A BRIEF VIEW OF THE FIGURES; AND EXPLICATION OF THE METAPHORS, CONTAINED IN SCRIPTURE.
BY JOHN BROWN, Minister of the Gospel at
Haddington.
John v. 39.
Search the Scriptures.
Hos. xii. 10.
I have used
SIMILITUDES,
by the ministry of the prophets.
EDINBURGH: PRINTED BY AND FOR GAVIN ALSTON. M.DCC.LXXXII.
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 surprising eloquence of Heaven, and discern almost every form in nature, a guide to, and an illustrator of inspired truth. 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 trifling. In the
THIRD,
we observe how astonishingly inspired 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, confirm our faith in the oracles of God. The usefulness of what I have attempted, with respect to all the
THREE,
must be lest 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 uncertain 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 dulness, that which was just before hinted on a similar
EMBLEM,
is not seldom passed over; and the history of
EMBLEMS
is lest to be collected from the account of the
OBJECTS
which they represent; nor on
THIS
are ought but hints 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 avoid them.
The CONTENTS.
BOOK I.
A general view of the FIGURES of scripture language,
p.
1.—11.
BOOK II.
Explication of METAPHORS respecting PERSONS,
viz.
God,
p.
11.—Christ, 39.—The Holy Ghost, 109.—Holy angels, 116.—Fallen angels, 119.—Men in general, 125.—Saints, 138.—Wicked men, 184.—Faithful ministers, 209.—False teachers, 223.—The true church, 229.—Corrupt churches, Antichrist, 250.—Nations, Jews, Egyptians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Tyrians, Saracens, Turks; armies, families, 257.
BOOK III.
Explication of METAPHORS respecting THINGS,
viz.
God's purpose and providence, 289.—Covenants of works and grace, 295.—Word of God, 297.—Law and gospel, 306.—Gospel-dispensation and ordinances, 318.—God's favour, and gifts of change of state and nature; justification, sanctification, fellowship with God, 327.—Saving grace, faith, hope, love, repentance, zeal, humility, and exercise of grace, 339.—Sin, in its state, course, kinds, temptations, 357.—Prosperity, spiritual or temporal, 382.—Adversity, 384.—Human life, 395.—Opportunities of doing good, 399.—Death, 402.—The resurrection, 405.—The day of judgment, 407.—This world, 409.—The state of glory in heaven, 411.—Hell, 416.
N. B.
The above contents shew, that the ensuing work contains a whole system of DIVine truth, represented in scripture-metaphors.
A BRIEF VIEW OF THE FIGURES, and EXPLICATION of METAPHORS, CONTAINED IN SCRIPTURE.
BOOK I.
SCRIPTURE-language in general.
IN the manner of the East, the language of inspiration abounds with the most striking and instructive figures. In noble and candid simplicity,—in bold allusion, 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 ignorance may have nothing to plead for excuse; others, chiefly predictions, 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 predicted event.
The figures of sacred language are either SIMPLE or COMPLEX. The former, without changing the native sense of the words, embellish the stile, enliven the representation, or illustrate the subject: the latter, while they ennoble the stile, and illustrate the subject, do also convert the terms, from their 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. 3.;
my
God, Psal. xxii. 1. and cxviii. 28.;
my help,
Psal. cxxi. 1. 2.;
—whatsoever things are,
Phil iv. 8.;
his mercy endureth for ever,
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 found, but differ vastly in sense. 3. CHANGING of the sense of a word in the same sentence. Thus
good,
in Matth. xix. 16. signifies, first, what is
good
and 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. CONFORMATION of the sound of the terms, to the mournful, the joyful, the terrible, deterstable, or amiable 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, abhorrence, derision, commendation, wishing, pity, joy, grief; as,
How great is his goodness!
Zech. ix. 17.
O wretched man that I am!
&c. Rom. vii. 24,
O woman great is thy saith!
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, the reward; and especially that which is terrible in a threatening, complaint, or oath, is sometimes partly SUPPRESSED: as,
He shall be chief ana 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. lxxxix. 35. 8. Interrupting ADDRESSES: as, of Nehemiah to God, chap. iv. 4. 5.; of God, by Joel, to the Hebrews, chap. ii. 12. 13.; of David to the mountains of Gilboa; to the daughters of Israel; to Jonathan, 2 Sam. i. 21. 24. 25. 26. 9. INTRODUCTION 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 destruction, 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 agreement with death,
Is. xxviii. 15.: flattering prophecies are called
deceits,
Is. xxx. 10.: false witnesses are called
sons of Belial,
1 Kings xxi. 10. 10. QUESTIONS, expressive of absurdity, wonder, doubt, demonstration, expostulation, anger, insult, grief, negation, pity, desire, refusal, prohibition: as,
How can a man be born when he is old?
John iii. 4.
How excellent is thy loving kindness!
Psal. xxxvi. 7.
Shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
Gen. xvii. 17.
Is anything too hard for the Lord?
Gen. xviii. 14.
&c.
11. APPEALS to those who are argued against: as, of the apostles to the Jewish rulers, Acts iv. 19.; of Paul to the Galatians, chap. iii. 2. 12. RETORTION, or throwing back an accusation or objection, on the starter of it. So God throws back the charge of
injustice
on the Jews, who charged him with it, Ezek. xviii.: the Syrophenician woman pleads the character of a
dog,
thrown out against her,—as an argument for mercy, Matth. xv. 26. 27. To repel the question, By what authority he acted? Jesus posed the inquirers,
Whether the baptism of John was from heaven, or of men?
Matth. xxi. 23.—25. 13. PREVENTION of objections, by answering them before they be started: Thus the objection, of God's deserting his church, is prevented, Is. xlix. 14. 15. 14. An apparent YIELDING of that which an opposer pleads, in order to shew its absurdity; or its insufficiency to establish the point in dispute. So Paul grants the Jews to have great knowledge of the law, and a capacity to instruct others;—in order to shew them, how their sin in breaking the law was aggravated, Rom. ii. 17.—24. James grants the ungodly professor, that he
had faith;
but shews that the devils also
believed and trembled,
Jam. ii. 19. 15. ASSIGNATION of the reason of an action, or name. Thus, Paul was not ashamed of the gospel, because it was
the power of God for salvation to believers;
and it was so, because
therein the righteousness of God 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 nature against God, and condemns us to his just wrath, Rom. iv. 14. 15. 16. Lively DESCRIPTIONS; which, as it were, present the objects to our eyes, and other senses: as, of Tophet, Is. xxx. 33.; of Goliah, 1 Sam. xvii. 4.—6.; of God's compassion, Jer. xxxi. 20. Hos. xi. 7. 8. 17. DIGRESSIONS; in which the speaker, for a time, turns aside from his immediate subjects, and descants upon an object occasionally mentioned. Thus the apostles often turn aside to discourse concerning Jesus Christ: as Rev. i. 5.—8. Col. i. 14.—22. 18. TRANSITIONS; in which one part of the sentence respects that which went before, and another what follows. Thus,
Covet earnestly the best gifts,
respects what precedes; and,
I shew you a more excellent way,
that which follows, 1 Cor. xii. 31. 19. CONTRASTS; in which subjects dissimilar are compared, in order to mark clearly the nature, value, or unworthiness of the one: so the condition of the wicked is contrasted with that of the righteous, Psal. i. God's kindness, and mens unfruitfulness and wickedness, are contrasted, Is. v. 1.—4. Men and the Holy Ghost 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. 30. and vii. 11.; and that God is to feared rather 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 from the case of the fields, the inhabitants, people, priest, servant, master, seller, buyer,
&c.
Is. xxiv. 1. 2. 3. God's just judgment is represented in his rewarding the righteous, and punishing the wicked, Rom. ii. 6.—9. The resurrection is described, as partly to happiness, and partly to damnation, John v. 28. 29. Christ's state is described, from the debased and exalted circumstances of it, Phil. i. 6.—10. Thus the sin or the judgment of men is often described, in a variety of particulars, Ezek. xxii. and xxiii. 22. CROWDING of various qualities or things into one sentence: as, of sacrifices, rams, bullocks, lambs, he-goats, vain oblations, new moons, sabbaths, assemblies, Is. i. 11. 13. 14.; of foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justificati
n, glorification, Rom. viii. 29. 30. 23. REDOUBL
D REPRESENTATIONS; in which objects are represent
d, first more obscurely, and then more plainly; as,
Har the right; attend to my cry: give car to my prayer,
Psal. xvii. 1.;
Water,
and the
Spirit,
John iii. 5.
Thy silver is become dross; thy wine is mixt with water;
thy
princes are rebellious, and companions, of thieves,
Is. i. 22. 23. 24. CIRCUMLOCUTIONS; in which, for modesty, or to sweeten or heighten the language, 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 wherein there is no pleasure,
Jer. xxii. 2. 8. Urine is called the
waters of the feet,
2 Kings xviii. 27. Heb. Death is called
the king of terrors,
Job xviii. 14. 25. REFERENCES; in which the words, or sense of another speaker, or writer, are quoted, or alluded to. Here the words are sometimes quoted, in a sense which they 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 observations may be found in Carpzow's
Defence of the Bible.
Complex figures are, metonymy; synecdoche; meiosis; hyperbole; irony; metaphor.
By METONYMY, the name of
one object
is given to
another,
because of some
connection,
not
similitude,
betwixt 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. xxi. 14. Ezek. xx. 46.; the temple, for its plenty of cedar-wood that grew in Lebanon, is called
Lebanon,
Zech. xi. 1.; a heavenly frame is called
the Spirit,
Rev. i. 10.; the name of a father, as of Jacob, Moab,
&c.
is given to his posterity, Is. xliii. 22. and xvi.; a testimony is called the
mouth,
Deut. 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 of it, Gen. xlix. 18.; Esau's, taking Canaanitish 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. 16.; victory over the world is called
faith,
as faith obtains it, 1 John v. 4.; the transgression of Israel is called
Samaria;
and the high-places of Judah,
Jerusalem;
because these cities chiefly promoted wickedness and idolatry, Mic. i. 5; wisdom and knowledge are called
stability,
because they are the means of it, Is. xxxiii. 6. 2. The name of 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, Deut xxii. 11.; the heart, for the desires, or other things, contained in it, Psal. lxii. 8.;
Pour out your hearts.
The name of a possessor, is given to what is possessed; so Christ's people are called himself, Matth. xxv. 35.—45. Acts ix. 4. 1 Cor. xii. 12.; so
the Lord, i. e.
what offerings belonged to him, is called 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
Christ's blood,
or the
New Testament in it,
Matth. xxvi. 26.; and of the sign to the thing signified; the sovereign rule is called a
sceptre,
Gen. xlix. 10. The name of the quality 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 angels are called
men,
Gen. xviii.; Satan is called
Samuel,
1 Sam. xxviii. 14.—20.; error is called a
gospel,
Gal. i. 6▪
By SYNCEDOCHE, 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 Antichristians, Luke ii. 1. 1 John ii. 2. and v. 18. Rev. xiii. 8.;
every creature,
for men, Mark xvi. 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 extensive: as,
one
for all of the kind, Psal. i. 1.;
yesterday,
for time past, Heb. xiii. 8,; a limited number, as
thrice, seven,
or ten
times,
for frequently, 2 Cor. xii. 8. Psal. cxix. 164.; a
thousand, five thousand,
for an uncertain number, Is. xxx. 17. 3. A whole person, thing, place, or time, is put for an adjunct or part of it. 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 nature, 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, or numerous, than they really are. So the Hebrew spies 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
contained,
rather
perused,
by the
world,
John xxi. 25.; the Israelites 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 always 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,
&c. Matth. xxvi. 45.
Cry aloud; for he is a God,
&c. 1 Kings xviii. 27.
Go up and prosper; 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!
2 Sam. vi. 20.
He trusted in God,
Psal. 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 inanimate 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
will,
&c. Those of things without life, to such as have it; so Christ is called a
way,
a
door,
the
truth,
&c.—That, by comparing the volumes of nature with the oracles of God, we may be alway, and every-where, surrounded 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, face, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, cheeks, locks, hair, neck, shoulder, back, belly, hands, loins, bowels, navel, bosom, knees, legs, feet;
in their RELATIONS,
marriage, husband, spouse, men, women, virgins, young men, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, children, babes, widows, masters, servants, kings, judges, captains, subjects, soldiers, army, shepherds, teachers, merchants, Caananites, Arabians, Sodom, Gomorrah, 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, green, red, white, black, ugly, sweet, bitter, loathsome, hard, soft;
in their ACTIONS, to
eat, drink, stay, stanp,
walk, run, gird, care, fight, steal, rob, beget,
&c. 2. From BEASTS,
fowls, birds, eagles, pelicans, owls, doves, hens, sparrows, flies, bees, locusts, grasshoppers, lions, unicorns, leopards, bears, boars, wolves, foxes, hinds, harts, roes, goats, kids, horse, bullocks, kine, heifers, 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 CELESTIAD,
heaven, firmament, light, sun, moon, stars, clouds, vapour; shadow, darkness, rain, dew, wind, hail, snow, thunder, tempest, lightning, rainbow,
&c. 4. From
fire, flame, coal, brand, fewel, 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,
&c 6. From THINGS EARTHLY,
dust, sand, mountains, hills, Carmel, Lebanon Sharon, Bashan, earth, rocks, dens, deeps, pits, valleys, fields, gardens, ways, desarts, dirt, dung, stones, gold, silver, brass, iron, tin, lead, carbuneles, agates, adama
ts, sardine, sapphire, jasper, emerald, j
wels nitre, brimstone, salt, pearl woods, trees, cedars, fi
s oak
tyles, Shittahs, palms, a
p
e-trees, pomegran
tes, myrtles, olives, vines, thorns, brters, flowers, myrrh, camphire, spikenard,
innamon, lilies,
mwood, nettles, grass, corn, seed, root, leaves, branches, b
s, plants, fruit, mandrakes, apples, grap
s, wheat, barley, chaff, plowing, sowing, planting, reaping, threshing, innowing, sifting, grinding, harvest, vintage, grape treading, leaven, bread, earthquake,
&c. 7. From human ACCOMMODATIONS and UTENSILS,
kingdom, nation, country, city, house, chamber, foundation, wall, pillar, corner, window, gate, door, bed, bar, beam, raster, gallery, fort, prison, grave, food, feast, supper, morsel, table, 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-writing, testament, crown, sceptre, throne, guard, ship, nail, hammer, net.
8. From DURATION of time,
year, month, week, day, night, watch of the night, morning, noon, evening, hour, moment.
9. From Old-Testament TYPES, and New-Testament INSTITUTIONS; as from
Adam, David, Solomon, Israel, priests, Levites, Canaan, Jerusalem, Zion, tabernacle, temple, holy of holies, altar, mercy-seat, sacrifices, first-fruits, circumcision, sprinkling of blood, anointing with oil, new moons, passover, feast of tabernacles, baptism,
&c.
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
set 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. 2. Because every thing has various qualities and operations, one thing may be the metaphorical emblem of persons or things different, 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 metaphor is drawn, and that which it exhibits, renders it impossible for any metaphor fully to represent its object, and absurd to expect, that an universal similitude betwixt the emblem and the object should ever be found. 4. Hence it sollows, that to squeeze metaphors, 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 of God. 5. Nay, in the sacred metaphors, 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
BOOK II.
Metaphors representing Persons.
CHAP I▪
Metaphors respecting God
1. GOD is compared to a MAN, because of his wisdom and prudence; his manifold excellency; his extensive sovereignty; his dominion over, and tender affection towards his creatures. Things respecting man, almost innumerable, are DIVinely constituted the emblems of his perfections and works. He is called the HEAD of Christ; to him, as man and Mediator, he is the undoubted superior; and he supports, rules, and directs him, as such
1 Cor. xi. 3. John xiv. 2
.
. His
countenance
and
face,
when represented as
set against
any, denote the manifestation of his indignation and wrath
Psal. lxviii. 1. Ezek. xiv. 28.
. In other circumstances, they signify the discovery of of his glory, his favour and grace
Dan. ix. 17.
. Commonly his
eyes
import his knowledge; his care; his favour, and regard; but sometimes they mean the display of his wrath
Heb. iv. 13. Deut. xi. 12. Psal. xxxi. 8. and xviii. 8. Amos ix. 4. Is. iii. 8.
. His
ears
denote his perfect knowledge; his exact observation, and favourable regard
James v. 4. Psal. x 17. and cxxx. 2.
. His
nostrils
and
nose
signify his anger, his approbation, and his exact judgment
Psal. xviii. 8. Is. lxv. 5.
. His
mouth
and
lips
denote his will; his authority; his word; his command; his wrath
Deut. viii. 3. Is. xi. 3. and xxx. 27.
. His
back
imports his anger and disregard
Jer. xviii. 17. Is. xxxviii. 17.
. His
back parts
denote discoveries of his glory and goodness;—but such as are scanty and obscure, in respect of our immediate vision of him,
face to face,
in heaven
Exod. xxxiii. 23.
. His
arms,
his
hands,
his
fingers,
denote his almighty power manifested in acts of sovereignty, justice, bounty, and grace
Jer. xxxii. 17. Exod. xv. 16 Psal. xxxi. 6.
. His
right hand
imports a signal display of his almighty power, his love, mercy, or wrath
Psal. xxx. 6. Song ii. 5. Exod. xv 6.
. But, as relating to the exalted station of Christ, it imports the highest power, authority, glory, and dignity
Psal. cx. 1. 5.
. The
hollow of his hand,
denotes his easy comprehension, protection, and support of all things
Is. xl. 12. Prov. xxx 4.
. His
soul
is his nature, his holiness, and love
Lev. xxvi. 11. Jer. xxxii. 39. 40.
. His
heart
is his essence; his will; purpose; pleasure; and grace
Gen. vi. 6▪ and viii 21. Jer. xix. 5. and xxxii. 41.
. His
bowels
are his most ardent love; his tender mercy; and unbounded compassion
Is. lxiii. 15
. His
bosom
imports secrecy; safety; eminent nearness; amazing intimacy; and endeared love
Psal. lxxvi. 11. John i 18.
. His
feet
are the less glorious manifestations of his presence; the exercise of his power and providence, for the relief of his people, and the overthrow of his enemies
Is. lxvi. 1. and lx. 13. Psal. lxxvi. 3.
.
His
joy
imports his DIVine pleasure; approbation; and delight
Psal. civ. 31. Deut xxviii. 9.
. His
hatred, anger, wrath, fury,
denote his fixed, high, and holy displeasure with sin, and sinners; and his awful displays thereof, in his righteous judgment
Psal. v. 4.—6. and vii. 10. Jer. ix. 9.
. His sadness and
grief
import, his just displeasure, and righteous withdrawment of favour
Is. lxiii. 20. Ezek. vi. 9.
. His
grief
for the misery of his people, denotes his tender mercy; his infinite compassion toward them
Judg. x. 16.
. His
repentance
imports the changing, not of his mind and purpose, but of the course of his providential work
Gen. iv. 6. 1 Sam. xv. 26.
. His
jealousy,
denotes his distrust of his creatures; his tender regard of his honour; his love to his people, and his indignation against his enemies
Exod. xx. 6. Zech. i. 14. 15.
. His
knowledge
imports his clear view of all things his discovery of secrets; his approbation and love
John xxi. 17. Matth. vii. 23. Gen. xxii. 12.
. His
thoughts,
are his purposes; and his judgment concerning things
Jer. xxix. 11. Is. lix. 8.
.
His
enquiry
and
search,
imports the perfection and infallibility of his knowledge; his patient and convincing procedure against transgressors; and his discovery of things that are hid
Gen. iii. 9.—13. and iv. 10. and xviii. 21.
. His
remembrance,
denotes his extensive knowledge and observation; with the signal displays of his pity, favour, or wrath
Psal. cxxxvi. 23. and xxv. 7. Rev. xviii. 5.
. His
remembering sin,
imports his punishing men on account of it: his
not remembering
it, denotes his gracious forgiving of it
Psal. lxxix. 8. Heb. viii. 11.
. His
forgetting
persons, imports his disregarding and exposing them to affliction and misery
Psal xiii. 1. and ix 18.
. His
hissing
for men, denotes his easy and sudden assembling, and bringing them to execute his judgments
Is. v. 26. and vii. 18.
. His
breath
or
breatbing
signifies the exercise of his power, in the easy formation of man; in the ready destruction of his enemies, or the deliverance of his people
Gen. ii. 7. Ezek. xxi. 31. Is xi. 4.
. His
mocking
and
laughing
at men, denotes his pleasure in their just punishment; his full security from, and disregard of their wicked attempts against his interests; and his contemning the prayers which they present to him in their affliction
Psal. ii. 4. Prov. i. 26.
. His
crying out,
imports his earnest invitation of sinful men to accept his favours, and return to their duty; and his severe correction and punishment of those that obstinately offend him
Prov. i. 22. Is. xlii. 13. Mic. vi. 9.
. His
speaking,
signifies the virtue of his will; his forming a voice in the air; his declaring his mind to men, by his Spirit, his word, or his providence
Gen. i. 3. Exod. xx. 1. Psal. lxxxv. 8. 2 Sam. xxiii. 3. Psal. ii. 5.
. His
rebukes,
imports his convincing men of sin; his correcting and punishing them for it; and his restraining of things
John. xvi. 9. Is. xvii. 1
. Psal. civ. 7.
. His
calling things,
signifies his easy forming, exciting, and managing of them: his
calling
persons, imports his authoritative sending them to an office; and earnest inviting and drawing them to their duty and privilege
Psal. cv. 16. Rom. iv. 17. Heb. v. 4. and iii. 1.
.
His
commanding things,
imports his making them do whatsoever he pleaseth
Is. v. 6.
. His being
commanded
by his people, signifies his ready fulfilment of his gracious promises, whenever they are pled by the prayer of faith
Is. xlv. 11.
. His
hearing,
his
giving ear
to, and
answering
of prayer, imports his gracious regard to and acceptance of it, and his readily granting the benefits therein requested
Psal. iv. 1. and v. 1.
. His
silence
to men, denotes his sovereign delay to comfort or relieve them
Psal. xxviii. 1.
. His
shutting out prayer,
and
casting the dung of their sacrifices
into mens faces, imports his contempt and disregard of them: and, by his terrible judgments, shewing himself greatly displeased therewith
Lam. iii. 8. Mal. ii. 3.
. His
numbering
of things, signifies his exact knowledge and perfect management of them; his regard to, or wrathful destruction of, them
Psal. lvi. 8. Dan. v. 28.
. His
selling
of men, imports his apparently renouncing of his favourable claim to them; and giving them up into the hand of their enemies, for the vindication of his holiness, and satisfaction of his justice
Judg. ii. 14. Psal. xliv. 12.
. His
selling
his favours, denotes his open offer, his deliberate and gracious bestowal of them on Christ's account
Is. lv 1.
. His
buying
men, signifies his delivering them from misery; his bringing them into an outward church-state of nearness to himself; or his bringing them into a newcovenant state through the blood of his Son
Deut. xxxii. 6. 2 Pet. ii.
. 1 Cor. vi. 19.
. His
redeeming
men, is his recovering them, by price or by power, to former felicity; chiefly his recovering them from sin and misery through the price of his Son's blood, and the power of his holy Spirit, to everlasting holiness and happiness
Is. xlviii. 11. 1 Pet. i. 19.
. His labour or
working,
is his almighty, his wise production, upholding, actuating, and ruling of all things
John v. 17.
. His
resting,
imports his ceasing from his work of creation; his taking pleasure in his creatures; his forbearing signally to interpose between contending nations
Exod. xxxi. 17. Is. xix. 4.
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
Psal. cxxxii. 14.
.
His
wiping away
mens
tears,
denotes his removing all occasions of grief, and filling them with comfort and joy
Rev. vii. 17.
. His
wiping out
persons or things, imports his angry, his easy, and sudden destruction of them from off the face of the earth
2 Kings xxi. 13
. His
binding
angels, or men, signifies his severely afflicting them; his powerful restraint of their motions and work
Job. xxxv. 8.
. His
tea
ing
men, his
wounding
and
making
them
sore,
import his severe, shocking, and painful afflicting of them in soul or body
Job. v. 18.
. His
binding
men
up,
imports his kindly redressing their grievances, and healing the plagues, the griefs, the diseases, of their soul
Hos vi. 1.
. His
girding
men, denotes his fitting and preparing them for their work; his rendering them powerful and active therein
Psal. xviii. 32.
. His
loosing,
imports his taking off restraints; his conferring liberty, ease, and felicity, temporal and spiritual
Psal. cxlvi. 7.
. But his
loosing the bands of kings,
denotes his depriving them of their power, their honour and authority
Is xlv. 1. Job. xii. 18.
. His
opening his hand,
imports the ready, the free, the large, the liberal, communication of his favours and influence
Psal. cxlv. 16.
. His
opening a door
to the apostles, imports his giving them great opportunity to preach the gospel with success
1 Cor. xv
. 9.
. His
opening the door of faith
to the Gentiles, denotes his offering them Christ, and his salvation, in the preached gospel; and giving them faith to receive the same
Acts xiv. 29.
. His
opening the hea
t,
imports his convincing the conscience; his enlightening the mind; his renewing the will, and stirring up the affections, to embrace Christ, his unspeakable gift, in the word
Acts xvi. 14.
. His
knocking
at the door of mens heart, implies his inviting and commanding them by his word, his alarming them by his providence, and exciting them by the striving of his Spirit, to receive himself
in his Son
into their heart
Rev. iii 20.
. His
holding
one's hand, implies his directing, upholding, and succeeding him in his work
Is. xlii. 6. and xlv. 1.
. 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
Gal. iii. 22. Rom. xi. 32.
. His
shutting
men
up,
denotes his bereaving them of their liberty, and laying them under sore affliction
Job xii. 14.
.
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
Psal. xvii. 3.
. His
breaking
men, imports his awfully chastising, or wrathfully punishing them
Is. xxxviii. 13.
. His
sifting
his people, denotes his toffing, afflicting, and correcting of them, while he wonderfully preserves them
Amos ix. 9.
. His
sifting
the nations, signifies his severely punishing and scattering them
Is. xxx. 28.
. His
shaving
men, and
making
them
bald,
imports his depriving them of their number, their wealth, their glory
Is. iii. 17. and vii.
0.
. His
stripping
men
naked,
implies his bereaving them of their safety, their riches; and exposing them to trouble, shame, and reproach
z
k. xxiii. 26.
. His
blotting
mens names
from under
heaven, imports his destroying them utterly, and causing their remembrance to cease
Deut. xxix 20.
. His
devouring
and
swallowing
up, signifies his easy, his sudden, his terrible, his utter destruction of an object
Is. xxv. 8.
. His
pouring out,
imports the heavenly, the gradual, the regular, the abundant communication of his spiritual influence, his merciful favours, or wrathful judgments
Prov. i. 24. Is. xliv. 3. 4. 5. Psal. lxxix. 5. 6.
. His
hewing
men, implies his alarming their conscience, or his hardening their soul, and ripening it for destruction
Hos. vi. 5.
