; let thy house be my habitation.
70. They compare themselves to chattering cran.es and swallows c. How mournful their lamentations ! How broken their notes of praise ! How strangely va- ried their speech J Sometimes like cranes they roar ; anon like snnlloivs (hey peep, and speak as it were out of the dust. — ^Lord, who knowest my brutal lan- guage, my whisper, my roaring, let my groans, my cries, come up niih acceptance on thine altar ; for how can I sing thy song in a foreign land !
71. Saints are compared to chickens d. How weak and insuflc ievit in themselves ! How exposed to dan- ger, contempt, treading down, and destruction ! But, how kindly called, warmed, comforted, protected ,, and provided for, by the Son of God ! How sagaciously
4 Psal. cil f< b Psnl. cii. ". c Is, xsxviii. 14. d Matth. jptiii- Sf ,
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ike j discern his voice, and follow him ! How sweetly they eat and drink out of his fulness ! and lift up their heads and hearts in his praise !
72. They are compared to lions a. How grestt their influence in the world ; their spiritual royalty ; their strength ; their boldness and courage ; and their conquest of sin, Satan, and the world ! How eminent their gratitude, and their mutual affection ! How com- passionate to penitent and submissive sinners ! And how often dreadful to the spirits of wicked men ! — In- vested with thy righteousness, O Jesus, let me to- wards God, angels, and men, be M bold as a lion, that turneth not away for any : let me tfear the arm, and ihe crown of the head/5 of every indwelling lust and sinful practice.
73. They are compared to a company of houses in Pharaoh's chariots b. Being ' chosen from among men, to everlasting honor and happiness, they are bought with the infinite price of Jesus' blood ; they feed on the fruit of the earth, the finest of the wheat ; on his person, righteousness, and benefits ; on all ttie fulness of God. By Jehovah, by his angels, and minis- ters) they are cared for, and attended. How richly ornamented with his righteousness and grace ! How comely ; how stately ; majestic ; strong ; courageous ; 8,nd esteemed of their Lord ! How tamed, and broken in heart, by his Spirit ! In the easy yoke of his law ; in the chariot of his church ; and with the bands of his love ; how beautifully and regularly yoked togeth- er ! And with what order, harmony, cheerful alert- ness, and speed, do they honor him ; running a race of holy obedience, fighting his battles with Satan and their corruptions ; and being the means to spread his fame, and enlarge his conquests on earth ! Art thou, my soul, the Lord's goodly horse in the battle ?
74s. They are compared to harts or hinds <\ In dMicv. 8.. Pror. xxviii. 3L ftSoagfc 9. cPsalxlii.l* an£ XTMi.33t
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their new man, "how pure, lovely, pleasant, loving and grateful ! How exposed to danger and trouble \ How inveterate the enmity between them and the old ser- pent, and his seed ! how fearfully these iasten upon their soul, amidst carnality, and spiritual sloth and deadness ! And how hardly they get rid of them ! — When hunted by these persecutors, how ardent is their desire of spiritual refreshment from Jesus' foun- tain of life ! In his strength, and as swiftened by his grace, how gloriously they over-leap, and overcome every tribulation, every difficulty ! How Jehovah's voice assists them in bringing forth their good works, and young converts !
75. They are compared to oxei* and jcalves, fatted in the stall ; or of the yoke a. How richly they feed on Jesus' fulness in the ordinances of his grace ! How harmoniously they unite in bearing and obeying his law, and promoting his service ! How patient, hardy, and laborious ! Under his distinguished influence, how fresh, comely, and abundant their grace ! How beau- tiful, edifying, and cheerful their conversation ! Shine forth, O Sun of righteousness, on my soul : so shall I grow up, be fat, and full of sap, and be flourishing. 76. They are called Christ's sheep and lambs b. Being chosen, purchased, f0rmed, fed, and owned by him, how noted their righteousness ; their purity ; patience ; innocence ; and usefulness ! On what whole- some pastures of God's truth and fulness they ordina- rily feed ! How they know and obey Christ's voice ! rest under his shadow, in the noon-tide of trouble I follow his example ! mutually love, and, in the fold of his church and worshipping assemblies, associate together ! And how fruitful in good works ! and in winning others to him ! How exposed to danger, dis- eases, and storms ! How apt, of themselves, to feed on a Mai. iv. % b John xxi. 15, 15,
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the rot-grass of sinful corruptions, and carnal enjoy- ments ! How apt to follow bad example, and go astray from the pastures, and paths of their great Shepherd ! Lord, give to me eternal life ; and suffer none to pluck me out of thy hand.
77. They are compared to lost sheep recover-* Ed a. Finding them by nature afar off, and wander- ing from God on mountains of iniquity, of vanity, and worldly enjoyments, Jesus, by the conviction and il- lumirratic:, of his wot d and Spirit, seeks them out. lays them on the shoulders of his power and love, and with great joy, brings them into his new-covenant state. When afterward they wander into Gins and snare?, he sends forth his light and his truth, to find out, lead, and bring them back. By repeated re- proofs, corrections, convictions, and displays of his glo- ry, he seeks them out and apprehends them ; and in Ii.:s arms of mercy, and bosom of love, he bears them home to himself ; and at last to the mansions of bliss. Lord, when I have wandered till I know not where to find myself, do thou seek and find me ; recover, lead, bear and carry me.
78. They are compared to a new!?/ ivashed flock of goats, on mount Gilcad ; whereof evctij one beareth twins b. Notwithstanding their remaining corrup- tions, how beautiful are they, as washed in Jehus' blood ! On what tfch, high, and heavenly pasture of his promise, person, and fulness, they feed ! How mar- vellously they travel heavenward ! and climb to G throne in quest of their provision ! How even sho having put off the old man with his deeds ! What living, reasonable, and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ ! And how useful and how r dicinal to men is their holy conversation !
79. Young saints are likened to kids c. Whatever liveliness and beauty appear about them ; yet there
a Luke xv. 4.-7. PpaJ. cxix. 176. b Song iv. 2, c S ong- u 8.
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^tfe sad remains of filthiness, weakness, folly, igno- rance.— To remove this, my soul, feed thyself, beside the shepherds' tents in the gospel-ordinances of Christ.
80. They compare themselves to dogs a. What in- tignificancy ; filthiness ; misehievousness ; useless, and hurtful noise ; and readiness to relapse into sins once repented of, they discern in themselves ! — " Truth, Lord, I am a dog : but do not even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master's table ?"
81. They are required to be wise as serpents £. Carefully ought they to watch against every danger ; turn away their ear from all flattery a?-d temptation ; seize every opportunity of assaulting their spiritual foes; wisely secure their head and heart from every imminent hazard ; and forcibly vomit up, by repen- tance, their sinful poison, when they go to drink out of God's refreshful wells of salvation.
82. They compare themselves to tossed locusts c. How inconsiderable in themselves ! How few their months ! How short their mortal life ! How often em- ployed in evil ! How tossed to and fro with Marts of trouble ! — When, Lord, shall my Jive months of sin and wo be gone, and never dying glory come !
83. They are compared to worms d. How earth- ly in the origin, the residence, the food, and the re- turn of their body ! In their own view, how mean, weak, insignificant, and earthly-minded are they ! their belly and soul cleave to the earth : and how exposed to suffering and contempt ! — Thrice strange ! are worms redeemed by blood divine, and to be for ever filled with all the fulness of God !
84. They are compared to good pishes e. In the sea of this world, their outward man liveth and mo- veth ; — their new man in the sea of Jesus' love : for scales they are adorned and protected with his impu-
a Matth. xv. 27. b Matth. x. 16. c Paal. cix. 23. d &. xli. 14. e Matth xii. 47\— 50.
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ted ■ righteousness an$ imparted grace ; by their Gas oi faith and love, they balance their motions, and swim aqainst the tides of corruption and trouble : and how Vigorously, even now, tiiey press towards heaven their native abode ! The end cometh, when, while others are taken in an evil net, and cast away into unquench- able fire, they shall be gathered together, and by ar- gels carried into Jesus' palace ; that they may be to him a subject of everlasting pleasure and joy.
85. They are compared to trees a. Being plant- ed in the soil of the new covenant, rooted and ground- ed in Christ, watered by the river of his love, his Spirit, his word, and ordinances ; in what comely, high, and flourishing manner, they grow up, and become fruitful in unfading leaves of profession, and uncorrupt- ing fruit of good works ! How they tower heavenward, and are a protecting shadow and fence to the rest of the world ! They are trees of righteousness, immovea- bly rooted in Christ, as the Lord their righteousness ; from whom proceeds their fruits of righteousness, to the praise of his glory.
86. They are compared to the cedars of Lebanon b. Being deep and firmly rooted in the rock Christ, and Ills unchangeable covenant, how full they are of spir- itual sap ! How high their growth towards heaven ! How ever-flourishing, precious, fragrant, comely, and strong in the Lord ! How useful materials to erect the invisible church, the true temple oi God ! How pro- tecting a shade, to the sinners around, from the tem- poral judgments of Heaven !
Sr. They are compared to oak and tyle trees c. How strong, lasting, useful, and fruitful in their kind ! Suppose the winter-storms, the scorching drought of temptation, desertion, prevailing corruption, heavy trouble, and bloody persecution, sadly wither their .ward condition, their conversation, or even their aEzdk. xlvii. 12 b Psal. xcii. 1?. c Isa. vi. 11. 12. 13
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gracious exercise, yet, a substance of grace and sett! of glory remaining iri them, they shall, in the spring - tide of renewed divine visits, of death, and of tli2 res- urrection, revive &nd flourish as an herb.
83. They are compared to fir and pixe trees r. Out of what barren sail of a natural state, do they ori- ginally spring ! And in what a barren world, they here stand ! Yet how up right ! How tall ! how come- ly in Christ ! How free from knotting corruption?, and scandalous crimes ! How useful and refreshing their shadow and iniltfenee ! How unfailing ! how plentiful their gracious sap, which renders them verdant, in the winter of trouble and death !
89. They are compared to "Box-trees h. In respect of their new man, how excellent and useful ! How sa- voury their conversation ! How protecting and refresh- ful their shadow ! their influence !
90. They are compared to sniTTAn-trees or shi;tin> Mood c. How rare ! how excellent ! how substantial, stable, and persevering in grace ! Their hearts are an ark, a repository for God's law. Their persons are altars of incense ; on which the sacrifices of prayer, praise, and good works, are through Christ offered up unto God.
91. They are compared to willow trees d. Being planted by the rivers of water, having a fixed commun- ion with the love, the blood, the Spirit, the promise of God, how quickly, how plesantly they grow up in grace, as his influences are plentifully enjoyed ! With- out these indeed, they could but wither and fade; but with them, how steadily they continue in their holiness and profession, while, by the storm or drought of persecution, temptation, trouble, and death, hypo- crites wither and perish !
92. They are compared to PALM-trees e. At first,
a Tsa. lv. 13, v^d lx. 13. b clsa. xli. 19- d Isa. xliv. 45.
$ Vsul. xcii. 12. Ezek. xi. 25.
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how weak is their faith ! their hope ! their love !_ let how straight, bending upward to heavenly things I How mysteriously their vital juice is repcsited in Christ their head ! How delicious their fruit ! their gospel-holiness ! The more high and heavenly they become, the more abundant is their good fruit ; and their refreshful shadow and influence. In mutual love, and conjunct profession of truth, how they cleave one to another ! never do they utterly fade, nor cast their leaves of an holy profession, and outward Christian conversation ; but when eminently warmed by the Sun of righteousness, watered by the river of life, and loaded with inamfold troubles, how mightily they flourish and grow ! How useful in building the church !_ ; in the peace and victory obtaired for them by Christ, how ^hall they, as rvitk palms* with emblems of coi quest and peace, in their hands, for ever triumph !.
9^5. They are compared to MYRTi.E-tre?s a* In their spiritual condition and attainment, how diversi- fied! The persons and conversation cf all, how fra- grant I how precious and excellent ! How they pros- per in the fat soil cf fellowship with God and his saints ! and in the low bottom or valley of self abase- ment, and trouble J How infallibly they retain the sap of grace, and leaves of professior, till the end! How choice their fruit of love to God and. their neighbour I Is it rot fi om thee, O blessed Man among the my rile' trees, that our sap, our fruit is found.
9i. They are compared to poBiEGRANATE-trces b. How rarely to be found ! and only in Christ's garden, the church! How diversified their condition, and de- grees of grace ! How upright, and heavenly minded ! How abundantly do, especially some, bring forth the sweet, the pleasant, refreshful, and nourishing fruits of holiness !
95. The}7 are compared to riG-treci r. JTow ear-
a Keck \ 8. *. Son^VlL 12 r Songii. 1:.
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ly j how abundant and excellent are their fruits of fafth, hope, repentance, love, humility, resignation, self-denial, zeal ! How extensive and comely their leafy profession, that flows from, and follows their principal, their inward fruit ! How necessary are cut- ting convictions and trouble, to forward the ripening of their product ! The longer they are plunged in waters of adversity, how often they bear up the bet- ter !
9Q. They are compared to oLiVE-trees a. Upon the blessed mountain, upon Christ, his church, and his ordinances, how beautifully they grow in grace ! — How choice, verdant, and durable ! How richly laden with the wholesome, the sweet, the gracious and use- ful fruits oi holiness ; which make their face to shine !
97. They are compared to vines b. Weak and useless in themselves, but leaning on Christ their sup- porter, to what distinguished height of holiness and profession, they grew ! What pleasant, exhilarating, and nourishing fruits of righteousness, and which must be -fitted by pressing troubles, do they bring forth ! — Hast thou, my soul, this fruit, that " cheereth the heart of God and man ?"
98. They are compared to ingrafted euanchf.s c. Being powerfully cut off from the corrupt and killing root of fallen Adam, as their covenant-head, they are with divine care and wisdom, united to Jesus Christ as their root, that on him the whole weight of their persons and salvation may depeifd. By him they are .supported in all their trouble. From him they re- ceive altlhat grace and glory, which render them ho- ly or happy. By the most intimate and constant fel- lowship, abide in him, iny soul ; so shall I bring forth much fruit. Let me never cleave to him, as an ivy, by mere outward profession, lest he plu -k me away^ and cast me into eternal fire.
4 Hos. xiv. 6. b. Song ii, 15. c John xv. 2 — 5.
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99. Tiicy are compared to plants a. In Christ and his new covenant they are sown, and planted in the likeness, and by sharing the virtue, of his death ; and from the seed of the Spirit and promise, sown in their heart, doth their grace proceed. How often, and how easily are they injured ! how quick!}' trodden down and ruined, if exposed to Satan and their corrup- tions ! being tender and weak in themselves, hew care- fully ruustJesus and his ministers wait on, water, and hedge about them, to promote their spiritual growth !
100. They are compared to flowers, or flourish- ing heris h. Rooted and grounded in Christ, partak- ing of his nourishing virtue, warmed with his solar heat, watered by his Spirit-, they, under his shadow, grow up, appear fresh, fragrant, and beautiful ; in- crease in grace ; and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord* O their delightful comeliness, in the mor- ning of conversion, of renewed manifestations, of en- trance on the eternal state, and of rising from the grave ! — Let thy dew, adored Jesus, cause me to grow up as the lily, spread my roots, and cast abroad my smell, as Lebanon.
101 . They are compared to lilies among thorns c . Amidst wicked men, that daily molest them ; amidst troubler, that daily harass them ; how delightfully they, weak in themselves, do, by multitudes, spring" from Jesus, their root ! How pure, comely, quick grown, and tall in gxace ! How open towards heaven- ly, and shut towards earthly things, is their heart ! — How fruitful are they in good works I and in convert- ing others ! What a sweet savor of Christ in the world ! The higher their spiritual growth, the more they hang down their heads in humility, self denial, and holy blushing. When arrived at their glory, how quickly they disappear, plucked by death !
102. They resemble mandrakes d. How meek,
« Song iv. 13. b. Is. lxvi. 14. c Song ii. % c/Scngyii, 131
20*
cool, and pacific, their spirit ! How beautiful, savory, and acceptable to Christ and his Father ! By fervent prayer, by earnest desire, how they promote the dis- coveries of his love ! By their lively and fruitful con- versation, how they provoke one another to love, and to good works! Nevertheless, if left to themselves, how slothfully they §!eep, and sinfully sleepen one an- other !
103. They are compared to growing- corn, or WHEATS. Amidst tares of wicked men and vile cor- ruptions, how, seeded with the grace and good word Of God, watered with his blood and Spirit, and warm- ed with his redeeming love, they gradually grow up, bearing precious fruits of righteousness, to the glory of God, and the profit and support of men ! By morti- fication of their lu^ts, how carefully ought they to be weeded $nd purged ! How capable, through Christ, to endure winters and storms of aSIiction ! When ripe, how solid in knowledge ! in experience I How their roots loose from the earth f and their heart hangs downward in self-abasement, and resignation to death I How cut down by his sharp sickle f By what sin-mor- tifying influence of the Spirit ; by what threshing cava winnowing troubles, are they purged from their
'..if! their soul separated from the body, that this may be sown in the grave, and in the resurrection spring up a glorious body for Christ. Are they not the glory, the excellency of the earth ? and the im- mediate reason of God's benevolent care and labor a- bout it?
104. They are compared to an orchard of spices b. The graces that grow in their heart, the good works that appear in their life, how various ! how precious ! how fragrant, perfuming, and medicinal !
105. They are compared to nuts c. In the cover* ing of Jesus' righteousness ; in the love, the purpose,
a Hos. xir. 5. Mattli. xiii. 27. 30. b Song- iv. 13. 14. c Song-vi. 11,
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the power of God, how hid and secured are their per-. sons and graces ! How impossible to be lost, hurt, or destroyed ! What coarse shell of a mortal body lodg- es their invisible, their precious soul ! Amidst despi- cable outward appearances, how precious, useful, and glorious are they within ! How tenaciously they cleave to Christ, and to one another in love ! How hardy un- der pressing afflictions ! How readily their grace is discovered, by breaking rods and afflictions i
106. They are compared to good figs a. How a- buncfcirst their fulness of spiritual sap ! What an use- ful medicine and refreshment to a land 1 How delight- ful and savory to Christ and his people ! When, Lord, shall they be very good 1
107, They resemble an heap of wheat, set about with lilies b. Conceived and born of the church, how numerous, comely, solid, substantial, and precious ! — And how surrounded with lily-like saints, promises, graces, and good works !
108. Saints are compared to light c. How7 excel- lent, useful, and desirable ! How powerful and clear their spiritual knowledge ! How shining and illumin- ating their profession and practice ! What a plague for a land, to be deprived of them ! How darkness and wrath seize upon it ; and the wicked have none to put them to shame ! — Be thou, my soul, " as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
109, They are compared to the morning d. Smalt at present, but hopeful, pleasant, and gradual, is the increase of their light, knowledge, grace, and good works. How sweetly bedewed from above ! How re- freshful their state, and wholesome their air ! While their graces go forth to their work, and labor of love, how fast the wild beasts of infernal fiends, and sinful corruptions, hide themselves in their dens ! How
a Jer. xxiv. 2. b Song vii. 2. c Eph. v. 8. d. Song- vi. 10.
906
quickly shall the sun of endless vision rise upon them ! Hasten, my soul, unto the perfect day of the Lord.
110. They are compared to the sun a. How heav- enly their state ! their affections ! their conversation ! In Jesus' imputed righteousness, his imparted grace- and the good works proceeding therefrom, how bright- ly they shine ! And next to himself, enlighten, adorn, warm, and refresh the world ! Nor here, is their glo- ry fully understood ; nor their restful condition ^be- lieved : but the time cometh, when they shall forev- er rest, and shine in the kingdom of their Father. — Jesus shall change their vile body, and fashion it like vnto his glorious body, brighter than the sun shining in his strength. — Ah ! how am I turned into darkness, become black as sackcloth of hair ! But I know that when he shall appear, I shall also appear with him in glory.
111. They are compared to the moon b. How far . inferior to Christ the Sun of righteousness, from whom
they borrow all their glory and lustre ! How fully, di- rect views of his countenance, male them to shine! How inconstant are their frames and conditions \ How spotted with corruption , their heart and life ! How, . during the night of time, they enlighten this world I How great their influence in the rise and fall of na- tions, in its troubled sea !
112. They are compared to stars c. How pure, numerous, and useful ! How high their station ! How bright their eternal glory ! How diversified their case and form ! How heavenly and regular their motions I None thrusts himself into the place of his fellow. — Yet there is room. How they now adorn the militant church ! But cometh not a day, ao eternity, when un- seen heavens shall burn with all their fires ! their stars redeemed ! when, all the corners of heaven shall re- flect our borrowed lustre ! — When I have obiun$$,
% fclfrtth. xiii. 43, b Song vi. 10. f 1 Cor. *v.. 41a
sor
that meridian, how shall my views of this earth, &s insignificant, be lost ! But how wide ! how clear, shall be my views of God-head ! I shall see him as he is.
113. They are compared to clouds a. What a collection of particular saints unnumbered ! In Christ how high is their state and dignity ! How heavenly- niinded in heart ! Hov/ close and mysterious their connection among themselves ! How useful are they to overshadow, protect, refresh, ard water' the world ! Moved by the influencing gales of the Holy Ghosf, how quickly ! how marvellously they fly to Jesus, in the exercise of grace, and practice of holy duties !
114. They are compared to dew and rain b. Their natural birth is of the earth and sea of this world ; — their new is from above, of the Father of lights, and owing wholly to his sovereign and attractive grace. Hov/ heavenly the state and temper of their soul t— How readily attracted to things above ! How great their number ! How beautiful their form t How pleas- ant, refreshful, quickening, ard fructifying the influ- ence of their prayers and holy conversation, on those around ! chiefly on young professors ! When, my Lord, shall wejly as a cloud, to meet thee in the air ?
115. They are a spring shut up ; a fountain seal- ed c. In them, the Spirit is a well of water, spring- ing up to everlasting life. How unfailing their grace ! How sealed their persons and concerns ; marked out by the Holy Ghost, and set aside for Christ, as solely his property ! My soul, admit none but Christ ; he is mine, and I am his : nor can you fiends, you corrup- tions, retake your ancient possession ; the Lord hath shut me up for himself ; and there is no opening.
116. Saints falling before the wicked, are lixe a
TROUBLED FOUNTAIN, and CORRUPT SPRING d. How
uncomely ! how hurtful ! how disagreeable and shock- ing the sight ! — Yet, " fejoice not against me, O snino
« Is. lx. ft b Mic. v.7. c Seng iv. 12. dVror. xxv, 2fr
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energy ; w] U, I shall arise ; when I sit in dark-
Lord will' be a light unto ine." lir. Saints arc called the apple of God's eye <z. — How dear to him ! How carefully defended and pre- by him! How deeply he sympathized with them ! How highly is he provoked with such as injure them ! Lord, am I, a worthless sinner, so dear to thee ! What then, shouldst thou be to my heart !
118. They are called God's jewels b. How rare ; precious; comely; excellent; and useful! How care- fully sought out by God ! and polished for himself ! How highly he valueth ; how safely he preserveth ; and how publicly he will at last exhibit them in their brightness ! How signally he adorns, and glorifieth him?elf by them !
119. They are compared to gold c. How pre- cious, ureful, comely, and durable ! How the furnace i . afflfctldn purge th away iheir corrupt dross ; but makes their golden graces to shine ! When melted by his love, how easily God moulds their heart as he pleaseth ! How carefully he preserveth ; ami how
ijlily he esteems them, as his portion, and wealth ! — How often, Lord, when thou hast tried me in thy fur- nace, have I come forth as dross rather than gold !
120. They are compared to a lost piece of sil- ver recovered by sweeping the house d. Being lost in Adam, and lost amidst their own corruptions, God, by sweeping judgements ; but chiefly by the preach- ing of the glorious gospel, which sweeps away error, i- dolatry, and superstition ; and by conviction and illu- mination, which sweeps away self-confidence, legal righteousness, ignorance, hatred of a Savior,- — finds them out, and by his grace renders them beautiful, useful, pure, and precious.
121. They are represented as God's treasure,
PORTION, INHERITANCE, CROWN, DIADEM C. He cllOSe
a Zech. ii. 8. b Mai. iii. 17. cJob xxiii, 10. rfl.uke xv. 8. Psal; cxxxv. 4. Ueut* xxxii. 9. Is. lxii. 3.
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and redeemed them to himself. By the infinite prite of his Son's blood ; by the almighty conquest of hie gilite, he obtains them. How greatly he values ; de- lights in ; rejoiceth over; and boasts of them ! How gloriously his choice, his pardon, acceptance, adoption, sanctification, and glorification of them, demonstrate his riches otgiahe ; his power and sovereignty ! Nor shall ever any of them be hurt, lost, or alienated.
122. They are represented as a temple a,nd habi- tation for God ci Upon his Son, as the Lord their righteousness and strength, lie founds them. With his Spi; 3, he lurndsheih .them. With pleas- ure and constancy, he redden and operates in them, to will and to do. He is inwardly worshipped by them, in spirit and in truth. It Is thine, O Jesus, to fill their understanding with thy instructive light and knowl- edge; to fill their conscience With thy cleansing blood, ■ pardoning |*race, and elective law ; to fifl their will with thy i^ek: g love, thy unmatched ex- cellency ; to fill their alfections with thy ravishing goodness and beauty ; to fill their memory with thy various truths, thy mighty works. — So let thy glory fill my heart, that neither hell, nor earth, may dare to enter in.
123. They a^e like unto an ornament b. With their gyaee, their good works, how remarkably they a- dorn their profession ! deck their country; and beau- tify their church ! honor their race and family ; and glorify their God ! — Make me, O Lord, a faithful, a wise, a successful reprover ; so shall I be more use- firi, esteemed, and glorious, than an ornament of choice gold I
124. They are an everlasting foundation c— How fixed forever, -on the Rock of Ages, are iheir persons ! How immoveable their new-covenant state ! How unfailing their graces ! How perpetual their re
a Eph. ii. 31. 22. b Prov. xxv. 12. c Prov. x. 25.
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trance! What a structure of displayed grace
I ;iy, God builds on them ! And is not their seal,
ord knoweth them that are his J aid. Let him
nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity !
• Lord is at my right hand, is in my heart ; on him
^pendeth all my hope ; therefore I shall not be mov-
I!
125. They are lively stones a. Being- digged out of the quarry of their natural state, quickened by the Spirit of God, united to Jesus Christ as their hnn-
tion, they constitute the structure of the invisible i urch : they enter on a state Gf everlasting life ; be- come quick, lively, and active in holy duties : In re- spect of their profession and practice, they are in
irlst made strong, fixed, and durable. But how of- ten stumbling blocks to carnal men ,■ who, for their outward meanness and often infirmities, despise them, and S3 rviiii themselves!
126, They ate signs and woxders i. In their new-covena it state, and work, they deserve the admi- ration of all around them. But because they are un- it iown in the world ; unlike to the men of it; enemies to the way of it, and reprovers of the deeds of it ; they are often, by carnal men, held, as monsters of lolly, villany, hurtfulness, pride, error, novelty, melancholy, duhess, ingratitude, spite, hot-headednoss, babbling.
12i* They are compared to nnxsus pluclsal out of c. When they were burning in the hery
rse of the broken law ; when burning in the fire of their own lusts, their enmity against God ; when they were ready to be cast into the everlasting burnings of
U, how powerfully ! how seasonably ! how kindly,
:ns apprehended them by his grace I quenched them in his blood and Spirit J formed them into his image ! and constituted them heirs of his glory ! S\ I here also look after him, who thus saw, ail saved me !
a 1 Pet. ii. 5,6. b U. ri'ili'is. c Zech iii. ?.
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128. They Are compared to pillars of smoke a. How burning their desire towards Christ ! How up- right and steady their heavenly affections and conver- sation ! How cheerfully they oiler up themselves, liv- ing, reasonable, and sweet-smelling sacrifices to God, as perfumed with all the spices of our glorious Mer- chant ! And in what obscure ami uneasy condition, are they often, upon earth !
129. Weak saints are likened to smoking flax b. How small degrees of heart-inflaming grace have they attained ! Or, how sadly they lose that which they once had ! How fearfully they forsake God ; leave their first love ; and possess small spiritual warmth ! How, with their noisome and imtender conversation, they become troublesome and hurtful to those around ! Lord Jesus, I am such; lay a live coal from the altar on my heart.
130. Weak saints are compared to bruised reeds c. How weak, insufficient, and worthless in themselves ; in their own view ; or in the estimation of carnal jnen ! How unfit to tower heavenward, or bear heavy bur- dens of work, or warfare ! How often are their hearts broken and bruised by convictions, desertions, tempt- ations, prevalency of corruption, and outward troubles ! Blessed Jesus, thou wilt not break me ! wilt not de- stroy, but help, strengthen, and comfort me. When I breathe my native air, with pleasure, I my bruises sing ! By death, I long to break, and burst, and see my God.
131. Saints are called vessels, bottles, pots, bowls d. By election they are chosen and appoint- ed ; by justification, regeneration, adoption, and sanc- tification, they are fitted to receive and retain God's fulness of Spirit, of grace, and glory, bestowed upon them. They are vessels of mercy, formed and pre- served by God's mercy, to be forever filled with mer-
a Song iii. 6. h c Is. xliL 3. d Rom. ix. 22. 23.
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cy and kindness. How often, Tike old bottles, unfit for nciv mncy for eminent manifestations of God, or hard service in his way ! How often, like bottles in the smoke, withered, rent, and narrowed by perplex- ing trouble and affliction I Lord, make me a bowl be- fore the altar; ever near to a crucified Jesus, and to God in him. If I am a distressed, a broken pot, my rents cause let iny glory in.
132. They are compared to salt a. Being inter- ested in the everlasting covenant of salt, they have the perpetual, incorruptible, and purifying word and grace of God, in their heart. They are a vexation, and uneasy burden to wicked men; but an useful mean of preserving nations and churches, from uni- versal corruption and ruin.
133. They are the suestakce of a land b. They alone, are therein valuable. They are the useful means of averting wrathful judgments ; of procuring mercies ; of preventing and expelling iniquities; and of prompting the other inhabitants to their proper duty.
134. They are like unto purple hairs on the head c. Tiiey are weak and insignificant in themselves, ready to be tossed to and fro ; but being deep r
[In Jesus, the head of the church, they derive their urity and nourishment from him • are carefully preserved by him ; and rendered an ornament to him, and to his body the church. Being divinely washed in his purple blood ; how royal is their new covenant dignity ; and manifold their suffering' for his sake !
135. They are like unto a seal on Christ's heart and arm d. How constantly loved, valued, protected, and remembered by him ! His eye, his care, is ever on them. How well grounded, and firm, is their as- surance of his affection ! How near him they live ! — see his face, and feel his love working on their heart J
«Matth. v. 13. (&l8.yi, 13. c Seng iv. 1. and vii. 5. dSOfcgviii.6
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CHAPTER Tin.
Metaphors respecting nJcked men*
1. WICKED men are called devils a. Itkr'mg Fallen from their first estate, they are become false ac- cusers of God and his people ; malicious, constant and cruel enemies to them. Kow they delight to do evil, to lie, murder, and to the utmost of "their power, tempt others to sin ! Ecw forsaken and abhorred of God f How fast ripening for everlasting pun if hirent ! How justly, Lord, mayesl thou address me; 6:Gct thee behind me, Saiap, for thou savorest not the things mt be^of Cod, but the things that be of men I"
2. They are compared to a human body. Their tucd denotes their power and authority. Their lifting tp of their head j signifies their proud exerting of their power b. Shaking the head, imports derision and con- tempt c. A chore's forehead, a brow of brass, denotes shameless boldness in sinning d. Their having ears thai hear not, and eyes that see not, imports their net knowing, believing, and receiving with their heart, the divine truth? which they outwardly hear and see e. An evil ct/e.As one employed in espying occasions of wickedness, and tempting others toil ; particularly one employed by a churlish, covetous, and ma^cicus heart /. Eyosfuil of 'adultery, are these Qxceedirt ly £"iven to wanton and lascivious locks g. Ensnaring eyes or cye-Uds, aie ruch as harlots employ in amorous glances to entice men \q lust after them h. Lofty eyes and eye-lids, or high looks, import pride, and contempt of others i. IVinking with the eye, imports derision of ethers, or secret enticing them to sin • which bring* ethsorrcnio tie injured ; and wrath to the mjurerjn
a John yi. 70. b. Fsal. lxxxiij. ?. c Job xvi. 4. d Jer. iii. & Is.xlviii. 4- els.viilO. £M*ik vii.25. Prov. ixiit. 6; g^Vssk ii. U. fiProv.ti.25. /Provxxx. 13 /"Prow*. 1Q
m
Their teeth being spoars and arrows, knives, swords^ im- ports their malicious using of their power and lan- guage, to pain and hurt others a. Their being smit- ten on the cheek bone, and having their teeth broken, imports their feeling some fearful judgment, by which their power to hurt others is taken away b. — Their tongue being afire, a sharp srvord^id their hav- ing a sword in their mouth or lips, imports the mis- chievous and murderous tendency of their unchaste, profane, passionate, reviling, and fraudulent speech c. Their rolling sin as a sweet morsel under Iheir tongue ; having mischief and vanity, or the poison of asps un- der their tongue ; imports tiieir d'elighc in wickedness ; their readiness, on every occasion, to utter mischiev- ous and vain language- ; which however pleasant for a time, slowly, imperceptibly, and infallibly, tends to the ruin of every one infected by it d\ To smite with the tongue, is to reproach and revile : to backbite with the tongu*, is to speak to our neighbor's prejudice in his absence e. A tongue walking through the earth, implies impudent boldness, In every w here blasphem- ing God, ridiculing and reproaching one neighbor/. Sharpen} ?ig of the tongue like a serpent, impltes activity and contrivance ; in belching forth the most destruct- ive and poisonous discourse £\ The words of the wick- ed are sharp arrows, are to lie in wail for 'blood, arc the piercings of a iw>rd ; and these of tale-bearers^ deep wounds ; as they tend to riiurd bodies, and character? h< The pe/vefs^tie'ss of zkeir tongue, is a breach in the spirit ; shews a disordered spirit in them ; and tends to vex and disturb the spir- it of others 2. A h/ing tongue is bat for a moment; truth will quickly discover herself and pu hood
to shame y. A faltering tongue or opeech, resembles
a Prov. xxx- 14. Psal. hi* 4. b PsaT. ili. ?. c P- >-o< •
xxv. 13. d Job xx. 22. PsaL x. 7. e Jcv. xriii, 18. xxiU-
9. g- PsaL cxl. 3- h Rial. lxiv. 3. Prov. xii. 6. m$ xxvi. 2£ i Prov? xr. 4 $ Prov. xii. 19.
T 2
2m
mooth butter. oily honey dropping from the comb, I its apparent kindness, iimocency and love a. The mouth of a, harlot or strange woman is n deep pit ; her lascivious and enticing words, ensi:?.re men into end- less, and unfathomable misery b. Burning fire in ene's- hps, denotes malicious, passionate, provoking, and lust- inflaming speeches c. Burning- lips like a potsherd, covered over with silver dross, signify wicked discourse,, embellished with elegant language, aod fine elocu- tion d. The mouth of the wicked being full of curs- ing and bitterness ; of fraud and deceit ; and tlicir throat being an open sepulchre, imports their constant readinesr to pour forth abundance of angry, reproach- ful, blasphemous, noisome, infectious, false, and ruin^ ous language e. Their mouth being near destruction ; being filled with gravel ;- covered with violence ; and their soul ceding violence, imports, that for their ha» tred, oppression, malicious and blasphemous language, God shall quickly punish them with ruin ; oppression ; shame ; venation ; and torment/. Their feeling no quietness in their belly, and vomiting what they had swallowed up, imports their inward anguish of mind 5 their having no solid pleasure in, and being quickly deprived of what they had fraudulently obtained g. Fatness, and hardness of heart, imply their stupidity and obstinacy h. Their hands heingfull of bribes or * blood, imports their being much given to bribery and murder i. Their feet swift to shed blood, imports their inclination to, and activity in hurting and ruin- ing others fc Their speaking with their feet, and teach- ing mih itcir fingers, imports their artful and indis- cernible methods of exciting others to sin L Thorns and snares, i. e. manifold troubles and temptations, are hi their way, awaiting and attending them : de- struction and misery, done by, or awaiting them, are
a VmX. lv. 21. Prov. v. 3- * Prov. xxii. 14. c Prov. xvi. 27. d* 5rov. xxvi.23- e Rom. iii. 13. 14. /Prov. xx. If. and x. 11. g Jot* xx. 15. 20. h Is. vi. 10, i Is. xxxiii. 5. Ezek. sxiii. 45. k Rom. iii. 15. JPror. vi,13.
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all their paths of life and conduct ; and tTie way peace, Christ and his commandments, and a jxjmi conduct towards others, thry have not known. Cursing is their garment, that cleaves close to them on every side ; and enters into their bowels like water, deluging their soul with divine wrath a. Prid? and wicked- ncss, like a chain or ornament, compasscth than about ; as tney boast and glory of it b. Their crafty entice- ments to sin, by which they catch others, and the snares they lay to ruin others, are their net c. Their table, the gospel-ordinances, and their outward enjoy- ments, become a snare and trap to them ; are occa- sions of their stumbling into deeper ruin, and being hardened in their wickedness a. Am not I filled with all unrighteousness, pride, debate, deceit, malignity, ha- tred of God ? And yet did the Son of God love me* and give himself for me ? O how his love occasional- ly enhanceth my guilt ! And yet my guilt gives place to the exceeding greatness of his love !
3. Wicked men are called children of the devil, of disobedience, of wrath e. By Satan's agency they be- came sinners, and daily wax more and more sinful. In the wickedness of their heart and practice, they bear his express image: cheerfully they obey his will : readily they imitate his example : greatly they de- light to enjoy fellowship with him, in his temptations. Alas how they are filled with, and given to disobedi- ence, to wrath, and enmity against God ! And how con- demned to, and infeoffed heirs of everlasting punish- ishment ! — Was I such ? and hath grace made me " a child, an heir of God, and joint-heir with Christ !"
4. They are represented as the soldiers and angels of Satan/. Enlisted under his banner, by voluntary consent to his service ; wearing his livery of sinful practices ; equipt with his armour of ignorance, enmi-. ty, and manifold lusts ; they, at his direction, to the
a Psal. cix. 28. b Psal. lxxiii 6. c Psal. x. 9. d Psal. lxix. 22. * Johiwiii. 44. Eph. ii. 2. 3. /Rev. xii. T.
everlasting hazard of their soiil, figlit against the stei lugs of God's Spiiit, in theii ca -,;. :ence ; a:ci with de- ceit aiid violence oppose, p< \e, and seek to ruin his cause aid interest h\ tL ; and have for their present wages, the profits and pleasures > &f sin, which are hut /or a seascsn ; eafter everb sting pun- ishment, with the devil and his a gels. — Blessed Je- sus, at whit expense oflave^ of blood, of life, hast thou bought me oil from this service !
5. They are represented as hunters and fowlers a. With the utmost vanity, craft, and cruelty, they tempt and force one -another, into sinful, into soul-ru- ining courses. How often they wickedly undermine their neighbor's character, property, station, or life ! How they hunt and persecute the people of God !«
6. They are represented as murderers b. By sin they destroy themselves : they ruin their friends and neighbours ; they attempt to assassinate their maker :- many of them a-vcify the Son of God afresh : nor, with- out shedding cf his blood for, and application ef it to them, can their sin be forgiven. — How, Lord, has^ thou apprehended me, thy betrayer and murderer, and washed me from my sins in thy blood ! How kind my remission ! Grace, grace, xmto it I
T. They are represented as liars and deceivers a How deceitful above all things, U their heart I Ho.r early they go astray speaking lies I How they delight in, and promote false temptations, and errors ; " sport- ing themselves with their own deceivings ! With wh?.t vain hopes, and empty shadows of virtue, they be- guile themselves and others ! In their religious pro- fession, purposes, and acts, what do they, but compass God about with lies ; the temper and be;rt of iheir heart, being the very reverse of their profession and pretences ! Lord, remove far from me, the nay of i ing.
c.Prov. i. 10—16. b Hos. xiii. 9, c P$al. Iriii- 3.
21S
8. They are compared to drum k a res a. With what care, desire, and delight, they seek after the pleas* ures of sin ; embrace every opportunity to obtain them ; and count nothing, no not the salvation of their soul, too dear a price, to purchase them ! How often, after being sensibly hurt thereby, or pained with itf- ward terror and conviction on their account, do they, as greedily as ever, return to their sinful course ! How vainly merry ! How stupid, outrageous, and careless, about their great business, they are thus rendered !
9. They are compared to sodomites, and like un- clean persons h* Contrary to the decency of things, contrary to the natural dictates of conscience, they burn in " the lusts of the flesh, and of the mind ;" abuse themselves with the vilest whoredom and depart- ure from God ; and draw on themselves his tremens dons and fiery vengeance. — Ah ! how7 long, hath my life been among the unclean I
10. They are compared to thieves and robbers c. How craftily, cruelly, and shamelessiy, though often secretly they waste their time and strength ; and risk their eternal salvation, in robbing God of his due hon- our, love, esteem worship, reverence, and time ; in depriving their neighbours of their due regard and property; and themselves of their solid happiness and comfort ! And how dreadfully are they taken at last, arraigned, condemned, imprisoned, and tormented in hell !
11. They, chiefly hypocrites, are called bastakt.s- and mothers' children d. Though they be the chit drfen of God by creation and common providence; or hy outward profession ; they are not born from above. They have no indwelling principle of faith in, or love to God ; nothing of his moral image in them. Only from a principle of slavish fear or legal hope, do ail their appearances of abedienco proceed. They hate
aJobxv. 16. frjo&xxxvi. 14. eMaiia.8.9. dR^b.xilO Song; i. 6,
219
the true children of God, and are without all title to» the promised inheritance cf everlasting felicity. Hyp- ocrites are children of the church, but not of Christ the husband thereof.
12. They are represented as prodigals a. How quickly; how sinfully ; how unreasonably, they waste their talents and opportunities, to the abominable purposes of dishonouring God, of defiling their neigh- bour, and of ruining their soul ! And so at, or before death, reduce themselves to terrible straits and in- ward torments ; and not seldom to outward misery and want I Ah, amidst these pinches, to what slavish service of Satan, to feed his swinish lusts, have I hired myself ! But blessed be the Lord, who made roe outrun my service ; and fly to his offended, but gra- cious self, as iuy sole relief.
13. They are represented as fools and simple b+ They have no true knowledge to direct their course ; they hate it, and despise the means of it : they pre- fer the husks, the dung, the dust, the spider's web, the wind of self-righteousness, of sinful pleasure and world- ly enjoyments, to God, to Christ, to his righteousness, grace, and glory. They heartily mock at sin ; at eve- ry thing of eternal moment ; and ridicule what they know not. Readily they fret at every thing like to be truly useful to them : thoughtlessly they go on in their course ; they, prefer their body to their soul, time to eternity ; and choose to provoke and dishonour God rather than man : heedlessly they ensnare them selves in Satan?s temptations ; and, to avoid momentary fan- cied evils, rush into infinite and everlasting misery.
14. They are represented as mad, and possessed of the devil <% In their heart, Satan and his angels reside, and render them deaf, incapable to hear God's voice in his word and providence ; dumb, unfit to pray to, and praise God ; outrageous scoffers and despiserc
a Uke xv. 1 G— 1€, 4 Pi-or. i. 22. c L$& xv. 17. tf *ttfe. %\\ .
220
«f divine things: rebels against God, their best friend ; rejecters of his righteousness and salvation ; furious haters of such as would instruct and admonish them ; employed, in wounding and murdering their own souls, and those of others ; and in improving Christ and the gospel, as occasions of their deeper damnation. — Lord, my name is xegiox ; but do thou, with authority, com- mand the unclean spirits to come out.
15. They are represented as poor and wretched a. By sill they have lost every thing good : they have no spiritual provision of their own, to live upon : no mon- ey of good qualities or works, to procure any : no robe of righteousness to cover them : no habitation to yield them a residence, or shelter from the storm of God's wrath : no true friend in the creation, to assist or com- fort them : they owe infinite debt, and have nothing to pay it : they are polluted and mischievous ; cannot cease from sin : nor are they one moment unexposed to inexpressible and endless wo. Astonishing " grace of our Lord Jesus, that though he w^as rich, yet, for our sakes, he became poor ; that we through his pov- erty might become rich !"
16. They are represented as debtors b. Never do, nor can they, in the least degree, render unto God, the debt of perfect obedience, which they owe to his law ; nor even the debt of gratitude which they owe, for his mercies ; hereby they fall under a debt of in- finite satisfaction to his offended justice. Ah ! how they deny, excuse, or extenuate their debt ! How they hate their all-glorious creditor ! How they abhor ! how the}r study to shift, aud forget, their account ; and the future, the solemn, seasons of reckoning ; their death ; their eternal judgment ! How ready every moment, to be clapt up in the prison of hell ! And yet, alas ! how merciless to those who injure them !
*Rev. iil XT. 5 M*ttb. xriiL 24.
%2i
Lord, hast thou forgiven me ten thousand talents ! shall not I love thee much ! and for thy sake, love, a ad do good to, such men as hate and injure me !
17. They are represented as weak and without ■strength a. They cannot think a good thought ; cannot speak a gracious word ; nor perform an accept- able deed : they cannot work out their own happiness they cannot cry, nor breathe, nor look to Jesus, for his purchased salvation : they cannot take hold of his strength, and make peace with him : they cannot re- ceve it, when offered, nor even cease from rejecting it : in fine, they camiol cease to do evil, or learn to do ■well. Lord, without thee, I can do nothing ; let my sufficiency fee of God.
18. They are represented as blind b. They see not the light of tUe ; discern not the Sun of right- eousness ; have no true knowledge of spiritual objects : nothing is nearer them than God arid his unspeakable gift, and tlieir own heart ; yet no'iiiing is less known to them. Ah, how often they stumble acid fall into sin, without any proper cause ! How constantly the}^ wander out of their proper course, and mislead those that follow them ! How uselss is the clearest dispen- sation of the gospel to them ! How utterly destitute are they of all true comfort ! How often given up to judicial and eternal darkness ! Lord, open thou mine eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of thy law.
19. They are represented as naked c. They have no law-fulfilling righteousness, to cover them before God ; no mward grace; no holy conversation to adorn them ; no spiritual armour io defend themselves from their foes. Hence, how perpetually exposed to the cold, the tempest, the stroke of divine wrath ! to the stings of their own conscience! to the injuries of sin, ofsinners, of devils, and death I How shamefully the filthiness of their heart daily discovers itself in their
anom.vt6. bJt?Y. ill IT. cUev. iii IT. 18.
;
235
ice ! How unfit they are for every holy duty ;
'•cry honourable company ! When I was thus na~
ed, how, Lord, didst tiiou array me hi ¥ fintJ linen,
iltfc, which is the righteousness of the
nrl
. They are represented as slothful sluggards a. How averse to their proper work ! How prone to de- lay it, and excuse themselves from it with v^vj trifles. How averse to have their conscience awakened and tea by the word, the Spirit, or the providence of <jqCi ! How they waste precious time, -in doing noth- or worse ! Wise indeed, they are in their own
£V
iceit, and faintly desirous of happiness, as they i ii ; but their languid attempts never issue in the change of their nature and state : Their hearts they nehher keep nor cultivate : their talents and oppor- tunities they never improve for the glory of God, or their own real good : and how often by mere shadows I fancies of difficulty, are they discouraged, from following out the appearance of any thing substantial ! Lord, how often have T, while starving, hid my hand in my bosom ; and would not bring it to my mouth, w ith the offered fulness of thy Son i
21. They are represented as carnal and fleshly h. Alas ! how they prefer the momentary con xn' is bf "their body, to the eternal ones of their sou! ! How they attempt to nourish and satisfy their sou!, on cut- ivard enjoyments ! How fixed under the reigning pow- ' er of indwelling sin ; and given to make provision for zftesh) to fulfil the luzis thereof I How given to fifth- ly lusts, that they know nothing, enjoy nothing-/ lo/o nothing, seek nothing, bat the things of the fish / — They are in the fiesh ; fixed in their corruption, as a tte, and prison. They walk after the mfl&sh\ act from nil, corrupt principles, motive*, and ends ; and in a n.al, corrupt manner ; taking delight in wickedness,
ov. vl 6. b 1 Cor. ii. H.
223
■y>id proceeding from evil lo worse. They war after ihcjlcsh ; by carnal inclinations, their zeal and their contention are influenced and directed ; and by carnal methods they prosecute their purpose. — No wonder! they " that are in the flesh cannot please God.55
22. They are called strangers a. They are strangers to God ; to the true knowledge of him in Christ ; to the fear and love of him ; to his convert- ing grace, and saving fellowship. Strangers to Christy in his person, nature?, offices, righteousness, and work ; strangers to the way of peace, life, and salvation thro' him ; to faith in, love to, and fellowship with him : strangers to the Holy Ghost, in his person ; in his work of regeneration, sanctifkation, and comfort ; in hi? graces of hope, humility, repentance, resignation, zeal, ^elf-denial : strangers to themselves, to their owrn hearts and the sinful plagues thereof ; to their own lives, and the defects and abominations thereof : strangers to the nature, the exceeding sinfulness, the deceitfulness, and ruinous consequences of sin ; and to the only method of atonement and purification from it : and, in fine, strangers to the gospel, the truths, the ways, and peo- ple of God. —Let me bless the Lord, who took the stranger in ; and let me acquaint u myself now with him, that thereby good may come unto my soul."
23. They are represented as uncircumcised in heart, in flesh, and ears b. Never were they pricked to the heart for sin ; never was its filth iness discover- ed, or hardness removed ; never were they filled with nhame and self loathing on account of it : never did they renounce their own righteousness, or put off the body of sin : never, were they taught by the grace of God to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts ; lo ah-
[h from fleshly lusts that war against the soul ; but continue carnal, savouring and minding the things of the flesh, walking and warring after it ; trusting ill
a Ezdc xtiv 9 h Ezek. sliv. 9. Acts vii, 51.
' 2>i
sal cjmi outward privilege?, never were their c: spiritually opened to hearken and hear, that their teul might live. — Circumcise my heart, O Jesus, to love thee : To hate thee is my saddest hell.
2A, They are represented as outcasts, and far oft from God a. Natural !y they are rejected by him ; driven from his intimacy, favour, and protection. They arc sustained as abominable ; exposed to all c- vil and danger, no man caretli for their soul. The multitude of their sinful inclinations and acts, do more and more separate them from communion with, and conformity to God. — Let tLe Lord that gather eth the outcasts of Israel, gather me to himself.
25. They are compared to new-born infants, cns% out, and lying in their blood b. In their earliest mo- ments, they are rejected of God, as altogether gnilty and loathsome in his sight. How universally unpitied ; uihelped! How unable to help themselves, or to ask for relief ! How covered with the guilt ! how stained with the filth of sin ! How they wallow in their own blood, in the mire of filthy lusts ! their heart, their mind their conscience, their whole course, being defi- led. 1 low devoid of the salt of grace ! What stran- gers to the purifying influence of Jesus' blood and Spirit ! How destitute of the warming, the adorning, the strengthening, the protecting robes of his right- eousness ! — Thrice stupendous time of love, when he found me lying in my blood, quickened me by his Spirit, decked me with his garments of s . lvatxon} and espoused me to himself !
26. They are represented as lost and realy to perish c. How destitute of every agreeable privi- lege ! of every useful qualification, which can tend to the glory of God, or their own felicity ! How incapa- ble of every good and useful work ! Mow they wander in the wilderness of vanity! of danger dud misery!
a 1$& \r\. 8. b Ezek. xvi. 4. 5. e Luke six. 10. Is. xxvii. 13'
22$
Ah ! how they drown themselves in the floods of the divine curse ! in the pit of corruption ! and are on the very point of dropping into eternal fire ! On thy head, O Jesus, for ever come the blessings of one ready to perish ; for I obtained mercy.
27. They are represented as servants of sin cu For the wretched hire of carnal honor, favor, pleas- ure, or gain, how willingly they sell themselves to con>> rnit wickedness J How they choose ; they delight in ii I and make it their daily- trade, and darling employ ! How constantly they are under the reigning, the en- slaving power of it I Wj$\ what unwearied vigour and care, they daily promote the lusts of it ! How they entangle their seed, and debase themselves to fulfil- the lusts of it ! And in the end they receive death and damnation, as their w7ages.«?— O Son of God, make me free ; and I shall be free ir.deed.
28. They are represented as rebexs b. Contrary to ti.eir duty, and to their most solemn engagements, they rise up against God ; at their own inexpressible hazard oppose his interests, attempt to imdo his glory and authority, and to oppress and ruin such as are faithful to him. Alas, how many of them rebel against the light, fight agal. st their own conscience,, despise his pardon, and crucify his Son ! Did he nevertheless receive gifts for men I yrafor the rebellious ! Is tho gift of Gcd, \p rebellious me, eternal fife, through Je- sus Christ my Lord ?
29. They are called captives and slaves c. How destitute of all spiritual libeity ! Hew conquered and reduced to bondage, by sin, Satan, and the world ! How sold into their hai ih by their own in« !inations; and by the awful justice of Gcd! How v. rlj.fi ill v .strip! of eve- y true privilege ! of all spiritual armour ! of every decent robe ! How loaded with the yoke of a broken law ! of oppressive guilt ! of tyiannu;
226
'! and of wrathful afflictions! How gdfisihiit- iy employed in the vile drudgery of fulfilling abomin-
" !e lusts ! — Lord, may the prey be taken from the mighty, ami the lawful captive be delivered.
30, They are represented as prisoners a. Alas ! how the offended justice of God, the curse of his brok- en !aw,the ruinous power of sin and Satan ,the deceiving influence of an evii world, fix them in their sinfm, their miserable estate ! How shamefully their condi- tion marks their infamous guilt ! How bound with the cords of iniquity ! deprived of the light, the warmth of ike Sun of righteousness ; and of every true com- fort ! How shamefully lodged with malefactors ! with devils! with infamous men! How devoid of all true honor, rest or fresh air of divine influence ! How char- ged with guilt ! Their iniquities testify against them, and procure their condemnation to hell. In what ter- ib!e torment, darkness, and perplexity are they, if mercy prevent not, to be for ever shut up ! Nor are their present enjoyments here any more, but the ac~ sed bread of the condemned. — As for me. hath God, by the blood of the covenant, brought me out of the pit wherein there is no water !
oi. They are represented as sick and diseased b. Under what shocking plagues of hardness of heart ; of ignorance, of unbelief, legality, pride; of worldly- mindedness, covetousness, discontentment; of envy, malice ; of stupidity, vain conversation, and wretched estate ; they lie insensible of their maladies, and un- concerned about Ghffet the physician of souls i- — Let him who hath power over all plagues, heal me ; for I am sore vexed.
32. They are represented as jde.vd a By the pow- er of sin, how destitute are they of spiritual life ! of all holy, ail inward warmth of divine love ! How de- void of every heavenly, every gracious sensation ! How
sZ.cch.ix. 11,12. ^ Is. i. 3—6. cEpfe ik.l.
U 3
puLle to fee the glory -of Christ, Lear his voice, handle his peiFon, teste hh' gGcdness,breathein prayer, cpcak to his praise, or move in his way ! How uncome- ly, loathsome, and in savory ! How solemnly condemned to. and ripe for hell ! Nor can any thing, O Jekova ir, but thy almighty power, recover and quicken them v, ho are dead in trespasses and shis. Ah, hew my
dering- out of the way, hath made me to regain in
r ongregation of the dead {
33. They are compared to Ethiopia k$ a. Hc\y scorched with the wrath of God ! How altogether black, vile, and unsightly, before him ! How deep stained with sin !; How incapable to wash themselves into purity ! to change their nature ! How often, by self-righteous attempts, have I washed myself into vileness ! O Jesus, wash me m thy blood, and make me white as snow.
34. They are compared to Can a anites Ik For the sin of their progenitor, they He under a grievous curse* For their wickedness against God, they are devoted to ruin. For carnal gain, how often disposed to de- ceive others, nay, to put on an appearance of piety ! Ah ! how they seduce, hate, and harass the people of God, and seek to extirpate them frcm the world !
35. They are compared to phecxNant women c— Alas I how they conceive, carry about, nourish, and with inexpressible labor and hazard, bring forth fin, that child of the devil ! How wretchedly they con- ceive chaff, and bring forth stuble, what is altogether unsubstantial, and may conduce to their eternal tor- ment ! — Conceive vanity and mischief, and bring forth falsehood ! Conceive rebellion ogainst God, and bring forth to themselves endless destruction ! — Alas ! alas ! hew laboured is their way to ruin ! How their cur- sed offspring are for ever like to waste ar.d torment the mother that brought them forth !
a Jer. xiii. 13. b Ztch. sir. 21. c Ps^!» vii% 14.
228
36. They are compared to beasts ensnared in a pit or net a. How often are they caught by the net of temptation, that they cannot recover themselves ! How often ensnared and mined by the projects which they contrived and executed to undo others ! How of- ten caught by God in the net of affliction, where, though they roar and rage, they do but the more en- tailzie themselves !
37. They are compared to ravenous beasts b* The wilderness of a natural state is their residence. The wilderness of this world is their beloved country. How untamed by Jesus' love ! How delighted ! how employed in hurting and deist royir.g one another, but chiefly the peDpIe of God ! Their horrid their teelh} their paws, and mouth, signify their power, and the in- struments of their mischief.
38. They are compared to eagles c* How high- minded ! How ambitious ; filthy ; subtle ! How cru- el ; contentious ; uncomely ! How unacceptable the voice of their prayer, their praise ! their vain and wicked converse ! How terrible their abuse of their power ! How great their haste to shed blood ! to feed on their neighbors' torn character and property! And to do mischief \ But though they exalt themselves as eagles, God shall bring them down : and by stripping them of what they have, shall enlarge their baldness as the moulted eagle.
39. They are compared to owls, and other hateful birds d. Alas ! how the darkness of ignorance, the night of their natural state, is the delight of their soul ! How abominable to God are their persons, ap- pearances and speech ! How detested of holy angels and men !
40. They resemble silly boves without heart e.—*- Vnder trouble and conviction they have, no solid hope
a Psal. vii. 15. Is. viii. 15. b Is. xxxv. 8. cLam. iv. 19* Mic. i. If. d Is , xliii. 20. e Hos. vii, 11. and xi. %\%
229
of deliverance. They cannot seriously think of, or care for their true interest. How often they build their nest, their hope, where disappointment formerly de- prived them of their fruit I How easily decoyed into sinful snares ! By forsaking God their proper resi- dence, how they expose themselves to danger ! And how shall they mourn sore like doves amidst endless woe 1
41. They are compared to patribges, that natch not their eggs a. What unsubstantial imaginations that never succeed, they devise I What hopes of hap- piness, never enjoyed, they conceive 1 What hard gained possessions, profit them nothing, in the day of trouble and death ! How aFe they hunted by the ven- geance of God, and taken in an evil net ! — Ah, what bubbles of felicity hath my fancy formed, which per- ished with the touch ! Sure an immortal spirit was never made for work like this !
