Full text of "A brief view of the figures, and explication of the metaphors, contained in Scripture"

See other formats

^mmmmmr

Class
Book

JES^£3f

*B G

PRESENTED BY V I W

BRIEF VIEW

OF THE

figures;

EXPLICATION

METAPHORS,

CONTAINED IN SCRIPTURE.

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.

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

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

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

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,

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^

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,

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

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,

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.'

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

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.

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,

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.

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.

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,

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?,

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%

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,

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.

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-

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,

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

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

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.,

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.

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.

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.

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,—

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.

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.

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*

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,

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>

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*,

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.

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.

64?

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. _

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. £

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.

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>.

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.

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,

$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«

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.

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,

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.

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,

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 ?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

•

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.

£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

«7

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*.

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»

'90

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.

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.

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,

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

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

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

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.

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.

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,

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.

115

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.

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.

117

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.

118

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

17. //Rom. xffi. H.

Rev. ii*. 18. and xix. 8. Mauk

xxii. 11. 12.

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*

121

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*

122

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

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*

124

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.

125

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.

126

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.

127

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

128

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.

129

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.

130

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

131

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,

132

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.

133

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.

134

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,

135

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.

137

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.

138

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.

159

-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.

140

$. 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 ?♦

143

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%

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,

146

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.

149

£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&

151

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

182

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. %

153

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%

154

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'

1-35

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.

156

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.

1ST

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.

155

«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?

159

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

^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.

1G3

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.

164

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. %

165

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

1G6

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.

P 2

267

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*&

1GS

&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* &

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 \%

170

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

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.

172

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.

173

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.

175

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.

176

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.

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. $.

178

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

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,

180

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*

151

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,

182

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,

183

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.

184

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

185

&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.

186

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.

1ST

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.

iss

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^

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,

190

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.

> 191

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.

*95

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.

198

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.

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 ,

10|

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

198

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,

1S7

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.

198

^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.

1.99

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

200

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.

201

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:.

202

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.

S 2 '

203

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,

305

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

-208

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.

509

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.

210

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-

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. ?.

211

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.

212

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

213

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

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

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.

216

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*

230

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,

231

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.

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.

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

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

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\

Sol

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-

252

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-

253

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,

25o

<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,

236

-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.

257

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.

259

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. \%

260

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

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.

262

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,

2ar

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&

264

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

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*-

267

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&

268

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.

269

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.

A a

211

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.

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.

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.

274

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.

A a 2

275

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,

276

. 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*

277

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.

■

-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.

231

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.

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.

30*

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: -

308

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

301

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.

§05

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.

:^0C

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

80?

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.

308

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

©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.

3-10

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.

Dd2

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.

312

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.

$1$

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,

314

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..—&

$15

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.

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

343

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,

346

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

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

: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.

. 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

-, -,

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\

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.

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,

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

(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.

- 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,.

.<
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.

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

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*

^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.

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.

42»

'"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

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 !

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.

•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,

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.

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.

451

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.

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.

4*59

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<

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,

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.

•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.

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

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&

FINIS.

LIBRARY OF

CONGRESS

0 019 971 742 A

«*

■*•'

HBBs

Sff'3

HH
§

•■ . • ' Si S 1

■n r2£

**-fc

>sm

8WHHI -

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "A brief view of the figures, and explication of the metaphors, contained in Scripture"

See other formats