. His
stretching out the line of confusion
upon a land, imports his giving it up to desolating judgments, to the perplexing of the inliabitants, and the putting of every thing in it out of due order
Is. xxxiv. 11.
. His
bearing,
carrying,
and
upholding,
implies his preserving inexistence, or life; his bestowing of refreshful comfort; his protecting from injury; and his governing, directing, and drawing in a right way
Psal. xlvi. 4. Psal. cxlv. 14.
. His
binding up
mens
souls in the bundle of lise
with himself, imports his kindly securing and promoting their life, their health, their prosperity, and comfort
1 Sam. xxv. 29.
. His
slinging out
mens souls, implies his cutting them off by a sudden, a violent, a wrathful exit
ibid.
.
His
making a way for his anger,
signifies his providential ordering of events, to promote the execution of his righteous judgments
Psal. lxxviii. 50.
. His
making mountains his way,
and
exalting his high way,
imports, that, to the exaltation of his gracious designs and methods towards his people, he makes ordinances, and even obstructions, subservient to further his work
Is. xlix. 1.
. His
weighing the mountains in scales,
and
comprehending the waters in a measure,
implies his full knowledge; his easy support; and management of all things, even the greatest
Is. xl▪ 12.
. His
weighing mens spirits,
imports his comprehensive knowledge of their state, their frames, their qualities, and thoughts
Prov. xvi 2.
. His
weighing mens paths
and
prayer;
his
considering their meditation;
implies his most perfect acquaintance therewith, and his constant readiness to render a due reward and proper answer to it
Is. xxvi. 7. Psal. v. 1. Job xxxi. 6.
. His
searching Je usalem with lighted candles,
imports his open discovery, and punishing of the most secret sins thereof
Zeph. i. 12.
. His
blotting out sin,
is his full and final pardon thereof, through the blood of his Son
Is. xliv. 21.
. 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 manifesting, by wrathful events, that they were never written in his book of life,
Exod. xxxii. 32. Rev. xxii. 18.
. His
cutting
men
off 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
Psal. lxxxviii. 5.
.
His
writing
things
in a book,
denotes his perfect knowledge, exact remembrance, and continued just regard to them
Is. lxv. 6. and xlix
. 16.
. His
writing bitter things against
one, signifies his gradual afflicting of him with severe and lasting
o
bles
Job xiii. 26.
. His
writing of his law in
mens
hea
t,
and
sealing them with his Spirit,
imports his applying his word, by his Spirit, to their heart; that they may be conformed to his image and law; and comforted by his influence
2 Cor. iii. 3. Jer. xxxi. 33.
. His
writing mens 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
Luke x. 20. Rev. xiii. 8. Psal. ixix. 28. Is. iv. 3.
. His
writing his name in their foreheads,
imports his rendering them like him in holiness; and enabling them to make an open profession of his truth
Rev. xiii. 12. and xiv. 1.
. His
putting their tears into his battle,
and
making them in his book,
imports his kind observation, and careful rewarding of them
Psal. lvi. 8.
. His
engraving of Christ the one corner stone,
implies his forming of his human nature; his furnishing it with all beautiful graces; and his severely bruising, and deeply wounding him with the strokes of his wrath
Zech iii 9.
. His
breaking
mens
teeth, arms,
or
bow,
imports his depriving them of ability, of courage, of opportunity to oppress and do violence to others; or defend themselves
Psal. x. 15. and lviii 6. H
s. i. 5.
. His
putting his hook in their nose,
and
his bridle in their jaws,
denotes his checking their fury, and thwarting their projects
Is. xxxvii. 29.
. His
fanning
men, imports his trying, his scattering, and destroying them
Matth. iii. 2. Jer. xv. 7.
. His
cutting off
their
spirit,
signifies his taking away their wisdom, their strength, their courage, or life
Psal. lxxvi. 1.
. His
sweeping
a land
with the besom of destruction,
imports his cutting off the inhabitants by death, or giving them up for captivity and spoil; his overturning the buildings, and rendering it desolate
Is. xiv 23.
. His
bruising
Satan under the feet of his people, implies his restraining, his conquering, and triumphing over him, in and by them
Rom. xvi. 20.
. His
bruising, smiting, striking, wounding,
of men, imports his laying heavy afflictions on them
Is. liii. 4. 10.
.
His
sealing up mens hands,
denotes his forbidding, his hindering them to act
Job xxxvii. 7.
. His
sealing
or
sewing up iniquity in a bag,
imports his exact knowledge of it; his continued remembrance of it, and readiness to revenge it
Job xiv. 17.
. His
sealing up
his people, denotes his particular protection of them in danger; his confirming and marking them by his Spirit; his assuring them of his special love
2 Cor. i. 23. Rev. vii. 3.
. His
sealing
of Christ, imports his sending him into the world with sufficient authority and furniture to be the Mediator, Saviour, Prophet, Priest, and King of his church
John vi. 27.
. His
drawing
of men, imports his freeing them from trouble; his bringing them from a state of sin and misery; enabling them to receive his Son; and giving them more and more intimate fellowship with himself
Psal. xviii 16. John vi 44. Song i. 4.
. 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
Lam. iii. 66. Prov. xiv. 32.
. His
setting a hedge about men,
denotes his favourable protection of them; or his angry surrounding of them with manifold grievous afflictions
Job. i. 10. Lam. iii. 9.
. His
removing the hedge,
implies his exposing them to danger and ruin
Psal. lxxx. 12. and lxxxix. 40.
. His
treading men under his feet,
imports his severe punishing of them; his reducing them to the lowest plunge of contempt, misery, and want
Lam. i. 5.
.
His
seeing
or
looking
to persons or things, implies his exact knowledge of them; his gracious favour and approbation; the execution of his righteous indignation
Psal. x. 11. and lxxxiv. 9. Numb. xvi. 1.
.
Before him; before his eyes,
or in
his sight,
is openly, boldly, well known to him.
Out of his sight,
is out of his favour, deprived of his peculiar displays of his love and and care; out of his peculiar land and church
Gen. x. 9. 2 Kings xvi. 30. Gen. iv. 16.
. His
hearing,
denotes his fixed attention to, and exact knowledge of all things; chiefly his gracious acceptance, and kind answering, of his people's prayers
Psal. x. 16.
. His
smelling
and
tasting
import his unerring judgment, and gracious approbation of things
Exod xix. 18. 25. 41. Hos. ix. 4.
. His
touching.
denotes his easy change and removal of things; his afflicting of persons
Psal. civ. 32 and cxliv. 5.
. His
sleeping,
denotes his apparent indisserency about his cause and people; his delaying to comfort or help them
Psal. xliv. 23. 24. Numb. x. 36. Psal. lxviii. 1.
. His
awaking
and
rising
up, imply his manifestation of his power, mercy, and wrath, in favours of his people, and for the ruin of his enemies
Psal. xliv. 23. 24. Numb. x. 36. Psal. lxviii. 1.
. His
coming
to men, his
visiting
and
meeting
them, imports his freely granting them his comfortable presence, deliverance, or help; or his severely punishing and afflicting them
Exod. xx. 24. Gen. xxi. 1. Psal. xvii. 3 Is. xxvii. 1.
. His
going,
or
walking
with men, signifies his pleasure to grant his comfortable presence, abide with, do good to, uphold, and defend, and direct them
Lev. xxvi. 17. Gen. xlvi. 4.
. His
walking contrary
to men, imports his deliberate crossing of their designs, and his executing his terrible judgments upon them
Lev. xxvi. 24.
. His
shewing himself froward,
or a
wrestler,
with the froward, signifies his heaping of the most disagreeable and irresistible troubles upon them
Psal. xiii. 26.
. His
coming down,
denotes his condescension; his manifestation of his peculiar presence on earth, to favour and bless his people; and for the punishment and destruction of his enemies
Is. lxiv. 1. Gen. xi 5. 7.
. His
going up
signifies the ascent, or removal, of some visible-token of his presence
Gen. xxxv. 12.
. His
returning to his place,
imports the withdrawment of his favours; and his
coming out of it,
denotes his beginning to display his perfections, in executing judgment upon his opposers
Hos. v. 15. Is. xxvi. 21.
. His
returning on high,
imports his open display of his glorious and tremendous excellencies, and sovereign dominion, in helping and comforting his people, and in avenging himself of his adversaries
Psal. vii. 7.
. His
returning
to men, denotes his shewing them his glory and grace; and bestowing his favours on them after a signal hiding, or withdrawment thereof
Psal. vi. 4. 5.
. His
hiding
himself, his
covering
himself with a cloud, his
standing afar
off, import his refusing to discover his glory and grace; and denying to bestow sensible favours, to regard or grant mens requests, or to help them in a time of need
Psal. xiii. 1. Lam. iii. 44. Psal. x. 1.
. His
riding on cherubims,
represents his majestic employment of angels in the adminstrations of his providence
Psal. xviii. 10.
. His
riding on swift clouds,
imports his awful and majestic, speed in executing his manifold, his astonishing judgments
Is. xix. 1.
. His
running,
his
flying,
denotes the quick, the easy progress of his wrathful, or merciful providences
uke xv 20. Psal. x
iii. 10.
. His
passing by iniquities,
imports his forgiving them; and forbearing to punish men on their account
Mic. vii. 18.
. His
passing through,
or
over
a people or land, signifies his forbearing to afflict them, or his humbling them by lighter strokes
Amos vii. 3. and viii. 2. Hos. x. 11.
.
His
searching out a land,
implies his wise allotment of it to a people; and his preparing it for them
Ezek. xx 6.
. His
seeking
and
finding
of men, imports his delight in men; and his delivering them from their fallen state; or from the depths of apostacy, distance, distress
John iv. 23. Psal. cxix. 176.
. His
seeking, finding out,
and
visiting
iniquity, denotes his discovering it, and punishing men for it
Gen. x
iv. 16. Exod. xx. 6.
. His
finding out
his enemies, implies his exact knowledge of their persons and crimes; and his irresistible and easy execution of his vengeance upon them
Psal. xxi. 8.
. His
finding out
Christ, imports his infinitely wise choice of him to be our Mediator
Psal. lxxxix. 20.
. His
anointing
of persons, denotes his calling and furnishing them for an office; or his giving them the Holy Ghost to sanctify, comfort, and strengthen them
Psal. xiv. 7. 2 Cor. i. 21.
. His
tempting
a person, imports his trying his obedience; and calling him to make aclear discovery of his real grace
Gen. xxii. 1.
. His
leading into temptation;
his
hardening, deceiving, blinding,
or
sleepening
men, imports his righteous exposure of them to such things as may innocently occasion their sin; his withholding his preserving, softening, directing, and awakening influences 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
Matth. vi. 13. Exod. vii. 3. Ezek. xiv. 9. Rom. xi. 8.
. His being
disjointed
from his professing people, implies how very disagreeable it is to him, to be provoked to withdraw his special favours from them
Jer. vi.
.
. His
being made to serve with mens sins,
signifies that his goodness, his mercy, his patience, his ordinances, words, and works, are, by them, rendered occasions to, and instruments of iniquity
Is. xiiii. 24.
. His being
wearied
with,
grieved
by, and
pressed under
sin and sinners, import, his being long and singularly provoked by their course of iniquity; and his purposing speedily to punish the guilty transgressors
Is. xliii. 24. Gen. vi. 6. Am
s ii. 13.
.
God's
place,
or
presence,
denotes his being every where; his special friendship, intimacy, and favour; or that part of creation, as Eden, the tabernacle, temple, heaven,
&c
where some symbol of his glory is seen
Psal. cxxxix. 7. Psal. xxiv. 3. Gen. iv. 16
. His
seat
or
throne,
is Christ; his ordinances; heaven; or whatever he displays his especial presence, majesty, and authority, in
Heh. iv. 16. M
tth. v. 34.
. His
dwelling
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 glory and grace in them
2 Cor. v. 19. Is. lvii. 15. Psal. cxv. 3.
. His
ootstool
is the earth, where he vouchsafeth but imperfect displays of his excellency and brightness; and where he crusheth down and afflicts his adversaries: and his tabernacle, temple, or ordinances; where he abides with imperfect saints, and bestows but scanty views of his glory
Is. lxvi. 1. Psal. cxix. 5.
. His
standing
imports his fitness to govern, and his readiness to help, comfort, correct, or punish men
Psal. cix. 31.
. His
sitting,
denotes his supreme authority; his unlimited power; his ever fixed happiness, and undisturbed repose His
lifting up his hand,
imports his swearing, his giving the most solemn, firm,
Psal. ii. 4. and. xx
x. 10.
and evident security for a thing; his threatening of trouble; or his exerting of his power
Deut. xxxii. 40. Ezek. xx. 5. 6.
.
His
life,
denotes the eternal existence, activity, and happiness of his nature
Psal. xviii. 46. Jer. x. 10.
. His
days
and
years,
signify his everlasting and unsuccessive duration; with the distinguished seasons of his mighty works
Dan. vii. 9. Psal. lxxvii. 10.
. His
being clothed with light, with majesty, with honour, zeal,
&c. imports his DIVine pleasure in his constant and glorious display of his wisdom, holiness, power, greatness, authority, righteousness, kindness, or wrath
Psal. xciii. 1. and civ. 1. 2. Is. li. 9. and lix. 17.
. His being
armed,
denotes his full sufficiency; his perpetual readiness to conquer and protect his people, and to punish his enemies
Is. lix. 17. 18.
. His
bow,
his
strings,
and
arrows,
his
sword,
his
spear,
and
helmet,
are his power and justice, with the threatnings and instruments of his vengeance: or his all-conquering and protecting love, promise, and grace
Psal. xxxv. 23. Lam. ii. 4. Deut. xxxii. 41. Hab. iii. 11. Psal. xlv. 3. 5.
. Wicked men are called his
sword,
and
hand,
because by them he executeth his afflictive designs
Psal. xvii. 13. 14.
. His
buckler
and
banner
denote his all powerful help, and protection of his people, by means of his word, his providence, and grace
Psal. xxxv. 2. and lx. 4.
. His
rod,
his
staff,
and
sceptre,
represent the direction, support, defence, and correction of his people, according to his promise; and the destruction of his enemies, according to his threatning:
rod
too denotes the instruments of God's judgment
Psal. xxiii. 4. Mi
. vii. 14. Psal. ii. 8. 9. Is. x. 5.
. The
cup in his
hand, is anger, wrath, ripe for execution; which is
full of mixture,
as the judgments contained are numerous, various, and bitter
Psal. lxxv. 8.
. And
without mixture,
as no mercy is mingled therewith in hell
Rev. xiv. 10. N. B. In Canaan wine was mixed with spices, to render it strong, Song viii. 2. in Greece, wine was mixed with water, to render it weak.
. His
chariots,
are clouds, angels, and providences
Psal. lxviii. 17. Is. 19. 1.
. His
chariotwheels
are the wind, flames of fire, awful judgments, or rolling clouds
Psal. lxv. 11.
. His riches are his fulness of majesty, glory, and grace, with all the blessed effects thereof
Phil. iv. 19.
. His
treasures,
are his power, vengeance, justice, gooodness, patience, or the clouds and heavens
Deut. xxxii.
4. and xxviii. 12.
. His
furnace
is the execution of his just judgments, for the resining of his people, and the ruin of his enemies
Is. xxxi. 9.
. His
lot
and
portion,
is his chosen people, whom he esteems, delights in, and from whom he receives a revenue of glory
Deut. xxxii. 9.
. The Mosaic sacrifices are called his
bread,
and the wine-offerings represented as
chearing
his heart: they were food dedicated to his service; and he accepted and delighted in them, when offered in the faith of his promised Son
Numb. xxviii. 2. Psal. civ.
. His
book,
is his predestining purpose; his infinite knowledge; his unfailing remembrance; and exact providential care
Is. iv. 3. Dan. xii. 1. Psal. cxxxix. 16. Exod. xxxii. 32.
. His
signet
and
seal,
are what is very dear to him: chiefly his
seal
is his holy Spirit
Jer. xxii. 24. Eph. i. 13.
.—My soul, Is every thing in me, every thing about me, an emblem of God? why then are not the thoughts of him innumerable, and precious to me? why, when I walk by the way, when I lie down or rise up, am not I still with him? Why doth not my God? my ALL, meet me in every view?
2. God is called the ANCIENT OF DAYS
Dan. vii. 9.
: he is from everlasting to everlasting: when empires are overturned, 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 uncorruptness in judgment. His
hair like pure wool,
denotes his venerableness, gravity, wisdom, and fitness for judgment. His
fiery throne,
denotes his awful nature; his severe, irresistible, and piercing judgments: its
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
Jer. iii. 4.
. In the first person of the adorable Godhead, he, from eternity, begot our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the contriver, purposer, former, and preserver of all things. He is the author and source of all light, knowledge, glory, mercy, 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 comforts them; he nourisheth them with the flesh and blood of his Son; with the fulness of his love; the influence of his Spirit; and the sincere milk of his word: he clothes them with the imputed righteousness of his Son; the robe of implanted grace; and of a glorious gospelconversation. 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 defends them from sin, Satan, and the world. He is especially tender of them, when they are weak and afflicted. Himself he proposeth for their copy and pattern: 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; grants them every good thing; preserves them from 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 them by their arms, teaching them to go: his word is their rule; his Spirit their comforter, instructor, and guide: his church and ordinances are his chamber of fellowship with them; his heavenly mansions he assigns for their habitation; affectionately he remembers and cares for them, even while they seem to be cast out of his sight; graciously he forgives their transgressions; he bears with their infirmities; and tenderly he sympathizes with them under their troubles; he is exceedingly grieved and dishonoured by their offences; and he wisely and kindly corrects them on account thereof; every one of them he enriches with his fulness, and makes heirs of his kingdom. In the promises of his word he dispones; in due time, he actually bestows salvation, endless, unsearchable glory; nay, his infinite Self, for their everlasting inheritance.—Be thou, JEHOVAH,
my father,
and the
guide of my youth,
my Father of glory, mercies, and comforts.
4. God is compared to a MASTER and HOUSEHOLDER. By him every mansion of heaven and earth was erected and furnished; by him is the whole family of angels, men, and every creature, ordered and settled. To every one he hath assigned his proper law, his station, and work. Angels and men he hath peculiarly connected with himself; and, by laying before them the most enriching and agreeable rewards, and the most shocking and fearful punishments, he engageth them to be faithful in their respective rank and service. His family he instructs and protects. Every thing necessary for their peace, their health, and happiness, he richly provides. Those who are unruly, he corrects and punisheth. Wicked angels, and incorrigible men, he expels from his house. He hath appointed a day, in which he will call every rational servant to account, for his trust and conduct. His peculiar family is his church among men: to this he gives peculiar laws: this he governs, protects, and corrects; and rewards or 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 absent from my God.
5. God is compared to a KING. How infinite is his dignity; extensive his renown; great his power; absolute his authority! To every reasonable creature he gives laws and wisely governs, righteously rewards, or punisheth them. Heaven is his palace and throne. Angels and saints are his honorary guards. All creatures are his armies. DIVine glory and greatness are his crown. Infinite power, justice, and love are his sceptre. Every lawful court on earth, every man's breast, and the general judgment, are his courts of judicature: 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 fource of his whole administration. Our adored Mediator is his Secretary, his Minister of state. The scriptures of truth are the statutes of his kingdom, and the authentic records of his reign. The sentences of free forgiveness, of undeserved happiness, or of everlasting damnation, 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 wisdom and prudence; with unblemished equity,
terrible majesty,
unbounded authority, power, and courage, he maintains the honour of his sacred laws. Effectually 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 into judgment with thy servant," upon his own works; "for in thy sight no living can be justified."
7. God is a swift WITNESS. How exact is his knowledge of all things! he is infinitely true and faithful. Solemnly, by subscription and oath, he attests the inspired 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 testifies to my heart,
I am God, even thy God.
At the tremendous 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 the
joyful sound?
Your whole conduct he knows; and according to his remembrance of it shall you be quickly judged, and your eternal state fixed. Even now, ye wicked, he testifies of your guilt by his judgments upon you; by his word unto you: but suddenly he shall declare it to your face; publish it to the world; and hasten your endless ruin. If God be my witness, what manner of person ought I to be "in all holy conversation and godliness?"
8. God is compared to a CAPTAIN, and called the LORD OF HOSTS. It is his to levy, to march, to muster, and manage every army upon earth. It is his to appoint, to arm, to strengthen, direct, and make all his creatures to fight against his enemies; and to protect his chosen subjects. He enlists his people under his banner of truth, and of love. He teacheth 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 aright. To every one he prescribes his proper station and work; chuseth for them the field, and manner of conflict; safely he leads them on; secures them from death; heals their wounds; procures them complete victory; and bestows on them an everlasting reward.—Let me alway follow him, and fight under his protection.
9. God is stiled a MAN OF WAR, or expert warrior. With unbounded wisdom, equity, power, and courage, he manageth 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, boldly, and furiously attacks, routs, and destroys. Thus he advanceth his honour; extends his peculiar dominion; protects his friends; and enricheth them with his spoil.—Against my corruptions, Lord, draw out the
spear and shield;
stain all thy raiment with their blood.
10. God is likened to a GIANT; because of his unbounded might, bold courage, and awful terror. No creature is able, nor without infinite peril dares to oppose him. With ease he dismays, discomfits, and rains 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 invitations 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
dwells with,
and in
them, according to
his infinite
knowledge
and love, Other members of the visible church 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 Maker 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
John xv. 1. Is. v. 1.—6.
. The 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 benefits 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 nature; 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 members he DIVides into their proper place and station. With rules of government, and with his special protection, he
hedgeth
her about. He sows her with 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 breaking, by melting, and removing their hardness and obduracy, he digs out the
stones
of their heart: by convincing, 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 luxuriant 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 ever on it, to shew thyself strong in the behalf of them that fear thee. 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 me in Christ;
sow
to
me,
in his righteousness;
so shall
I reap in mercy.
13. God is compared to a SHEPHERU
Psal. xxiii. 1.
. He forms his people to be
the sheep of his pasture.
By his providence, by his word, and chiefly by his Spirit, he gathers them out from an evil
world that lieth 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
Psal. xlviii. 14.
. The proper course of every creature he fully understands; and directs them in their respective motions. His conduct is the most perfect pattern. It is his to recover his bewildered chosen; to bring them into the
way that leadeth unto life;
to comfort, direct, defend, and keep them in it; to reduce them from every wandering; and at last usher them safely 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
Job. x. 16.
. How great is his activity; he slumbers not, nor sleeps; quickly his vengeance overtaketh his enemies; nor can any escape out of his hand. His chastisements of his people are severe, terrible, and disturbing—How often, by inward terrors, and outward troubles, has he
hunted my soul as
a
lion!
16. God is compared to a BUILDER
Heb. iii. 4.
. In his eternal purpose he wisely planned; in time he skilfully formed, the whole structure of heaven and earth, and all that is therein. Upon his own power and will he laid the foundation. Gradually he finished, and marvellously he connected, and adorned his work. Wisely he rears up the body of every animal for its particular use. In a gradual, a well-connected, comely, and 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: and 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 salvation, and of his church, and of the work of grace in his people's hearts. Gradually he carries forward the erection, 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
Is. lxiv. 8.
. With infinite care and skill he formed all things according to his purpose and pleasure. In the most different forms, 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 appointed to everlasting honour; others, for their sin, to everlasting shame and contempt. At his pleasure, he disposeth of things, of persons, and nations; and wonderfully 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 WOMAN
Is. xlii. 14.
. 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 terrible providences; and to the confusion of his enemies, brings forth great deliverance to them, and rejoiceth therein.—Lord,
how excellent is thy loving kindness!
19. God is compared to an EAGLE
Deut. xx
ii. 11. 12.
. 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 preferve his people! By the exercise of his wisdom, his power, his goodness and truth; by the agency of his providence, 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 LION
Hos. xiii. 7. and v. 14.
. How terrible O JEHOVAH, is thy majesty! How unlimited thy sovereignty! How unbounded thy might to destroy thy foes, and to save thy children! How shocking! how alarming the voice of thy roaring in the threatenings of thy word, or the judgments of thine hand! How unblemished thine equity, towards every creature! How watchful! how ever-open thine eyes, to observe all our goings, and advert to thine interest!
He that keeps Israel neither stumbers nor sleeps.
How perfect thy hatred to those who indulge themselves in wolvish tyranny; apish flattery; or squint looks of hypocritical dissimulation! O thy astonishing patience! thy unmatched 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, 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
Hos. xiii. 7.
. How infinitely comely and glorious in himself, how DIVersified his appearences to creatures! How fierce, especially after a long sleep of exercised patience, is his wrath against his enemies! how he observeth their goings! watcheth for the evil to bring it upon them! how often his judgments break forth on them before thy are aware! and what spiritual blindness and everlasting darkness are their remediless doom!—With me, Lord, wait that thou mayest be gracious; be exalted that thou mayest shew mercy: and, because thou art a God of judgment, let me wait for thee.
22. God is compared to a BEAR
bereaved of her whelps, and lying in wait
Hos. xiii.
.
. How terrible, though often 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! Behold, 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 off.
23. God compares himself to a MOTH and ROTTENNESS
Hos. v. 12.
. Secretly, insensibly, and gradually, he often, by his judgments, wastes mens spirits; their gifts; their privileges; and property; and renders them useless and contemptible.
24. God is called LOVE
1 John. iv. 8.
. 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 and 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
1 John i. 5.
. How infinitely glorious, pure, holy, pleasant, and incomprehensible, is his nature! how clear and unbounded his knowledge! how unlimited his omnipresence! O the quick approaching, the refreshful, the illuminating, discovering, and directing influences, of his goodness and grace! Walk, my soul, for ever
walk, in the light of the Lord.
26. God is compared to the SUN
Psal lxxxiv. 11.
. O his unspeakable greatness! his dazzling glory! his transcendent highness! He is the restful centre of all things; the father and source of all light, natural, gracious, or glorious: all things are naked and open to him: and it is his to refresh, 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 unhappiness who live far from him! ye who live in the tor
id 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 day 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 endless flame of love!
27. God is compared to FIRE
Is. x. 17. Deut. iv. 24.
. O the infinite pureness, power, and awful, majesty of his nature! How heart-warming, purifying, and softening, his influence! He is a
consuming fire:
how terrible the nature of his justice and wrath! how righteous, holy tremendous, irresistible, quick, spreading, and destructive his vengeance! how suddenly his judgments break forth in an instant! how effectually they purge away his people's dross, while they fill their hearts with terror! how fearfully they consume the wicked! and, as in a solemn day, surround them with horror.
28. God is compared to a CLEAR HEAT after rain; and a CLOUD OF DEW in harvest
Is. xviii. 4.
. How refreshful how nourishing, comforting, and fructifying, the saving influences of his goodness and grace, during, or after, our trouble; how refreshful, ye Jews, was your deliverance from Sennacherib, after the fearful judgments of God on Egypt and Ethiopia?
29. God is compared to a FOUNTAIN
Jer. ii. 13.