42. They, chiefly tyrants, are compared to xioxs ft. How pole:?!, proud, crafty, cruel ! How fierce and in- satiable in opposing the interest, and harassing and destroying the people of Christ ! How they affect their earthly, their sinful dens ! How outrageously they roar in proud boasting ! in murmuring against ©od, and in reproaching and threatening his people I Lord, tame me, and make me lie down with thy Iambs, and eat straw, feed on thy word, as thy ox-like patient, and laborious saints.
43. They are likened to leopards c. How spot- ted with various corruptions, are their heart and life ! How subtile, pitiless, and expeditious, are they in do- ing mischief ! especially in persecuting and ruining innocent saints! How they wait for them ! swallow them up ! chop their bones in piece*, and tear off their flesh ! — Break thou their teeth, their means of in- juring, O God.
a Jer. xviL. b Song* iv. 8. c Ibid*
l
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44. They are likened to reems, which our version renders unicorns a. How great are their power, cour- age, craft, and activity in destroying others ! O Jesus, did such surround, push, and devour thee> that my soul might be for ever rescued ! that in every pinching strait, God might hear me !
45. They are called bears ; boars ; and wild beasts b. How unsightly is their appearance before God ! What a terror they are to good men ! How sleepy and slothful ; but hard to be tamed ! How they delight in the cold desart of distance from God and Ins people ! Whatever seeming regard they sometimes have for one another ; how outrageously they hate God, maliciously tear his name, his ordinances, and people, and waste the vineyard of his church ! How enraged,, v/hen they are bereaved of their darling enjoyments ; or defeated in their beloved projects ! Belter meet a bear bereaved of her whelps, which can only tear the body, than meet a fool in his folly,
46. They are compared to dragons c. How they snuff up the wind of vain imaginations! How they love the wilderness of an evil world, and unregenerate *iate ! How cruelly they hate, bite, and devour the people of God I How maliciously, chiefly in the night of desertion, affliction, persecution, apostacy, they, by their breath of false doctrine, and sting of poisonous example, ruin ai:d destroy the souls of men ! And how terrible shall- be their nailing in hell !
4<7. They are compared to horses, and fed hor- ses d. How great is their pride and vanity ! With what outrageous boldness, and unconcern. they hasti- ly rush upon infinite cknger .' How governed ; how enraged by their various and open fleshly lusts ! In prosperity, how wantonly they kick at, and rebel a- gainst God ! How shamefully they neigh, and invite others to abomination !
a Psal. xxii. 21. tPrqv. xvii- 12. Ps&l. l*xx, 14. c fe xliU. £$! #Jer. v, 8,
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48. They are compared to wtld asses and drome- daries a. How pleased with the mountains of vani- ty, the desarts of alienation from God ! How given to snuff up, and delight in vain fancies, unsubstantial self- righteousness, and airy delusions ! How hard to be tamed in spirit ! How swift, how crooked and un- searchable their motions ! But, Lord, in thy season, thou canst find us ; till which, ministers and parents do but weary themselves, in quest of our soul.
4'9. They are compared to bulls ; fat bullocks; wild bulls ; lulls or kine of Bciskan b. How often they enjoy great power and prosperity, which they a- buse, to render themselves proud, stupid, wanton ! — How often they strive to be ringleaders in sin ! Being governed by furious lusts, how they push with tongue and hand, with side and shoulder, with all means in their power, at these around ; chiefly the saints and poor, that they may harass and destroy them. How unaccustomed to submit to, and walk under the yoke of God's lav/ ! How fearless in doing evil ! How ne- cessarily, but unwillingly restrained by his providence ! How they rage, or remain unconcerned, when lie smites them ! How hard to be tamed by conviction or distress ! And how ready and fit for the slaughter of his wrath ! Ye wicked, lift not your horn of power and authority on high : God is judge, he pulls donn ones and sets another up.
50. They are compared to sheep c. How stupid ! how thoughtless ! how improvident ! how exposed to danger ! how destined for the slaughter of divine wrath ! They are lost sheep, which having wandered from Gcd, cannot return to him ; and for whose soul no man careth ; ready to be torn to pieces, or to be overwhelmed with the hail-storm of God's wrath.— They are like buried sheep ; without answering the end of their rational nature, they die in multitudes
a Jer. ii. 23. 24. £ Psal. xxii. 12. Ezek. x?;xiv, 20.— 23- Ames "v. J. % 3. c Pf at. xlhv 14,
232
amidst hopelessness and carnal unconcern,- that death and damnation may devour and feed upon them. Nor cloth their unhappy exit more awaken, or impress their hardened relations and neighbor?, than that of sheep.
51. They are called goats a. How unclean, nau- seous, and abominable ! How covetous, mischievous,
\ insatiable ! Upon what poisonous lusts and pleas- ure, they feed ! Ah, how they injure Christ's sheep, and spoil the pastures of his ordinances J Now, indeed
y herd with the saints ; but quickly shall they be separated, and condemned to eternal fire.
52. They are compared to swine 6. How unclean their nature and practice ! How dull, stupid, and insa- tiable they are ! How incapable of chewing their cud; of spiritual meditation on divine things ! How mis- chievous to the garden and church of God, and to his plants and children therein ! How averse to be stirred up from their spiritual sleep and sloth ! How power- fully inclined to wallow in sinful practices ! and carnal pleasures ! and to return to them after they have been convinced of, and purposed to leave them ! How constantly tliey look to, and seek after earthly things! How wickedly they trample on Jesus, and his pre- cious blessings ! How hideously they murmur, and sometimes roar when God afflicts them !
53. They are compared to dogs c. How base ; filthy; foolish! How idle ; unruly; fierce! How cru- el ; greedy, gluttonous, — of sinful and carnal pleasure! How often they bark out angry words and reproach- ful language ! How unseasonably they bite and in- jure their neighbours, soul, their body, and interest ! How they deceive them by fawning flattery ! How slavishly they trudge in attendance on Satan their master ! How often they return to those very abomi- nations, which, with remorse, they once vomited up !
a Matlh. xxv, 32. b 2 Pet. ii. 22. c.Rev. xxii, 15.
-S3B
How often God re trains them from their inclined mischief ! How wisely he employs them to correct, awaken, and gather his people to himself! How wra li- fully he excludes them from his chambers of spiritual fellowship ; and at last from his heavenly mansion of bliss ! — In what riches of grace, hast thou, Lord, look- ed upon such a vile, a dead dog as I am J
5 k They are compared to foxes a. How cruel, crafty, and bold in transgression ! How proud, stupid, and hardened under affliction ! They cry not, when he piereeth and huideih them. How they trust, delight, and repose in earthly things / How unsavoury, and un- acceptable, their person and work I How crooked and irregular their paths / How Avickedly they hate, and seek to devour, the sheep of Jesus' pasture 7 How sad- ly they spoil the vineyard of his church, by diverting and stopping the sap of go-pel-truth, by digging up the roots of inspired doctrines, and otherwise injuring Ills tender caints /
55; They are compared to vipers : asps ; scorpi*- ons ; serpents ; ar/d what our version renders cock- atrices b. They are the genuine seed of Satan the old serpent : they delight in, and are filled with Vug poison of sin ; underneath their tongue is mischief and vanity. How they love, esteem, and cleave to earthly happiness, as their portion, their all / However beau- tiful, some of their outward appearances be ; bow wicked and mischievous are they within / With what violence they bite and devour others / Or, with what flattery they sting and seduce them to their eternal ruin / In trouble, chiefly in hell, how shall their voice go forth as a serpent, in angry hissing, and desperate wailing over their misery / O may grace rectify my dreadful nature !
56. They are compared to spiders c. How aspir- ing and ambitious ! How weak, and easily crushed /
aLukexii. 32. b Mat Ik hi. 7. P*al. lviii. 4. Is* xi. 3. cU \l\
2Si
How full of envenomed corruption / What crafty es- ters of others to their lasting rain/ How unprofit- ably employed, to spin oat of their own bowels, their vain imaginations ; their self-righteousness ; or their uisolid, unblessed, earthly enjoyments / Wha£, Lord, am I, that with my hands of faith, I should take hold, and five in thy royal palaces /
57. They are likened to bad pisjtes a. How nu- merous; how stupid; useless 9 unsavory i how mis- chievous, and hurtful ! Even in outward life, how un- sightly some of them I How irregular their moral course / How anxious to bring up their seed like them- selves ; Now, they range through the wide sea of this unsettled world ; but quickly dial! they be drawn out, by the net of God's wrath, and cast into endless Sre.
53. They are likened to trees, and trees of trz wood b. Whatever height of profession, power, or prosperity, they attain to ; they still remain in the cold, the uncultivated, barren soil of their unregenerate slate. How much less cared for by God, than the sainis ! What a fearful haunt of wild lusts, and mischievous fiends ! How barren of good works ! Their deeds, how sour, sinful, unprofitable, and poisonous ! How easily are they blown and tossed by temptation, delusion, per- secution ! Ah, trvice dead J Naturally dead in trespass- es and sins ; dead with habitual and presumptuous re- bellion, and the hardening and condemning curs?> an- nexed to it ! At last, by the axe of death, ho>v wraihful- ly cut down, and cast into hell fire !
59. They are likened to gree^ bay trees c. How mightily they flourish and spree x their r\
earth / But, because devoid of u:eful fVuU how quickly cut down by mortality, and cast into th$ furnace of God5s wiath /
60. They are likened to eakren- fig-trees d. However extensive their leaver of
a Matth. xiii. 47. 48,49. yRev. vli 3 So:.ziL3. cPs. xxfcriLOj d Luke xiii. 5—9. X ^
235
pretences to holiness, be, where is their fruit of true piety ? "Whatever pain and patience God exerciseth towards them, they are but plagues to the earth, and cumberers of the church. Lord Jesus, how many years didst thou come seeking fruit on me, and find none ? Yet how didst thou still let me alone, and dig and dung about me I
61. They are compared to an oak, whose leaf fa- ieth a. However tall, strong, and deep rooted on earth, they may seem ; however they attempt to monopolize the sap of the ground, the smiles of prov- idence, how quickly shall their glory wither and fade ; quickly shall they perish and decay t — Be thou, my soul, planted in the Christ, in the courts, of God ;soin old age. when others fade, shalt thou flourish ; the flames shall never kindle upon thee.
62 They are like unto wile olives b. Upon what cursed root, -and in what wilddesart, of distance and alienation from God, they grow ! Amidst their blossoms of prosperity, or profession of holiness, where ■is their good fruit! How long, )^e Gentile nations, were you asa;r//c amidst shews of morality and de-
votion, living in grcs ignorance, superstition, idolatry, proianeness ; without true knowledge, revelation, righ- teousuesR, without Christ, without God, and without hope ill the world !
63. They are compared to empty and barken vines c. Notwithstanding innumerable mercies re- ceived, they living destitute of any good fruit of grace, or work intended to the glory of God, are altogether unprofitable ; fit only for everlasting fire.-*~Alas ! what an empty vine am I, bringing forth fruit to myself;
king my own honour, ease, wealth, or plea-ure, in ai'-iosl aii that I do ! After all the pains which God hath been at with me, in softening my stoney heart, in hedging me about, with his law, providence, and
'■■Is. i. 20. b Romi xi. IT. c Kos. x. I. Ezek- xv,
236
Jove ; in building a wine press of a gracious nature ifl id in watering me with the dew of heaven ; i, what sour grapes of abomination I yield !
6i. They are likened to ekambles , bkieks; and
jkns a. The barren sod of this world, and of an
onveried state, is their beloved resideiiee. How
i ighiy I how cursed of God, are they, and their work i
How they spoil, corrupt, and trouble the world !
How low and grovelling their disposition ! However
I, for a while, make hedges of tllem to his church,
yet vi the end lie will cast them into the tremendous
hre of his wrath.
60. They are represented as takes b. Being sown by Satan, in the night of time, chieily of carnal secu- rity, among the people of God, in the field of his church, and world, how often are they somewhat like them ! How sadly the mixture of hypocrites mar the growth of saints ! How impossible, now, to separate them exactly ; bnt at the end it shall be done, and the tares cast, by multitudes, into eternal hxe prep. ed for the devil and his angels.
68. They are compared to flourishing grass, or grass on house-tops c. How quickly they grew up ! How often they iiourish hi prosperity ! In success in sin ! nay, sometimes, m religious profess'on ! But how quickly cut down and ruined ! Amidst their lofty a.nd fair pretences, how unsubstantial ! How insignificant in the hand of the all-cutting mower, death ! How quickly the blasting wind of affliction, or the flames of Tophet, shall wither ad consume them ! Being plan- Jurist, rooted and grounded hi him. grow, my usfl by the ivaier-courses. So shall! never fade ; death shall fill his hand with me : They that go by, shall bless me.
olsa. lv. 13. Song ii. 2. b Mattli. snj. 25. c Psal. xcii.
mi '
67. Titey are compared to a boot of bitterness &» How firmly ; how secretly fixed in their sinful state ! In what bitter soil of a broken covenant, an estate of sin and trrkth, they stand ! What bitter juice ef cor- ruption is within them ! How disagreeable are their qualities and dispositions I what bitter ; what gall and wormwood-like fruit I What destructive and damning worts are produced by them I How many are poison- ed, vexed, or tormented, by their means ! — O Jesus Christ, with what surpassing sweetness, hast thou sweetened me, the bitterset of all iny race !
63. They resemble ead figs b. How corrupt ; disagreeable ; useless I — Yielding neither pleasure nor honour to Gcd ; nor profit to men !
09. They are compared to a sweeping e.ai^ c.t^ What a plague to the world I How they disturb the Inhabitant?, and destroy the mercies thereof ! How suddenly shall they themselves be hurried, and hur- ry one another, into the ocean of infinite wrath !
70. They are compared to waters ; floods ; a fountain ; the sza ; the tzovbled sea d. How great their multitude ! their power ! their disorder I their pride and arr^crancy !■ their restl-ess disquiet ! their noi^y rage, end ihrealening to devour others I their perpotur-j th of abominable practice?, jronstrous < .wed societies, and horrid forms ofgovcrrmei.
71. They are called the wokip c. To mark their numeroiis multitudes ; their combination in follyancj wickedness ; and that they are wholly inclined and de- voted to this world, and the vanities, lusts, and sinful custom? of it,
72. They are called the eai-th, and men of the earth f. How carnally minded S In this world, they
alleh. iii. 15. bJev. xxiv. %. c Prer. xy.viii..3, tfp.*ah xviii.4. fifer. vii. 3. Isu- ivii- 21, § Jcau xv, 18. 1 John vi 1% /Rev. rila
have their portion, and upon it tliei* heart k fixed. Whatever they do is from carnal and earthly princi- ple?, and to carnal and earthly ends,
73. They are compared to ^mountains and hills a. How fixed are they ia wickedness! How often appa- rently firm their state on earth ! How they abound in power and pride, that Omnipotence alone can lay them low ! Row barren and unfruitful ! How vain refuge-:, to such as trust in them ! How they stand in the way of God's coming to bless the earth ! How disagreeable to a spiritual eye, they render it at last ! how over- turned by the earthquake, enflamed by the fire, and overwhelmed by the flood of Almighty wrath !
74*. They are represented as dry ground, and a gui- de k without water I?. Alas ! how dry ! how harden- ed ! how withered their soul ! How barren their heart and practice ! how the ?eed of inspired oracle?, and the \yarmmg rays of prosperity, are lost upon them, and become to them a savour of death unto death ! Lord Jesus, am not I such, except thou water me eve- ry moment ?
75. They are compared to marshes or miev fl\- ens r. What mixtures of souring corruption and thhess are in them ! How dangerous trusting to, or close intimacy with them ! How unfit are they for re- ceiving the word and spirit of God i How sqlu;, disa- greeable, and hurtful, is all that they produce ! How often are they finally given up to the salt of a repro- bate sense ; and of endless damnation !
76. They, chiefly harlots, are compared io s^sss, n£ts5 pits, and bitgh.es d. How dangerous is fellow? ship with them! How they entice Hoi uuv. ..es ! How hardly can these, who ?ve ensnared into famll'ar intimacy with them, recover themselves ; but wallow in wickedness ; and sink towards everlasting misery J
alsa.xli. 15. 6Isa,;,S?. c Ezek.rdvi:. 11. tf'Prov. s&jii 27.
X2
230
77. They, chiefly hypocrites, are compared wiiiTED sepulchres, or v» alls a. What splerdor, c pretence to purity, may appear in their outward r tion and conduct ! But what base ; what uncomely : what abominable, snd pestilential iniquity, refgtfiS Vn their secret practice and heart !
78. They are represented as God's haxd ; eod ; swrORD ; axe ; hammer ; row b. By them, 1 r:n ; how fearfully he corrects his people ; i
his enemies ! how absurd, for those instruments of his vengeance, to lift up themselves to his dishon- our! And hew often ; after his work is performed by them, doth he cajst them into temporal and eternal misery I
79. They are compared to brass, iron, tin-, lead c. In different degrees, how they abound with corruption ! How hardened in wickedness ! HowT worth- less and naughty J How proper to be cast into the fur- nace of infinite wrath ! Lord, melt ine in thy love and remove all my naughtiness !
80. They are compared to beoss and scum d. Are they not altogether unworthy ? The ffltH ; the pol- ]ution;ihe disgrace of mankind? of nations, cities, ••hurches, and families ? As what an abominable and naughty thing, shall God cast them out of his sight, mtoUie pit of everlasting destruction, after separating them from the gud!y !
81. They, chiefly hypocrites, are compared to •: i ...nwAUM watee; and a cake not turned e. How §iten they mingle the true religion with a bad ! have & profession, without true grace or good works ! Being v attmed and roasted with his favours and judgments, they turn not to God, nor consider their ways. Hence how nauseous to him ! and to every truly exercised saint !
a Mattfi. xxiii. 2T. Actsxxiii.3. 6 Is. x. and xiv.Psal. xvii.13.14. c-Exelc.xxii.ia Is. i. 22. c?Ezek.xxi 18.andxxiv. 33. eRev.m.16*
2U)
8^. They^are compared to fire brands ; tilings set on fire ; a fiery oven a. How mi. 3U to strife
and contention ! How the fire of malice and lutt rageth in them ! what means are they of Mi the
wrath of God on nations, churches, and families ! How ci'ten his judgments torment, and burn them down to the lowest hell ! How, there, shall his wrath kindle and burn them for ever! What flames of hatred, strife, and passion, do contentious persons indulge in them- selves, and kindle in others ! How harlots, with their lustful dalliances, entlame their companions, and burn them quick to everlasting fire.
83. They are assimilated to burning fat of lambs b* What sudden, terrible, and near destruction, awaits them ! And shall not all their e abundance and
felicity, promote and enhance their rum ?
Si. Unconverted men are compared to dry bones c. They have no spiritual sap, no remote source of grace, no hope of eternal life ; no might to revive and recov- er themselves : nor can any creature assist them here- in.— But, Come from the four winds, 0 breath, O divine Spirit, in thy diversified influence ; quicken them ; bring them out of their graves of lust, condemnation, and misery.
85. They are compared to toy/ d. How weak and insignificant ! How easily crushed ! How readily en- flamed, and consumed by the fire of God's wrath ! Stu- pendous ! am I, notwithstanding, plucked cut of the burning !
86. They are likened to a moth-eaten garment e. How quickly ; and by what contemptible means, are they rendered useless, unsightly, abominable ! How crushed before the face of the moth ! How easily the judgments of Sod waste their person and property ! How easily death gnaws them out of life ; cuts them
a Prow vi. 2T. Psal. vii. 4.-7. b Psai. sxxvii. 20. e Ezek. ci-ii. [;i.8t els. ii.
21
oil* ! and they are no more ! — Fear £hem not, my soul ; be not afraid of their reviling ; for the moth shall ea{ them.
87. They are compared to chaff a. While on earth, they grow up with, and closely adhere to the saints. How worthless ; how light, unsettled, and un- constant they be ! How fearful do temporal troubles toss them ! How quickly shall death and judgment beat them off, and blow them into kell !
88. Unfaithful friends are like a broken tooth and a foot out of joint b. They deceive, pain, vex, and torment him, who depends on, or is connected with them.
89. Deceitful friends are like a brook, whose waters dry up c. What ever assistance and comfort, we ex- pect from them, disappoints us in the time of need. Thrice blessed new covenant Friend, never shall thou pain or disappoint me ; but be legs to the lame ; and river of water in a weary and dry land.
90. A false witness is compared to a maul, and sword <2, Ah, how he stabs, wounds, and murders his neighbour, in his person, character, or property ! — Lord Jesus, how often am I such to thee !
91. He that ruleth not his own spirit is like a city *roren uowN, without walls e. How exposed to temp- tation, and danger ! How full of confusion, corruption and fear ! It is better, my soul, to rule thyself, to keep quiet thy conscience, with the application of Jesus' blood ; to govern thy heart by his Spirit ; to order thy conversation by his word ; to defend thyself by his strength ; than to take a city, or divide the spoil. Hereby shall thou conquer Satan, the world, and thy corruptions ; and obtain solid satisfaction and peace ; procure unspeakable and endless advantage.
a Psal. i. 8. b Prov. xxv. 19. c Job vi. 15. d Prov. xsv.
18. e Prov. xxv. 23,
242 CHAPTER IX.
Metaphors respecting faithful ministers*
1. FAITHFUL ministers are compared to angels &. How distinguished their spiritual comeliness ! their dignity ! their knowledge, and wisdom ! their power, and authority ! By them God execut- eth his will, and publisheth his mind to men. With what pleasure, activity, readiness,submission,and faith- f nines?, they unweariedly fulfil his commandment, praise his name, attend his throne of grace, pry into the mysteries of redemption, watch over and comfort the saints ; and excite, and in their station concur with the other divine executors of God's judgments against Antichrist! But at their peril, do men expect, that they should resemble angels, in living on earth with- but fault, or without food.
2. They correspond to winged seraphims, attend- ing an enthroned Redeemer, rckile the train of divine excellencies and influences fill the temple of his human nature, aud purchased church b. They are fiery ones, are the light of the church, and burn with zeal for the glory of Gcd. Their being on, above, or near to the throne, signifies their living near Jesus Christ, in spir- itual fellowship wiih him, and possessing the office next io him in the church. Their six wings, import their eminent readiness, alacrity, and speed in his service. Their covering of their face and feet, im- ports their insufficiency to comprehend the bright glo- ry of his person, effice, and work ; and their being a- i?haraed of their best service?, in hi? sight. Their con- stant crying. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, im- ports, that the great end of a gospel-ministry, is todis-
v t:;e holiness of Gcd, and premcie holiness among n. The moving of the posts, at 1 lie sound of their try, denotes the shaking &£ sstioils, trembling of coh- $ Key. i. £0. b Is.iv vi. 3.— ?\
243
science, and melting of heart, which attend the preach- ing of Christ. The taking a live coal from ihg altar, and laying it upon the month of the convicted prophet, for purging away of his sin, implies?, that Jesus' atone- ment applied, by means of the gospel ministry, quiets the conscience, and sanctifieth the heart.
3. They resemble the four beasts in John's, and the cherubims, and living-creatures in Ezekiel's vis- ion a. Their number -four, imports the sufficiency of them in every age, to answer the purposes of God In all the ends of the earth. Their fulness of eyes within and without, imports their having a deep in- sight into spiritual cases, into the plagues of the heart, and the operation of the divine Spirit in it ; and into w hat God hath said to, hath done, doth, and will do, for the church; and into her duty and danger in every case. It too, especially their eyes in their hands and wings, im- ports the wisdom and circumspection of their behavior. The four faces, import, that like men, minister? are to be comely in their conversation, affectionate, sympa- thizing, meek, prudent, sagacious ; like lions, bold, courageous and terrible to evil dcers ; like oxen, tame, patient, hardy, laborious ; and like eagles, intelligent, heavenly-minded, and active in their work. Their straight feet, and soles like those of a calf denote their upright gospel conversation, and fitness to tread out the corn of God's word, for their hearers. Their having hands under their wings, imports the corres- pondence of their practice, with their solemn profes- sions and engagements. Their wings being stretched npward,v:\ pies their dependence on Christ for furni- ture and dhe< tioii. Their covering, of their bodies and feet with their wings, imports their blushing at themselves and their work before God. Their ap- pearance like lamps and coals of fire, mark? their zeal for the glory of God, and their comiminicaibig light
a Rev, iv. 6. — 9. w& vi. 1. — 7. aud xv. 7. Ezck. i. and t
2U
and knowledge to men. Their running straight fof» ■rd as a flash of lightning, imports their integrity, quick progress, and majesty in their work. Their go- ing along with the wheels, implies their constant connec- tion with, and attendance on the rolling churches ; the same spirit is in both; and as they are dull, or active, so ordinarily are the churches. Their voice tike, many waters extending to the outer court, imports the powerful and extensive spread of the gospel, chiefly among the Gentiles. Their warning people to come and see, when the seals are opened, implies, that the gospel preached, tends to cause men to consid- er the word and providence of Go L The man in the firmament above them, encircled with ji re and a rainbow, b Christ, as the glorious and majestic head of the church, and of the new covenant, inspecting, helping, upholding, and governing them. The voice from the firmament when they stand or let down their wings, is Christ's quickening and encouraging them to their 'k. The taking out fire from between them, to cast upon sinners, implies that contempt of Christ, and his gospel-ministry, especially hastens, and enhanceth flaming vengeance upon a land. One of these beasts giving the seven vials to be poured on Antichrist, im- plies, that according to their word, and by their means, shall that man of sin be hastened to his ruin.
4. They resemble the priests in Ezekiei's vision of the gospel temple a. Their being the sons of Za- dok, not of the Levites that wen' astray, implies their being true and blameless children of Jesus Christ, the righteous ; and Mtliflfl preachers of his atonement, as the great substance of the gospel ; and that such as have fallen into scandal, are not rashly to be admit- ted into the ministry. Their eight day's consecration, implies their entrance on their work with much delib- eration, abundant application of Jesus' blood, and, yig-
a Kzek. xlli. 1.— 18. and xliu. 19.— 27. and xliv. 9.-3 1. and xlvi. 20 .
£45
orous study of gospel holiness ; their having distinct chambers for themselves, imports that their ofiiGe is strictly circumscribed by the divine law ; and that none are to interfere with their work or benefice, but such as are truly sent. Their highest chambers being most straitened, imports, that the most eminent minis* ters in the church, are ordinarily most hated and ex- posed to trouble on earth. Their being "clothed with linen, not with wool, or any thing that causeth sweat," imports their being clothed with Jesus' righteousness, and not with their own fatiguing and defiling works ; and that their doctrine must be pure, not erroneous and unsavoury ; that their €onversation must be holy, not offensive, stupid, or slothful ; nor their ministry their burden. Their linen bonnets and breeches, de- note their gravity, their modesty, their chastity, and freedom from Antichristian whoredom. Their laying aside their fine robes ; and wearing others before the people, imply that though they must only appear be* fore God in the righteousness of his Son ; yet, by their holy conversation, they must recommend holi- ness to their hearers and neighbours* Their " not ctifying the people with their garments,5' may im- ply that they must not allow the people to usurp their office ; nor pretend, by their holiness, or their bodily apparel, to convey any sanctity, merit or safety to them, as Antichristians do. Their " mi shaving their heads, or suffering their locks to grow/* imports their abstaining from Popish supeffliiiion, and from, world- ly pride and wantonness. They mint bevvave oi be- ing intoxicated with drunkenness and. carnal ci They must marry such women only, as are of good re- port. They must leach the people of God, and com- pose differences betwixt them. 1 1 . . im- moderate sorrow for deceased f. i: ple;-ti- fully they must nourish their s< rid him crucified. And plentifully are they and their fami-
216
lies to be maintained by their people. Their boiling of the sin offering and trespass offering, denotes their digesting gospel-truth in their heart and judgment ; and their preparing of their discourses before they preach them.
5. They are called hitlers a. How eminent their excellency, usefulness, and authority in the church ! being chosen by their people, it is theirs wisely, meekly, kindly and carefuliey, to govern her members and matters, according to the laws of Christ, her king ; and duly are they to be loved, obeyed, honoured, prayed, and provided for. as his vicegerents.
G. They are represented as ambassadors b. Sent by King Jesus to propose and negotiate with sinful men, a treaty of peace with God, of marriage with himself, and of traffic with his fulness ; with ail authority, earnestness, wisdom, singleness, and faith- fulness they must adhere to their instructions ; and study, by their candid and honourable deportment, to promote it- Deeply must they be affected and grieved, if it do not succeed. Always ought they to be in readine s, to render an account of their conduct to God. With the utmost heartiness ahd humility, ought the children of men to receive them and their message. If their person be despised, their character injured, or their embassy rejected, to \rhat divine vengeance it exposeth the guilty ! And what a fear- till presage of approaching wrath, is God's calling them fast oil from their xvotk !
7. They are represented as witnesses c. V/ith fi- delity, distinctness, boldness, and impartiality, testify to men, that which they have seen and heard concerning Jesus Christ and his truths; and according to the word of their testimony, shall you nations bea<> quitted or condemned at the judgment seat of Chritf*' Under Antichrist they are two witnesses ; few, bst«0^
a Heb. xiii. TAT- bL2 Cbr. v. 18. 19. 2>. c John xv c/\ n
y
iicient. powerful with God ; hut clothed in sackcioUi^ mourning and distressed.
8. They are compared to pakexts cu How great is their dignity and authorit}7 in the visible church With what ardent love, earnest desire, fervent prayer and laborious ministration of the gospel, they promote the spiritual birth, instruction, reproof, safety, nour- ishment, and rule of the saints ! How tenderly they care for, sympathize with, and exemplify godliness, to church-members 1 How mightily grieved with their miscarriages ! And how tenderly to be loved, esteem- ed, and revered, by them 1 What a loss to be de- prived of them ;!
9. They are represented as wooers ; and frienbs of the bridegroom b. By Christ's appointment, and with a single regard to his interest, and to the souls of men, they propose to them an oiler of spiritual mar- riage with him. V^ith every gaining consideration of their necessity, and of his excellency, honour, riches, beauty, and love, they prudently, faithfully, and earn- estly enforce the proposal. To him they return an ac- count of their diligence. With what sorrow their hearts are filled, :f the treaty succeeds not ! With what joy, if it do 1 How delighted to hear the Bridegroom's voice ! And how averse to be loved iri his stead !
ID. They are called warriors c. Being solemnly enlisted under Jesus' banner of truth and love, dis- tinguished with the .livery of his call to, and furniture for their work, clothed with his righteousness and grace, armed with the ?vkoie armour of God, nourish- ed with his influence and prevision, in face of difficul- ty and danger, they employ themselves in the vigo- rous defence of his church, ordinances, and truth. — Skilfully they must wield and push the sword of the .S>i;7,yand of church discipline and goverment, launch
a 1 Cor. iv. 15. b John iii. 29. 2 Con ti, % c 2 Tin*- ii. 3.
gUl iv. 8.
ant, and the arrows of divine truth
against every spiritual enemy. Never must 1hey
entangle themselves with worldly busing, carmd
ofiiees or temptations ; but vigorously mate war on the
vi;. pull down life strong holdsM sttfiA
i ;?, abominable errors and hateful - r, endeavour to conquer sinful men to Jesus Christ, the Savior. So shall they obtain a cro:m of righteousness, and reward of eternal life.
H. They are called watcttmi::-: r.\ Befeg placed by Jesus Christ m an high and -important station 5 it is theirs faithfully, and impartially, to "-watch- over the souis of church members ; to observe their gtate, their case, and walk ; to watch over the truths a id ihsljftu* tions of Heaven, that none be corrupted or lost. It is theirs to notice the variation of the time? idences of God ; to observe the motions and approa h- es of ever)7 spiritual enemy, that, dunns* the night of distress, and of time, they may give us l, early,
and full warning of our duty and danger. Of what infinite importance is their work to the souls of men ! What labour and danger attend it ! but if they de- sert it, give up themselves to negligence &sd sleep in it, bow guilty are they of the blood of souls ! and how- exposed to the most tremendous vengeance of God !
12. They are represented as trumpeters b. Di- vinely authorised and qualified, how sweetly ; how loudly ; how courageously ; how plainly and skilfully they proclaim the offices, the approaches, the spiritual -feasts, the promises, the pardons, the laws, the threat- enings of King Jesus to men I And call them to attend the ordinances of his worship ! With what undaunted boldness and distinctness, they w arn them of their faults, and their danger ; direct and encourage them
in their spiritual conflict with their indwelling sin, with
'>.b.. xiil IT. E^ek. xxxiii. T. lis. ly'iiLJL
24$
&rtan, and with a present evil world I and shew IT; era- selves patterns of bravery and diligence therein !
13. They are represented as leaders and guides a. Row extensively ; how eminently acquainted with, the truths of God ! ivith *he duties of religion I with the temptations of Salan ! and with the snares of the world ! With what distinguished care and patience,, they lead men into the knowledge of divine mysteries ! ii to the practice of holy duties ! into the exercise of f ghting With., and pursuing after spiritual enemies !.. aid coaduct them safely, through this world, in the way that leadeihto eternal life!
I-.k They a:e called pastoes ; siiepjierts; btsk- e?s ; or overseers b. They are divinely appointed, and solemnly engaged, carefully to lead the iicck, the members oi Jesus' church; tecderly to feed them with his truths and ordinances ; oversee, watch over, defend, and Keep them together ; and to separate, from among them the scandalous and openiy wicked. And from their flock ought they to receive •? proper subsistence. From Jesus shall they receive an ever- lasting reward.
15. They are called builders c* Being divinely instructed and appointed by Jesus, the sovereign Ar- chitect of the church, they must clear oil tie rubbuh of false doctrine, ancl sinful customs.. Every doctrine, Distinction, and example which they exmbit, they must establish on Christ the foundation, and his sure and immoveable word. The corner-stones and pillars- of fundamental truths, they must especially confirm ;s and must closely connect their whole doctrine,, and conduct therewith. Carefully must they attend the. rule of inspiration in all that they do. Incessantly, skilfully, and earnestly, they must promote the con- viction, the illumination, the union to Christ, the justi- fication, sanctification, comfort, and endless felicity of
A) Co:vxi.l. b EzeKx^vA. Acta t% 28. cXCor. iiulU
250
fclieir hearers. Were not you, prophets and apostles, wise master-builders, concerned in laying the founda- tion, and principal matters of the church of God ?
16. They are represented as fishers of men' a. — With what lobor, care, skill, and exposure to danger, they cast the net of the gospel, into the sea of this world, and spread it upon sinners, that they may draw them to Christ ! It being adapted to their various con- ditions, some are hereby caught in reality ; others o:> ly in appearance. When, O Jesus, wilt thou direct them to cast the net on the right-side of the ship, that a multitude may be enclosed ! When shali the whole dead sea of this world be covered with these fishers ! When shall the souis they catch be, like the fish of the great sea, countless in number -r and exceedingly di- versified in case ! ":.
17. They are compared to planters ; to keepers
OF A VINEYA21D ; to \ ilVEDRESSEFtS l\ It is theirs to
found anci .plant, churches ; to water them with : gospel- oracles ml ordinances ; to watch over and deiend the doctrines, and members,' from spiritual hurt. It is theirs to take the foxes ; to call false teachers- to ac- count ; to refute their error, censure and reject such as are obstinate in evil ways: It is theirs, to promote the gracious, implantation of sinners into Christ ; tore- prove, refresh, comfort, entourage, and direct the ciints, who ave the beloved, the darling vineyard, and garden of God.
IS. They are compared to stewards c. Being entrusted by Jesus with (he charge of his oracles, his ordinances, his house and family of the militant church and the souls of men pertaining to it ; it is theira,- carefully to oversee whatever is' done ; to assign each member his proper business ; and, in due season, give
a Ezek. xlvii. 10. Matfh. [v. 19. b Sod- via. 11. 1 Cor, Si S* i> 8, . c 1 C;;r. :v. 1; Luke xvi. 1-.— 7\
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Fiim hi* proper provision, his portion of promise*, nireatmngs, reproof, censure, encouragement, or com- fort. To Jesus they must give an account of their conduct. And how terrible their condemnation, i£ they corrupt; or conceal divine truth ! if they disorder, pollute, or break the peace of the church! if they waste their, time, their talents, their opportunities to sinful or insignificant purposes ! Or, if they beat, despise, reproach, or unjustly censure their brethren, and fellow-servants..
1 9. They are represented as servants and laeoe - ers a. Being solemnly engaged to, and hired by Je- sus, to occupy in his church ; it is theirs, by every pre- per method, however base or difficult to the carnal eye, to promote his glory, and the spiritual edification of men. Always, and in all places, they are to be very diligent, humble, obedient, single, and faithful, in their work. Always they are to exert their whole power and skill ; and seize every opportunity ; that, by the public or private dispensation of the gospel, they may be instrumental, in plowing up the fallow-ground g£ mens* hearts ; in plucking them as brands out of the burning ; in hewing them off from their old-covenant root ; in gathering them to Jesus j and promoting their heavenly course. Patiently they are to bear whatever burden of work, of trouble, or persecution, God may lay upon them. In so doing, however ur:s I [heir labours be on earth,- — how glorious
a: id lasting shall be their heavenly reward !
£ , as the ancient prophet?, are lien- of
Go. * God they are chosen, called, and -fitted
for their work. Near him they stand in their office, lr him they live in their holy conversation ; and His deputes, his distinguished representatives, and uliar property on earth. He is the subject- ter, and the obvious end of their work. The in-
Ut:h. ix. ST. 61 Johniv.6. 1 Tim. vi. 11-
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juries done to them, he will sharply resent. For. that despiseth them, despiseth him that sent them.
21. They are lilre a flock of newly washed, even- shorn, and twin-bearing sheep a. How numerous! How kindly connected ! How washed in person, by Jesus' blood ! sanctified in nature, by his cleansing Spirit ! How harmless, pure, holy, patient; and useful ! — -How rich their pastures of inspiration ! How noted their harmonious affection ! How equal their power and au- thority assigned them by Christ. How earnest their en- deavours, and happy their success, in winning souls to him ! It is. theirs, like he-goats, to go before the flock ! and be examples of the believers, in word, in conver- sation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
22. They are like two yotng jsoes, that arc twins, and feed among the lilies l>. How lovely, active, and pure ! How tender their affection to mens' souls ! — How stated and strong their enmity to the old serpent, and his seed ! How grievous and hurtful their attacks from them, especially if they indulge* themselves in sloth ! How often small, though sufficient to bear wit- ness, is their number ! How harmonions their affec- tion ! How equal their power and authority in the church! By what delightful study and meditation, they feed on the scriptures, on gospel-ordinances, in happy fellowship with Jesus, the Lily of the valley, and his people !
23. They resemble boves eyes g. With what meekness, purity, sincerity ; with what singleness of heart, chaste affection to Christ and his people, do they pry into the gospel of peace, and make it known to men ; pleasantly watch over the church ; warn her members of danger ; and direct them to Christ and his way !
21. They are compared to olive-trees d. How
a Song" iv. 2. and vi. 6. b Song iv. 5. and vii. 3 c Song i. 15,
nndiv. 1. 4Bev.3i-
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comely and flourishing their office and conduct T Xir thern the oil of gospel-truth is lodged ; and by them it is communicated to others. By them the gospel of peace is preached, and its all-healing spirit and influ- ence, offered and brought near to men.
25. They are called the glory of Christ a. On them his image and authority are stamped. In what they do, his glory and honour is intended. And by them are his glorious exeeilencies published and de- clared.
26. The;7 are a sweet savour of Christ tmto God Ik Having received from Christ their grace, their gifts, their office, how pleasant to God are they, and their evangelical ministrations ! By them how sweetly are- declared the' riches of his grace,- and manifold other excellencies, in them that believe ! and the abundance Qf his wisdora, power, holiness, and equity in them that perish i Dreadful thought ! Ye sinners ; shall God : shall a Savior be exalted in your endless damnation, if you refuse him ?
27. They are represented as a spectacle to angeh and men e. How exposed to opeu view, on the thea- tre of this world ! Ah, what signs, against which the contempt, the obloquy, the malice, the persecution of men, and rage of devils, are especially discharged! How often held as weak ; as foolish ; as wicked ; for Christ's sake ! How often a gazing-stock, every where spoken against !
28. They are compared to light d. What a dis- tinguished measure of truth, of spiritual knowledge, they possess, and communicate to others, for their in- ward refreshment, instruction, and comfort L What blessed means of discovering men to themselves : -shew- ing them the plagues of their heart, ox the grace that hath been given them ! What means of discovering to' men the excellencies of Christ, and the glory of God
4 ICor. ix. 23. b 2 Cor ii. H. c ICcr.ir. 9. r/Matlh. r. 16..
in him ! how unhappy ; how devoid of spiritual light and consolation \ the places where they are not ! How dreadful when this light is turned into darkness ; and ministers are ignorant, or replenished and clouded with error !
2.}. They are compared to stabs a. In the firma- ment of the church Jesus hath planted them, and fur- nished them with diversities of gifts and graces, for the adorning of it ; and for refreshing, quickening, in- structing men ; for leading them to himself ; for guiding them, while, ajuidst this bewildering world, they wan- der in the night of trouble and time; or, amidst the swelling seas of manifold temptations and trials, they sail to the home and haven of endless felicity ! How they are held, supported, and directed, by Jesus, in his right hand ! How high in their station and office ! How near to God and heavenly things are their mo- tions and course ! How easily beclouded their glory ! How readily ; how widely discovered their shameful blots ! — O when shall the eternal day break ; that stars may disappear, shadows flee away, and Christ be
ALL IN ALL !
30. They are compared to candles and lamps £♦ In themselves how insignificant : But being formed, and, from the fire of Jesus' tight and love, lighted by the Holy Ghost, with gifts, office, and grace ; how asefui, during the night of time, to enlighten a dark world! How necessary, that they should appear, and shine publicly ! Howr generously they spend them- selves io illuminating others ! How often moved from one nation and place, to another I When, Lord, shall candles be extinct, and never-wasting glory shine !^
31. They are compared to clouds c. Receiving- their gifts, their grace, their office, from the ocean, the fulness of Christ ; what appointed means of con- veying the rain, the dew, of divine truths and infiuen-
«Rev. I 20, h M^Uh- v. 15. t Isa. *, 6,
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<ce$y to men ! Nor can they be useful, hui as God ple&$.- e\h. Are they not a kind of vail Interposed between weak-sighted mortals, and his dazzling brightness ! How exposed to observation, and tempests of tremble ! How supernatural and speed3vT their motions ! How heavy the judgment, whep they are removed from a land, or their usefulness divinely restrained !
32. They are like to the fish-pools by the gate of Bath-rabbim a. How clear their insight into divine things ! How plentiful their fulness of the gospel ! How great their quietness and constancy ! What a blessing to the multitudes which attend their minis- try ! By their means, what numbers are made to know their own spiritual features ; and are nourished up to eternal life !
33. They resemble piixars ; posts ; and beams b. How strong in gifts and grace ! How well fixed, and founded on Christ ! How usefully they support, and connect the members and structure of his church ! — How plainly they exhibit his laws to men !
34. They resemble the tower of David buildedfor an armoury, or the tower of Lebanon, that looked to- wards Damascus c. For the security and glory of his church ; for the observation of his principal foes, they are erected, and strengthened by Christ, and on him as their sure foundation. How high is their station ! How upright, heavenly, firm, and constant, ought they to be in it ! How abundantly furnished with spiritual armour !.. and ready, by dispensing the gospel, to con- fer it to others ! They are especially to watch against; and oppose, their most dangerous spiritual enemies. And like a tower of ivory ; how pure ! how comely ; how self-consistent, and firm, are their doctrine and conversation !
35. They resemble chariots d. How glorious, cu-
a Scmg vii. 4. b Songi. 17. andili; 10. Gal. ii. 9. rSoug iv. 4. and vii, 4. d Zecix. xi.X. — 8,
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-rious, and costly, their erection and office ! By then^ in gospel-mi ristrations, Jesns' name is carried before the Gentiles ; and he, in a royal and majestic, a quick, ea<=y, and triumphant manner, rides through the
iid ^ subdues, and shews his glory, and love to his
chosen ; conquers his spiritual opposers In their
bloody suffering, and flaming zeal, they resemble a chariot with red horses. In their abject outward ap- pearance, their self-denial, their insight inta spiritual mysteries, they resemble a chariot with black horses. In their holy lives, their pure doctrines, and spiritual
quests, they resemble a chariot with white horses. In their diversity of gifts and grace, they are like to a chariot with grizzled and bay horses. In the apos- tolic age, they resembled the first chariot. In the A nt ichristian period they resemble the second. In the millennial period, they shall resemble the third. In the last days, they may be compared to the fourth. In every form, and period, they issue from between mountains of brass ; appear according to the settled purposes of God, and no twiths Landing manifold oppo- sitions.
36. They are called earthen vessels a. In them- selves, how frail: base; contemned; and troubled 1 But God fills them with the treasure of gospel-truths, to convey it to ethers ; that thus the excellency of its •powerful influence, may appear to be of h:
37. They resemble a round goblet full of mi:;ed liquor b. How distinguished is their capacity and per- fection ! How abundant their fulness of evangelic gifts and grace, for purifying themselves I And for admin- istering conviction, direction, ai.d comfort to others !
38. They are compared to salt c. By their 1 conversation ; by their faithful dispensing of gospel- doctrine, worship, discipline, and government ; they check corruption, and error ; they preserve persons
a 2 Cor. iv^ f . b Song vii. 2. c Matth. v. 13.
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and churches from rottenness, imsavoriness, apostasy , and ruin ; they preserve nations from general pro- faneness, and desolating* strokes. How incorruptible *tnd- lasting their office ! How calculated to prepare the redeemed for the feast of their God ! How carefully they search mens' wounds, for the healing of them ! Hence what an eye-sore and trouble to the wicked and scandalous ! But if, by carnality, unholiness, or sloth, ministers lose their own savour, none are more hope- Jess ; none more useless I none more ripe for eternal fire.
39. They resemble scarlet threads a. In them- selves, how weak ; frail ; and inconsiderable ! yet how comely ! How exposed to trouble and persecution ! And is not the source, the substance, and end of their ministry Christ ; and him, as bearing our guilt, and crucified for our crimes ?
Wherein they resemble a human nose, eyes, lips, neck, breasts, ?iaveL,feet. See chap. XI. No. 2.
*:o:o:o:*>- —
CHAPTER X.
Metaphors respecting false teachers, and unfaithful Ministers.
J. FALSE teachers are represented as messen- gers and spirits of devils b. By satan they are sent, excited, directed, and actuated. His honour and interest they promote and maintain. And in hithi- ness, in pride, in malice, in slander of the saints, V\ active wasting of the church, and in ruining men's souls, they imitate his example.
2. The}", chiefly some principal ones, are called an*
a Song iv. 3. b 2 Cor. si. 15. Rev. x'vi. 14.
25$
TicHRisT a. They oppose Christ la his per^tf, his office, his righteousness his intercession, his iastrnq* tioer, his law, his conquest, his government, and the end of his work.
3. They are represented ag fals* pbopiiets and apostles, ard some of them as f<d?e Clwists b. Pre- tending a commission from God, and often a distin- guished one ; sometimes to be the _\Ie slab, they, in his name, publish their false doctrines ; attempt to erect false churches ; claim uncommon power ; pretend distinguished gifts and grace ; prophesy of future events ; promise to themselves and their followers liberty and peace, when swift tics' ruction cometh upon them,
k They are represented as Mrnnnni'iis c. By net glectingto warn the wicked of their evil way:?, and to promote their repentance, by fals3 doctrines \ by wicked example ; and by unfaithful dispensing of divine ordinances, they distroy the cause, and interest of truth ; crucify Jesus afresh ; and ruin the souls of men.
5. They are represented as pim rs, and wi:ori:>u: womek d. With the utmost impudence, craft, and carnal enticement, they decoy muUitiidos to go a- who- ring from God and his ways, and to defile themselves, " fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and of the mind." G. They are represented as angry motors chil- dren", and outrageous watcii3:£:; c. Being ori- ginally members of the church, but never bora of God, they hate his true children. With their, eosl^vhig - rqrs and will-worship, they go about to oppress and hinder them from fjhelr proper work. Sadly they harass end wound them, reproach their conduit, ex- pose them to injury, and attempt to vol of their all-covering vad, Christ and his righteousness.
a 1 Jrm ii. 13. 1)2 Vc!. i'f. 1. M^'iLxxiv. 2i cZqqIi. i'\ J. d iiev. ii. 20. e Song i. C. arid v. 7.
Z
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7: They are represented as Christ's companions or rivals a. Whatever love to, and connection with him, they pretend ; they heartily hate him ; set them- selves on a level with hurt ; seek to undermine his interest, and despoil him of his subjects, his bride. Never, O Jesus, permit me, whorishly and wickedly, to turn aside by their numerous flocks,
8. They are represented as thieves and rob- bers b. Without any regular mission from Christ, or call from his people, how often they rush into the ministerial function! How often they rob the Redeemer of his due .honour, as ruler, as priest, or prophet of his church ! How wickedly they rob the saints of their spiritual privileges, and confer them upon others ! rob men of their gospel-provision ! and attempt to sell them into the slavery of safari !
9. They are called deceivers and seducers c— They deceitfully mingle the gospel of Christ with their own inventions ; and, having thus corrupted it, impose it upon their hearers for pure and genuine truth. Under high pretences to friendship, to piety, to peace, to knowledge, or zeal, they decoy taen into corruption and error ; and bring on themselves and their followers sudden destruction.
10. They are represented as blind watchmen; elixd guides d. Being destitute of the saving kn6Vw ledge of j "esuis, and his truth, they presumptuously 'pretend to direct the principles and practice of others : and with them fall into sudden ruin.
11. They are represented as idol shepherds <?.— - They are but the shadows and images of true and faithful ministers. Their followers, they seduce into the pastures of vain imaginations, and paths of spirit- ual, or gross idolatry, and alienation from God,
12. They are called hirelings/. Not from gen-
a Song i. 8. b John x. 1. c2 f im.iii. 13. ilsa, ml 10.
e Zech. xi. If. /Jojiji x. \%
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tiijie , affection to Jesus or his people, do they labour in the ministry ; but to procure carnal favour, honour, pleasure, or gain. A din times of persecution and trouble, how readily they desert their rlojks, and t\\6 doctrines of truth J
13. They are represented as fcolisii builders of hay and stubble cu How light, empty, and worthless are the false doctrines, the corrupt practices \ which, with great care, and apparent skill, they establish, preach, aad promote, as if founded on the person and authority of Christ ! And how incapable to abide the trial of his word !
14. They are represented as daubers vjlCh untempcr- ed mortar b. By their false and inconsistent tenets and conduct, they exert themselves to confirm the wicked in their sin ; in their dependance on self-righteousness ; and to shake, to raze, the hopes of the saints founded on Jesus' promise, person, ixA blood. — But speedily shall their management be exposed to their shame ; and issue in their, and their followers, everlasting ruin.
15. They are represented as Canaanij es and mer- chants €. Sprung from a cursed root, with what fraud and covetousness, they, for carnal advantage, reject, corrupt, and misapply the oracles of God ! How often they dispense his sacred institutions to unfit persons, or in an improper form ! How often they pre- tend to confer spiritual favors ! And by other like methods, unnumbered, deceive and ruin the souls of men !
18. They are compared to roaring- ligks d. With wh at boldness, fierceness, and cruelty, they roar out their errors ar^l curses ; vent their persecuting threat- enlngs, and malice against the faithful ! And spread terror ai:d destruction among men?
a 1 Cor. iii. 12. b Ezek. xii. 10. cZech. xiv.21. 2 Pet. ii
mi
2,7. fhey •£¥« #al!ed wolves a. Alas ! Irow they Jove the darkness of ignorance, and slum the light of God's word! "What a terror to watchful,, or walking saints I How greedily, cruelly, and craftily, they de- stroy the church of God, and the spiritual lives and interests of men I
18. They are called foxes b. How unclean ; noi- some ; abominable I How subtlely they shun the light ©f inspiration or conviction ! With what amazing greed, covetousness, cruelty, and craft ; and with what shifts, evasion?, and seli-Inconsistencies, unnum- bered, they, especially in the night of persecution, trouble, or carnal security, — spoil God's vineyard ! n > settle weak and ycung professors ! ruin mens' souls I and promote Satan's interest ; till they be restrained by providence, checked by faithful censure, or cut off by death ! And ah, how often are they proudly stupid under these checks !
19. They are represented as lazy, greedy, duahb dogs c. How filthy ; ready to return to the abomina- tions which they o ice seemed to recant and abhor ! How malicious their enmity against Jesus Christ, his ministers, and people ! How ready to bite and devour the souls of men ; to raise a noise of persecution and reproach against the cause of God, and its adherents ! How slothful in every thing truly good and expedient £ How covetous of some carnal enjoyment I How ready to hurt him, that putteUi not into their mouth I How
negligent to reprove and warn the unruly ! Nay, how ready to connive at, a id flatter them ^ chiefly if pow- erful and rich !
20. They, chiefly the Anii hristians, are likened t$> scorpions d. W hat distinguished seed of the old ser- pent ! How easily provoked to the roost outrageous fu- ry against God and his church t with what pretence*
eMatth. x. 16. t Sung. ii. 15. t Isa. 1yL x. It rfttcr^
a. 5. s.
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if piety and peace they vail and cover their error Anil wickedness ! How subtlety ; how incessantly, they smite their opposers with the vilest reproach ; the j, persecution ? and the heaviest censures! "With what quickness and craft, they instil the poison of error and abomination into their followers! A how divinely are they restrained from poisoning aid ruining ths- saints !
21. They, chiefly the Aniiehristians, are marked
v the locusts in the apocalyptic vision of the fifth trumpet a. From the infernal enioke of ignorance and error, they derive their origin. How quickly they multiply and swarm I United under one head, the angel of the bottomless pit. the deviL and pope ! How harmoneous, courageous, and active are they, in spreading error and corruption S How marked with outward grandeur ; wi'h usurped authority; and su- perstitious reverence of the mob £ Ho sv noted their plausible pretences to. piety ; thorr affected courtesy; their lustful effeminacy -% their fawning flattery and smoothness ; and their enticing of m^Iliti? les to spir- itual whoredom ! How distinguished their cruelty and fraud in destroying the souls, the bodies- and the es* tales of men ! How breast-plated frith hardness of heart, searedness of conscience, and with civil and ec- clesiastic laws and immunities in their favour I And with what noisy novelty, terror, curses, persecutions, anathamas, do they pro eed in their iufen irse,
till the period assigned them by God, come a !
22. They are called feog.s L\ Bow filthy a heart and life ! How foolish their talking ! How they delight to wallow in mires of afoamiruU ions ! and, especially, amidst summer-showers offal benefices, to creej td ! to insinuate themselver into the fam- ilies and hearts of men ; into the chambers i l J -^ ret councils of the wealthy and great.
a Rev. ix J, r.— 10. b Rev. xvi, 13. 2 Tim. hi. 6,
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23. They are culled bak^ex trees ivhose jruti ndthereth ; trees tnice dead, plucked vp by the roots a. However firm be their outward securities ; however high their profession arid office ; yet no good fruit of connected gospel-truth, or genuine gospel holmes, do they ever produce. How quickly their apparently good doctrine*?, labors, and followers, discover their naughtiness !|Tc what a terrible and hopeless condi- tion, doth thtnr natural death in trespasses and sins^ with their voluntary mid obstinate apostaey froiu God3 reduce them at last \
24. They are called wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever b. With what a shining blaze of profession, and of pretence to knowl- edge, piety, and zeal, they restlessly move in the fir^ mament of the visible church ! and unceasing, be- wilder themselves and others, into the perplexed ma- zes of error, and dreary, hopeless state of endless wo I
25. They are represented as fallen stars ; as: wormwood, embittering the rivers and fountains of nater c. How many of them are originally found in the faith ; but, by Satan's seductive temptations, are drawn away into grovelling a'postacy and error, which are bitter to men at last ; arc! embitter and poison to them, the promises and ordinances of the gospel I
26. They are called c^orns without ivater d. Ho¥/ great their towering pride, ^nd self-conoeit ! How of- ten their power in the church is eminent ! What darkness, ignorance, error, and corruption, they pro- duce on the $arth ! How unsettled is their vain mind ! How restless their contentions ! How ready to comply with every novelty ; every tempiation ! Appearing flill of refreshing fructifying influence, how infallibly they deceive such as expect Kri'y good from them !~~ How incessantly they fcrbode the storms of God's wrath on churches and nations I
* Jud,e 12. * J\n\* 13, cltcv. *^ 4. and yiii. 11: l d Jude 1&
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i7. They are Galled raging waves oftnc sea r/.-r— What pride ; what noisy disorder; frothy vanuy ; u settledness ; and fierceness, abound v, ith :.hem ! How often they threaten to carry all before them J How they foam out their own shame : cast fox :ta their mon- strous doctrines, vain and shameful practices, and vih reproaches, against their opposers !
28. They are called wklls without miter b. What, ever high pretences to piety, learning, or zeal, they make; whatever sweet and useful advantage they promise to their followers, there is nothing in them, Jmt slimy, earthly-mindedness, miry fiUhy lusts. hmU Jul frauds, errors^ and vanity.
CHAPTER XL
Metaphors respecting the true church.
2. THE church, in connection with her head, k called Cub,ist c. Jesus is her head, husband, and a\i in all. From his love, his blood, his intercession, and Spirit, she wholly proceeds. To him, as proprietor, she wholly pertains. To his person every true mem-. ber is united. And to his honour do all her saints,^ her laws, her ordinances, and offices tend.
2, She is compared to a human Easy, or woman d. She is united to Jesus as her Lord and head, whence her honour, her laws, her ordinances, her nourishment and life are derived. She consists of innumerable members, all closely connected with him, and with one another! who feel one another's afflictions, sympa- thize with one another's infirmities, care for one an- other's welfare, and are in constant readiness to serve
a Jude 13. b 2 Pet. ij. 17. c 1 Cor. xii. 12. tf Song i. 5. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. and, iv.l»— 5. and vi. 5. 6, 7. and vii. 1.— 5. and v. 2. R*v. xii. 1.