. O the purity; the perpetuity; the self existence of his nature and influence! O the mystery, not of his orgin, but of his unorigination! How sweet the fulness! the refreshful, cleansing, and fructifying virtue of his influences! How free! how common! how patent our access to receive of his goodness, redeeming or natural!
O Fountain 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, spiritual, or eternal; thine to be ever communicating such virtue as begets, maintains, restores, increaseth, and perfects life in his creatures; chiefly thy redeemed.—O
Fountain of life,
because thou livest, I shall live also.
30. God is compared to BROAD RIVERS
Is. xxxiii. 21.
. By him, ye saints, are you, your situation, your blessings, adorned and beautified: by him the air, your souls breathe in, is rendered pure and wholesome: by him ye are completely defended from every foe: by him ye have full access to the profitable commerce of the celestial country: in him, how wide your prospect into eternity! into things in heaven and on earth! How inexhaustible his fulness to quench your thirst! satisfy your desires! refresh your soul, and purge away your filth! Art thou Lord, my God, that satisfieth, that sanctifieth me!
31. God is compared to a ROCK
Deut. xxxii. 4.
. How transcendent his height! how immoveable his firmness! Though invisible in his nature, how visible in all his works! clearly seen by the things which he hath made! What a refreshful and protecting shade to his people! what herbs of precious blessings and healing promises proceed from him! what unsearchable and enriching mines of grace and glory, better than gold, are in him! what springs of comforting,—of nourishing virtue, flow from him!—Be thou, JEHOVAH, my rock, to which I may ever resort: what time mine enemies are in power, I will trust in thee.
32. God is compared to a SHADOW
Psal. lvii. 1.
. How sweet the safety, the refreshment, the secret happiness, which his people find in him, and in the exercise of his perfections towards, and the accomplishment of his promises to them!—Here may I hide myself, till all calamities be overpast.
33. God is compared to a HIDING-PLACE,
Psal. xxxii. 7.
. How invisible is his nature! how hidden and mysterious are his methods of protecting his people! how great their secret comfort and happiness in him! how fully his defence of them preserveth them from every danger, encourageth their fainting heart, dispels their fears, and disappoints their foes!—Lord, I flee to thee to cover me; hide the outcast, the criminal that flies to thy refuge.
34. God is compared to a REFUGE
Psal. xlvi. 1.
. In his perfections, his covenant, his promise, his providence, what unlimited fulness of sure protection from every danger, every enemy! With what speed, assurance of welcome, ought every man to flee to him, through Christ, the new, the sole, the plain, the patent way! In him we may boldly defy our adversaries; and in him we must for ever abide: for O the fearful, the eternal, the unavoidable danger of those, who, in the moments of death, of judgment, are found without him! Lord, all that are far from thee shall perish. When all refuge fails me, when no man man cares for my soul, then be thou "my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
35. God is compared to a STRONG-HOLD and FORTRESS
Psal. xviii. 2. 3.
. In him is all fulness of spiritual defence, armour, and provision. It is impossible to batter down, scale, or undermine, 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 protector of his people. Only those who flee 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 REREWARD
Is. lii. 12.
. While they are unfit, unready, to defend themselves against the secret, the sudden attacks of their enemies, he kindly protects their person, and maintains their cause.—Cry, my soul, unto God, "unto God, who performeth all things for me."
37. God is compared to a SHIELD: his love, favour, and truth, to a SHIELD and BUCKLER
Gen. xv. 2. Psal. 5. 12. and xci. 3. 4.
. His perfections, his promise, his providence are especially useful in danger: they protect the whole man, chiefly, what is most exposed; and from the most eminent enemies, temptations, and troubles, we are thereby protected: By God's exerting his favour, and fulfilling his truth, his faithful word; he not only defends from dangers, but emboldens and enableth us, unhurt, to contend with our spiritual foes.—Let me say of the Lord, "He is my shield and buckler, my God in whom I will trust: tho' an host encamp against me, I will be confident in this."
38. God is compared to a WALL, and WALL OF FIRE
Ezek. xi. 41. Zech. ii. 5.
. He is the great support, beauty, and protector of his people on every side: he surrounds them with his promise, perfections, and presence; and on him do all their chambers of ordinances, and worshipping assemblies depend: with his benign influence, he enlightens and warms the hearts of his people: with his complete, his awful protection, he renders them safe, bold, and fearless, amidst their brutish and outrageous enemies.
39. God is compared to an HABITATION and DWELLING PLACE
Psal. xc. 1.
. We enter into his favour, by Jesus, as our door, our way: In him are contained all our choice riches, and comfort: In a state of union to, and fellowship with him, we are safe from the scorching heat of DIVine wrath, the fiery darts of temptation, the cold of spiritual deadness, and storms of trouble; and enjoy complete pleasure, and rest to our soul; with every thing comely and useful: here we have sweet fellowship 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 exposed to endless danger, wandering and wo.
40. God is compared to a PORTION and INHERITANCE
Psal. xvi. 5. 6.
. In infinite kindness, and through our relation 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 usefulness in our station; and how highly, O JEHOVAH, are we to esteem, love, delight in, and boast of thee,—O thou incorruptible, sweet, ever-present, infinite, necessary, allcomprehending, unmixed, unmatched, and everlasting portion of our soul!—"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee!"
41. God is called an EXCEEDING GREAT REWARD; and EXCEEDING JOY
Gen. xv. 2 Psal. xliii. 4.
. Our enjoyment of him is the proper reward of Christ's righteousness imputed; and the gracious reward of our holy obedience: He infinitely surpasseth every other privilege. Nothing, my soul, is worth thy joys, or lovely as thy God: He infinitely transcends our comprehension, and desert. He is the cause and object of such solid, pure, and spiritual joy, as in sweetness, usefulness, and duration, far exceeds the joy of child-birth, of marriage, of harvest, of victory, of friendship, or of recovery of what had been lost.—Rejoice, my soul, in the Lord, and again rejoice.
42. God is compared to GOLD and SILVER
Job xxii. 25.
. How infinitely pure, 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 towards himself; toward their conscience; toward Satan; and toward a present evil world! Be thou, O Almighty, my gold, and I shall have plenty of silver.
43. God is compared to a JASPER STONE
Rev. iv. 3.
, which is either white; or green, and spotted with red or purple. O the excellency! the glory! the brightness! the majesty! and the refreshful influence of his nature, and countenance! He is light itself, dwelis in, and is clothed with it. How sweetly, how mysteriously, are all his perfectious connected together, and contained in one another! Thrice fair Original of all that is lovely, be thou mine, my God, and my ALL IN ALL.
44. God is likened to a red SARDINE STONE
Ibid.
. How terrible his majesty! How fiery his indignation against 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 GLORY, of his people
If. xii. 2. and lx. 19. Joel iii. 16.
. He is the author, the substance, the maintainer, perfecter, and end of their glory, salvation, and strength; and the ground, the object, the cherisher, preserver, and perfecter of their hope. Is JEHOVAH now my strength and song? Is he also become my salvation?
46. God's justice is called his SWORD
Zech. xiii 7.
. By it, with astonishing pain, he slaughtered the Son of his love: It reached even to his heart. His soul was
amazed and very heavy;
troubled till he knew not what to say;
sorrowful even unto death.
By it, with tormenting pain, and often suddenly, he cuts off his enemies. Thou bloody flaming sword, how wast thou sheathed 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
Is. lxiii. 9. Dan. xii. 1. Rev. xii. 7. and xiv. 18. and xviii. 1.
. As Mediator, he is his Father's servant, his principal attendant; sits at his right hand; is admitted into ineffable nearness and intimacy with him; Clearly he alway beholds, and with infinite pleasure and delight is he always beheld by, him; God's heart and eyes are on him continually. 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 ancient 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 flaming fire, to take vengeance on them who know not God, and who obey not the gospel. His
lightening the whole earth with his glory,
imports his display of his shining excellencies in his righteous and fearful judgments; and in 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
Zech. vi. 12.
. In the new covenant-transaction, he represents only men; under the Old Testament he often appeared in the likeness of man; in his incarnation he partook of the common nature of man: To represent him are the parts, the actions, the adjuncts, and relations of men, used in scripture, times almost innumerable. His
whole body,
signifies his person, God man; or his obedience and suffering in his human nature
Dan. x. 5.
. His having the
appearance of brass,
imports his firmness, strength, purity, and brightness
Ezek. xl. 3.
. His
likeness to amber,
or rather a
metal mixed of gold and silver,
imports the preciousness and shining glory of his person; and the union of his two natures in it: or, if the word signifies a
burning 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
Ezek. i. 4. 27.
. 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
Ezek. i. 28.
. 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 pillar of fire to direct and guide them
Ezek. i. 27.
. His
body being like the
azure
beryl,
denotes his excellency, preciousness, heavenly glory, and brightness: or, if the
sardonyx,
a flesh-coloured stone be meant, it signifies his dwelling in our nature
Dan. x. 6.
. His
body,
as distinguished from his head, denotes his church, which, by the neck of covenant union, of scripture, and of ministers, is united to him, directed, and nourished by him
Eph. i. 22.
. He is
white,
glorious, pure, and comely, in his DIVinity, his holiness, his exaltation, and love;
and ruddy
in his manhood, his bloody suffering, his low abasement, and his tremendous vengeance
Song v. 10.
. His head as the
most fine,
the most solid and shining
gold,
is his all comely, exalted, precious, and durable Godhead, high dignity, and royal dominion over all
Song v. 11.
. But the
filling of his head with the dew, and his locks with the drops of the night,
imports his manifold, his shocking, and perplexing sufferings for our sins; and his enduring our innumerable and provoking affronts
Song v. 2.
. His
white hairs,
denote his wisdom, his majesty; and his being from everlasting God
Rev. i. 14.
. His
bushy and black locks,
import his unchangeableness; his perpetual vigour, freshness, and beauty; with the shining wisdom of his appearances and counsels
Song v. 11.
. His
eyes,
denote his knowledge of all things; his tender care and affection towards his people. These,
like the eyes of doves washed with milk, and sitting on fulness,
are pure, clear, comely, condescending, and fixed on his chosen bride; are ever fixed on his own
fulness
of Godhead, and communicative grace; on the
fulness
of time appointed by the Father; and on the church, which is
the fulness
of him that filleth ALL IN ALL
Song v.
2.
. These, like a
flame of fire,
are piercing, irresistible, and terrible to his enemies
Dan. x. 6. Rev. i. 14.
. His
lips and mouth,
denote his authority and word; which, like
lilies dropping sweet-smelling myrrh,
are pure, pleasant, savoury, glorious, majestic, and condescending; and do gradually, powerfully, constantly, and gently, communicate his ever-fresh, his precious, his purifying, his soul-refreshing, and perfuming grace and glory
Song v. 13.
. His
cheeks like a bed of spices,
are the comely, delightful, refreshful Testaments of his word; and the ordinances of his grace; the manifestation of his glory to us; or his humiliation and suffering in our stead
Ibid.
. His mighty
voice like many waters, like the roaring of a lion,
or
the voice of a multitude,
is the awful, the important language of his word and providence; which extends to every end of the earth; reacheth the heart of men; brings manifold particular messages; is terrible to his enemies, and threatens them with sudden and fearful destruction
Rev. i. 15. and x. 3. Dan. x. 6.
. His whole
face
and
countenance,
are his manifestations of himself, in his person and office; which,
like lightning,
are surprising, majestic, and awful:
like the sun shining in his strength,
are enlightening, warming, glorious, dazzling and pleasant: are as
Lebanon, excellent as the cedars,
ever fresh, firm, comely, and delightful. But his
face and visage as marred more than any man,
import the dreadful suffering and shame which he endured in his human nature
Dan. x. 6. Rev. i. 16. Song v. 15. Is. lii. 14.
.
His
shoulders,
denote his almighty power, his infinite wisdom, care, and love, which qualify him to bear our sins in his own body on the tree; to bear our persons to glory; and to bear the charge of government committed to him by the Father
Luke xv. 5. Is. ix. 6.
. His
arms like polished brass,
are his powerful, his glorious strength, providence, mercy, and love
Is. xl. 11. Dan. x. 6.
. His
hands,
are his power, his operation, and bounty; which, like
goldrings set with the beryl;
are pefect, celestial, comely, and every way excellent; and by which he apprehends and holds fast his jewels, his chosen seed
Song v. 14.
. His
paps
denote his communicative, his all-nourishing, fulness of grace and glory
Rev. i. 13.
. His
bosom
is his love, his care, his special protection; his bestowal of eminent fellowship with himself
Is. xl. 11.
. His
belly
or
bowels as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires,
are his tender sympathy; his boundless compassion; which, O how valuable! how pure and unmixed! how constant, firm, and durable! how reviving, refreshing, and love-exciting
Song v. 14.
! His
heart,
denotes his most endeared affection, and tender regard
Song viii. 6.
. His
loins,
are his firm purposes, and almighty power
Dan. x. 5.
. His
legs like pillars of marble set in sockets of gold,
denote his everlasting ability, to support the weight of creation; the weight of the newcovenant concerns; the weight of the persons, the sins, the punishments, the care, and salvation of his people; and the weight of the glory bestowed on him by the Father; and his sufficiency to travel the whole journey, and run the whole race of our redemption, set before him; and to tread down his opposers with fury and ease
Song v. 15.
. His
feet,
are his providence; his various motions, in coming to this world, in travelling through suf
ring and wo, in treading the wine-press of his vengeance, and trampling down his obdurate foes; which,
like polished brass,
are firm and determined, glorious and pure; and like
fire
or
brass burning in a furnace,
are awful and majestic to all, but destructive and terrible to them that oppose him
Dan. x. Rev. i. 15. and x. 1.
. His
heel,
is his holy, but created manhood, which Satan bruised and afflicted during his humbled debasement; and his people and followers, whom, while on earth, Satan bruiseth and afflicts by his manifold temptations
Gen. iii. 15.
. His
steps
and
goings,
are his various approaches, towards incarnation in the likeness of sinful flesh; his conduct, in fulfilling all righteousness, and receiving his glorious reward: his manifold approaches towards our persons, in the influence of his grace; his operations innumerable in managing the world
Psal. lxxxix. 51. and lxviii. 24.
. His
one foot on the sea,
and
the other on the earth,
signifies that all the creation, every thing troublous, or restful, is subject to his will, and under his care
Rev. x. 2.
.
His having a
rainbow round about his head,
imports his high estimation of the new covenant; his being ever mindful of it; and in his whole conduct acting according to the tenor of it
Rev. x. 1.
. His power, his glory, and zeal for our salvation, and his Father's honour, are his beautiful
garments,
which adorn his person, and render him fit for his work
Is. lix. 17.
. His
linen garment down to the foot,
is the universal purity of his administration; and the finished righteousness, which covers both him and his seed
Rev. i. 13.
. His being
clothed with a cloud,
imports his tremendous majesty; his incomprehensible nature; and his gloomy and unsearchable providence
Rev. x. i.
. His glorious, his pure, and everlasting power, faithfulness, equity, and love; and his Father's commission, to be our priest and sovereign, are his
golden girdle,
by which he is adorned and qualified for his mediatorial work
Dan. x. 5. Rev. i. 13.
. His
life,
is his uninterrupted activity, with the fulness of grace and of glory, lodged in him, for us
John v. 36. Gal. ii. 20.
. His
meat,
is the infinite pleasure he takes in honouring his Father, and saving his chosen
John iv. 34.
.
His
sitting at God's right hand,
imports the firm security, the unceasing continuance, of his high dignity; his extensive authority, and his undisturbed rest
Psal. cx. 1.
. His
sitting on a cloud,
or
white cloud,
denotes the mysterious, the awful, but pure, righteous, and glorious nature of his procedure
Rev. xiv. 14.
. His
standing at God's right hand,
and
appearing in his presence,
signifies his constant, zealous, and ever-prevalent intercession for us
Acts vii. 56.
. 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 readiness to enter into our soul, and his desire to be received by us
Zech. i. 8. Psal. cix. 31. Rev. iii. 20.
. His
walking among the golden candlesticks,
imports his peculiar presence and delight in his churches; his constant operations in them; his unceasing supply of them with the oil of his spiritual influence; and his unwearied snuffing off their corruptions
Rev. ii. 1.
. His
walking with persons in a fiery furnace,
represents his distinguished nearness to, comfort, and support of his people, under their heaviest and sharpest trials
Dan. iii. 25.
. 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
Is. lxiii. 1. 2. 3.
. His
travelling in the greatness of his strength,
imports his gracious presence in every part of his church; and his display of the exceeding greatness of his power and love, to save his people, and ruin their foes
Is. lxiii. 1.
. His having a
writer's inkhorn by his side,
to mark for safety the mourners in Jerusalem; and his being
over the men with the slaughter-weapons;
import his sovereign power to save alive or destroy; his tender and exact preservation of his mourning saints; and his supreme direction and management of the bloody ruin of his enemies
Ezek. ix.
nd x.
. His
measuring
the visionary temple and city before Ezekiel, and shewing him the parts and ordinances thereof, import his prerogative to appoint every form and statute of the church; and to give men the true knowledge thereof
Ezek. xl.—xlviii. chap.
. His
holding the stars in his right hand,
imports his giving ministers their commission, and his supporting them in their work
Rev. ii. 1.
. His
having the seven Spirits of God,
implies his full possession of the DIVine Spirit, in his DIVersified gifts and graces
Rev. iii. 1.
. His having a
little book in his hand,
which he delivered to John to eat; and his
opening the seven seals of God's book,
import his manifesting of the secrets, the purposes, and mysteries of God, to men
Rev. x. and v. and vi. chap.
.
His
house,
is his church; which he planned; which he built and furnished; which he rules, protects, and with pleasure dwells in
Song i. 17.
. His
chambers,
are his ordinances; his worshipping assemblies; and his bestowing of intimate communion with himself
Song i. 4.
. His
green bed,
is his ever-pleasant, flourishing, and refreshful church, covenant, word, and ordinances
Song i. 16.
. His
table
may denote heaven, where he was before his incarnation, and where he now is;—Judea, where he resided during most of his debasement;—or rather the ordinances of the gospel, where he delights himself, and nourisheth his friends
Song i. 12.
. His provision on it, of
bread,
of
flesh,
of
honey, milk, water,
or
wine,
is the blessings of the new covenant; himself, and his righteousness; his Father and fulness; his Spirit and grace
Prov. ix. 5. If. xxv. 6. Song v. 1.
. His
ointments,
are his fulness of Spirit and grace, which softens our heart, and renders us pleasant and comely to God
Song i. 3.
. The
kisses of his mouth,
may denote his coming into our nature and world: rather the promises of his gospel, and manifestations of his love; which mark his kindness and reconciliation to us; inexpressibly delight our soul, and enkindle our love to himself
Song i. 2.
. His
chariot of the wood of Lebanon,
is his pure, his firm, his fragrant, and incorruptible manhood: its
silver pillars,
are precious, comely, pure, and durable graces: its
golden bottom,
is his glorious, almighty, immutable, inestimable, and everlasting Godhead: its
purple covering,
is his bloody suffering, and royal exaltation: its mid
pavement of love,
is his unbounded favour 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:—or
this chariot
may denote his new covenant, his gospel, or church
Song iii. 9. 10.
. His
white horse,
is his pure, pleasant, and glorious gospel of peace; by means of which he marks out his greatness, marcheth through his church, conquers, and enters the hearts of his people
Rev. vi. 2.
. His
bow,
his
arrows,
and
sword,
are his powerful word, and almighty influences, whereby he convinceth his chosen, and subdues them to himself. His
taking his bow; shooting his arrows;
and
girding his sword on his thigh,
denotes his spirited exertion of his soul-conquering grace
Rev. vi. 2. Psal. xlv. 3. 5.
. His
key of David,
is his royal authority over his church, to rule and correct at his pleasure; and his inspired word, by which he opens our heart to himself, and opens for us an escape from every danger, and an entrance into the
house eternal in the heavens
Rev. iii. 7. If. xxii. 22.
. His
sharp sickle,
is his unlimited and irresistible power, by which he punisheth and cuts off the nations, and gathers them to his bar, and to their eternal state
Rev. xiv. 14.
.—Doth my adored Redeemer so resemble a man? call him then, my soul, no more Baali; but call him Ishi, MY MAN, MY HUSBAND. Go thou with this MAN. Hide not thyself from thine own flesh.
3. Christ is called the
man of God's right hand
Psal. lxxx. 17.
. By solemn oath, JEHOVAH consecrated him to his office. By his infinite strength he supports him in it. Through him he manifests the exceeding greatness of his power in the salvation of men. And to his right hand he hath exalted him, to sit thereon, till he make all his enemies his footstool.—O thou Man of God,
let my life be precious in thy sight.
Thus saith my soul,
Come down quickly;
be thou ever at my right hand, that I may never be moved.
4. Christ is often, especially by himself, called the SON OF MAN
Rev. xiv. 14.
; to denote the reality of his human nature; his astonishing debasement; and his amazing delight in it.—But did God indeed dwell with man! dwell in manhood upon earth! Was he indeed the carpenter's son! Was his mother called Mary! and were his brethren and sisters here with us! O what is this that God hath done for!—hath done to us!
5. Christ is compared to an HEAD
Col. 1. 18.
. His people, like hairs, are rooted and grounded, and do grow up in him. In the purpose of God, they were chosen in him; in the new covenant, they were represented by him. He is the great honour and beauty of, and directs, governs, and conveys nourishment to, all his saints;—who are joined to him by faith. It is his to add honour and dignity to, and to rule over his church, which is united to him by his word, his ordinances, and ministers.—Is this
Carmel-like
head, this lofty, pleasant, fruitful, and all-exhibiting Immanuel; this
crimson like,
this sin bearing, this suffering, this royally-exalted Jesus, my one head?
my Lord, and my God?
6. Christ is called a MEDIATOR, or DAYS-MAN
1 Tim. ii. 5.
. He is God and man in one person; a truly middle person between God and us. How infinitely wise! how peaceful and condescending! how just! how merciful! how impartial, faithful, and well affected towards both God and men! Necessarily chosen to reconcile his Father's honour with our happiness, he effects it by satisfying his offended justice with his righteousness and blood; by staying our enmity by his Spirit and love.—If I refuse his mediation, am I not infallibly left to the severity of the broken law, and incensed vengeance of God? Kiss, receive, my soul, the Son, lest he be angry. Obey his voice; beware of him; provoke him not.
7. Christ is called a SURETY
Heb. vii. 22.
. At his Father's call, he, 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 owed to his Father's law and justice. Kind to astonishment, he took our whole debt upon himself, and erased our name from the bond: kindly he said, If thou, Father, 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 establish thine own righteousness: never thus attempt to thrust Jesus's name from thy debt-bond, to insert thy own: never repine, that when I had nothing to pay, he frankly undertook all; and in
due time gave his life a ransom for many.
8. Christ is compared to a FATHER
Is. ix. 6.
. By his sufferings, the travel of his soul; by his resurrection from the dead; by the influence of his Spirit; by the incorruptible seed of his grace and word; he, in our regeneration, begets us again to a lively hope: his image he puts on us, and calls us by his new name. By his word and Spirit he teacheth, and guides us in the way wherein we should go. By his power, his angels, and ministers, he guards and protects us from danger. With his "robes of righteousness, and garment of salvation," he covers our nakedness, and adorns our person. With his
flesh and blood,
his person, obedience, and atonement, he refresheth and nourisheth our soul: and for drink, he giveth us his
love, which is better than wine.—
Thrice blessed Father of the fatherless, stay of the orphans! when both father and mother forsake me, do thou take me up.
9. Christ is called a TESTATOR
Heb. ix. 15. 16.
. In his unbounded affection to his poor kinsmen, he, as our dying Redeemer, irreversibly disannulled our obligation to the broken law; and before witnesses, before God, angels, and men, he, in the latter will of his blessed word, solemnly bequeathed to us his whole fulness, his purchased blessings. By his death he confirmed; with his name he signed; in the inspired records he registered; in the ordinances of the gospel he publisheth; in the sacraments he seals, his donation: He himself, his Father, his blessed Spirit, are the faithful executors thereof.—Search, my soul, the Scriptures, they are the Testament of a DIVine Father, of a bleeding Redeemer; let them be sweeter than honey to my taste: Can I, without astonishment, without enrapturing love, without rage against my sins, his murderers, think what he there dispones in legacy to me!
10. Christ is compared to a BRIDEGROOM and HUSBAND
Math. xxv. 6. 2 Cor. xi. 2.
. With his Father's consent, he, with infinite wisdom and prudence, fixed his love on sinful men. His friends and servants, the prophets, and blessed Baptist, he sent before him to intimate his gracious designs. In the fulness of time, he assumed our nature. To pay our debt; to disannul our marriage with sin, Satan, and the broken law: to conquer and slay our spiritual foes; to prepare for himself and us a wedding garment of everlasting righteousness;—he laid down his life.—In the gospel he demands and wooeth our heart. Notwithstanding our base birth, our froward temper, our lothsome appearance, our brutish ignorance and folly, our poverty, weakness, unworthiness, our infamous character, and the affronts and injuries without number, we do him, he, to the endless admiration of angels and men, intimates his love to us, offers and presents himself for our spiritual husband. In the promise he proclaims his intention of marriage: with unmatched earnestness and patience, he invites, he intreats, he urgeth our heart to accept him. With the motives, of our absolute necessity; of his own excellency; his high dignity; his unfading comeliness; his unsearchable riches; his dying, his giving, his almighty love,—he enforceth his suit. The love tokens of ordinances, of common spiritual operations, being given, he, in the moment fixed by his ancient purpose, breaks our union to the broken covenant, to our lusts, to Satan, and to a present evil world. With pleasure and joy he unites, he espouseth us to himself; he giveth us an interest in his person, and all that he hath; he arrays us with the robes of his righteousness and grace; he forgiveth our offences; he covers our infirmity; and supplies our need. Kindly and prudently he abides with, cherisheth, delights in, defends, enricheth, ennobles, and favours with due direction, warning, reproof. At last, with solemn pomp, and with amazing joy, he transports us, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, into his celestial mansions, that we may be ever with him, to behold his glory, and become perfectly like him, by seeing him as he is.—Listen, ye children of men, "all things are ready, come ye to the marriage. See that ye refuse not him that cometh," that wooeth, "from heaven. My beloved is mine, and I am his."
11. Christ is compared to an HEIR, or FIRSTBORN
Heb. i. 12. Col. i. 5.—18.
. He is the eternal Son of God. He hath the most honourable, full, and unchangeable right to his Father's whole property. He is the support, the honour of his family, in heaven or in earth. Him hath his Father solemnly infeoffed in all that he hath, and blessed him above all blessing and praise. It is his to portion out every creature, chiefly his ransomed brethren and sisters of men▪ and
out of his fulness do we all receive, and grace for grace.—
For ever, in all things, let him have the pre-eminence. Ah! alas! that he was so lately born in my heart!
12. Christ is compared to a BROTHER
Song viii. 1.
. 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, and 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 kindness; he affords the most speedy and signal relier.—Never, O Possessor of all fulness, shall thy bowels suffer 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 before 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 house, to the chambers of
that church
that conceived me.
13. Christ is compared to a FRIEND
Song v. 16.
. In no wise can his people be without him. Infinitely he loves them; tenderly he sympathizeth with them. O the countless, the astonishing, the gracious words, and deeds, by which he sheweth them his kindness! How wisely he considers their case! With his love, that thinketh no evil; with his imputed atonement; he covers our nakedness, and conceals our infirmity. It is not thine, adored Redeemer, to say,
Be warmed and filled;
but to give what is neeedful, even
above all that we can ask or think.
It is thine, to warn us of out danger; to reprove our mistakes: surely thy smiting shall not break my head, but be a precious oil to me. It is thine, to help us in trouble; to turn all our bed in our sickness; to comfort us when cast down. In death, and at the awful bar, it is thine to stick 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 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 our, 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 beloved and my friend, O ye daughters of Jerusalem." Let me shew myself friendly; mine own friend, and my Father's friend, my soul, forget, forsake thou not.
14. Christ is a LAWGIVER
Rev. ix. 21.
. He gives law to every creature in heaven and on earth. All the laws of inspiration derive their origin from him. It is only his to enact statutes of doctrine, worship, discipline and government, for his visible church. It is his to give us the law of faith, fulfilled not by doing, but by believing on 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 law to Christ.
O Jesus, "how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
15. Christ is called a KING
Psal. cx. 5. Rev. xv. 3. and xix. 16.
. As God he hath a natural right to rule over all; as Mediator, he hath given to him "all power in heaven and on earth." It is his to prescribe rules for his kingdom of the church, and see to the execution thereof. It is his to erect, maintain, and order his kingdom; his to subdue to himself, to pardon, to rule, honour, reward, and protect, his people; and to observe, restrain, conquer, and punish, his and their enemies, as is good in his sight. In his hands is the power and disposal of our life and death, spiritual, temporal, or eternal. His special
kingdom
is the church visible and invisible, militant or triumphant. His
palace
is the celestial mansions, the gospel-church, nay, every sanctified heart. The new covenant, the true church, the ordinances of the gospel, are his royal
chariot
and
bed
of state. The Father'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 unblemished, his binding
laws.
The promises and threatnings, with the execution thereof, are his golden and iron
sceptre,
whereby he manifests his favour 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 honours 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 ministers are his
watchmen,
deputies,
ambassadors,
and
heralds.
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 thi
e to form thy subjects in creation; to make them anew in regeneration; to need nothing from them; to be anointed by God himself; to possess 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 his 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 pen of a ready writer?"
16. Christ is a COUNSELLOR
Is. ix. 6.
. O his infinite dignity, wisdom and prudence! He is the high favourite of Heaven; entirely acquainted with all the DIVine secrets. Nor is any thing transacted by his Father, without his express concurrence. In harmonious concert. with his adored Father, and blessed Spirit, he devised, he fixed, the whole plan of our redemption, and every concern thereof, without ever needing assistance from the wisdom of creatures. His whole conduct is infinitely reasonable and wise in itself, though often dark and mysterious to created, chiefly to carnal, reason. It is thine, O Jesus, to advise and direct 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 important concern of our spiritual marriage, our peace, or prosperity, to thy honour and our endless advantage.—Shall
I bless the Lord, that gave me counsel,
and made
my reins
to
instruct me,
in the secret watches of the night!
17. Christ is represented by the PRINCE in Ezekiel's last visions
Ezek. xliv. 1. 2. 3. and xlv. 7.—25. and xlvi. 1.—18.
. 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 heaven and earth! Under his evangelic, his mistennial reign, magistrates, ministers, and people, do justice; work righteousness, and cheerfully exert themselves, and their substance, to promote his honour. It is his to bear the whole expence of offerings for his chosen subjects:—His to offer himself an atoning sacrifice; and to enable them to offer their persons and service,
living
and
acceptable sacrifices to God:—
His to cause his own person sacrifice, and fulness, to be duly exhibited, and spiritually received, on every proper and solemn occasion. He is alway in the
midst of
his people, to protect them from every foe; sympathize with them in every trouble; supply them with every necessary grace; assist them in every holy service; and to be constantly seen and enjoyed by them. He goeth
in with them
to the throne of grace, to in troduce and present their petitions;
in
to the house of God, to l
ad them into
green pastures; in
to the search of their hearts, to shew them what and whose they are. He goeth
out with them,
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 in 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 genuine children, shall abide with them for ever.
18. Christ is compared to an AMBASSADOR
Is. xlix. 3.—8. 2 Cor. v. 18. 19. 20. Is. liii. 13. 14. 15.
. In the name of JEHOVAH, the
great King,
whose
name is dreadful among the Heathen,
he came perfonally
in the flesh;
and, in the gospel, still comes spiritually to our world. With infinite wisdom, untainted faithfulness, unspotted integrity, and tender affection to God, and to men, he solemnly proposeth the terms, lays the foundation of, and completes the blessed treaty of everlasting peace and friendship; of spiritual marriage and traffic, between his almighty Father, and us sinful, rebellious, and self-ruined men. Think, my soul, how it grieves him, when his proposals are slighted! how he leaves the despisers to wonder and perish, under the fury of his Father's just vengeance! to whom, at the end, he will deliver up the kingdom, and render an exact account of his management and 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 foul, beware of him; obey his voice; provoke him not; he will not pardon my wilful, my final, transgressions; for my Father's name is in him.
19. Christ is a JUDGE
John v. 22. 2 Tim. iv. 8.
. In his Father's name and authority, he, with unlimited wisdom, impartial equity, almighty power, and undaunted courage, maintains the honour of the DIVine law, and the peace and order of his subjects. By passing and executing proper and seasonable sentences, he renders himself infinitely terrible to offenders. It is his to recognize every man's deeds, and to reward or revenge, as they are good, or bad. Now, every conscience, every church ruler, is deputy under him. At the last day, every man, every apostate angel; shall be publicly fisted at his decisive tribunal. By the testimony of God and of their conscience, shall he fully evince; and openly shall he declare, what they have been, or done. According to his righteous law, shall he pronounce and execute their sentence; dismissing the wicked
into everlasting punishment,
but
the righteous into life eternal.—
Meditate terror, ye obstinate transgressors, "behold, he cometh with clouds; every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: all the
wicked
kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.
Now, 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 who obey not the gospel?" Lift up thine head, my foul; none else 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
salvation of my soul,
which I have committed to him, against that day."
20. Christ is an ADVOCATE
1 John ii. 1.
. According to his Father's appointment, he openly invites sinful men, particularly his children, to commit their spiritual causes into his hand. Kindly, freely, readily, and often undesired, he undertakes them, as far as equity permits. With insinite skill, integrity, faithfulness, boldness, care, and success, he pleads them at his Father's bar, notwithstanding all that a broken law, a malicious devil, or guilty conscience, can alledge to oppose him. Insisting on the unanswerable plea, of his finished righteousness, of his own and his Father's honour, love, promise, 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 uttermost; 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
Heb. ii. 10. Rev. xix. 12.—21. Is. lv. 4.
. By his Father's commandment, he, in the display of his honour, his valour, his wisdom, faithfulness, and strength, cheerfully, openly, and boldly proclaimed war with sin, Satan, and a carnal world. Armed with zeal, with righteousness, with power and wrath, he, in his incarnation, his death, resurrection, ascension, his spiritual and second coming, fights with, conquers, and spoils them; 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 subdue thy people, and make them
willing in the day
of thy
power.
It is thine, to cause them enlist under they 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 work, and direct them to watch, march, attack, or retreat; to
watch
against temptation;
lust against the flesh; resist the devil;
or
flee youthful lusts.
It is thine to encourage their heart, with the hopes of victory, and of
an exceeding great reward.
Thine to provide their spiritual provision; to shew them the enemy; 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 succeed, prefer, reward, or correct, as is good in thy sight. It is thine to purchase, to bestow, to promote, and maintain our
everlasling 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
If. lv. 4.
. By his DIVine providence he directs all things. In the wilderness of a natural state, and of a present evil world, he meets with his chosen. In their regeneration, he converts 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 pattern 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
Acts iii. 22. John iii.
. In consequence of DIVine appointment and furniture for his work, he, by his word and Spirit, faithfully and infallibly reveals to men his Father's will; chiefly, what relates to a future state, and the way to it. How unbounded, 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 astonishing patience and care, freely to teach them the mysteries 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, 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 almighty influence, felt by the heart. It is his to appoint 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 Prophet should be without honour in his own country.
24. Christ is the INTERPRETER,
one among a thousand
Acts iii. 22. John iii.
. To his children he explains the secrets of his covenant; the mysteries of his word; the deeps of his
Job xxxiii. 23.
nature, person, and purpose; the wonders of his providence. By him they are made to understand, when, and what, the Lord speaks to them; and taught to express the language of heaven in prayer, praise, and holy conference.—When, O Jesus, wilt thou privately explain every parable to me? When wilt thou unteach me this Ashdod-like jargon of carnal and unknown words? and turn to me a
pure language?
O when shall this Babellike 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
Rev. iii. 15. Is. lv. 4.
. Being DIVinely called, he, with the utmost fidelity and clearness, declares to men the whole truth of God, necessary to be known, and nothing else. Solemnly he confirmed it, by his own, and his prophets and apostles miracles, almost innumerable. Solemnly he confirmed it, by his own suffering and death. Solemnly he confirms it, by his oath and sacraments; by the testimony of his Spirit to mens 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?
26. Christ is called the APOSTLE, or missionary
of our profession
Heb. iii. 1.
. Solemnly hath God called thee, O Redeemer; and wonderfully hath he qualified thee, to make a clear, complete, and infailible revelation of his will to men, as the standard and rule of their religious 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 BISHOP, overseer, and MINISTER
1 Pct. ii. 25. Heb. viii. 2. Rom. xv. 8.
. For the welfare of his church, he overseeth, watcheth over, preacheth the gospel to, instructs, governs, and intercedes for, his people. He is the
bishop of souls;
he searcheth the heart, and trieth the reins; he instructs, governs, and corrects the souls of men; nor doth a visible profession, but real inward grace, constitute any the sheep of his pasture. He is called the
minister of the sanctuary.
How near he approacheth 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 circumcised 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 have no confidence in the flesh?
28. Christ is called a PRIEST
Heb. iii. 1. and vii. 21. Rev. viii. 3. 4. 5. Ezek. x. 7.
.
Taken from among men,
with respect to his humanity, he is solemnly
called of God,
and furnished with all necessary gifts and grace, to give himself a sacrifice of infinite value, to satisfy DIVine justice, and reconcile us to God; and to make continual intercession for us. His
golden altar
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 cherubims, 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 management 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 stedfastness in the faith of his righteousness and intercession, God hath, in the most solemn way, ascertained the eternal duration of his priesthood. He is a
priest of good things to come:
his purchase and intercession chiefly relate to the good things, the spiritual privileges enjoyed in the evangelic and eternal state of the church. He is "the High priest of our profession," our only Mediator whose sacrifice and intercession are the whole sum and substance of the gospel. He is a
great High priest
altogether unparallelled in the dignity of his person office, and work.
29. Christ is called the BREAKER
that is gone
UP
Mic. ii. 13.
. In the greatness of his wisdom and power, he, in the counsel of peace, came UP, and engaged for us. In his incarnation, he came UP, and assumed our 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 advocate, to "appear in the presence of God for us." 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 happiness, he
breaks
the head of Satan, by destroying his power
breaks;
off our chains of darkness; removes our guilt and corruption; brings us out of our spiritual 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 emnity 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.—Rejoice, 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
John xiii. 13.
. With infinite expence, tenderness, skill, and authority, he erects his church; and provides for her every thing necessary. He instructs, admonisheth, and corrects his people; assigns them their respective work and reward. It is his to be heartily chosen, highly feared, loved, honoured, 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
John iii. 35. Col. i. 19. Psal. lxviii. 18. Heb. iii. 2.
. To him hath the Father committed
all power in heaven and earth;
and given him to be
head over all things to the church.
Into 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 must apply in every
time of need.
With infinite prudence, with unspotted fidelity, he manageth and dispenseth every thing committed to his charge. In the end, he will render to God an honourable account of it; and be rewarded with everlasting glory and greatness.—My soul, cast all thy "care upon him; for he careth for thee;" and will give thee thy portion in due season.
32. Christ hath the KEY OF DAVID
Rev. iii. 7. Is. xx
i. 22.
. He "openeth and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth. 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 dispenseth blessings as he pleaseth. Maugre all opposition, 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 utterance
therein; and
opens
the heart to receive the ingrafted 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 power 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 relieve them therefrom, at thy pleasure.—"O bring my soul out of prison, that I may glorify thy name.
Shut"
be my heart to every temptation; to every vanity; to every lust.
33. Christ is compared to an HUSBANDMAN, or master of a field, or vineyard
Luke xiii, 6.—9.
. 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. All his people, chiefly his ministers, he appoints to labour 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 waters it. By cutting off unruly professors, by death, or by church-censure; by purging out unruly lusts, and irregular practices; by means of sanctified afflictions, good laws, and gracious influences, he prunes and weeds it. With infinite pleasure he reviews, walks in, watcheth over it, and patiently waits for the fruit of it. His ripe saints he cuts down, transports them to his celestial barns, and store-house; while he casts the wicked tares into
unquenchable fire.—
The chief honour of the whole management, he claims for himself; but allows a proportionate reward to his ministers, 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
Matth. xiii. 3.—8. 24.—32.
. With infinite care and skill, he casts abroad the good seed of his word in the visible church. Partly it falls upon inattentive sinners, who, like the
way-side,
give it no reception, not so much as into their memory and judgment: part of it upon
stony ground,
upon obdurate and hardhearted sinners, who, though at first somewhat affected, quickly wither and return to their wonted unconcern: part of it
among thorns,
upon sinners 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 conviction and trouble, it is thine, O Jesus, to cast into it the good seed of thy grace; thine, by repeated influence, to water and harrow the soil.—Justly dost thou call, and look for our
precious fruits;
justly dost thou reckon thyself honoured, when evangelical truths, gracious influences, and special providences, make us to abound in the work of the Lord.—O thy long-suffering patience, and kind waiting for our repentance!—But ah the vengeance, that shall at last overtake such as are obstinate and barren! Alas! what tares of hypocrites, Satan sows in thy church! What tares of sinful 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
Is. xl. 11. Heb. xiii. 20.
. The Father 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 frowardness, bears them at last to his heavenly fold. Exact, O Saviour, is thy knowledge of them, in their persons, 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 invisible 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, righteousness, and love. It is thine to preserve them from the unwholesome pastures of false doctrine, sinful corruption, and carnal care. It is thine to gather the weak lambs with thy arms, and earry them in thy bosom; and gently to lead those who are burdened in spirit, and are
with young;
concerned to convert others to thy way. It is thine to gather thy chosen into the fold of the visible church, and of intimate nearness to thyself. In the scorching noon tide of persecution, of temptation, or of prevalent corruption, it is thine to give them rest, under the shadow of thy powerful protection and love; to cause them lie down in the
green pastures,
and beside the
still waters
of refreshful ordinances, redeeming kindness, and gracious 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 devourer; 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 miry 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 a 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
Matth.
x. 12▪ 13. Is. lxi. 1. Exod. iv. 26.
. Him the Father hath sent, sealed, and furnished, to heal our spiritual ailments. Every man, whose soul is affected with the blindness of ignorance, the deafness of spiritual unconcern, the fever of concupiscence, the jaundice of malice, the swelling tympany of pride, the vertigo of inconstancy, the quinzy of cursing and blasphemy, the dropsy of covetousness, the palsy of stupidity, the p
eurisy of envy, the rheumatism of discontent, the delirium of constant levity, the moon-struck madness of passion and rage, or with legality, unbelief, hardness of heart, the temptations of Satan, the stings of conscience, or any other plague, hath full warrant to apply to him for a cure. In the word of the everlasting gospel, he exhibits his sign, pul
isheth his all comprehending skill, and the unfailing efficacy 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 distressed! how he rides on cherubs, on wings of everlasting 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, unbelieving 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 poisonous morsels we had swallowed, he makes us, by penitent 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, sainting fear and despondency, he pours out his Spirit, sheds abroad his encouraging, supporting, and refreshful love in our heart, by the Holy Ghost. How often he visits! how kindly he sympathizeth with us in our affliction! How greatly he rejoiceth in our recovery! How wisely he prescribes 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 all-diseased soul, what wouldst thou that Christ should do unto thee?
37. Christ is the spiritual MIRACLE-WORKER
Matth. xi. 5. John ii. 1.—19. Matth. xxi 12. John v 44. Mark i. 21.—46. Luke viii. 42. 43. 44. John v. 5.—9 Mark iii. v. Luke
iii 49.—55. and vii. 11.—17. J
n xi 39.—44. John ix. Mark vii
. 22.—26. Matth. xx. 34. Matth viii. 24.—33. Mark. v. 1.—20. Matth. xiv. and x
. Matth viii. 5.—13. and xv. 21.—28. Luke xx i. 50. 51. Matth. xxi. 18. 19. Luke v. 1.—10. John xxi. 6. It is here supposed, Christ's real outward miracles were emblems of his spiritual work.
. Such as were
dead
in trespasses and sins, he raiseth to spiritual 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. The
dumb,
he enableth to express themselves 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. In consequence of our happy marriage with him, he turns our water of adversity into comfort and usefulness; he sweetens it, enableth to rejoice in it, and 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 astonishing ignorance and unbelief, he restored to everlasting life. Satan he ejects from our heart. By a word, a touch of his power, he cures our spiritual
fever,
our long-running
issues,
our aged
impotency;
and determines us, when we are healed, to honour him with the best that we have, and to spread abroad the good savour of his fame. Along with his command, he enables 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 desperate; or by long custom,
stinking
and utterly lothsome in lust, he restores to eternal life; and makes 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, he opens our
blind
understanding: gradually he increaseth our spiritual knowledge, till we see every thing clearly in the immediate vision of God. The enraged, the torn by Satan, he kindly delivers, and makes sound in the faith. The
storms
of trouble, outward or inward, his word changeth into a
calm
of peace. By a
few
debased apostles, he nourished the souls of sinners unnumbered in the wilderness of the people: by a
few
despised 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! 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 ascension, make them to
wither away!
But witness, ye apostles, when you
cast the gospel-net
on the
right,
on the New-Testament
side
of the church, what thousands 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
Is. lv. 1. Rev. iii. 18.
. How infinite is his assortment of all necessary, and useful blessings, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. In the gospel he publisheth his fulness, and his gracious terms of sale. How there he constantly exhibits his manifold blessings, to attract our affection, and excite our souls to buy; to receive them as the free, the unspeakable, the offered "gift of God, without money and without price," without righteousness present, and without engaging to render a requital! How earnest his invitations! How enraptured his joy, when numbers apply for his benefits, and humbly submit to his terms of grace! How grieved, when we will have none of him! will not come to him, that we may 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 understands the whole state of his affairs; what blessings he hath on hand; who are his merchants; and what debts they owe: and, at the last day, he will call every 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
Mal. iii. 2. 3.
. Finding his chosen in a state of corruption and misery, he breaks them with the 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 happiness. By persecution and censure, he purgeth his church from scandalous and naughty persons, till at last he present 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
Zech. vi. 13.
. Upon the foundation of his own infinite love, he, with his everlasting Father, and adored Spirit, laid the foundation, and built up the whole structure of his new covenant, and of our salvation by it. The fabric of his human nature he built up, in assuming it:
this temple
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 influences, he builds up the church and temple of God. On his own marvellous person he founds it: with his blood, grace, and truth, he cements it: mysteriously he connects all the parts and concerns thereof: according to his ancient purpose and plan, he frameth every thing relative to it.—It 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 for ever."
41. Christ is compared to a TRAVELLER
Is. lxiii. 1.
. In the greatness of his strength, in the display of his love, he, as it were, goeth about in the ordinances, and influences 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! How wickedly! how shamefully is he often resisted; and excluded! What ravishing feast of spiritual delights he bestoweth on those who receive him! He and his Father enter in, and manifest to them the glory and sweetness of their person and love.
42. Christ is compared to a SERVANT
Is. xlix. 3.
. Chearfully he engaged to his Father in the service of our salvation. 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 word he publisheth, 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, performs the work which he gave him to do; and shall receive from him, a transcendent, an eternal reward of personal glory, and a numerous seed. What, O Redeemer, shall I render unto thee for thy service for me! "Truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant: thou hast loosed my bonds."
43. Christ is called a FORERUNNER
H
b. vi. 20.
. His goings forth for us were
of old, from everlasting.
With what swiftness, strength, and courage! with what patience, chearfulness, 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 possession of it in our name! How hast thou at once paved our way, and given us a complete pattern! Lord,
draw
me;
we will run after thee.
Christ is compared to a BURDEN-NEARER
Psal. lv. 2.
. He bare our sins and the punishment thereof, in his own body upon the tree. He bears the care of all his churches. On his shoulders of power, mercy, and love, he bears the persons of all his saints, and carries them s
fe to the mansions above: he bears their cares, in lightning their pressure, and caring for them: he bears their troubles, in sympathizing with, and supporting them under them: he bears their burden of service, their work and labour of love, in performing it in and for them, working in them "to will, and to do, of his good pleasure."—It is thine, O Jesus, to bear me up under every pressure: bear me out, against every opposition; bear me on, in the way of holiness; bear me home, to glory; and bear me in to thy immediate embraces, that where thou art, I may be there also, to behold thy glory.
45. Christ resembles the KIND SAMARITAN
Luke x. 30.—37.
. However much hated, reproached, and abused by our race; yet finding us fallen among thievish and murderous 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 take care of us, comfort, and help us with the doctrines of his word; and promises to them a proper, an abundant 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, L
VE.
46. Christ resembles LAZARUS of the parable
Luke xvi. 19.—31.
. In his debased estate he was exceeding poor, had no help but in 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 conceit of their own righteousness, many of them rich in worldly honour and wealth, and every day refreshed and delighted with the views of their numerous admirers, wickedly refused and despised him. Mean while, numbers of d
tested publicans, unclean Gentiles, and notorious sinners, affectionately applied his blood and suffering for the nourishment of their soul. In due time he died: quickly he rose again: and thereafter, amidst innumerable hosts of angels, ascended to heaven. Soon after, God's flaming vengeance to the uttermost came upon his Jewish despisers. In a hell of trouble upon earth, they were partly awakened, and lifted up their eyes: partly convicted of his M
ssiahship, 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 Abraham, never shall any but scripture-evidence be allowed them. If you believe not this, ye children of men, neither will ye "be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."
47. Christ is compared to a TRAVAILING WOMAN
Is. liii.
. Ah, how dreadful the pangs, the throws, the agonies which he underwent! How shocking the voice of his roaring! How necessary this, to accomplish and bring forth our everlasting salvation! How comely and pleasant the fruit of his travail; "glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and good will towards men!" No more 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 "exceeding sorrowful, even unto death, amazed, and very heavy?" Why thy tears? thy cries? thine anguish? Was ever sorrow like unto 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.
48. Christ resembles a WOMAN
with a candle sweeping an house, to find a lost piece of silver
Luke xv. 8.
. 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 purgeth places and persons, by the dispensation of his ordinances; which, through the opposition of men, raise a mighty stir, when they enter a country or conscience: Nevertheless Jesus continueth his work, till his precious, his ransomed ones, are, to the praise of God, the joy of angels and saints, recovered from among the reprobate world, and the dross of their own corruption. O Redeemer, how hast thou condescended to seek and save me, who was lost! how precious have I been in thine eyes! shalt not thou be infinitely precious in mine!
49. Christ is compared to an EAGLE
Rev. xii. 14.
. Uncomely indeed were his debased appearances, but how infinite is his power! all piercing his knowledge! unbounded his duration and age! speedy his execution of his purpose! deep rooted his enmity to Satan and his serpentine seed! furious his conquest and destruction of them! powerful and majestic the voice of his word and providence! mysterious and incomprehensible the track of his purpose and work! royal and large his dominion over all things, especially over the household of faith! It is thine, adored Immanuel, with stedfast and comprehensive view, to behold the uncreated SUN of Godhead: thine to instruct thy people, and enable them to apprehend it now, by faith; hereafter, by immediate vision. It is thine to ascend on high far above all heavens, principality, and power; and for ever 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 footstool. 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 protect them in danger, and hide them in the
munitions of rocks;
bear them amidst weakness; and, as is necessary, nourish them with thy blood.—Rejoice, my soul; upon the
two wings
of his word and providence, shall I, shall all the ransomed escape from our enemies. 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 a HEN
gathering her chickens under her wings
Matth. xxiii. 37.
. How boundless his love! How tender his pity and compassion towards his people! How kindly, how earnestly, chiefly amidst danger, he invites
em to himself! How readily he receives, hides, and protects them! How tenderly he cherisheth them in their weakness! Think, my soul, how, in our behalf, he submitted to the sword of DIVine justice, fought to the death with sin, Satan, and the world; and through his own poverty and want, secures our sweet, our plentiful provision.—Blush, ye gospel-despisers, how often would the tender Jesus "have gathered you, and ye would not!"
51. Christ is compared to a LION
Rev. v. 5.
. How royal is his power and dignity! How great his terrible majesty! How infinitely tender, even unto death, is his love to his seed! How courageous, even towards God, his boldness, in his suffering and intercession! How narrow and unceasing his observation of, and how fearful his indignation against his enemies; who presumptuously 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 Samson'
lion, of honey and sweetness for us! filled indeed with all the savoury, the inexhaustible
fulness of God!
How effectually the sprinkling of his blood heals the most malignant 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.
52. He is compared to an ox; FATLING; FATTED CALF
Prov. ix. 2. Matth. xxii. 4. Luke xv. 23.
. 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 blood is drink indeed.
53. Christ is compared to a ROE; a HIND, or HART
Song 9. Psal. xxii. title.
. 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 affliction! How eminently he delights in fellowship with them! How speedily, how triumphantly, he leaps OVER the mountains of distance, suffering, sin, separation; 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 teacheth them to walk in the way of his commandments; and where to flee in time of danger! How valiantly he fights with their enemies in their defence! How strong and irreconcileable is his hatred of the old serpent and his seed! In his debased state, how these fastened upon and tormented him! In devouring them, his "thirst was great; and his throat dried as a potsherd." In destroying them, he was "obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Hunted and pursued by wo, from the morning 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 of the morning,
wast thou early hunted by JEHOVAH's wrath! cursed be my
the cause!
54. Christ is the LAMB
Rev. v. John i. 29.
. How infinite is his innocence, meekness, purity, patience, resignation, loveliness. 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 Lamb, 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 delighteth. His being in "the midst of God's throne," 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 appearing 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 horns,
signify his perfect power and authority over all things, particularly in the
sevenfold period
of the New-testament dispensation, for the good of his church. His
seven eyes,
denote his perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, 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, this Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. The marriage of the Lamb is come," and himself hath made me ready. Quickly, O quickly may I meet him, "as a bride adorned for her husband; and so be for ever with the Lord!