26S
e?re another. Gradually she increaseth in strength and extent ; till she attain the perfect stature of the glorified state. Like a woman, she is subject to maim ifold weakness and trouble on earth. Christ himself being her head, her eyes may signify her illuminating doctrine founded in him ; or her ministers, who, be-: ing rooted and grounded in him, signally adorn her appearance, observe and direct her members, watch against her enemies, express her sorrows, and pry In- to the mysteries o£ the gospel. Her hair may signify her converts especially young ones, who, however -weak and easily tossed., are by faith fixed in Christ ; like locks, knit to one another in love, and are an orna- anent and honour to Christ, and his church. Her nose, *nay represent ministers in theit> spiritual discerning, and relish of divine things ; m their exposure to dan- ger, and their watching againH enemies ; and who* while the church is found, are a pleasant, refreshing, and apple+Uke savour of Christ to others ; and by them her breath issues forth, towards God, in prayer and1 praise. Or may not her nose, signify her stately and majestic ordinances, awful to her enemies, ornamental and savoury to saints ?* Her temples, may signify her rulers, who, by humble a,nd prudent management of her discipline and government, add to her comeliness. Her cheeks, may denote her whoi® outward and visi- ble appearance. Her scarlet lips, may represent preachers and their gospel-ministration^ chiefly ver- sant about Jesus Christ, ^ bearing, and crucified for, our iniquities. Efer teeth, imy denote ministers as chewing, as meditating on, the bread of life, and ren- dering it Li ior use to the very weakest members* Her neck, may represent them as immediately subject to. Christ her head, as adorned with golden gifts and graces ; a ;das the useful means of exalting him, and conveying n<,urish:pLet from him to us : or it may de- note the incpired oracles, which, adorned with connect
2m
ted, durable, and precious doctrines, laws, and promis- es, unite us to him ; and, from his fulness, convey breath and nourishment into our soul. May not her breasts signify her pastors and teachers ; her two in- spired testaments of heaven ; her two sorts of ordi- nances, ordinary and solemn ; her two sacramental seals of the new-covenant ; which adorn her form and appearance, and convey the sincere milk of divine truth and gospel-influence, to nourish the infantile children of God ? May not her navel denote ministers, as placed in the midst, in the principal station of the church i as mightily conducive to her health and strength ; and the distinguished means of nourishing her children in their spiritual formation ? Her belly may signify the word and ordinances of Jesus Christ, in which his chosen are divinely conceived and formed into new creatures : or it may signify her saints, who are the substance in the midst of her. May not the joints of her thighs, signify her curiously formed young converts,, running in the ways of holiness ? Or may they denote sound standards ; or the all-covering robes of Jesus' righteousness ? These mightily tend to promote her regular and comely management. May her feet, beau- tiful with shoes, denote her pastors, as fixed in the faith of the gospel, and boldly,readiIy, and beautifully run- ning to and fro, to publish it ? or her private mem- bers, as well instructed, and powerfully inliuenced by the glorious gospel, and readily running in the paths thereof? Her being black, but comely, fairest among women, implies, that however she be deformed by hypocrites and persecutions, yet as ordered by, and conformed to Je -us C.'irist, she is truly beautiful arid glorious. Her sleeping while her heart ivaJceih, implies all he.' members, ex :ept a lew choireo <es, fallen into Cardial security, and sad ignorance, Her crown of tivelvr stars, implies her open and honourable profes- sion cf the doctrines of the prophets and twelve apo*-
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ties of the Lamb. Her chains of 'gold, rows of jewels^ borders of gold, and studs of silver, may represent her various and weil-connected laws, doctrines, promise?^ ordinances, gifts, and graces, which are bestowed upon her, by her husband Christ. Her clothing of the sun, signifies him as her righteousness, protector and glory. Her vail taken from her by outrageous watchmen, may signify her Intrinsic power and government ; her civil protection from the state ; or her useful doctrine of Jesus' imputed righteousness. Her having the moon under her feet, implieth her renouncing Jewish cere- monies, and contemning earthly customs and portions.
3. The church is compared to a virgin a. How pure m her doctrine I her ordinances ! How abhor- rent of whorish idolatry and will- worship ! How chaste her adherence to Christ and his law ! How dearly be- loved by him ! and how comely in her order, offices, and institutions ! — O virgin daughter, why hast thou become to him as an whorish woman I
4*. She is likened to a wife b. She is solemnly es- poused ta Christ, by outward profession, and by par- ticipation of the sacraments ; and thus brought into fellowship with him, and a general interest in his per- son and benefits. Hereby, how highly she is exalted and secured against total ruin I In her,, his will is man- ifested \ and all her true members have special union and communion with him. And is it not the indispen- sable duty of every one, to obey and please him in all things ; to desire his presence with her ; and to be exceedingly grieved, when he is dishonoured aud provoked ?
5. She is compared to a mother c. Christ himself Wfts born in her ; became bev of be- ; and is
by her crowned with nupibei of converts, with unfa- ding honour, kfrd e ale s praise.. Being mar:ied, to
•o Is. lxii. 4. 5. b Jer. ift. 14. c Mic v. 3, G?JL iv. 5&
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irhxi, and obtaining his presence in ordinances, she, travailing in birth, by the painful labours of ministers and others, brings fofth a generation of saints ; nour- isheth them with the sincere viitk of the word : inT structs them in the sound principles of truth : dearly sheloveth, tenderly she pities them, and the more as they resemble Christ : their proper work she assigns them ; from danger she defends them : highly she reckons herself honoured by their good behaviour ; and by spiritual censure she corrects them, when un- ruly. The Gentile world was long a barren rvoinan^ which brought forth no children to God ; but now produceth more than the Jewish, which was long the Lord's espoused bride. The gospel-church is &free mother, freed from the law as a covenant, and from the yoke of ancient ceremonies : she travails in pain by spiritual pains, and endurance of manifold trouble and persecution : the man children brought forth by her, are Jesus, with his honoured agent Constantine, the first Christian emperor, and his other bold and res- olute saints : these c*re caught up to God, and to his throne ; Christ exalted to his right hand ; Constantine to the imperial throne ; the primitive saints to the ce- lestial mansions ; or specially honoured and protected on earth. Satan and his agents, particularly the hea- then empire of Rome, are the dragon, which waits to devour her children, and to persecute herself. Her place, divinely provided for her in the wilderness, is her afflicted state under Antichrist, in which God pro- tects her for 1260 years.
. 6. She is compared to an army with banners a. Having private saints for her common soldiers, spirit- ual rulers for her officers, Christ for her Captain-gene- ral, hi6 person, his truth, and love, for her banner, to gather, distinguish, direct, and encourage her bands ; they, being armed with her graces and ordinances, re-
a Song vi. 4.
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sist conquer, and spread terror among her spiritual foes.
7. She is represented as a nation a. She is a dura- ble, numerous, well regulated, protected, and enrich- ed society. Jesus is her king ; angels and ministers, her guards : Jesus' word is her history and laws ; his new covenant and its blessings are her inheritance ; receiving out of his fulness, and improving it in holy exercises, her trade ; divine ordinances her houses and tents. The iivo armies to be seen in her, are hosts of divine perfections, and angelic spirits, standing in her defence ; hosts of inward graces and lusts conflict- ing in her true members ; and hosts of zealous saints and untender hypocrites opposing one another. — O when shall a nation be born at once ! a little one be- come a strong nation ! the righteous nation, that keep- eth the truth, enter in to the heavenly Canaan !
8. She is compared to a city b. Upon himself, as her foundation, Jesus Christ Imth built her : curiously he formed her plan, and exactly he executes it : with the wall of his power, his protection and laws, he surrounds her : He hath appointed all her regulations and customs : himself is her chief magistrate ; her officers are his deputies : what an innumerable com- pany, that no man can number, are her inhabitants ! and how active ; laborious ; high, fed, and richly cloth- ed, are her true members ! how diversified and rich these privileges, in which they have al! an equal, an everlasting interest ! in freely receiving the fulness of God, from the land that is afar off, consists her gainful trade : in the midst of her, in the chain-els of ordi- nances and promises, runs the all-adorning, all pro- tecting refreshful, cleansing, healing; and commercial river of life : in her, Christ his Father, and Spirit, reside : he, his angels, and ministers, watch over and defend her ; that the gates, the powers of hell, shall
a Is. lx. 21 k U* xsvi. I.
not prevail against her. — O how neucli were it for h£r advantage, that he? inhabitants tenderly loved and clave one to another, as her adversaries diily besie her, by temptation nd persecution I Bpfc aU<$ ! whii > on earth, what a mixed multitude of treacherous hj£? ocrites remain in, and plague, and pollute her !
9. She is compared to a family or ikk'sf.hold tf. — Being separated from the rest of the world, Gad is her father ; Christ is her elder brother, glory, and manager ; angels and church officers are her servant and stewards In her are saints, young and old ; weak and strong : to each is divinely appointed bf'9 proper work, station, and privilege; and how comely, tvhea with order, harmony, skill and delight, they ape themselves thereto ! How divinely are aJi her \\\ 3 bers instructed, aparelled, defended ; and, on eve proper occasion, called to worship their God. S is like to a family of servants: how orderly hired, admitted, and connected* are, or ought her mem1 to be ! All of them are subject to Jesus' atrt and bound to advance his honour : To them, i i different degrees, he inttusts the talents and \ •of office, opportunity, gifts, and grace?, tint t: may occupy therewith, till he come agnin : Such improve them, shall be proportionally honou re rewarded : such as do not, but, as it were, i in a hnpkiiv; shall be 'self-conde1!^ eternal ruin. How deeply arc all \ndv uJ-l
but finding they have nothing to piy, ho he frankly to forgive them ! How absurd then for them to revenge petty injuries upon one a*: he forgive me my ten thousand tatekls, wlvr ;ct,
what damnation I deserve, if I re?e it <n r hoir 'ty wrong, which hi? toAjjue or
ne me ! If while ttij Lord delay it, reproach, itnjti "e, or persecu
,r\ vi. 10. kit ill*. :-[-. i£5. 9ii\ xxr. H-33.
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Iqw- servants, shall not I have my portion faith hypo- crites ? — pray, my soul, for this family of God ; for t hey shall prosper thai love her.
10. She is corapaiedtoa cove a. How great her purity ! her simplicity \ her innocency ! her comeli- ness ! her chaste affection towards Christ her head ! How single her adherence to his truths and ordi- nances ! How she flies to him in distress, and mourns for his absence ! Hew pleasant the consociation of her members ! How noted her fruit fulness in young con- verts ! How eminent her weakness in herself; and her exposure to enemies !
.11. She is compared to a threshing ox b. By her diall God subdue and break in pieces all her enemies ; and render the whole earth servants to him, and to his Christ. Her iron horns and hoofs of brass, are the power, authority, courage, and vigour, wherewith he shall endue her, and make her terrible to all her opposers.
12. She is compared to a fjlock of sheep or goats r. How great the usefulness, purity, fruitfulness, unity, and affection of her true members! Of their selves, how weak to oppose ! How imwatchfu! against their spiritual enemies ! How tenderly loved, cared for, protected, healed, led, and nourished by Jes-ts ! Ah ! how often infection spreads among them ! most being readier to follow example than precept. How ben- eficial are good patterns ! and how hurtful are bad ! her ewes with young are persons distressed in mind-,are ministers travailing in birth, till Christ be formed in mens' hearts. Her lambs and kids, are young converts, or nrofessors who are to be fed beside the shepherd's tents of ordinances. She is Christ' s flock ; all her true members he chose, purchased, gathers, conquers, ecus, protects, and cares for: and how many rich
a Song1 I 15. kHiit. ir. 13. c Ezek. xxxiy. xxxvi. xxxvii Sopg 1. 7- 8.
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I ours do even he:' nominal professors receive fivmi his hand ! She is one jlork, wholly nulled i\\ her one bead, Christ ; a beautiful flock, adorned with bis word, bis ordinances, righteousness and gra'e ; a little flock, small in comparison of the rest of the world ; n flock of slaughter, exposed to fearful persecution and troub- le. Her vcatcring troughs, high mountains, to feed on, &nd green pastures, are the lofty, the ever refreshing, fcnd delightful word and ordinances of Christ. Her
U waters, are the deeps of his everlasting love, mer- itorious blood, and divine influences, which run in thq channels, and among the hills of divine ordinances. Her fold, is church-fellow ship, divine ordinances ; and gracious communion with himself. The footsteps of the flock } are the pattern of former saints ; or the ordi- nances in which they walk.
J 3. She is compared to an olive tree a. Ho\r perpetual her verdure and sap ! How good and abun- dant her fruit ! How delightful her spiritual comeli- ness, grace and light ; and the peace, with God, with conscience, with creatures, which is exhibited and en- joyed in her !
14. She is compared to a vine b. Being planted, primed, watered, and preserved by Jesus' power, she, in herself contemptible, weak, and useless, in him t- bounds with spiritual sap of divine truths and imiiicn- ces, spreads in the world, and brings forth the -well- joined, the useful, and refreshing fruits of holy men, of spiritual graces and good works, to the praise and glory of God ! And, alas ! how these particular assem- blies and members which remain unfruitful, dishonour God, provoke his wrath, and hasten their own disgrace and ruin!
15. She resembles a eush buknixg, and not m med c. To earna! men, she appears insignificant ^ind contemptible : in this world, she is ordinarily low and
* Flo* xiv. 7\ Horn, xi; if\ k itos. xvr. 7 c Ex^tL ni. 1—5.
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axpe?ed tofffiictfoi s: to sueh birds of mankind, as flee to the Lord Jesus, &r:d sing to his praise, she is the ccii,a:on receptacle : rotwithstardirg of, nay, often a- midst the Ereiest trials and persecutors, she flciirisL- cih with heiy fervors, graces, and exercises ; painful- ly, tjioifgft innocently ,die pricks and plagues those who injure her.
16. She is compared to a um* d. Hew comely and useful in her author, her law?, ordirarces, and real n: embers ? Though weak in herself, hew rooted ir Christ ! How glorious ard great in him, as her head ? How fruitful in the production of saints! How high ard heaver ly her ratine and terdercy ! to what heights of perfection shall she attain ! Hlw delightful and diiTuFive her favour, \^hen ihefuhwss of the Gei> tiles shall come in, ard the titbit e< rih be filled with the knculcdgc of the Lord ! And the ugh new she he ti^ong thorns, e;q ored to troubles ard evil men ; yet how quickly sh&Il the be transplanted to the celestial paradise of God !
17. She is called the FiL^r^s of Christ b. Her true members are hi? mysthai body, through which he be- c o.r.:&s a complete mediatorial head and husband, arc' in whom he fully lraiiiiest? his mercy, kirdress, ard iove. — Surprising! anllfor ever to lave Jesus for mj: fqhiose ! -ard to be the fulness of him, who flic th aV in all I
IS. bhe is exiled heaven r. She is the gate of en- trance to beay.cn. In terj Gccf, aid liis holy people reside : and the latter a? e fitted for the paradise above. Her lav. s, Qidi%anfCF, arc! privileges, are of a heavenly origin, nature, ard terdercy. Christ ard his oracles are her sin ; Lis instil uted ordinances her mobri J im, her morning- star ; ministers ard saints^ her connect- ed constellations,
a Sor.g* i:, 2. b Eph. i. 23. c lev. viii. 1. ard xi. 12. 14 and x'k\. 6.
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19. She is compared to the sctn a. How constant and abiding / the gates of hell cannot prevail against her. How delightfully the wonders and mysteries of God are displayed in her ! How glorious her spiritual appearance ! Nor is any saving light communicated to the world, but by her means ! Her complex frame is clothed with the laws and ordinances of Jesus, the sun of righteousness ; and her true members with his righteousness and grace.
20, She is compared t:> the mjoqs b. From Jesus Christ she receiveth all her light of inspiration, ordi- nances, and grace. Amidst various changes of out- ward circumstances, amidst unnumbered spots and imperfection?, she, during the night of time, com- municates the light of life to our darkened earth — How marvellous her influence upon the rise and fall of nations, in the sea. of this world! As Jesvu' fv?e shines upon her, so is the measure of her light : but when carnal schemes and politics interpose between her and him ; how is her glory eclipsed ! how many witness her shame !
5^1. She resembleth the morxinc c. How pleasant and refreshful, though imperfect, her light ! How gradually from the beginning to the end of time, shall it increase.^ till it issue in the noon- tide blaze of ever- lasting brightness ! But, my soul, did not the church look forth as the morning, in the patriarchal age ? Did she not appear fair as the moon, when clothed with the numerous, moon ruled, and fading ceremonies ci the Jewish dispensation ; Did she not in the apostolic, and shall she not in the millennial, and the eternal period, appear clear as the sun ?
22. She resembles a ship d. How curiously bsnlt and furnished by Christ, for conveying Ills people thro' the sea of this world, and of manifold trouble, t,o
a b Song vi. TO. c Song *i. 13. d 1?„ llv. 11.
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the 1 • a ven of glory ! Hew skilfully ought she to 1> directed and managed, according to the compass of in* epilation ! How necessarily influenced, by the gale s of divine influence !" Alas ! how often bewildered with the mists of delusion ; ard tossed by waves and storms of persecution, division, temptation, and trouble ? What numbers who once entered by a formal pro- fession, are shaken cut of her, by storms and death 5" Nor do any, but God's chosen and sanctified ones, by her means, arrive safe at the heavenly harbour*
23. She is compared to a net #. How mean her materials ! but how curiously connected her mem- bers, ordinances, and forms ! With what labour and skilj, Jesus and his agents cast her into the sea of this world, to catch and draw men to himself ! And how oiten they remove her from one place to another ! what multitudes are sometimes, by his direction, therein apprehended ; seme of whom are real saints^ good fishes ; others hypocritical and bad : Quickly^ in the last judgment, shall she be drawn to the' shore of the eternal state ; where theg -ood shall be gathered to Jesus' mansions ; and the had thrown away into the furnance of his wrath.
^ 24 She resembles Solomon's chariot of the wood of .Lebanon b. Of men, rendered, precious, fragrant strong, comely, and durable, by his grace, halh our glorious King Jesu:-. our prince of peace, formed her. Ministers, shining in useful gifts and grace, are her diver pillars. The excellent, gforious^ and everlast- ing person of Christ, is her bottom of gold. Her cov- ering of purple, implies her being washed in his bloodscJothed with his righteousness, royally dignified by his kindness, and ©xposedto bloody suffering for his sake. Her being paved with love, implies, that his Jove is exhibited and applied in her ; and that his peo- ple walk in love towards him, and towards one another.
a Matth. £iu. 47.— 50. b Song* ill. 9,10,
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. 2o. She resembles the wheels in EzckieVs vision h. How great her excellency and usefulness ! How note her. moveableness from place to place ! Through niei opposition, what a noise do her motions make in the world ! May not their roundness import her perfection in her kind ; their four faces imply knowledge, heav- enliness, courage, and patience in labour ; the dreadful height of their rings denote majesty, extent, and awfulness^to opposers ? May not their colour ofthr seah or beryl, mark out her fluctuating condition upon earth ; and the excellency and beauty of her true members ; their not turning as they went, represent her progress towards perfection, and the gracious per- severance and growth of her saints ? May not their appearance as a wheel within a wheel, imply her cu- rious structure, with respect to the particular worship-, ping assemblies, comprehended in her ? May not the crying to the wheels import the necessary awakening and exciting of the church, by the word and Spirit of God ? and the moving of the wheel by the Spirit of the living creatures, imply, that the churches must be an- imated to their progressive work, by the zealous dili- gence of ministers, and the influences of the divine Spirit, who is in them ?
25. She is called a spring shut up ; a fountain sealed b. How remarkable is she often protected, byCrod! AH her true members are graciously sep- arated and preserved for him, as his hidden ones% and peculiar property ! AH her inspired oracles, divine ordinances and valuable blessings, are safely reported and secured in her.. Nor are they bestowed on, or made known to the rest of the world.
25". She is compared to a mou^taih or hill c
How immovably rooted in Christ ! Hoy/ impossible to destroy her ! How distinguished her excellency ! Kow etmaziug her height, and extensive her prospect, ii
a Ezek. i. b Song ir. 12. c Isa. xxv. G. Song iv. 6.and viii. 14*
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divine, deep, and distant things !r with what coa- tempt do her saints overlook every thing without her* as low and trifling ! in her sprir4g the instituted wells of salvation, and runs the river of life. In her, grow God's chosen plants, trees of righteousness and life, and fruitful vines. In her he i# worshipped h\ spirit and in truth. In her, his ransomed flocks richly feed, on the pastures of gospel-ordinances ! How safely pre- served and sheltered by the Rock of ages ! She is a mountain of myrrh, and hill of frankincense : mountains of spices. How fragrant, precious, purifying, and per- fuming the virtue oflier ordinances, blessings, graces, and good works ! How Jesus delights in her ! and bestows on her true members sweet communion with himself.
28, She is compared to Cartel ; Lebanon; and Sharon a. Jesus, the tree of life ; and his spirit, the water of life ; are in her : the Rock of salvation, the Rose of Sharon, and Lily of the valley, are enjoy- ed in her ! what fragrant and lasting verdure ; what pleasant pasture, amiable prospect, and delightful rest, he, in her, creates for the souls of men I — In her, what plants of God ; what flowers of grace, smell sweetly, blossom, and bring forth fruit !
29. She is a little stone cut cut of the mountain without hands, which breaks to pieces the kingdoms of the world, and becomes a great mountain, filling the whole earth b. Christ her Head, in his manhood, was formed by the transcendant power of the Holy Ghost. Wonderfully, not by human force, is she raised up in the world. By the sovereign power, and free grace of God, are her true members digged from their natural state, and brought from among the residue of man- kind. Implored by her fervent prayers, shall the righteous Lord bring terrible destruction upon her opposers. When wealthiest empires are overturned,
«Is. xxxv. % s^ikJIxv. 10. b Dan. ii. 34. 36.
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-ne, howerer small and despised, shall continue, and gain ground by their ruin. In the last day,-, when the Chaldean, Persian, Grecian, Roman, and Tartarian empire?, are no more ; she shall extend to all the kingdoms of the earth ; and in her lofty ordinances shall all flesh see the salvation of God.
30. She is compared to a garden ; orchard ; vise- yard ss, At infinite expense of love, of power, arid blood, Jesus purchased her from the justice of God. The heart of her chosen members he ploughs up ; re- moves their stony hardness ; and every other bar in his way. Regularly he plants her with his saints, his ordinances and grare. By the kedga of government and discipline, he defends and separates her from the rest of the world. By the shining of his countenance, and the application of his love, he warms and nourish- es her. With the river, the rain, the dew of his word anA Spirit, he waters her every moment.-?? With, his truths e>nd blessings, he fattens her. By lis angels, his ministers, his providence, he watcheth over, and keeps her night and day, lest any hurt her. How dear is she to him ! ar,d how he delights to walk in her ! What officers and members he hires to labour in her ! No seed, but that of his word, he allows to be Gast into her. To none, but the choice seed of his saints, he allows access to her sealing ordinances. By a faithful administration of his institutions, and by manifold percecutiO;;S av:cl afflictions, he weeds and prunes oft* her Corruption?, Every plant, or member h required to bring forth much fruit. And to what distress, spiritual drought, and everlasting danger, doth their want of it expose them ! How often, for cumbering his grour d, for living unprofitahly and vvi kedly in his church, doth he cut down profesForr, and cast them into endless fire ! Plow often, for their
a Isa. v. 1.— 5. Song iv\ 13. 14 and via 11, 13. Isa. xx.h 2 3. Matth, sx I.— 16. and xxi. 33—44.
* i
spiritual barrenness, and noxious corruptions, he ml- hingeth particular churches ! takes away their hedgg of protection and government ! gives them up to Hea- thenish, and other abominations ! and suifer the wild beasts of wicked men to waste and deform them at pleasure ! Nowhere are such noxious weeds, such cor- ruptions produced, as in an uncultivated church, How quickly the nettles and briers of heresies, hate- ful practices, and wicked men cover her face, and ren- der her a lodging of Satan, and his serpentine seed ! The church is indeed smaller, but more useful than all the rest of the world. For, like a vineyard of red nine, Smidst bloody persecutions, she produceth persons and works, which cheer the heart of God and man : Like e*n orchard of pomegranates, spikenard, and nil the chief spices, she produceth saints unnumbered, pre- cious, savoury, and useful, and in attainments and con- ditions, very diversified. These bring forth the rich, fragrant, and medicinal spices, and fruits of holy gra- ces and good works. The keepers and husbandmen, to whom Christ lets out his vineyard, are her officers, who are to cultivate her, and return him proper reve- nues of honour for the talents, opportunities, and charge assigned them. How miserably did God destroy the Jewish keepers, who abured his prophets and servants, and murdered his Sont and gave the vineyard to the Gentiles ! Christ's having her at Ball-Ramon, imports, that now the access to her is large ; and multitudes enter. His having a thousand, and the keepers two hun- dred, implies that he is to have the chief fcgiory, and his ministers their respective subsistence and honor. His hiring labourers to work in her at the third, the sixth, the ninth, and eleventh hcvr} implies, that in dif- ferent ages of the world, as the patriarchal, ceremoni- al, apostolical, and millenial ; and in very different sea- sons of life, his chosen are converted, and made to la- bour in his work ; and at the end* al! of them shqU re
280
eeive the penny, the enriching, the gracious, reward of eternal life. From her various worshipping asem- blies, she is sometimes represented as gardens, or vine- yards.
31. She is compared to a sowx field a. Jesus, her proprietor, sows her with the good seed of his word. Some of it falls on hearers, stupid, careless, and exposing themselves to every temptation, as a way side ; and by Satan and his agents, is quickly de- voured, and snatched from their memory and affec- tion. Some of it falls upon hearers hard in heart as stony ground : who, though at first they receive it with joy and affection, and seem to commence a flour- ishing profession and practice, yet being scorched by persecution or trouble, they quickly wither. Some of it falls upon carnal worldlings, whose thorns, whose earthly cares and lusts, choke and render it un- fruitful. Some of it falls upon renewed hearts, who, in very different degrees, bring forth fruit unto God. In her grows up the good wheat, the saints sown by Jesus Christ ; and the tares, hypocrites, and seducers, sown by Satan in the night of ignorance, indifference, trouble, or time. Nor men, nor angels, can, or are now divinely warranted, fully to separate the tares from the wheat. But, at the last judgment, a full, a firiai separation shall he-effected ; the saints being gath- ered into God's heavenly storehouse, and the wicked cast into unquenchable fire-
32. She is compared to a threshing flooe. b. — Here the corn of precious saints, and the chaff of hy- pocritical dissemblers are mingled together in her ; nay, the corn of grace and chaff of corruption cleave close to one another ; and by threshing influences, troubles, and persecutions her ordinary attendants, must the chaff be gradually separated from the wheat. In her, how quickly one generation passeth.
a Matth. xHi. 1,-5. 24—30. b Mjtfth, \a. 12.
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away, and another comethin their stead ! Blessed Bo- -az, it is thine to lodge on this thy floor, which thou Jiast chosen, purchased, and prepared. It is thine to purge it with the fan of thy word, of thine influences, and of stormy providences. What chaify multitudes of rebellious Jews, and apostate Christians, have thy fanning; judgments hurried into fearful destruction ! What Millions shall thy trying procedure at the last day blow into endless ruin !~Be thou, my soul, solid grain, that no trouble, nor death, nor the eternal judg- ment, may blow me away from Christ and his saints. 33. The gospel church resembles the inheritance of israel, in Ezekiel's vision a. All ber borders are exacts circumscribed in the purpose, the covenanting word of God. la her the true Israelites, his chosen people, reside. How noted the regularity a..tf har- mony of their respective stations and conditions, how often do Danites, distinguished and eany , smnei s become the first, and the most highly priyiiegea saints; What equal access for Jews and Genales to her fellowship ! What shares of -common guts ana gra~e, sojourning hypocrites often obtain ! How rezuiariy is their proper work, provision, and honom as^nedto her officers, her priests, ai*i Levitss. S whit emnty do, or shall those rulers execute her ^rnmentqand laws ! How active and successfu shall they be, as fibers of men m the dead sea gt -SSSl Aov'gloaous are her watering and K£ tUSme trn' aitioni, and mfiueaces, ^hich, i^u
££ f£n the "temple, and through the death o^ ^L^do.Iind^e, f :J:±^ ,^01
turn ! i
\ K«k. Ufa kn**«i.***i** anl «!«•
^52
re portion of her prince and 3Ir:Iiifor ; at avTiose ?e, her feasts, her brdu -wc-}}
. midst of |ier dwells Jjsqevviirj aihl shades iiife cen- trical p ->rtlo i, the supreme h 'r'ory of all.
3 A. She, e:pe~ially in the latter (\&f% resembles the new Jerusalem in John and E —
Her itecendingfrovi God out of heaven', iiiarfo her heav- enly, her divine erection, nature, and tendency. — Her situation on the south side of an hill, may denote her freedom from the chilling blasts of persecution a-vi trouble; and her eilllnent e ljoyment of the influ- ences of her all-warming Sa.i of righteousness. Her appearance as & jasper-stone imports her purity and ^comeliness. Her high tvdll round about, is her divinely- prescribed laws and government ; and her divinely- bestowed salvation and protection from wo. Her twelve gates of pearl, three 'towards each airth, m&rk out Jesus as equally accessible to sinners from every end of the earth. Her twelve foundations of different precious stones, represent him, and his glorious truths, declared by his apostles, as suited to support sinner? in every case. Her four square form, signifies her stability, comeliness, and order. Her being eighteen thousand measures round about, and having twelve thousand furlongs on every side, import her numerous members, and vast extent. Her having no temple in her, denotes the abolishment of the Jewish ceremonies. Her having no need of the sun, the moon, or the light of a candle, signifies her having no need of temporal pow- der, worldly pomp, and dim ceremonies. Her river of life in the midst, is the gospel and Spirit of Christ. — Her tree of life is Christ himself. Her streets and 4>road ways are his ordinances. Her light is the Lord God and the Lamb. Into her shall multitudes come, ^tnd obtain divine light, knowledge, joy, and happi- ness ; and from her special fellowship, shall wicked &nd scandalous persons be carefully se luled : and llui
El)
283
shall be her name, her renown, the lord is there ; there divine persons delightfully reside ; there divine perfections are signally displayed, and divine gifts and graces bountifully conferred.
35. She, especially in the latter days, corres- ponds with the temple in Ezeldel's vision a. How surrounded with the strong wall of divine per- fections, of love, and power ! of salvation and govern- ment ! How exactly every thing in her is measured according to the line and reed of God's purpose and word! Its stairs of ascent at the threshold, signify our gradual increase in gifts and graces ; and our grad- ual entrance into the visible and invisible church, and to fellowship with God ; and the various means of ob- taining it. The courts may represent the church as visible ; the sanctuary, in her invisible state, or the out- ward court, may signify her visible, and the timer court her invisible state. The sanctuary her eminent fellow- ship with God in Christ. And the separate building at the west end, the eternal state of glory, which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard ; nor hath it entered in- to the heart of men to conceive of. The side-chambers of the temple and court, may signify particular church- es, worshipping assemblies, and instituted ordinances, where Jesus resides, and reveals his mysteries ; pro- tects and allows intimate fellowship to his people. The enlarging of the upper stories of some of these chambers, by their jutting into the principal \w all, im- plies, that the more holy, heavenly, and dependent upon God, churches and persons are, in attending ordi- nances, the more extensive is their gospel-liberty. — The priests9 chambers in the outward court towards the north, may mark their distinct functions in the church ; or the Protestant churches in Europe and North America. Their narroning as they ascended., implies their being the more exposed to persecution,
a F,zek. xl. to xliv.
23i
according Vj their eminency ; or that, in the Protest- ant churches, there shall be great decays, as to num- ber antl quality ; and that in the secp^cf, and especial- ly the third age after the Reformation, few; eminent ?rs or ministers shall be therein fotuid. The
d places between and before the chambers^ may repre- sent the abundant access there is to Christian churches and ordinances ; the light, liberty, and w holesome air of influence there en joined ; and that our whole life is to be an improving of ordinances past, and a pre- paration for these in view. The equal size of the cham- bers, exhibits the equal privilegesr power, and author- ity of churches and ministers ;- and the substantial iden- tity of ordinance-. The post's and pillars in this tem-
\ may represent fundamental truths, evangelical promises, faithful ministers,, and zealous saints ; which tablish and strengthen the church. Cherubims and palm trees alternately mixed, may represent niiuistQrs and saints attended by angels j and all prying* into the mysteries of redemption, flying in the a/Live service of God, or patiently bearing loads of labour and troub- le, and obtaining victory over spiritual enemies. The foundations and pavement may represent Christ,, and his inspired Grades* as the ioundation of the church, and of every true member, grace, and good work, therein. The large gates, d.oors, <v\\& porches, signify Christ as the means of our abundant access to God. But the porch of the sanctuary may exhibit him as a supporter, lading- place, and house of prayer, for his people : and the appropriation oithe east gate to the prince alone, may signify, that he alone approacheth straight for- ward to God, by his own merit ; and is the Head of the , who may go in and out from his people
rices as he pleaseth. The windows may rep- ijy's'e s aid orclinences, by means of which Fight and air of life. The identity of tilings, and measures on various sides? exhibit the
identity of Christ, and his word, and ordinances ; and the similarity of his people in every part of the world;. The altar of burnt-offerings represents- Jesus in his all - ptirchasihg hlcod and righteousness. 'That of incciisc represents him in his all procuring intercession. The chamber for nashhig, the sacrifices, may derote the or- dinance cf baptism in which the saints, these spiritu- al oblation?, are washed by the blood and Spirit of the Lamb. The eight tables of hewn stone, with the knivc.r &n them, may signify the divinely appointed, the stand- ing, and Given-dispensed sacrament of the Lord's sup- per, in which Christ crucified, .and our sins, the cause of his death, are aifectingly presented to our spiritu- al view. And may not iheflesh-hocks denote the prom- ises and ordinances of the gospel, as exhibiting and bringing near to u?, our crucified Redeemer ? May rot the singers and Levites signify true Christians, Avho rejoice in, bless the Lord, and labour in his service ? May not the priests signify ministers, who present Chrht to us ; and saints, who by faith present him to God, and surrender themselves to his service ? May not Uiefve hundred reeds of. measure on ever?/ side of the court, signify the extent of the church in the lat- ter days ; and the considerable distinction to be kept tip-between her arc! the world ? Doth not the whole limit thereof sound ahovt, beir,g most holy, import, that ail her ordinances are holy and spiritual, not ceremoni- al avid carnal ; and that holiness ought to be the shi- ning quality of every member in her ?
86. 81$ is compared to an house or palace a. Cu- riously Jesus contrived her whole form. Upon his own person, word, and righteousness, he lays her foun- dation. With his chosen, his lively, and precious stones, hewn out of the dark quarry of nature, by his Spirit ; quickened, formed, and polished by his grace ; and, cemented together by himself, his love, his bleed*
a Frov. ix. 1,-5. Is. liv. 11. 12. Kcv. iv, §. sndxv. 2.
2S6
J ordinance?, he rears her up. With fafcfe'd stat- ute-, with provision cf gospel-truth, with ur searchable blessing?, lie richly furnisheth her. What a place is she cf secrecy, safety, rest, devotion, and spiritual fca?tl:vr ! To prevent her decay and mir, how fre- quently is she repaired with new generations of saints, a id supplies of grace! Her b zing founded on the tops of the mountains, and exalted above the hills, implies, thit, remaining ibr ever founded on Jesus Christ, the
>ck of salvation, she shall he most firmly and con- spicuously settled in the world, that multitudes may flow unto her. Her foundation of sapphires, is Christ, infinitely pure, preeiou*, glorious, and durable ; a.nd his truths. Her pavement of fair coloured stones, is he as the all-glorious foundation of our holy walk ; — or, it is saints of the lowest order beautified in him. Her windows of agates may signify painful and suc- cessful minister, who convey light and knowledge to her, from her glorious Sun of righteousness, and her oracles of inspiration. Her doors and gates of carbun- cles, are Jesus in his awful authority, fiery sufferings, and glorious exaltation, as the means of our access to God ; or they are a love- working and zeal-inflaming faith, by which we join ourselves to him and his church: and may they not also represent the zealous endeavours of ministers to try persons, and admit to s'ealing ordinances only hicti as are visibly saints, and faithful ? Her borders of pleasant stones,, are her pre- cious, her comely, well fixed, and durable saints , or- dinances, discipline, and government. Her cedar beams and pillarsrdtxe the fragrant, firm, and lasting ministers, saints, promises, and ordinances, by which she is adorned and supported. Her rafters and galle- ries of fir y are her shadawy, refreshful, and comely or- dinances of divine grace, in which we apprehend, re- tain, and' walk with Christ. Her chambers represent h§r ordinances as the means of secret, sweet, and sat-
Bb2
communion with Chri.il ; and of his blessing ii'] *?fth his peculiar protection and presence. Her ninc-ccUcr, wnqi&ting- house, and bed. Tire the scrip- ture^ the covenant of grace* and especial fellowship with Christ ; by which we are sweetly refreshed, st^fcg$fte^e$> satisfied, delighted, instructed, and ren- dered fruitful in gocd*worfa. Her table is the ordi- nances of Gcd, on which his fulness is exhibited to us. Her throne oj grace, is Jesus, as the fulnlier of all righteousness, iu whom God is for ever well pleased andrest;?. The sea of glass before the throne, mingled ?i!thjtre,<m which the saints for ever star;d, and are bolvl before God, is Jesus5 all cleansing, all- supporting blood, as (Sowing frofcS his flaming Iover. and applied by his Spirit of burning ; or it is the gospel applied by the Spirit to our conscience, for encouraging us to- bold appearance, and fervent supplications before God,
3T. She is compared to an inn a. For accomoda- ting and refreshing the people of God in thei* heaven- ly joiirney, she is erected. In her, ministers are ap- pointed to wait on the travelling saints, and afford fheru medicine, mi!k, or strong meat, as their case re- quires. Are not the two inspired; Testaments ; are not ministerial gifts ami graces, the irjo pence bestowed cur kind Samaritan upon these hosts oa earth, for the assistance of his- people? And is not everlasting glory their additional reward ? Beware, my soul, of resting in ordinances or attainments ; but hasten for- ward to thy long home, the better country above,
38! She resembles a chamber and eanquetixg- house b. Hew richly furnished with every thing comely and useful ! with all the nourishing fulness of Gcd ! In her, how sweetly Jesus manifests himself to hispe p!e ! feasts them with his goodness ! allows them his intimale fellowship ! reveals. to them his ss- crets ! and protects them from their enemies !.
m fccke ji£4. k Song i. 4. and li. 4.
^83
30. She resembles a CREESund w^ll-go arde:> bed a. What sweet communion have the saints Ik with Christ, and with one another ! How ^weetiy here he dwells, and rests in his love ! With what amazing pleasure he here declareth it to us, ana rnaketh as to enjoy its endearing fruits! Is it not here, that saints and graces are begotten ; are born ; are nourished ; ai-d appear with constant verdure, glory, arid freshr-e- What armed guard of infinite perfections, of holy ■•.:> gels, and faithful ministers, suitou; d her on every side ; all determined, during her night of trouble and tin i in safety, and to cjiecaie vengeance
on her enemies,
40.: She is compared to a wall b. Being estab- lished, in the faith of his word, cemented by his per- son and blood, and by their mutual love and spiritual fellowship, her true members are bulk on Christ the foundation. In them, and in her whole form, she is erected straight heavemvard. How strong in him ! and what an useful means of protecting men from the storms of temptation and wrath ! What a separator between professed saints and profane sinners ! Her towers are the oracles, ordinances, and ministers of God ! by which, she opposeth her spiritual enemies, when they come in like a flood. The silver-palace built upon her, implies her being the honoured habit- ation of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; and that, by her jneans, we ascend to the celestial state.
41. She is compared to a. door c. In her, Jesus the door, the way, the truth, and the life, is exhibit- ed ; and the door of faith, the door of gospel -offers, and of men's hearts, is opened* She is. the door of passage to the inner-chambers of endless felicity. Nor ought any, but visible saints, to be admitted into the chambers, of her sealing institutions. And is she not
a Song i, 16. apd iii. 7. & £ Song viii 9. 10, c Song viik 9.
239
divinely inclosed with the cedar -boards of or din an; es, providences, and graces !
42. She is compared to a golj>e^ candlestick a. How great her beauty and valiie ! From Chrtet the iight of life her gifts and graces are lighted ; and by her doctrine, discipline, and holy conversation, she communicateth the light of instruction to otheps. — Her situation in the world is often varied : and in the morning of endiess glory, her present form shall be laid aside. Rer oil is the gospel and grace of God. The pipes of conveyance, are faithful ministrations of truth. The " two olive-trees, that empty the oil out of themselves," may signify ministers, who communi- cate gospel-truth to others ; or Christ's natures and ofliccs, by which the Holy Ghost is communicated to men.
43. The church is like unto a fiee b. In her dwells the Spirit of judgment and burning. In her, the word of God is like unto fire, inflaming and melt- ing the hearts of men. In her, what multitudes are refined from their dros.-y corruptions-.! How terrible ami destructive is she to her enemies !
CHAPTER XII.
Metaphors respecting AntichHst, and other false ehurckes.
1. CORRUPT churches are called flocks of Christ^, companions c. In mighty numbers they are gather- ed, nourished, directed, and governed by his opposers and the doctrines, and laws to which they attend, and their customs and conduct are the reverse of those that are appointed by him.
aBcv.i.20. $Oba*Ll& cSongi. f.
2^0
2. They are called ^ynagaguks of Satan a* In them he dwells ; and by tliem he is worshipped. In them his doctrines are believed ; his laws observed ; and his ordinances attended ; and his followers assem- ble for fellowship in error, delusion and wicked prac- tices.
3. They resemble luxe- warm water, and a cake not turned b. Pretending some regard to divine truths and ordinances, but wanting the love of them, they mix idolatry, and other corruptions, with some remains of God's true worship ; tiiey fear him, and serve their own gods ; and so render themselves a- bominableto him and his people ; and are in the ut- most hazard of being spewed out of his mouth, into ev- erlasting ruin.
Why they are compared to old men with grey hairs without knowing it ; and to roaring lions ; rapacious birds ; corrupt carcases; barren vineyards; ande;?2p- ty vines. See in Jews, ehap. xiii. $ 2. No. 1.
4}. The Anti diristian state, or Papacy, is called a man of sis c. How wonderfully is it connected in its parts ! How marvellously all cf them sympathize. with, and support one another! What pretence it makes to reason, and to the advantage of mankind ! — - The Pope, who, oTerseeth, directs, and governs, is the head ; his submissive and wickedly active clergy are the hands, and their common subjects the feet. And how monstrously sinful and wicked is the whole syst- em of his dcctrine>, Ipavs, w orshh;, miracles, offices, of- ficers, and courses !
5. Antichrist is called Uie cov o? perdition a. — By the destructive vengSas e f God on iren, for not receiving his truth lv. the love of it, Mas the rise there- of permitted. The Pope, and his thorough pared a- gents, go about seeking whom they may devour.—
pRev. ii.,9. {? Her. i;i 15. 15. lies, vii:. S. c- %.T?hMa*M. Z* d\ TheWu.3; 2 Tim. '\l\— 7,
281
Their doctrine, their laws, and example, effectually tend to the everlasting ruin of multitudes. Their be- loved, their habitual labor, is to destroy the souls and bodies of men. The period of their power is a peril- ous time ; for they have consciences seired as with a hot iron, ignorant and stupified ; they speak lies in hypocrisy; promote doctrines of devils,, forbidding to marry, and to enjoy meats which God hath prepared for me ; they are lovers of themselves, covetous proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unho- ly, without natural aileetion, truce- breakers, false ac- cusers, incontinent,- intemperate, fierce, heady, high- minded, despkers and haters of those that are good.
6. Antichrist is compared to a whore a. With what amazing craft, fiithines?, and flattery do the Pope and his factors, seduce multitudes into error, idolatry^ will worship, and other parts of spiritual whoredom with them ! For this end, how they deck up their offices and cause, with the most plausible -preteiv ces to piety and reason ! How they delude men with the most engaging outwardappearancesofcarnalpomp and splendor ! Under pretence of chastity, how they decry marriage, and yet wallow in all manner of uncleanriess ! The scarlet-colored beast, with seven heads and ten horns, upon which she r.idetb, is the blasphemous and bloody empire of E.ome, which had seven different forms of government; and is now divided into ten principal sovereignties, over which lha Pope did, or doth exer- cise his power. The many ivxttcrs on which she sittethy are the noisy mtiltilftcte! of people, subject to her au- thority. Her pvrple end scarlet i lathing, marks cut the purple livery of her cardinals ; her amazing pride ; her high pr< to more than royal sovereignty ;
and her bloody persecution of the saints. The gold-
allev. xvil. See Morning Exercises ; and discourses
Han Diving dWihm Popery ;CAi.vr;is Mixoii. Bell's 8ti
ard of the Spirit ; iuvl*k\y Qrmele* of Christy and AfatmH&i&us &f Pt*
JFFfy~-yJfotichriQtT
292
en cup, fall offdthiness in her hand, is the unhallowed means which she taketh to ensnare and defile the souls of men. Her name on her forehead, Mystery, Baby- lon the great, the mother of harlots, and abominations of the earth, imports her high pretences to lying won- ders, and her astonishing impudence in the filthiest crimes. Her being drunk with the blood of saints, im- plies her cruel and bloody persecution of them, her delighting to murder and massacre them. The burn- ing of her flesh with fire by the ten kings once subject to her, implies their angry, utter, and fearful destruc- tion of the Papal constitution, power and revenue, in the time appointed by God.
7. Antichrist is cabled Sodom a. What pride, ful- ness of bread, and abundance of idleness, are with her numerous devotees ! What shocking bestiality, Sod- omy, fornication, adultery, and every other fleshly and mental impurity, prevail in Popish countries J — Do not you, Antichristian clergy, for a pitiful price, allow men to practise the vilest abominations ? What numbers of licensed stews are at Rome ? Are you not 'lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God ? How soften you creep into men's houses, to defile their spouses and daughters with your whoredom and error ! Past feeling, how you abandon yourselves to all un- -cleanness, to work it with greediness ! And shall not you, and your followers, like Sodom, be set up as mon- uments of wrath, suffering the vengeance of eternal
fire ?
8. Antichrist is called Egypt b. How terrible is the Popish oppression of, and murdering the saints ! How fearful their destruction of the souls of men! How shocking and cruel, the slavery of their subjects ! How absurd their superstition ! How base their idola- try in worshipping waxen wafers, images of across, re- lics of dead men, pretended or real, old rags, or chips oi wood, &q* I
a. Rev. xi 8. b Iter, xi. S.
293
9. Antichrist is called Babylon the great «.— ~ How astonishing and wide-spread the Popish power and dominion ! How did their agents captivate a id enslave the nations and people erf God ! What magic idolatry, superstition, persecution, and murder, abound among them ! And shall not this state and system be overthrown by the speeial providence of God ! And Rome, its principal seat, be reduced to a lasting ruin ! The tenth part of this city ruined by an earthquake, is a part of the Romish state, perhaps Italy, overturned by the fearful judgments of God.
10. Antichrist is compared to a beast b. What stupidity, absurdity, and ignorance, prevail in his doctrines, laws, and members! Its rising out of the sea, imports his obtaining of power amidst times of trouble, confusion, perplexity ; and over multitudes of unsettled subjects of the Roman empire. Its seven heads, signify seven forms of government used at Rome, and issuing and concentering in the Papacy. — Its ten horns, are the ten kingdoms subject to Popery. Names of blasphemy in the forehead, imply open revil- ing of God and his truths ; and of Christ, and his of- fice and work. Its feet of a bear, imply excessive cruelty ; firm retention of votaries ; and outrageous murder of men, in their soul, body, and name. Its ap- pearance of a leopard, imports craft, cruelty, and be- ing spotted with abominations unnumbered. Its mouth of a lion, imports the roaring forth of frightful threatenings ; and the powerful exercise of devouring influence. The healing of one of its wounded heads, implies the restoration of power to the city of Rome in the person of the Pope, after the Heruli and others extirpated the imperial ; or the restoring to him the power which he lost at the Protestant reformation. — This first beast represents Antichrist in his civil influ- ence. His rising from the earth inform of another
a Rey. xvii. 5. h Iter. xiii.
2S*
asl, may denote the rise of hits po^er e2cl6|iasiie^ from obscurity, by carnal means, and to promote earth- ly and carnal ends. Its being like a lamb, imports his ' pretence to imioceney, purity, and usefulness ; and Ills usurpation of Christ's of&ce as a surety and Priest. Its two horns, denote his connected civil and ecclesias- tic power and authority ; or Ms power of order and doctrine, binding and loosing in the church. Its speak- ing like a dragon, imports his terrible curse?, censures, excommunications, and interdicts against his opposers. His causing men to make and worship an image of the first beast, may signify his obliging them to reverence the poor shadow of authority restored to Rome by«the Popish clergy. His mark in me?iys hands, implies their swearing to, or practising his abominations. His mark on their foreheads, implies their bold and daring profession of his errors, idolatry, and superstition. — Six hundred three-seore and six, the number of his name, marks out the Latin church, whose Latin sendee wat ^appointed in A. D. 666. The letters of this number from Lateinos and Romiith, that is Latin and Rom- ish. The apparently regular construction of this num- ber, may denote the seeming regularity of the Anti- christian system of doctrines, offices, officers. Or (twenty-five) the square root of this number, may point out the articles of the Popish creed, and their multitude of other matters regulated by twenty-five.
11. The AntichrisUan state is represented as a hab- itation of DEVILS, A CAGE OT EVERY UNCLEAN BIRD €t.
In her Satan and his angels reign. Her principal members are a kind of devils incarnate. Her whole system is constituted of implean doctrines, worship, of- fices, officers, customs. Shall it not at length appear so io men ? Shall not Rome, the revered seat of her dig- nity, -become an unsightly desolation ?
13. The Antichristian state is represented as a
a Rev. xviii. 2.
Cc
293
visible would a. Her earth may signify her funda- mental articles of the pope's supremacy,inlallibility,&r. Her sea, the honour and gain made by that religion. ev rivers and fountains, her learned men, and their writings in her defence. Her sun, the civil authority that animates and supports her. The seat of the beast,her general constitution ; or the dwelling of the Pope. Her mountains and islands, her deep rooted re* mains of doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, together with her monasteries and consecrated digni- ties. Or may the earth signify Germany and Poland, these inland countries ? the sea, Portugal, France, and Spain, which are almost surrounded with sea ? the m«« ers and fountains of water, the north parts of Italy, which abounds with rivers ? the sun, the Emperor, or King of France, the seat of the beast, the middle part of Italy, perhaps the same with Aarmageddon ? the islands and mountains, Sicily, Malta, Src. ? The vials poured out thereon, and the hail and earthquakes, are the terrible harassing and overturning judgments of God, sent to destroy her.
13. The pope is compared to a god b. By adding to, or taking from the word and worship of God ; by pretending to pardon sin, or indulge men in it ; by u- surpingChrist's headship over his church,and opposing his person, office, and grace ; by usurping authority o- ver the civil magistrate, enthroning and deposing him at pleasure ; and by working pretended miracles to confirm their abominations, he and his agents set them? selves in the room of, and exalt themselves above God*
14. The Pope is called the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew and Greek is a destroyer c. Being sent, excited, and directed by Satan, he pro- motes the interests of hell ; ripens multitudes for its everlasting destruction ; and with amazing craft and vigour, persecuteth the saints, who oppose his designs*;
g Rev. xvi. b 2 Thsss. ii. 4» c Rer. ix. tl.
2?6
and is a fearful stumbling-block to the Jews, and ruin- ous plague to the Gentiles.
15. He resembleth the King fa Daniel's visiort, who doth according to his frill, magnifies himself above every God, &c. a. Making his own pleasure his sole supreme rule of conduct, he exalts himself above mag- istrates, angel?, and the true God ; blasphemes his Ma- ker ; — at once contemns the idols of the ancient Hea- then, and the God of the primitive Christians, Law- ful marriage he vilipends, and prohibits to his clergy. Instead of, and together with the true God, he honours the images of angels, the relics and pictures of saints ; ofiers them rich presents ; and, for gain, pretends to assign them their respective countries, cities, occupa- tions, and cases, in which they are to oversee, protect, and bless. He rules over great multitudes, whicli be- ing assembled by him, do, with him fight against the Lord Jesus Christ ; but, in the end, shall be wi
ly overcome, and ruined, and the follow. enriched with their spoil.
16. He resembles the little hokn in
ion, which had eyes, spake perverse things and st three horns b. His power was inconsk but he quickly made himself master of three sovrei ties, the dukedom of Rome, tie exarchate of Ravenna, and the region of Pentapqlis. With amazing craft and circumspection ; with numerous spies, pryii g the
councils of men ; with terrible blasphemy, boasting, persecution, and curses, he did and doth promote hi« unhallowed interests.
a Dan. xi. 35—59. Rev. xi*. 1$.— 2t. f Dstfh vii. 8.
CHAPTER XIK.
Metaphors respecting nations, armies, families, an J their adjuncts ; which being almost innumerable, but generally more restricted in their signification, and tcss^ edifying ; no more is here intended, than suck an explanatory sketch, as may serve for a key U the resU
SECTION L
JF*R$7, RSePaphors respecting nations more generally, considered,
1. ALL nations are represented as the two sons *i a family a. The Jewsare the elder, the Gentiles the younger. The former, God, by his word, requir- ed to work in the vineyard of his church. Fairly they engaged, and readily they promised to serve him ; but juicily broke their engagement, Lo>i*r tlie lat- ter lived in open rebellion ; but, at last, influenced by his converting grace, they repented and complied with his call. Long, like prcdigal?, they deserted5 their Father's family and. church, till deep sense of their spiritual need brought them to themselves, and £iade them enquire what they should do to be saved, How readily then did Jehovah ipeet them in mercy I; embraced them with love !: arrayed them with ths best robe of his Son's righteousness .- feasted them with his flesh -and blood ! adorned them with his ordinan- ces and influences ! But why, ye Je^ s, did yoa repine at his honoring them above you, who had long been his peculiar children and servants ? Was it not meet that there should be an abundant display of heaveniy bounty and gladness, when God's so long lost children were found ? when your so long dcacl brethren wax*
a Maitfir. xxvi. 23,-32. J^uke *v, 11.— 32>
29g
7nade alive ?— Rejoice, *ye Gentiles, with his people, for to him we seek ; in him we trust ; and his rest shall be glorious.
2. All nations are compared to the small drop of a bucket, dust of the balance, and nothing before God a. How small, insignificant, unsubstantial, worth- less ! How easily tossed, troubled, and ruined ! What then, Lord, am I, one man, the dregs of my race, that I should possess the great Unknown ! the infinite All f
3. The Gentile nations, before the spread of the go- spel, are called a little sister without breasts b. — Though many of their progeny were cho?en by, and iRthe purpose of God inited to Christ; yet they made no appearance as a church, had no* breasts of inspired oracles, divine ordinances, or gospel ministers-, wherewith to edify the souls of men.
4. Perhaps the Gentile nations are compared to a barren, desolate, and refused woman c. And they are called a nation which Christ knew not. Before his death, they,, for many ages, produced almost no children to him. They were deserted and rejected by him. He took no peculiar notice of them ; brought them into- no church relation to him. But, blessed be the Lord, more have now been the spiritual children of this barren woman, than ever were of the Jewish church. — But perhaps this barren womanr •ignifies the church during Christ's personal presence with her on earth. And the children of the desolate being more than they cfthe married nife, implies, thai after Christ's withd'rawment to heaven, the converts to him should be most numerous.
5. The Gentiles, before the spread of the gospel a- morig them, are called foreigners d. They were without visible interest in, or connection with God in
a Isa. xh 15.1* 6Song'-vni. & c fca.liv. t, 4 6. and It. 1.*
£Eph, ii. 20.
Cc2-
Christ ; aiul destitute of the offgrs of his grace, the doc- trines of his word, or the laws of his kingdom. They had no spiritual fellowship with his holy nation ; no claim to his coveranls of promise ; no hope of a Mes- siah, or Salvation by him, cr of a resurrection to eternal life ; but were destitute of the knowledge,., the image, the fear, the worship, and saving fellowship of God. — Thrice happy ! that those, who wereonce afar off, are brought nigh by the blood of Christ ! But ah I what multitudes qi persors and nations still remain in that wretched condition !.
6. Nations without the church, before, or after the death of Christ, are compared to a desart wilder- ness a. How barren and unprofitable to God, and to. one another ! Not plowed with his influence ; nor sown with his word, ordinances, or grace ; nor hedged about with his special government and protection : no way of holiness that leadeth to life ; no flacks of converted men, nor their footsteps ; no sweet fruits of holy men, or truly righteous works ; no wells of salvation ; nor green pastures of evangelic institutions.! no bread of life, were, or are there to be found.-^-But alas ! what evil beasts ! what wicked angels and men ! what per- plexity and unsettledness of mind, how to satisfy an immortal soul! what surrounding hazards of eternal consequence! what blasts of conquering temptation,, tod wrathful calamity! what mists of ignorance, idola- try, profaneness, delusion, and will-worship abound ! ,
7. Particular nations are compared to the universe h» *Fhe more glorious part of their members and laws are the heavens, and luminaries thereof ; and the rest the mir9 the earth, and the rivers. The magistrates are; represented as God, as children, as ministers of God ; because in his name, they rule over, and are revered and obeyed by their subjects. The sword, which they ,
, «Isa.xxxT. 1.6. 7, 41sa. »iv. M^fc j*ii. 24. 25. Psalm
SGtr
Sear not in vain, is their power and authority topro* tect the innocent, and punish the offenders.
8. Particular nations are represented as families a. The country as the mother; the magistrates as fathers^ who cherish, govern, protect, and provide for the* people ; who are..- the children^ the sons, or daughters. Sometimes the principal city is represented as the mother ; and the lesser cities, suburbs, or villages, are termed the daughters. Sometimes for likeness of manners, natural relation,. &c. one nation is designed the sivter of another.
9. They are compared to harlots b. What de- ceitful and base methods they often take to promote their trade, their power and authority ! How^ often they boast of, and seduce those around to, idolatrous and whorish departing from God ! How justly God exeeuteth upon them the judgment of whorish women, stirring up their friends to hate and harrass them ;— . and by openly destroying them in the fire of his wrath!
10. They are compared to travailing wominc. How often ! how suddenly ! how terribly pained, and tormented, with divine judgments ! How often pain- ed, in attempting to perforin their purposes ! How of- ten they travail, without bringing forth any deliver- ance ! How often they bring forth wickedness ! Ye nations, how gracious ai?e you when pangs of adversity come upon you I Then perhaps you return, and en-' quire right early after God ; fa jt how often then are you rejected by him ! :
11. They are compared to animal bodies d. Ma- gistrates and honourable persons are the head, which
adorns, directs, and manageth them. False teachers; and the low mob* are the tail and feet ; most useless and contemptible., No soundness from the sole of tlie
a Psal. exxxvii. 8. 9. b Isa. xxiii. 15.16. Nitfi. iii. 4. Ezek, xvi. and xxiii. Jer. iii. els. xxiii. 4. Jer. vi. 24. Hos. xiii. 13, d Is. vii. 14. 15. and, i. 5. 6, anxLvii. 2Q. and xyii. 4. and sxix. 21.. fern- iv. 20.
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foot to th?ercwn of the head, implies (he sinful comip.- - lion, or the distress of all ranks, high and low. The head sick, ami the fteOrt faint, implies, that the niters. and most active and animating persons, are corrupted, perplexed, and discouraged. To shave' off the hah of the beard, the head and feet, is shamefully to cut off, and carry captive, both great and small. Fatness, implies abundance of men, wealth, or prosperity. Lcaimess, imports fewness of persons, and poverty of condition. Paleness, imglieih shait>e^ and confusion. To max old, is to lose courage, vigour, strength, or au- thority.— Magistrates are the breath of their tiostrils* by winch their life, vigour, and influence are mair> tained.
12. They are represented as systems ofEEASTsof the field, air or sea a. And magistrates are represen- ted as the principal animals of those kinds, as lions, bears, eagles, dragons, leviathan. Sometimes for their refreshful^, protecting, and supporting influence, magis- trates are represented as trees, on which their subjects do nestle ; or under which they shelter themselves. Sometimes horns denote their kings, who defend their own subjects, and harass others.
13. They are compared to herds and flocks*. The country is their fold and pasture. Magistrates are their shepherds, who watch over, protect, govern, and provide for their subjects. Great men are their rams, he-goats, bulls, kine ; and if in prosperity rendering them conspicuous and strong, they are represented as
fat or fed.
14. They are likened to heifers r. Fair and /a* heifers represent them in their glory and prosperity. Heifers taught, represent them as accustomed to sub- jection. Backsliding heifers, represent them as per- versely apostatizing from God. To cry, or lift up the
a.t)an. iv. 12. Ezck. xxix. and xxxi. b Jer. xxiii. Ezek. xxxiv. -q Is. xr. 5i Jer. xlvi. £0. and xlviii- 34.
voice, like an heifer of three years old, is to cry and wail very bitterly and outrageously.
15. They are compared to the firmament, for their conspicuous appearance and glory a : for their distin- guished brightness and influence ; rulers and great men are represented as the sun, moon, and stars.
16; They are compared to a country b. And their magistrates and great men are likened tor mountains and hills ; which overtop, overshadow, ar|d protect the rest. The constitution of government is the foundations And divine judgments are represented as stormsr droughts, earthquakes.
17. They are compared to a sea, or waters rush~ ing c ; because of their numbers ; their noise ; their unsettled state; their haughty threatning, and actual overwhelming of the nations around ; and sometimes because dwelling on the sea coast — Ahreach like th& sen, denotes a very wide one.
18. They are likened to a forest d ; because of the multitude @f persons, cities, and villages. And magis- trates and great men are represented as t alt trees, top- branches t and those of low condition, as low trees.
19. They are represented as vineyards e. Hedg- ed about with government, kept and cultivated by ru- lers, how great the order, and advantage of their con- nected state ! Cities are the bought and brunches. Multitudes of people are the fruit. Two or three ber- ries left, signify a small remnant saved in the vintage of desolating- judgments, — A forsaken bough^ is adeso* bte city. To glean, and turn the hand into the basket^ Is gradually to destroy, or lead captive the remnant
Ft at the first. To plant the vineyard with strange tUpsj.s to bring in foreign people, doctrines, or customs
a Rev. vi. 12.13. 14. and viii. 10. 12. b Psal lxxii. 3. c Is. xv \l 12- Jer. xiix- 23. Rev, vii 1. Is. !x. S. Lam. ii. 13. rfHos.. ii. 12. Ezek. xx, 4jh e i$. xv\i &— 11,. m<l xxivfc 13*. Jer. v: -
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frifo a nation. — Lord, how easily canst thou plant en* pluck up, destroy branch and rush in one day \
20. They are likened to heath a, to represent then barrenness ; witheredness, and contemptibleness ; and their not profiting by the means of prosperity or grace.
21. They are likened to a crop of corn b ; for their multitude of persons ; their comeliness; glory ; and promising usefulness. Gleaning of cars, implies the care of a conquering enemy to kill, or carry captive, the whole nation.
22. They are likened to stubble r, to denote, that they are brought to the utmost contempt ; are trod- den down by their enemies ; or have only aa insignif- icant remnant left. They are represented as dry stub- ble, to imply their ripeness for the judgments of God, and nothing else. They are represented as stubble be* fore the nind, to mark how easily and quickly they
shall be driven out of their pface;
23. They are compared to chaff, or chaff of the mountains cl, to represent how insignificant they are ; how readily exposed to storms, and changes of lot ; and that the higher they rise in pomp and greatness, the more obnoxious they are to ruin. How easily, O Most High, canst thou, by thy wind of destruction, chase and toss the mightiest nations, from place to pla^e ! How readily canst thou rebuke them ! and with the breath of thy providence, make them flee far oiT, and hurl them out of the world \
24. They are compared to horns e, because of their eonspicuousness, their power and authority to defend themselves, or harass and ruin others. The four horns that scattered Judah, arc the Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabians, and other nations who harassed them, after the captivity. Ten horns upon one beast, signify tea
a Jer. xvii. 6. and xlviii. 6. b lsa, xvii. 5. c Psal. lxxxiii 13« lsa. xlvii. 14 Jer. xiir 14. Nafi. i> 10. «Tlsa. xvft }g c Zocji. h 18* H&v. xrn- a?:/l xvMs
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kingdoms of sovereignties formed out of the Roman empire.
25. They are likened to a pottpir's vessel a. It is thine, O Jehovah, to form them as thou pleasest ; thine to appoint them to honour or dishonour. How base arc they in themselves ! but how curious thy for- mation of them ! How impossible to resist them, if once they be marred in the hand of thy providence.
SECTION II.
Metaphors respecting the Jews, Egyptians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Tyrians, . Turks, with their adjuncts.
First, Metaphors respecting the Jews*
1. THE Jews are likened to an elder son 6.™ They were God's first born ; first of the nation?, he distinguished them in his favour : readily they pro- fessed the highest regard to the divine law, and came under the most solemn engagements to obedience ; yet after continuing many ages in peculiar relation to God, they wilfully despised his counsel, and rejected the Messiah ; sinfully they fretted, and many of them blasphemed, because, under the gospel, the Gentiles were more highly favoured of God than themselves.
2. They resemble the kich man in the parable c. Glorying in their wealth, their numerous rites and traditions \ their relation to God, and their pious an- cestors; they contemptuously rejected the debased Savior ! while uaclean publicans, harlots, and Heath- ens, received him. Notwithstanding all their pomp, the flaming vengeance of God came upon them. Ter-« rible and hopeless were the torments and miseries in-
a Jer. xviii. 1,— 10. b Luke xv. 1 1. 26.— 32.Matth. xxi. 28, * Luke Wfl X9.--31.
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to which tliey were plunged ; nor could the covenant made with Abraham their ancestor yi§Id them any re- lief; nor could their desperate wishes obtain further evidence of Jesus' Messiah ship, for themselves, avid their various sects ; or for their brethren of the ten tribes.
3. They are likened to an infant lying in blood; vile, unpitiedy unassisted qf-men^ but quickened, furnish- edy adornedy and espoused of God a. Not for their righteousness' sake, but for his name's sake, he rais- ed them up from an idolatrous, polluted, and despica- ble origin. Marvellously he preserved and multipli- ed them into a nation in Egypt. Though they were contemned and hated of all around, he honoured them with his peculiar favours and laws ; entered into sol* emn covenant with them ; supported their arms of power and influence, and taught them to walk in his law ; gave them a pleasant land flowing with milk and honey ; formed them into the then only church ; and into one ef the most honourable kingdoms that ev- «r existed.
4. They are likened to a delicate woman* b. How- proud of their distinguished privileges ! How unpre- pared for, and unable to endure adversity, when they were exposed to it by the Chaldeans !
5. They are represented as a mother and family in bondage c ; to mark out their subjection to the ceremonial law ; their lying under the power of sin, Sa- tan, and the broken law ; and their exposure to sad distress and slavery for their rejecting of Christ.
6. They are likened to an harlot d. Contrary to equity, to decency, and solemn covenant with God, they forsook his law, worshipped idols, and polluted themselves with every abominable course. Treacher- ously they distrusted and rejected the Lord, imitated
aEzek.xvi. 1.— 15, b Jer.vi. 2. c Gal. iv. 25. «?Ezek, xvi. and xxiii. Jer. iii.
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olatry, and relied on the i •s, Assyrians, and Chaldeans* Fot a v hiie t Judah and Benjamin condemned the enormities of
lorn and cf the ten tribes"; but ghoii^li wanted I riiction, they at last surpassed them ift wicfe-
ness, and so justified their conduct. They had a
jrSs forehead^ rushing impudently on sin ; and of their own motion, and at their ownexpe ; king
after sinful connection witfet^he Heathen, and commits-
i with them in their false worship. Long God li- ved them with a goodly land, and favours innumerable, 'to be for him and not for another ; but, provoked with their treacherous crimes, he punished them by the hand of those nations which they had so fondly re- lied on, and imitated : he cast t'aem out of their church relation to him, and refused to shew them mercy. — But rejoice, you seed of Jacob, you shall be as though you had not been cast off. In the wilderness of adve - sity God shall speak unto your heart .; and make you . return to your former husband, with whom if was bet- -er with you than now. •" Though the vision tarry, nvait for it ; for at the end it will speak, and will not -tarry."
7. They are represented as a woman cast into the midst of an ephah> with a talent of lead above her, and ^carried by winged women to the land ofhhinar a ; to de- note, that after filling up the measure of their iniqui- ty, God should cause them to feel the fearful weight thereof, and by his blast of wrath, and instruments thereof shouid carry them out of Canaan, and for mar uy ages fix them in a stale of dispersion, ugsettlednesg, and fearful misery.
8. They are likened to a person withosiEz haixs, -without knowing it b. What tokens of weakness and guilt 1 what signs of approaching ruin were among the ten tribes before their captivity ! W&at 'multitudes of
a Zech. r^5„ — 11. b Hos. vii. a
D d
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prevailing abominations ! What furious contentions ! What murdering of kings and nobles ! What multi- tudes of lesser judgments unsuccessful, none of which were laid to heart !
9. They are likened to a person half stripped of her clothing a. When the Chaldeans invaded their country, and led them captive, how was their land strip- ped of her inhabitants! and they stripped of their wealth, their honour, their safety ! How exposed to shame and disgrace ! And what abominable filthiness was revealed by their punishment !
10. They are compared to the men of Sodom and Gomorrah b. How abandoned to unnatural lust ! How shameless in sinning 1 How ready their people to commit, and their rulers to protect the vilest crimes 1 In the Assyrian harassment, and the Chaldeau captiv- ity, how justly exposed, as public monuments of divine wrath!
11. They are likened to a speckled bird, against which all the fowls around assembled c. How distin- guished from' other?, by their ordinances, laws, and customs ! And how hated, and sought for to destruc- tion, by the nations around ! And alas ! how spotted with their own corruptions ! Bnt the word rather sig- nifies a talonejd, rapacious rowrL, and represents them as ready to persecute God's saints ; ready to a- buse his mercies, by flying in his face, breaking his jaws, and tearing his honours ; on which account, he gathered the nations against them, to destroy them.
2 They are represented as lions, as roaring li- ons el. In their ancient glory, and in the time of the JVlTaceabees they did ; and, in their return from their present dispersion, they shall boldly encounter and surmount every difficulty, subdue every opposer, strike terror and dismay into all around. B ut hi the.days
a Ter. xiii. 22. to 26. h I*, u 10. c Jer. xii. f. d MIc. v.
3 J~;r.xii.8. Bzck. xlx.
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of Jeremiah, how outrageously tliey roa^red againsY God, his prophets, his ordinances, his word, and prov- idences I Their state is likened to a lioness. After Josiah's death, she furnished the throne with Jehoa- liaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin. and Zedekiah ; who for their outrageous oppression of their people, their roar- ing against God and his servants, and the like, are called lions ; and by the kings of Egypt, and Babylon, were successively taken, lemoved front their station, and disqualified for injuring their subjects.
13. They are likened to wild asses and dromeda- ries a. Refusing subjection to the yoke of God's few,) they vainly wandered after their own fancies, snuffed up the hurtful and unsubstantial idolatries and delu- sions of the heathen; lustfully traversed all their xrays, imseltiedty following now, c::e idol and u i=:ked course ; anon, another.
14v They are likened to a threshing ox, with hor::> of iron, and hoofs of brass o. In the time of the Mao abees they did ; in tiie beginning of the raiUenrmim, they shall, by the assistance of Heaven, push oil', resist, and tread down their opposes.
15. They are likened to wild eulls in a net c. — How filled with perplexity and rage, when God brought them into the entangling bands of the Assy- rians and Chaldeans ! With what brutish stupidity, they poured forth their roaring complaints ! How effectually every attempt to rescue themselves, en- tangled them more aid more !— Ah i How like my soul under trouble !
16. They, arc likened to an heifer a. God taught ikem, by givkig them his laws. He passed over their jair ?ieekj by encouraging them with prosperity, or by
alarming them with adversity. He made Ephrabn to ride, by strengthening the ten tribes against Su dah in the days of Jeroboam the second, and of Pekali the son
a Jer. ii. 2S. 24 b Mis. iv\ 13. els. Ii. 20. <• Hbsi'*. 10. 11
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©f Reiiialiah ; t?«Kide them to be rede iipm, by giV* ing the Assyrians power to captivate ana oppress theim Judah's ploughing, &vA Jacob's breaking his clods, may import the jWs? slavery in Chaldea, Their plovghing nickedness, reaping iniquity, and eating the fruit of lies, imply their proceeding from evil to worse, and receiving ax last the due reward of their crimes ;, vhen like backsliding heifers, they had long persisted io obstinate apostasy from God.
i 1. They a re represented us abused, lost, and scatter- ed sheep a. Ah how abused, oppressed, and misled, by their wicked rulers and false prophets! How, in their captivity, driven from their pasture in the prom- ised land ! scattered one from another ! exposed to injuries unnumbered I destitute of order, and without solemn assembling to wcr-h.p ! Cz?~, what a veSStifiti /lock, a comely church aid nation, cared for, nourished, ~- protected of Gcd ! But, especially since the death i r CI,: -:st , what &j!od: of slaughter and mirery i
18. They are likened to vipers ; sejrpents ; spi- ders b. How full of deathful malice and corruption t How desperately set upon, and crafty in doing mischief ! Their idolatrous courses and laboured schemes of self-]>rerervation, were ^weaving of spiders webs ; might entangle others, but were insufficient for every good puru>:e. Nay, as cockatrice eggs, breaks ing forth into vipers infallibly procured their ruin.
19. Particular tribes of Israel are likened to parties nJar anuials e. Juduh to a liok, because of their distinguished royalty, power, and furicus destruction of their enemies. Joseph's seed to a young eullock,. because of their glory, their strength $ and their roy- alty among the ten tribes. Ah, how changed, when* like silly doves without heart, Without hope, wisdom, cTr care, to avoid the destruction and ravage of the Assy-
a Ezek. xxx'v. 16. Jer, I. 6. 7. 0 Is. lix. 5. 6. c Gen. xlix. Deut. xxxiiCfr 21.22.
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rian bands ! Jssachar to an -ass, for their strength, patience, and labour in husbandry. Dan to a lion's whelp and serpent for their daring courage in war, and their craft in destroying their enemies. How like OuliorCs whelp, when leaping, to the borders of Bashs n, to take Laish ! How, in Sampson, did they, like a ser- pent, bite the horse heels, and make the Philistines on their temple, and other wise, to fall backward ! Ben- jamin to a ravening wolf, for their warlike courage, and their readiness to take the prey from their ene- mies. Naphthali to a m:\& let loose, because of their kind and lovely behaviour, their bravery in war, and their expedition in business. Gad to a lion, because of their daring boldness* a5 id their safe dwelling be- side enemies. — Ah, how sin changed the condition of those Jews ! made them under trouble roar like bears ; mourn sore like doves ; hiss as serpents ; wail as drag- ons ; and enlarge their, baldness as eagles !
20., They are likened to the hairs of a man's head a. How weak and insignificant 2 The shaving or cutting them o^1, imports the killing or carrying them captive -r or the unhinging of their church and state by the -Chaldeans.. The third part burnt in the midst of the city, pourt rayed by Ezekiel on a tyle, rep- resent about a third part killed by famine and pesti- lence within Jerusalem, during its siege by the Chal- deans. The third part smitten about with a knife, rep- resent them who were slain by the Chaldeans*, The trhird part scattered in the wind, represent them who were taken captive ;. -&few of which being left in the land, and by their going down to- Egypt, and thus bringing upon themselves the suspicion of having mur- dered Gedaliah, Nebuchadnezzar's deputy, provoked1 the Chaldeans against their brethren, and became a source of fiery plagues and trials to them. 21. They are likened to floxt&ishixg. boughs ;
ol Ezek. v. l.~ 4.
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O il
XIGN-ALOES ;; GXSEN OLIVES; CEDAE-TKEES tf. Beir'g
planted hy God, their nation was long power Ail, de- i ghtfu!, usefnl, and glorious; hut, for tlieir sin, hov given tip at last to hie withering and fiery judgments. * You flourishing kingdoms, be not high minded, but fear. You wild-olive Gentiles, who are grafied into God's church m their stead, tate heed lest he who spared not these natural branches, but cut them off, should also .not spare you.
22. They are likened to barren fig tkees b. A- mid?t their fair, flourishing, and wide-spread leaves of profession, how destitute of good works, even when Je- sus was among them ! For forty years after his death, his intercession procured the sparing of them, till by his gospel, etftti lesser strokes, he had digged and dunged eiboiit them. But continuing barren, they were, by the axe of the Roman troops, cut down, and mdekh; rcithc?-cd aivay under his curse. In more an- cient times, were not those carried captive with Jehoi- achin as good figs, acceptable and useful ? and these who continued behind, bad ones, unprofitable and hate- ful !
23. They are likened to a vineyard and vine c* God gave them the fertile land flowing with milk and honey. The stony and stubborn Cana mites he- digged eut from before them. The ivall £nd hedge of his pro- tection and f&w he assigned to them. The winepress of Ids tabernacle, temple, and ordinances, lie built among them. With the rain of his oracles, the 'dew of his fa- vours, he watered them. Originally they were a right seedi-PL ehoiee vine ; the seed of Abraham, Isaac, andXa- cob, God's friends; who commanded their households to ■vialk in the way of the Lord ; but how sadly they de- generated into the plant of a strange vine ; became like the Heathens around ! When much fruit might have
a Numb. xxiv. 6. Rom. xi. 16. 17. Jer. xi. 16. b Luke xiii. 6. — 9. MuUh. xxi, 19. Jer. xxiv. -c Is. v. 1.— 6. Ezek. xy. Bcut xxxii. 32. 33.
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been expected from them, they became an cuip'y vine without good fruit, and so only fit for, and exposed to the fiery vengeance of God bringing forth fruit to them- selves, seeking their own carnal ends, not the glory of God, in whatever they did. They became a vine of Soeiom ; eminent for pride, luxury, uncleanness, bring- ing forth wild grapes of idolatry, murder, and every other wickedness ; sour grapes? that set the teeth on edge ; bitter clusters ; grapes of gall wine, the poison of dragons, and cruel venom of asps ; sinful courses, in- finitely disagreeable to God, hurtful to others, and ia the issue ruinous to themselves. Ye Protestant church- es, consider these things and be afraid.
24. They are likened to dew, and represented as a blessing amidst the nations a. In the apostolic rge,. the gospel went out from them ; was spread among the Gentiles by them. Then, and in the last days, what blessed means were,- or shall .they be, of refresh- ing the nations, and converting many to Christ !
25. They are likened to sticks or staves b» The joining of two sticks, denotes the uniting of the poster- ity of Judah and Benjamin, after their Chaldean or present captivity, with the other ten tribes. The staff of beauty is the blessed gospel granted to them ; or the glorious constitution of their church and state. The staff of bands denotes their mutual affection and harmony. The breaking of these two staves, imports God's depriving them of the gospel, and of their eccle- siastic and national state, and giving them up to furi- ous contentions and disorder. The instruments of a
foolish shepherd, denote the ruinous devices of their leaders and pretended Messiahs; or the oppressive measures of the Homans and others towards them. — Lord, these who despise thee, shall be utterly ruined and contemned.
a Mic. v. f. Isa. xix, 24. b Ezek. xxxvii. 16.— 19. Zeeh.xh T. 10. 14.
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26.. They are represented as a carcass gathered % the eagles a. Being separated from God, the life of their soul, and church ; having apostatized from his quickening truths ; and being destitute of his enliven* ing grace; how' overspread with loathsome and noi- some corruption ! How detestable to God and his peo- ple ! How surrounded, sought out, murdered and ru- ined by the eagle-bannered Roman armies I
27. They are likened to dry sqntes in a valley vived by means of prophecy h During their Chal- dean captivity, they lived in a low plain country ; they were reduced to a most abject and debased con- dition. The appearance, the hope, and the desire of their restoration, were almost extinct. But by Cyrus5 proclamation, and the influence of heaven, their graves of distress were opened ; the impediments in their way were removed ; their spirits were animated to return to their counby, and settle their nation. At present, their condition is still more wretched, and apparently hopeless ; but by the wind of the Holy Ghost, and the favourable breath of smiling providences, shall God recover them from it- Lord, hasten thy work, that we may see it.
28. They are representod as reprobate silver c. In Jeremiah's time, and at presjnt, amidst all their fair pretences, how useless and unworthy / Rejected fty God and abhorred by men ! Not purged from theiir dross of corruption in the furnace of trouble ; but be- coming worse and worse !
29. They are likened to bottles filled with wine d. By the Chaldean troops God filled them with calamity, perplexity, and astonishment. And ah! what broken bottles ; whose breaches God alone could heal and repair !
30. They are represented as a vessel, wherein is
a Luke xvii. 34. b Ezek.-xxxvii. l.r-14. cJer. vi. n0.
dJer* xiii. 12,
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no pleasure a. How wretched, base, and shamefttf* their captive state ! How were they defiled with the dung of reproach, contemned, abhorred, and counted as the off scouring of all things !
31. They are likened to an earthen vessel marred in the hand of th^potter b+ How mean their origin T How curiously God framed them into a church and nation, on the wheel of his providence ! How awfully he at last broke them to pieces in his wrath !
32. They are represented as a linen girdle mar- red, lying in a hole by the river Euphrates c. By special covenant care, and worship, God had caused them to cleave to him, as his peculiar people; but for their sin, he gave them up, to be carried to Chal- dea, or the banks of the Euphrates, where their glory was marred, ^ the:: J^Wi? ^9r^ip mostly disused^ and even impossible to be performed.
33. Jerusalem, their principal city ; and Samaria, ine metropolis ofihe ten tribes are represented &§* fountains or hills d ; because they were built on hills ; and were conspicuous in glory and wealth.
Si. Jerusalem is represented as a city pourtrayed on u tile c ; to signify its contemptible and weak condi- tion before the Chaldeans took it. The iron pan surrounding this portrait, signified God's determinate purpose to punish the inhabitants ; and the Chaldeans fixed rage against, and their safe and determined siege of the city. EzekiePs " lying -three hundred aac! ninety days before this -portrait m his left side, asd forty on his right to bear the iniquity of Israel and J u- dah," signified that in the Chaldean destruction of Je- rusalem, God would have an eye to IheJewt? continu- ance f ':■ ~ ihfee hvndred and ninety y: proving. the sin of the ten tribes ; and their having grievon > ly rebelled themselves.duringybr^^^r^ of Manas^h'g
n Hos. viii. 8. b Jer. xix. e Jer. xiii 1. — 11*. « Sock, viii. 3L Amos vi. 1, 0 Bzefe, it. 1..—&
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reig-n, or from the thirteenth year of Josiah, to the e. leventh of Zedekiah.
35. She is compared to a fountain a. Ah how her inhabitants cast forth and diffused wickedness, through eveTy part of their conduct ! and spread evil courses into the cities and country around !
36. She is compared to a furnace b. How the fla- ming wrath of the Lord raged against her inhabit- ants ! In her, how he tried and purified his people, and consumed drossy multitudes of wicked men !
37. She is compared to a boiling fot or cai> duos r. In her dwelt the principal wicked men of Judah ; and were tormented by the fiery wrath of God, and fury of the enraged Chaldeans. Ah what a scum of wicked persons and prevalent crimes was in her ! The far* K&£&& ihe north, implies, the Chalde- ans coming against her from the north. She was not the caldron to these carried into captivity* or slain without the Trails.
38. She is called a tvv of trembling and burden- some stone to her enemies d. What terror and over- throw did the Maccabees spread among her besiegers and enemies ! How happy, firm, and fixed, shall be the Jews millenial state ! With what oppressing troub- le, madness, astonishment, and ruin, shall God smite their opposers, who attempt to exclude them from their ancient land !
39. The Jewish princes are likened to eions ; and their judges to ravening wolves e ; because of their fraud, their tyrany, and cruel oppression and murders, especially of the poor and godly. Their " eating the flesh of God's people ; flaying off their skin; break- ing their bones in pieces," imply, their taking qvery method to oppress and deprive them of thqir sub-
a Jei\ vi. 7. b Is. xxxi. 9. Ezek. xxii, 20, 2. c Jer. i. 13. Ezek. xxiv. 3 — 14. and xi. 3. d Zedi. xil %> 4. <? Mic. iu.
2 3. Zeph. in. %
31«
stance. Their not gnaw img the bones in the morning, imports their voracious delight in cruelty ; and speedy execution of it without delay.
40. The Jewish governors are likened to a hearth " -of fire among wood ; and a torch or fire in a sheaf cu In the time of the Maccabees, and in the beginning of the millennium, what terror, havoc, and ruin, they spread among their opposers 1
41. Uzziah and Hezekiah are represented as furi- ous serpents b. With what fury and dispatch did their troops attack, terrify, and destroy the Philistines !
42. Zedekiah is called the breath of the Jems' nos- trils c. Him they expected to be a distinguished means of their preservation and comfort, whether in Judea or Babylon. But ah how disappointed, when he fell a fugitive into the hands of the Chaldeans ! — On every earthly thing, write, my soul, disappoint- ment, vanity, and vexation of spirit.
43. Pekah king of Israel, with his ally llezin King of Syria are called the tails of smoaking fire brands d, to represent their weakness ; the vanity of their im- potent fury and purposes against Judah ; and near approach of their ruin.
44. Zerubbabel, Nehemiah, and other rulers and helpers of the Jews ; are the four laborious, though mean-like carpenters, that frayed away the horns e, the Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabians, Syrians, and others, who harassed the Jews after their return from Babylon.
Secondly, Metaphors respecting bhs Egyptians.
1. The Egyptians are compared to % fly/; allu- ding to the swarms of flies in their country ; and for their number, their swift march, aid their trouble- some annoyance.
a Zeoh. xii. 6. 3 Is. xh% 39. c Lam. ir. 2j. d 1 • v'i. 4. e Zecfc.
317
*2. They are likened to a fair heifer a. In tfet -clays of Pharaoh-necho, how glorious and flourishing ^vas their kingdom, consisting of twenty thousand cit- ies ! how great their prosperity and wealth ! but how quickly destruction came \ Pride goeth before destruc- tion, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
3. They are likened to fishes b. Among the streams of the river Nile they resided ; great was their number, their stupidity ; and their readiness to oppress their inferiors. Their sticking to their king's scales, imports their faithful cleaving to his interest in peace and war; or perhaps, their obstinate rebell- ion against Pharaoh-hophra.
4. They are likened to serpents c ; to denote the abject state to which the Chaldeans, and their own civil war in the reign of Pharaoh- hophrah, reduced them ; and their mournful howling over their condi- tion.
5. They are likened to a forest cL How surpri- sing the number of their cities ; and of the inhabit- ants ! How flourishing a long time their prosperity I How exposed to, and at last consumed, by the fire of God's wrath I
6. They and their kings are likened to broken reeds e Ifow insufficient and untrusty helpers] In- stead cf assisting the Jews against the Assyrians or Chaldeans, according to promise and expectation ; they rather ran into their hand, by promoting their ru- in.
f. Their country is called an irox furnace ; and house of bostdage f. What terrible torment, cruel slavery, and murder, the Hebrews here sustained !
8. Their king is represented as an eagle with great wings and many feathers g, because of his extensive pow^r and dominion over many tribes-. Zedekiah king of Judah entering into a league with him against
a Jer. xlvi. 20. h Ezek. xxix. 3. — 5. c Jer. xlvi 22. dJar. xlvi. *34. e Ezefc. xxix. $. /Jer. xi. 4. Extod. xx. 2. g Ezek. xvii. 7.
Si I
• 3 Chaldean, " is the yi towards fainij t»
be watered by him."
9. He is represe ited as a t>higo.; ; a lzvixti: v-< ; a crocodile a. Among, and about Lie steams of Nile, haunted by these cr^atnres, he ruled. Ad 1 how distinguished was his te rible :e-55 cruelly, znd ver to defend himself, and hurt others I
.10. Pharaoh-neche is represented as a noiss p ing at the time appointed b. Notwithstanding ct haughty boasting, noisy preparation, and furious inarch
• drist the Chaldeans at Carcheaiish, by the Eughra^ tes, he and his mighty host were quickiy route i, and put to a most shameful flight.
Thirdly, Metaphors respecting the Assyrians.
1. The Assyrians are compared to eaglfs c. With what rapidity, malice, and fury, did they cc -up, to ruin the ten tribes! and to harass and vr >; * the kingdom of Judah !
2. They are likened to l*ons d< WitL
terror, irresistable force, and bloody cruelty, taey. un- der Pal, Tiglath-Pileser, Shalmanezer, Se'i r -di and *Esarhaddoii, wasted, conquered, and n\urde the nations around them !
3. They are compared to bees e; alluding to the multitude o£ bees v\ their country ; and because of their number, their noise, their dospornte rage, and tormenting cruelty ; and their reuiify answering the Lord's invitation to punish the nations.
4. They are likened to sn ust wisof. From the- :: they invaded the naiicn-. Want deceitful and
unsubstantial helpers ! but what sleeping,, blasting, -and destructive enemies to men !
5. They are called the voters of ik^ r'j:r}sh\
a Psal. Ixxvi. U. & xiVii- 1. E -jk. xsxii. 2. b Jek xivi. 17 ^ IJjs. viii. 1. d is. v. 29. el3. vii.-lG. /H h, xii. 1. H'^l xiii. 1 i
■819
and many a. On the banks of Euphrates, and Hidde- kel, or Tigris, they resided. How numerous, noisy, powerful, and prevalent ! Their passing through the breadth of ImmanueVs land !, and reaching even to the ?i?ck, signifies their rendering themselves masters of the whole kingdoms of Israel and Judah ; Jerusalem alone excepted, which was left alone in the midst of the land, as a cottage in a garden of cucumbers.
6. They are compared to a cedar and chesnut- tkee b, For some ages, how great and flourishing the glory and wealth of their empire ! how high and soaring their power and pride ! what multitudes of na- tions and persons lived under the wide-spread shadow of their authority and protection !
7. The Assyrians, or other nations, enemies of Israel, are likened to a ship or galley r. They are curious in their form ; move on the sea of this world ; are tossed by the storms of adversity. Kings and other chief rulers, are the masts and mariners ; princes and inferior rulers are the tacklings ; their armies are the sails and oars. The Assyrian army had their tack- Hngs hosed, when most of their commanders were cut 0$, They could not strengthen the malt, by assist- ing their king Seonaeherib. They could not spread the sail, the most of their troops being cut off before Jer\.
8. They are called God's eol> and axe d. By them he scorn Ted and cut off many kingdoms. By them he
bes of Israel, and carried them 1 severely corrected the hypocrit- ical oses of a id £en; rrln. How unreasonably raselves against God their mana- their co ^::e^ts to themselves ! c aa hired razor shav?rr feel e. "Willi rich spoil-, God hired
Saek. x*xL 2. c Is. xxxiii.81. 23. ^Is. x.
320
:>>, to punish and destroy the sinful nations : and by them, especially in Israel and Judah, he cut oil multitudes, small and great.
10. They are likened to fitkl civ- Having by Ihem ptmished the nation** God tkisl them into the dertrue- rive ilames of his vengeance,. tiSi their nation was con- ned ; and by a fiery plague he cut off Sennacherib's
army before Jerusalem.
11. That army is likened to a dhea:i and night- vision b. Amidst their expectation to do mighty things, God's wrath discovered their insignificancy, and reduced them in an instant to almost nothing.
12. Perhaps -Sennacherib their king, is called levia- than" ; that strong and piercing serpent c ; for his distinguished pride, power, and terrible appearances. But is not rather the Egyptian king, or A^tiahsiat, there spoken of ?
Fourthly, Mitaphbrs respecting the Ckcldeanc.
f. The Chaldean empire is likened to a ccsxir widow d. At last, Iiow her glory faded ! How mourn- fully was she bereaved of her kings, armies, pcr>er, and wealth ! How was the city Babylon burnf5 har- assed, enslaved, and finally reduced to a desart !
2. It is compared to a lion,- with eagles' ?vingse ; because of their noise^ their bloody cruelty, their irre- sistible boldness, fury, and might; and for their rti success in conquering the nations around. What ter- rified multitudes readily submitted, and craved their shadowing protection, till the Modes and Persians ru- ined it.
3. It is perhaps compared io a chariot with red horses, issuing from between mountains of brass f Not- withstanding difficulties unnumbered, their forces, RC- tt Is. xxx. 27. —33. b Is. xxix. 7. 8. c Is, sxvii. 1 d Is.
xlvii. e Dan. vii. 4. / Zech. vi. 1. 2.
; io fctha seilled purposes of God,extende i th $m er ; and, by bloody conquests, destroyed and en- slaved the nation?..
i . it is called a golden head, and goelen cup ; and Babylon its metropolis, a golden city a. How astonishing was the glory, wealth, and power of it. — How wide-spread their dominion ! By then), how fearfully God measured out the wine of his wrath to sinful rations arc urd ! and caused them to drink it I
o._ it is called God's battle-low or axe ; the haiu- ihej-c qf the nhole earth L By these Chaldeans, God fought against, conquered, and broke in pieces, the 3r:of:l of [he then ppmcip&J nations on earth.
6. It is called God's titkeshixg ; and the corn of Ms fioor c. What 1 earful vengeance seized it, by th? Medes and Persians I Where is new their glory ard pover ! is it net tferesbed out ? Mighty Lh^ylor?, de- stroying mountain, conspicuous and overwhelming; de- stroyer, how art thou now threshed to the dust ! raz- ed to the foundation ! rendered a bunnt vwuntmn ! a heap of rubbish ! and habitation of wild and veno- mous boasts !
7. The. C: i troops under Nebirchaarezr likened to v/atchebs of ei fuld d. Carefully they watched at the siege of Jerusalem ; apprehended ni ?s [led from the city ; and executed judgments in then?.,
8. They are represented as risni.Rs ; fttrxi and fowlers e. Hdte earnestly they laboured destruction of men i hid sr^se?, digged pits, a; sued for their life ! and rh ! how they saeri
ikcir onn net ; imputing their warlike success, net to God's providence ; but to their own crafty plqis, and their vigorous efforts !
9. They are represented as six men armed m
a Dan. u.2'2. Jer. li. 7. Is. xiv. 4. b Jc-i\ 11* 20. and h c
xxi. 10. d Jc-r, it. 16, e Kt.b. i \5, 16. J?\
S22
slaughter-weapons^ and directed by one clothed in lin- en a. Armed with Jesus' righteous permission, and with weapons of war, they, under his direction at d rule entered the Jewish temple, slew the princes asd i u lers ; but spared most of the godly, who mourned over the sins of their people.
10. They are compared to serpents b. How not- ed their craft ! inveterate their rage ! cruel and cer- tain their murder ! Ah ! how hath sin changed men into the likeness of the old serpent, the devil i
11. They are- likened to an east wi^d ; a dry wind from the wilderness ; and a v^hitilwind c. — From the re ions eastward of Judea they issued ; and/ with astonishing rapidity, and ' irresistahie force, they spread trouble, blasting, and ruin, among men.
12 .Thej are likened to clouds d. How numerous their body ! how exalted their power ! how rapid their march, and terrible their aspect ! what dreadful means of divine wrath to the nations around ! .
13. Nebuchadnezzar, their distinguished monarch is likened to & great eagle with Lang' wings, and full of feathers e. How great his power ! How extensive his authority ! how distinguished his ability ; to pro- tect his subjects 1 1 His variovs colours de::oie the di- versified laws and customs of his empire. IKs "com- ing to Lebanon cropping oil the top of a cedar, and carrying it into a land cf trafiie, and city of mer- chants,'5 signifies his invading Judea by the way of Lebanon ; and carrying off Jehoiachin, and other prin- ces of Judah, to Babylon his wealthy metropolis. His "taking of the seed of the land ; planting it by great waters and making it a vine of low stature, bending . her branches towards him ;" signifies his taking Zede- kiah, causing him to swear subjection, and constituting : him his tributary deputy, or king of Judah.
aEzek. ix. b Jer. vlii. 17. c Huh. u 9. Jer [y, 11. 13. tf Jer. ive 13. . eEzek- xvii.3.— 6
Ee2
323-
14. He is Kker.ed to a ziois, wolf, and leopard a ; because of his power, authority;, courage, craft, covet- 'cusness ; and his terrible and barbarous harassing and minderMg of the nations.
15. He is compared to a large and shadowy tree, cut down by order of the heavenly watchers h. Great, indeed w^s his glory, power, and authority. Multi- tudes of men submitted to him, and shared his pro- tection. But, after long -prosperity, how wrathfully cut down by God for his wickedness !— seven years de- prived of his reason and government !
36. The Chaldean monarch is represented as the kuciFEii, or morning star, fallen from heaven c. How bright the glory of Nebuchadnezzar I how powerful his influence on earth ! At first, how splendid the pow- er and brightness of Belshazz&r ! but alas ! how wretch- ed his last end ! how deprived of his dignity, his au-. thority and grandeur, ar d cast out as an abominable and base person !
Eif*ui,y, Metaphors respecting the Persian empire,
1. The Persian empire is likened to a bear raising up himself en one side, having three ribs in his mouth, and bidden to arise, and devour much flesh d. Though less wealthy, strong, and glorious at first, than the Chaldean ; yet with innch craft, sagacity, and bloody cruelty, was it settled and maintained, Multitudes of rations were torn, conquered, and reduced by it. — Towards the west side, it especially raised and exert' ed itself; conquering raid spoiling the three wealthy kingdoms of Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt.
2. It is represented as a two horned ram, pvshing northward, southward, and westward, till furiously de-^ Strayed by a he-goat c* Consisting of the two lung-
a Jer. v. 1.— 9. #teau ir. lO.^lft c Is. xiv. 12. d Ua&. vir. 5. eJJan. viU. 34.
doms of Media and Persia, it made extensive conquer^ towards the airths mentioned, and became an empire, containing an hundred twenty a- d ^even provinces,* till the furious Greeks overturned an:' ruined it*
3. It is perhaps represented as a chariot with black horses, issuing from between mountains of brass a. Ac- cording to the purpose of God, and notwithstanding all opposition, it was established. At first, the I sians were strong, and warlike ; under Cyrus, terrible to the nations ; under Cambyses, and some others, troublesome to the people of Gad. Their going out into the north country^, may denote their conquest of Ghaldea northward of Judea; and of Lesser Asia; and their invasions of Greece. In this they quitted God's Spirit, as they executed his judgments, and- made his wrath torest on Babylon.
4. It is compared to a exieast and ap.ms of sil- ver b* With distinguished prudence, alert activity ,. noted bravery, and no small humanity, did Cyrus found it ; and render it noted for wealth and grand- eur, the power of the Medes and Persians, being unit- ed in it.
5. King Cyrus is represented as a ravenous beast from the east c. From the east he, with a golden
eagle for his banner, marched against Chaldea ; and with amazing terror and success*, ravaged and con- quered the nations, to the west of this country.
6. He and Nebuchadnezzar are called God's ser- vants d, Signally he raised them up, and employed them to execute his work among the nations; and with the spoil, he richly rewarded their labour.
Sixthly, Metaphors respecting the Grecian empire,
1. The Grecian empire is represented as a ivinged
a Zecii. vi. 3. 6, £ Ban. ii. 32. c Is.sM.10. tflj^Iv *. Jer. xxv ii. 6.
32a.
and four-headed- leopard a; to denote the craft, rapidity and violence, with which Alexander founded it; and to mark- out the division of it, after his death, into the four principal kingdoms of Egypt, Syria, Asia the Less, and Greece.
2. It is represented;- as a homed he-goat, that, with-, out touching, the ground, ran, irode down, and stamped io pieces-, a two horned pushing ram b ; to' mark the rapidity and force with which the Greek?, under Al- exander, marched iitfo Asia ; attacked, corquerecf, and broke to pieces, tfe proud and pushing Medc- ; Persian kingdom. This goat's notable horn between his eyes, is Alexander the Great, as attended with liis prudent and sagacious generalsu This being broken,
four camevp in its stead ; he cut off by an untimely death ; his empire was divided into lour principal sovereignties; and himself succeeded by ioiiit chief princes, Ptolemy in Egypt, Seleucus in Syria, Antigo- mis in Lesser Asia, and Cassander in Macedonia and" Greece. " The little horn which sprang from one of > these, and waxed great and strong; towards the sou east, and west, and magnified himself against God-' and his saints," is Antiochus Bpiphaties} a descendant of Seleucus, a very contemptible person who crafti- ly got into the throne of Syria ; defeated the Egyp- tians on the south ; subdued the Modes, Persians, ami ■ Armenians on the east ; and reduced part of Lesser - Asia, with Judea, on- the west; and finally insulted the Jewish temple, abolished the daily sacrifice,set up ! an image of Jupiter in the sanctuary, commanded the Jews to eat swine's flesh, and murdered such as refns- , ed ; till, at last, he was fearfully destroyed by the im- . mediate hand of .God»
3. It is perhaps represented as a chariot, with while horses, going after the black horses c ; to denote Alex- ander's kindness to the Jews; his rapid victories and; ,
a Dan. vii. 6. b Ban.viii.5.— 14. c Zecli. vi. 3,Ji* .
A2Gr V
.quests, while lie attacked and pursued the Per- sians, and took from them the very countries which they had wrested from the Chaldeans.
A It is compared to a eelly and thighs of brass a. Without distinguished wealth, the Greeks were ex- ceedingly courageous, hardy, brave, and invincible, but too often intemperate and drunken. Soon after Alexander's death, it was formed into the two thigh like sovereignties, of Syria on the* north, and Egypt on the south ; between which there were manifold bickerings, till, as related by Daniel, chap, xi. both: were swallowed up by the Romans.
Sevexthltv Metaphors respecting the Roman empire*.
1. The Roman empire is represented as a dragon ; as an exceeding terrible beast, very different from others, hewing iron teeth and brazen nails : treading down and devouring every thing it found b. Not in the form of an absolute monarchy, like the Chaldean, Per- sian, and Grecian, but of a commonwealth, it was set- tled ; and wlii astonishing terror, force, cruelty, craft, and. murder, it conquered and enslaved the most part of the then itnown world.
2. It is represented as a eeast with seven heads and ten homs c. It had, successively, seven forms of gov- ernment, of kings, consuls, dictators, decemvirs, tri- bunes emperors^ popes. Its metropolis was built on seven hills; and at last the empire was divided into ten kingdoms.
3. It resembles a chariot, with grizzled and hay horses, going towards the south d. They especially pushed their conquests southward, into Asia and, Africa; ravaged and conquered the 'promised land ; ard from the north did the Goths, Huns, and VandaL?
a Dan. ii. 32. b Dan, vii. 19. 20. c Sev. srii. 3. d Zcek- vi>3«Ck7.
Jtiareli to and fro in ravaging and raining thk eifipi
4. It is represented as legs of iron, with feci and toes of iron j mixed with miry clay a ; to. denote the lasting courage, strength, and warlike success ; its di- vision into the eastern and western empire ; and it§ final division into ten sovereignties ; which being composed partly of Remans, and partly of Barbarians, never rightly incorporated together ; nor could display their ancient vigour and might.
Eighthly, Metaphors respecting Tyre.
1. Tyre is called the crowning- city b. How as- tonishing her wealth ! how honoured and powerful her merchants ! what amazing pomp, grandeur, and ornaments, were used by the inhabitants !
2. Their king is called a covering chebxjb c. He- was the glorious and royal protector of his subjects* He had been in Ede?i the garden of God ; had lived amidst the utmost plenty, pleasurer and safety. — - He was covered with precious stones, walked vp and down among stones of fire. He had Us crown; his elothes, his palace, most richly adorned with precious and sparkling jewels. Amidst all this glory, O Jesus, how much was he inferior to thee !
Ninthly, Metaphors respecting the Samcens.
1:. The Saracens resemble the locusts and scorpi- ons in the vision of the fifth Apocalyptic trumpet ch Sprung from the smoke of the bottomless pit, animat- ed by the most absurd delusion, and under the stand- ard of Mahomet, that infernal and destroying agent, they, especially for an hundred and fifty years, or five prophetic months, from A. D. 612, to 762, spread the
a Ban. ii. 33, h I?, xxiii, 8. c Ezcka xmm* & t&> d Bfev ..
ig. 1, — II,
9 9*
most shocking ravage, torment, desolation, and delu- sion, through many of the most populous countries on earth, and rendered the lives of multitudes their bur- den ; but were not permitted to undo any of God's chosen saints, or ravage Savoy and Piedmont, where TOany of them were hid. Or even take Constantino- ple, where many of them lived.
Tenth ly, Metaphors respecting the Turks.
1. The Turks are likened to four angels once hound, but under the sixth trumpet loosed, from the riv- er Euprates, that for a year, a month, a day, and an hour, they might destroy the third part of men a. Re- strained by God ; restrained, for about 20 J years, by the warlike expeditions of the European Christians to to the Holy Land, their four sultanies, or kingdoms, long subsisted near to the Euphrates. Terrified by the invasion of the Tartars under Jengiz Chan, Soli- man Shah, the founder of the Othman race, with his three sons, attempted to pass that river to the west- ward. Ee was drowned, and two of his sons return- ed. Ortogrul, the third, with his three sons some- time after passed it, and settled in Armenia. In 1231 , he began his conquests on the Christians, in the tak- ing of the city of Kutah in Asia. Thence forward, for 391 years, till the taking of Caminick from the Poles, in 16T2, they, with a mulitude of cavalry, and terrible fire-arms, made fearful liavock of apostate Christians^ and others, in Asia, Africa,and Europe.
2. The Turkish and other Mahometan powers, are likened to the river Euphrates £. At present, they impede the conversion of the eastern nations toChrist ; but in a little, they shall be dried up ; siiall have their jpower brought low, atid their delusion abolished-
Rev. ix,13.~ 20. ftlfev. xvl. 1% Is. xl 15,
829
ihat the kings and kingdoms of the eas: may be v ed to the Lord.
SECTION in.
Metaphors respecting armies and their qjjicevz.
1. ARMIES are compared to eagles, or ravenous £owls<x; because of their far, their swift, and destruc- tive marches ; their delighting in ravage and blood; and their sagacious discerning, and careful improving of opportunities, to do mischief.
2. They are likened to lions, and similar wild "beasts /;. How dreadful their noise ! their power ! their terrors ! How furiously they seize on, and de- stroy, whatever comes in their way! and how terri- ble the yelling of their wounded !
3. They resembleswARMs of bees c. How easily excited to their enterprize ! How regularly they obey and follow their commanders ! How desperately they sling, torment, and trouble their opposers! How mad- ly disposed to hazard their life, to revenge a trifling injury ! And sometimes, how easily routed
4. They are likened to swarms of flies ; locusts ;
-•GRASSHOPPERS ; CATERPILLARS cl How IKimerOUS
and annoying ! How sadly they waste and harass the eountries which they invade ! How wide and quickly they spread torment, havoc, and ruin !
5. They are compared to flocks or herds e\ be- cause of their number, their order of marching, and their wasteful influence. Their officers are the shep- herds, who lead, govern, and provide for them. Lazy and enriched soldiers, are the fat bullocks.
a Dent, xxviii. 49. Dike xvii. 34. b Jer. E. 38. c P*d. ex- If. d Nah. iii. 15* e Jer. vi. 3.
* S3#
* 6. They are likened to a forest a, for their Visibil- ity and multitude. Their captains are the choice trees, and top-branches. How often is the destructive fire of divine wrath kindled among them, to burn many of them out of life, and into the lowest hell !
7. They are compared to t lames of fire b. How terrible and furious ! How hard to be resisted ! Hovr unmercifully they spread horror and ruin ! How rap- idly they invade a country, consume its product, and murder its inhabitants]
8. They are likened to wisd ; waters ; rivers floods c. How powerful! terrible] mischievous I numerous ! and hard to be resisted !
9. They are represented as a wing d. How Yapid their march ! How sweeping their influence! Aai- how protecting- their power and favour !
SECTION IV.
Metaphors respecting families, and their members.
1. A Family is called a house ; a taberxacle e. Here we dwell together in houses or tents. Like houses, they oft need new repairs. One generation Cometh, and another goeth away. Like tabernacles, they are easily destroyed or changed.
2. In our translation, a husband is represented as a covering of the eucsf as he protects the person^ chastity, and concerns of his wife. But might not the words rather be translated, to suggest, that the thousand pieces of silver given to Sarah by Abimele#\, were to buy veils for her and her maidens ? Truly, O Jesus, it is thine to cover my eyes, my conscience, and my all.
3. A good wife is represented as a builder of her
els. x. 18. 19. b Jer. xlviii. 45. c Is. xxviii. 2. Dan. xi 2% d Dan. ix. 27. c Prov. xir. 1. 11. /Gen. xx. 1.6.
Ff
331
house a. Not only she readily builds it up with chil- dren ; but in every respect, promotes the welfare and prosperity thereof. But the foolish pluckeih it down ; mars its peace and prosperity. Thrice happy, that rny hands cannot pluck down the Lord, who is my habitation !
4. A wife is represented as a fruitful vine b. — Though frail, and subject to many infirmities, she brings forth an amiable increase of children. Her cleaving to the sides of h^r husband's house, implicth her keeping at home ; not given to idle gadding, or wasteful diversion ; nor to creep into her neighbours'
houses, as a busy body Lord Jesus, how far am I
from so cleaving to my proper work !
5. A wife is likened to a loving hind and pleas- ant roe ; a heifer, a lamb c ; because of her agree- able comeliness ; loveliness ; kind affection ; and de- lightful company.
6. She is compared to a fountain d. What a pleasant source of comfort and usefulness to her family, is a good wife ! And what an agreeable mother of children, that, like streams, maybe dispersed abroad !
7. She is a good thing e. An eminent blessing to her husband, children, and servants ; and he that hath a good wife, hath obtained a signal favour of the Lord.
8. She is called the desire of the eyes/; be- cause of the delight which men take in seeing, and in connection with, their beloved wives. — Surprising ! O Jesus, are thy heart and eyes on me continually !
9. A good wife is represented as a beautiful orn*- me*tt£\ She brings credit and honour to her hus- band and family — O were I such to Christ !
10. A bad wife is likened to the wind A; because
a Prov. xlv. 1. b Psal. cxxviii. 3. c Prov. v
d Prov. v. 18. e Prov. xviii. 22./Bzek. xxiv. 1$. g xii. 4- h Prov. xxvii. IS.
19. g Prov*
332
©f "her unsettled humour ; her noisy, boisterous, and troublesome conversation ; and as the wind, and the ointment on a man's hand 'will discover itself; so, notwithstanding her husband's care, will she discover her infirmity and shame,
11. A contentious wife resembles a continual drop- ping a. She will be perpetually harassing her hus- band and family with her scolding and strife. Better dwell in a corner of the wilderness, than live with her ill a palace.
12. A bad wife is rottenness to her husband* s bones b. Either she wickedly secluceth him, to sow to the ilesh corruption, and so pine away in his iniquity; or her troublesome behaviour burdens his spirit, and hastens his natural death. — Thrice happy, O Jesus, that wicted as I am, I cannot be rottenness to thee !
13. Children are likened to plants, and clivi> plants, around their father's table c. How "pleasant, when they keep their due order [ What a promising- appearance of joy, honour, and support, to their pa- rents ! But ah, how often death quickly cuts down the plants ! or sin withers them !
14. Children are. compared to a lamp or goal i.— Being lighted into life by means of their parents, how they tend to the comfort of families ; and the promo- ting of warm affection ! How, with their shining light, they are a lasting honour and renown to their parents !
15. They resemble streams of reciter dispersed ia the streets e. How delightful and comely , to see them in the streets at their lawful employment, or even innocent diversions '—Alas ! O Fountain of living ^aterSj how often they run and twine about our heart; a: d Steal away our love from thee I
are represented as arrows of strong y
i 13. b Troy. xii. >. c Psc\L exxviii. 3. d 2Sam. xiv, ■ . 14.
$mi a. What a protection and defence to their parents. stnd families ! But let my great armour be of God.
17. They are represented as the heritage and re- ward of God b. He bestows them upon parent* and to him should they gratefully dedicate them a& his property, and train them up in his service.,
23. They are represented as a crown to their fa- thers }. How honourable to be the regular means of producing instruments to glorify God, and, vessels to receive his redeeming mercy !; — Lord, may mine be such !
19. Daugters are represented as polished corner- stones d. What comeliness and beauty they ofte» possess \ What useful means of order and connection, between families they are ! — Am I a daughter of heaven's King, all-glorious within, and my clothing of wrought gold !
20. Brethren are bom for adversity e. Chiefly in trouble, they ought to sympathize with, counsel, comfort, assist, and support one another.
^1. Brethren offended, are like to a walled city t\ because of the difficulty there is to reconcile and ap- pease them. And their contentions are like the bars *f a strong castle, not easily broken up, and removed*
a Psal. gtvXvh. i. b Psal. cxxvii. 3. c Prov, xvii, 5. <£Paa£ <&}iv. 12 XTiLir. fYz&r. xviU. 19.
334
BOOK in;
Metaphorical representations of things*
CHAPTER I.
Metaphors respecting God's purpos€, and provi- dential execution oj it,
I. Metaphors respecting God's purpose.
1. GOD's purpose is represented as a counsel a.—* O the depth of divine wisdom that shines in it I With- out deliberation, such as ours, Low exactly are all mat-: ters, means,, and ends, therein connected ! Surprise ing ! did Jehovah consult for the endless welfare of thoughtless, wicked, worthless me !:
2. It is called his pleasure, zwi good pleasure b. — His sovereign will is * he c: use and nde of it. A;:d O his ever-fixed delight in the thoughts of lib heat? ! Weve thy delights, O Jeko^h, with rae I zud shall mine not be with thee !
3. It is ^presented as a determination' and de- cree c. 3y hi^ absolute ^uth^rity are for ; uil*- starsce.^ a,;j Minima, inirj bd in it, for person, property, and event.
4* It is represented as xxowleuge, foee^&ndwx^ EbGE i/. Therein, before creatures God had the most e heir nature a . . . . -
cuiuftan es.
5. It is represented as mPPKTaiks of t from
between whicJifc
earth e. IJow jhyii, jU : us,
and pure ! j
|
a Is. |
; C ActS 1Y |
|
|
. . vi, 2- |
Ft" 2 |
33o
tcrs, angels, monarchies, and providences, go forth (a execute its contents.
6. It is represented as a foundation a. How wise- ly laid ! How sure* fixed, and immoveable ! How it; supports, regulates, and adorns all God's works !— * k What endless structures of creation and providence are built upon it I Hail, my happy soul, amidst all thy fleeting changes, thy foundation, laid by the wis-, dom and love of God, stands sure, having this seal — The Lord kncweth them that are his. Let me, there- fore, who name the name of Christ, depart from tni~ quity*
T. It is represented as a book b. There every creature's form and case, every event, is orderly and particularly fixed. Every person's eternal state is particularly ascertained. The purpose of election is a book of life ; in which the persons, means, matter^ and end, of men's everlasting life are fixed. It is call- ed the Lamb's book ; because we are chosen in, and saved by Chrisi.-^-O to s.ee my name written in heav-, en!
8. The divine purpose, respecting angels and men,, is called a predestination or fore-appointment c. — i Therein each is personally and immutably appointed to everlasting happiness or misery, before the founda* lion of the wo^ld ; and every mean conducive to these encfs, is so wisely and infallibly fixed, as no way Interfered with their own free will*
9. The divine purpose, as relating to men who are appointed to everlasting life, is termed a forekn6wj> ibge, election, or choice d. In themselves, they were equally mean and unworthy as others ; but God, in his mere sovereignty, took notice of them, favored, acknowledged for his, and separated them from others, to be a peculiar people to himself.
a2Tim.ii.19. b Ps^. oxxxix, 16. c 1 fb*s. v. % iCRo^: 1#&. $9. and xl 5. ^.3
336
If. Metaphors respecting God's providence.
1. Providence is represented as God's face a.—* Therein he discovers his glory. By prosperity he lifts up his countenance, and smiles. By heavy judg- ments, he frowns, and causeth men to perish at the re-* buke of his countenance. By his watchful care, his eyes run to and fro, to shew himself strong in the be- half of such as fear -him. By the breathing of his pow-i erful influence, he quickens and restores ; and by the angry blast of his nostrils, are men consumed.
2. It is represented as God's way ; path ; goings ; and pootsteps b. Herein with pleasure he displays his power, and gradually fulfils his purpose. He com- eth to men, to relieve, amifort, ancl punish them — - He tarns away from men, by desertion, or by forbear- ing to punish. His way is in the sea, and his footsteps not knGfun ; when it is hard to understand the nature and tendency of his providences ; or see his perfec- tions displayed therein. His paths drop down fatness3 when providences concur to our comfort ; or when the clouds pour down their refreshful and nourishing dew and rain. To look after God ; or see his goings, is, with reverence, attention, and delight, to observe, consider, and remember the works of God-
' 3. God's providence is compared to ciouds c—
fow lofty ; marvellous ; and incomprehensible ! — ow pregnant with events ! How swift and divinely directed the motions of it ! To the wicked, how ter- rible the influence, and sometimes the appearance I To the saints how refreshful and fructifying ! When I see the most £>laek, dismal, and louring providences of God, gilded with* the rainbow of his covenant, or his Sun- of righteousness, how reviving and restoring it is to my heart ! Then am I also among the prophets '$> know that all things shall work together for my good.
a Jor.xsi, 10. b Psal. Lxxyii. 19. c Is. xix. 1. Fsal. XQvii. &
Providence is compared to a white eland, to denote its purity, righteousness, glory, and comeliness ; to a thick or dark cloud, to represent its mysteriousness* terribleness, and perplexing influence.
4. It may be compared to chariots g. In it, God, ■ with pleasure and pomp, as it were, traverseth the
world ; orders aSalrs ; defends, bears, and supports1 his people; treads down, and triumphs over his ene- mies. It resembles four chariots, as it re-ache th to ev- ery circumstance, in every end of the earth. That wftK red horses, may denote its awful, bloody, and de- structive scenes ; that with black, its terrible, con- founding, and perplexing dispensations ; that with white, its miiling dispensations, as succeeding the most awful ; that with grizzled and bay horses, walk- ing to and fro in the earth, its mixed dispensations of mercy : nd judgment, observable in every place and circumstance.. What if the first relate to the period of persecution after Christ ; the second to the Anti- christian ; the third to the millennium ; and tliQ fourth to the luke~wa:n; period before the last judgment ?