55. Christ compares himself to a
scarlet-coloured
WORM
Psal. xxii. 6.
. He assumed our weak and earthly nature; he condescended to the deepest abasement; our
scarlet-like
iniquites, our
crimson-crimes,
were imputed to, and laid upon him; the punishment of them, the satisfaction for them was exacted, and he answered it. Ah, how he was exposed to oppression, suffering, detestation, 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 à man of sorrows for ME! Holy one, why made sin for ME! Adored Immanuel, why despised, rejected, and contemned for ME! God blessed for ever, why made a curse for ME! Plant of renown, why a reproach of men for ME! Brightness of the Father's glory, why thy visage marred! why abused with shame and spitting for ME! Omnipresent, exalted God, why shut up in a stable, nailed to a cross, for ME! Life eternal, why murdered by my sins! why, love slain for ME!
56. Christ is called the NAME of God
Psal. xxv. 11. Exod. xxiii. 21.
. 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,
patience, salvation, and comfort;
my God,
and
mine exceeding joy.
How sweet; how lofty his name! How can they who know it forbear to trust in it?
57. He is called the IMAGE
of God
Heb. i. 3.
. In his divine sonship, he is a person distinct from, perfectly like to, and equal with the Father; the
brightness,
the bright representation of his glory, and equally precious to the saints. As Mediator, he is the most illustrious work of God. In his undertaking, his birth, life, death; in his ascension, intercession, second coming, and unceasing glory; in his saving office of Surety, Mediator, Redeemer, Prophet, Priest, and King; in his amiable relations, appearances, and works, the infinity, the eternity, unchangeableness, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, truth, sovereignty, love, mercy, and majeily of God, with the subsistence of his unDIVided essence in three distinct persons, are most harmoniously, clearly, and gloriously unfolded, and represented. Truly, O Jesus, he that hath seen thee,
hath seen the Father also.
Thrice wonderful! in one person, JEHOVAH's adequate image, and the likeness of sinful flesh!
Turn aside,
my soul,
and behold this great sight.
58. Christ is called the POWER
of God
1 Cor. i 24.
. In his DIVine person, he is possessed of the same infinite power with his Father and blessed Spirit, In the union of his of his infinitely different, his opposite natures; in God's punishing him for our sin, 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 sitting 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 sentences; in his removing our guilt, by justification; in his removing the power and filth of our sin, by regeneration and sanctification; in his bearing with our unnumbered infirmities and provocations; in his preserving us from dangers, snares, and temptations, more than the hairs of our head; in his bearing us to a 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 captivating force thereof!
59. He is called the WISDOM of God
1 Cor. i. 24. Prov. viii. and ix.
. As the second 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 inseparably 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 he 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 transgressors, whom it had ruined. The innocent, the holy One and the Just, is justly condemned, and punished; while ungodly criminals are righteously acquitted, accepted, and rewarded with endless and inconceiveable bliss. Everlasting life to the betrayers and murderers, flows from the death of God. Sinners are saved according to the riches of his grace, and yet in equity most strict. Temptations 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
Song ii. 7.
. How astonishing his kindness to unworthy sinful men! in undertaking our debt! in assuming our likeness of sinful flesh! in fulfilling our bond service! in suffering and dying in our stead! and rising again for our justification! in ascending to prepare celestial mansions for us! in appearing in the presence of God for us, as our advocate! and in his coming the second time without sin unto our salvation! O his kindness in inviting, in seeking and saving that which was lost! in convincing, in enlightening, in converting, and espousing us to himself! in forgiving our sin, accepting our person, and cleansing 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, our husband, our portion!—O blessed channel of JEHOVAH'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, relations, appearances, states, words, and works, art
altogether lovely!
Despised, detested, be my love, that is not fixed on thee.
61. Christ is called the TRUTH
John xiv. 6.
. He is the
ue
God, and the
true,
the sole Mediator between God
d man: the
true,
the only way to the Father. In his incarnation, suffering, resurrection, and work, how clearly is marked the untainted faithfulness of God in every promise and threatning! How plain, that he is the
truth
and substance of all the promises; of all the ancient ceremonies! the repository, centre, matter, chief preacher, and witness of all inspired
truth!
the storehouse and dispenser of all
true
holiness and happiness! If I prosess to be his, let truth be in my inward part; let me "love the peace and the truth;" receive inspired truth in the love of it; and speak alway the truth to my neighbour.
62. Christ is called the WORD of GOD
John. i. 1. Rev. xix. 13.
. He is the express image of his Father's person and mind. In the council of peace he spoke for us; undertook as our surety. In the beginning he spoke of all things out of nothing. In his intercession with the Father, he ever speaks in our behalf. By his word and Spirit, he speaks to our ear, 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
Luke i. 58. 72. 73.
. Without controversy, he is the greatest blessing ever promised, 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 benefits of the new covenant. Give thanks, my soul, to God,
for he is good; for his
MERCY
endureth 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
2 Cor. ix. 15.
. Freely, without constraint, without request, without defert, 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 portion to us, as sinners, 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 made of God to us
unspeakable
fulness of wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. How
unspeakably
precious and useful is he in his person, office, and work! From what
unspeakable
corruption and misery; and to what
unspeakable
holiness and felicity doth he save us! How
unspeakably
his entrance into our heart endears God to us; maketh room for him in our soul; and worketh in us gladness, and joy
unspeakable,
and full of glory! And through what
unspeakable,
inconceivable duration, shall he abide with us as our God, and our all! "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift."
65. Christ is called the COVENANT given to the people
Is. xlii. 6. and xlix. 8.
. 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 on 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."
66. Christ is called our PEACE
(a).
From eternity he devised the matter, the means, the measure of our peace with God; with our conscience; with neighbours; with angels; with animals; with creatures unnumbered. With his blood he purchased it. His continuance in our nature is the unceasing pledge and security of it. His advocacy before God procures and maintains the actual possession of it. In the blessed gospel he preacheth it to them "that are far off, and to them that are near." In our new birth, our pardon, our acceptance, our adoption, sanctification, and endless felicity, he,
Mic. v. 5. Eph. ii. 14.
by his Spirit, supplies it; slays our enmity; and constrains us to love God, who
first loved us.
By his inearnation and death, he made of Jews and Gentiles
one new man, so making peace.
Blessed reconciler of all 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 giveth. In the world we
shall have tribulation;
but in thee we
shall have peace.
Thy covenant of peace shall not be broken.
67. Christ is called the SALVATION of God
Is. xlix. 6.
. Of our great deliverance from sin and wo, to everlasting holiness 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; his word the publisher; his Spirit the applier and confirmer; his glory the end.—Bless the Lord, O my soul, that he remembered us in our low estate. He "hath devised means, that his banished should not be expelled from him." He hath delivered my soul from the lowest hell. The Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and song: he also is become my salvation.
68. Christ is called the CONSOLATION of Israel
Luke ii. 25.
. He is the deviser, the procurer, the price, the dispenfer, the matter, and ground, the end of all our true joy and comfort. In his undertaking, his person, his office, his acts, past, present, and future, how our
spirit rejoiceth in God our Saviour!
In every DIVine person, character, word, and work, as manifested in him, how exceedingly we rejoice, and are glad! how comforted 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, nor death, shall stop me of this boasting. Rejoice, my soul, in the Lord; and again rejoice.
Rejoice evermore.
69. Christ is called the RESURRECTION
John xi. 25.
. By his incarnation, his death, his resurrection, and spiritual influence, he recovers us from the sting of a natural, and from the power of spiritual and eternal death. The honour of the DIVine perfections, and broken law, man's primitive integrity, knowledge, righteousness, holiness, peace, friendship, and intimacy with God, he recovers from death, rubbish, and ruin. He is the life-giving source, and author of our faith, our hope, our repentance, love, and new obedience. It is his to revive our languishing graces and comforts; to restore the expiring life, beauty, and order of his church; to quicken the dead, and bring them out of their graves;
some to everlasting life, and some to everlasting shame and contempt.
He that believeth on him, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
70. Christ is called the LIFE
1 John v. 20.
. He is the living God, who giveth life and breath unto all things. In his wisdom and love he devised; by his obedience, suffering, and death, he purchased; in himself he exemplifieth; by his intercession he procures; from his fulness he giveth; by his word and Spirit he conveys and maintains; and himself and fulness are the matter, and his glory the end of—our life of justification, holiness, comfort, and endless felicity. It is his to revive us again; restore our fainting soul; and render us lively and active in the service of God.—Is my
life hid with Christ in God,
that when he who is my life shall appear, I may
also appear with him in glory?
Am I
crucified with Christ,
and
yet live;
and
yet not I, but Christ liveth in me?
Is the
lise that I live, by faith on the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me?
71. Christ is called LIGHT
John i. 4. 9. and viii. 12.
. He is the excellency, the influencer, the director, the glory of all things. Being coeval with his eternal Father, that DIVine Sun, how sweet, pleasant, incomprehensible, bright, and glorious! He giveth the power of vision; is the cause, means, and first object of spiritual knowledge; is seen in his own influence, and by his own light. It is thine, O
light of life,
to diffuse beauty, cheerfulness, joy, and life, among thy people. It is thine, by thy presence, to chase away the shadows and darkness of ignorance, corruption, and wo. Without thee, every thing appears to lose its beauty and comeliness; and existence, enjoyments, creation, nay, Godhead, appear an unsightly, an awful spectre to my soul. How free, common, accessible, and useful, art thou! and yet only reported of, 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 heart is darkened; whose deeds are evil! It is thine, without contracting any defilement, to penetrate, to shine into, defiled churches and souls. How swift thy approaches to, and thy motions in our heart! And as the lightning cometh from the east, and shineth unto the west, so shall thy coming, O Son of man, be.—Blessed author, purchaser, price, repository, bestower, substance of all our light, spiritual and eternal;
when I sit in darkness,
be thou
a light unto me;
my everlasting light, my God, my glory.
72. Christ is called the DAY-SPRING
from on high
Luke i. 78.
. He is the Most High, God over all, blessed for ever, amen. How necessary! how choice! how refreshful a blessing to men! Breaking up and appearing for us in the council of peace; breaking forth towards us in ancient promises and types;—in his actual incarnation;—in his obediential life, bloody death, and glorious resurrection; visiting us in the gospel-revelation; manifesting himself to us in the moment of conversion, of renewed discoveries of his love, of death, and at the last day, he, after a sad, cold, and dark night of ignorance, corruption, trouble, or death, doth in a most sovereign, certain, free, gradual, and irresistible manner, rouse, refresh, quicken, and enlighten his people or church; and manifest his own glory; and introduce a pleasant, a happy day, of love, of grace, of power, of salvation, of spiritual espousals, of life, of liberty, of everlasting felicity, rest, admiration, and praise.—Dawn, O DAY-SPRING, on my soul, on the world. Let thy glory fill the whole earth. Amen, and amen.
73. Christ is called the SUN
of righteousness, with healing in his wings
Mal. iv. 3.
. All things are obvious, naked, 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! how unbounded! how high! how sovereign! how comely! how glorious! how pure, undefiled, and undefileable! how pleasant! how useful is this our blessed Sun! How cheerfully! how freely! how regularly! how constantly! how unweariedly! how powerfully! how extensively! he communicateth his convincing, his enlightening, his heart-penetrating, warming, and melting; his soul-quickening, healing, refreshing, directing, and fructifying; his sin-withering, and consuming influence! 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 principapality nor power, nor sin, nor trouble, nor death, shall ever pluck him 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 ordinances, 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 affections, to melt my frozen heart, to enkindle my soul into an unquenchable flame of love. It is thine to dispel my clouds of ignorance, guilt, desertion, temptation; and to chase these shadows 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 them cast out their roots, and spread their smell as Lebanon. None, O Jesus, remain in darkness, but those who shut their eyes to thy illumination. Ye 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 operates according to the nature of those on whom it shines! Some are instructed, melted, fructified, and ripened in grace; others are blinded, offended, hardened, scorched, and fitted for endless fire. Blessed Sun, how DIVersified is thy appearance! thy perceived influence! Now, the clear shine of thy incomprehensible 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 defart of adversity, the valley of the shadow of death, blossoms as the rose; the excellency of Carmel and Sharon is given to it; I account myself, above all, loaded with loving kindness, and tender mercies. Dazzled with thy glory, 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 excellency 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." ANON, how beclouded with black defertion, towering guilt, slavish fear, and raging corruption! How eclipsed by our earthly moon! Her cares, her comforts, come between thee and my heart! Ah, how they hide thy face, shear thy rays, and blot out the day from my soul! How often is my sun 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 with thy genial heat. ANON, thou dost withdraw, and standest afar from me; sure cause of inward wintry wo! What then succeeds? A withered, fruitless, miry life; a faint, a frozen, careless heart! Have I forgot the shocking period, when the sun himself was darkened; the cause of summer was bewintered! Bright Sun! brightness of the Father'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 I The astonished earth on trembling fell! created 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, my lusts, 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 IN 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 didst thou dispel the darkness, and chase away the shadows of Hebrew ceremonies! By arising in gospel ordinances, how didst thou abolish the winter of Heathenism, error, 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 every shadow of imperfection, of vain imagination! extinguish every candle, of minister, ordinance, or scripture! 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 hast thou risen all along; and gradually thou risest in my soul! O 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 God.
It is thine, by the imputation of thy life, thy death, and by the influence of thy grace, to render all thy people
righteous.
O the
healing in thy wings!
If I but see thy countenance; if I but feel thy rays; I am made whole of whatsoever disease I had.
74. Christ is called the MORNING STAR
Rev. ii. 28.
. In greatness, and constancy, how far his height, his glory, his benign influence, transcend those of angels and ministers! Who, O Jesus, among gods, or stars, is like unto thee? O great ornament in the firmament of the creation and church, it is thine to guide thy chosen in this world, chiefly in the winter of their affliction. It is thine to be the sure pledge of an approaching, an everlasting glory. Thou art the first and the last; the Alpha and Omega of all our salvation, and all our desire: the author and the finisher of our knowledge, our faith, our hope, our repentance, love, and new obedience; 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! 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 salvation. 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
Psal. lxxii. Hos. xiv.
. JEHOVAH alone is his Father. He is at once the Lord from heaven; and the virgin's son, the fruit of the earth. From the vast ocean of redeeming love, his offices, his relations, his promises, and influences, proceed; and to the glory thereof they return and redound. O how sovereign! how seasonable! how gradual! how comely! how numerous and necessary! how refreshful! how reviving, and nourishing, and fructifying, the applications of them to our heart.
76. Christ is a FOUNTAIN or WELL
Song iv. 15. Zech. xiii. 1.
. In the council 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 marvellous, 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 especially conveyed to them, while they are abased in his sight! Thrice-blessed, that, by purifying millions of polluted souls, he himself can never contract defilement! 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 waters.
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 into life eternal. He is a
fountain opened.
He is publicly and freely exhibited to every sinner in the gospel: and how constant is our access to apply his word, his blood, his Spirit, for our purification! So, Jesus, sprinkle thou many nations. Except thou wash me, I can have no part in thee.
77. Christ is compared to RIVERS
of water in a dry place
Is. xxxii. 2.
. 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 state of nature; to you who are in a scorched, withered, and lifeless condition; there is in him, an open, free, common, a perpetual, pure, fresh, ever-running, and abundant fulness of cleansing, comforting, strengthening; of fructifying, adorning, enriching, protecting power, grace, love, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Thrice-blessed River, whose streams make glad the city, the church of God. Here drink, here bathe, my soul; drink, yea, drink and wash abundantly, O beloved.
78. Christ is called STREAMS
from Lebanon
Song iv. 15.
. From the bowels of Godhead, his mediatory office and fulness proceed. From the high mountain of his DIVine person, his influences stream. How various their forms and effects! How powerfully they bear down, conquer, and remove every impediment, of sin, unworthiness, or guilt! How free! how cooling! how pleasant! how refreshful, nourishing, and constant! Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; whosoever will, let him take of the water of life 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 mouth. Ye leprous Syrians, wash here; wash seven times, and be clean. Will men leave this
snow of Lebanon,
that cometh from the Rock of ages,
the rock of the field,
the free, the common, the obvious Saviour?
Shall the cold flowing waters, that come from
the heavenly
place, be forsaken?
79. Christ is compared to a TREE
Ezek. xvii. 22. 23. 24.
. How deeprooted in self-existence, absolute independency, and immutability, is his DIVine person! How strong! how durable, exalted, and glorious! How firmly rooted in the everlasting, and infinite love, in the unchangeable perfections and purposes of God, are the constitution of his person as God-man, and his mediatory office! In his humble birth, how, in his manhood, he grew up, as a root out of a dry ground! In his life, afflicted and sorrowful; how he grew up! how he increased in grace, and in favour with God and with men! In his sufferings, how the axe of his Father's wrath was laid to the root of the tree! In his death, how hewas 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 angels 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 six themselves, and sing forth his praise. May I sit there triumphant, and shout the Redeemer.
80. Christ is called the TREE OF LIFE
Rev. xxii. 2.
. He prepared, 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 certain pledge that we shall live for ever; because he liveth 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, or gracious, Jews, or Gentiles, he is offered: every where in his church militant or triumphant is he present, and is the life, the open refreshment, 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 angry God is appeased and reconciled: justice is satisfied; the broken law is magnified! an everlasting righteousness is brought in; the covenant of grace, confirmed? Satan conquered; our sin pardoned and subdued; our persons accepted; our hopes of glory recovered; our victory over sin, Satan, death, and an evil world, secured; ministerial gifts bestowed; the gospel published; the Holy Ghost sent to sanctify, preserve, direct, and comfort us; the mansions of heaven 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-covenant bessings, are infallibly secured. All are ever ripe and ready, for the enjoyment of his people in every case, delightful or grievous. His "leaves for the healing of the nations," are his word, his ordinances, and spiritua linfluences, which communicate spiritual healing to the nations of them that are saved, in every age, place, and condition.
81. Christ is compared to an APPLE-TREE
Song ii 3.
. In usefulness, for honouring his Father, and saving his people; in comeliness and beauty, he infinitely transcendeth angels and men: he is the darling, the chief, care of Heaven. His honour is easily injured; he is readily touched with the injuries, done to his children. For us, he bears the wholesome, the sweet, the savoury, the cooling, the refreshing, the healing, the love exciting, apples of everlasting righteousness, of pardon, acceptance, regeneration, adoption, sanctification, of spiritual, peace, comfort, and endless happiness. How savoury! how medicinal, are the very
leaves
and blossoms of his word and ordinances, to those who labour under the sense of their spiritual emnity, ignorance, pride, hypocrisy; malice, envy, unbelief, legality, earthly mindedness; of heart-wandering, deadness, or other inward plagues! If by faith we touch the hem of his garment, we shall be made whole. But if the
OMECITRON TREE be here meant, Christ is compared to it, for his greatness and excellency. In the production, how bitter tasted to him were his fruits, which are so fragrant to us! and amidst what bitter tribulations we now experience their delightful sweetness! How constantly ripe! how effectual a remed against the poison of sin! How they strengthen, and perfame our spiritual breath!—Sit, O my soul, under his shadow with great delight, and let his fruit be sweet to my taste.
82. Christ is compared to a CEDAR-TREE
Song. v. 15. Ezek. xvii. 23.
. How infinite 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 incoruptible! how ever flourishing and comely! In his incarnation, he grew as a root out of dry ground. In his humiliation, how exposed to storms and suffering! 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 newcovenant building of mercy! and the frame of grace in our heart! How sweet! how fragrant to our soul, his person, his office, his relations, his names, his ordinances, righteousness, and grace!—Is he to me as "Lebanon, excellent as the cedars!"
83. Christ is compared to a FIR-TREE
(a).
In his debasement, he sprang up in a barren ground, from a degenerate nation, and from a debased family, and an impoverished virgin; and grew up in the cold, the barren soil of a blasted world, a low, an afflicted life. How infinite his excellency and comeliness! How untainted his integrity and uprightness! Being exalted too 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 soul! how perpetually verdant; "the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever!" How unfading his glory! How free from every knot of corruption! How unbounded his sap, his fulness of grace and of glory! In him it pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell. How completely he protects his chosen from the heat, the storm of almighty vengeance, and of the temptations of Satan! How he exposed his head, his heart, for our sake! How sweet! how open! how abundant the access of unclean storks of polluted sinners
Hos. xiv. 8.
to enter in, and abide under, the shadow of his branches!—My soul, make him thy house, thy safe, thine endless habitation.
84. Christ is compared to an OLIVE TREE, or two OLIVE BRANCHFS
Zech. iv. 11.—14.
. How infinite is the fulness of grace, which resides in his complex person. And how infinite is his readiness to communicate it to his people. And what a sure emblem of perfect peace between God and my soul!—If I hear of him in the gospel, it is the voice of the Lord, saying, "Peace, peace to him that 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.
85. Christ is compared to a CLUSTER OF COPHER,
in the vineyards of Engedi
Song. i. 14.
. If COPHER mean the
cyprus vine;
Christ resembles it in his abundant, his nourishing, his strenghthening, and comforting virtue; If it mean the
cypress-tree;
Christ resembles it in his sweetness, his purity, his healing, and anointing virtue; his ever appearing as our dying, our crucisied Redeemer. If it signify the
cypirus,
or sword-grass; Christ resembles it in his fruitfulness, 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 acceptableness, his sweetness and fragrancy, his preserving, his allhealing, and nourishing virtue. If it be
camphire;
Christ resembles it in his good savour, his healing, his reviving, and exhilarating virtue. He is compared to a CLUSTER: for, O the fulness, the sweet, the firm, the mysterious connection of his unnumbered excellencies, graces, blessings, promises!
86. Christ calls himself the TRUE VINE
John xv. i.
. In his humanity, how tender, weak, debased! exposed to contempt and suffering! how spoiled by foxes, by Satan, by Jewish seducers! by Gentile persecutors! but how honourable in his person, his character, and office! how easily; how much injured! how sensible, and observant of it! how quickly he grew up in favour with God, and with men! How early was he about his Father's business! how he abounds with quickening, with heart-warming, and enlightening virtue! What sweet, what profitable, refreshing, and medicinal grapes of righteousness, of peace, of pardon, acceptance; of spiritual sonship, sanctification, perseverance, comfort, and eternal glory, he brings forth! what extensive and refreshful shadow of protecting perfections, offices, promises, and providence, he affords to his people! Blessed Vine, why, after thy fruitfulness, wast thou cut down! why burnt in the fire of thy Father's wrath! not for thine, but for our barrenness, our unprofitableness. Why wast thou trodden in the wine-press of his indignation? why was thy soul troubled, squeezed, and pressed out of measure! Was it, that I might for it for ever drink
new wine
with thee
in the Father's kingdom!
Arise, ye sinners, ye companions of sorrow; take this
cup of salvation,
and call on the name of the Lord. With pleasure, sit every one under the shadow of Jesus, his
own vine, his own fig-tree.
87. Christ is compared to a ROOT
Is. liii. 1. Rev. xxii. 16.
. He is the hidden, the invisible God: on earth his glory was vailed: now we see him not, but believing we rejoice. How infinitely safe, firm, and unchangeable! how full of sap, of communicative virtue! how he supports! how mysteriously he conveys existence, life, and nourishing virtue to his people! In the winter of spiritual indifference, deadness, darkness, desertion, and in the storms of persecution, temptation, and trouble, how effectually he preserveth them from total withering! Against him, in his person, office, righteousness, and grace, do our enemies with their axe of opposition principally strike.—Blessed
Root of David,
and of every other creature, especially of these of the household of faith, neither storm, nor drought, nor axe, nor age, can despoil thee 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, I shall live also.
88. Christ is called the BRANCH or GROWTH
Is. xi. 1. Zech. iii. 8.
. In his humanity he springs out of the root of Jesse. His humanity hath no root of itself, but subsists in his divine person. How comely, verdant, and fruitful is he as man and Mediator. With honour to God, and happiness to men! He is a TOP BRANCH, sprung of David's royal family; and in himself most excellent and honorable; higher than 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 works.
89. Christ is called the PLANT OF RENOWN raised up by God
Ezek. xxxiv. 29.
. In his ancient purpose, in his incarnation and death, God planted him: in his resurrection and ascension, 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 world, and thereby display his astonishing height and grandeur. In his pedigree, his person, his natures, names, his qualities, 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!—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
Song ii. 1.
. In his birth, he grew out of David's withered root; he grew up in the field of this world, and was therein exposed to contempt, trouble, and death. In the field of his word 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 malice! our spiritual blindness, despondency, and consumption in sin!
91. Christ is called the LILY OF THE VALLEY
Song ii. 1.
. Once he was planted in a debased state, in the low valley of our world. To the most wretched sinners he is offered; and in the humble heart he takes up his abode. How infinitely savoury, pure, comely, and fruitful! How high; yet how meek, lowly, 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, shall come upon me; for thou art the Lord my God, that healeth me. Under my foolish, my sinful attempts, every ailment is hopeless; but thou hast
power over all plagues;
when
thou wilt, thou canst make me whole.
92. Christ is compared to a BUNDLE OF MYRRH
Song i. 13.
. How unbounded and unsearchable! how well connected, and inamissible, his fulness of righteousness and grace! how it endears him to his Father, and to his people! how it pleaseth, refresheth, beautifieth, perfumes, purifies,—prevents corruption, heals and anoints their soul! Bitter indeed, O 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!
93. Christ compares himself to a CORN OF WHEAT, cast into the ground, that it might die and bring forth much fruit
John xii. 24.
. In himself how pure, precious, and substantial! how sweet and durable!—In his incarnation he fell into the earth; in his suffering and exit he died; 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 nourishment of our soul: innumerable saints he brings forth, and renders the blessing and substance of the nations.—Feed, my soul, on this
finest of the wheat.
Let my useful life bear witness, that for me Jesus
died, and rose again, according to the scriptures.
94. Christ is called the FIRST-FRUITS
1 Cor. xv.
. First in order of nature, and as the pledge of our resurrection, he rose from the dead. How transcendent and incomparable is his excellency! How solemnly was he himself, and, by him, are his saints, consecrated to the service of 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 to bless the nations in the power of his Spirit.
95. Christ is compared to a GREAT ROCK
Is. xxxii. 2. Matth. xvi. 18. Matth. vii. 24. 25.
. How infinitely high! how firm! unchangeable! and invincible! What a boundless mine of precious; of more than golden blessings! What a source of living, of life-giving waters! What a furnished herbary of medicinal simples
for the healing of the nations!
What a sure foundation of our hope! our endless felicity! What a safe, a lofty, a curious residence! where no enemy can annoy us! where we are sheltered, protected, and refreshed, with DIVine perfections and providences! where we enjoy the most clear, extensive, and pleasant prospect of the whole fulness and ways of God! Blessed
Rock higher than I;
more excellent than mountains of prey; sufficient to overshadow me! Lofty
munition of 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 water 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
Song vii. 5.