5. It may be compared to wheals b ; to represent the quick ami easy, motion j and the mysterious na- ture, ai :A frequent changes of it. How quickly it hum- bles m6 lofty, a,:cl exalts such-as are low I Like the wheels of a ni* how exactly it regulates all thiugs iv nature ! These wheels having four faces% may imxY out ence, as respecting all the ends of the evith ; and as exercised with great tenderness, pa -ien i , : •■ \ ,5;c and power. Their uniform like-. n&$$, hvi tendency of •providences. — *> Their hppte m of u wheel within a wheel, imports its : < oviduct. The height of their r : of eyes, may sig^ the tJrea s infinity knowledge discove-
SS8
£. It resembles deep floods a. How mysterious and unsearchable ! How powerful and irresistible I What an inexhau stable comfort to the godly [ What a bottomless gulph of misery to the wicked !
T. la respect of the righteousness therein displayed, it resembles great mountains b. How firmly ! how conspicuously God displays and prosecutes equity and holiness in every part of it ! How 'justly he therein lays bars in the way of his enemies ! and affords agree- able pasturage, prospect, and shelter to his chosen: sheep ! His faithfulness therein reacheih the clouds ; every dispensation fulfilling' his word, what clear, ex- tensive, and lofty discoveries ere made thereof!
S. It resembles a ladder, reaching from heaven to eatfh, with the Lord at its top] a?id angels ascending* and descending its rounds c. Being managed and in- spected by God, it extends to all things above and be- low ; and angels are employed to execute many, if not most of its dispensations,
CHAPTER II,
Metaphors respecting God's covenants with man,
I. Metaphors respecting the covenant of works.
1. THE covenant of works made with Adam, and all his seed in him, is called a law d. It comprehend* ed the whole duty of man ; was enforced with divine authority ; was not an agreement betwixt equals, but enjoined by God to xnan as his subject. It is called a fiery law* Amidst fiery flames, it was published from Sinai ; it occasions fiery rage in our heart against
a Psal. xxxvi. 6, i Psal, xxxvi. 5, 6, cQen, xxtuL 12*
tfllom.iu, 19.20.
■
339
God ; and worketh for us, a fiery and everlasting ruin. It is a law weak through the flesh, as by reason of our corruption, it cannot justify or save us. It is a law of sin and death, as by it the offence abounds ; and sin reigns unto death, temporal, spiritual, and eternal.
2. It is represented as a rigid master a. How extensive and hard are its requirements of us ! With- out affording or allowing us any spiritual strength, or nourishment, it demands that we should perfectly fulfil its precepts, holy, just and good spiritual, and exceeding broad ; and satisfy its unbounded penalty for cur past offences. If we continue not in all things commanded ; if we keep it not ' constantly in every point and degree ; it curseth us to endless misery ; and employeth our conscience to condemn, lash, and torment us. — Alas ! O Jesus, how long I foolishly preferred this hard bondage to thy easy yoke and light burden !
3. Is is represented as a husband b. We were so- lemnly married to it in Adam. Heartily we approve the match, going about to establish our own righteous- ness ; and, notwithstanding its rigour, and the danger attending our connection with it, how desperately we cleave to it, live under it, and pretend attempts to ful- fil it, till Jesus by applying to our consience his law* magnifying righteousness, renders it dead to us, des- titute of all power to condemn or hurt us ; and us dead to it, freed nom relation to it, leva of it or de- lightful attempts to serve it'?— Better, O my soul, dwelt with a brawling weman in a strait house, than wiih this husband in a wide palace of outward pros- perity. Flee therefore to Jeers ; tarry not, lest thou
e 6« : • v ..J.. Avoid this broken few ! pas\ not by hifti ; n :n hSs field ; ebmie not near the do • c :
4. Il -ant woul* gendering a Uom< vn. & xlcm. yu. 1.— 4,
340
children to bondage a. As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse of slavery to Satan, the wurld, and their sinful corruptions. Ah their coarse provision ; the husks of sinful and sensual pleasures ! their wretched apparel ; the filthy rags of self-right- eousness, and curse of Almighty God ! their hard servitude; weary and heavy laden, serving divers fusts, and labouring in the fire for very vanity ! Ah ! their sorry wages ! To them is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever ! Yet the slavery being natural, Sow is it loved and followed ! Notwithstanding all that God hath done for, my soul ; notwithstanding his changing and emptying me from vessel to vessel,' what remains of this mother's blood runs still in my veins ! How my comfort -ebbs and flows with my frame ! the challenges of my ©onscience mar my believing assur- ance ! the prevalence of sin, or pride of grace, checks my exercise of faith on Christ ! my defects in duty mar my peace ! Alas ! how I undervalue Jesus' per- son and blood ! How straitened am I in religious ex- ercises ! How discouraged and fretted in almost every condition! How ready to go strait from duties to the service of lusts !
5. It is called the strength of sis b. From the strictness of its precept, and severity of its penalty, discovered to the conscience, indwelling sin taketh oc- casion to rage more violently against God* Its curse- condemns us to lie under the power of spiritual death in trespasses and sins. And thus, as it were, enableth our indwelling sin to command, work in, war against, wound, condemn, and slay us. G tremendous myste- ry ! The holy law condemning us to a deatii in sin ! to a lying under the power of sinful corruption, as the chief branch of our punishment ! O horrid monster sin ! which taketh occasion from the holy, just, and good commandment, to work in me all manner of sin-
a Gal. iv. 24. b 1 Cor. xv. 16.
341
fbl concupiscence ! O mad legalist, to seek liberty &n& salvation by the mother of bondage J to seek purifica- tion by the strength of sin I Wonder no more, my sou I, that the preacher of our good wfcrks, as the ground of acceptance with God, renders people licentious in their life. The curse of the Almighty is upon it ; how can it then bear good fruit ?how can the strength of sin reform the world ? How can the source of hei! open heaven for#us ?
II, Metaphors respecting the .covenant of grace,
1. The covenant of grace is compared to a rain- bow a. As a token that he is well pleased in Christ, and that floods of vengeance shall no more return to destroy his people, God hath established and exhibited it. How sweetly it comprehends all, and more than all, the beauties of creation ! reflects the glory, the heervenliness, the refreshing virtue, the royal majesty, and bloody suffering, of my Sun, my Shield, my in- carnate God ! and gilds all the clouds of providence with his redeeming love ! here I behold him all is all, even of my gloomy cross ! Here I see Jeho- vah's bow inverted ; his wrath turned away from me, and pointed against the pritice of the power of the air, and my other enemies. Blessed covenant, how high ! but how condescending to men of low degree ! How near ! how wide- stretched thine arms to receive us men, earthly, sensual, and devilish I Him that Com- eth unto thee, shall in no wise be cast out. Short-liv- ed, indeed, are cur sensible views of thy brightness ; yet how pleasant presages these, of an abundance of rain ! of times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord ! Arise, my famished, my scorched, my wither* ed soul, eat and drink ; there is a sound of abundance of rain ; to-morrow shalt thou be forever deluged with
«Ksv. iv. 3. and x. J.
\X2
die loving-kindness of God, Blessed agreement, Jesus' sacrifice wast thou established, and far ever I thou encircle his and his Father's head ; they are ever mindful of thee ; and regulate all their work by thee, O darling of my soul, shall not then my Heart and eyes be for ev£r fixed on thee !
2. It Fesembles Solomon's chart ot of the wood of Lebanon a. Herein Jesus manifests his infinite royafc ty, power, and wealth ; hereby he conveys his chosen to his heavenly country ; and conquers, and captivates every opposer. How precious, durable, firm, and fra- grant its whole frame ! It's pillars of silver, are lis solid, substantial, shining, precious, and unchangeable promises. Its bottom of gold, is the infinitely pure., precious, and everlasting perfections of God, and person of Christ. Its covering of purple, is his bleeding right- eousness, the condition of it. Its mid pavement of love, its source, heart, and substance, is the unbounded !o^e, grace, and mercy of a God in Christ. — In thee, O hie s- sed chariot, how sweetly; how safely ; how quickly I ride to glory! How I overleap every mountain of dif- ficulty in my way ! How, all along the passage," my heart melts with love to him ; that so loved me, and gave himself for me ! and my tongue shouts the Re- deemer !
3. It resembles a bed, guarded in the ?iight by three- score valiant men of Israel b. Instated in this, O Je- sus, we sweetly rest with thee, and mutually embrace one another, and are by thee rendered fruitful in good works. Here all we the chosen children of God are begotten, nourished, and warmed. To guard m during the night of trouble and time, we are attended by thy powerful perfections, mighty a|>go!s, arid faithful ministers,
4. It is represented asai^iLDi^o a::
9. 10 b Song1, iii. 6. 7. 8.
Gfr
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3XG-H0USE a. 0 thrice glorious structure of grace and mercy, whose foundation is Jesus' person, and Je- hovah's ]ove ! whose covering is. the. righteousness of an incarnate God ! who e store is all the fulness of God! Here, ernbannered with everlasting, with all- attracting, all-conquering love, you ransomed drink of the spited wine of the juice of his pomegran- ates ; receive out of his fulness grace for grace, till there be no more room to receive it ; joyfully feed on his flesh, which is meat indeed, and his blood, which is drink indeed.
5. It is represented as a Testament Tj. Here God dispones all things into Christ's hand : and he be- queathes them to us sinful and unworthy men. By his blood and death it is confirmed ; and all its prom- ises are, in him, yea and amen, to the glory of God.— Nor can any disannul^ or add thereto.— -O thrice-hon- ourable title to eternal life ! Be it " all my salvation, and all my desire, though he make it not to grow."
6. It is represented as God's oath c. Therein he hath pledged to Christ, and to us in him, his existence, life, glory, and perfection, for the full accomplishment of every promise thereof. O rich charter ; sure title to eternal bliss ! God hath spoken ; hath written ; hath sworn in his holiness, I will, rejoice. In believ- ing expectation, I will divide, I will commence the en- joyment of, my unbounded felicity. God hath sworn, that my Christ is a priest for ever ; that he hath no pleasure in my death ; that he will not be wroth wiih me, nor rebuke me ; that, Surely blessing he will bless me, and multiplying will multiply my everlasting sat- isfaction and bliss. — Is there any conveyance, any chap- ter like mine, mine enemies themselves being judges ! O how rich, comprehending all the fulness of God !
a PsaL lxxxixr 1. 2- Song- ii. 4. b Heb. vii. 22. c Pad- ex. 4. and lxxxix. 3. 35. Ezek. xvi. 10.
34$
re I a covenant of peace, that cannot be ore--
ken ! hkyfa sail ! V thSt thieves can steal, 5:o
burn, floods itrownj or time waste ! how/h?^? / disperv
" sed in gracious promises, sweeter th&n to ^y
CHAPTER III.
horz fespeciirig the v:ord of God in general.
1. G.ODV wjord is compared to an instructor, com- ?axion, ajiiJ counsellor a. It contains the whole revelation of his mind to us. It teacheth us every useful truth ; abides with us in every case ; comforts us in every grief ; directs us in every perplexity.-— Blessed counsellor, let me commit myself wholly to thee; depend on thee ; and readily receive thy dic- tates. When I lie down, speak thou to me. When I rise up, and walk by the way, talk thou with me.
2. It resembles the keck of a human body 6.— T Thereby the church is joined to Christ ; her life main- tained; her food conveyed from him; and her spir- itual breath of prayer, praise, and preaching, trans- mitted. Adds not this greatly to her comeliness ! and is it not chained about with golden promises, ordinan- ces, and blessings ?
3. The scripture resembles a' mother's breasts c. It consists of two sacred testaments, between which, as the meeting centre, Jesus lodgeth during the night of time. How these adorn his mystical body / and c vey the spiritual milk of saving knowledge, and gri- cious influence to her members !
4. It is represented as a mother's eelly d. By its influence are saints and graces begotten, quickened,
a Psal cxix. 24. 9S. b Song* i. 10. and iv. 4. c Song ,u M. and iv 5. d Sdng; vH J. . ^
S45
I nourished, in this their weak state ; and -r Hereby? are they hid and protected from danger.— -Till my glorious birth into the heavenly state, may I lie and feed here !,
5. It resembles ^j{?twin-eoes feeding among lil- ies a. MW fresh, comely, and glorious, are its two
d testaments-! How harmoniously connected !
How they feed, or dwell, upon Christ aixThis people !
planted with lilies of precious promises. —
: v..l, let them be to thee, as- the loving hind and
; ; let their breasts satisfy thee at all times,
thou alway ravished with the love of Christ in
the ill,
6. It is called statutes b. By God's infinite wir- dom, it is framed ; by his sovereign authority, it is ratified and published ; and is indispensably obligato-
' if on our consciences.
• 7. It is called a lav/ c. Every article of it is stam- ped with the authority cf the o::e lawgiver, able to save alive, or destroy. It sufficiently teacheth, directs, and binds us to an holy practice. To our unspeaka- ble advantage, we conform to it ; and to our inex- pressibly hurt, we walk contrary to it .
' 8. It is called judgments d. O the wisdom and knowledge of G-od displayed therein ! — By it he new judgeth cur actions ; requireth us to judge ourselves ;. and by it he will judge us at the last day.
9. It is called testimonies e. solemnly and faith- fully it declares to us every momentous truth concern- ing God, concerning Christ, concerning ourselves and cur neighbour ; and it is attested by the sacred oath ef Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
10. It is represented as a testament/. It is, the last will of our crucified Redeemer. It is immutably
a Sorg vii. 3. h Fsal. xix. 8, c PsaL xix. 7. d Psd. &ix. 9. e^Psal. xix 7* f Keb. ix. 11,
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confirmed and ratified by his death ; and therein he hath graciously and distinctly bequeathed to us all Lis inestimable blessings, his fulness ot righteousness, grace and glory ; and left us all the important rules of our conduct.
11. It is compared to xight a. How heavenly its origin ! Hew marvellous its nature and influence ! How astonishing and numerous its mysteries ! How pure ; how glorious, pleasant, and comfortable* its truths! How penetrating, purifying, qnickening, dis- covering, and directing, its virtue !-^While I have this light, let me walk in it, lest darkness come upon me. Do thou, Jesus, open mine eyesj that I may see wondrous things out of thy law.
1.2. It is compared to a lamp b. Lighted by the inspiration, and shining by the -oil-like influence of the Holy Ghost, it irradiates dark places of the earth, and dark corners of our heart. How different the degrees of its brightness, as it is more or less carefully snuffed and preserved from alteration, qv misinterpretation f How easily and often removed from one place ta another ! How often do ministers therewith light up Jesus' friends to their celestial chambers, and return themselves to the blackness of darkness ! \Ji is a light only suited to the night of time, and small in com- parison of the bright vision and glory to be revealed. — It is a lamp ordained, divinely set up, to publish the excellency, and draw men to Jesus; God's anointed. May it be a light to ray feet, and a lamp to my paths !
13. It is compared to. a fire c. How absolutely nececsary in our cold earth ! How powerfully it pene- trates into, illuminates, warms, melts, softens, quic kens, comforts, and purifieth our heart! burns up oir in- ward corruption, and comforms us to its own Ii>e:>c?s ! Ye ministers of God, keep it not back from your peu-
* Psal. cxu. 50. 105. b Psal. csix. 105. c Jer. aim 29
0S2
l7
pte, test It be in your bowels, as a tormenting, a 1 wing fire; Ye sons of men, meditate and muse there- on, that its fire may seize yon; cause your heart to burn, while Jesus openeth to you the scriptures.— Quench not its in 8 uence by bloody crimes, -by pre- sumptuous rebellion against God ; nor by wallowing in sin, and drinking up iniquity ; nor by earthly niincL- edness and sensuality ; nor by neglect to administer due fuel, in the exercise of reading, hearing, medita- tio;?. and prayer.
I'k It is compared to rain and'DEw a. Hoiv heav- enly and divine its origin ! How gradually and irre- sistably it is revealed to the church, and applied to trie heart! How numerous its articles of history* prophecy, promise, threatning, doctrines, and law ! Bow seasonably it descends, in the night of time and ■distress^ or morning of gracious opportunity! How pleasant, comely, refreshful, restoring, softening, and often insensible its application to our soul! — Let thy doctrine, O Jesus, drop as the dewr, and distil as the rain ; so shall we revive as the corn, grorv as the lily, and cast forth our roots as Lebanon.
l(5i It is compared to waters b. It, chiefly its promises, being furnished with the Father's love, the fulness, merit, and grace of the Son, and the unboun- ded influence of the Holy Ghost, powerfully found, and run into our heart ; bear down all sinful opposi- tion ; spread into all our inward powers,, and outward practice, ;.ard among all the various nations of men. How suitable to the case of every one, sinner or saint J How effectually it cools our burning last ! qnencheth our carnal desires ! purgeth off our filth ! beautifieth cue heart and life ! refresheth, nourisheth, strengthens, heals, mollifies, quickens, and fructifieth our soul. — * Christ's sprinkling us with this water, imports hisgrad-
a Deut xxxii, 2. h Is. hr. 1. Zech. xiv. 8 Psah xxiil &
ar.d xivi. 4>
348"
uai, ! ul, and plenteous applies, reof to
our heart, and conscience; to purge 'us iWjm dead works, to serve tiie living Grod.
16. It is represented as seed, or good sbf.d a. — How precious, useful, and neressary ! With what cafes and skill, doth Jcisus, its producer aid sower, in every age and case, delightful, or stormy, cast il into his church, ar.d the hearts of his people ! tliat it may hud and grow up, it must be hid in our heart ; duel! in us richly ; and be covered with meditation and prayer : nor, immediately after it is - 3xpe'.t, sen-
sibly to perceive and enjoy its good- fruits, TLe frcst of affliction and temptation is useful, to deepen its roof? ., and kill the weeds of corruption, that spontaneously spring up in our soul in order to choke it. But chief- ly, the warmth of the Sun of righteousness, the rain and dew of the blessed Spirit, and the influences of/ the moon of instituted ^ordinances, concur to promote its growth. II it be early and abundantly sown, pjkL if the earliest buds of corruption be carefully nipt, it prospers the more : if superficially received, either* Satan and his agents quickly catch it away ; or our promising appearances quickly w ither ; or the thorny cares of a present life, choke the word, and render it; unfruitful. What abundant fruit did an handful hereof, sown by the apostle, on the barren mountain > of our Gentile-world, produce !
IT. It is compared to wheat b. How noted its value ! its purity and solidity ! its duration and power to endure storms I H®w wholesome, healing, and nour- ishing its influence ! Is it not an heap of wheat set a- beat ivith lilies ? How large its fulness, and divers ified its truths ! How, surrounded with fragrant, flourishing, and medicinal promises ; and with ransomed men feeding thereon ! Do not all its truths centre im Jesus, the lily of the valley ? — What then, is the un- a Mark iy. 1,— 29. b Jsr. xxiii. 23. Song vii. 2.:
340
substantial chaff x>f vain imaginations to this wheat, saith the Lord !
18. It is compared to food a. Hew absolutely necessary to support our inward, our spiritual life ! How plentifully provided by God ! How all suiting ! how nourishing and strengthening to our heart ! How .naturally the children of God turn to. asd seek after it ! and with what frequency and pleasure they receive it L_Was it my soul, ever found, and eaten by thee ? Was it the joy and rejoicing oi my heart ? Bo I live,, not by bread alone, but by every, word that proeecdeth out of the mouth of God I Do I more carefully, more iiequently attend the repast of my soul, than of this mortal worm, my body ? Happy J, that though the meat be cut off from the field-, there it enough in my Father's inspired granary, and to spare. Eat, my soul, that which is got d, and delight thyself in fatness. Bread shall be given me^ and my water shall be sure. No drought nor heat can smite ; no east wind can blast the field of his promises. No poverty, idleness,. or guilt, can break my title to his provision. Work not therefore thy own works, but believe, eat, drink, and be merry ; for thine eternal to-morrow shall be as this day, and mueh more abundant.
19* It is compared to jiokey b.. How glorious its origin ! Here, by the amazing skill, care, and labour of an incarnate God, the quintessence of creation, of more than ten thousand creations, of Godhead, is prepared for us ! How ravishing its sweetness ! de- lightfully sickening my heart, and rendering even troubles sweeter than honey to my taste ! How effect- ually it softens our inward powers! searehcth and heals our spiritual sores ! recovers from inward con- sumptions! purgeth and nourisheth our soul! Yet ah ! how loathed by many, who have access to it !— -■ John's little book was sweet in his mouth, but bitter iu_
a Mikttb, iv. 4, 6 Vto& xlx. 10,
355?
Sis belli/. With pleasure he received the knowledge oF future events ; but was grieved to think of the for- seen adversities of the ehurcii of God.— Be thou, m)r soul, a busy bee, gathering honey from every inspired flower ; so shall that which is set on my table be full of fatness; full of ravishing sweetness. For ever, I shall feed on pure, on redeeming God-head, as my
ALL IS ALL.
20. It is compared to milk sincere and uncornipi-- ed a. G its purityrmd sweetness ! its nourishing, re- storing, healing, and purifying influence 1 How much desired and valued by the saints ! how proper food in their earthly and infantile state ! what noble rem- edy under their spiritual consumptions ! O the abun- dance ! Here, for abundance of milk, every one may eat, may wash his steps in butter. Butter and honey shall every one eat, that dwells in our new-covenant land, that they may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. — The more plain truths of God's word are likened to milk, while the rest are compared to strong meat. The weakest saints can spiritually un- derstand, receive, and digest the former ; while only these, who are grown in grace, and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, can understand, feed' on, and improve the latter. Lord, I must feed-J. with the weakest, on thy plain promises. And* O how plain I plain ! pleasant, are they to my heart !
21. It is compared to gom> ; fixe gold b. How pure, precious, solid, and durable ! How glorious, use- ful, enriching, adorning ! How substantial and weigh- ty- containing much in few words ! How thoroughly tried, amidst flaming persecutions, fiery trials of enra- ged opposers ; and in the fiery-like experience of the saints ! What a sovereign medicine to heal our run- ning sores of corruption ! What a sovereign cordial to revive, and restore a drooping spirit! Covet earnestly,
n 1 Pet. ii. 1. Heb, v. 12. 6 Psal. Cxix. 7%
35! ' '
my soul, this best thing, this gold, that shall Keep me; and shall, in all cases and countries, pass current, be- tween me and my God.
22. It is compared to silver tried in a furnace^ and seven times purified a. How pure, precious, shin- ing and useful ! O the seven-fold flames of trouble and persecution that it hath endured ! And was it not, O blessed Jesus, refined to the highest in thy fie- ry death ? — Didst thou,. my soul, ever find dross in him, or his word ?
23. It is likened to a kick spoil and treasure, »• heritage 6. It Is the fruit of Christ's victory over sin, Satan, and the world. It contains an inexpressi- ble fulness cf grace and glory ; all the fulness of God, sufficient to enrich millions of destitute sinners. How highly valued, and safely secured by Christ, and* his people ! He hides it in his hand ; and they hide it in their heart. Evermore', Lord, let me follow thee, to divide this spoil ; to share this inheritance, as an heir of Christ.
24. It resembles a plough c. Being divinely ap- plied to our heart, it breaks up the fallow-ground, breaks the roots of corruption, and prepares us for re- ceiving the good seed of gracg. The more obdurate our heart, th£ more powerful, deep, and close must the application of the word be. How proper for its more- effectual operation, is the winter of adversity, and the spring-tide of youth ! How necessary that every ap- plication be attended with the rainy influences of the Holy Spirit !
25. It is compared to a rod and staff d. By it Je- sus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, hints his will, draws, directs, supports, and comforts his people. — When I walk 'through the troublous valley of the shad- ow of death, let this rod and staff comfort me ; so shall
*■
a FsaL xii. 6. £ Psal. cxix. 162, * TXss. x. 12. </Ps&L xxiii. 4, and sir. 6. and ex, 2.
352
I Fear no evil. It is the rod of Christ's strength, and his sceptre of righteousness. By it he displays his power, equity, and finished righteousness, in i e r viction, conversion, and sanctification of his people ; and by it' he displays his sovereignty, authorizeth his ordinances, and testifieth his kindness to his people ; and orders destruction for his enemies.
26. It is compared to an hammer a. By it God i3eats and breaks our hard hearts ; fastens in them the nails of convincing influences, of regulating precepts awing threatenings, sanctifying and encouraging pro- mise?. When thy words, O Master of assemblies, are by thee fixed in my soul, I am pricked to the heart ; all my powers cry out, What shall I do t a be saved ? Give me Christ, or else I die.
27. It is compared to a sword, and
the spirit b. It was the Spirit, who fran en-
dited it ; and. by applying it to our soul, he wound? our conscience, slays our lust, pierceth and subdues our heart. How excellent its metal and form, for the spiritual warfare. By managing it aright, we through the Spirit, convince or silence the eroneous, defend our soul, overcome our spiritual enemies, subdue the slavish-fear of death, mortify our lusts, glorify God, and promote ourselves to everlasting honour.
28. It is likened to bow and arrows c. By means thereof, God powerfully, suddenly, and often some- what imperceptibly, convinceth, converts, a^d subdues sinners to himself. Lord, cause the arrows of thy truth and influence, to stick fast in the heart of thine enemies, t* make the people fall in sub lection ub thee !
20. It resembles the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon hang a thousand shields of men d. How strong, invincible, and g ! How
a Jer. xxiii. 29- 3 PsaL xlv. 3. Eph, vi. IT. c FsnUxlv- 45. d Song it. 4. and vii. 4.
353
richly furnished with all the armour of God I Here is the sword of sufficient argument against every tempt- ation and error ; tlie shield of God himself and of faith in him, to avert every fiery dart, or .deathful push ; the girdle of faithful promises and divine truths, to for- tify and encourage our heart; the breast-plate of im- puted righteousness, and sanctifying grace, to secure our soul ; the helmet of well-grounded hope of salva- tion, the tshoes of gospel-principles, and the artillery of manifold prayers. Choose, 0 my soul, thine armour from hence -; there is none like it; Lord, give it me.
30. The scriptures resemble a banqueting house,
where the guests are embannered vAth Jesus1 love a
By bringing us into the spiritual knowledge thereof, -what stores -of reposited blessedness he discovers to us ! How sweetly he feasts, reTresheth, strengthens and an- imates, to the spiritual warfare, with his Jove, which is better than wine !
31. They are compared to Solomon's green and guarded bed b. What sweet rest in communion with, and sanctifying and fructifying influence, do we there- in receive from Jesus Christ, while divine perfections* holy angels and vigilant ministers, unnumbered, do guard and defend us, till the cold, dark and dangerous night, of trouble and time, come to an end !
32.. God's word is compared to a way or path c. Planned by the wisdom of God, owned by the King of kings ; it points out the way to obtain the heavenly country and city. It supports the saints, who with pleasure and progress follow one another, in attending to, depending on, and walking therein. — Here walk, my soul, so shall I never be ashamed. Nor let me have greater joy, than to see Zion's children walk; jn the truth, more and more receiving it into then* heart, and practising it in their life.
33. It is compared to a rule, reed, or measuring-
a Song ii. 4. b Song i. IS. and ii« 7. 8. c 3. Joha 4.
.Yff 4
iJi^E a. It ft indeed contemnefl by a carried world, but 1b the ex&ct, the useful, the divinely appointed stand- ard of all the forms and ordinances cf the church, and - every part of our conduct ; and by v. Inch we stall be judged at last.— Al way, therefore, my soul, enquire what saith the Lord.
S4. It is compared to a glass b. Through it, we behold our own insufficiency a^d filtriiness, the glory •of God in Christ, the ^lotrjdnfops reality of eternal things, and the true path of holiness that kadeth to eternal happiness. Behold in this glass, my soul, thy- self, and be humbled ; behold the glory of Christ, that thou mayest be changed into the same image, from .giory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord. Nor be thou a forgetful hearer, that quickly forgets what man- ner of appearance he saw.
CHAPTER IT.
Metaphors respecting law and gospel 7 nhieh are :. two principal parts cf God's word : The law teacheth vs what duty God requireth of us ; and the guspcl^ what blessings he freely gheth to us.
I. Metaphors respecting the !am.
1. THE law is represented as a school mastlh to bring us to Christ c. The moral law shews us our laeed of him, for by it is the knev,?; Ije of sin ; it de- mands of us that righteousness • ve can only find in liini ; chargeth ;gs to embrace him, as soon &s he 'is revealed and oliered ; ^ind prevents our quiet resting ill any thing till we find him. Darkly the cererawiii isM pointed out the mystery of Chrisl, and by hard
a ilzek. xl. &c. h 2 Cor. iii 18. c Gal nl 21
Hh
:S6$
-services, and carnal ordinances, led to his person, right' pousness, and grace, as the fulfiliing end of its types and shadows.
2. The law is called a killing letter a. No law of itself, can give us any life ; but kills our vain hopes and imaginations. Sin taketh occasion from it, to a- bound, and promote our spiritual death. The mosal law as a covenant, condemns us to all manner of death in sin and wo. Simply considered, the ceremonial law consisted of lifeless rites and services, which used without respect to Christ, entailed curves and death lipoti its subjects, as they Jed them away from the fountain of life, to their own righteousness ; by which they could not live. Howheit, God's punishing Israel, by giving them statutes that were not goody\$ not tobe understood of the ceremonial law, but of God's giving them up to obey the sinful edicts of Jeroboam, arid his idolatrous successors.
S. It is called a xassp and light b. It plainly points out our duty, and blemishes in heart and life. And how pleasant to be directed by it in Christ's way !.
4. It is called a path and way c. Being planued by God, and plain in itself;, we are to exercise bur,- selves in it, by making progress towards the city of God. How peaceful f Great peace with Godrand witb their own conscience, hajTe all they who love and walk ill it ; and when a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. — How plain! nothing shall offend them, who walk therein. How pleasant to walk together in unity, with divine persons, and fellow saints ! How hok/,just, and good I None but holy persons, the redeemed of the Lord, walk there ; nothing but holy exercises is a walking therein. How spiritual ! unseen but to the spiritual man, and walked in, by serving God in the Spirit, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and having no confidence in the flesh ! How strait ! excluding every unregenerv a 2 Cor. iii. S. k Prov. vi. 23. c P*d. cxix. 32.
m
. thought, word, cr deed.—
:.mg broad I requiring duties unnumbered,^
ice of heart and Hie. I±q\y $aj\ !
iy- facing y6z\\ though afcql, shall not err therein „
it is • . the Il.V.mg in Jen;
lein ; a Way werein life is ever ppibmiiri-icateS and
• .. I 6th. 1 ik as'an fctej'iiaj. but, gracious rc-
war '[. it is above, is Lea^crily5, in its o:':gr~, nature,
arid tendency: and by it we depart from he»i which is
Beneath, Here, let me eve!" run, when God enlargeth
my heart.
5. It is compared to a hedge a. Thereby God limits our motions, and points oat, whether we may, or may not go. To v, hat hurt in his work, and what punishment in the iss&e, doth the breaker of it expose himself! The old serpent, the devil, the ^eipent of a stinging- conscience, and the serpent of God's judg- ments, shall bite him,
G. It is represented as a yoke; eands ; conr-s 'b\ By divine authority, it restrains cur sinful liberty and madness ; and keeps us to our station and work. How galling to our corrupt nature aiid lusts ! and at what, endless peril, we attempt to shake it off by refusing obedience to it ! The law as a rule, in the hand of Ghrist, is <m easy yoke and light burden ; it is lined with his'redfeeming love, sweetened with his patt-jv attended with communication of hi- strengtb,*ai: d en- forced with a glorious and free reward, to the
est attempt, if sincere, to draw therein Why
my sou!, art thou as an unruly bullock unaccustomed to-s this yoke? Why so many criminal attempts to shake oi? the yoke, and burst the bands ? why this resisting of the Lord, and struggling to evade liis authority? Is it not he, who lays my meat, my life, my all, to me ? The law of ceremonies, and as a covenant of works, is a yoke of bondage : the former chained down to a Eccles. x, t8. b~ Psa1, u. S. -
■lensomo services innumerable ;. and the latter tfj erously demands what we can never perform.
r. It U called the law of liberty a. To obey it; as. a rule, is the privilege of those only whom God's Son hath niade/iw indeed. The obedience of love £6 it as a rule springs from our freedom frbxa the law rei a covenant, and is the very quintessence of our hon- ourable and delightful liberty. Lord, my true free-
hast
-, -,
Vt
8. It is called the kotaliaw &.. Being establish- by God, the -universal Sovereign, it extends to all
ills rational subjects ; nor, without high treason, can it broken. It is not made for a righieovs man, is not rsadefb curse and condemn him. Nor have the tru- ly righteous nation any immediate cormection with it, as a covenant, it being dead to them, and they to it, by Jesus Christ's unfiling it in their stead.
9. The lav/ of the wise is called a fovstms ef life c. The divine law, which every wise man attends to, as his rule, and the instructions which wise men give to others, are me^ns of exciting them to apply to Christ, the resurrection and the life ; means of quiciscnlrg, reviving, and restoring spiritual life ; means of men's C3 aping the second death, and prepar- ing for life eternal.
10. The cei carnal ordinary ; £r.;? and a casual (^ommandmnil d. It prescribed car-
• lard fle I or natural des-
' eiili!led to the prn
11. The fc;-cmov )\ is called a FATrriTioy wall r ; because of the great distinction which i'; made between the Jews and Gentiles ; nor, till Je removed and abolished it by his death, was any r<
n Jam. i 25. b Jjtm. if. 8. c PVdy. xlii ix. 10. and vii. 16. e F^h. Li. 14. 15^
siderable number of Gentiles brought into the church of God.
12. The ceremonial law is called entity a. The sacrifices therein required, manifested God's indigna- tion at sin, and the enmity between him and sinful men. Its burdensome services occasioned the Jews' hatred of God to increase more and more. The dis- tinction it put between Jews and Gentiles, occasioned enmity between the tw o.
IL Metaphors respecting the gospeL
2. The gospel is calletLthe Spirit that givsth life h. It contains spiritual blessings and promises. It conies from, is attended by, and is the great means of convey- ing the Spirit of God to us. It effectually penetrates our soul and spirit. By it the Holy Ghost quickens dead sinners, shews them their way of life by Christ ; heals their deadly, their sinful wounds ; works a live- ly faith in their soul, to look toa'-id live upon him.— It is the food thai supports the spiritual life ; the cor- dial that revives and restores the heart under every drooping circumstanceo
2. It is represented as the whits horse, upGn which Christ and his people, ride c. O its purity, gU- ry, and comeliness ! By it Jesus proclaims peace to men, and subdues them to himself. Oii tlas in the apostolic age, he went forth conquering ; and iu the Millennium he shall go forth, more eminently, to con- quer the hearts of his people* Then, in accomplish- ment of, and as animated, supported, and dignified by gospel-promises, shall multitudes follow him, and pro- mote the destruction of Antichrist.
3. It resembles Solomon's chariot of the mood o,f Lebanon d. Being framed by Jesus, tor the safe, the
a Epb. Li. 14. 15. h 2 Cor. iil. 6. c Rev. vi. 2- mt> xis.. . 1-i.. . rf .Song iii. 5. 30.
H.h2
359
ei$y\i a^cl honoured conquest, and conveyance of hi* people to heaver? ; how pure, precious, glorious, fra- grant, and lasting ! Its pillars of silver, are its come- ly, useful, ar;d enriching truths and promises. Its bottom of gold,. is its substantial and precious founda- tion-truths^ or the infinitely precious person of Christ, and God in him. Its covering of purple, is the doc- trine of justification through Jesus' blood ; and of the c:re?s endured for his sake, lis inward pavement of love, is the u snatched kindness and mercy of God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, running through every ti-iith and promise therein contained.
4. Its promises are like lilies a. O their pleas- ress, glory, fragrancy. and height ! How fruitful
u{ everlasting blessings ! How full of medicinal virtue, the healing of our soul ! How condescending, and :ecl to our low, our wretched condition ! Blessed field inspiratjqri, how these every where abound! How they bend their blessed head towards mean, debased, *,%nMy, sensual, devilish me ! R^w they refresh mine *. and rejoice my heart ! How rank they smell of -as, the Lilly of the valley ! And truly, as lilies a- moiig; thorns, so are they to my soul, amidst her troub- les and her created comforts.
5. It Is calied the grace of God, that bringeth sal- uaii&h, and great salvation 0, It flows from, dis- \ oyeic, and includes the rich, free, and undeserved fa- ir of God, and the blessed fruits thereof. It pub. ics, brings near, offers, and is the means of apply- :: a ccstiy, extensive, and everlasting salvation to
5)ien. — Trust thyself, my soul, to this word of his grace, fail not of this grace, nor receive it in vain ; let it enter and captivate ray heart ; so shall I never be a root of bitterness, bearing gall and wormwood, whereby many are defiled.
6. It is tailed the poweu of God unto salvation c.
a S«yng ii. 7. andvii. 2* b Ti£. ii, 11. Heb. ii, 3. c Rom. i..!5».
360
By it, God displays his amazing poorer, in the contri- vance, in the purchase, and application of our redemp- tion. Thereby he exerts the exceeding greatness o£ his power, in convincing, in converting, in forgiving, sanctifying, and comforting his people. By means of it our rebellion is quashed ,* our enmity slain ,• Satan dislodged ; corruption subdued ; bars of iron, and gates of bra?s, strong impediment s> broken and remo- ved ; nations reformed ; men, furious as outrageous-. beasts, tamed; and deep rooted and earnestly-hefti abominations, abolished. Come, blessed day of pav- er ; come forth, blessed rod of Jesus* strength, then shall the people be willing; Ged shall raise children: out of worse than stones to Abraham. 'Nothing is too hard, when his power is present to .Leaf them.
7. It is called the wisdom of God in- a mystery ; the manifold wisdom of God a. How manifold its c tidies and promises! How manifold the instances and rays of divine wiidom in each, and the various times and seasons in which, and persons to which, it is dis- played ! It discovers how wisely Jehovah acted, in chosing the person in whose redemption grace would peculiarly shine ; in founding his choice upon his own mere love, that the promises might be sure to all the seed ; in laying our help upon one that is mighty, that it might never fail ; in bringing about our salva- tion in a way, that produceth glory to himself in the highest, peace on earth, and good- will towards men ; in a way, by which Satan is shamed, sin condemned, sinners saved ; the ungodly justified, and ungodliness destroyed ; iniquity forgiven, and full vengeance ta- ken on our inventions ; in a way, by which our redemp- tion is all of mercy, and all of justice ; all of merit, and all of grace. O sweet mystery ! beyond archan- gels' comprehensive ken I
8. It may be called the kisses of Christ's mouth b>,
q. 1 Cor, i. 7, Eph. iiv 19. b Song- i. 2«,
3S1
From him, its doctrines and promises proceed ; and* bear the stamp of his authority. How sweetly they attest his peace and reconciliation! declare and vent his love ! How effectually they delight our soul ! rav- ish our heart ! and excite our affection and love to him !— Let Jesus kiss- me, with one> with all ike kisses of his mouth ; apply one, apply all his promises to my heart, to kindle it wholly into a flame ofdove to him- , self ! !
9. It is called a law a, It is the will of a sovereign God, pro^laming his edicts of peace and pardon. ' It engageih.him to bestow his blessings ©a us ; and binds a:xi determines us to receive his grace, and obey his commands. Nor shall it ever be repealed, because Jesus hath an unchangeable priesthood. . It is the law of the Spirit cf life in him^s by it, the Holy Ghost, as
. dwelling indent by? and taking of the things of Christ, to shew them to us, begets, preserves, restores, increase eth, and perfects our spiritual life ; secures us of, and prepares us for eternal life. It is the law of faith, the seed, the means, the ground and standard of our faith. It comes forth out of Zion and. Jerusalem ; flows from Christ as the temple and habitation of God ; ., and from Jerusalem did its New-Testament dispensa- tion proceed, and spread among the Gentiles — O may I meditate on this law, day and night ; may it be bet- ter to me, than thousands of gold and silver !
10. It is called, good tidings of great joy h. O the necessary, the useful, the suitable, the important, the delightful-, and ravishing news which it brings from heaven to sinful men! Tidings of righteousness, pardon, and acceptance, to the guilty ! Tidings of pu- rification to the polluted ! of health to the diseased L of liberty to the enslaved and imprisoned ! of cloth- ing to the naked ! of food to the hungry and starv- ing ! of light to them that sit in darkness of distress
a,Fs. ii. 1". 2. Key. ,?ii., 2. and ul:2T. bis. Hi. 8. Luke ii. 10.
snd ignorance ! of riches to the poor, comfort to the mourner, pe::-ce to the traitor, life to the dead, and rdvation loihe lost ! How often has this good news from the far country been as cold water to my thirsty and weary soul ! It is called the gospel, or good it- dings of God ; it proceeds from him, declares his love and loveliness; promotes his honour, and brings men to him : It is called the gospel of Christ, as he is the principal preacher, the sub&tance and end of it, in wrhom all the articles of it are yea and amen to the glo- ry of God i It is called the gospel of ministers, as they preach and publish it. It is the gospel of peace, as it prochims the peace of God to us, and th^ m^ans there- of; and reconciles our heart to him, and to one anoth- er in love. It is the gospel of salvation, as it pro- claim?, brings near, offers, exhibits, and is the means of applying-, the great, the everlasting salvation, to our soul. It is an everlasting gospel, as it shall be dispen- sed till the end of time ; and its fruits shall, remain foe ever. It is the gospel of the kingdom of grace ,° and which brings men, v/ho believe it, to the king- dom of glory.
11. It is called a mystery a. O the incompre- hensible truths which it reveals ! That there are three
arsons in one Godhead, or divine essence : Th^t the
Son of God was manifest in the flesh ; suffered the
Just for the unjust, that, he might bring sinners to
God : died for our offences, and rose again for our
histification ; wrus exalted as a Prince and Savior, to
vc us repentance and remission of sins ; sent to bless
make us the righteousness of God' in him, and
dwell in our hearts by faith ; Vn?.i being crucified with
Ciirist, we -might live by faith on him, and have the
world crucified to us, and we to the world. Is not
.ery doctrine thereof an unsearchable deep, shown cvjfv by the Spirit of God, and which even a wise 5
iiiv$ "lTlm. ill. 16. Miitth. xiii. It.
cannot fryd; <k\t to perfection ! O the height, the depui the length, and breadth of the love, the wisdom, an&: knowledge of God, included therein ! It is the myste- ry cf godliness, which founds and promotes conformi- ty to, and reverence of Gt)d; holiness in heart and 'life. The -mystery of the kingdom, known only in the' kingdom of grace and glory. Pant thou, my soul, for the fellowship of this mystery of Christ ; with angels, i desire to look into it.
12. It is likened to a trumpet a> With great skilli it ought -to be preached. How majestic and pleasant its joyful sound ! its agreeable declarations! How sweetly] how loud it proclaims the approaches of King Jesus to men! and their deliverance from sin and wrath by him ! Of what unbounded importance are its declarations ! and how distinct ! It warns us to I flee irom the wrath to come ; invites us to Jesus, the Saviour and great One.— Quickly may it be blown over all the earth ; that such as are ready to perish, may come and worship before the Lord of hosts..
13. It is compared to kivers of living, and all* quickening water b ; because of its freeness, fulness, purity, perpetuity, and patency to all ; and for its cleansing, beautifying, protecting, refreshing, and en- riching virtue. By it Jesus begets, preserves, restore?, promotes and perfects, the spiritual life of his people, ?aid brings them to. eternal lifev. This river proceeds from the temple, and runs by the altar of God ; flows from his love, and throt^h the blood and sacrifice ef his'So^i." Gradually it encreaseih from a bubling drop So an impassable s$d. Before the flood, it was very sniaill in appearance ; but gradually it increased by new reVeluiong, till, in the apostolic age, it became like a riveh Before Jesus' resurrection, it was incon- siderable, in respect of its appearance in the apostol-
a Is. xxvii. 13. b Ezek. xiviii. 1",—4i JceL ill 18. "Zee!!., xir. 8. eV-vi. xlvi.. 4 .
864
- and millennial age. It runs into the dead sea, tmtl
3 of Shiitihi; spreads among "dead and barren
Gentile nations, and into cursed, barrea, and lifeless
vr ts. It makes every thing to Jive whithersoever it cometh ; had, and shall have, an amazing success in quickening dead sinners, and reviving dying saints ; but heals not marshy places of reprobate men. The, flourishing and fruitfal trees growing on the side of this river, are Jesus the tree cf life, and his comely and useful saints. The multitude of fishers from Enge- M even unto Eneglaim,and the multitude of fishes caught jby them in the dead sea, when this river hath run into it9 ministers preaching, and multitude* hearing and re- ceiving the gospel, through the world, from one end to the, other. Its running both in summer and winter ', im- plies its being constantly preached and applied, wheth- -er in times of prosperity or trouble, with the church, or any particular member thereof. It makcth glad
} city, the church of God, by its streams, of deelara- tions, offers, invitations, and influences.
14. It is a wsll, or wells of salvation a. O the depth of its doctrines and promises ! Without faith, I ran draw nothing from them. O their perpetual ful- ness of influence ! of blessedness and salvation! How sweetly calculated to delight, refresh, nourish, restore, heal, quicken, and fructify my heart ! And is not sal- vation their sum, their all in all ?
15. The gospel is compared to a srfcT b. How cu- rious its frame and contexture ! How base and despir cable*in the view of carnal men ! What an occasion of trouble and disturbance, in the sea of this world ! — With what skill, care, and vigour, it must be cast and managed, in the preaching of it ! To what fatigue and ■sloans, are its constant, its faithful preachers exposed! How seldom, they, at first, perceive their success ia jpreaching it ! It is the stated means of drawing sin-
a Is. xii 3. b M&tth. xiii. 4f. 48. 40.
36S
ners out of their natural and worldly slate, to J
Ohric-t. Fishes small and great, sinners less or great-
' er, persons poor or rich, are caught therein. Teach
thy ministers, O Jesus, to cast this net on the right
side of the ship, that a multitude may be enclosed ;
it is impossible the net can break, Quickly, my soul,
jshall Jehovah draw it to land ; the mystery of God
-shall be finished; the gospel.no more dispensed —
Then shall the good fish, such men as were caught by
the heart, be conveyed to the paradise of God. These,
who were only caught by a heady illumination, and
outward profession, shall be cast into endless fire.
16. It is compared to a grain of mustard-seed, which -grows up into a very large stalk a. At first, its dis- covery and dispensation were small and despised ; but it hath, or will, overspread the whole earth. To what multitudes is it the means of refreshing and com- fort! What numbers shall profess subjection to it ! How increasing its influence in our heart ! At first, perhaps scarce discernable, it quickly fills the whole. What multitudes cf graces are refreshed. What gcod works are brought forth, under the overshadowing in- fluence thereof !
17. It is compared to leaven b. However un- pleasant and despicable it be to carnal men ; yet be- ing inlaid in the world, it eonthmeth to spread its in- fluence, till the whole earth be filled with the knowl- edge of the Lord. Bei:*g inlaid in men's hearts, it spreads its virtue, enlightening the mind, purifying the conscience, renewing the will, softening the I*eart, inflaming the affections, and fixing the memory, till the whole be thereby sanctified,
18. It is compared to light, and glass c. What ravishing, though imperfect views of Jehovah, in his greatness and love ; of Jesus in his comeliness, olfice,
aMatth. xiii. 31. %% 6 Matlh. xiii %Z. ' c Isa.lx. 1. 2 Cor.
366
i.itions, righte^sness, power, M'd . do we here obtain! What prospect of life and immortality ■•! Wfc look not at the things which are seen, which are tem- poral ; but at the things which are not s6e#, which are eternal ; we see, that henceforth is Ivfcl up for us a crown of righteousness ,° that we wake with
Jesus' likeness ; and shall be for ever with, and like him ; for we shall see him as he is.
19. It resembles the treasure kid in the field a. How inestimably precious, containing all exceeding great and precious . promises, comprehending all ines- timable benefits, all the unsearchable riches of Christ ! When possessed, how it enricheth, felicitates, ennobles, and emboldens towards God ! eneourageth and ena- bles to resist wicked lusts, angels, and men ! In the field of inspiration it lieth hid. and matt be digged up by careful search, meditation, arid prayer. And for its sake, are the oracles of Heaven worth ten thou- sand worlds to my heart.
20. It resembles chains op gold, rows of jewels,
BORDERS OF GOLD and STUDS OF SILVER 6. How Well
•connected ! how comely, precious, firm, durable, en- riching, and adorning, are its doctrines and promises to the scripture and church ; and to every true mem- ber thereof! How they strengthen and adorn the neck of my faith ! re«id&r my cheeks, my countenance, my blushing graces, beautiful and comely ! and make my conversation-garments, shew splendid and glorious!
21. It is compared to shoes c. It £iiprr "" our soul, our grace, our walk ; inftuenceth our
marks our liberty, and our royal greatness, fixed we be in the faith thereof, the itiof*e safely, and swiftly, we proceed in cur spir ney ; and tread Satan, the old serpent, and hh under our ieeU
<* Matth xlil 44. h Son? I 19. 11. c Song y\
li
m
32. Its heading truths resemble a foundation «. Being fixed on the testimony of God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, it is impossible that they can sink or fall. How gloriously they Fupport and embellish the whole remaining, oracles of God ! And on them build my soul ; build you saints, your whole hopes of eternal felicity,
CHAPTER. V.
Metaphors respecting the go$peldispens.aiton9 and or*-' dinances thereof.
I. Metaphors respecting the gospel-dispensation.
1. TIJE dispensation of God's grace, especially un- der the New Testament, is called the kingdom or god ; the kingdom of heaven b. O the majestic sovereignty, state, and royalty of God therein manifest- ed ! O its beautiful order, strength, and duration I and the honorable privileges therein conferred ! What multitudes are thereby connected, and united under Jesus their head ! Gpd is the deviser, the establishes the manager, and his glory the end of it. It is heaven- ly in its origin ; it resembles heaven in holiness, come- liness, and order ; and prepares men for entrance into the heavenly inheritance of the saints in light. The New Testament dispensation is more God-like and heavenly than the Old ; holiness is the universal Ian of the house ; and its privileges are more spiritual and sanctifying.
2. The gospel dispensation in the apostolic uge is re* presented as a marriage-dinner ; and that chiefly in the glorious Millennium, is called the marriage-suf-
m 2 Tim. ii, 19, b Mark i. 14. a,nd Majlh, xx. L
365
TZR of the Lamb a. The former is indeed towards tiie end of time, but nearer its middle than the other, which shall but take place before the last judgment God hath killed hie oxen and failings- ; hath slain his own Son, to be our provision ; hath prepared all pos- sible blessings ; and invites every sort of sinners to es- pouse hi« Sen, and accept of his fulness. From trilling and carnaf motives, the Jews, when first invited, re- fused to- receive this mercy and favour. For this they were excluded from the church, and the ordinances thereof ; themselves massacred by the murdering Ro- mans, and by one another ; and their city burnt with fire. But thrice happy I God extended his invitations to the destitute, the wicked, and infamous Gentiles, is whatsoever city or nation they are found ! O now our rich provision ! our amazing joy ?*rid happiness ! our honorable fellowship with God, Father, Son, and Ho- ly Ghost, with angels, ancient patriarchs, and eminent saints, while the Jewish children of the kingdom are cast out !. How fitly our entertainment prepareth ur for our work in the end of the world f qualifieth us to lie down in our dusty beds of the grave ! and to en- ter into our eternal rest ! How great Jehovah's earn- estness to have his house filled with destitute sinners Y Upon his invitations what multitudes have entered, and yet there is room. By setting before us the sinful- ness and mi-ery of our natural state, Jesus' excellency, ability, and readiness to save, and using every method t-a persuade our conscience, he requires his ministeri- al servents to compel us to come in, that his house may ho filled. But dreadful shall be our endless misery, ' il'we live in his church, without putting on his Son, as ou>r righteousness and sanctification ■
3. It is represented as the letting out of a vineyard to husbandmen b. In the ceremonial form thereof,
a Ma.tlli. xxii. 1.— 14. Luke xiv. 15.— ?4. Ber. xix. £g-9i Mattli. viii. 11.12, b Matth. xxi. 33.-43.
V ilHMltak*.
369
<Scd gave it to the Jews, and sent his prophets to dfr - n and, thai they should give him the giory due to his teaiajte ; these beirg injuriously maltreated, he sent his Son, whom, it might have been expected, they •*vou!d reverence and regard ; but they murdered blip, that they might .live as they listed. For these things Gbd miserably destroyed the Jewish nation, and gave the gospel to the Gentiles, that they mighty &}.g forth ii'ults of good works answerable to it..
4. It Is compared to the hiring of labourers at differ- ■en: hours, to work in a vineyard, and giving % all equal- mages a. In the mcrniiig of. the patriarchal, in the r con- tide of the ceremonial, at the ninth hour of the apostolic age, in the eleventh hour of the future Millen- jmini, or thousand years reign of the saint?, multi- tudes are divinely iv.vited, and brought to Christ, and to his work in the chinch. Nor shall the eternal bless- edness of the former exceed that of the latter. Mur- mur not, ye Jews, who bore the burden of ceremonial rites, and the heat of laborious service ; rcurmer not, ye primitive Christians, who bore the burden of trouble- some work, and the kestt oi scorching persecution ; may rot JrnovAii do y\ith his own as he plcaseth ? Is not the whole reward cf sovereign grace ? Let not your eye be evil, because his is good. In the early morn- h:g of life, are not some ; in its middle or noon are nci o'.hcrs ; in its evening of old age, are not others, though more rarely, crdied and drawn to Christ ? May not a* sovereign God impart to all an equal share of his end ! bliss ; his gracious reward ?
5. It is compared to a great marfs giving pounds or talents to his servants, as he departs to afar eounfry, that they may oeevpy till he retv:n, call them to an ae~
count, and render them rr?vards, recording to their res- peetive iwprovc^K^t cendirg up on high, to re-
ceive for himself a kingdom, Jesus committed to men,
a M.itih. xx. 1.— is h :ilatth.'«v. 14—30. Luke a&c/il.-
sro
the precious and useful pounds zvA talents of divine scriptures,of gospel-ordinances, of manifold opportune ties of grace and happiness, of holy offices, gifts, and graces ; to some in a greater, to others in a lesser de- gree. These he requires them to improve, alrvay a- hminding in the noik of the Lord. At the end he will come, and reckon with them. Such as having re- al grace, have improved their talents, shall be highly and proportionally rewarded with everlasting honor and joy. Such as havirg no real grace, through hard thoughts of Jesus, have not improved their gifts, offi- ces and- opportunities, shall be self-eondemned, and cast into endless imery.
(V In the end of the world, it Is lite to the calling of rase and foolish virgins to meet the Bridegroom a. Though church-icentbers be like virgins in outward i urity, in blamele^snessof life, and soundness of princi- ple, and in apparent modesty, and- self-denial ; yet alas how meny of them are not wise unto salvation ! What imi!tiU:des foolishly name the name of Christ, without receiving him into their heart ! At the end of time, how -dreadful shall be the sloth and security, of both saints and hypocrites ! Ere they are aware, Christ shalrsummonthem to judgment. Happy ther, those, who have oil of true grace, attending their lamps of profession i their glory shall be brightness ; their lamps trimmed ; their gr^ee perfected ; andthemselve? shall enter into immediate and everlasting fellowship with Christ ! bnt O unhappy these, who have lamps, but no saving grace ! None can then be given then* ; no creature shall be able or willing to hefp them.— - They shall be irreversibly excluded from the fellow- ship of Christ ; and shut up in everlasting torments, where there shall be weepingyn:ailing\ and gnashing of teeth.
7. The gospel-state of the New-Testament church
* Maim zilau 1.— 13.
I
V
OJ
A
is represented as a rest a. Mow fully is our free and* complete justification through the blood of Jesus » therein displayed !; and how powerfully applied ! how happily we are therein liberated from that servile frame of spirit, which was so common to the Jews, in their worship ! The yoke of troublesome ceremonies is no more imposed ; nor is our conscience burdened or perplexed, concerning the punctual observance thereof. But the spiritual and easy institutions of the gospel, attended with gracious freedom, strength, and assistance, are come in their room. Blessed rest of heaven ! blessed form of worship, never to be changed in time, and wherein Jehovah manifests his rest ia C'hrist, and in his love towards us I
il. Metaphors respecting gospel-ordinances^
% Gospel ordinances resemble a woman's jREASTfi h. They are of two kinds; ordinary and sealing : and these last are now two; baptism and the Lord's supper. How delightfully they adorn the cfeurch ; and nourish her true children, to everlasting life, with the sincere milk of God's word ! How de- lightfully, during the ?iight of time, Jesus lieth be-> tMteetr, and is found in them !
2+ They resemble twin roes feeding among the li- lies c. How harmonious ! how well connected ! how comely, pleasant, and pure ! how opposite and ruining to the old serpent, and his agents ! and how often at- tacked and wrathfully injured by them ! How delight- fully maintained ! and as it were fed among the prom- ises, and doctrines of the glorious gospel !— And thine it is, 0 Lily of the valley, and thy lilies among thorns^ with pleasure to feed therein.
3. They resemble chariots ; utters ; and hor-, ses d. In a swift, majestic, and glorious manner,
a H«b. ir. |: b Stmg viii. 1. 10. c Song iv. 5. d Is. lxri. 20,
372
Jesus therein aproaclieth to our heart and trium- phcintly rides through, and appears in the world- — And by them he easily and honourably transports his chosen people through it> to their better, their heav- enly country.
4. They resemble mandrakes, or dudaim a. How savoury, medicinal, cooling, and refreshing to our soul ! Hqw comely and delightful to our spiritual eyes ! How effectually they enkindle our love to Jesus and his people! and render us fruitful in good works!; Yet alas ! haw many, by means thereof, lull them- selves into such spiritual sleep, as; nothing but the flames of heli can awaken them I;
5. They resemble spikenard b. However low and contemptible they seem to carnal men ; yet to saints how precious, fragrant, and useful ! How they warm our heart, comfort our soul, strengthen our appetite, and cheer our spirit I' And truly, O King of kings, it is thy sitting witkmeat thy tabte, in intimate fellow- ship, that makes this spikenard senjd forth its smell, and refresh my soul !
6. They resemble waters ; and wells of salva~ tion c. How easy, unhampered, and free is my ac- cess to them ! How effectually, by them, Jesus puri- fies my conscience, and nQurisheth my heart ! re- fresheth all my inward powers ! cools my lusts ! and satiates my desire ! When I am enabled to enter into their spirit, would I for ten thousand worlds, forsake their cold flowing waters, "m which come from another plqce ?