. As God, how infinitely high! As Mediator, how exalted! In him, on the one hand, how wide our prospect of creation and time! on the other, of the sea-like perfections of God! of unbounded eternity! How fertile he, of grace and of truth! How productive of glory to God, and blessings to men! Planted in him, how we abound in the
fruits of righteousness,
to the praise of the glory of his virtue and grace! 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 shouldst resist unto blood, striving against sin, let thy conversation be in heaven, whence I look for the Saviour: let the fruits of the Spirit in all goodness be in me, and abound; so shall I never fail.
97. Christ is compared to LEBANON, that goodly mountain on the north of Canaan
Song v. 15.
. 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 fragrant and precious his product! his unfailing fruits of righteousness and grace! What unnumbered cedars of saints grow up in him! What cleansing and refreshful 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 happy! 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 Daniel's fourth beast, and became a great mountain, which
filled the whole earth
Dan. ii. 34. 35.
. 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 to 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 for ever and ever.—O blessed Mountain, fill my country, my house, my heart!
99. Christ is called a STONE,
living, chosen, precious,
and
tried
Is. xxviii. 16. 1 Pet. ii. 8.
. How firm, strong, immutable, and lasting! He hath all
life in himself,
and
quickeneth whom 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 maketh multitudes boast themselves, because they are become 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 their conviction, their temptations, and fiery troubles.
100. Christ is called ONE STONE,
upon which are seven eyes
Zech iii. 9.
. How infinitely firm and durable! How distinguished and unmatched! The
chief among ten thousand!
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 undertaking! his incarnation! his life! his death! his resurrection, 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, worship, and serve him! How fixed on him were the
eyes
of ancient believers, looking, and longing for his coming 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; and longing for his second appearance! When he cometh with clouds, how fixed on 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, for ever gaze on his person, and see him as he is! Look to him, my soul, that thou mayst be lightened. Let my waiting eyes be set on him. Beholding as in a glass, the glory of the Lord; be thou changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. He is the stone, of which God
engraveth the graving.
Upon the palms of his hands, are divinely engraven the names of all his chosen; their salvation is put under his care and management. They are graven on his heart. He was DIVinely constituted their kind representative 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! In his debasement, how was he marked with wounds and bruises! how DIVinely made perfect through suffering! In his exaltation, how DIVinely is he marked with glory and honour!
101. Christ is called a
stone of stumbling,
and
rock of offence
1 Pet. ii. 8.
. Provoked at his humble birth, his debased life, his ignominious death, and sorry retinue of disciples; 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 followers;—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 offended in
thee.
102. Christ is compared to a WAY
John xiv. 6. Is. xxxv. 8.
. By his Father'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 must
go out
to our warfare with Satan, with the world, and our lusts; must
go sorth
to trade with heaven in the free receipt of all the fulness of God; and to
walk
in holiness towards the celestial bliss. In the gospel, his person and office are exhibited, as the sole means of JEHOVAH'S kind visits to us, 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 warranted to enter and walk; and by him they are graciously received, freely supported, perpetually directed, and finally ushered into endless felicity. O
new and living way
of holiness, in which men shall not remain unclean, though it
be for
THOSE! O sure, safe, easy, plain, pleasant, heavenly path! O costly, free, DIVine way! may foolish I walk in thee, without erring! United to thy person; justified by thy blood; influenced by thy love; enabled by thy strength; subject to thine authority; acting as under thine eye; alway intending thine honour; let me follow thee,
and go up and down
in thy name, and
walk humbly
with my God.
103. Christ is compared to a GATE and DOOR
John x. 9.
. By the wisdom, the power, and authority of God, he is constituted 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, favour, and presence of God: the sole means of our defence from the storm of DIVine wrath, or the violence of our spiritual foes. Through him alone, JEHOVAH bestows his gracious alms of a full salvation, on those destitute sinners, who apply for the same: and in him alone, our prayers and services are accepted. Now, in the promises, the invitations, 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 for ever shall those, who are found without him, be confirmed in their miserable estate. He is represented as several, as
twelve gates, three
looking towards every airth: he is preached to sinners in all the ends of the earth; and O their free, their abundant access to God by him! He is represented as
gates of pearl:
for, O his unbounded preciousness and excellency, in his 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 spiritual liberty,
go in and out,
and 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 dwelling-place
John vi. 50.
. How furnished with every necessary accommodation, all spiritual provision! His righteousness and strength are the
covering:
his love the
bed
to refresh, and the
fi
e
to warm and melt our heart: his flesh and blood, his person, righteousness, and purchased benefits, are the nourishing
provision:
he, his Father, and blessed Spirit, the delightful
companions.
With transcendent 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 lodged in him.—Where, my soul, dwellest thou? Is Christ thy home? Hail 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 me be a bird wandering from her nest.
105. Christ is compared to a COVERT and HIDINGPLACE
Is. iv. 6. and xxxii. 2.
. 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 all 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 into his heart, his hand, the Lord hath shut me in.
106. Christ is called a SANCTUARY and REFUGE
Heb. vi. 19.
. What a sufficient shelter and residence for guilty and bestormed sinners! How DIVinely prepared, and allotted for them to flee to, for protection from God's avenging justice, from a broken law, a raging devil, and an evil world! And in him we are to live, denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, and walking soberly, righteously, and godly, offering the proper sacrifice, and incense of prayer, of praise, and of good works unto God.
107. Christ is compared to a TENT and shadow
Is. iv. 5.
. How DIVinely reared! By his imputed righteousness, how sweetly he saves his people from the scorching beat of God's wrath! By his power and love he protects them from the windy storms which are raised by Satan and wicked men, and gives them a sweet, a refreshful rest in himself. This, my soul, is thy
rest,
and thy
refreshing.
108. Christ is compared to a REST, or RESTINGPLACE
Matth. xi. 28. Psal. cxvi. 7.
. 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 righteousness removes our burden of guilt. The faith, the sensible perception of it, removes our burden of legal conviction. 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 despondent fear, relative to our own or the church's true interest. In him we enjoy the firmest establishment in grace; the most powerful security against spiritual wandering; the fullest satisfaction to all our desires; and the sweetest refreshment, joy, and comfort to our soul.—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 THRONE of
grace
2 Cor. v. 19. Heb. iv. 16.
. 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 Mediator. In him God is ever accessible to our humble requests, and ever found ready to bestow his purchased mercy and grace.—Go therefore
boldly,
my soul,
to his throne of grace,
that thou mayest "obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
110. Christ is compared to a FOUNDATION
Is. xxviii. 16.
. 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 foundation can no man lay, than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus."—Be thou, my soul,
grounded
in him; nor do thou build on him the
hay and stubble
of legal righteousness, of fanciful opinions, or unwarranted practices.
111. Christ is called the CHIEF CORNER STONE
Eph. ii. 20.
. He was indeed despised and rejected by the Jewish builders, their rulers in church and state: but, by his person, his office, his relations, his righteousness, his intercession, power, and love,—the whole new-covenant building of mercy, the whole temple of the church, Jewish or Gentile, militant or triumphant, the whole structure of grace in every believer's heart, is mysterioufly and beautifully united, regulated, adorned, supported, strengthened, and preserved.—Blessed Corner-stone, cement my soul to thee.
112. Christ is compared to a NAIL
in a sure place
Is. xxii. 21.—24.
. 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 salvation,—and doth the whole doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, 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 care, thy ALL.
113. Christ is represented as FOOD INDEED, and BREAD OF LIFE
John vi. 55. 43.
. Being broken and bruised for our sins;
rodden 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 excellent, the wholesome, pleasant, nourishing, the strengthening and medicinal, the universal, absolutely necessary, and never-surfeiting provision of our soul, which begets, restores, maintains, and perfects our everlasting life. "Bread that cometh down from heaven," true, substantial provision, given of God to us, starving sinful men: may I, with all saints, daily by faith receive thee, with earnest desire, particular appropriation, and inward delight.
—Evermore give us this bread.
114. Christ is called the HIDDEN MANNA
Rev. ii. 17.
. Himself and his fulness are the heavenly, the DIVinely prepared, the free, the all-suiting provision, on which his chosen people are for ever nourished and fed. How invisible and unknown to a carnal world! How much at present unknown to the saints! How incomprehensible in any state, to angels or men!—Ever may my soul have this
bread to eat,
which the world knoweth not of.
115. Christ is compared to RAIMENT
Rom. xiii. 14. Rev. iii. 18. and xix 8, Math. xxii. 11. 12.
. How exactly suited to our condition, are his imputed righteousness, and imparted grace! How they hide, they remove, our sinful deformity, guilt, and pollution! How they protect from scorching heat, from freezing cold, and every other spiritual hurt! How comely and acceptable 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!" How pure and beautiful! How comely a badge, that we are
more than conquerors
of sin, Satan, and the world; and do
always triumph
in him; are at peace with God; are
kings and priests,
unto him; and always called to rejoice in him, as the God of our salvation! How they 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! How ornamental to our person and nature. How far preferable to any other covering! His righteousness imputed, is the ground of our joy; the foundation of our right to the prefence and favour of God. His grace imparted, is the occasion of our spiritual joy; the mark of our union to Christ; and the substance of our meetness for his fellowship, and of our becoming a joy and rejoicing to him.—Not only profess but
put on,
O my soul, "the Lord Jesus, and make no provision for the 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
Rev. iii. 18.
. How solid and substantial are his person and fulness! How comely, pure, and unmixed! How precious, incorruptible, and lasting! What an enriching, a satisfying treasure and ornament! How tried in his Father's estimation; in his own fiery sufferings; and in his people's hot tribulation; and yet alway found sufficient and genuine! Effectually counsel me, O Jesus, to buy this
gold tried in t
e fire,
that I may be rich; and thy
white raiment
of imputed atonement, that I 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
Matth. xiii. 45. 46.
. How wonderful his DIVine, his human generation! Who can declare it? Not
round
in shape, but, the everlasting God, he hath an absolute fulness of spiritual excellency! How solid, substantial, comely, and glorious! 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, healing, strengthening!—How enriching, and ennobling, his virtue! 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 being torn asunder by Satan and his agents! How precious not millions of worlds; not the obedience of angels or men; but only thine own bleeding righteousness, can purchase our title to 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,"
d 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
Matth. xiii. 44.
. How precious and inexhaustible are his excellency and fulness! How he satisfieth, enricheth, ennobleth, and, before God, devils, and men, emboldens such as posses
him! What blessings, useful, lasting, invaluable, unnumbered, are comprehended in him! in him all the promises benefits of the new covenant, are summed up! On him his saved nations for ever live; and of him do they boast and glory! With infinite skill he is securely deposited in the purpose, the power, the love, the faithfulness of God; In the field of inspiration he is DIVinely laid up, hid, and concealed, that carnal, careless sinners, behold him not.—O for a firm, a lively faith, to credit the Almighty's word, and call the treasure all my own? Be it hid for ever in the treasury of my heart.
119. Christ is compared to a TREASURY or STOREHOUSE
Col. i. 19.
. In him, as Mediator, God-man, God hath bid, 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 inexhaustible 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 fuller's SOAP
Mal.
ii.
.
. By the pure preaching of his word, he removeth drossy and spotted errors and heresies. By the influence of his Spirit, he purgeth out spots, and drossy corruption from our heart. By common or special influence, he renders spotted persons apparently, or really pure in his sight. By fearful judgments, he removeth the 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,
NSIGN, or BANNER
Is. xi. 10. and lix. 19.
. 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 incarnation, life, death, resurrection and glory; and in thē gospel revelation, and saving discovery of his excellency;—is God's great signal of war with sin, with Satan, and the world; and of his victory over them; and of our peace with God, with our conscience, with holy angels, and good men: it is the grand means of 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 spiritual conflicts, and enabling us, to obtain complete victory therein. He is represented as a
standard bearer among ten thousand.
In the above manner, and for the mentioned purposes, he lifts up himself, and goeth before his people in their spiritual war.—Be thou, my soul, "strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
122. Christ is compared to a STAFF, a STAY, or SUPPORTING friend
Song viii. 5.
. By dependence 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
Song vi. 12.
. How quick! how majestic his love approaches, to relieve 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 happiness!
124. Christ is called WONDERFUL
Is. ix. 6.
. What countless! what unsearchable mysteries and miracles of infinite, eternal, and immutable, being, wisdom, power, holiness, 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 excellencies! his eternal generation! his assuming the likeness of sinful flesh! How deep his abasement! how high his exaltation! how finished his righteousness! how tender his love! how incomprehensible his whole work! how strange his bounty! how marvellous his habitation in us! and his returns to bless us!—Ask, my soul, pry into his name;
for it is secret.
125. Christ is called ALL IN ALL
Col. iii. 11.
. He is in all places, in all the churches, and all the hearts of his people. He makes and performs all things: he comprehends all excellency, transcends all creatures, contains, and bestows all good. He is the Creator, the preserver, the governor, disposer, heir, and end of
all creatures,
the antitype, the substance, the scope, and end of all DIVinely instituted
ceremonies;
the deviser, the foundation,
he means, and end of
all DIVine purposes;
the maker, the furnisher, the publisher, the confirmer, the fulfiller, the substance, centre, and scope, of
all gracious promises;
the author, the revealer, the exemplifier the subject, and end of
all inspired doctrines;
the giver, the fulfiller, the end of
all sacred laws;
the contracter, the magnifier, and executer of
all DIVine covenants;
and the purchaser, price, dispenser, matter, and end of
all saving privileges.
He is the institutor, maintainer, substance, and scope of
all gospel ordinances;
the author the object, the example, the preserver, restorer, increaser, and finisher of
all Christian graces;
and the cause, the pattern, the motive, the assistant, the director, and mean of acceptance, in
all holy exercises.—
All-comprehending Lord, art thou MY GOD, and MY ALL?
126. Christ's name is like OINTMENT
poured forth
Song i. 3.
. Apprehended by faith, his person, character, office, relations, 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 Satan 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
Psal. xxx 5. and lxiii. 3.
. It is the source, the begetter, the restorer, the maintainer, and perfecter of our spiritual life; the bestower, conserver, and substance of our eternal life. How inexpressible its comforts! How it sweetens my natural existence! heals my maladies! redresseth my grievances! 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
Song i. 2. 4.
. By his being trodden in the wine-fat of his Father's wrath it was manifested, and prepared. How precious, pleasant, and distinguishing is it! and what a reviving, comforting, healing, appetizing, invigorating, and emboldening influence it hath on our heart! And for antiquity, duration, harmlessness, freeness, purity, plenty; and for its power to quicken the dead in trespasses and sins, preserve from death eternal, and create joy unspeakable, and full of glory, how far it exceeds the best wine!—Drink of it abundantly, O my soul, that thou mayest forget thy sorrows, and remember thy misery no more.
129. Christ's love is compared to a BANNER
displayed in a banquetting-house
Song ii. 4.
. While he openeth his word to his people; while he admits them into covenant-union, and entertains them with special intimacy with himself; how his love engageth and draws their heart to his service; and excites, encourageth, strengthens, distinguisheth, directs, and protects them in their spiritual conflicts with Satan, the world, and their lusts!—Thus let me sight with
principalities and powers,
and with
spiritual wickedness in high places.
130. Christ's righteousness is called BLOOD
1 Pet. i. 2.
. By the shedding of his blood he finished it. Closely it adheres where ever it is applied. How marvellous its efficay to quench the fiery indignation of God, the fiery darts of Satan's temptation, and the flaming enmity of our corrupt heart! The
sprinkling
of it, imports a real, a close, a liberal, full, kindly, and skilful application of it to our conscience, by the Spirit of 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 CLEANWATER
Ezek. xxxvi. 25.
. It is the pure righteousness of God. How sweetly it refresheth our heart, purisieth 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 common 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 BREASTPLATE
Eph. vi. 14.
. 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 ROBE. See No. 115.
CHAP. III.
Metaphors respecting the Holy Ghost.
1. THE Holy Ghost is compared to an AMBASSADOR
John xvi. 7.
. Agreeable to the dispensation of the new covenant, he is sent by; he comes in the name of Jesus Christ, the King of nations, and of his adored Father. And with infinite wisdom, power, and solemnity, he, in the word of the gospel, proposeth to our soul, a treaty of peace with God, of marriage with Christ, and of traffic with heaven. Powerfully he persuadeth us, heartily to accept of it; and, by sealing us up to the day of redemption, he irreversibly ratifieth the agreement. And alas! how vexed, how grieved with our rejection of his proposals; our resistance of his motions, and his striving with our conscience!
—Grieve not,
my soul,
the holy Spirit, by whom
I am
sealed to the day of redemption.
2. The Holy Ghost is called an ADVOCATE
John xvi. 8. 9. 10. Rom. viii. 16. 27.
. By his word, and by the miracles and common operations which attend it, he pleads the cause of our adored Redeemer against an evil world. By his saving discoveries and influences, he pleads it in our heart, 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, make intercession for and in me,
with groanings, which cannot be uttered.
3. The Holy Ghost is compared to a TEACHER
John xiv. 26.
. Possessed of a comprehensive, an infinite knowledge of all things; and, notwithstanding the most fearful contempt and opposition, he, with amazing skill, care, kindness, and patience, seasonably and effectually inspired, and still opens up the mysterious doctrines, laws, promises, and threatenings of the oracles of God, and sixeth them in our memory and heart. He sheweth us the sinfulness and misery of our fallen state: sheweth what and whose we are. He enlightens 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, sanctification, and redemption.
He teacheth us the way to manage our heart, our 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! his absence, how fearful a plague! When sinners remain hardened in sin, how often he ceaseth striving with their conscience, and giveth them up to the lusts and imaginations of their evil heart.—O unparallelled Instructor, "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
John xv.
6. Rom. viii. 16.
. With unbiassed fidelity, and with unsullied clearness and evidence, he
testifieth against
us; undeniably proves to our conscience, the truth, and the heinous nature of our crimes: he
testifieth of Christ;
convincingly proves to our soul, that he is infinitely glorious, powerful, 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 we are the children of God;
exciting and shining on the grace within 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
John xiv. 16. 17.
. Possessed of a perfect knowledge of the wilderness and sea of a present evil world, 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 influence, leads them to the promise, the person, the blood and righteousness, power and fulness of the Redeemer; he encourageth 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 Spirit, I resign my blind, my bewildered soul; lead thou me to the land of uprightness: Let me no more complain of rough ways; it is the Lord who leads me about, to humble me, and to prove me, and to do me good in my latter end.
6. The Holy Ghost is called the COMFORTER
John xiv. 26.
. How kindly he sympathizeth with the saints in their manifold afflictions! he comes to, abides with, and is highly desired and esteemed by them. Tenderly he examines our case, reproves what is faulty, and enableth us to wash off its guilt in a Saviour's blood, and in his strength, mortify the deeds of the body, that we may live. In his word he seasonably presents the most sweet, 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 righteousness sake, God, who loveth us with an everlasting love, doth in the promise give himself to be our God: that in the newcovenant 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 sanctification, and work for us an exceeding and eternal weight of glory: that we shall be for ever with the Lord, filled with his fulness, and made like him, by seeing him as he is. These he determines and enables our heart to apply, and so quickens, supports, refresheth, sanctifieth, and fills it with
joy unspeakable and full of glory.
7. The Holy Spirit is represented as a GUEST, an INHABITANT
Rom. viii.
. His person being infinite, and 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 present 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 TURTLE
Matth. iii. 16 Song ii. 12.
. In subsistence he is distinct from the Father and Son; is a complete, a DIVine person in himself. How infinitely glorious, pure, and holy! How meek, condescending, and peaceable! How firmly he cleaveth to such as are once 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 winter-storm of God's wrath is past, and the floods of his vengeance are dried up! And, by resting on Christ and his members, how mysteriously be conveys his quickening, sanctifying, meekening, and refreshful influence!
9. He is called the POWER or FINGER
of God
Luke i. 34. and xi. 20.
. Operating in his person, with what astonishing might and skill, doth the DIVine nature make, furnish, and adorn the works of creation, providence, and redemption!—Come, my soul, behold
the doing of the Lord:
let it be wondrous in thine eyes.
10. He is compared to FIRE, and called
the spirit of burning
Is. iv. 4. Acts ii. 3. Rev. iv. 5.
. How powerfully his influence penetrateth into the inmost recess
s of our soul! How it enlightens our mind; melts, softens, and subdues our will; purgeth our conscience; warms and quickens our affections; comforts our heart; consumes our dross, rendering us
holy as he is holy,
and enabling us to ascend in heavenly desires, affections, and meditations! But alas! how hindered, obscured, and quenched, by carnality of mind; by sensuality; sloth, or presumptuous sinning! 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 everlasting gospel. He is called
seven lamps of fire,
to denote his perfect fulness of enlightening and heart-warming influence.
11. He is compared to WIND
John iii. 8.
. In what a sovereign, surprising, incomprehensible, invisible, piercing, powerful, and conquering manner, do his convincing his illuminating, his renewing, comforting, strengthening,—his heart-melting, drawing, enlarging, sanctifying,—his lust-cooling, sin-mortifying,—his interceding, witnessing, and sealing influences, affect our soul! His influences are represented by a
rushing mighty wind;
to signify, that nothing can withstand their power. They are called
four winds;
to denote their abundant variety; their fitness and readiness to answer every man's case. His convincing influences are called the
north wind,
because they are often boisterous, alway nipping to our conscience, causing us to tremble on account of our sinful nakedness and guilt. His enlightening and comforting influence, is called the
south wind,
because it delights, warms, refresheth, and fructifies our heart.
12. The Holy Ghost is compared to RAIN and DEW
Is. v. 6.
. What a free, a sovereign, a seasonable gift of God to men! How gently; how gradually; how extensively, and irresistibly, do his influences descend on our soul! and on some, while others are passed by! How absolutely necessary in the seed-time of conversion; and in the season of spiritual drought, whether occasioned by desertion, or produced by carnal care, and prevalent lust! How often they descend in consequence of fervent prayer! And what a beneficial, softening, and refreshing, fructifying, and adorning mercy they are to the church!
13. He is compared to WATER
John iii. 5.
. How absolutely necessary are his influences to our spiritual life! In the gospel, how generally offered and free! How effectual 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 defilement; heal our spiritual wounds and bruises; soften our stony hearts, and render them susceptible of impressions by the word, and providence of God! How sweetly they refresh our languishing soul; quench our sinful thirst after carnal things; nourish our new man; render us strong in gracious habits, and fruitful in every good word and work! God's
pouring out
this water, denotes his liberal and abundant communication 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 FLOODS
Is. xxxv 6. and xiiv. 4. Zech. xiv. 8. Rev. xxii. 17. John iv. 14. Ezek. xlvii. 1.—13. Rev. xxii. 1, 2. Joel iii. 18.
. How pure, perpetual, free, patent! How abundant, powerful, unsearchable, spreading, and allovercoming 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 ordinary channels! By these, how sweetly we trade with God, in receipt of his free favours, and returns of holy duties; and with men, in the exercise of charity and brotherly kindness! by them, how sweetly are we separated and distinguished from carnal men; are protected from our spiritual enemies; and at last carried out into the ocean of endless felicity! He is called "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, maintain, and perfect the life of our foul. His "proceeding from under the temple; from Jerusalem; from under the throne of God, and the Lamb;
his
running 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 ordained to eternal life to revive, and live by faith on the Son of God; that they are to be obtained, and do attend the saint, in every case, pleased, or distressing.—Blessed River, O quicken, and with the streams of thine influences
make glad the city of our God.
May thy floods prevail, till our highest mountains of corruption, error, and DIVision, be covered.
15. The Holy Ghost is compared to WINE
Is. lv. 1. Joel iii. 18.
. Is not his saving influence the fruit of the pressure of Jesus Christ, in the fat of his Father's fury? And how refreshful, exhilarating, nourishing, strengthening, and emboldening to our soul! How, blessed Spirit, it refresheth my languishing heart, and restores me again! How it fills me with joy and gladness; strengthens me in the Lord my God; enables me to run in the way of his commandments, when thou hast enlarged my 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 argumeat for mercy! Refreshful with this wine, I seek out my spiritual enemies; and in the name of the Lord destroy them. Though ten thousands rise up against me, in this I am confident: dauntless, I resist the devil, till he flee from me; crucify: he flesh, with its affections and lusts; glory in the cross of Christ, by which the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
16. The Holy Ghost is compared to MILK
Song v. 1.
. How pure and unmixed his influence! How sweet and pleasant! How nourishing under weakness! How natural provision to the heaven born soul! How medicinal and healing! How restorative under spiritual consumptions!
17. He is compared to OIL and OINTMENT
1 John ii. 20. 27. Psal. xlv. 7. Rev. iii. 18.
. 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! revive, exhilarate, warm, refresh, nourish, strengthen, and adorn our soul,! How they sweeten, give an agreeable relish to the word, and providence of God! expel the poison, the venom of sinful corruption! prevent convul
ve 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 to, and qualify us for serving God, and warring with our spiritual enemies! Never, Blessed Spirit, can thy influence utterly dry up, nor in the least incorporate with our lust: and for this, how hated; 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, produce!—Under its power, "I rejoice in tribulation, count it all joy when I fall into DIVers temptations.
18. The Holy Ghost is compared to a SEAL
Eph. i. 13. and iv. 30.
. By the application of his word and gracious influences, he, with infinite power and authority, changeth our heart, making us holy as he is holy. He stamps the authority 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, confirms them in their gracious state, seals them up to the day of redemption, and hides, secures, and distinguisheth them from the rest of the world. Nay, it was he that furnished and marked out our adored Jesus to his mediatory office. At your highest peril, do you, sons of men, counterfeit and break this seal, by adding to, or taking from the terms or sense of his word; or by indulging yourselves in hypocrisy and lust.—If I name the name of Christ, let me depart from iniquity.
19. He is compared to an EARNEST
Eph. i. 14.
. His influences conferred on us in this life are of the same nature with those in heaven: they confirm God's covenant to us, and our engagement to him: they secure our eternal happiness; and are 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 IN ALL.
CHAP. IV.
Metaphors respecting good angels.
1. ANgels are called ELOHIM or GODS
(c),
for their spiritual nature, their transcendent dignity,
Psal. xcvii. 7.
power, and wisdom.
2. They are called SONS OF GOD
Job xxxviii. 7.
. They were immediately created by him, and dearly are they beloved in his sight: daily they attend his glorious presence; and are admitted into the most familiar intimacy. How like him 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 his commandments, and hearken to the voice of his word!
3. They are called PRINCES, PRINCIPALITIES, POWERS, THRONES, DOMINIONS
Col. i. 16. Dan. x. 21.
. With distinguished power, and as the deputies of God, they inspect, manage, and direct events unnumbered, and execute his purposes of mercy and judgment on earth.
4. They are called God's HOST
Gen. xxxii. 2.
. 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 Hallelujah's celebrate his victorious triumphs.—Rejoice, ye ransomed, more and stronger are with you, than with the world.
5. Perhaps they are called WATCHERS
Dan. iv. 17.
. They sleep not, day nor night; but are continually exercised in attending and praising God; in waiting their respective orders from him; in careful observation of persons and things in this world; in providing for, in healing, comforting, teaching, encouraging, guarding, delivering, and rejoicing over the saints; in transporting their soul to heaven at death, in gathering and separating them from the wicked at the last day; and in infatuating, restraining, and ruining their enemies:—and are sometimes DIVinely employed to give warning of approaching Judgments or mercies?—But
watchers
in that text may mean the DIVine persons.