7. They are compared to mountains and hills d. How hard to ascend them aright ! In them, how wide
As our prospect of eternal things ! How they exalt us above the grovellkig world ! and bring us to the con- fines of heaven ! Whz& noble shadows and wells of
a Song vii. 13. b Song i. 12. c Is. lv. 1. and xii. 3. d Song iv. fc Joeliii.,18.,
373
spiritiiaf refreshment we find in tLcm ! What a glori- ous forest, Christ the tree of life, and his unnumbered trees of righteousness growing up under his shadow ! What blessed river of Jekovaii and his love, of Jesus and his blood, and of the divine Spirit and his influ- ences, that makes glad the city ef our God /—What pleasant and wholesome air of divine breathings ! — What rich pasture for Jesus' chosen flock is here to be found S: What need, carefully to descend from, them to worldly concerns, lest we fall, stumble, and be broken, snared, and taken ! They ere mmmtains of myrrh, and hills of frankincense. What fragrant, . rnedi'inai, quickening, . and refreshful truths, and breathings of heaven, im. there enjoy ! But take heed, my soul, ev^n there the serpents lurk. How often;-.-, you corruptions, you fiends, have I seen you ! have I felt your deadly influence, at the very lop ! in the highest ordinance, and in the best frame ! but when felt I these mountains drop with 'new ivine^ ever fresh, redeeming love ; and these hills flow with milk, of heart- warming and restoring grace ; and these chan- nels flow with the -water of life, and-the/<?t*wimft come out of the house of ike Lordy and water the valley of ShiUim ; — water my debased, earthly, barren heart ?
8. They may be called the p^tiis of Christ's flock a* In them the saints, as they have access, walk with pleasure and progress towards the heavenly country.
9. They are likened to shepherds' tents b. In their outward appearance, they are but coarse and despicable. They are easily removed from place to place ; they are only calculated for the wilderness of this world ; and to them, ye ministers ef Christ, aught constantly to attend.
10. They are represented* as the courts ; the house ;
the TEMPLE ; TABEKNACLE / and ALTAR of God C— -•
There his glory is seen, his presence enjoyed, and his:
a .Song i. 8. b Ibid.. c Psal. lxxxiv. 10, and xliii. 3. 4.
37*
'*ea«fits conferred, through Christ, as crucified for us jp and in them we offer ourselves spiritual sacrifices to him,
11. They are called streets and broad ways a. — At the infinite expense of Heaven, they are prepared for men. How carefully to be kept pure and entire I How beautiful and straight ! How useful to lead us to the palace of the Eighty King ! And what multi- tudes have free access to walk and trade therein !
12. They are represented as towers b. How high and heavenly ! How strong and useful for assisting the saints to defend themselves against sin, Satan, and the world ! How richly furnished with ail spiritual ar- mour I
13. They are likened to chambers r. Here Chri&t and his people dwell together. Here they rest and are refreshed ; here he secures and defends them.~. Sere he comes fcot and is familiar with them; mani- fests himself, and makes known the secrets of his cov- enant. Here they secretly poiu; out their hearts ;. worship the Lord of hosts ; eat meat which the world. knows not of ; ajxi labor not in vain in the Lord.
14. They are called a eanqueting-house, or house qf wine d. What rich stores of everlasting love, and divine consolations, are contained in them ! And how often therein, are the saints refreshed and ravished with the f»lness of God.
15. Thj£7 resemble rafters of fir e. How straight, comely, ttsd relf-co. distent i How heaven-pointed,
manent, flourishing and refreshful ! How usefully and delightfully they support and ccm-ect the church* and establish her true members, in their most holy faith, and their gospel -conversation !
16. They may be compared to galleries/. Are they not the pleasant, the magnificent, lightsome, and
a Song- in. 2. h Song" via. 10* c Song; i. 4. d Going ii. 4. e Song i,.l7. /SoTigvii.o,
3T5 -
lofty means, in which King Jesus walks and converse* with his people ? is held in their spiritual embrace ? and feasts them on his infinite fulness ?
17. But the word rendered galleries and raftersr signifies also watering- troughs ay to which gospel* ordinances may be compared, because therein Jesufr waters- and refreshes his followers, his flock, with his water of life, drawn from the deeps of his everlasting- love. — So, Lord, evermore refresh my soul.
18. They are represented as market-places at the wrATEH ; as places of concourse ; as gates ; and doors b. In them Jesus stands and invites multitudes of sinful men to receive his benefits. In them he dis- tributes his prepared goodness to the poor, sells with- out money and without price. In them we are to wait for him ; and by thenv *ve enter into fellowship with him, and go into the heavenly mansions.
19. They are compared to windows and lat- tices c. By them the church is beautified, enlight- ened, and refreshed. In them we enjoy the light of life, which cometh from above ; obtain the prospect of spiritual and eternal things ; and are refreshed by the north and south breezes of the Holy Ghost.
20. They are compared to keys d. By a prope? use of Christ's doctrine, discipline and government the churchy nay, heaven itself, is ministerially opened to*, or shut against, the sons of men,
21. They resemble a gbesn and wcII-guarded- BEDe. Being surrounded by divine perfections, and holy angels ; attended by faithful ministers, what safe and sweet rest and fellowship with Christ may we enjoy in them T O how our hearts are warmed with his love ! How we recruit cur strength ! and renew our youth even as the eagles ! How sweetly we enjoy the sleep of God's beloved ! do cease from our sins,
«Ts. tv. 1. £Prov. i. 21. andviii. 1.2. 3.4. c.Song ii. 9,
4 Matth. xvi. 19. e Song1 1. 16,
$76
*tir seTf-righteonsness, and i our! and are
rendered fruitful to God In £ : of holiness !
22. They are compared to a Tiei.^ a. To display Jiis munificence, Jesas framed them; and. furmslieth them with all the blessings of his new covenant. With delight and pleasure, he continues ever present in them, to meet with, speak to, and feast his people with his flesh and blood. Truly* that which is set on it is full of fatness. For in this mount, on this treble, doth the Lord of hosts make for all people, saints and sinners, Jews and Gentiles, a feast of fat things, full oj 'marrow, of wines on the lees well refined; Jehovah, in all his fulness and love ; Jesus, in his person, offices, right- eousness, and grace ; and the blessed Spirit in ail his characters, operations, and influences. — Lord, may this table never become our trap ; let never divine or- dinances tend to the hardening of our heart
23. They resemble rows of jewels on the cheek h. How mysterious their order, and divine their connec- tion ! How they adorn the church's outward form!
I and make the saints face to shine !
24. They resemble chains of gold about the neck c.
I How precious, durable, and firmly connected i How closely they adhere to, and illucidate the scripture !— warm, support, and protect our faith !
25. They resemble borders of gold, with studs ef silver i. How precious all 1 but some more im- portant than others j How comely and durable ! How enriching to the saints, and ornamental to the church { How attended by, and productive of, well-tried, hon- orable, and precious gifts and graces !
26. They are represented as a digging and dung- ing about sinful men e. Being attended with convin- cing providences and influences, they import and mar- ifest the most astonishing patience, pains and care, of
a Song i. 12. * Sosg u 10. c Ibi<L d Song i. It
f\ Luka xiii. fc,
m
the Most High towards men ; and render us inexeasa* ble, if, ^hotwithstandiig, we continue in our spiritual barrenness.
27. Gospel truths paid ordinances are represented as a teust committed to men a. How solemnly I Jlo\r diyinely, and with proper gifts attending, are they committed and entrusted to ministers and private Christians, that they may be preserved pure and en-: tire, from generation to generation ! And at the peiW il of our honour and life, do we betray or lose any of ihem.
CHAPTER VL
Metaphors respecting God? s favour, and the saving ben- efits flowing from it, which are manifested and con- veyed through the new covenant, the gospel, and tih - ordinances of it, to men.
I. Metaphors respecting God's favour-.
1. GOD's free favour and grace is compared to t king b. Where sin reigned unto death, it reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ. ! With what amazing glory and sovereignty, it acts ; , and doth whatsoever it pleaseth ! Every divine per- ! son, perfection, purpose, and providence, concurs to promote its honour. Every creature is employed t& j advance it5 designs. It conquers every foe ; subdues to itself eyery chosen sinner of mankind ; rules with absolute dominion in every sunt ; and receives from him a tribute of endless praise.
2. It is likened to an overflowing sea or niver <?.— * O its height, depth length and breadth ! It passetli
m 1 Tim. vi. 20. b iioni y. 21. c Eph. ill. 18. 19.
37g
knowledge. It reacheth from e*gf§ity to fcteraity ;
■m heli to heaven ! It bears &$\vv. aij opposition;
w a?beth auray every stain ; covers every mountain of
!l and misery ; spreads into every person, power,
and concern, of an elect work), and rnakeih dad the
iy of our God. — Blessed river! boundless oce%v> ! be • >u the sole somvc of my happiness, Let all my well-springs of promises and ordinances be in thee; and cai;~e every thing whithersoever thou eomest, even aif dead heart, to live.
II. Metaphors respecting the change of our state.
1. The change of our state is represented as a gall- ing a. By Jesus* gospel-invitation, we are therein powerfully called, and drawn from Satan to God; from darkness and ignorance to God's marvellous light; from sin to purity and holiness ; from misery to hap- piness ; from earth to heaven ; in fine, from the fel- lowship of the law and our lusts, to the fellowship of God's Son. — Arise, my soul, the Master is come, md callethfor thee.
2. The change of our state is represented as Christ's seeking and fintdintg us out b. With amazing love, care, and skill, he pursueth us by his word and prpVi- 4ence. By his servants, he sends forth his word, that, in various forms and expressions suiting every case, it may run speedily ; and, through the Spirit, hit our particular condition, touch our conscience, and draw our heart, Having thus apprehended us, he brings us to his presence, instates as in his favour, and restores to us the felicity and usefulness of which sin had de- prived us. — Lord, when I know not where to find myself, do thou seek and find me.
3. It is called a marriage, cr espousals c. In consequence of our Redeemer's preparing himself fir
* Meo. iiL 1. b M:ilth. fcrlik 11. 1i> 13. c feng n> 1*
sr9
us, by undertaking 6uif cause; assuming our nature, clo- thing himself with wedding* robes of finished righteous- ness, fulfilled incur stead ; In consequence of ins pre- paring a place for us, by blood and intercession ; and of his wooing us by the word of his gospel, he, in the predestinated moment of power, and his time of love, breaks our natural union and affection to the broken law'; to Satan and our corrupt inclinations; and by Ms spirit enters and dwells in our heart ; and enableth us to accept of him, as our only, our everlasting hus- band. As such, he hath fellowship with us in bearing our guilt ; and in our infirmities and afflictions ; in our grace and exercise ; and we with him in his ri ght- eousness, strength, honour, and work. Mutually he and we dwell with, esteem, love, desire, delight in, rejoice over, and manifest our mind one to another.-— O blessed marriage ! the joy of Jesus, and of my soul.
4>, It U represented as an implanting or ingraft- ing a. It is by the amazing patience and labour of God, we are cut off from the stock of the fallen Ad?.ra ; are closely united to, rooted and grounded in Christ ; made parU&ecs of his death and resurrection ; and so revive, and bring forth fruit unto God.— Here being planted, O my soul, thou shalt cast forth thy root? as Lebanon.
§. It is represented as a conquest b. Finding us the subjects of the law, and of Satan, the world, and our lusts, filled with rage and enmity against him and his people, Jesus Christ, with infinite power, wisdom, and patience, attacks our so«I with the pward of his Spirit, — his word ; fastens in us the arrows of convin- cing and heart-drawing influences ; slays our 6nitii by his powerful promises and bleeding love ; constrains us to yield our souls, take his easy take upm us, and consent to be his veiling, affectionate, and obedient
a Bonj. wt-_5- . 5 Paalj xlv, 3. 4. 5.
3S0
subjects. — So, Lord Jen*-, conquer iv.uLilude* ; con- quer me.
G. It is represented &* a liberation a, find as in a most, wretched, shameful, and sUvidi captivity;, to Satan and our sinful corruption, and ia the uncle iy)\v]ioIesome, unhappy, cold, durk, disgraceful, a".:d confining; prison of uir aaiurai state ; Jesus pow- erfully overthroweth the dominion of our enslavers in us ; loasetli the chains of our guilt, by the application of his all-pardoning blood ; breaks the fetters of our lust, ignorance, and enmity, by the power of his grace ; and bestows on us the most glorious freedom, honour, and rest. — Out of prison, I come to reign.
7. It is represented as a death b. Herein we par- take of the influence of Jesus' death. Our old man receives his mortal wound, of which he afterward di- eth daily. In it our hopes of happiness by our own works, our relation and love to the law as a covenant, pur universal study to serve it, our superlative regard to sinful and earthly things, painfully expire. — So may I die, that I may live unto God*
8. It is represented as a burial c. In it we par- take of the virtue of Jesus' death and burial ; and are conformed to him. We commence God's hidden ones, whose glory doth not appear ; and are rendered con- temptible and disagreeable to carnal and worldly men. Sweetly we rest from sin, and self righteous- ness ; from the overwhelming terrors dftheiasv; of dertth and hell ; and from every sting of trouble a adversity. — So let me be buried with Christ ; so come, my sou!, and seethe place ivhere the Lord lay.
9. It is failed a iuesurrectiom d. Being bynature in the most earthly, withered, dry, lifeless, and loth- some condition, Jesus, by his Spirit cf life, quickeneth us ; causeth us to pass from death to I if? ; brings us
a Zecli. ix. 11. 12. b Ga;. ii. U. 28. c Col :i. li
d Ezek. xxxvii. 1.— 14.
83i
from pm$ grares of condemnation and lust ; clothes ire With the white robes cf his righteousness and graces and cjualineth us to work and walk with God, angel?, and good men. — go let a poor deeper in the dust, ft- wake and sing.
1.0. It is calied a creation a. Unassisted by any creature, Jesus, by his almighty power and word, forms the ever-abiding structure of grace, the new treat ure i '-out .of nothing. His work he commenceth in the forming of spiritual light and knowledge. — Daily he adds new ornaments thereto, till, against the 8abbath of eternal rest, it be laity perfected. — So, LotL create in me a clean heart, and re?iew a right .Spirit iviildn me.
11. It is called a eexxwikc of the Holy Ghost b« Therein God forms a neej ereature, directly opposite to our indwelling -corruptions, of ignorance, unbelief, ttaniity, and the like ; make:; -d! tilings new. He fur- liishelli our mind with ?jw light, thoughts, and designs He imparts to oar conscience, purity, penetration, soft- ness, tenderness, activity. He b&stoweth on our w"i% nfifb inclinations and desires. He sets our affections o:i new, spiritual and heavenly objects. He fixeth in vur. memory nm treasures of divine truths and gra- cious experience. In fine, he givoih us a new heart ; md mates his new spirit to dwell within us. By his ttrmh he disposed m toreMvh and choose new compare Htm j and H lead a «#rj holy, humble, self-denied con-
rsaliej^ of charily aiid love, out of a pure conscience, a'ld froni faith nnfeigned.
12. It is re pre enicd <;s a *>f.coni>, a, hewzkly n:a£.ji e. Of the incorruptible seed of his. word and
ce, Jr^i*. our spiritual Father, begets us again to a lively hope. Curiously and wonderfully, we are cfcu-
aied to his image ! without cur preparation or &r- |istance? ilicrc U formed a iXfarveliaus contexture of
c; l?pli.iia. 1GL b Tit. iii. 4. 2 Cur. v. Jf. cJchn m £
38£
nrw mcrn. We are made partakers of a cl— k venly nature. By his painful sorrow, ami suf-
grace, a
and heave
tefmg, by ministers' painful labour s,at>d with our c\\ n
painful .experience, wc are bora and brought into the
?icw, the heavenly world, of a new- covenant Plate,
and become related to God, angels, and saints,
13. It is called a ciRCTiicisiox, not of the flesh,, bul of the heart a. Therein God, by his word and spirit, sharply pricks and wounds our heart and conscience ; exposeth to us our spiritual nakedness and guilt ; .cuts oll^he reigning power, of indwelling corruption ; pro-
• ;ts out-after pollution; manifests and confirms cur interest in his covenant ; and gives us a constant and abiding mark of our relation to him. And without It, we ate exposed to endless destruction. .
14. It is called bA^tism //. Therein we are crracions'y received into covenant with God, ngtd en)
i led. to the privileges of his people Therein, was.hecv in Jehus' blood, and purified by the iiilhienre of his S-irii, v e solemnly receive God, Father, Son, and Holyv
• : <?t, as our Parent, Saviour, Sanctifier, and allh} nil ; and cheerf illy dedicate ourselves to his service. -—My soul, bath Josu^ baptized me with -the holy. Spirit, and with his fiery and sin-purifying i-iCuenee ?.
15. It is called a turning or cosyeksiov ry Therein we are divinely turned from t}ie paths of; •leli to the ways of heaven ; from darkness to light :■ .from guilt to righteousness : from sin iq holiness ; fro:!) slavery to. freedom ; from., poverty to wealth .; froiii rebellion and enmity, to favour, acceptance, and intimatefnendship wiiii G-d ; from distance to near- iiess ; irom sinful sickness and weakness, to spirittifd soundness and sbren^th. fed flirts me, Lord, andl shall be turned.
10. It is called a ~:n ablatio:; bdo the kingdom of
m
(u-£a. a(^r Son .;;, Ey his gra; e Jesus lays .iio!d- rrp* r< ns ; Y$&i§ nsi?i. ihe antisof his power and love ; <• ■i'ies u& i ;to u v^w-covenant state ; In which we are o. - ly t:U;ject to hiixr, arid not to the broken law, rag-lug devisor reigning, lusts.
17. The wor* of grace in men's heart is called the- kingdom or God b. In the day of his power,, Jesus, invades and enters our heart j? by his word an# Spir- it, be overthrows the strong holds of inherent corrup-. lion ; overturns the reigning power of Satan and our lusts ; conquers every faculty of our soul ;. fixeth his* palace and throne, and writes his law in our inward parts,; erects the judicature of a purged, enlightened, &nci tender conscience : he entitleth us to all his fulness ard treasure ; enters us into league with his omnip- otent perfections, mighty angels, and useful creatures on earth.. Storing our inward powers with Lis divine armour, lie diFpofeth and en?,bleth us to wage war with sin, Sakwii, and the world. Thrice blessed king-, doro, consisting not in meat and drink ; but in right- eousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost !-~Thrice happy and 'honoured is my soul, if this kingdom, that caniiot be removed, be within me!
IS. The change of family herein is called abof-* -tick c. Finding us children of the devil, and heirs of wjaih, God, in infinite mercy and kindness, puts us among iris children of angels and saints ; and giveth us an undoubted and everlasting title to $11 the privi- leges of son ship. His name he puts upon us ; his Spir- it in us ; and his image on us. His angels he appoints- to gua.rd« ,-afid his ministers ta inspect and instruct us. Our prayers he hear,-, our requests he grants, and al- lows us familiar boldness and intimacy with him. He teacheth, directs, feeds^ clothes, arms, protects, com- forts, and corrects us. Irreversibly he bequeaths to us the everlasting, the pleasant land, and goodly heat-
0 Col. I 3S. b bate Xy& 2a cGaLir. S. 6,
i 3d*
age of the hosts of nations, the whole fulness of Gocf,. O astonishing ! when guilt, pollution, and enmity, might have justly provoked his endless detestation, he. said to my .soul, Thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou coulclst ; wilt thou riot from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth ? When, as an infernal fiend, I replied, What have I to do with thee, ? Art thou come to torment me before the time ?■ powerfully he rejoined, ZXomshalt call me my Father^ and shalt not turn anay from me, I will be to him a.Father, and he shall be to me a son* How could my enmity, my inward rock3 withstand such melting love ! Straight all my powers cried out. My Father ; my Guide ; my God ; my all.
19. Our new covenant state is called a rest a -
Here, in Jesus* blood, as the means of protecting our soul, and appeasing our conscience ; in his power, && an antidote against every fear and danger ; in his love and lovelinesses Ihe ail-satisfying object of our, desire; in his faithful promise., as our infallible security for glory, honour, immortality, eternal life; we rest safe r from every wrathf ul event and enemjr. . There is no condemnation. to us. No evil can befal us. God and his creatures are in a covenant of peace with us. In this happy state too we rest from slavish service to the broken law; and from our sinful fulfilment of the lust* of the flesh and of the mind.
III. Metaphors respecting the pardon of sin. '.:
1. Pardon of sin, which is .often put for the wholes of our justification, is represented as God's being mer- ciful to our unrighteousness b. It is entirely of hk free, rich, and sovereign gfracej and mercy, that he . doth not avenge, but forgive our unrighteousness of heart or life. Q grace, grace unto it !
m Mstth. xi. 23. blltb.yulU - • * '
SS5
J. It 'Is represented a« a.covEiu^Gq/sfo a. By the Imputation of Jehus' light^irsness for our robe, our guilt is so hid and. covered, as no more to expose us ta God's revenging wratli ; nor c^n it justly annoy our conscience with, legal horror.
3. It is called a tiemissiq:* or forgiveness b.~~ -' Therein God most fully acqtiifs us of the charge of our crimes ; secures us against the avenging ' and wrath fu I punishment ; thereof ; and removes every legal bar, flfet obstructs- our hope, our happiness, or comfort.
'4. It is represented as God's kot kem:embeiuxc our- sin c\ Having pardoned it, God no more continues to charge or punish it upon us ; but allows us as eminent friendship, familiarity, and fulness of bte'ssfbgs, a? if we nerer had sinned. How often, my soul, hath he-taK- eh me1 into his bosom, as if t had been an innocent ar-
,r£fc : s v/ •
% It is represented as his blotting out' cf s; a J. Upon tlieTfhpntation of Jesus' blood to our personam! conscience; our sinful debts, and the demands of satis-- faction for them, are so dropt from the l)ook of God's • judicial remembrance; that neither he, nor the broker, law, nor our conscience, hav-a the least remain;1 ground to charge them unon us, in order to require satisfaction for them.
6. It is represented as his casting our sips behiu^ his back^ or inio the deeps vfthe sea; and his putt. \ arid removing it far from us c. For when it is jtoiMon- ed, ho neither will, 'nor can charge it upon us ; nor Tiller any wrathful punishment to come near mi — Our siffcare burirjd in the -creeps of Jehovah's love and Jesus' blqcfS ; nor ought fears of divine curses or condemnation in the leal to dismay us. Jesus hath Y tafcen away the hand-;vritt7}g ol- kin -charges of guilt.. as* well as cf ceremonial ordinances, that was a^air^t
a Psal. xxxii. 1. i Acts. v. 31. ejfr xliii. 25.
li, 1. 9. e 13. xxxviii. if. Mic.vii.t9. V^clW.U*
386
us, and Info nailed it to his cross, from whence it can aever bo loosed.
I\ It is represented as a purging away of sin, thro* the sprinkling of, or washing us in clean ntmler <x. By the saving application of Jesus' infiqitely pure and pu- rifying blood, the legal guilt of our sin is completely removed from our conscience ; and a sufficient found- ation is iaid for purging aiyay its moral filth, bj the Spirit of sanctification.
8. It is represented as God's making our scarlet and crimson*coloured, our hideous crimes, white as snow and wool b. By the imputation of Jesus' blood and right- eousness, all their terrible appearances do, as it were, vanish; and purity, peace, righteousness, and rest, succeed in their room.
9. It is compared to the dispelling of a cloud, or thick cloud c. Hereby, God alone removes the guilt of our numerous, our innumerable, and frightful crimes ; re- moves the, ground of our gloomy apprehensions of his threatened vengeance, which, by nature, hangs over our head ; gives us access to see himself in mercy, and comfort ; and to obtain delightful views, and well- grounded hopes, of the heavenly glory.
10. It is represented as the giving us a white ttoiie, with a new name written on it d ; in allusion to an ancient custom of the Greeks, their voting sentences of absolution, by casting into a vessel white atones, whereon was sometimes written the name of the person absolved. God gireth us our sentence of pardon, in the pure, peaceable, glorious, and everlast- ing promise of the gospel, directly pointed and appli- ed to our heart. Hath God done so to me ? Then let
never be merciful to any iniquity ! let me. never
cover my transgression? as Adam ; let , me never
Forgive my wicked self; let me remember my evil
ways, and be ashamed and confounded for all 'thai I
have do:G ; let aiy sin be ever before me.
- aEzefc xixvi. ?5. * >. t IS, ' V Is. *IiV. 2%' jfacr.it ■?
387 IV. Metaphors respecting sanctificatiou,..
1. SanctiScation is represented as a lifp. a. It m the immediate effect of Christ' s living in us by his Spirit ; it is a mysterious, pleasant, and profitable mer- cy, maintained by the constant, the quickening influ- ence of Heaven, the daily application of Jesus' flesh and blood.
2. It is represented as God's washing us in water, and purifying vs in fire b. By the continued appli- cation of Jesus5 word, his blood and spirit ; and by
-manifold trcubles, temptations, and persecutions, he gradually, skilfully, and powerfully purgeth out our sinful corruptions, till we become like gold tried in the fire ; whiter than snow ; without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. — Having these exceeding great and precious promises, O my soul, cleanse thyself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.
3. It is represented as God's subduing our iniqui- ties c. By the application of the blood of the Lamb, by the Almighty Spirit, and the all-conquering word; of his grace, applied to, and working in our heart, he gradually weakens, and puts out our inward nations of lusts, enableth our graces to tread upon them, and oc* cupy their room in our heart, our speech, and ..behav- iour..
V. Metaphors respecting fellowship with God.
1. Comfortable fellowship and intimacy with Gcd in Christ, is represented as being in his house, his chamber, or presence d. Being divinely drawn and admitted, we therein, with secrecy and safety, cirpy eminent familiarity with him ; are refreshed and nourished with his delicate provision ; are enabled
a Gal. in"20'. foAt.% c M\r. vll. 19. tfSongh 4. aa$
and encouraged to utter all onr complaints Into his bo- som ; and have the secrets of his covenant and prom- ise, and sometimes of his purpose and providence, un- folded-to oar sou!. " O send forth thy light, and ihy truth ; let them lead me ; let them bring me to thine holy hill ; then will 1 go to God's altar, to God, mine exceeding joy."
2. It is represented as a seeing of Ged, a walking in his light, and having Ms countenance lifted upon us a. O the clear, the near, and intimate discoveries we there enjoy of his perfections, promise?, relations, words, and works ! With what pleasure we therein behoW his excellency and brightness ; understand his illucidating truths, and thereby make progress in cur heavenly journey, causing the light of our holy conver- sation to shine before others, that they nrxy take knowledge of us, that we have been with Jesus j
3. It resembles a green and well e.UApi^ bed b. O the profound rest we there enjoy, in the person, the righteousness, and love of Christ! How sweetly we cease from our sinful, legal, and carnal labour, and delight ourselves in the embraces, the farnijiar discoveries of Godhead ! How complete is our safety from evil ! How familiarly we converse with the Most High! How melting and fructifying are his influences to our heart !
4. It is called the kisses of Christ9 s mGidk c. By his various promises, how sweetly are Lis everlasting kindness, mercy, and grace, manifested to our sou! ! How powerfully this testineth and assures u% tli:ii tho' he was angry^ his anger is turned away, nnd lie c\;: forteth us ! With what delightful inQuenee it animates jatird enhanceth our love to him !
5. It is compared to life d. K
active, it renders our soul in the work of God
a is. it. 5 Psal- iv. 6. b Song- i. 16. and ill ". f,
L% dVsvA. xxx. 5.
sm
- pleasant ! how mysterious and useful I — Life, 0 Jesus, Tieth in thy favour ; natural life is but a death, a hell, without thy presence and love. I lire, if I stand fast in the Lord.
6. It is likened to inebriation <?, Haw abundantly we therein drink out of God's wells .of salvation! drink of the wine of his loving kindness, receiving it by faith into on r heart ! How effectually are we thereby encouraged au<I strengthened ! How sweetly our hearts forget their former misery, and our lips open in his praise !
7. It is a CUP OF salvation a CUP RUSXING OVER b> How delightful ; how refreshing ; h©w ravishing our believing views of our redemption ! How transport- ing to possess^ and know myself a possessor of that sal- vation, which, from eternity, employed the thoughts of God to devise it ; and which comprehends the en- joyment, the endless enjoyment, of all the fulness of God t
8. It resembles an asoixting c. Plentifully, there- in, the Holy Ghost bestows his grace, applieth his ii> fluence, and renders us fresh, comely, alert, and act- ive, in our spiritual warfare and work. O to have an unction from the holy one, that I may know and do all things !
9. It is compared to a sealing d. Therein the blessed Spirit of all grace impresselh his image on our heart ; sets us aside from the world to his service -9 and confirms to us our hopes of everlasting salvation Jesus sets me as a se^I upon his heart, and as a seal upon his arm. O happy they, who, after they have believed, are thus sealed with the holy Spirit of prom- ise !
10. It is represented as a sitting under Christ's shadow, and f£ASTIMG on his fruit ; — a surpiso togcih*
a Song v. 1. b Psal. cxvl. 13. and xxiii. 5, c 2 Cor. i. 2h
d Eph. L 18,.
m
.< mth his Father and him a. Being-ptoteeted and re freshed by Jesus' power, righteousness, and love, \y\ thereby, in sweet familiarity with divine person?, with pleasure and joy, believe and acquiesre in the "glory to God ; and'abundantly "embrace the peace en earth, good-will to men, and rich fulness of 'grace and glory, "which he, by his mediation, purchased and procured lor us.
11. Earnest desire after this fellowship with Christ, and the inward comfort flowing from it, are represent- ed as a love-sickness b. In the first, what a painful pressure of mind ; a trouble, a sinkisg of heart ; a -burning desire after Christ ; a detestation of all world- ly things, that offer a shadowy comfort, is occasioned by his absence ! In the last, what a ravishment, a ^transport, an inward burning of love to a Redeemer, is produced by his presence !— When I deeply taste a Savior's love, when 1 He basking in his warming rays, how am I ravished with joy ! how sick ! how over- charged with bliss ! how all-inflamed with lov.e di- vine ! How I detest the sweets of earth i— Get hence, you ministers of darkness, you enjoyments of sense, ^you polluted pleasures of sin , my soul abhors your dainty meats. — Get hence, thou body of sin and death, *thou hated clog of error, guilt, and corruption— 3e: hence, thou mortal life, thou circle of repeated woes, vanities, and vexations of spirit, where, since sin and folly entered, happiness was never seeii — -Ye flowry varieties of earth, ye sparkling glories of the sky9 nc*vf let me shut mine eyes. :fc:V' you, and apeh them qi ^brighter ! — 9 far brighter scferrajH — 0:i Goll ror God ! my joy! my life ! my loveu ! ajhc! iitf 1li>! How delightfully my thoughts, wilL loving, dying, living Lord ! Beyond c IfcosL
line, how fast.! how far, my \flshbs (ly I () Low my heart languished for the habitation, the embrace, l!^e
» Song LI S. 4. IIzy. ill. 20. I h 3,nj y, 0 :*i i ii. *
S91
bosom, of the Most High ! How she longs to behold ray almighty Lover, in all his pomp of majesty, and bloom of beauty ! How she pants for the fair ori- ginal of all that is lovely 1 for beauty «y?et unknown ! for intellectual pleasure yet untasted !— 3y what al- mighty ; what enrapturing attraction he now draws my heart !— How Jesus' lovely form meets every thought ! fills every view ! Beside him, I behold no- thing ; beyond him, I desire nothing. O sweet burn- ing thirst, to be quenched by nothing but the unfath- omed ocean of a fully enjoyed God of love ! Is this my sickness? what then that endless health above! To this, swift be my passage, short my road : Let me %$% shut my eyes, and see my God.
— -<*o:o:o::o:o*>—
CHAPTER VII.
Metaphors respecting saving grace, as inherent in^ and exercised by us,
I. Metaphors respecting grace, as a general principle,
1. The inward principle or implanted habit of grace, is called the spihit a. It is formed by, and resembleth the Spirit of God. It resides in the whole soul, in all the spiritual powers of snan ; and it dis- poseth to mind, favour, delight, and labor in spiritual things.
2. It is called a max b, for its glorious dignity, its marvellous contexture, its eminent prudence and sa- gacity. It spreads through our whole man, soul, body, and spirit. It hath what answers to the distinguished parts ami powers of a human body, and faculties of
■
a Gal- v. If. b Eph. iv. 24. and ill. 16. Song iv. 1. to 5. and Tii. 1^—5. 1 Pet iii. 4.
m
the human soul. Hope, that mounting grace, is ife head as Carmel, or crimson ; spiritual thoughts and good works are the hairs growing thereon. Faith and spiritual knowledge are its e?/es,hy which we see the Son, and his invisible realities ! see ourselves in our vileness, and the world in its vanity, and bring forth tears of godly sorrow, and melting of heart : and its cars, by which we hear Jesus' voice, and discern it from the voice of a stranger : and its nose, to smell the savour of his good continents, and sagaciously to pre- sent the approach, of spiritual foes ; and to discover the inward frame of*our heart. Humility and self- denial are its blushing and beautiful cheeks. Faith, by which we taste that the Lord is gracious, handle the word of life, receive Jesus as the gift of God, are joined to him, and feed upon him, as the bread of life, and nourishment of our soul, is its mouth, hand, and neck. Affectionate desires towards God, are its lips and breath. Believing emhracements, ardent afiec-' tion and desires are its bosom and breasts. Love and compassion are its belly, bowels, and heart; spiritual strength, resignation, and patience, are its back.^ Holy principles, and a gospel-conversation, are its thig/*s, fcgs, ard feet. Ses Book I. eh. VII, No. 5. It is~ called di new man. It was not originally in our heart ; all things pertaining to it are new, directly opposite to the old man of in-dwelling corruption ; a new heart, a new spirit, new light, life, liberty, new love.aifection, memory, and conversation. It is called the inner nun of the heart ; for though it produce an outward holy profession and practice, it chiefly and formally consists in the frame, temper, and disposition of our heart, our understanding, conscience, will, and affec- tions. It is called an hidden man ; it is hidden from Satan, that he cannot destroy it ; from the world, that they cannot understand it; from other saints, I "at they cannot certainly discern it When we walk •
398-
in Fpirit uai* darkness, and are deprived of the shining &f Cod's countenance, we ourselves can scarcely ob- >€ oe it. And how safely is it laid up, sealed and secu- Jed' in Christ !
3. It is represented as an armed warriottr
J-headless of; danger, secure against death, it contin- uaffy seeks the nun of,— and by earnest desire after holiness, by warm opposition of inward lusts, by re^ fistanre of temptation, and study of disconfermity to mvml mem, it lights against sin, Satan, and the world; It is armed with the girdle of divine truth; which being applied to' ihe heart, renders it strong and active, with the girdle of innard truth and sincerity of soul,. which girds up the loins of the mind, and makes it candid and sober ; with the breast plate of imputed •righteousness, which repels the horrid accusation of fktan, secures from condemnation and death ; ando/ faith and love, which render our soul courageous and safe. Armed v, nth ihe shoes of gospel truth, a firm establishment in iae principles of which, qualifies us to run alertly, regularly, and fearlessly, in the field o& rpiritual warfare : with the shining, solid, and impen- etrable shield off nth, especially of the divine per fee* fioris, aseml>raced and improved by faith, to defend the whole man, and to repel and return on Satan him- self, his fiery, fear fill, swift flying, and dangerous darts of seduction : with the helmet, of salvation, and hops thereof, to ward oil deadly, stupifyingy aid confoun- ding blows of temptation or trouble. Armed with the mail-coat, ad arvwvr of universal holiness and righteousness, en ihe right hand, and on the left ^io damp the heart of every oppeser : with the artillqry of all prayer and "dependence on God, and with the sreord of d Ids Spirit, which is the word of Gcd, by which our conscience is convinced ; our corruptions wounded ;• temptations, error?, and heresies, solidly refuted and, ruined.
« Eph. vi. 10— 13,. 1 Tl;ecs. v, &,.
3<ji
4. It is represented as a divine xatuki:, and image % of God m By him it is conferred on, and produced m us ; and by it we are permanently conformed to him in every imitahle perfection, in knowledge, ^wisdom power, Jioliness, justice, goodness, and truth ; are in- clined to live on him as our portion, with him as our friend, and to him as our last end. O when shall I he perfect as my Father, winch h iu heaven, is perfect ! vVhea shall I be lifce. him, by seeing him as he is !
5, It is called an heart >hv It is the residence of Christ and his Spirit, as the life of our soul. In its several graces of knowledge, faith, lore repentance, it answers to, -and fills the several powers of our soul. G. It is called an heart of tles'z ; fi-'shly table of the heart c. How .softened by the love riiow readily impressed with the word and providence of God! how readily it bends under his inii i. dmA resigns- 1 3 ■
his sovereign will !"*
T. It is called life (J. Ey tlie breathing of h's word and Spirit, God alone fornix it. How pleasant, precio*p;and honourable is it ! and -how comely and active in serving God, and in promoting our own hap- piness, it renders our sou! !
8i It is called light e. To us, how mysterious and incomprehensible is its nature ! 'From the Sun of righteousness it wholly proceeds. And how p^re, pt eirating !— how .active, refreshful, en-lighteni directing to our soul [What a- blessed prelude a&dV. earnest of everlasting felicity ! '
9. It is incorruptible seed conveyed kilo c heart by the word of God/ Being, with Q&vim fa bour and wisdom, planted and sowii in our. heart, $ tered with the rain a:;d dew cf the. Holy Spirit, -aad warmed with the iove, . the. rays, of the Sun of tights eoosness, it. never rol^ nor consumes ; never gives
r.2Pet. i.4. 6 Paal. 1!-. TO. cEzek. xxtvl 25. 2 Co:-. iii.S. ■'. <s 1 John- y. 10. e Eph, v. 8. f\ Pet. 123. 1 John ii'L 9.
Kk2
395
place to sinful lust; but flourishetli as corn and trees ; arid, though in different degree?, brings forth fruit in- to everlasting life.
JO. It isaiiooT a, into which the word of God is f;>iritu&lly ingrafted.; and which, being of- an abiding and fix.ee! nature, produceth many Christian tempers, and gracious exercise?, and grows up very gradually..
11. It resembles a grain of mustard seed b. From* the surliest beginnings, it grows up, till it be exceed- ing strong, visible, Mid useful, for the seasoning and improvement of providence, and for the- protection of> our soul. How sweetly this less than handful of seed,, cast into the tops of mountains, into our focky barren heart, shake? with fruit ! O how the particular graces* flourish^ how the good works abound !
12. It resembles an heap or wheats about rvitU lilies c. O the excellency ; the abundance ; the va- riety of particular graces ! the purity, permanency, and solidity thereof J No wind of temptation, nor fan of persecution, can drive it away. What delightful nourishment to Christ and his people ! How orderly surrounded with lily-like promises, and evangelical good work?.
13. It is compared to spikenard d. How low and contemptible, in the view of carnal men ! but how ]:rc(iouN and fragrant to Christ and his saints! How < ile^tually it warms, nourishes, preserves from cor- ruptiott, strengthens and refreshes our heart ! When Jesus, our King, is sensibly present, how sweetly it rends forth the smell thereof, in heavenly desire, and JK)3y exercise !
14. It may be compared to mandrakes e. In eve- ry form, how delightful, fragrant, and comely ! Hew powerfully it cools our indwelling lust ; our fiery per-
n Matth. vii. 17. 18, and xii. 33. and xiii. 21, Mavk iv. 28.— b Matth. xiTUUU 32* c Song- viu.2. G?Son£ L.12- rSang
vii. IS,
iiirimiione of soul ! heals our spiritual maladies ! &1-- tracts our affections to Jesus ! and renders us fruitful in good works !
15. It resembles all pleasant fruits, and chief spirts of camphirc, calamus, saffron) &e. a. What a flour- • ishing, fragrant, and delightful garden of God, it ren- ders our wilderness soul ! How diversified its various- forms of faith, of hope, of love, repentance, humility, patience, resignation, and the like ! How rare, pre- cious, and pleasant ! How effectually it cheers our heart J preserves from spiritual corruption and. rotten- ness ! How ever green, incorruptible, and growing! How wholesome and medicinal to our soul ! And do not some particular graces, of faith, hope, love, like calamus, camphire, and myrrh, ascend oa high, mount toward Jesus and heavenly things; while repentance,., self-denial, patience, resignation, like spikenard and. saffron, couch beneath ?
16. It resembles all manner of pxeasant fruits,. new and old, laid up at our gales for Christ b. O the abundance and variety of particular graces ! How con- stantly f hey receive new supply from Jesus5 fulness ] and add to their former growth ! And for his pleasure and honour, their whole, exercise in divine ordinances, and manifestation to. the world, is designed and calcu- lated.
IT. It is compared to good g bound r, on which the good seed of God's word being sown, brings forth abun- dance of fruits of holiness, to the honour of God, and the advantage of our soul.
18. It is compared to all the powders of the mer- chant, or apothecary d. How diversified and various the particular graces of it! How rich and costly ! pur- chased^ by Jesus'' blood ; compounded by his skill ; and received out of his fulness ; how effectually they
a Song iv. 12. 13. b S'ong; vii. 13* c.M&ttb. xiii. a £*. Luk©» viii. 15. d Song* iii. 6.
m
perfume our native a*?d work ! and render it amiable to God and his people !
19. It is compared to salt a. It is of a durable and purifying nature, it pricks, paii]?, and pus our corruption. It preserves us from becoming rotten, unsavoury, and noisome in our dispositioi -vac>-
tice. It heals our soil i 5 aid testifies I
and reconciliation with God* Be you, my heart, my speech, my work, always seasoned with it. x20. It is compared to lbaven b. However \y.ei and inconsiderable at first, it gradually, powerful!}, and often insensii^y, conquers and transforms our whole heart and life, into its likeness and image !
21. It is compared to a cua.il* of gold about the-* neck c ; consisting of the precious, solid, lasting and diversified links of knowledge, hope, humiK y, meek ness, love, repentance, --zeal, thankfulness, contentment, sincerity, &c. beautifully connected. II flows from, and depends on our spiritual neck oi the promise, and word of God ; aad surrounds, adorns, and strengthens the neck of our faith.
22. It resembles hows of jewcls on the cheek ; bor- ders of gold 'with studs of SILVER cL . How distin- guished the value, the purity, the adorning and en- riching virtue of these various graces ! In what come- ]y order, and beautifying influence, tiiey appear in an holy, humble life! How agreeable, when these go/; borders are attended with silver gifts, and holy fruits, ©f the Spirit!
23. It is called a good treasure <?.. It is very pre- cious, useful, and enriching ; and by means of it, we i,re enabled to give much glocy to God and do m&cb good to men-
24. IV and its Attending benefits, are like gold tried in the fire f How precious, pure, -substantial,
a .Mark ix. 50. b Matth. xiii. S3. c Song i. 10. Ilk. rflKd.. c Matli. alii. 52, and *ii. 35. / Rev. iii IS.
3?8
satisfying, and durable ! No fiery oracles of heaver^, no furnaces of fiery troubles, can destroy them ; but discover their distinguished value. May I ever lay up this gold as the dust ; and as the stones of the broek; 25. It is compared to a robe a. Skilfully it is fra- med by the power and wisdom of God. Effectually it warms, adorns, and protect? our heart. My soul, be thou clothed herewith. Let it adorn my inwarci powers, and^shine forth in my conversation.
— <r:oro:o:*>—
SECTION II.
Metaphors respecting particular graces knowledge, faith, hope, love, repentance, zeal, humility.
I. Metaphors respecting knowledge.
1. Spiritual knowledge is a fountain of life £.-— It shews us the nature of life, spiritual and eternal,: andHhe- means of attaining it. It refines and sancti- fies our natural life ; is the. means of spiritual ; and the means, beginning, and earnest of eternal. It teach- eth and engageth our heart to receive Jesus, the res- urrection and the life, into our heart ; and it is eter- nal life to know the only true God, and' Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent.
2. Saving knowledge and true faith resemble eyes and ears c. Thereby our souls are adorned and beautified. -Thereby we discern the truth ; behold the person, and apprehend the work of Christ, and his Father. We espy cur path of duty, avoid dangers, and obtain exactness in our work. We attend to, and hear the voice of the Son, the word, the providence of Qod ; hear, that your soul may live ; hearken and
a Eph. it. 24, h Prov. xvi. 22. c Songvii. 4. Is. Ir. 3*
39*
liisar, for the time to come ; are Jed out, fo realize^ and prepare for, an eternal state.
S, They resemble doves' eyes «, because of their purity, their clearness, their loveliness, meekness, sin- i gleness ; their chaste affection to Christ, and quick dis- cerning of wholesome provision to our soul.
4. They may be compared to the fish-pools of JTeshbon, by the gate of Baihntbbim b, because of their Beauty, their perspicuity, their unmoveableness, their abundant supply from Jesus, the Fountain of living waters : and for their tendency to discover ourselves to us ; that we may thereby be induced to hearty re- pentance, holy modesty, cordial humility, and eminent self-denial. &
5. Spiritual knowledge, prudence and faith, resem- ble the nose c. By them we relish the fragrancy of spiritual things ; discern the noisome nature of sin, the dangerous approach of our spiritual enemies, and un- savouriness of created enjoyments. By these is our re- ligious appearance exceedingly beautified. By the exercise thereof, do our apple-like smelling breath of holy desires and endeavours, mark ]}ie inward sound- ness of our heart.
II. Further metaphors respecting faiths
6: Faith is our spiritual mouth d. Thereby we taste and see that God is good : we receive Jesus us the food of cur soul: we express our mind to God, in prayer and praise *, and to our neighbours, in holy and edifying converse ; for whatsoever is not of faith, is shv.
7. It is our spiritual teeth e ;*by which we chew the bread of life in holy meditations* heavenly desires, and assured persuasions of his being the all-suited, the
a Song i. 15. and iv. 1. b Song- vii. 4* c. Sf>ng v'u. 4. &.. 4 Ps^l. Ixxxi. 10. 5 Song vi. £.
«00
di-cemprehending, and unspeakable gift of God to us.
8. It is our spiritual >teck a ; which joins us to Je- sus our glorious Head ; is the meass of our correspond- ence with, and receiving nourishment from him ; sup- ports our towering grace of hope; and renders us stately and glorious.
9. It is our spiritual hands and aums b ; by which we receive aad embrace the a!!-giorious Redeemer; hold him fast by his promises, work out our salvation with fear and trembling ; war against, and conquer our spiritual foes ; and how pleasantly it drops with iht sweet-smelling myrrh of Jesus' influence, when he gra- ciously opens and draws out our heart!
10. It resembles a nervly-?yashed, even-shorn, and fruits ful+FLocz. c. How self-consistent, are its various act* ! all washed in a Saviour's hleod and Spirit ! all fed in the pasture of his word; and bringing forth abund- ant fruits of holiness to the honsr of God !
11. It is like the tower of David, builded for an armoury d. How inexpressibly high, firm, and im- pregnable, and useful to defend our souls ; or annoy their foes ! How richly stored with all the armour of God ! Like a tower' of ivory, how self-consistent, pre- cious, comely, and strong 1 And like the tower of Leb- anon looking toward Damascus ; it, with our spiritual knowledge and prudence, chiefly watches against, and •opposes our unbelief, our pride, our legality, and otn- rer Syrian-like principal enemifis of oer soul.
12. It is compared to a shield e. Depending oil, And improving God in Christ as our Shield, and our exceeding great reward, it turns every way, and emi- nently contributes to protect our inner-man, from alt the flery darts of the devil.
13. It is compared to gold tried in the fire/.-— - How pure, precious, durable, and useful ! How tried
9 Song i. 10- and vii.4. k Song v. $i c Song \r 2 d Song- if. A:. * Epii. vi. i£ f 1 Pet, i. 7.
401
ia the fire of God's probatory word ! and in the Urs j©f temptation and trouble ! It is much more precious than gold. It is the purchase of Jesus' blood-; .the distinguished gift of Jehovah's hand. II adorns our ^oul, conforms us*to the image of God. It furnishes US with spiritual life, liberty, health, nourishment, and glory, from the fulness of Christ. Nor can thieves,- or --any creature,. deprive us ©fit.
14. Faith and love resemble two towering breasts a* How near and comely their connection ! What mutu- al and affectionate embracers of Jesus, the beloved ! All the night of trouble and time, he lies in their midst. — What an abundant source of edification to .others around ! How sure a token of our ripeness for the celestial marriage with Christ, is their emiffent growth in our soul.
15. They resemble twin roes feeding among HI* ies b. What harmony, loveliness, and vivacity are iu •them ! What opposition to Satan and his serpentine seed ! What sad harassment and trouble, they, espe- cially in a day of carnal security, receive from those ! "But how glorious and surprising, though difficult, are •their conquests ! How delightfully they dwell in the heart of lily-like saints, and are nourished among the lilies of gospel-truth !
16. They resemble wintgs r. In the exercise .thereof, by the breathing- of the Holy Ghost, we fly a- bove this world, and its earthly concerns ; above the clouds of ignorance, guilt, and affliction ; and append 'to Jesus, our exalted Savior, and the things above.
17. They are compared to a breast-plate-^. Con- stantly and effectually they protect our heart from Sa tan's temptations, or the hurt thereof; and from thf hurt or horror of trouble.
m Song" viii. 10. b Son£ i. S. c Isa. xl . 30. 4 4 Thess. *. fe
'402
III. Metaphors respecting kapt
. Hope resembles a head u. Su^po: ted bj^faith, 45 a oeck, it mlghtiry tends to preserve as from sinking amidst waves of adversity. -It Is all especial seai of our .d vivacity, courage, and beauty. And,
\rhen lively, it producetji an unnumbered multitude of g ks.
3. It resembles Garmel ft. How heavenly its height, f oundatio -, and object ! How wide its prospect of tke promised land ; and of the sea, the ocean of endless deration ! How noted its fragrancy and fruit fufn
4*. It resembles crimson r. Christ z?iizified is our hope ; the author, foundation, and object of it. — rough his bloody death, we obtain a good hope, are iregoiten through his resurrection to a liizitf hdpe ; — and to be with him forever, is the sum, the all, for which we hope.
5. It is an anchor sure and sfcdf'ist, cite ring into that within the valid Through well-grounded hopes- of heaven our souls are secured, umi no weight ca^ sink our spirit; no storm cf tern p drive us away; no floods of tribulation can / dis-nay us. Fix, my »oul, thy anchor,%iy hope
within thee ; cast it forth of thyself. I ix it in. Jeruv : immoveable rock, and the ti dis-
tant, a celestial world.
6. It is compared to an h-sl-iet e. ¥ protection* and safety itaifords to our &3til ! ter- rible it renders us to our spiritual enemies ! If bold and undaunted in fighting wllh5 re^^!:g: a:id at* tacking' them •
a Solvit. 5. *Ib elb, .-rfHeb. vt 19.23. el The -.. v 9
403
IV. Metaphors respecting love ; four of which arejcifr
ed with those of faith.
-
5. Love U compared to death and the grav'f' a, — It conquers our heart, and every op poser : renders us dead to our lusts, our righteousness, our wisdom, our will, our carnal profit or honour. It disposeth us to die for the honoured testimony of Jesus, and for the spiritual interests of his people. Like the grave, it sep- arateth us from the world, and insatiably hungers and thirsts after the fulness of Christ.
6. It is compared to coaxs of fire, that have a most vehement flame .• and zeal for Christ is likened to acw?- turning fire which eats us up b. Our love beiag fixed on a kiown, though unseen Redeemer, how it melts our heart 1 inflames our desire after him! purifies our soul from the dross ef corruption 1 insatiably press* eth after further fellowship and conformity with him! Nor can floods of ungodly men, of persecution, afflic- tion, temptation, desertion, corruption, or law-terrors, quench or destroy it. True zeal burns up, not fhese around us, with carnal contention, and angry reviling j but our own heart, with grief and concern that Jesus is dishonoured ; and with earnest desire and endeavour to have him exalted.
T. Love and harmony among brethren in nature, office, or profession, is like ointment and dew c. — How it refresheth, exhilarates, beautifies, and spirit- ually fructifies themselves and others around !
V. Metaphors respecting repentance.
1. Repentance is represented as a brokenkess and renbixo of heart d. How therein, the hammer of Gad's word and providence breaks our heart to pieces i
a Song viii . 6. * Song viii. 6. Psal. Ixix. 4. wi cxix. 139.
c Psal, Owxsiii L 2 3* rfPsal. li. IT. Joel m. IX
4^«
How oar wholesoal if? pressed and pained with vfews of her own sinfulness ! How ready to be melted with Jesus' love; and formed as he pleaseth !
2. It is represented as an acceptable sacrifice n. While looking on a crucified Christ, we mourn, and in his name request forgiveness, how highly God re- gards our exercise ! how readily he grants our peti- tions !
VI. Metaphors respecting JiumUitif.
Humility is represented as an ornament and robe B. Eminently ought it to appear in our whole convene-' tion, which is thereby rendered valuable, comely, and glorious, in the view of God,, angels, and men.
SECTION IIL
Of the exercise of grace.
L OUR exercise of implanted grace, is called a i>t- ixG c. Thereby our love to, and our activity in thev service of sin, Satan, and the world, do, by virtue of Jesus' death applied to our heart, and through the painful exercise of repentance, gradually weaken a- bate, and cease. May I die to sin daily. May I,' through the Spirit, mortify the deeds of the body. —
2. It is represented as a living d. Proceeding from God the fountain of life, how pleasant, honour- able, active and useful it is ; for advancing his glory, and our own and others eternal advantage ! Christ, in l his person aad fulness, U the food which we receive bv faith. God is our dwelling". He, his angels and
a Psal.Ii. 17. '■ b\ Pet. iiL 4. and v l>, c flok vf; £ 7 fed virii. 13. tfGalii. 29
■
; i\w>Uf-^re our companions. Holy desire, prayer, and prafee, are our spiritual breath. Obedience to Jesus* law, is our motion and work.
8. It is -represented as a callings; an occupation; vocation; oh business a. To proceed therein, we must know the mysteries of the gospel, concerning Je- sus, in his person, his office?, relations, benefit?, and or- dinances ; and concerning ourselves in our state,* our qualities, and duties We must have a stock of impu- ted righteousness, implanted grace, and exceeding ^reat and precious promises. We must understand the nature and worth of spiritual and heavenly things. We must daily attend t© the exercise of holiness, as our great, our important work. m We mast carefully abide at home, keeping oar heart, watching .overbad ordering our convt; Frequently, by self-exam-
ination, we mmt. distinctly state our business, our.. ac= counts ; a*-d clear them by application of Jesus' blood. \ Our stock being his, his glory is to be intended in every thing we do. Always ought we to thrive in grace, and know that we do so. No. labour or pains are to be spared, that we may perfect holiness in the- fear of God. How signally do quick returns of prayer, and eminent communications of grace, increase our stock, ar.d animate our diligence ! And how rich shall this blessed .■occupation render us in our fast end ! * Godliness with contentment is great gain, having the promises oj' this life, ewd of that which, is to come. Ap- ply to it, my .S9..1, in every branch thereof ! so num- ber thy days that then rnayest apply thy heart unto wisdom /and le&rq God's trutli ; plough up the fallow ground cf V -opting his rod and word .for
thy convicti" n k rit ion. Deny thypelf ; awake,
shake off thy drow^: beware of prodigal
wafting of Jehovah's bounty ; whal soever things an ■ needful, whatsoever things are lovely and of goon
<r Jehnvi. 25. Fliil. ii. 1$
406
port, buy, freely and deliberately receive, out of the fulness of Christ; and, together with God, work oat thy salvation with fear and trembling1.
4. It is represented as a walk or journey a. With Hope and earnest desire to obtain the better country, we therein choose Jesus and his law for our way, and with pleasure proceed from one degree of grace, or act of holiness, to another, till at length we appear be- fore God in the heavenly Zion. It is a walking in Ohristy a practicaFabiding and increasing improvement of his person, righteousness, and fulness : it is a walk- ing after the Spirit; directed and influenced by the Holy Ghost ; it is a walking with God ; beholding, loving, trusting in, receiving all from, and resting sat- isfied in him. It is ^nmlicing humbly and mournfully with him, in the faith of his presence with us, as out- God, our Father, our Friend, and our Guide ; daily loathing, and mourning over our corruption? and offen- ces done to Mm. It is a walking before him; with reverence of, and as in his -immediate presence,' ar:d in hope of direction and reward from him. It is a walking in his nanve, as his servant's, idiuericed by his power and promise, directed by his law, and intended to his honour. It is an upright walk,' om? purpose and practice uniformly concurring to advance the glory of Godr It is a walking circumspectly, redeeming the time ; attending to every circumstance of our prac- tice, that we • may regulate it, by the * divine law ; that we may value time as a precious jewel, and un- der a deep sense of former sinfulness and sloth, exert *ur whole care and might to improve our present op- portunities, to the glory of God. It is a walking ttiji the wise; making those who are taught of God ouc patterns and companions in every good word and work.
5. It is called a ra.ce set before ush. Li the word of God, is the way, the troubles attending, the meth
oeCdi. ii; 6. Rom. viii. 14 b Hebxii. 1. 2\
4m;
cd of mmsty the pattern, and pirize^ set before us.***-* The race plot, is tills present world ; the prize, the. heavenly glory ; the path, Jesus and his law..- Being supported by and looking ta him, as our forerunner and: pattern, we must labour and suffer for him ; and with agility, readiness, cheerfulness vigour, and pa- tience, press forward, from ene degree of grace to an- other, till we become perfect, as our Father which is in heaven is perfV' t.
G. It i; called a going up- through the wilderness leaning o?i the beloved a. Finding no rest, ease, or sat- . :tion, in. this depart world, or in the barren bewil-^ deuingf state of sin, or condition of estrangement from Go isi turn away our desire, our delight, and
expectation therefrom ; and in a state of union to, exercise of intimacy with, and dependence on 3esus5 person^ righteousness, and strength, walk in him, and hAs word, acv-cur way ; and with assiduous labour, vig- our, and prudence, surmount every towering impedi-^ ment of ignorance, unbelief, of temptation, persecu- - lion, desertion, of terror and guilt; following on to know the Lord, -till we are -set down on his right hand.
7. It is represented as a lusting and wahjare «- gain$t iUjic^h h* In it our new man ofinwardgrace^ . like a strong and active spirit, wills*; chooscth, and fal- lows after, the -things which tend to the destruction of sin. Therein Is our v/hole man, soul, body, and spirit, with skill, courage, patience, and perseverance, to op- pose, fig lit against, and by all possible means, se.elc the detraction of indwelling lust ; to fight against Salary, resisting and labouring to overcome his temptations ; . to fight against the world, trampling on its alluring enticements, despising its frowns, opposing its wicked errors, and abominable practices ; and against multi- tudes of afflictions, patiently enduring them. It is a
a Song, via, 5. b Gal, v. 1?. Eph.., vi. 1Q.— 19. 2 T'm> iv, 8
d fight. It is for the go- •:• of God a
under a good captaia,. Jesus Ckri ■ ; it is to he p formed in a goad method, according to the law of God, with the good armour of God, an and well-grounded hope of a good vk j. spoils
an inestimable crown oi'glo: It is a fight of faith, flight .to na
faith onco delivered to the sain&$>'m :■ of
faith, is standing, and victory therein signally obtained-.
8. It is represented as a keeper and exalter of a--- nation a. What a blessed means cf preserving- It from sin and danger, are ?visdom and knowledge — r , religion and righteousness r How gloriously they ex- alt the characters of persons ; increase and establish their prosperity and happiness !
9, It is compared to the growth of persors, herbs,,, and trees b. Notwithstanding, our frequent sickness. and sad blasts of temptation, and frost-like prevaiency of indwelling lusts, the daily application of Jesus, as onr bread of life, and of the watering and warming in- - fluences of his Spirit aad love, make holiness in heart and life pleasantly and insensibly to revive and increase. » till we be ripe for everlasting glory, having attained the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ
10* True godliness is called the tear of the Lord <% With^ reverential fear ofy and love to him, are all its exercises and blessings attended. And truly this is the beginning of 'wisdom ; a beginning to choose the better part, never to be taken away,
11. It is -called wisdom d* Hereby we choose the best friend, companion, Husband, and portion ; dis- cern the things that differ ; follow after rirhteousne s3 peace, charity; and run in the way ofGod?s com- mandments. And by improving Jesus Christ, as our righteousness and strength, take a proper method to <
a Prov, xiii. 6. and xiv. 34. b Eph. ir. 15. Hos. xiv, -5. f fcPsaJ, cxi. 1Q. d Prov. ii- 2*
m>
^erfonu gospel holiness, and obtain the divine accept* anee thereof.
12. The path of the just is represented as saiNixer mght, shining more and more untfrthe perfect day az From small beginning?, their knowledge Iheir holiness and comfort gradually^ mysteriously, -and pleasantly* increase, till they he ? wallowed up in the noon- tide brightness of ^terrul glory. Nor can any cloud over- take theni. which shall' not be quickly removed. Sure- ly then their patbis pleasant, plain, clearly laid down in God's word, nnci -without- these snares- and st-um- bJing-blocks which lie in the way of the wicked.—- Surely this is a m&t above, wherein heavenly things are chiefly attended^- A wayof life, marking life spir- itual, and preparing for life eternal;
13. Holy exercises resembie ja%ul% K Numbers of theni spring, from one root or principle of faith, — ~ How pure, comely* high, and heaven beading ! • the better they are, the more humility and self-denial' are mixed w ith them;
14*. JHoly exercises, real religion, and true wisdom, are a tree of xife r. They shew a heart quickened/ by the Spirit of God ; and do bring forth the good . fruits of spiritual liveliness here, $nd- of life eternal, hereafter.
15. Holy exercises are called the green fkuits of the valley ; and the buds of fkuits of the saints, these trees of righteousness d. In consequence of our im- plantation into Christ, and union wit h> him, they grad- ually, one after another, appear in our life, and are but imperfect, while we continue-on earth.
16. Holiness of life is called a sowing in righteous- ness ; a sowing in tears, and ; to the Spirit e. In practising itj we, in the solid hope of eternal glory, carefully work righteousness ;-*-amidst grief and sorrow-
& Prov.lv. 18. b Songvii.* 2* c Prov. itL 18. aad iv. 1&."- ^rSong" vi. It. e Pror. xl. 18.
410
■*e fellow the dictates and operation of the Holy* Ghost ; and act as influenced by, and to the advan- tage cf oiir new nature. And O what mercy, joy, and immortal happiness, we shall reap in the final, the eternal harvest !
17. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life a.— How refreshing its influence ! What endless glory !
what immortal life will it break forth at last i From thee, O fountain of 'living waters, is my life, my fruit found.
18. Wisdom, or real religion, is represented a« an ornament ; and righteousness as brightness b — How precious in it "elf ! how dearly purchased with Jesus' blood ! How notably it adorns our nature and life ! ruaketh out face and conversation to shine ! and will issue in the brightness of everlasting glory !
19. experimental knowledge of real religion is like honey and the no:*£r comb c. How sweet and ra- vishing ! Nor can any one know the excellency there- of, without tasting it ; strangers do net intermeddle with the faints' joy.
20. True religion is compared to ellv&r, and' an hip treasure d. How comely, precious, and enrich- ing ! How unknown to most of mankind ! With what diligence it is to be sought for ! With what joy the
[f felts cur soul, and in what happiness it ends.
21. Prkyet Is represented as meditate: ; strypi/i-
•.■; cession ; crying c ; to denote the soli . eiit, i'eep humility j familiarity, and earn-
erehi to .he exerefsedv
22. It ic .cpvr?e^ed a? a povring out of the heart i
. ? soul to God ; breathing- and panting km j : to deplete the inward fervency proper rein.'
nFrov.xiv.r5 ftlsa-lsii; t rFro^.iii. 13—16. rfProv. ii.
\T'm. Ii. I, /PsaL \k\lS
33. It, with some other religious worship, is called* a standing, a kneeling, a bowing, a falling down before- the Lord a ; in allusion to the gestures therein used ; and to denote the reverence proper to attend it.
2$. Praising of God is represented by shouting; and by sounding or playing on musical instruments b ; in allusion to 'ths service of the Jewish temple ; and to mark the solemn sweetness and joy of heart includ- ed in this exercise^
25. Humiliation for gin is represented as a putting &rt sackcloth ; as an abhorring of one's self ; a lyT ing, or BOLLiNS one's self in the dust ;, a putting our ■ mquth in the dust c. To denote the shame, the sense of un worthiness, the fear and blushing before God, included therein.
26. Beneficence- to others is called a watering them; a scattering; a casting bread upon the waters d ; to mark, how it refresheth and nourisheth the poor object ; how liberally, and without prospect ol requital, it Is to be exercised.
- — *»:o:o:o:«>— ~-
GIIAPTEK VIII. ■
Metaphors respecting sin, the opposite of grace, in its- nature, its state, course, hinds, temptations.
I. Jdetaphors respecting sinin general, or as inherent.
I; THE indwelling sin of our nature is compared to a Krso and "master e. With great force and au- thority, it ruleth in, and over the wicked. Their heart k itf palate and throi-e ; devils, wicked men,
« PKal.xcF.6. and-cVxxiv. 1. b Isa. xii.6; Psal.cl. ' chitl, i. 13. J ^0b xlii. 6. L&ra. Hi. 2«. *'P; ;ars ri. 24. 25. JJccI* > ; |
£12
-and worldly thiog*, are its armies and guard'; every method of opposition to God is its law. By an ama^ ring, powerful, and constant urgency, it mightily com* pels its unregenerate subjects to do whatsoever it list- *eth, however vile or slavish ; nor can Any created pow* er subdue and conquer it.
2. It is compared to a warrtocr a. Armed witk" the curse of the broken law, delivering us up to spir- itual death, it, with the utmost subtlety, aversation, opposition, enmity, and violent rage, fights against God, his Son, his Spirit, his word, and grace ; avid with restless violence and crafty stratagems, ail way ex- erts its influence, to subdue our whole man into an en- tire slavery to itself.
3. It is compared to a man b. It spreads through every part of our soul and body ; fills our heart with
-all unrighteousness, unbelief, pride, debate, deceit, ma- lignity, high, vain, and vile imaginations and affec- tions. In our mind, it is ignorance, vanity, pride, er- ror, and craftiness ; in cur «onscience, it is searednes^, partiality, or rage ; in our will, weakness, aversion, and enmity to every thing good ; in our oifections* it is earthfiness, filthiness, disorder. It fills our mouth ^vith cursing and bitterness ; renders our ears open to error and filthiness ; our eyes apt to behold vanity, lifted up, and/t//£ of adultery ; our hands apt to per- petrate evil ; ixid -oar feet swift to shed blood. It is -an old man. It is in us from o^r conception ; and is alway pre-existent to o^r grace. And however crafty, peevish, and proud it be ; yet in tho saints, it is in a weakened and languishing conditio*?.
4. Indwelling lusts may be called our mother's children c. By our mother we are conceived and born in them. They have no origin or allowance Crom God our heavenlv Father. Alas ! how they grow up with us from our birth ! What a cursed in-
* Rom. vii. $%. 5 Epfr. iv ;%% c Song* i- G.
4>13
*t imacy is between them, and our soul ! Alas! he?** they render us the keepers of the vineyards / how they 'entangle or force us into the most base and servile courses, to the neglect of our own heart, practice, of- fice, or interest 1
5. It is represented as a witness or written tes- timony a. How deeply it is engraven en our heart ! How irrefragably its reign there, ardour habitual vol- untary commission of actual transgression, testify be- fore God, and our awakened conscience, that we are aoregenerate enemies to our Maker ! children of Sa- tan ! incapable to recover ourselves ! unripe for heav- en ! rich deservants, and iiifeofTed heirs of endless mis- ery ! — and testify, that God is righteous in correcting olid punishing us !
6. It is represented as an uncommon deceiver b* it deceiveth and renders deceitful ail mankind; ren- ders our heart deceitful above all thing?, and despe- rate!^-wicked ; readers it more deceiving to us, than Satan h rrrelf. It promiseth us pleasure and profit in
-offend:; • i ■:•.! n*aketh us-lmagine that we enjoy.
them, -while we a e consumed by it ; and we procure #ea$ifa, while we lose our sbffl, and every thing good or useful, and pierce ourselves through with many sor- rows. How often it persuades ns that we obtain lib- erty, while we enslave ourselves into the crrttelfest bon- dage ! that we are men of wisdom, while we * Wind and ignorarft i that we makes religion cur great business, while we wallow in sin, heartily loathing^ and detesting every thing good ! that inward wick &4s£ is of siii^N account :! that sin may be repented of„. and turned from, at pleasure ! How often it hurri us, from one extreme to another! Htw strangely it adorns the vilest abominations with specious name*, fair pretences, and honorable appeira :-*es ; and makes them pass for duties and virtues ! Hjw often it em-
a Jcv, xiv. 7. and xvii.l. b lieo ill* 13. Jeivxvu. 4.
415
<ys U3 in attempting to deceive God, and cbmpasr g him about with lies, in our profession, our pray- er, our praise, and other religious exercise ! How ef- fectually it renders us deceivers of ourselves ; the wicked to their everlasting ruin ; and the saints, not* withstanding their saving illumination, solemn resolu- tion, and drawing* love, to a woful perverting of their way, dishonoring their God, and wounding their soul J
7. It is compared to a thief a. How it robbed all mankind in Adam of their honour and happiness ! How craftily it steals away our time, our opportunities, our concern for eternal happiness ! How insensibly, or vio- lently, it robs us of our peace, honour, riches, and rest ! Alas! how it carriesus out of God's way ! wounds our soul ! binds us hand and foot! and renders us inca- pable to pursue after it, raise an outcry against it, or cry to God, for just vengeance on it ! It is the com- mon impoverisher and murderer of mankind, and the terror of every saint, who, being possessed of spiritual 'treasure, desires in all things to live honestly. How numerous, the false names of virtue, which it assumes! and in the night of ignorance, of delusion, tempation, desertion, how effectually it attempts, and succeeds in, its unhallowed and shameful work !
8. It is compared to a whore b* Ah ! how cun- ningly it enticeth and leads us froth God, to comply with our lusts ! how it cauceiveth and brings forth ac- tual crimes and so conceiveth and brings forth our en- hanced ruin. Cursed be she, in her basket, a^d in her 'store, and in the fruit of her womb. Blessed be he, whoiaketh her little cries, her first motions, and dash- 'cth them to pieces. May iniquity, in every form, stop her mouth J hide herself as ashamed,; may hoc partisans stop their mouth ; apdwitb grief and lynch- ing confess themselves guilty before God.
9. Sin 23 compared to an evil-doze, nailed to, and
K. 30. k James :. 13. 14.
JVI m
418
crurijied on across a. In the saints, not only God, but the man himself, condemn; it ; and ;t ikes vengeance upon it for its murderous, its thievish crimes : and, through the death of Jesus applied to their heart, it is, in a shameful, lingering, and painful manner, condem- ned and mortified : nor shall it ever save it self, and come down from this cross : It shall die, and not live, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it— Shameless robber, wicked murderer of my God, why have my lieart-striags so long lapped thee round ! why have I so long attempted to hide, and protect thy guilty head!
10. It k called a body of peatii b. O the variety of lusts which are therein marvellously compacted:; and mutually subordinate to the support and tendency of one another ! Alas, what cursed members of atheism, pride, envy, malice, unbelief, ignorance, legality, cov- etous::ess, lasciviousness, intemperance, are compre- hended in it J Ah ! what a noisome and infectious sys- tem of death is it, in itself! H©w it renders us spiritu- ally dead ! and exposeth us to temporal and eternal death ! Wretched man, that I am, who shall deliver me
from it !
11. Indwelling lusts are foxes that spoil the vines of Jesus' church and people c. How secretly they lodge ! how are they connected with earthly things ! how no- ted their craft and deceit ! the crookedness of their paths ! their desperate stubbornness under trouble
.and conviction ! their friendship with the old serpent, and his seed ! Alas ! how filthy, noisome, and abomi- nable ! how readily they pretend to be graces, virtues,
innocent things ! how insatiably voracious ! how imweariedly set upon mischief! how hurtful to saints* chiefly weak ones, and their tender graces ; by at- tempting to unsettle, or root them out ; or by depriv- ing them gf their sap! Alas! how they peel God's
Horn. vi. 6. h Rom. viL 24. c Song ii. 15.
417
choice vine ! strip his trees of righteousness ! tre'Jd" them down, gnaw oiT their blossoms of holiness, an J mar them with earthly pares ! what inexpressible care, and preserving labour, it takes to hunt out and destroy them ! — Lord Jesus, take for me, these foxes, even the little foxes ; hunt them out, with thy good Spirit: starve them in their dwellings : let me make no pro- vision for the flesh9 to fulfil the lusts thereof Catch them in the trap of thy promises; hide thy word in my heart, that" I may not sin against thee. Deluge my soul, their horrid den, with a plentiful application of thy blood and grace : inflame my heart with thy love : on these foxes cast burning coals, and indignation strong : persecute and destroy them from under these Heavens ; thy curse unto them.
12. Sin is called witchcraft a. fn what fearful league with Satan, it enters and fixeth our soul, and entlceth us to worship him! With what infernal influ- ence and envy, it deeeiveth, wastes, and ruins our whole man ! When convinced of our wickedness and danger, how unable and unwilling it rendereth us to escape ! What diabolical opposition and objections it raiseth against the faith and honour of God's truth ! And how effectually it excites and teacheth heretic to subvert our souls, and seduce us from the truth as in Jesus !
13. It is called rebellion' b. How opposite Is it to the law and authority of God, our rightful Sove- reign, aad our solemn vows to be his ! What fearful disorder it makes in the world ! What a daring at- tempt to dethrone the Almighty ! to put down his laws and dominion ! to deprive him and his chosen friends of their life ! and to set up its own, and the throne, laws, and government, of Satan ! — Alas ! vile rebellion, as the sin of witchcraft ! But, O Jesus, who receivedst gifts for men, even for the rebellious, that
Gal iiu-1. h 1 Sam. xv. 33.-
#8,
God the Lord Blight dwell among them, why should my soul continue to rebel against thee, my Saviour I to commit high treason against m)r God ! Why expose herself to endless woe ? Shall neither mercies melt, nor terrors awe ? Why should I revolt from under thy yoke ? O forgive me, for I know p.ot what I do.
14. It is called a wandering and straying from God a. Thereby we lose our first estate -; go out ef our proper way ; do, we know not what, or \\ by ; go, we know not whither ; turn cur back on the Most High ; lose his favour, presence, and blessing. Alas ! to what inexpressible danger we are exposed ! How ready to hearken to false guides i How hard, nay im- possible for us, to return to God, of our own accord !— Lord, bring me back from Bashan hill, and from the deeps of the sea !
15. It is called whoredom b. Thereby we break ©ur covenant-marriage with God !: admit Satan, the. world, and our lusts^ into his room ; by whom we con- ceive and bring forth the infernal progeny of' sinful desires, and wicked cotirses. How base and shameful in its nature i Ah, how it takes away, hardens, and stupifieih (fat heart, making us refuse to be ashamed,^ when we commit abomination ! What wretched plea- sure we take therein, while our strength is thereby in- sensibly wasted ! and we exposed to poverty, infamy^ and endless death !
16. Indwelling sin is called lusts e. What a va- riety of sinful inclinations and dispositions, are therein
' comprehended ! How restlessly and unweariedly it chooseth ! how violently, unreasonably, and secretly, it pusheth us into the most sinful and shameful acts ! Tn the saints, how it lusteth and warreth against the grace of God ! In others, how often it renders them Kke/ed horses, dogs, or swine, with the impetuous vi-
apsiil. Mil SU i^ter. ill. 1. c James if. 1
419
ice of fleshly lusi !— When it speaketh fair, believe ft not ; there are seven abominations in it.
17. It is called a law of sin in our members a, — Ah, its power and authority over us I How it obligeth
. and forceth us to study conformity to its diet ties > and to, fulfil its lusts, employing the powers of our soul, to commit sinful acts ! O were I but fulfy dead to this law, that I might live unto God ! When I wo; tlo good, how sadly is evil present with me !
18. Sin is called iniquity or unrighteousn;:
It is the very reverse of the righteous nature, and ho- • ly and just law of God. It is 'an universal r and fraud ; by it we rob Gad of Lis d-e honor, love, obedience, and regard *, ourselves of our koli ress and ff£t?i£y» and of every prober means io regain it ; — our neighbor, of all true love, esteem, and regard ;— :r I very creation of its proper eas^, use, and honor.
19. Sin is called wicivt^>N£ss a: d e^ity c. Ah ! ■ • inveterate, un reason abb r
■ God, and the welfare ef creation, \ylii h is contained it* NuV can it be transformed Into a :f shape.
Lord, though enmity cannot be 'changed, $ei slay it, and change my heart Sir Alas ! Is Ldred my return fer thy redeeming love !■ — Why, ijjjc soul, art thou proud? why art thou at ease ? Enmity against God is all thou canst directly, call thine own ! Long, long my sin, thou rhast dwelt too near my heart ! Hence, to eternal distance, flee !
20. It is called uscleanness ; an A*o-y.iy\ziLez ■thing; an abomination ; an horrible Tni-; df It
is the very reverse of the beauty, eoineHnesr, and pu- rity of God ; it is the murderer of Jems phgisf : it iiles every thmg it touches ; renders prayer of the wicked, an abomination ; it sn cads through our whole man ; renders our per.or^ heart,
e Rom. vii. 53. ' b Rom. ri. 19, c Zech. y. 3. R m* viii. 7 rfZeciL-xiii. 1. Jer. xlv. I.
Mm2
4§0
and practice, ugly and noisome to God, that, in our "natural state, he cannot look towards us without the utmost abhorrence ; nor can his angels or saints de- ' light in, or behold us with pleasure.— Direful monster, may I never look upon thee, without detestation and horror 1 Far may I flee from thy presence, and lothe myself for thy sake ! 0 the omnipotent virtue of that blood which cleanseth. from all sin ! that can wash the Ethiopian into comeliness ! the lothsome, the worse than wallowing saw , into purity !
21.. It is represented as a folly and madness a.— How stupid and unteaehabte ! How treasonable, cru- el and mischievous to ourselves and others, it renders us ! By it we reject God the chief good ; rage against the Almighty ; presumptuously rush on his neck and upon the bosses of his buckler. How effectually it transforms us into proud and prating fools J Ah, how destitute of delight in wisdom ! it is too high for, and bated by us. How vre despise a God, a Father's in- struction ! '.How Christ crucified, the power of God, and the wisdom of God, and every spiritual thing, are foolishneik to us! neither we can by feature know them ; for they are spiritually discerned ! So fa6t is folly bound up in our heart, that even rods of manifold Correction dri^e it not far away. Our heart is at our left hand set upon earthly and sinful objects ; its prop- er resolutions are faint, and ill put in practice. Ita eyes, its thoughts, and desires are in the ends of the earth, set upon vanity, or things we have no concern tfith. * Though deceitful above all things, how fond- It -wc trust it i Alas, how we hate reproof; how we rage and are confident^ in proceeding from evil to worse ! How right in our eyes is our evil way ! What a sport to many, to do mischief/ What anger against God, against a gracious Saviour, and blessed Spirit, a- ^ainst our neighbour, resteth in our bosom ! is, with
I ' Psal, xlix, 13, .grid lxxiii; 19. 20. 21,
421
pieasore and delight, lodged and entertained in our heart ! What outrageous wrath and passion, heavier than the sand, is often roused in our breast i In the multitude of our words, how manifest our folly ! In eur mouth, how unseemly are parables and excellent speech / How unconcernedly uttered ! and how incon- sistent with our practice ! In our mouth, what a rod of proud boasting, and arrogant calumny ! How readi- ly our lips enter into contention, meddling with strife, with rain jangling-, and idle disputes not pertaining to us ! Alas ! how often our mouthfeeds upon, takes pleas- ure in, and in the most plentiful manner pours forth and proclaims foolishness, vain, empty trifles ! How wickedly it uttereth slander ; casteth abroad arrows and death in bitter words-; and saith, Am I not in sport ? Alas ! how often the instruction given by our lips and our life is but absurd folly / How often is ouy mouth the means of destruction to ourselves and oth- ers ! How often we answer a matter to God, or to men, before we hear, consider, or understand it ! By our prmting, how often we fall into snares ! What a per- verting of our way is our whole practice ! What a ma4 running to the correction of flocks ! How then, can honour be seemly for, or God take pleasure in us t How often we die for want of wisdom ! and have shame given us for our promotion J How often out prosperi- ty hardens, and tends to destroy us ! How rarely do hundreds of stripes make any proper impression upou4 us ! Nor, though braytd in a mortar of adversity, doth our foolishness depart from us ! Alas, what an heavi- ness / what a grief ! what a calamity ! what wasters ! what banishers, it often makes us to our natural pa- rents ! our churches, or families ! and chiefly to our God, and his faithful pastors set over us !
22. It is represented as sloth or sluggishness ■ a.- It makes us delight in standing all the day idle. It
aPi-or. vi, (?. — 11
to act for our souls I for t&r gibry of God, or the good of our neighbor. Lord, how slug^ gish ! how inactive, to possess the promised land ; is my soul! What thorny hedges of difficulty, and bears and lions of unavoidable danger, do I often imagine in the most clear, plain, and safe paths of duty 1 .How of- ten hide I my hand in my bosom, and refuse to put it to my mouth, with the all-nourishing bread of life I How often my empty desires .kill and starve me V. I desire, and have not, because my hands refuse to labour.— Next to nothing have I to roast, which I took in hunting ; shall not then my slothful soul sufer hunger ? shall not my shthfulness east me into a deep $leep'? Shall not the building of my grace, profession, or practice, de- cay and drop through ? Shall not the vineyard of my heart and conversation be overgrown rvilh thorns of ini- quities, and nettles cover the face thereof-, and the stonewall of vigilance be broken down ? Shall not my sloth lay me under the basest slavery and tribute ; and' drowsiness c rjer me frith rags ? Go to the ant, thou sluggish soul, consider her way sy and be wise ; gather thy meat in the summer, and prepare thy food in the harvest, that thou starve not in the eternal stated- Plough up thy fallow ground, that thou be not forever wretched. Be thcu no more as a smeke to the eyes of the God who made, who sent thee into life. Say no more, A little sleep, a little slumber ; a little folding- of the hands to sleep ; for so shall thy eternal poverty come upon thee as one that travelleth, and the want of an armed man, suddenly and irresistibly.
23. Indwelling sin is represented as a itakd and stony heart a. It renders our fouI barren, insensible, rough, and impenetrable, as a rock or adamant stone, While under the reigning power cf it, the rain of di- vine ordinances, and seed of inspiration, are lost upon*, and harden us. Ministers, who are sent to hew us,
4&%-
-frith the hammer of God's word, and troubles, make- no proper impression upon us, till Jesus break our heart with his power,and melt it in the fire of his Spir- it and love.— .Lord, am I such hell-hardened steel* that mercy will not melt me ! No ; overcome by bleeding love, I dissolve, I melt beneath the cross.
24. It is called flesh a. It is of a base, vile, worth- less, and putrifying nature. It is conveyed to us with our body ; and is much influenced, modified, and ex- erted thereby.. It renders us carnal and fleshly ;. makes- us mind, love, think of, and chiefly care for, the things of the flesh9 to dwell in the flesh, under its absolute, power and authority ; to ndlk after if, according to its dictates and inclinations ; and to war after it, from sinful ends and motives, and in a carnal, malicious, and passionate manner.
25. Sin is called a strong hold b. How advanta- geous is its situation, and deep its foundation in our heart ! How dreadful its impenetrableness ; un clean- ness ; extent, steepness, and height ! How numerous the deep pits of its entangling snares ! How abundant its provision for a sinful life ; and its fulness of infer- nal armour ! How many and secret its means of com- munication with Satan and the world ! He is the gov- ernor ; our predominant lust is the citadel ; our actu- al transgression the outworks. Lord Jesus, demolish it ; raze, raze' it, to the foundation ; heap up mounts of redeeming grace, and take it.
26. It, with the law-curse attending it, i6 Satan's armour c. Thereby he fights against the divine Sav- ior, when he- is coming to rescue and deliver us. Ig- norance and stupidity are* his helmet ; unbelief and legality his shield ; pride, unconcern, obstinacy, and despair, his breast-plate ; enmity and error his sword,. hord, spoil him in this armour,, wherein he trusteth.
27. It is called leaves and old leaves d. How
1 JXoiVs , Tiii. 1. b2 Coh x. 4, 5. c Luke si. 21. 22. «7 1 €x>£. t& 8.
4m
sour and disagreeable in its nature to God, good angels and men ! How its influences spread into, and infect all oar powers, and work ! The former it renders full of, and ready instruments of iniquity unto iniquity. — The latter, our ploughing and prayer not excepted, it renders abomination to the Lord. Nor, like old leav- en, is sin good for any thing, but to defile.
28. It is compared to poison a. It inflames our heart with enmity, malice and rage, against God and men. Quickly it infects and corrupts our whole man. It begets an insatiable thirst after sinful and carnal pleasure and profit. Like tte poison of asps, how ef- fectually it lulls us asleep ! And, however pleasant and taking it be at first, it becomes painful and mortal at last. Being of itself contrary to their new nature, it is painful to the saints. Being agreeable to the nature of the wicked, these venomous beasts, it breeds them no pain, but in its consequences ; nor can it be expel- led, but by the convincing, illuminating, and sanctify- ing oil, or influence of the Holy Ghost.
29. It is compared to lothsome vomit b. How un* comely, disagreeable, and detestable! How convic- tion makes us throw it up by vexation, confession, or true repentance ! How shameful and wicked, by re- turning to sirs formerly paining, resolved against, or repented of, to swallow down that which was onc« thrown up !
30. It is compared to a sting cl From the old ser- pent, the devil, it proceeds ; and renders afflictions, death, and every thing in the system of nature, hurt- ful and deadly to us. How infectious its poison, spread- ing into, and corrupting all our powers, and poisoning every act and enjoyment in our natural state ! At first, its wounds feel pleasant ; but, in the end, how painful and tormenting ! Nor, without faith in the slain Re- deemer, exalted on the pole of the gospel, can they
rtftal.cit.3. h Jew xlriYu 16. *1 Cor. xw56.
%e healed, or the ccrruptioD rooted out.— Thrice bles- sed he, who sucked the venom of my rounds into him- self, bearing mine iniquities, that 1 might obtain health and cure ; might have death, trouble, and every thing ebe unstinged to my soul ; and might safely tread en dragons and serpents of the pit J
31. It is compared to a wound a. It is the effect of the bite, the sting of the old serpent. And ah, how inveterate ! how envenomed ! how deep, spreading, and extensive ! Kow filthy, noisome, and infectious ! How painful, shameful, and deadly a wound ! Alas, hov/ it weakens our soul 1 mars and withers our beau- ty ! how it hinders our proper exercise, and pollutes all that we do ! — Lord, heal my lothsome disease, my pailful wounds, that stink, and are corrupt | my folly .makes it so.
32. It is a plague and lothsome disease b. It is the corrupt humour of our soul ; and a heavy judg- ment oi mankind. How mysterious in its nature and source ! How quickly it overspreads our whole nature and life ! How shameful, nauseous, and of itself despe- rate, the disease ! How abominable it renders us to God and good men ! and mars our fellowship with them! Alas! by its influence, how is our soul pined away, and weakened ! our heart swells with pride and self-conceit. Our voice, our converse, our prayer, our praise is disagreeable. Our breath stinks with idle and corrupt communication. Our bowels burn with desire after sinful pleasures, and carnal enjoyments. Our inner man is dead while we live ; and daily casts forth the putrid stuff of abominable actions !
33. It is compared to sickness c. Sprung from the eating of forbidden fruit, how it affects our heart; and thence spreads into our whole man, and every con- cern ! How it extends to our whole race, and sickens ••
a Psal, xxxviii. 5. 3. 9. b 1 Kings via. 38, Psal. xxxyiii, f. & Matth. viii, 12.
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'"the 'lower part of the creation for our sake ! How grad- ually it weakens our soul ! hastens our eternal death -I restrains and unfits us for our work ! How dangerous, if it be long continued in / When felt, how grievous to be borne-/ But ah / what multitudes lying under it, are in a perpetual rave, or moon-struck madness/ till everlasting burnings bring them to their senses / — My soul, when I bee my sickness, and my wound, let me call Jesus the physician of value ; let him, by convic- tion, by effectual calling, by justification and sanctifica- tion, make me whole / Quickly may he bring me to that happy place, where the inhabitants shall not say, I am sick.
34, It is represented as a beath a. Hereby cur happy relations to God and his creatures are broken and dissolved. Hereby we are rendered incapable to desire, think, or act, to any good purpose. Hereby we lose our beauty and freshness. Our whole man is turned into a repose and repast of infernal vermin, of fiends and corruptions. We forget God and our ever- lasting concerns ; are altogether loihsonie and abom>
nable ; and bring forth fruit to eternal death, — Alas ! how this death worketh in me! Not often, but alway I am in it ; not a step betwixt my soul and it ! Wh@ shall deliver me from so great a death ! Who but thee, 3 Jesus, who quicker est the dead, and callest things that are not, as though they were !
35. It is compared to a fire b. How fearfully it inilames our heart with lust, with enmity, and rage a- ?ainst God ! How furiously and effectually it consu- ineth oui* sou! ! How impossible for any creature to withstand or quench it ! How terrible to such as are graciously awakened ! But what millions are devoured by it in their sleep ! How often on earth it burns up thorns and briers of wicked men ! and consumes for- «ests, whole nations and armies, with flaming destruc*
<sEph. ii« 1. Hs, ix. !?*
h ! How it burns the reprobate voilcl Into t - ! Lord Jems, quench it ifi thy bio
"LOUD rt.
id, are een ua and
«ws of destruction it cacts over us / How fearfall r is us with i' holt, and seeping" dfela
^ rath / Ye saint?; how it ditnns roar n : rtarins of eha»tisemeat7 While under 3 cloud, how often year hearts quake with fch€ voice xi thunder / What darkness and shadow of death are ever fmt soul / By thy forgiving grace, by thy shi- ig rays, by the gracious wind ci thine influence, do
\ dispel t ::d, and give d.iy th my i
:d powei
fFi It is compared to a m«unxai3 o^ hill b> Hrw id our hfcart 1 How dreadful its height! )t» fearful and haconeeiratele ita weight ! If it fall us, by conviction [of punishment, how it crusheth sinks cur mn\ toward the lowest hell ! How fear- ly it interpogeth between God and ws-1 What nox- ious spirits and curses do, as it were, reside therein ! :.y Saviour, who wast once willingly crushed ;er its- weight, in mercy come leaping over it to my sou! ; melt it down with tky love ; touch aid waste it sway by thy grase ; remove, overturn it ; msi it into the deeps of forgeifuiness, deeps of iky. precious blood. O to see thy bleeding love prevail, Ifil the highest rtfOu of my guilt and corruption be v- ! O
ibr a firm faitli ei^eiualSy to bid this mountain re- move, and he cas he dteps of the se
S3. "s, *yil*ec. Alas how it flour-
\ at clusters of ab
a Is. bur. 22. 5 Is. lxr/.b Sdngil.%. c Ezek: -vii. lO.andxviu ?. Jer. xxxi, 30.
$ 11
428
nation and misery it produceth ; how sour, hurtful te all, disagreeable to ever}7 sensible sou!, are its gnipes ; its actual transgressions ! In the issue, how fearfully they set the teeth on edge; fill us with anxiety and pain ! How often wickedness grows up as a tree, is had in reputation ; and pride buds ! But the blossom shall go up as dust ; the fruit is unto shame and death ; the tree, with its fruits, hastens us to eternal ruin. Ah, haw its roots are fastened in me, as with a band of iron and brass. Lord Jesus, lay the axe of thy word and rod thereto ! Blessed earthquake, blessed ftorm of death, mate haste, dissolve my frame, tear up my sin by the root, let my wickedness be broken, and cut off as a tree.
39. It is compared to an evil treasure a. Its great residence is the hidden cabinet of our heart.— How carefully we keep and conceal it as a sweet mor- sel under our tongue ! Ah, how we daily live upoa it. How many are proud of, and reckon themselves en- riched by it \ how inexhaustible its fulness ; with what mad haste do many laboriously increase it, adding sin to sin, till the measure of their iniquity be full \ and treasuring up for themselves, wrath against the day of wraths and revelation of the righteous judgment of God \
40. It is represented as a debt b. It includes our neglect of that obedience we owe to God's law ; it in- volveth us in the obligation of infinite satisfaction to his justice. The longer we continue therein, the debt the more increaseth. And ah / how fearfully it occa- sions our hatred of God, our creditor ; our aversion to self-examination ; our abhorrence, and sometimes ter- ror, of death and judgment, our times of account ! How it exposeth us to the arrest of conscience, the prison of hell, and the endless fury of an angry God ! O aw- ful, unbounded debt, which God alone can pay ! nor
a MatOi. xii. 25. b Matth. vi. 12.
42*
Re, but at the expense of his wealth, his blood, his life ! O his grace in forgiving me, his enemy, my ten thou- sand talents ! Let not me continue in sin, because grace cbth abound.
41. Sin is called a reproach *r. How clearly it manifests our base birth, that we are of our father the
.devil ! and our base heart, that it is little worth, and set upon mischief X It exhibits- us as treacherous, liars, haters of God, murderers of ourselves, filled with all unrighteousness, abominable, and unclean. It exposeth. us to the contempt of God, angels, and men. May I never account it mine honour !
42. It is represented as a corrector and scourge ?. What strokes ; what lashes of conscience and provi- dence, our iniquities bring upon us ! How often their lustful motions harass and disquiet us? How often owr sinful methods of relief and happiness involve us in further trouble ! How often are our sins plainly mar- ked on our judgment* ; or we are giv^en up to our lusts, to punish us for our former wickedness !
43. It is represented as a weight and burden; and perhaps as a talext of lead in an ephah c. How dreadful its impression I How heavily it hangs upo n sinners ; 'unfits them for running their spiritual race, or working out their salvation ! What multitudes it sinks to the deeps of divine judgments, and of the lowest hell ! How it crusheth the hearts of persons con- vinced ; bruiseth and breaks their bones, and makes them weary of their life f What an oppressive !o?.d to the saints ! None but thee, O Jesus, could sustain it? weights; nor thou, without sweating, groaning,' *>'-: dying, under its guilt ; nor can any oilier remove it from my soul !
44. It is compared to a eontd, band, chains yoke }d. Ah I *hat dimes it supposeth or includes ; what slave-
a Prov. xiv. Si b Jer. ii. 19, e Tsui, xxxv'ui. 4. 7< * 7, J Is Ivui. 6
*S3
ry it imports ! what punhhment it forbodes ! Kow efi- fectu&lly it confines our soul, and restrains her from acting or moving in the way of holiness. Kow it binds men to Satan's door-posts; Sxeth them in &i* prison ; causeth them to draw iq his plough ; and dig tip lEsichief ! Ah t how many reckon these chains of darkness, ignorance, and mi?ery, their honour ; a chain and ornament ef grac* to their ueek I
5.. It is compared to @a$.mkist* a, |!cw fully, the
bits and acts of sin sncoiupass our whole nature asd life I How often they plainly jemik what, ami whore we me ! How they contribute t© warm *ur inward lusts ! How fearfully they are lired wiik the divine ciine ! 'How sadly ikey protect cur heart from God's arrows of conviction ; and prevent our penilsniial shame! TL- Jeeds be b«;t i rag!*
how often we take pleasure ir, and gWy cf them !— ~ .Lord Jesur, i ire
change ofrahu .
46. It is compared to a fpct iogvinjenJs, or the liV.e£, It is aitogo: » i said unsightly, It n:as all Hq beauty of c -he robes of pur con-
cur Uest duties : nor
I ard Spirit ,-r By I my mil, and his caush-g me to imitate I may iry spots be washed
eut : and! .;_ay i depart froxn evil.
.4?. -'It e ciRiwso^ fltpd scarlet
colour of Vt col or garment! c. What horrid murder ©four God, ■ r neighbour, it
iootadM ! How fast it cleaves to our nature and prac- tice ! Kow visible ard terrible to behold ; and what a wheeling mark of God's w o. fare w lib ih? ; and presage of his sheading- the blood of our Foul ! — Lord, what profit is in my blot>d,that I should go down to t»e- pit ! By ike appttf&iiosi of thine, make my deep^dyed
« Col, Z & b T>i $ Is, l 1?,
rky kakednsss
I and odious is it to God, angels, and
e, to be unashamed of it, or -.e/ing* Jesus'' i iisriess spr^a^i e-
t sinful state or con.
1. BA.T..L OF
While one c hi if, e
Fides sin, £lr
el to hi: .
*cie
sweet ! 2. a God, and of prev.
WILDERNESS C. ' In It,"] . |
God ; hi
s ; how : lis the "
pa-iions ; h • —
May I go up from it , leamdg on ■ ■ .
alo^e, asm j guidfe, my way3 can I e
3. It i j5 a dee? and pit (L What sWi
e and discdurageiRei: meht a-'.d perplexity ; what neatness [ arid clespj
Out of the d
<k It r is a prisqsi e
in it ; kow- eFidential of gu It ; liqw : healthful! and restrictive of liberty^; Hv.-
a Is. ill. 13. b. Acta vlii, 23. c i 5. a ?«^L. xl,.
and 03: x. 1, Zrcli, Ix. II. la. 111. I.
<£&%■
of spiritual warmth, rest, water, or wine of consola- tion ! In what momentary hazard are we, of being "brought forth to further shame and trouble l~0 bring my soul out of prison, thai I may glorify thy name.
5> It resembles darkness a. How horrid and disa- greeabIe'!'-What idleness, perplexity, confusion, disor- der, fear, and danger, attend it ! O Lord Jesus turn my. darkness into Fight.
6. It resembles a winter &, What cloirds of guilt- interpose between God and our soul I How great our distance from Christ, the Sun of righteousness. What mists of darkness" and ignorance confound our mind! To what storms of temptation,- trouble, or wrath, are we exposed ! How hard and frozen our hearts, that neither word nor providence of God can impress them ! How barren of every good word and work ! How des- titute of inward warmth of love to Jesus' persou, cov- enant, cause, ordinances, or people / How unclean, slippery, difficult, and dangerous. our paths! How are both heart and way deluged with floods of corruption, to the marring of our spiritual fellowship with God, and with one another ! How unflourishing and unsight- ly is our whole appearance !— O my soul, is this winter past, and the rain over and gone !
7. It resembles death and the g-have c. Alas, how it separateth us from our true friends I How unsight- ly it renders us to God and his servants ! -How, there- in, we are shut up to our lusts ;\how buried in stupid- ity, forgetfulness,. and filthiness ; hid^ amidst earthly and sinful cares and pleasures ; nor can any besides thee, O Resurrection and Life, quicken and bid us ge
forth,
HI. Metaphors respecting a stated course and prac- tice of sin.
1. A wilful course of sin, is represented as a trade, a Eph. v, 8. b Song u. 11. c Eph. ii. 2. 1. 5,
and occupation a. With what deliberation, activity., constancy and delight, do uruegenerate men commit iniquity, in every thought, word, and deed. As of trie devil, they attend constantly to this very thing ; rom- Biit sin, weave ipiders webs, wrste their time, thoughts, and substance, in that which wu\j ensnare others, but cannot profit, nor cover themselves; hatch cockatrice- eggs, do mischief to themselves, and all arouad. Ah,, why not rather-choose, and labour for, the better part, that shall never be taken from them.
2v_ It is a warfare after the flesh £v With what craft, rage, and vigour, we therein oppose God, his truths, his ordinances, and people, and" seek to inure them /—How long, ray soul, hast thou served day and mght, winter and summer, in this horrid campaign !
3. It is a walking in. and after the flesh c. Willi what deliberation, pleasure, and progress in evil, do we therein follow our indwelling lusts as our guide ! and take Satan's will, and the pattern of an evil world, ., for our way / move gradually towards destruction, al- ways acting under the influence of sinful and carnal principles, motives, and ends ! — Lord, against me stop the way.
4. It is compared to the running of a hace cL— * With vain hopes of reward, do wicked men set out therein ; and with what amazing activity, they, at their eternal hazard, contend with one another, in do- ing evil ! and ah, how quickly, if mercy prevent noi> shall they attain the goal of endless ruin /
5., It is compared to drunkenness e. With wkat pleasure, greed, strong desire, do evil men drink up iniquity, drink up scorning, follow after, and commit sin ; indulge themselves in blasphemous scoffs, till their conscience be thereby stupified, their heart dis- tracted and enraged \ — O may I, forever drink of the
a 1 John ni 8. 9. 6 2 Cor. x. 3, c Rom. riii. 4. d Is, lix* T» e Job xr. 1&„
m% qfBethlehem3 of the Fountain of living ?vaicrsra1r.a) itrefims from Lebanon*
6. It is compared to a wallowing in the mire gr.— How altogether absurd and shameful /. How therein got best works "do it i :r:ore defile us! — Lord,. when wilt thou phipk m^ out and carry me. hqi tHat I may wallow no more /
7. It is represented &s a ekdwtH in sin, a fillik^ op the measure oj y b. Therein wicked men flourished increase in wickedness, grow worses worse, more bold ahd sative in it, till tliey attain t height and tBeksnrej at which &M hath detenu i.
to cut the® off.
S. It is called a ciooi;ri> way c. How unsightly ; • setf4nc@nfcit§ient ; grievous ; ar]d in .a conrse of
viekednec?! And how contrary to the even rule of divine Jaw ! How often, Lord, are my w$ys !?e crooked, that cone but thee can know them !
9. It is called a fiee d. How terril reas-
eth oar ensnity <ind rage against God ! Ho pressibly dangerous, burning us up, and hurrying us to the vengeance of eternal 'fire !— Lord, save from Thbetdh ; this infernal bur: i
1.0. It is compared to darkness e. No instructive, comfortable, or edifying. It perplexes, blinds, and occasions spiritual stumbling to all around-.
iy. Metaphors respecting particular courses or acts*'
LESSER SINS are compared to motes in the eye, and. to gnats, while the greater are likened 'to beams and camels/. Th§ very least are hurtful and blind- ing, and will be painful to the saints ; but ethers are nsore obvious and aggravated.
a 2 Pet. ii, 22. b Matth. xxiii. 32. c "Paal. ckxy. 5, d 1% /M^tth. rli. 3. and fcxiff. $4
i. Idolatry, or false worship, is repver a compassing God about with lies and deceit a* It false- ly supposetli the divinity of idols : It ( illy gfr- eth tkem the honor due unto God. Bcih not ibt drawing near to God with my mouth, a: him with my Iv •?, while my heart is :n him, falfcly suppose him a W/ud idol^ud deceitfully flatter kirn ?
2. It is called a sowing of the mind b ; to mark Us vanity, ub profitableness, and hurtful 1
how many thereby reap the whirlwind of divine judg- meirbs !
3. It is called a hewing out of tpok* tk#t can hold no tvater c ; to denote that the hardest la- bor ikeiein, will bring- no true or comfort..
. It 13 called a feeding on ashes d. How vair, \ and hurtful ! : token of-in-
:x! corruptic es !
5. It is represented -by th©
Hebrews and others did, or do break their marriage- covenant v, :ao]s
rig of their heart, a#d ob- ject of ious honor.
G. It is : ted as a setting up idols in the
heart f I to tbat inward Iqv d esteem of
: -spring worship lem.
7. Idols a*-* represent e I as vanity they can do no I ; fee carcases, IrecaTtse withotit life, and detesta- ble to God ! as stumbling ble they occasion :'s failing- ii iprighi like the
they remair- 1 In
ir erect j : us dun's igods, h£
temptible arid abominable: as torments^ be- \\ or shippers to r
xi. 12. &H05. viji.7: c Jer. ii. 13- c?I? ffize* sir, 1. : 15 $. £
4- xiv, Ifc,
4SG
t* Apostacy from God is called backsliding <?. How absurd and contrary to light and reason t How gradu- al, and often insensible ! In the issue, how dangerous !: If any man draw back, God's soul will have no pleas- ure in him.
2. It is called a leaving of first love b. It implieth an abatement of former esteem, regard to, and desire after God, and his Christ.
3. It is called a dealing treacherously r#1 It is trans- acted contrary to feolemn vows, and under fair preten- ces of friendship,,
4. It is called a revolting from God d. By it we <sast off his authority and law ; withdraw from him our subjection, and revenues of honor: and bestow them upon ourselves, upon Satan, aud the world.
Carnal security is compared to a bed ; a sleep ; a slumber ; and drowsiness e. How eareless, lan- guid, thoughtless, ignorant, and insensible, it renders our soul ! How averse to bestir ourselves in quest of. any spiritual good ; or to be awakened! How we lean on the pillows of our attainments and self-right- eousness! Hew we lose our tim^'and expose cur spiritual nakedaess £ How fondly we amuse ourselves with empty dreams and imaginations, of the excellen- cy and happiness of our state ; and how readily we quarrel with God's providence and ministers, who at- tempt to rouse us up.
1. Heresies, and their attending abominations, are called depths of Satan/.. By his agency, their au- thors cunningly; frame them ; and pretend that a great deal of knowledge, wisdom, and unsearchable mystery is contained in them.
2. False doctrines are compared to a canker or qaxgrene g. How insensibly and gradually they Traste and devour the churches of Christ, and souls of"
a Jer. iii. 22 b Rev. ii. 4. c Mai. ii 11. d Is, xsxL £. e SaT)£: 'a.?, 1: ai>4 v. %, /Rer.ii.24. ^STim/il.ir
men ! How effectually they wear out the vitals of re rligioh ,- and even the form of Godliness ! How diiS* cult of cure ! But is there any thing too hard for the Lord!
3. They are called vain babbling a. How noisy and foolish ! how unsubstantial and unprofitable !-— Feed not thyself, my sou!, with these, but with Jesus5 words, which are spirit and life.
1. Secret sin, especially whoredom, is compared -to stolen waters, and bread eaten in secret b. What pleasure and delight men take m it ! how they exert themselves to obtain it ! and what endeavors they use to hide it !
2. Whoredom is compared to coals of fire, and a hot cves c. From the inward burning of absurd and outrageous lust it proceeds. How great is the daa- ger of the most distant approaches to it ! Can a man take such fire into his bosom ? can he go upon these burning coals and not be hurt, not be hastened towards hell-fire?
3. It is represented as a dart striking through one's liver d. How quickly, how unexpectedly it ruins the powers of the soul ! and the inward constitution of the body, of those whoure given to it 1
4. Unclean lusts is compared to the rage o? a stal- lion e. How brutish, shameless, furious, and com- manding its force !
J. Oppression of the poor is called a panting after the dust on their headf Thereby the oppressors in- cline to rob them of every thing, and crush them to the tlust of death.
2. It is represented as a. selling thein for a pair of shoes g; to mark how lightly the oppressor esteems them ; and for how little he is disposed to ruin them.
3. It is called a crushing and treading upon them h ;
a 2 Tim. ii. 16. b Prov. ix. 17. c Pror . vi. 27. 38 . d Prov, vii. 2$ • Jer.T. 8. /Amosu.7. ? Amos via. 6. hAmoBY.U
te signify the grisYoirtj afflictive, and debaring M
clancy of it.
4<. It" 'ng of th-iv ; fy*in£ (heir
bones; & frighting and tearing them in the manner*}*
lions* wolves, or I ; to demote the i 'human dhi-
-elty contai ~e 1 1 ^uaer: t-1 by
b It is represented an a b 'n*$
by blood b; because o, e ctrnelures
with V- 19 endanger- ing ■ life.
6. cr a-? breaMc:
to mark the pleasure a*>d gr wicked men
persecute the perse t&hh tile substance of the
PketI^ling ri:-^5 raH&
» lied GRY.Y IIAIKS J. jeicfl
>yeii their best id to I; ;
and t& feeble, in the con-
that the :en apace, if
eiit not, And ah, how often have men dems without knowing it ! F .-. Pis and joys arfe likened 3 ; a flag ;
a spider's web ; a A*tt& Si*/// bn the sand e ; to ri how unsubstantial they are; and how fncapabte to endure the storms of trouble, conviction, or decih.
Vain sp?,c hirss a i are likened to the
east wi:ro /; to signify how unsubstantial, noisy,
,1 Vaej are.
^zlc-cic^teoussess resembles a spider's web, anft
riLTiiT ra ftbw worthier, vile, unconnected,
and shame! ' co. vivxed
/;e I . !
PeRVEHTIj-TG 01 jtl 1 to ITI^ILOCX
growing up 171 the furrows of I h ; to denote how
a Amos viii. 4, M'.c iii. 23: b ITab. ii 12, c Psal xiv. 4
■rf Hos.vii. 9. e Job-riii. 11, — IA /Job, xv, 2. £* Is. lix. 4. ang Ixi . 6. /) Ilos. x
rievous, poisonous, hurtful, aftd wide-spread it war.
\\ Metaphors respecting -tempt aliens to sin.
1. Temptations to sin are represented as traps ; — SN'ARSS ; pits a. Unawares they seize us ; firmly they retain us, and tend to promote our present and fu- ture ruin ! O Jesus open mine eyes to discern them ; guide my feet in the May of peace. Break the snares, thsi -I raay escape.
2. They are represented as stumbling-blocks b. — Alas, how Satan and his agents lay them in our way ] To our ows and ethers hurt, how heedlessly we rush upo d sinfully stumble and fall in oar con* versatioii /
3. They are represented as devices and wiles e. With what craft do Satan and his agents devise and Jay them before us ! How well they are suited to our •nature, tempers, and circumstances ! How cunningly are sins therein represented to us as virtues ; is small sins, that can be easily repented of, and may be read- ily forgiven! How craftily we are dissuaded from du- ty, as if unseasonable, unimportant, unplain,or danger- ous ! — Attend, rcy soul, be not ignorant of these devi- ces-
4. They are represented as a bstffsting bod ; and thokn' in the flesh d. Ah! how they harass, oppress and grieve some ; chiefly saints I ard render {hern weary of their life! My soul, what time thou art pricked or buffeted, have recourse to Jesus, that his, grace may be sufficient for me.
o. They are represented as a sifting e. Ala? ! howr Satan, by them, troubleth, tosseth, and trieth the saints! But, blessed Redeemer, thou hast prayed (os
a Josh, xxiii. 13. Fro\- &xii, 14. £Ezek- iii, 20. <? * Qo*\ ii. it*. . d2 Cor. ml 7. *3 Luke xxii. 32.
Q
•9
4iO
them, thai their faith fail not. None shall shake them oat of thy hand; nor shail the smallest one cf their number fall to the earth.
6. They are represented as a wrestling and war- pare gi. How closely, how furiously, how craftily, do Satan and his agents therein ply the saints ! endeav- our to trip up their heels ! overturn and ruin their soul / but God shall make them stand.
7. They are represented as fiery darts b. From what distance they may be cast! to heavenly souls, how terrible their appearance ! how suddenly, and from what unexpected airths they strike ! how fear- fully they kindle the corruption of our heart !— May I continually bathe myself in the fountain of a Saviour's blood, and in the river of his Spirit, that I may readi- ly quench all the fiery darts of the devil.
CHAPTER IX.
Metaphors respecting prosperity, spiritual or temporal.
1. PROSPERITY is compared to life c. What usefulness and aptness for work attend it ! If my gold or silver abound, be thou, my soul, lifted up in the ways of the Lord ; do thou good to others ; and run in the way of his commandments, when he enlargeth iny heart.
2. It resembles the kaving the head anointed nith oil d. In the efijoyment thereof, men do, or ought to appear comely, lovely, and cheerful.
3. It is represented as a sittting under our own vines and Jig-trees, and a beating weapons of mar into instru- ments of husbandry e ; to mark the pleasure, the prop- el Bph. vi. 11. fcEph. yi* IS. c Ps^l. jmx,. $. d Ps^l. xxiii. &
e iVi^c. Ly. 3. 4
r m
441
erty, the refreshment, the? peace, satisfaction, and safety therein comprehended — Sit, my soul, under Je- sus' shadow, with great delight ; let his fruit be sweet to my taste. Thus, though the fig tree shAild not blossom, and no meat be in the vine, and the la- bour of the olive fail ; yet will I rejoice in the Lord, and be joyful in the God of my salvation. With de- testation shall I cast away the weapons of my rebel!- ion against him i and improve the remembrance of my wickedness, to render me active in gospel-holines?.
4. It is represented as a lifting**!? a. It prevent* contempt and oppression ; renders us 'more visible to mankind ; exalts us to lienor, authority, pleasure, and more abundant usefulness. — May I be raised up to- g-ether with Christ ; so, when men are cast down, I f hall say, there is &fting tip, and he shall save the hum- ble person.
5. It is represent ed as health and fatness b. — Thereby pain, trouble, and poverty, are removed, and pleasure, strength, and extensive influence, abundan fulness, honor, and power, succeed in their room.— -Be thou*. O Savior, the health of my countenance, a»id my God.
6. It is represented as a tree of life c. What pleasure, courage, comfort, and vivacity it affords ! — Blessed Jesus, how often have my deferred hopes of fellowship with thee made my heart sick ! but when thou comest, thou art a tree of life ; because thou live* t, I shall live also.
7. It is compared to a flourishing field or Gar- den d. How pleasant and refreshful to behold ! aM how promising of what is better ! — Lord, render my zm\ &$& watered garden^ ivhose springs fail not !
8. It is compared to light ; to the sux ; the afeft? ; to a LAmr : a candle c. By means thereof are ;Men
a Job xxii. 20. b Jer. xxxiii. 6. Prov. x\\. %. c Frov. xKI. 12. I*. -km. It. f^.J%.2Q. Psui. xviiL 23,
4m
noticed, and regardfully distinguished ; and have sir opportunity of active usefulness. How pleasant and delightful it is T Yet how fast all eutward prosperity hastens 'to its final period ! and the brighter It shines, its duration is ordinarily the -shorter. — May the Lord bo.my everlasting light, and my God .my glory.
9. It is compared to a spring tide ; a mcrxiko, or xay a. Therein cur enjoyments bud, and promise iim *li increase-; every thing in our lot seems fresh ami smiling, iiva calleth us to activity and iahcur. — Therela we are warmed with pleasure and fulness ; sif^g far joy,..and -walk abroad with airs of gaiety and cheerfulness. But how -quiclly does the winter and night of death succeed !
10. It is compared to xoistuss and j?ew b. How refreshing, pleasant, and useful! and therein ought we, like a dew from the Lord ef hosts, to refresh and tk> good to others.
11. It is compared to water ; a rotrsTTirs ; m- Veh c. How }>te:.sant to behold, or enjoy it ! What extensive usefulness, apparent, security, .and continuing duration, it seemeih to proiuhe ! But how often it proves brook s of Ttma.\ is quickly dried out cf its- place.
12. It is compared to a table ; a feast ; a cvp of winje ; wmx*t4* Ii is divir.ely set before m9 and Bieaaired out to us ; it is pleasantly and greedily em- braced by us ; ai:d cheerful and merry it renderelh us. —But art not thou, endless nuptial-feast of the Lamb, thou new it ine in the Father's kingdom, thou mil*, not of the Gentiles, but of Jesus, ten thousand time* sweeter than honey to my taste !
13. It is called a crown e. What glory, respect, and authority attend it ! But alas, how tottering ! hew e.asi!? it falls from our head, because we have sinned !
& Is. xxxv. 1. 2. and xxi. 1% b Psal. xxxil. 4. Jcbxxix. 1%
c fe: ixvi t% 4 F^i xx]\l 5. T§. lxvi. 11- c, Lara, v. lfc
1-4. The rich man's wealth is his stroho city <r, — Ke trusts and depends on it for safety ; and is by it protected from various insults and danger?,
15. Riches are likened to eagles b. How quickly they often fly away from men, never to be regained ! and mount towards heaven, to accuse their owners to God, for abusing them !
16* They are called the mammon of vnriglttenus- ness r. What a numerous collection and multitude ! How often the object of much unrighteousness in pro curing and keeping them ! — What others sMTaily gain or use, let me lawfully get, and lay out in works o- ety and charity, that I may be rewarded in the L< eily, the everlasting- habitations.
17. Saints count all but loss an I tjVsg tb win Christ d. In comparison of him, they recfen cv^ry other thing contemptible, useless, unsavoury, and vile.
CHAPTER X,
Metaphors respecting adjcrslhj.
1. SORE troubles ai'e likened (o a tratyp of ir^i?:- iiEy ; and reprecented as the terrors of God set in array against ov,e e. O the irre^lsab?e force ; impo^ibdiiy of ileeing from tfiei
perplexity, astonishment, and often hopeless flu of men under ihern.
2. Affliction is called the ^last a-id efc.fc#tn smoke oid of his nostrils f. Tiow eesify hip m(\h ■•... upon us! and thereby, hew are we To^rd; &W&8\ unsettled, and 'fptplesed ! A my Iron;)!-,
a Pror. t. U. b PrcT. rxiii. 5. c Lvfce xvi. 9, <f Phil, HI. 8 & Jcr. xii. 5. Troy, xxiv. 34. /Job. it. £
0 *0
414
■breathe on we, and cause rae to receive the Holj f
3. It is compared to iioks ; bears; and serpents*. What terror and ravage- it spreads in the world . .in desolating jndgments, how unmercifully are men torn and stung in their persons and enjoyments /
4 It is likened to an almond tree b ; to mar* us speedy approach, and its lasting duration. How quu*- Iv violence riseth up into a rod of wickedness ! How Juicily pride buds, and brings forth punishment !
5 It is compared to a Morn hedge ; a surrounding wall of hewn stone; a wall of gall and travail c. .11 Sops our course and enterprize; shuts us up from liberty aad escape. How often our attempts to remedy it, do but prick us, and embitter our condition more
and more !
ITS "represented a, * feeding on gravel, and sour -rapes ; and having the teeth set on edged. How de- bXand unpleasant ! How bitter it renders hfe.and the enjovmeJs thereof ; Lord, sweeten all my troubles with t'hv love shed abroad in my hea*t.
7 Sore trouble is represented as a treading dorni ;.
-/u«^rdow»; * drying W * covering with ashes ^
loSe^heviolen/dfbasement and JP« ^
painful agony, the deprivation of comfoit, and ol tne
nan«» of it. therein contained.