6. Angels are represented as the MESSENGERS of God, and MINIS
ERS to his saints
Heb. i. 14.
. At God's commission 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 maladies, to direct and preserve them on journies; to deliver them from outward calamities; to restrain what tends to hurt them; or to cut off 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
Gen. xviii. and xix.
. 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 called CHERUBIMS
Psal. xviii. 10.
, 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, boldeness, and courage: that of an OX, their delight, patience, activity, and faithfulness in God's service: that of an EAGLE, their immediate vision of God; their deep penetration into his mysteries; their perpetual vigour; and quick execution of their work.
9. Perhaps they are called SERAPHIMS, or fiery, ones
Is. vi. 2. 3. 4.
, because of their spiritual nature, purity, strength, and majestic awe. Their
wings
import their vigour, readiness, and quick execution of God's commandments: "the covering of their faces with their wings," signifies their inability to behold the full brightness of the DIVine glory their "covering of their feet with their wings" denotes their blushing at their best services before God.
10. Angels are compared to CHARIOTS and HORSES
2 Kings ii. 11. and vi. 17.
, because of their spiritual comeliness, strength, courage, 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 conquering and treading down their opposers. They are sometimes represented as
red
and
fiery,
to signify how terrible and destructive is their execution of God's wrath; 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, and confounding nature of their work: sometimes as
bay
and
grizzled,
to signify their mixed execution of mercy and wrath.
11. Angels are called MORNINGSTARS
Job. xxxviii. 7.
. Being created in the beginning of God's work, how beautiful and glorious are they in their nature! how constant in their holy exercise! how useful to conduct and comfort 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. They are compared to FLAMES OF FIRE
Psal. civ. 4.
. How eminent their love to God! how burning their zeal for his glory! How awful, irresistible, and often sudden, is their destruction of the wicked! How complete their defence of the saints!
13. They are compared to the WIND
Psal. civ. 4. Heb.
. Being invisible to our bodily eye, they come forth, move, and act at the pleasure of God. How transcendently quick and powerful their operation, in blasting the persons and property of the wicked; and in refreshing the saints, and helping them forward to their haven of bliss!
CHAP. V.
Metaphors respecting fallen angels.
1. THEY are called DEVILS, or false accusers
Matth. iv. 24.
. They most wickedly slander God to men, misrepresenting his wisdom, his power, holiness, justice, goodness, mercy, and truth;—his doctrines, his laws, purposes, promises, threatenings, and providence. In order to obtain his permission to hurt and destroy, they often maliciously accuse men to God! How often to mens own consciences, they falsely accuse them, saints as hypocritical dissemblers; and convinced persons as chargeable with the unpardonable sin! How actively, though secretly, they suggest the reproachful thoughts and speeches so common on earth! Till I choose to be a devil incarnate, let me
speak evil of no man.
2. They are called PRINCIPALITIES, POWERS, and RULERS of the darkness
of this world
Eph. vi. 11.
. 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! Ignorance 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 darkness to God's marvellous light: and where, on earth, the light of inspired truth is unknown, or obscured, they openly govern.—Ah, how these
other lords have had dominion
over me! But now, Lord, will I
only make mention of thy name.
3. They are compared to WARRIOURS
Rev. xii. 7.
. 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, and fiery darts of temptation into mens hearts, and fiery contentions and persecutions into the visible church: How often, with open violence, they attack the people of God: Or, under some innocent or holy appearance, they lay snares for their life: Proud, daring, unwearied and cruel, they alway 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
2 Cor. vi. 15.
. Furiously they rebel against God, as if they were unbound by his law: no promise to their deluded 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
Rev. xx. 1. 2. Jude 6. Psal. lxviii. 18.
. In the strong, the tormenting, the shameful
chains of darkness;
the chains of their own corruptions, and of the condemning curse, and restraining 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 permission. In his death, in his exaltation to glory, Jesus took them captives, and condemned them to the slavish drudgery of scourging his foes, or chastizing hi
children, as he pleaseth. Let never their dread damp my soul; they are fast bound in my God, my Saviour's chain.
6. They, and their agents, are compared to FOWLS
of the air
Matth. xiii. 4.
. 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
Lev. xvii. 7. 2 Chron. xi. 15. Heb.
. Before God, their moral appearance, and often before men, their visible,—how unsightly, abominable, and shocking! how they delight in, seed upon, and are filled with the poison of iniquity! How detestable is their behaviour, to every one holy and pure! With what pleasure they perform mischief; what injury they do to Christ's sheep in this world! And how often, under the form of goats, satyrs, and other hairy animals, have their Heathenish votaries adored them as gods of this world.
8. Evil angels, especially their chief, is called SATAN,
the malicious, obstinate, impudent adversary
Job i. and ii.
. How burning, shameless, and implacable, is their malice towards God, or towards men! How craftily; how furiously, they seek and and seize opportunities of dishonouring the former, and ruining the latter!—"When he speaketh fair,
my soul,
believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart."
9. Satan is called the GOD
of this world
2 Cor. iv. 4.
. 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, messengers, attendants, and deputies, whom he sends forth to act in his name. Transgressing against God, and injuring of the souls of men, are his acceptable worship. Sinful oaths, witchcraft, sorcery, charming, necromancy, are his solemn appointments. Superstitious seasons are his sabbaths, his festivals. Wanton balls, stage-plays, drunken clubs, conventions for idolatry, 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 LIGHT
2 Cor. xi. 14.
. Once he was so; and how often, while he seeks to promote the vilest crimes, doth he put on the most shining pretences to eminent knowledge, wisdom, evangelical liberty, holiness, or zeal!—Be not, my soul, ignorant of, or inadvertant to his devices.
11. He is called the PRINCE
of the power of the air
Eph. ii. 2.
. Such evil spirits as partly reside in, and fly about in 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 aerial storms and tempests.—Is my God in the heavens! what pleased him he hath done: Die not then, my soul, for want of heavenly and substantial wisdom: ask it of God.
12. He is called the FATHER
of lying and liars
John viii. 44.
. 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 earnal profit and pleasure. He first rendered men wicked and deceitful; and by them he is naturally, cheerfully, and readily honoured and obeyed.—Behold your parent, you children of falsehood and guile; be ashamed; return; do so no more.
13. He is compared to a captain
Rev.
ii. 7.
. How active, daring, and crafty; in his warlike attempts against God and his people! What numbers of evil angels, of wicked men, of mistaken saints, he gathers, hires, encourageth, directs, and commands to concur with him, in fighting against God and his ways!—But "if God be for
me,
who can be against
me?"
Though mine enemies flourish, it is that they may be destroyed.
14. Satan in called a STRONG MAN ARMED,
that keepeth the house in peace
Matth. xii. 29.
. Armed with his own malice, with the DIVine permission, with the curse of the broken law lying on men's conscience, and with the dominion of sin over our heart; he, with great power, activity, care, and craft, maintains his work of wickedness in us, and his authority over us; confirms and 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 power come, recal his permission, awaken our conscience, enlighten our mind, remove the curse, subdue our corruption, and so spoil him of his armour and goods.—Search, my soul, and look, who is thy guardian; who keepeth thee.
15. Satan is compared to a TRAVELLER
Matth xii. 43. 44. 45.
. Constantly he walks
to and fro
in the earth, to spy opportunities of mischief; to tempt and ruin men. Often, for a while, he seemingly departs from wicked professors, with-holds his gross suggestions, or even stirs up to the external performance of religious exercise. After employing himself a while in the heart of real believers, where there is less corrupt moisture to work upon, or 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
one lamb, that lay in his bosom?
16. Satan is compared to a SOWER
of tares
Matth. xi
i. 3
.
. In the field of creation, he first sowed the seeds of iniquity. His cursed temptations he daily sows in our heart, to produce the good-checking tares of sinful lusts. By him is the seed of open abominations, contention, idolatry, and will-worship, sown among men. He is the true parent of every tare-like, every naughty person in the church.—How, Lord, hath thy enemy 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
Prov. vi. 4. 5.
. With astonishing and unwearied care, alertness, and fraud, he allures, he indiscernibly spreads his entangling nets of temptation; transforms himself into an angel 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!—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
1 Pet. v. 8.
. How terrible is his roaring, his temptations to the watchful saint! How infatiable 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 of Judah,
for me, tear him in pieces, while there is none to deliver him: make me
sober and vigilant;
because he
goeth about seeking whom he may devour.
19. He is called a great DRAGON
Rev. xx. 24.
. How terrible is his appearance! How shocking his fierceness! his bloody cruelty! How outrageous his fury and malice against mankind, chiefly against Christ and his followers, who dare to oppose him, and trample on his authority! How suddenly he assaults! How infectious and deadly are his bites, his breathing, his temptations to our soul! In the night of debasement, how he bit and bruised, though not infected the heel, the manhood of Jesus Christ! In the night of ignorance, desertion, 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?
20. Satan is called an OLD SERBENT
Rev. xx. 2.
. 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! How astonishing his subtle deceit! How deep rooted his envy! How implacable his malice! With what surprising care, craft, and vigour, he secures his
head,
his authority!—Come not, my soul, into his lurking places; pass not by his paths; turn away; get thee far hence.
CHAP. VI.
Metaphors respecting men in general.
1. MEN are compared to a HUMAN BODY. A human 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. Many bodily members and acts, are used as symbols of human acts and endowments. To
bow down the head as a bulrush
Is. lviii. 5.
, imports appearance of humiliation and grief, without any real concern. Womens
having power on their head because of the angels
1 Cor. xi. 10.
, imports, that in religious assemblies, where holy angels observe, where evil angels tempt, women ought to mark their husbands power over them by a decent covering on their head. The
falling of the countenance
Gen. iv. 5.
, denotes a mixture of shame, anger, and grief. To
open the ear
Is. xlii. 20.
, is to hear, or make one hear, with attention. To
stop the ear
Acts vii. 57.
, is to refuse and disregard.
Tingling of the ears
1 Sam. iii. 11.
, signifies shocking terror at the report of some fearful calamity.
Itching ears
2 Tim. iv. 3.
, denote unsettled levity of mind, always desirous of novelties, and not relishing simple truths.
Eyes
Deut. xvi. 19. Gen. iii. 7.
, represent knowledge, and what is dear to a man. A
right eye to be plucked out
Matth. v. 29.
, is a beloved lust, or endeared sinful enjoyment, deemed very pleasant and useful; and which cannot, without much pain, be mortified or forsaken. To
list up the face
or
eyes
Job. xxii. 20. Is. xxxvii. 23. Psal. cxxiii. 1.
, imports boldness, courage, expectation, and desire. Not to do it
Ezra ix. 6.
, implies shame and blushing. Our
eyes look straight on
Prov. iv. 25.
, when we singly aim at the glory of God; candidly espy and follow the path of duty, without turning aside to any crooked way. An
evil eye
Prov. xxiii. 6.
, imports discovered covetousness, malice, hatred, or discoutent. To be of
one mouth
1 Kings xxii. 13.
, is to be, profess, and speak the same thing. To
devour with open mouth
Is. ix. 12.
, is greedily, quickly, extensively, and almost irrecoverably, to swallow up and destroy. To
open the mouth wide, that God may fill it
Psal. lxxxi. 10.
, is earnestly to desire, pray for, expect, and receive his promised goodness. To
draw out the tongue, shoot out the lip, and make a wide mouth against one
Is. lvii. 4.
, is cruelly, openly, and impudently, to mock and reproach him. To
stop the mouth
Rom. iii. 19.
, is to be, or to render one silent, ashamed, and sensible of guilt. To
come out of the mouth
Rev. xvi. 13.
, is to proceed from one's authority, influence, or principles. To
bring out of one's mouth or belly, what he had swallowed
Job xx. 13▪ 15.
, is to take from him what he had unjustly seized, and seemingly secured to himself. One's
mouth kissing his hand
Job xxxi. 27.
, imports idolatrous reverence and worship. To
keep the mouth or lips
Psal. xxxix. 1.
, is to watch carefully over our speech. To
lay the hand upon the mouth
Job xl. 4.
, imports sense of guilt, blushing, shame, and resignation to the will of God.
Mouth, lips,
and
tongue
Job xix. 16. and ii. 10.
, signify speech.
Uncircumcised lips
Exod. vi. 30.
, denote a difficulty of speaking freely, readily, and pleasantly. God's speaking to men with
stammering lips, deep speech,
and
another tongue
Is. xxviii. 11.
, imports his declaring his will, by making a foreign nation, whose language is not understood, to harass or destroy them. To
make the lips of those that are asleep to speak
Song vii. 9.
, 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 lips,
and the
fruit of the lips
Hos. xiv. 2. Is. lvii. 19.
, sacred to, or created by God, are sacrifices of prayer and praise, through his influence, offered up unto him. The
priests lips keeping knowledge
Mal. ii. 7.
, imports their habitual readiness to give good and wholesome instruction or reproof.
The talk of the lips tendeth only to penury
Prov. xiv. 23.
, when it is vain and unprofitable, wastes time, is not attended with, but hinders our proper work. The tongue is represented as a
scourge
Job v. 21.
, because with its reviling angry speeches, we lash our neighbour. It is compared to a
fire
Jam. iii. 6.
, because its passionate and sinful words emit the fire of our inward lust; and kindles the lust, pride, or passion of others. It is called
a world of iniquity.
What astonishing and extensive wickedness is contained in our language! Or the words may be rendered an
ornament of iniquity
Jam. iii. 6.
, because by excusing, extenuating, and defending, it attempts to deck and gild over our sin with fair colours. It is represented as
untameable
Jam. iii. 8.
, because no creature can wholly restrain it from evil. A
soft tongue which breaketh the bones
Prov. xxv. 15.
, signifies meek, mild, and humble language, which removeth prejudices, melts the heart, and draws out the love, the compassion of our friend or neighbour. The
cleaving of the tongue to the jaws,
or
roof of the mouth
Psal. xxii. 15. and cxxxvii. 6.
, imports deep silence, painful thirst.
Whispering,
or
low speech
Is. xxix. 4.
, signifies our speaking in a humble, a debased manner.
Fair speech
Prov. vii. 21.
, is flattery, whereby we shew much more kindness than is really in our heart.
Hard speeches
Jude 15.
, are these which are passionate, contemptuous, and reviling.
Sound
speech
Tit. ii. 8.
, is that which is true, solid, and edifying to mens souls. To have a
stiff neck,
a
neck like an iron sinew
Jer. xvii. 23. Is. xlviii. 4.
, is to be obstinate and perverse in sinning. To
harden our neck
or
heart
Neh. ix. 16 Deut. xv. 7.
, is to despise the alarms of God's word and providence, and refuse to return to him. To
have a yoke on the neck
Jer. xxvii. 12.
, is to lie under sore trouble and bondage. The
arm
Ezek. xxx. 21.
, denotes help, power, and wealth. A
sword on the arm
Zech. xi. 17.
, denotes an enraged enemy, taking away our power and wealth.
Drying up of the arm
Zech xi. 17.
signifies the loss of our strength or riches, or of the proper use thereof. Mens
eating the flesh of their own arm
Is. ix. 20.
, is their destroying that which ought to be dear, or would be helpful to them. To
make flesh our arm
Jer. xvii. 5.
, is chiefly to depend on men for our assistance, and felicity.
Hands
Jer. xxiii. 14.
, signify power of receiving or acting: and our actions and practice.
Clean
or
cleansed hands
Job xvii. 9.
, denote a holy and blameless conversation.
Laying on of hands
2 Tim. i. 6.
imported the conveyance of the Holy Ghost, in his miraculous influence, or the ordaining of men to office in the church.
Stretching out the hand to God
Psal. lxviii. 31.
, imports earnest prayer for, ready reception of his salvation, and cheerful surrender to his service. To
lift up the hands to him
Psal. xxviii. 2.
, is to pray earnestly. To lift up the hands
that hang down, and feeble knees
Heb. xii. 12.
, is to help and encourage persons faint and distressed. To lift up
the hand against a king
2 Sam. xx. 21.
, is to rebel against him. Consecration to the Jewish priesthood is called a
filling
of their
hands
Exod. xxix. 9. Heb.
, because therein their hands were filled with their wave-offering.
Washing of the hands
Psal. xxvi. 6.
, imports a solemn profession of innocence; an application of Jesus' blood for the removal of past guilt; and a serious purpose of reformation.
Pouring water upon one's hands
2 Kings iii. 11.
, signified to be his servant.
Smiting the hands together
Ezek. xxi. 14.
, imports an alarm of approaching judgment; or lamentation over distress.
Clapping of hands
Psal. xlvii. 1.
, denotes shouting for victory; great joy and gladness.
Men of war not finding their hands
Psal. lxxviii. 5.
implies their being quite dispirited and d
senabled to exert their might, and improve their advantages.
A right hand,
or
right foot offending, to be cut off,
Matth. v. 30.
, is a beloved lust, however dear and apparently useful, to be mortified. There being
a lie in our right hand
Is. xliv. 20.
, imports our loving, practising, and holding fast hypocrisy and deceit.
The putting out of the finger
Is. lviii. 9.
, imports ridicule and reproach. Rehoboam's
little finger being thicker than his father's loins
1 Kings xii. 10.
, signified, that he would reduce his subjects to far more grievous servitude and punishment.
Shoulder
Is. ix 4.
, signifies ability to bear, help, or oppress.
Breasts
Song viii. 10.
, denote useful comfort and assistance.
Breasts
or
teats of virginity pressed
or
bruised
Ezek. xxiii. 3.
, imply commission of whoredom, natural, or spiritual.
Smiting
or
tabering on the breasts
Nah. ii. 7.
, implies sore trouble, vexing grief, and bitter lamentation.
Bosom
Eccl. vii. 9.
, denotes love, intimacy, secrecy. But to
hide the hand in the bosom
Prov. xix. 24.
, imports excessive sloth,
Bowels
Is. xvi. 11.
, import compassion, or the soul.
Inward parts, heart, belly
Prov. xx. 5. 27.
, signify the soul, understanding, will, affections, and conscience.
The curse coming like water into one's bowels
Psal. cix. 18.
, imports extensive and shocking inward fear, trouble, and grief.
Unequal legs of the lame
Prov. xxvi. 7.
, signify, that one's profession and practice, or some part, or either, does not correspond with the other.
Feet
or
foot
Eccl. v. 1.
, denote the affections and conversation. To
dip one's foot in the blood of his enemies
Psal. lxviii. 23.
, is to behold an awful revenge of their injuries. To
dip one's foot,
or
wash one's steps in butter, honey, and oil,
Job xxix. 6.
, is to enjoy great prosperity, or great abundance of these particular comforts.
Stumbling
or
slipping of the feet
Job xii. 5.
, implies the loss of comfort or hope; the falling into sin, temptation, or trouble. To
withdraw the foot
Prov. xxv. 17. Is. lviii. 13.
, is to leave off a dangerous or sinful practice. To
keep the feet
E
e
. v. 1.
, is to watch over our affections and conversation, in order to preserve them from sin and danger. To
open the feet, and scatter the way to strangers
Ezek. xvi. 25.
, implies great forwardness to whoredom or idolatry.
Stamping with the foot
Ezek. vi. 11.
, is expressive of great trouble and anguish.
Stamping down, treading under foot
Dan. viii. 13.
, implies contempt, abuse, utter destruction. To
lift up the feet
Gen. xxix. 1.
, imports walking with speed, alterness, and joy. To
lift up the heel;
to
kick against
Psal. xli. 9.
, imports contemptuous treachery and rebellion. To
kick against the pricks
Acts ix. 5
, is furiously to offend God, and injure his people, notwithstanding eminent warning and danger. The
iniquities of our heels
Psal xi
x. 5.
, are the sins of our daily conversation.
Steps, footsteps
Song i. 8.
, represent the acts of our life, by which we set an example to others. To
hear
Is. lv. 3.
, is to attend, to perceive, be affected with. To
see
John vi. 40.
is to discern, experience, enjoy, suffer, feel. To
taste
Psal. xxxiv. 8.
, is to experience, know, feel the power of. To
handle
1 John i. 1.
, is to have a familiar knowledge. To
pant hunger, thirst
Psal. xlii. 1. Matth. v. 6.
, is to have a deep, painful sense of want; and an earnest desire and longing. To
stand
Psal. i. 5. 1 Kings xvii. 1.
, imports a fixed condition; a bold appearance; earnest prayer.
Sitting
Rev. iii. 21.
, imports rest; continuance; and sometimes honour. To
sit under one's vine and figtree
Mic. iv. 4.
, implies safety, prosperity, and comfort. To
sit in the dust
Is. xlvii. 1.
, implies humility and abasement.
Dwelling
Joel iii. 20.
, implies fixed continuance, and often that attended with pleasure and delight.
Walking
2 Cor. x. 3.
, represents the practice and conversation.
Being hid
Nah. iii. 11. Job v. 21.
, is to be unknown, or protected.
Clothing
or
garments
Jude 23.
, represent the practice, or what cleaves close to us, as our garments and ornaments do.
2. Men are compared to HUSBANDMEN
Hof. x. 12.
. With great care and diligence ought they to manage and keep the field, the vineyard of their heart and conversation. They ought earnestly to break up the fallow-ground of their soul; to labour after thorough convictions; 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 who sow to the flesh, sow among thorns,—live under the influence of sinful corruption and carnal cares,—shall reap endless misery.
3. Men are compared to BEASTS
Eccl. iii. 18.
. Their bodies are of the earth, earthy. How ignorant, stupid, and thoughtless are most of them! How vile, carnal: how outrageous, untameable, hurtful! How generally they care only for their body, and neglect the concerns of 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 lions! 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 exclude us from the offer of a Saviour, as
common or unclean.
4. They are compared to FOWLS or BIRDS
Da
. iv. 12.
. 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! 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
Job xi. 12.
. How stupid and unteachable! How exceedingly they affect the wilderness of a present world; and of a natural state! How they snuff up, and amuse themselves with vanity! How averse to restraints of their inclination!—Stupendous! hath God redeemed me, a
wild ass,
with the death of his Son; his
Lamb!
Hath he sent out my soul free; and allowed me to drink my fill of the river of life, that runs among the hills of DIVine ordinances! the range of the everlasting mountains is my pasture. Scorn, my soul, the multitude of the city; be not conformed to the men of this world, who act, as if they had been born to make a noise, and no more.
6. They are compared to DEAD DOGS
2 Sam. ix. 8. 1 Sam. xxiv. 14.
. How destitute of power and life! How base! how vile, insignificant, and useless!—And did the Son of God look upon! did he die for! did he espouse
such a dead dog as I am!
Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I cease to publish the praises of his love.
7. They are compared to FISHES
Hab. i. 13.—19. Matth. xiii. 47.
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 confusion and unconcern they live and act! How barbarously they prey upon one another; robbing every one his neighbour of his character, property, or life! At last, how caught in the gospel-net, and drawn to Jesus! 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
Job xxv. 6.
. From the earth our bodies proceed; on it they live and move; and to it at death they return. How much we affect earthly things! The heart of the earth, the grave, is our long home. How insignificant is our value and strength! How daily are we obnoxious to ten thousand dangers! How easily affrighted or ruined! How different our tempers and disposition! Some delight in the dunghill riches and profits of this present world. Others with pleasure wallow amidst unsufferable corruption, uncleanness, drunkenness, malice, and other vices unnumbered. Some have a hypocritical, a gilded appearance, while their heart is filled with all unrighteousness. Some, as glow worms, shine only in the dark night of trouble or time: In distress how
gracious,
when pangs come upon them! they fear the Lord, and cry to him. How many, as caterpillars and canker-worms, 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!—Be thou, my soul, one of these; ready to spend, and be spent for Christ.
9. David compares himself to a FLEA
1 Sam. xxiv. 14.
How hard for Saul to apprehend him! And to how little purpose, when done!—Astonishing! how, Lord, hast thou pursued and laid hold on me! My goodness extendeth not unto thee. O, why was not I cursed, with the enjoyment of my mad wish, of vanity, of filth, of distance from my God!
10. Men are compared to FLESH
Is. xl. 6.
. 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, his preserving, and sin-mortifying influence, how quickly, especially in the summer of prosperity, do we become utterly corrupt and noisome, 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! O rectify me with thy grace; and make me as seasoning, as purifying salt, to all around me.
11. Men are compared to FRUIT-BEARING TREES
Matth. iii. 10. and vii. 16.—20.
. According to the quality of our nature, such is the fruit,
he works, we bear in our life. If our heart be unregenerated, every thing we do is evil fruit; abomination 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 good works must be well pleasing in his sight.—Now, my soul, the axe is laid to thy root; take heed lest, for thy bad fruit, his judgments suddenly cut thee off.
12. They are compared to TREES OF THE WOOD
Song ii. 3.
. How high in pride, or in station, many of them tower! How barren of good works! How confused their order! How often one draws the sap from, and depresseth his fellow! How sour; how unprofitable, or hurtful, their fruit! What wild beasts of sinful corruptions or satanical fiends, lodge among them! How many of them, after they are a while used, by DIVine providence, are cast into eternal fire! How contemptible, are all of them, in comparison of Jesus, the
apple-tree among the trees of the wood!
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 trouble or death be laid to my root; if I am sound without Christ, how fearful shall be my fall! my
wo!
13. They are compared to GRASS and FLOWERS
Is. xl. 7. 8. James i. 10.
. From one root, what multitudes descend! How fresh, and pleasant; but short-lived, our first appearance on earth! How weak! how easily endangered! how quickly blasted and withered by trouble! How often in the top of our prosperity, are we mown down by death, and cast into the oven of DIVine vengeance! Under the most blooming and rich appearance, how often lurk the most unsavoury lives and wicked hearts! Under an unsightly aspect, how often a gracious disposition! 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 flourishing saints, at their best, cropt off, and cut down by death?
14. They are compared to LEAVES and STUBBLE
Jo
xiii. 25.
. How light and unsubstantial! How quickly withered! How readily pluckt and scattered by trouble or death! How easily scorched, or burnt up, by the sire of God's wrath!—How, Lord, hast thou pursued the
leaf tossed to and fro!
honoured 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 my Lord.
15. They are likened to a WIND
that passeth away
Psal. lxxviii. 39.
. How unsolid and fleeting! How proud, noisy, and boisterous! How blasting and hurtful! How sovereignly, at God's pleasure, are they brought forth, and managed on earth! How he rides on them, as instruments of fulfilling his purposes! How quickly the breath of his mouth blows them into eternity! Knowest thou, my soul, whence I came? and whither I shall go?
16. They are compared to POTTERS VESSELS
Rom. ix. 21.
. Being 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 his pleasure, make them vessels unto honour, or dishonour!—Blessed for ever, be the Lord; that thousands of them are
vessels of mercy, afore prepared unto glory.
17. They are compared to POTSHERDS
Is. xlv. 9.