£ called a licking .j the dust W *'$*£? J f\
mZinrin the heles of the earth ; a sitting in the dustf, I irafk the dreadful debasement, the shame, and the-, dJ^Pyo!^taittiag neaessary provision, cpn^nedx| ^ a-.How often do sinners then m«I « ^"1
3nd^^^0nor,ac^. How otten it is #ctej
445
by instruments cruel and unmerciful, who scarce allow the least hope of escape. How often is one painful and debasing judgment added to another I How effec- tually they break our spirits, deprive us of joy, vigour, and courage ; bres*k our bodily constitution ; break off our purposes ; break to pieces our wordly enjoyments ; break asunder families, churches, and nations. — O Je- •us, heal our present breaches, which are vide like , the sea,
10. Adversity is compared to a voice, or sounding- of trumpets a. Often God warns men of it; and by it he solemnly calls us to consider our ways, and with whoin we have to do ; to repent of our sin, and flee to Jesus, from the wrath which is to come. O may I di- stinctly know what is spoken and sounded !
11. Fearful affliction is represented as a scattering of brimstone upon one's habitationb ; alluding to the o- verthrow of Sodom ; and to mark how wrathful, dis- agreeable, and hopeless, it renders our condition,
12. God's judgments upon Antichrist are represent- ed as the pouring out of seven vials c ; to mark how wisely, gradually, and completely his vengenco shall overtake that abominable state. Yet how sparingly in comparison of the full floods of his wrath in hell !
13. Affliction is called a trial d. By it God calleth us to the bar of our conscience, to examine 'and consider our ways ; and he manifests to ourselves, or the world around, what tempers and dispositions we are of.
14. It is compared to the scorching heat of the sua, or noon-tide e. In it how vehemently do an a*igry God, prevailing corruptions, wicked angels and men, disquiet our souls, our bodies, and deprive as of our rest, refreshment, comfort, and glory ! How is ©ur duty thereby hindered, or rendered hard to perform*
aMic.ri.9. Rev. vili. 5— 12. *JobxyiiL5. cRcr. xvi. dEzeku «l 13- e Key. xri. 8. Song i. T.
4A&
Under such trouble, let me .flee under Christ's shadotfj and Jive as or,e planted in, and watered by him.
15. It is compared to an evening or night it. It succeeds- a morning of prosperity, opportunity, or life. In it, Christ, the sun of righteousness, and other sun- like comforts, are withdrawn ; and only moons of in- stituted ordinance?, stars of ministers, and such like lesser comforts, are left behind. Haw often doth our Fan go down at noen ; our comforts forsale us, whe?r we least expected it ! In trouble how heartless ; cold ;; painful ; and dangerous to live I What delusive mete- ors of vain fancies, and flattering- temptations, blaze abroad / What wild beasts of hortful inclinations- range around, seeking whori they may devour ! H©w slowly time seems to move ! How drowsy and stupid our souls often become ! A?;d haw often is the darkness and danger greatest, before the d^y-npring of deliver- ance appe t !
16. It is compared to ea- otessZv If Igment divinely inflicted, and cd by the hiding cf God's lace ;by his removal : ■ the sun and lamp of pros* perity ; by his deprivr f his word and ordman- ces ; and by his cir the great men of a church or state. How unpleasant and xmactive it renders our life ! Whai, wandering and stumbling it occasion? / How different its degrees, though it can still become worse ! How grievous, especially to those who have tasted the pleasures of an opposite lightsome prosperity J How often it is such a mixture of mercy and judgmert, that it is hard t© say which prevails in it ! Yet, let me reverence it ; it is the doing of the Lord, let it be wondrous and acceptable in mine eyes ! It is his pa- vilion and secret places let me therein behave as in his immediate presence ; lei me feel after kirn ; though clouds and darkness be round about him, judgment*,, raercy, and. truth, gojbefore his face.
aisttkxLXb*. Zocb. xiv. 7. h Lam* iii. 2.
m
if. Afflictions are compared to clouds a. Hovr great their variety, how numerous their ingredients; how often they suddenly come upon uo ; how signally they obstruct our light and comfort ; and render us dull, heavy, cold, and careless / Yet doth not God ride thereon ? Is not he present in them ? and is it not his alone to remove them ?
IS. They are compared to rain ; dew ; and drop's ©f the night b. How numerous their ingredients ; hew grievous ; and for the present, seemingly* hurtful to the distressed ! Yet afterward, how often profitable to render us fruitful in the works of righteousness! Blessed Saviour, what countless drops of divine wrath fell on thine head, thine heart ! O thy amazement and heaviness under the weight thereof ; but howr de- lightful and numerous the fruits of glory to God, and felicity to men, thereby produced !
19. They are likened to winteh c. God appoints and limits them. The withdrawment of his smiling countenance, the removal of his warming and illumi- nating word and ordinances, or of outward prosperity occasion tlieln. How pain fid to endure; how often they Mil ?. uch as are not rooted and grounded in Christ ! flow they nip the weeds of corruption in the saints;
i cut off the vermine of carnal professors from a- mong them ! How effectually they render difficult our way to the heavenly kingdom ; and, proportional to their severity, sweeten the spring-tide of glory, when- it cometh ! Adored Jesus, how tremendous was thy winter of suffering ; thy soul was troubled, amazed, and very heavy, sorrowful even unto death. Q shock- ing winter, that bestormed, that pained, that froze to- death, him who is the Almighty God ! But rejoice, my soul, the Winter is past, the rain is over and gone ; Jesus hath^sufiered, and entered into his glory. The winter of my unregeneracy is past; quickly shall all
a Psat xcvii. 2. b Song" v. 2. Mattb. vii. 25. c.Sor.g- ii. 11.
my winters of raging corruption and trouble be finish- ed, and one eternal spring ensue.
20. They are compared to storms of wi^d ; hail ; and rain a. By the abounding of iniquity; by the trani of humiliation under former trials ; by the death of godly men ; by inspired hints applied to the conscience, and the like, they are often foreboded.— Out of God's treasures of indignation, they are brought forth ; and by his power and wisdom, they are gov* erned ; devils and wicked men being no more than his instruments. How swiftly they pursue ; how sud- denly ; how terribly and irrisistibly they sieze upon mortals ! What desolations they make in the earth ! — How wretched, perplexed, and painful, is the case of those under them, who are without Christ I how the storm sweeps away their lying refuges of vain imagin- ations, self-righteousness, and sinful methods of deliv- erance ! How this whirlwind binds them up in its wings, and hurls them into eternal ruin.
21. They are compared to wateh-spouts ; brooks ;
OVERFLOWING STREAMS ; and SWELLINGS OF JORDAN b.
How vsxious the instruments and ingredients thereof! how they run in our way to the celestial bliss ! in what high degree ; and how suddenly, successively, violently, and irresistibly, they often attack us ! How loud, how terrible their message from God to our con- science ! how muddy and disagreeable to our taste T What havock they make in families, nations, and en- joyments! How effectually they carry off into eternal wo,. those who are not anchored, rooted, and grounded in Christ ! ■
22. They are compared to depths and beep mires <?* How often they gradually increase and overwhelm usi Bow fast they retain, and refuse to let us go ! In them, how wretched, cold, perplexed, and dispirited our
a is. xxviii. 37' Matth. vii. 25. I Psal. x)ii. 7. and ex. 7. Jer, xii. 5 . c Psal. Ixix. 1. 2> and xl 2.
soul! how i?icapable are we to recover ourselves from them ! How often, my soul, are the deeps like to swal- low me up ! how often am I deprived of the smiles of Jesus' love ; perplexed with ingratitude to him ; afraid of Uis just wrath ; oppressed with his judg- ments; harassed in conscience with fears of utter re- jection ; with temptations of Sat an, and pre valency of inward corruption ! — But rejoice, Jesus was nights and days in the deep ; that he might pave my deeps 'with his everlasting love. His way is in the sea, and his path in the mighty waters ; and from all my great deeps shall he draw me out. Though now deep call unto deep ; all his waves and billows go over me ; yet his loving-ldudness will the Lord command in the day- time. The name of all my deeps is, The Lord is there.
23. Trouble is compared to a wilderness a. How difficult to live in it ; how exposed to enemies, snares, and temptations 7 how hard to discern our state and condition ,• or find a way of escape ! how many are our wants ! how rough our way ! — While I am here, may Jehovah feed me with his hidden manna ; lead, humble, and prove me ; and do me good in my latter «nd.
24. It is called a valley; a bottom; a vallet of the shadow of death b. Therein, how debased is Tour condition 1 how ready are we to be trodden up- on I What preludes of death ! What terrors often furround us therein ! — Yet in this low valley hath not my soul ordinarily most moisture ? and is she not most fruitful ? Let me then never fear trouble or death, while I have a Christ with me.
25. It is compared to pits ; nets ; snaues ; stum- ^ling-blocks c. How wickedly do Satan and his a- genfc often prepare them for us ; and draw us into
a Has. ii. 14. h Zcoh. L 8. Psstf. x*i& 4. c P$a2. vii.
450
them ! How unprapvre I and snidery, do we ofiea fall into them ! How often are we so e Wangled, that 'endeavours to' extricate ourselves do bit inveigle v,n #moie and more ! How often we rage as wild bulls in a net i How often we are overthrown, hurt, and b'ruii- "ed by them! How sadly they stop our way, and ren- tier us unsightly !
26. It is compared to a 'paison; stocks ; or chain a. It restrains our liberty ; marks our guilt ; promotes our shame, fear, pain, disquiet, and often connection with bad companions, It is thine, O supreme Judge, to cast us into, and deliver us from it. Oar attempts to escape at our own hands, do but add to our mise- ry.— My soul, quietly bear thy shame ; accept the punishment of thine huquity; be still, amidst thy trouble, till God himself bring thee out.
27. It is compared to a bed b. Our spirit it con- fines; our activity it restrains. Under it, how sick, uneasy, unsightly, lean, .destitute of courage or com- fort are we.
23- It is compared to a fire , a furnace ; flames, ■an oven* c. How often it breaks forth suddenly ! how quickly it spreads ! hov.' terrible its alarms ! how hard to stop, and painful to endure it ! As good substance, the saints are only melted and purified ; as stubble, the wicked are destroyed, and hastened to eternal five. It makes men's faces like flames ; fills them with reddening terror and rage. It makes them blacker than a coal ; deprives them of their joy, their glory, a id honour. It renders them like bottles in the smoke, quite unsightly, and almost useless. — When I pass through the fire, be thou. Jesus, with mo ; so shall I not be burnt, nor the flame kindle upon me.
29. It is compared to arrows ; to a sword ; an! other weapons of war d. Afflictions are launched
a P*a». cjfiii. 6. b llev. i'i. 22. c Zccli. xiii. 9* d Job
t. 4.
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froift the bow of God's providence, and managed and directed by his hand. How numerous and well-aim- ed ! How often do they secretly and unexpecte j strike, wound, pierce, and pain our body or soul !- — How often, O Lord, have thine arrows stuck fast in me, and thine afHictiiig hand pressed me sore ; how often have the poison thereof, th@ torment and fear arising therefrom, exhausted the joy, eourage, and ..ease o£ my spirit.
30. It is compared to a rob or scourge a. What a painful and grieyofls consequence of sin ! It is sent to cause us to consider our evil ways, and turn to the Lord : Kindly we ought to receive it, and carefully to improve it. How often it groves beneficial to pro- mote; our conviction, and conversion to God ! Such as being often corrected, harden their neck, shall be sud- denly destroyed, and that without remedy. — Correct me, O Lord, but in measure ; and let thy rod drive
sin, my foolishness, from my heart.
31. It is compared to a wound ; disease; lean- ness b. How sharply it pains us ; how sadly it con- fines, and abridgeth our liberty ! spoils us of our glo- ry and fulness ; and renders m weak and unsightly !
", Alas / by neglect to receive and digest my spiritual provision ; by sinful anxiety ; by immoderate cars about earthly things ; by taking satisfaction in car- nal and sinful pleasures ; by manifold diseases of sin and sorrow, what a lean, a deformed skeleton am I ! My leanness , my leanness ! wo unto me,
32. It is represented as a thing crooked e. In th* inward or outward case of our person : in the case of our family, our friends or enjoyments, how uneven, dissimilar, disagreeable, and uncomely, it renders our lot ! O the unnumbered crooks of mine J By thy fa- vour, blessed Jesus, thou liftestme up ; aid by thy Tebukes thou castest me down: but eternity shall
« Joh ix. 34. b Is. i, 6. and xxiv. 15. c EccL viL 13"
make even all— Let not then my seal endanger her- self, essaying to make straight, what he hath made g rooked
33. It is called a cross a. Like the ancient cross- es, to which malefactors were fixed, it stretcheth, pains , and exposeth us as shameful malefactors in God's sight. It crosseth our hopes, desires, designs, and attempts ;: we look for good ; but evil comes: we seek light; and behold it is darkness.— May all my trouble be the eross of Christ.
34. It i3 compared to a burden and weight b. II oppresseth and sinks our spirits ; it lowers our circum- stances. It renders us uneasy in life, and unfit for ex- tensive action. If burdens be imposed, if plowers plow upon my back", it is the grief, the load which the Lord hath appointed me : let me therefore patiently bear it ; be dumb because he doeth it. Jesus bare my griefs, and carrripd my sorrows : he hath borne and carried ; and even to old age he will bear, and he will carry, and he wriH deliver me. Be thou, my soul, a follower of them, who through faith and pa- tience inherit the promises*
35. It is called a yoke e. How closely it cleaveth to us, and joins us together ! firmly we are fixed there- in ; sadly is our spirit often galled thereby. Never- theless it obliged us to follow the course appointed for us, in the providence of God. It is a yoke^of trans- gression wreathed about our neck, by cur iniquities ; for though hand join in hand, the sinner shall not go unpunished,
3G. It is called a hook ; and bridle i. By apply- ing it to men, and painfully tormenting them there- with, God, at his pleasure, restrains them from their intended purposes ; drags them through the world, and the diversified circumstances thereof ; and at last draws them into the eternal state. a Mattii. xvi, 24s b Is. xxx. 27. c Is,x. 2T. d Is. xxxvii. 22
453
ST. It is compared to a Mn ; and sieve a. There- • By God tries and discovers what we are ; tosseth us up and down ; separates sinners from the saints in th# ehurch ; for what is the chaff to the wheat? Hereby he fans and sifts our hopes ; for what is the chaff of vain imaginations to the comfortable oracles of Christ ! Hereby he scatters families and nations before him, lighter than the small dust of the balance. It is a sieve of vanity, as God therein shews men'? emptiness ; gets them one against another ; and spreads destruction among the nations. — Lord, sift thy chosen as thou wilt, none shall be lost.
38. It is compared to gale ; and wormwood ??.— How bitter and disagreeable to .nature! But, being mixed with mercy, how profitable it is to the saints ! It kills our inward vermine of corrupt inclinations; it brings down our pride ;r purgeth off our filth ; cures our spiritual barrenness and deadness ; and enlargetli our appetite and desire aftei Christ. — O the height, the depth, of the wisdom aifd knowledge' of God, who by gall and wormwood ushers in sweet Jesus, and bis glory, to my heart !
39. It is compared to a ©u? full of liquor c. God ex- actly measureth it out to men ; and every one must take his share. How often it maketh us stagger as drunken men, not knowing what to do ; nor whither to go ! How often it renders us stupid arc! enraged I How often it causeth us to vomit up our sharce,con£es:'- ing our wickedness, partingwith that which we had sinfully gained : or pouring forth our blasphemous ra^e against the divine Manager of all plagues ! How often it is a cup of fury, proceeding from the veveugiv^ wrath of God ! making men drunk 'with their own blood ; stupified with their miseries/ How often It is a cup of trembling and astonishment making us quake g*nd faint at the thought of receiving, or of continuing
%JUv\ xv. r. Is, xxx. 28, b Jer. . iy. 1$. c Ji>v, xxr. 15.
io drink it / — Adored Redeemer, what a cup was thine! a cvp of trembling, filled with nine of astonishment ! I cvp full of the fury of the Lord,, full of thine own blood ! a cup deep as hell, and broader than the sea ! O how riy heart is wonder-struck / How melted to hear thee cry of it, The cvp that my laihar giveth mc, shall I not drink it ? to see thee wring out the bitter dregs thereof, and drink them out for whomT for me.
40. The afflictions of Christ and hi& people are call- ed their baptism a. Through these they are dedica- ted to God ; put oif their connections with sin, and the mortality that attends it. How, Jesus, wast thou straitened, till thy baptism was accomplished ! How thy bowels heaved within thee, to find a vent in love, in sighs, in groans, in bleod, in death, for men ; for mm ! — Heave all my powers ; burst thou mortal frame with love ; with longing for my Christ.
4L The overthrow of nations or churches is repre- sented as a rolling together the heavens ; a turning ike tun into Madness, and ihe%moon into blood, and cavsing the stars to fall b ; to mark the shocking and fearful manner in which their frame is dissolved and broken to pieces ; . their luminaries perish; their idolatrous objects of worship aie disgraced; their magistrates and minirters ejected, and barbarously murdered ; i. eir o.niinames, Javvs, and statutes, are abolished.— These, my Lord shall perish ; but then shalt endure : they shall be changed ! but thou art the same, and thy years have no ei d.
42. The overthrow of nations and churches is com- pared to an earthquake r. How terrible and de- structive ! How it makes men's hearts to fail and quake for fear ! How dreadfully it Tends nsunder the v. hole frame of government ! How furiou ly and suddenly are magistrates, ministers, and great men, these exal-
a Matth. xx, ?2: 23. ' h Matlk. xxiv. 29. Rev. vi. 12. 13,
Is*, xili. 10. c Iiev. xi- IS-
fed and overtopping mountains, private persons, these' plain fields and useful rivers, thrown cut of their re- spective stations and enjoyments /
43. The overthrow oi a nation or church is likened to an harvest and vintages. Men .being ripe in, and having filled up the whole measure of iniquity, which divine patience intended to bear with, God cuts them oil from their standing, the wicked casts in bundles, or multitudes, into hell fire : the saints he either preserves in life, or by death ca:\ them home to himself. Ah ! what pricking thorns, and blasting whirl wind, do mshiy liien Heap, as I punishment of their crime? !
4i. Civil punishment is eailei a wheel brought over the wicked b ; alluding perhaps to some anrient method of torture ; and in ordefr (o reprerent its easy execution, and bru e.
45. Church-censure i n-
&ed to correct men for their £ifl from it to Chris: ; and it iftb I der anection, e.
40; Lets and ar-
ming an enterprizo, are called ;-,. iron and brass; the sea; the rivtf Evpl rales ; and streams of Egypt d. Because ih&f sir:: hinder the eAecuuon of de-ig : \ 3 llttlii :• v-\ : \ in the %\Ui of pe :^e, thy O
Jesus, shall remove it, in the time thereof ;? iiititi shall leap aside ; Be dfj? iij .
rebuke of thy c ce.
»
a Joe! iii. 13. Rav. xiv. 15. 1:0. 6 ;^ov. >:::. 2q, c I Cor. iv. 2^ tf.Is. xl. 4. and xly. 2. and xi.J^ llev. xvi. 12.
3?
urn
CHAPTER XL
Metaphors respecting human life.
1. HUMAN life is compared to a post a. Night and day, it swiftly passcth forward ; nor can any thing stop its progress one moment. Ye sons of men. im- prove every moment thereof. Rise early in the rtior- x\ing of it, to follow hard after God. Rest on no present enjoyment. If you come not up to Jesus, in due time, yqnr eternal life must go for it*
2. It is compared to the flight of an. eagle hasiiiig to her prey b. With the utmost swiftness it pusseth away, scarce leaving the marks whe:e i been- — * What years I have lived, are not lived, but lost. — What but vestiges of folly and guilt are to be seen be- hind me !
3. It is compared to a flower or grass c. In our infancy and youth, how fair and beautiful ! At Jeiio* vah's pleasure, how; quickty we are cut down by un- timely death: or withered by. old age ! — But shall not my life, hereafter, revive as the eorny and grow as the lily ?
4. It is compared to a way and journey d. How much trodden ; how constantly pursued ; how quick- ly ended ! My soul, while thou art iq this way, agree 'tvith Gad. Let my whole way point towards eternal : bliss.
5. It is compared to a feast c. In it God giveth some a cup of consolation and prosperity ; to others lie giveth bread of affliction, a cup of adversity and wo. Whichsoever my father giveth me, let me cheer- fully drirjk it. If I am in Christ, my life is a continu- al feast.
6. It is compared to a valuable merchandise to be redeemed f. Eternal and unbounded felicity or mise- 1
a Job ix. 35. b Job. ix. 26. c Job xiv, 2. James i. tfM^tth. 7 % el Cor. v. 8. /E?h. v. 16.
4§r
ry depend on every moment of it. By the enjdymeat of God, every moment may be rendered more valua- ble than the whole earth. Sensible of ks importance deeply conc< hat we have tavistied So much of it
on & xe world, a- d on. Iqsts, yr§ a:e tj »nb-
]y ( n improving the res' . iata ..
tic,e laia heavy o'i ihine hand ! Eow often hast t been straitened how indispose of it ! How often by unnecessary sleep, by idle converse, by vain and wicked devices, hast thou murdered its most sacred moments; are its few years too long io love Christ ; too long to prepare for eternity ; tGG long to secure the salvation of an immortal soul ! Hearest thou, my soul, what murdered moments witness against thee ? Must my life go, for theirs ! O dear-bought sleep, if it co.t me a restless eternity in hell / O costly hour for drink- ing a bottle, if rapid with an eternal drinking of unmixed wrath 2 O ill purchased hours f@r a ball, horse-race, or stage-play, if they cost me ever- lasting fellowship in fire with the devil and his angels I O dear bought opportunity of an idle visit, or unedify- ing chat, if it cost me endless weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth ! Will , the momentary enjoyment of a sensual pleasure, common to me with the beasts, countervail the damage of unceasing terraent * Should Ty by giving my heart, my care, my time, to the world, gain the whole of it, what will it advantage me, if I lose my soul ?
7. It is compared to swift ships a. How quickly it passeth away, and carrieth us into the ocean of eter- nity ; and how many in it imagine every thing mov- ing but themselves/ How often bestormed, and brought to the briak of ruin.
8. It is compared to a shepherd's tekt £• Eter- nity apart, how mean it appears ; how easily our lot therein is changed ! How easily is life itself dissolved . and finished.
v Jcbix. 26* *Is, xxgviii. 12.
469
9. Jft is compared to a week or day a. Therein we are to he laboriously occupied, securing our present and future felicity. It* duration is fixed ; and at the evd thereof, we shall enter on the restf ;:l sabbath of everlasting' happiness, or fearful night of unreari;?g* misery. My soul, do I pass my days in the wrath of God ? or in his fear ?
10. It is compared to yesterday, and a watch of the night b. -Quickly, and often amidst darkness, per- plexity, and trouble, it passeth away, and cannot be re- called.
11. It is compared to a span and handbreadth c. — How short its measure ; how precisely fixed by God is its duration ; and ought not its brevity and uncer- tainty to be ever before us ?
12. It is compared to a tale that is told d. How little useful impression it maketh upon our minds !— To how little purpose hath the past been spent ! How little abiding seme we have of what we do in it.
13. It is compared to a sleeps. How short and: empty ! How sadly past, before we are rightly sensi- ble of en joying it ! To how little purpose are we ei- ther pained or pleased in it I What multitudes there- in never think a serious thought, nor bestir themselves to one good work.
14. It is compared to a dreaIi/. How filled up with idleness and vanity ! How many in it are em- ployed in they know not what, nor for what end ! How are their minds stuffed with empty imaginations, that they are, or shall be happy; that they are Christians indeed, and are employed in good works ! Yet how all turns out vanity and vexation of spirit /
15. It is compared to the wind g. How unsubstan- tial ; how swiftly, insensibly, and irresistibly, it pr eth away, and returns no more.
a Job vil. 1. b Psal. xc. 4, c Psfl xxzix 5. d Ps?\l xc. 9*. Bsal. xc. 5. /Job xx. 8. g Job vii. 7.
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16. It is compared to a weaver's shuttle a, Witfe what rapidity do its moments run along ; and at last, as a web, Ave are cut out of the world, by death !
17. It is compared to a cloud b. Notwithstanding its promising appearances, how qnickly is it spent ; and to how small account ! How much driven away by the blast of divine wrath ! It never returns ; and with what terror, may many look thereat !
18. It is compared to a vapour c. It as it were, riseth out of the earth. How extremely weak, frail, and fleeting ; How tossed to and fro with the least breath of divine providence I How quickly it expireth almost as soon as it exists.
19. It is compared to a shadow d. O its emptiness and uncertainty ! how quickly it goeth away, and nev- er returns / I hear of a time to be bom, and a time to die ; but of none to live. Why, Lord, should I then boast of it?
30. It is called nothing*?. It bears no proportion to the eternity of God ; nor to the future eternity of men. — Be thou, O time, as nothing m mine eye ; but let eternity be all in all. Look not, my soul, at the things which are seen, which are temporal ; but at the things which are not seen, which are eternal.
- — ^x>:o:o:**— —
CHAPTER XII.
Metaphors respecting opportunities of obtaining or do* inggood, which are the best part of human life.
1. OPPORTUNITY, or the season of God's doing much for a person or people, and giving them eminent access to receive his benefits, is called an hour /. Its
a Job rii. 6. b Job vii. 9. c Jame* ir. 14. d Ecci. Ytii> 1S._ ePs&I. xxsix. 5, /John r/Z5<
4m
period and duration are precisely fixed by God, O how short when compared with eternity! Arid, at oar infinite hazard, do we lose a moment thereof, in vanity or wickedness.
2. It is called a day a. How fixed and short ! Only during the sontin nance thereof, the sun of prosperity, or of sacred inspiration, dunes upon us. Its morning is, when the mercy signally commenceth ! Its noon is, when at its greatest brightness ! Its evening is, when it is at its finishing point ! Ah, how is the day of gospel- opportunity detested by multitudes, who hate its light because their deeds are evil ! How often is it bestor- mod with trouble- and persecution ! and beclouded with the rise of error and delusion ! When it draws to a period, how the warming influence ©f the Sun of righteousness, and his word^ abates ; what, shadows of error, ignorance,, and empty forms of religion increase ; what faithful, laborious, and shining ministers, are cut off, and succeeded by naughty ones ! What dewy drops of divine judgment, spiritual and temporal,, begin to fall .' What spiritual drowsiness; what coo- ling and abatement of love to God, and to one another I what weariness of religious exercise and spiritual watch- fulness takes place / What contentious and bloody appearances do showy professors, these empty clouds make in the church ! What mountains of guilt, oifen- ces, and separation, interpose between us and our all glorious sun ! How gradually the light of knowledge and truth decreaseth ; how the windows of divine ordinances are shut, and disregarded as useless ! How eminent saints, these birds of paradise, drop their note?, and retire to their heavenly rest ; 2nd pro- fane owls and other doleful creatures, men wicked and erroneous, boldly appear ! To these tokens, what fear- ful night of wo suceeds ! When Jesus, our blessed Sun9l withdraws himself, hotv bulks the moon-like world i&*
a Hcb. Ui> t>
*61
•eur -heart S starry ministers, wHh their artificial light ©f gilts and. modes, are all. Hfcw fall these stars, and become S, devilish I What deceitful
pretender, as blazing meteors, ily ! What dark igno- rance ; what herniating delusion ; what works of wick- edness abound ; what idle sloch ; what still stupidity ; what wandering and stumbling prevail ! How unused and ineffectual is the glass of God's word ! How bolt- ed are men's hearts to Jesus the Lord ! — O my soul, while it is called to day, hear his voice ; harden not thine heart. Now is the accepted time ; now is the day of salvation. Alas, the day is far spent, the night cometh, wlii *ao can wGrk. In Zion, a night
is come; behold, it is cei
3. It is called a ?jopv>:i:sG and day-bbeak^. Hew pleasant, aid for a time growing, the shine of provi- dential smiles, or scripture light ! Hsw refreshful the falling dew of God's favor, word, and Spirit ! How- kindly blow the coeling breezes, the north wind of con- viction, and southern gales of heavenly comfort !~ How boldly walk abroad the children of God, and earl? seek after him : while, as ashamed, the wicked hide themselves in obscurity, or put on masks of dissimula- tion .'
4i. It is compared to a spjuxg -tide b. Then Jesus the Sun of righteousness, approacheth to us, in the of- fer and influence of his grace. Saints, those fragrant and beautiful trees of righteousness, grow and flourish. The savoury and medicinal flowers of grace and holi- ness, spring up in their heart and life. How sweetly the Holy Ghost, the celestial turtle, bespeaks our heart in the ordinances of the gospel ! How sweetly the redesmed birds of paradise sing forth the txcel- lencies of redeeming love ! Blessed period, when the winter-dispensation of Jewish ceremonies was finished ; wheft thousands at once were gathered to their rise*
a Is. xxi, 1% h Song ii. 11. 12. 13.
462
Lord ; had their heart melted with his love ; their darkness and shadows banished ; and were made to blossom as the rose, and bring forth fruit unto God 1 Blessed period, when the winter, cold, and storms, the floods, barrenness, and darkness of Heathen and Popish abominations ; of general security and unconsera ; or of legal fears of divine wrath, or aw fid feeling of his rod, are removed and finished !
5. It is compared to a summer a. How comely, fragrant, flourishing, and effective, professors and ordi- nances, then appear ! How fast the redeemed, and their graces, ripen for the harvest of death, and the wicked, with their sins, for' endless rain ! This, this, my soul, is the principal season of time. In it work out thy salvation with fear and trembling. Work the work of God, bybelievk}g on his Son ; or, at the end, be exposed to everlasting shame and contempt.
6. It is compared to vest b. How plainly calculated to relieve sti iere with spiritual provision / IJgw actively ought every man to bestir himself in faith and holiness ! How carefully is every moment of it to be seized and improved ! Christ's faithful labourers being few, how often, especially when an. apprehended storm renders them more earnest to gather sinners to Jesus, before it break, is their work heavy and laborious ! In different periods, how different are the appearance and duration of this op- portunity ! How often, in this harvest, is the increase much smaller than was at first expected / — If I waste it in vanity and sloth, what starving winter of uncea- sing vengeance awaits me !
7. It is called a yea.r ; and the year of Gad: s re- deemed c. Every circumstance thereof is regitlary fix- ed in the purpose of God / and various are his appear- ances therein. Now he causeth his chosen to. walk through winter, trouble, darkness, and perplexity ;
# Prar. vi. and x. 5. h M&tth. ix. $T* c Is. Ixiir. 4.
463
I m the springtide from on high visits ihem. Now / bask under the summer rays of the Sim of right- 5S ; anon they are cut down, and gathered to the \ O the wonders of love, grace, and mercy, therein wrought for God's redeemed, in pur- ging, ex- \ and applying redemption to them ! Lift up thine head, my soul, these honoured periods m timfc are but the beginning of months. The ever- lasting day and year of my redemption draweth
N. B. -Most of the emblems in this chapter might be partiuu! • lied to the apostolic, the reforma-
tion, and the millennial period of the church in gener- al ; or to the particular season of spiritual deliverance, to a person or land.
CHAPTER XIIL
Metaphors respecting death.
TH is called the king of terhoks a. Re- lentlessly and irresistibly, and as at pleasure, it cats off mankind, small and great, poor and rich. What a ter- ror to mighty potentates! to bold miscreants! and not seldom to* tender saints / The gates of death are near approaches ^to it. The first born of death Ba stingedor painful exit, exhibiting or importing ;a doab- le portion of its force or terror. If death seize me unprepared, there remaineth nothing but a fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation. What though, through ignorance, stupidity, and sfclfcoricqil, I should have no bands in it, I launch forth into eter- nal fire ! I fall into the hands of ^an angary God! I leap blindfold into the horrors of * damnation ! — Bjt
ff Job. xviii. 1 i
Wfi I iu Christ ? Return then, O death, that I may look upon thee ; where is now thy terror and thy sting- ! To tne, how deeply dipt ! how richly decked in Wood divine ? Sweet angel of my Father's love, sent to convey me to his arms ! Tasting a Saviour's love I could launch successive souls into eternity fast as the moments fiy !
2. It is compared to a wolf a. How it preys up- on mankind ; cuts them oil ; and consigns their bod- ies to the grave, to be the prey of v ermine /
3. It is called a warfare b. With what arrows of pain and fear, it attacks mankind ! With what, perplex- ity^ what struggling of nature, they use to oppose it ! JNor is there any discharge in this warfare ; no esca- ping of death* 6i It is appointed for men once to die, mid after that the judgment.5'— Boldly war, my soul ; it is with a conquered foe.
4. It is called a departure c. By it we leave our worldly friends, and stations ; and enter into the un- seen state of endless misery or happiness. We leave our younger and equals on earth ; and are gathered to our fathers ; you ransomed, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; nay, to God the. Judge ef 'all, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant; and you wicked, te your father the devil, and his angels. Chiefly in old «tge, the progress of this exit is as follows : the hands and arms, these keepers of the house, become weak, and tremble; the once strong legs bow themselves, and bend under the weight of the body ; the teeth, which grind and bruise our food, rot, fall out, and lose their power of chewing ; the eyes, which as it were, look out at windows, beconte iim, and darkened ; the jaws close; the voice and breath become so low, as to be scarce discernible ; soundness of sleep ceases, every tiling disturbs it ; the ears become dull ; nor doth any
a Ps&i. xiix. 14 'b EQcl.yiU. S. c Phil. i. 23. Eccl-
4G£
[}\ty or relish for music remain ; the slighl&M la- hour becomes difficult and terrible; every t- tkaugh light as a gtasskippet is a burden ; at last nerves shrink; the vein?, the arteries, th3 bmW, and even the heart, that /
late the blood, that vital juice. Thus man goeth t#- his long home, the grave ; and where is he !
5. It is compared to sowing of seed a. By it our bodies are reduced to the earth ; and, after a proper interval, ehall they be raised up in the resurrection ; then you saints shall flourish as an herb* and the earth shall cast out her dead.
6. It is iepreseiitedas the dissolving of a house or tent b. Therein the earthly tabernacle of our bodies are, and often gradually, demolished ; and what p?,in and fear often attend the downfal ! Ah, how mHnf have this house falling about their e la they know not whither to go y have no house eternal in the heavens !
Z. It is compared to a flood <\ Gradually, speedi- ly, violently, irresistibly, and ofcen to their great terror, it carries men into the ocean of eternity. Ah, how many have their sandy foundation, their ill-founded hopes of everlasting happiness, overturned by it, and are carried into the depths of hell ! Blessed Jesus, thou art my sure hope ; no floods of death, m> gates of hell, can prevail against thee ; thou hast swallowed up death in victory.
8. It is compared to rest d. It eh'g en*
terprizes ; makes them ceace from their worldly em- ploy ; and how sweet and refreshing to the labouring saiat ! Hasten, my soul, to this rest, that the Lord may deal bountifully with thee. Thrice easy death ! thrice easy grave, if I lie in his arms ! There shall I rest from my sins, my burcHne, my labours ; there shall
« 1 Cor. xr. 36, * 2 Co*, t. 1. t Psal, *c 5, tf Job iii. U 17,
m
every wicked one cease from troubling, and tossed I} as a ship at anchor, lie at rest.
9. It is compared to sleep a. Thereby the bodies ©f the saints rest in hope, while their souls are occupi- ed in the high praises of our God ; the bodies of the wicked rest from labour in the prison of the grave, while their souls are tormented in helL Lo! how* these die in the midst of their work ! those not till it be ended ! These, sore against their will / those, cheerfully ! These multitudes, on the brink of Tophet ; those, in Jesus' arms, far from daeger. None shall for ever continue under the power of natural death, but in the resurrection be awakened ; "some to ever- lasting life, and some to everlasting shame and cos* tempt."
10. It is compared to darkness b. It hides' nie*i from the view of the world. And alas ! what terror* perplexity, and confusion often attend it ! How many it conveys to infernal and utter darkness, where there \$ weeping, n-ailing, and gnashing of teeth /
11. It is compared to silence c. It fmisheth our converse with men ,* htisketh all our noise and bustle $n earth ; makes our remembrance to cease in this
:k\, — My sou), be now siient before the Lord ; be still and know that he is thy God: so shall I with joy descend to the house of silence. — When death hath lost his sting-, how kind ; how soft his cold embrace ; kow gladly would I rush into his arms !
42. The death of the wicked is repressed as a briyin© or hurlinq away d. How violently, invol- untarily, and with infinite danger, are thgy forced from their present enjoyments, and furiously cast into everlasting damnation ! and alas ! driven tway. in their wickedness, reigning in them, and charged upon them, t© suffer the vengeance of tternalfire !
* 1 Thf$a« iv. 14. * Job x. 91. * lr. xv. 1. rfPre?
.
CHAPTER XIY.
Metaphors respecting the resurrection.
1. The resurrection is compared to a morning, and day-break a. It succeeds the cold dark night of time ^and death. How much ^ desired and expected by watchful saints ! What darkness of carnal security will immediately precede it ! With what striking to- kens will it be ushered in ! What full dis:orery it will make of our thoughts, words, and deeds ! How unde- sired and terr^le to wicked angels and mend How gladly wortkl they hide themselves, ami flock to their dens ; but cannot ! How brightly shall Jesus, our eter- nal Sun, arise in the clouds ! How alertly shall man- kind leap from their sepulchral beds ! How sweetly sing the saints, these birdi- ::ed ! How glorious
the aspect of the earth ! Haw wile ?pect, frem
eternity to eternity ! — Watch for it, my sou!, more than they that watch for the morning-.
3. It is compared to an awauexiitg cut of ^eep h* , rii shall the lend trump of God re: uati'bss
m the deep of death ; cause them to arise and come judgment. Then shall every dream of error and vain agination appear, id its emptiness and viieness. — . Then shall mankind be sir:: H u~iver;al coii"ern>
Then shall some awake with joy and rrladness ; others with trembling and horror.— How precious, O Jesus, are the thoughts thereof to my soul ; L tii-me so-
ever I awake, I shall be with thee : I shad behold thy fere in righteousness; and i>_ ky likeness, .
How ofcer? I now awaka with nought, out sin, but earth, in al! my thoughts ! But then- my faults, my hist?, shall wake no mo \ f gIo=y,
full of God; Hark, my rou!, the rLe
my fin* our. and -coin: an
■ sat",, xl&. 14 Song1 ii-AT- h am. xll. 2,
4&a
£. It is compared .to the reviving and s&ttto&si ing cf vegetables in the spring a. O the then blessed Influence of the Svn of righteousness J His visage shall be no more marred ; ror his virtue intercepted, one bewintered nameless heart shall be found in creation ; thousands long dead, shall now revive, spring up, and appear in their proper fprm. How Jesus, and his flowery nations, deck the earth ! How our bones shall flourish as an herb ! No more shall his temple, our body, lie withered, and in ruins ; but rise in the super-ex- ceeding bloom of beauty, like unto his glorious body.
. 4. It is compared to the qstioxemsg of very dry bones b. By the breath of the Almighty, shall the dry dust, the rotten carcases, and withered bones of ail generations, be, with divine care, collected, each particle to its proper body, quickened, reanimated, brought out of their graves, and placed at the judg- ment-seat of Christ. May I now have part in the first resurrection, that over me the second death may have no power. May I, like Jesus, be declared a son of God v, it.li power, in my resurrection from the destd..
•—•**: 0 : o: o: «p — -
CHAPTER XY-
^leiaphdvs respecting the day cf judgment
L THE season of the last judgment is called a day c. It is a divinely fixed period. What amazing discoveries of Gcd's perfections purposes, and word; and of the dispositions, states, and lives, of angels and men, shall be then made 2 What important and exten- sive work shall be thereon performed ! The dead shall be raised, the living changed, the world judged ; the wicked shall depart into everlasting punishment, and the righteous into life eternal ; the earth, and the
« l$i xxv i. 19.. SEzek. xsxvii, 1.— 14. c 2 Pet. iii, 10.
4G9
works therein, shall be burnt up ! — O great day, honour* ed with the appearance of the great God / O great centre of eternity ; great joy of saints ; great terror of reprobates / O dark, gloomy, and terrible day to the wicked ! What lively bright horror shall stare through their eye-lids! What screams to the hills and moan-, tains shall proceed from their now prayer-less lips ; for the great day of his wrath is come ; and who shall be> able to stand.
3. It is compared to a reaping time; a harvest- day a. What great and important business shall be done thereon ! How universally shall all nations be gathered, and settled on a new bottom ! How com- pletely shall the wicked be separated from tie righteous and by multitudes cast into hell-fire, to reap the fruit of their wickedness. With what enrapturing pleasure and gladness shall the redeemed reap the fruit of Je- hovah's promises, and receive the all gracious reward of every good work. How triumphantly shall they -enter into God's barn of everlasting glory and rest 2 It is thine, O Jesus, and .thine, O saints, to go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, and to return rejoic- ing, bringing your sheaves with you. Go my soul, into « the house of mourning, rather than the house of mirth. They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy.
3. It is compared to a day of assize, or account b. Pompously then shall Jesus, our appointed Judge, sit on his awful bench^ call, and in proper order place be- fore him all nations, and exhibit the most exact rep- resentation of their case. The saints beftig acquitted, $hpjil be his assessors in judging others ; the wicked shall be arraigned, and their guilt fully evinced. Then every thought, wo^d, and deed of the children of men, must be accounted for ;-and upon clear manifestation of their state and conduct, shall just sentence and im- mediate execution proceed. — Great Judge, I kiss my
at Matth." xiii. 39. b Matth. xxv. 30,-46. Rcy. xx. 11. 15.
Hps, that I can give a right answer; It was exact ci, and thou answer est it : all my fault 'sf were thine*
4. It is compared to a mahriage-bay a, Aftfer spiritual betrothing in the eauncil of peace, and in ef-> factual calling ; after extensive preparation, and abun- dant longing for the event, shall Jesus, with ail his ransomed, in the highest raptures of joy and love, in all the pomp of glorious apparel, before angels and men, be solemnly dzdcjed espoused one to another ; and in consequence thereof, for ever obtain the r splendid feast, on ail the fulness of God, on the n ew wine of everlasting love, and the mutual enjoymdrt of one another. Write on my heart, my soul, Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. O when shall the union of mingled eiem
be dissolved, that mv relation to Jesus may be all in all ! .
5. It is compared to a bay of cojionation and tri- umph b. The enemies of Christ and his people be now fully subdued, he shall publicly appear, wearing Ins many crowrs of glory and honor ; and oblige his enemies to confess his universal and rightful authority. Thus shall it be done to the vxm whom God', whom my soul delighteih to honor. Then shall youi redeemed, be divinely proclaimed kings and priests unto God., a with joy and shouting, crowned with endless glory, life, and righteousness. Pain, my soul, to receive this incorruptible crown. In fighting the good fight of faith, be thou faithful unto the death, and he shali g
ihee a crown of life. Ohow my heart springs f; to meet his burning chariot-wheel?, and longs to sec creation all in flame.
■j, Key. six. 7, P*A sly. 13.-14. b 2 .Tim. iv. te
471 ' CHAPTER £it Metaphors respecting this worl
1. THE world it compared to a ^vonx^ a. Its as- tonishment and grief denote the fearful, wickedness committed, or judgments executed in it : Its groaning and travailing inpain, and expectation of the glorious liberty of the sons of God, mark how dreadfully the ir- rational creatures are abused by sinners, and how they suifeikibr our sake. Their clapping hands, shouting, singing, or rejoicing, denote the glorious works of God done on earth, and the abundant reason which saints have to express their joy and gladness.
2. It is compared to a sea h. What noise, disquiet, disorder, and danger prevail in it ! What rocks ; what whirlpools ; what snares abound ; what multitudes 61 unreasonable men live and devour one another ! O the storms that blow on it, and daily wash out its inhabit- ants upon the shore of eternity. What mire and dirt it daily casteth forth ! What ebbing and flowing of our circumstances are observable in it! It is but a dead sea. Its human inhabitants are dead in trespasses and sins; nor can all its enjoyments be one morsel, to a living, a heavenly soul.
3. It is compared to a wilderness c. How solitary,, destitute of the comfortable presence of God! How- barren ; affording nothing to nourish or refresh our saul. Mow dangerous ; tlae most pleasant inviting pla- ces and conditions, resembling Lebanon, Amana, She- nir, and Hermon, are but lion%s dens, and mountains of leopards ; the lodging of Satan, and his destructive snares and agents. How often thunderstruck, and be- stormed by the judgments of God I How devoid of a aright way to happiness ; and filled with false and dan-
a Rom. viii. 19—22- Psal. xcvi. 11. 12. h Matth. xui> 47.
£ Song viii. -5..
gerottSipaths. How overspread with briers and tKc of wicked men, and of .utanglements ! How be-
misted with fogs of ignorance, perplexity, delusion, and crimes ! How uDseftted-, troubled, and fearful their ease, wlio dwell therein ; and have it for their por- tion 1 Blessed be the Lord, who hath caused rivers of gospel- ordinances and influences, to. break out in the wilderness, and streams in the desart ; hath therein planted his ransomed trees of righteousness ; hath opened a high pitty, a tmy of holiness, Jesus and bis law,,, for the redeemed, to walk in ; hath caused an handful of corn, a little of iris word,4 sown on tops of mountains, upon most unpromising places and persons, to bring forth abundance of good fruit; hath built a city, whose citizens abound ; and who will make the wil- derness to blossom as the rose ; to possess the excellen- cy of Carmei and Sharon ; the whole earth being fill- ed with the knowledge of the Lord, .as the waters cov- er the sea.
4. It is compared to a field a. How extensive and large its boundaries. What persons and things, most diversified in form and circumstance, grew up in it ! How intermixed are saints and sinners ; Jehovah owns and inspects it ; many useful providences and ordinances he bestows upon the people of it ; and at last reaps it by death and judgment. How exposed to the injroads of Satan. Ye saints, it is your field of battle, where you war with the dragon, and fight with principalities and powers. Any part of it being ren- dered a "portion of foxes, a habitation of dragons, of wild or solitary beasts, or a place of breeding of thorns and nettles," denotes, that it is bereaved of its human inhabitants, and turned into a desart.
5. It is compared to an iitn b. Here we have no continuing city, n© fixed property. One generation
•Cometh, and another goeth away. Expect nothing it, my soul, but mere necessaries ; having food and rui- ment, l?i me he therewith content.
CHAPTER XVII.
MetapHors respecting the state of glory in heaven.
1. It is called an inheritance a. We receive it not as purchasers thereof by any work of ours, but as heirs of &od, and joint heirs with Christ ; as the sons and daughters of Jesus, who purchased it with his blood. And oh all-comprehending, pleasant, incorrupt-, ible, and undefiled inheritance of the saints in light, in which we inherit all things ; are filled with all the ful- ness of God \ enjoy Godhead, m the face and person of Jesus Christ, to the utmost stretches of our wish. But will God in very deed make me, an unmatched heir of wrath, meet to be a partaker of the glory of his inheritance in the saints ! Was it purchased with the blood, is it disponed in the testament, and ratified to me by the death of the Son of God ! Hath he, by his intercession, sued out my right to it ! Hath he, by his Spirit, infeoiTed me therein !
2. The heavenly state is called a better country b. O its vast extent ! O its rich product ; its manifold accommodations ; its unnumbered inhabitants ! Nor sin, nor Satan, nor trouble, nor any bad thing of this world, is there found ; but every thing good is forever enjoyed in its highest perfection ] There God shall be our sole monarch ; Jesus our sole minister of rule and direction ; divine persons, holy angels, and just men made perfect, our sole companions ; Jesus' palace and ,throne, our only residence ; Jehovah's everlasting;
Acts xsvi. 18. b Hob. xi» 15,
4?4
fulness, and love, our sole fountain and sea ; the divine Spirit, with his immortal joys, our only rivers and streams ; Jesus our ever-present, all-accessible, and all-bearing t ree of life ; unbiassed, ten thousand fold glory, our only crop ; God and the Lamb our only light, owr unclouded, our unsetting sun ; the unveiled face of aiv ncarnate God, our only oracle and ordi* nance ; God in hini, our only provision, our only treas- ure ; full conformity to Gcd, our constant attainment, our common aspect ; basking in the rays of love, and rapturous acclamations of praise, our only employ ; divine righteousness, brightest glory, denoting purity, victory, peace, and priesthood, our white , our only rai- vient ; enulss^ honor, life, and righteousness, our un- tottering crown. O happy land, where is no sickness, sorrow, pain, death, or curse ; but holiness reigns, feli- city overflows, and God is ail in sili ! Am I to be for- ever there ! Are these eyes, now so intent on vanity
I vileness, forever to see God as he is ; my God, knd mine exceeding joy ! Are these feet, now so srdft to died blood, fe never to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth ! Is this mouth, now so full of cursing and bit- terness, forever to be (illed with the high praises of Mm that loved lae, and gave himself ior me! Is this heart, now so filled with all unrighteousness, to be for- ever extended, and tilled with all the fulness of God! Am I, row altogether as an. unclean thing, to lie forev- er in the immediate embraces of Godhead, and be per- fect, as my Father which is in heaven is perfect !
3. The heavenly state of glory is compared to a "kingdom ; a tALLCE, and throne a. Here Jehovah, Jesus, and his ransomed ones, in their proper order, forever reign ! Angels are the honorary retinue ; they and saints the celestial hosts! Perfect holiness in eve- ry will, is the law ; unceasing frosaftnas, the mirth — Here God, the universal monarch, is immediately en-
a James ix. 5, PsaL xly, 13. 14. Is, lxvi. 1.
475
joyed ; the victories of his love forever celebrated* and his unsearchable riches laid out to common use. — Here, forever reign inexpressible glory, honor, harmo- ny, order, peace, and liberty ; and all things and per- sons are filled with God, as their all in all. The face of 'God's throne is the visible heaven, which, as a curtain, vails from mortals the unseen glory thereof.
4. It is called a city which hath foundations ; and the new Jerusalem a. How divinely built ! How astonishing its order, compactness, comeliness, safety, government, and privileges ! How numerous, and join- ed in love, the inhabitants ! What vision and perfect possession of peace and happiness are there ! God and his salvation are the precious, durable, and defensive wall thereof. His perfections, purposes, and the per- son and office of his Son, as exhibited by the apostle?, are the twelve jewelly foundations thereof. Christ, the pearl of great price, as preached to all the ends of the earth, is iheLtwelve gates thereof Its foursquare form denotes the selfconsistency, comeliness, and dura- tion thereof. God's perfections and .purposes -are the supporting golden pavement thereof ; and the saints' holiness is the pavement which they, by undervaluing, tread under their feet. God and the Lamb arc the sun, light, and temple thereof. The sea of glass, min- gled with fire before the throne, is Jesus' bleeding love, his heart- inflaming and supporting righteousness. — The seven lamps before the throne, and the river of life, clear as chrijstal, proceeding out of it, are the Holy Ghost, in his diversified, illuminating, and refreshful influence. The tree of life, on either side of the river, is the every-where present Jesus, as the source of our happiness and vigor. Nothing shall enter into it that dzfileth ; but there divine persoas sit enthroned ; and thither the tribes of God, the saved nations, go up, to celebrate their endless festival ; thither these kings
a Heb. xi, 10. Rey. xsi.
Rr
476
oarry all their glory ; their grace attends, and their good works do follow them.— O when shall I enter in, by the gates, into the city /
B. It is called paradise, and compared to the gaF- den of Eden a. Being divinely planted, it aflFords all things good for food, and pleasant to the eye. Here is Jesus, the Rose of Sharon, and Lily of the valley, the Plant of renown, the unforbidden tree of knowledge^ and unguarded tree4 of life. Here runs the blessed river of life, that for ever refresheth and ravisheth angels and men. Here flourish all the promises, and all the ransomed plants of the Lord. Here no serpents lurk ; there is no freedom of will to evil. — And we are without spot and blemish,faultless before the presence of God, with exceeding joy.— This is my rest, here will I stay, for I have desired it.
6. It is represented as a house eternal, not made fo&n hands ; and a -garner b+ Being divinely erect- ed, framed, furnished, and prepared, it endureth for ever, and comprehends the most abundant safety, se- cresy, glory, and happiness. Thither wilt thou, O Jesus, transport all thy good wheat, thy ransomed friends, and preserve them uncorrupted, ravished, and comely.
7. It is called a treasure c. How inconceivably rich and valuable ; m time how unknown ! But how- comprehensive ; how supporting ; emboldening ; and heart. attracting, to him who hath it ! My soul, covet earnestly this best thing ; dig for it more than for hid treasures : and where my treasure is, secured by the promise, by the care of Jehovah, there let my heart be.
8. It is represented as peace and rest d. O the profound and unceasing quiet thereof! Peace, harmo- ny, and love, reign in every breast. Here the cove-
a Luke xxiii. 43. b % Car. y. 1. c M^tth. yL 20. dl*. h'd* .% Hcb.iv. 9.
aant of peace, and its restful blessings, are enjoyed in the highest perfection. Toilsome labour is no more ;. but our endless employ of contemplation, leve, wonder, and praise, is unmixed pleasure. Here want is neither felt nor feared ; no enemy is to contend with, or dan- ger to come near usi Rut the work of Jesus' right- eousness is peace, and the effect of it quietness and as- surance for ever. His people shall dwell in a peacea- ble habitation, and in quiet resting-places. Hasten, my soul, to this rest, that remaineth for the people of God ; for the Lord shall deal bountifully with thee.
9* The heavenly felicity is- called glory; and an exceeding weight of glory a. O its brightness and dazzling excellency \i What giory is within; what glory on ; and what glory all around us ! What views afGod in his brightness ; of Jesus in the glory that the Father hath given him U How shall we be wrapt up, and transformed intogloiy. when our vile body is made like to his glorious body ; when the Lord is our everlasting light, and our God our glory ! — Stop, my soul ; floods of glory check my thought ; bright rays of holiness, of wisdom, of justice and mercy, beat sweet coufusion on my view ! — O Low contrary this to, and far exceeding our deserts ; how far it exceeds our present hopes and conceptions! Nor, without transcending addition to our strength, could we sub- sist under its ravishing pleasure and brightness i My God, is it this which my afflictions work for me ? send me then, as many, and as heavy opes, as thou witt.
10. It is called the joy of the Lord b. There God is the matter of our joy ; and our gladness approach- eth as near as possible to his ; and especially to that of Christ as Mediator, With what transporting pleas- ure, shall we think of the heli which we ha\e escap- ed ; of the troubles and temptations which we have overcome ; of the holiness and everlasting felicity which
2Cqv; iv If. k Matth. xxv. 21.,
we have obtained ! With what pleasure shall we be- hold our blessed companions, and hear the unceasing* hallalujahs ! With what joy shall we recount the* deeds, and behold the glory of our Day's-man, that miracle of wonders; that compend of all things ; that beauty, hoxor, and triumph.; nay, eclipser of tlie glory of efeation ; that marrow o£our iove ; life of our joys ; fountain of our comfort ; and-GENTRE of our hearts; that ravishment of angels and men ; that delight of Jehovah ; and brightness of thet Father's glory ; that everlasting excellency, and joy. of all generations. O could my soul leap out, and drop her duller clay ; scarce should a harp above aim at a.
sweeter or a higher song. Hosanna to the Son o%
Paviej ; Hosanna in the highest.
CHAPTER XYIIIt
Metaphors respecting hclL
h HELL is called a lake that burns with fire and* brimstone* a. Here men, like the ancient Sodomites, are constituted monuments of divine vengeance. — * Here every power of their soul, every member and tense of their body, is tormented in the flames ! Here, ye children of disobedience,shall your lusts forever rage in desire, and find nothing to satisfy them ! no not a dry morsel ; no not a drop of .water to cool the tip of your tongue. When the arrows of the Almighty stick fast in you ; when the lashes of conscience torment you ; when devils insult, and conscience upbraids you, for throwing away your heavenly birthright, your God, and your glory ; for incurring the vengeance of eternal, fire, for an empty sip of polluted joy ! with what anguish shall you bewail the infinite, the irre
« Rev. xx, !Qc
m
ooverafale loss! with what horror shall you behold the frowns ; with what envy, hatred, and malice, shaH you tremble under the hand of an angry God !
2. It is compared to tofhet tf, a valley near Je- rusalem, where the Jews burnt th©ir children to Mo iech, and the angel slew 185,000 Assyrians in one night. How lear to the heavenly Jerusalem is the state of the damned ! with infuriated rage, madness^ and anguish, they behold the happiness which they once despised ! How terrible their torment ; how hor- rid their outcries !— -Alas, who shall live when the Lord doth this !
3. It is compared to a burning fiery furnace, that cannot be quenched b* How terrible its appearan- ces ! How exquisite and universal its torments ; how painful and penetrating ! And O shocking thought, tor ever ! Ye sinners in Zion be afraid ; let fearful- ness streprise the hypocrites. Who among you shall dwell with devouring fire J Who shall dwell with ever- lasting burnings ! While there is hope, flee, flee from the wrath to come. .Now is the accepted tune ; now is the day of salvation. God having raised up his Sob Jesus, sends him to bless you, in turning you, from your iniquities. But if he is rejected* how shall eve- ry offer of him, like oil, enrage the flames upon you, and, like serpents, for ever inwardly sting you !
4. It is compared to a prison c. Here transgress- ors are for ever shut up to the ftiry of Almighty God ; are exposed to the most shocking disgrace and con- tempt ; sink under guilt, and condemnation ; have no. rest, day nor night, but are tormented with the devil and his angels. You minions of gaiety, consider the issue of your madness ; ma ^ver, if mercy prevent not, God's unmixed Avrath shall be your drink, your food ; the bowlings of the damned your music ; enra-. ged fiends your inseparable companions.
« Is. xxt. 33. Matth. v. 22. k Mat*, xiii. 42, c 1 Pet, ill 1£-
' £89'
5. It is called a bottomless pit a. How inconcei-^ veably dreadful, and durable, is the misery thereof If Amidst what inexpressible consternation and despair, do its inhabitants for ever sink into deeper scenes of; torment and misery.
6. It is represented as utter darkless ; and black- ness of darkness b. In it there is no glimmering of patience, mercy, or hope ; but endless Wickedness, perplexity, anguish, torment, ^and terror.— Kiss now, xny soul, the Son o£God, Jest he be angry, and I perish from the way.
7. It is compared to a storm c. O the violence, irresistibleness, and unsupportablenessof divine wrath, raining upon them snares, Jire, brimstone, and an hor- rible tempest ! Ah .' how their souls tremble at the thunderclaps of vengeance, and are tossed by the fury of Almighty God !
8. Infernal torments are compared to salt d. Ah ! how painful, penetrating, and permanent ! How power- fully are the damned supported in existence under them ! How exquisite their sensation of them ! But stop, my soul, these doleful ideas ; — How great his love, who bore my hell for me! Being shed abroad in my heart, let it be a killing salt to e*7ery lust ; a consuming fire to every corruption. God forbid, that sin which digged, which kindled, my Savior's hell of wo for me, should be my pleasure, or my jest !
a Kev. ix,H. b Matth. viii. 12, c Psa]. xi> 6. i/Mark ix. 4&
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