. How broken by sin! by trouble! In themselves, how useless and unprofitable! how exposed to the vilest debasement! Never, ye frail, ye easily destroyed
potsherds of the earth,
strive with your Maker: let not the clay affront her Creator.—Shall I, a
broken pot,
a worthless, bruised nothing, be refitted, sanctified, and made meet for the Master's use!
18. They are compared to EARTH, DUST, and ASHES
Jer. xxii. 29. Gen. xviii. 27.
. Of earth we are formed; on earth we live; and to earth we return, by death. Naturally our affections cleave to earthly things. Ah! how unfit for spiritual meditation! for heavenly desire! for holy exercise! How base before God! and how miserable, stupid, and and useless, till we be enlightened, watered, warmed, and nourished, with the benign influences of his Spirit!
19. Man's soul is compared to a DARLING child
Psal. xxii. 20.
. How eminently precious! How dear it ought to be to us! Ought not the watching over, the feeding, the guiding, the cleansing, the eternal salvation thereof, to be our great care; our principal business! For, what am I profited, if I gain the whole world, and lose my own soul?
20. It is compared to a SHIP
If. 54. 11.
. 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 cleanfed from all silthiness 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 exposed to swelling billows of adversity! to rocks of temptation! to robberies of Satan and wicked men! How carefully are its motions to be watched, and its course directed by the word of God! To secure a happy landing on the shores of immortality, how 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 doctrines 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
Rev. iii. 20.
. The understanding faculty is the windows: the receptive capacity is the door: the will, in her supreme regard, is the throne: sin or grace is the furniture: divine persons, or infernal fiends, are the inhabitants. Christ's
knocking
for entrance
at the door of it,
is his alarming it by his providence; inviting it by his word; and striving for it, by the common operations of his Spirit. To
open the heart
to him, is to receive his instructive light into the mind, and embrace him and his given fulness as excellent, with our desire and will.—Ah, my soul, what bolts of ignorance, Atheism, enmity, pride, attachment to self-righteousness, worldly mindedness, shut thee fast against him!
22. Man's soul is compared to a TREASURY
Job xxxiii. 18. Matth. xiii. 52.
. How secret and undiscovered to the world! How furnished with things deemed precious; and which are indeed of everlasting consequence! with her contents, we trade with God, and with men.—O could I, out of the good treasure of my heart, bring forth things new and old!
23. Man's soul or conscience is compared to a CANDLE or LAMP
Prov. xx. 27.
. How ufeful, enlightening, and searching, her power! At the infinite knowledge of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ, must her understanding be lighted. And how small, in comparison thereof! Ah, how neglect to improve our light, occasions our walking in dark ignorance; our falling into snares, and tumbling headlong into eternal misery!
24. Man's conscience is compared to a JUDGE
1 John iii. 20. 2
.
. To our conscience it belongs to enquire into our state, our thoughts, words, and actions; compare them with the law of God; and according thereto, condemn our wickedness, and sentence us to correction or punishment on account of it; and approve what is good, and assure us of a proper reward for it. May my conscience be sprinkled with Jesus' blood; may my life be by faith on him, a constant looking to, and following his steps: so shall not my heart reproach or condemn me while I live.
25. Man's conscience is compared to a WITNESS
Rom. ix. 1. and ii. 15.
. How privy to all our conduct! When faithful, upon what strict 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 inattentive to the nature of our qualities, our thoughts, our words, or actions; or is swayed in its testimony by any bribe, any consideration of carnal pleasure, honour, or advantage; how horrid its wickedness! 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, protector, and comfort to them, who live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world! How horrid the crime of stifling or denying its evidence! of muzzling its mouth, by mad rushing into further abomination! 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 apple of God's eye. Be thou, in a Saviour's blood, purged from dead works, enlightened by his word, quickened 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 decisive, the awful, bar.
26. Man's conscience is compared to an INTIMATE COMPANION
Psal. iv. 4.
. What important hints and interesting news, it can ever declare unto us! What a candid reprover, or kind comforter! How useful to promote our holiness and felicity, is true friendship and intimacy 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 important choice have I made? what spiritual mercy do I need? what is my great motive? whither do my affections bend? am I born from above? is my heart married to Jesus? i
it right with God? what have I done? what hath the Rock of Israel done to me? whence have I come? and whither should I now go in point of duty? and whither shall I go into the eternal state?
27. Man's conscience is compared to a SERPENT, a gnawing WORM
Eccl. x. 8. Mark ix 44.
. By presenting our crimes, by condemning and upbraiding for them, it stings and torments our soul. You despisers of Jesus, how, at last, shall your now blind, now bribed, now seared conscience, awaken upon you? For your breaking over the hedge of the DIVine law, how shall it bite you like a serpent, and sting like an adder! How call your sin to remembrance, and slay your soul! What lively, 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.
CHAP. VII.
Metaphors respecting saints.
1. THE saints are likened to GOD
Zech. xii. 8.
. They are
made partakers of,
and have fellowship with
the DIVine nature.
How spiritual their mind! how real their wisdom! their sanctity! How transcendent their excellency above their neighbours! How powerful their interest, their prayer, in the government of the world! By weeping and suplication they have power with God, and prevail; they command him concerning his sons and his daughters, and the work of his hands: for their sakes the days of tribulation are shortened; and they have power to smite the earth with plagues as often as they will. All are theirs, and they are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
2. They are compared to ANGELS
ibid. 1 Pet. i. 4.
. 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, hearkening 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 nat
l relation, and carnal concern! How uninterrupted; how ready, how cheerful, unwearied, and universal, their service to God and the Lamb! "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
1 John ii. 12.—14.
. Weak saints are called BABES and LITTLE CHILDREN. They cannot live comfortably without pleasant frames. How apt to be easily tossed to and fro, with temptations! with every wind of doctrine! How weak and unfit to digest and feed on the deeper mysteries of God's word! or, without frequent staggering, to continue in the course of their duty! Sai
ts of a moderate standing and experience in grace, are called YOUNG MEN; because 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 commandments! Aged eminent saints are called FATHERS. 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 themselves under his wings! how tender their love to weak saints! How earnest their endeavours to instruct, admonish, and give them an inviting pattern of gospel-holiness.
4. In respect of different attainments, Saints are comparable to WOMEN of different stations in life
Song. vi. 8. 9. and i. 5. and iii. 11.
. Young weak saints to VIRGINS and DAUGH
. Though their grace be real, yet how scanty their experience of Christ's power and love! How small their boldness and confidence before him! How ready to be slavishly afraid, that every trial shall sink them; every temptation seduce them from Christ! Others of some standing, to CONCUBINES: For, how legal their disposition! How powerful their spirit of bondage! How much influenced in duty by legal hopes of heaven, and servile fears of hell! How limited the beauty and cheerfulness of their spiritual practice! How few distinguished visits and views of Jesus' love they enjoy▪ Strong, believers are comparable to QUEENS. In the a
red faith of their marriage relation to Christ, they dail
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
Song. i. 8. 10. 11. 16. 17. and iii. 6.
: for their beauty, as adorned with Jesus' righteousness and grace; for their weakness; their tender affection; 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
Song. vii. 5.
, signisies Christ himself as a lofty, a bleeding Redeemer; or, their top grace of hope, founded in his blood, supported by faith as a neck, and animating their spirit, and preserving it from sinking; and which looks at things that are heavenly, distant, and eternal. Their
hair on their head,
as a flock of goats, and as purple
Song. iv. 1. and vii. 5.
, may signify their numerous, their beautiful, their adorning, though small, and self-undervalued, holy thoughts, words, and deeds, that spring from Jesus' fulness, and our assured hope of seeing him as he is. Their
locks
Song vi. 7.
, represent the beauty and connection of their gracious exercises. Their
yes
Song. iv. 1. and vii. 4.
, are their spiritual knowledge and their faith by which they discern supernatural things, and are exceedingly beautified before God. These are as
doves eyes,
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
Eccl. ii. 14.
, denotes the propriety, usefulness, and excellency of their knowledge. Their
ears
Is. lv. 3.
. denote their attention to, knowledge of, and obedience to, Christ's voice, in his word. Their
nose like the tower of Lebanon looking towards Damascus
Song. vii. 4. 8.
, is their holy courage; 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
smell of their nose like apples,
imports, that they relish heavenly and
piritual things; and that the exertion of their inward grace in holy desires, edifying speech, or useful conversation, is extremely agreeable to Christ and his people. Their
cheeks
and
temples as a piece of a pomegranate
Song. i. 10. and iv. 3.
, denote their holy blushing; and their humble, sober, and chaste conversation; which in a distinguished manner adorn them. The
rows of jewels,
on their checks
Song i. 10.
, may signify the laws of Christ; which are exemplified, and his graces exerted, in their holy humble practice. Their
mouth being a deliverer
Prox. xii. 6.
, imports, that by their prayer and godly instruction, many are refined and preserved from snares and trouble. Their wholesome tongue being
a tree of life; health; honey and milk under their tongue;
and
their lips feeding many
Prov. xv. 4 and xii 18. and x. 21.
, imports, that, by their fervent supplications and spiritual conference, many are graciously quickened, refreshed, healed, and nourished; and themselves kept in vigour and health; and prepared for eternal life. Their
lips
of knowledge and instruction, are as a
precious jewel,
or
choice silver
Prov. xx. 15. and x. 20.
; comely, precious, and useful. Their words are as
deep waters,
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
Prov. xviii. 4. and xxv. 11.
. Their
lips are as a thread of scarlet
Song iv. 3.
: their gracious converse, their earnest prayer, and grateful praise, turn upon Jesus' bloody death; are presented to God through his bleeding righteousness; and are a sure token of the soundness of their inner-man. Their
teeth like an even-shorn, newely washed, and fruitful flock
Song iv. 2.
, are their DIVinely-cleansed faith, and spiritual meditation, whereby they chew the 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
Song iv. 4 and vii. 4.
, is their faith, by which they are united to the Redeemer as their head; receive nourishment from him; and return their love and praises to him; and are exceedingly beautified before him. The
chains of gold about
it
Song i. 10.
, are the precious and everlasting promises which it embraceth; the blessings which it receiveth; the graces which it actuates; and the gifts which it improves. Their
shoulder
and
back
Psal. cxxix. 3.
, are their strength and patience; or that wherein they are exposed to burdens, scourges, and suffering. Their
hands and fingers dropping
with sweet-smelling myrrh upon the handles of the lock
Song v. 5.
, are their faith by which they touch, and receive Christ, and work by love; and which,—O with what refreshful, and purifying virtue,—attempts to open the heart to him. Their
breasts like young roes, towers, or clusters of grapes
Song vii. 3. 8. and viii. 10.
, are their love, their affection, and desire after Christ, and their edifying talk and conduct; whereby their soul is beautified, and endeared to Christ; and whereby others are refreshed, helped, encouraged, and nourished, with the
sincere milk,
and spiritual, wine of his word and grace.
Betwixt their breasts
Song i. 13.
, is in their, heart, their most endeared embrace. Their
heart is at their right hand
Eccl 1. 2.
; they execute their purposes with dexterity and dispatch. Their
merry heart,
or good conscience,
doth good like a medicine
Prov. xvii. 22. and xv. 15.
, promotes their foundness, and strength, natural, chiefly spiritual, and eternal; and
is a continual feast,
affords eminent and unceasing satisfaction, joy, and pleasure. Their
bowels
Col. iii 12.
, are mercy, kindness, long-suffering, gentleness. Their
belly like an heap of wheat, set about with lilies
Song vii.
.
, may denote their particular application of Jesus Christ, and feeding on him for spiritual nourishment; and their tender concern to bring forth, and win others to him; both which are eminently and plentifully connected and adorned with solid, savoury, and flourishing promises and fruits. Their
navel as a round goblet full of liquor
Song vii. 2.
, may signify their ever-receiving appetite and desire after Jesus Christ; whereby nourishment is conveyed to their tender grace. The
joints of their thighs like curious jewels
Song vii. 1.
, are their valuable, their holy principles of faith and love; which being curiously framed by the Redeemer, enable them with decency, pleasure, and exactness, to walk in his ways. Their
seet
Song vii. 1.
, denote their affections, and well-ordered conversation: their
shoes on their feet,
denote the gospel of peace, as it were supporting, animating, and interwoven 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
John xiii. 10.
; the justification of their person is at first complete; but the guilt of daily sins in their soul and practice, ever needs to be washed away. But the
washing of feet,
pled in excuse, for not readily receiving of Christ
Song v. 3.
, is indifference about gospel-truth, and weariness of spiritual exercise. The saints being
black, but comely;
the
fairest among women
Song i. 5. 8.
, imports, that though in their own view, though in themselves, and as surrounded with infirmities and trouble, they be unsightly, yet, as adorned with Jesus righteousness and grace, and in his kind estimation, they are exceeding comely and beautiful. Their glorious
garments,
wrought with embroidery of gold, and
of fine linen
Psal. xlv. 13. 14.
, are his righteousness and grace; and the holy conversation founded thereon. It is their conversation-garment they
wash and make clean in the blood of the Lamb
Rev. vii. 14.
; by improving it as the sole ground of their hope, of their pardon, salvation, and acceptance with God. But the
putting off the coat,
which indisposeth them to receive Christ
Song v. 3.
, 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
the saints
vail from them
Song v. 7.
: they expose their infirmities; deny them the faithful preaching of imputed righteousness; corrupt them from the simplicity of truth; and draw them to a compliance with the superstitious devices of men. Their
borders of gold
and
studs of silver,
for their robes
Song i. 11.
, 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
Song i. 16.
, is the comely, the refreshful, the flourishing and fruitful church, new covenant, scriptures, ordinances, and peculiar fellowship with Christ. Their
perfumes
Song iii. 6.
, are the graces given them. The church below, the heavens above, are their
house,
and residence
Song
. Their heart, and the task of duty assigned them, are the
vineyard
appointed to their care
Song. i. 6. and viii. 12.
.
6. The saints are compared to ROYAL PERSONS,
kings, queens, princes, princesses
Rev. i. 6. Psal. xlv. 9. 13. 16.
. 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 disposed to a free, a generous, and princely service of him; are married to him in the day of his power; and from him receive their honour, their fulness, and their title to an endless crown. How royal their
apparel
of imputed righteousness! implanted grace! and holy conversation! How royal their
nourishment
of his flesh and blood; of
all the fulness of God!
How royal their
palace
of his invisible church, his celestial mansion! How royal their
chariot
of the new covenant and gospel of God! How royal their
rest
in his well-guarded bed! How royal their
guard
of DIVine attributes, holy angels, and faithful ministers! How royal their
unction
of the Holy Ghost, to consecrate and furnish them for their work! How royal the
crown
of DIVine loving-kindness and tender mercy, which they wear, and the triple
crown
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! How royal their
council,
the ADORED THREE speaking in the scripture! How royal their heart! set upon things above, and not upon things of the earth! How royal and extensive their influence in managing and protecting the world, ruling the nations with a rod of iron, bearing rule over their own spirit, and conquering Satan and their lusts!—O marvellous, that by the grace of God I am what I am!
7. They are a ROYAL PRIESTHOOD
1 Pet. ii. 9.
. Most honourably, by the sprinkling of Jesus' blood, by the received fulness of his Spirit, are they consecrated, and set apart to the service of God! and appointed to draw near to him, and through his Son, offer sacrifices of prayer, and praise, of holy services, and broken hearts; and if called, of their life, for the honour of his name.
8. They are called PROPHETS
Psal cv. 15. 1 John ii. 20. 27.
. They know much of God's mind in comparison of others; and faithfully ought they to declare it unto others: Chiefly about future things are they concerned; and from inspired revelation, have they a solid and certain knowledge thereof.
9. They are called a CHOSEN GENERATION, or KINDRED
1 Pet. ii. 9.
. In Christ, before the world began, JEHOVAH chose, and ordained them to eternal life. By his grace he renders them choice and excellent. Of his own will, by the soul-travail of his Son, and the regenerating influence of his Spirit, he begets them again; espouseth them to Jesus, as their husband and brother; adopts them into his family, and constitutes them fellow-members with angels and ransomed men.—Thou hast not, my soul, first chosen him, but he hath chosen thee.
10. They are called a HOLY NATION
1 Pet. ii. 9.
. In whole they are a very numerous body, and closely connected,
members one of another.
Unfailing faith in a Redeemer, and unceasing love to one another, being their bonds of union, how firm and lasting is the duration of their body! 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 implanted graces, are their armies, DIVine attributes and promises, are their strong holds and fortifications. Resistance of sin, Satan, and 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 statutes; vows; purposes; and conversation!
11. They are called a PECULIAR PEOPLE
1 Pet. ii. 9.
. What a numerous, a flourishing body, whom God hath made the objects of his peculiar love! whom he hath purchased with the peculiar price of the blood of his Son! whom he subdues to himself, by a peculiar warfare of kindness and mercy! whom he hath enriched with peculiar blessings! whose hearts are inhabited by peculiar guests; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! whom God hath formed for himself, to shew forth his peculiar praise! whom he watches over, day and night, with peculiar care! and prepares for, and assures of peculiar mansions of joy! And O how different their pedigree; their foundation; their government; their spirit; their way; their end; from that of the men of this world!
12. They are a people that DWELL ALONE
Numb. xxiii. 9.
. In God's predestining purpose, they have a distinct situation and place. They alone are set as a seal on Jesus' heart and arm. They alone are within the bond of the 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 attainment of secret fellowship with God. Let me live alone 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
Eph. ii. 19. Phil. iii. 20.
. Solemn is their admission into the visible 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 traffic with Christ; great their honour in bearing his image and badge; comely their order; binding their common laws; strict their connection; and tender their care, one of another: peculiar the 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 are born from above; have their names written in heaven, in the Lamb'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 endless residence; they shall see the King in his beauty, and dwell in his presence.—Canst thou, my soul, instruct thy celestial lineage; speak the heavenly dialect of cordial praise? Is the ticket, the everlasting covenant, laid up in my heart, as
all my salvation, and all my desire?
14. They are represented as an HOUSEHOLD and FAMILY
Eph. ii. 20. Gal. vi. 10.
. How, being gathered, protected, and ruled by God, they dwell together in unity! How closely joi
ed in Christ; in God, their habitation! How bound and disposed to promote one another's welfare and joy! They are the
household of God,
made, collected, owned, provided for, employed, and governed by him to his own g
ry. They are the
household of faith.
By the
grace of faith
they credit, and contend earnestly for the
doct
ne of faith
once delivered to the saints. By these things they live; and in them be the life of my soul.
15. They are represented as CHILDREN of God
Rom. viii. 17.
. By him they are adopted. Of him their new man is spiritually begotten and born. His image is engraven, his name called upon, and his Spirit put within them. Dearly he loves them. Every thing necessary for time and et
rnity, he provides for them. In every danger he protects; in every part of conduct, in every good word and 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 with Christ.
It is theirs to be humble, teachable, and obedient before hlm:—Theirs to inmitate him in mercy, in meekness, in holiness, righteousness:—Theirs to hate what he hates; to love what he loves:—Theirs to incline to abide in his family; dwell in his presence; and seek after the most intimate fellowship with him. It is theirs to know, esteem, love, delight in him, as their Father; and to take pleasure in his word his ordinances, and people:—Theirs to be grieved and concerned when he is dishonoured, or his church oppressed or polluted.—Are these things, my soul, found in thee? Am I certainly a child of God by faith in Christ Jesus?
16. Saints are compared to BABES
Matth. xi. 25. 1 Pet. ii. 1.
. In themselves how exceeding helpless, weak, and insignificant! How exposed to danger! but wonderfully protected and preserved by God. In what imperfect degree, they here possess all the graces of the perfect, the glorisied 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 ministers, are they watched, guided, and guarded! If not hindered by their peevish temper, how quick is their spiritual growth, about the time 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 obedience! Except, my soul thou become as a little child, thou shalt in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.
17. They are called SONS; HEIRS; FIRST BORN
Gal. iv. 4. 5. 6. Heb. xii. 23.
. For a time indeed they continue in a low condition, and retain much of the Spirit of bondage; but solemnly are they separated to the service of God, as his peculiar property. How bleeed are they with all the best blessings of his righteousness, his grace, and salvation. How princely and exalted is their dominion 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.—Rejoice, my soul, 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, my tutor, my ALL. His covenant is my charter; thrice surer than heaven or earth.
18. They are called DAUGHTERS; VIRGINS; SISTERS of Christ
Song i. 3. 5. and iii. 11. and v. 1. Psal. xlv. 13.
. How weak in themselves! How exposed to danger and infirmity! How engaging their spiritual comeliness! How glorious their apparel of imputed righteousness, implanted grace, and holy conversation! How single their love to Jesus Christ! How chaste their adherence to him! How sound and uncorrupt in the faith! How sincere in their worship! How pure in their heart and life! How candid their care to avoid temptations to, and appearances of evil! How disposed to blush at the best 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 nature with him; have his image on them; are nearly connected with, dearly beloved, and tenderly cared, and provided for, by him. They are
daughters of Jerusalem, 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 spiritual provision of gospel-truths, and new-covenant blessings, they are nourished. With the garments of salvation, DIVinely granted to her, they are clothed. In her they abide; and are governed, directed, protected, and perfected. If I am such, why should I wear the attire of an harlot? why whorishly turn aside by the flocks of thy companions?—When, O 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?
When shall we, the ransomed of the Lord, return and come to Zion, with songs, and everlasting joy on our heads, and sorrow and sighing flee away?
19. They are CHILDREN OF PROMISE
Gal. iv. 28.
. From eternity their birth, their life, their endless felicity, was promised to our adored Redeemer. Not by natural influence, but by the gospel-promises and fulness thereof, are they spiritually begotten, born, suckled, nourished, 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 let them be
to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.
Never let me
forget thy statutes, for by them thou hast quickened me.
20. They are called Christ's SEED, the TRAVAIL
of his soul
Is. liii. 11.
. By his infinite labour and suffering, and from his fulness of virtue and grace, they are brought forth unto God. His honour they represent; his name they continue; and to all generations, they are the joy and rejoicing of his heart. On the very substance 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? Detested then be my heart, if it love father, or mother, more than thee.
21. Saints are called BRETHREN
(c),
In the same purpose of God, all of them are chosen. All of them have God for their Father; the church for their mother; Christ for their elder brother. Their grace, their profession, their practice, is similar. Their love is mutual. They are
Christ's brethren:
they have one Father with him. They are ineffably near to him, and precious in his sight. In so far as their finite nature admits, they share with him in his grace, his office, and work. How quickly, my Lord, shall I hear thee say, "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
John xx. 17.
. In infinite kindness he chooseth them for himself. Heartily and deliberately they accept of him, as their head and husband. All their sinful debt was charged upon him; and he, by his obedience and sufferings, answered for it. Highly he loveth; faithfully he dwells in, tenderly he sympathizeth with; sufficiently he provides for; fully he protects them. How deep is his interest and concern in their persons, graces, temptations, and troubles. How glorious is their interest in his person, his righteous
ess, honour, and fulness. How highly they esteem; tenderly they love; ardently they desire; humbly they serve him; and hardly do they bear his frowns! How 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. Openly, before angels and men, shall their nuptials, at the end, 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 who
the Lamb himself maketh ready.—Blessed for ever be the Lord, that neither meanness, nor guilt, nor vileness, nor infamy, nor devils, nor death, could stop, or can break my marriage to him! He betrotked me to himself for ever; yea, betro
hed me to him, in righteousness and in judgment, in loving-kindness and in mercies. Ye sinful, ye unprofitable, ye infamous
Rev. xix. 7. Song v. 1.
men, whosoever will, let him come to the marriage.
23. They are compared to RETURNING PRODIGALS
Luke xv. 10.—24.
. Receiving from God many noble endowments, time, talents, opportunities, how they rush into apostacy from him! and waste these gifts in soul-runing fellowship with Satan and his agents! When by trouble, and by sharp conviction, 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 s
nd. Now the most urgent necessity, accompained with an attractive persuasion of God's all-sufficiency and readiness to help, determines them to attempt an humble return to him as their Saviour and Master, and a candid confession of their sin, and earnest supplication f
r mercy. How the all-gracious Father, his bowels 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 mercy he embraceth them! with what kisses of forgiving love he melts their heart, and determines it to a truly 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 righteousness; adorns them with the
gold-ring
of his everlasting favour, Spirit, and grace; feasts and nourisheth their soul with the sweet, the tender, the all-fattening flesh and blood of his sacrificed Son! What unending joy now commenceth among divine persons and holy angels; that fallen men, utterly lost, as to safety, happiness, or usefulness, are recovered! those dead in trespasses and sins are quickened, and espoused to Christ!
24. Peevish saints much resemble the prodigal's ELDER BROTHER
Luke xv. 25.—31.
. Being DIVinely preserved from the more scandalous crimes, and serving God from their youth, in a tender and unbleameable practice; how sinfully they sometimes fret at JEHOVAH'S sovereign conduct, in giving newly-converted profligates surprising measures of grace, surprisingly familiar intimacy with himself; while he rarely bestows on themselves, such sensible experience of his love, as exhilarates their heart, and determines them with pleasure to talk of his goodness! Alas! ye froward, 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
1 Cor. vi. 2. 3.
. Endowed with wisdom, power, and authority, they set themselves for the defence of the heavenly statutes. By self examination they judge themselves, that they be not condemned with the world. By their sound principals, and holy lives, they condemn the world that lieth in wickedness. At last they shall sit as assessors with Christ in the
al judgment of evil angels and wicked men.—Shall this, Lord, be my honour, who have so often yielded to Satan, and defiled myself with his wicked agents on earth!
29. They are called WITNESSES
Is. xliii. 10.
. 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, possessed of every perfection, and suited to every case. Having
seen the Son,
believed on him, and handled the word of life, they testify, that he is the DIVinely-sent, the able, the everready and compassionate Saviour of the world. Having
seen an end of all perfection,
and felt the unsolidity and evil of the world, they declare, that "vanity of vanities, 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 desperately wicked;" and the latter, in its best estate, but
ilthy rags. Having felt the virtue of Jesus' word, they testify, that his "law is the truth;
his gospel
the power of God unto salvation;
his
commandment spiritual, holy, just, and good." Faithfully they bear witness, even against themselves. Boldly they often finish their testimony,
resist unto blood, striving against sin."—
Abide, my soul, by the truth, and
the truth shall make
thee
free.
27. They are compared to RICH MEN and NOBLES
Rev. iii. 18. Psal. xlv. 16.
. How honourably begotten of the "everlasting Father, possessor of heaven and earth!" Christ, and all things in him, are their wealth, their treasure. How glorious 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 his
white horses,
his evangelical promises, and in company with him their KING! They indeed love to work righteousness; but live not by their labours, but on God, as their inheritance, their portion; on the delicate provision of Jesus' fiesh and blood. How goodly their dwelling! the Most High is their habitation. How numerous their attendants; angels and men! How readily every thing works for their good! What burdens of labour, difficulty, and trouble, they can sustain, without being rendered wretched or miserable! How well they can forbear their full portion, till the end of time! How exalted their fellowship with DIVine persons; with angels and saints! How the view of their wealth emboldens them to approach the throne of grace; the communion of saints; and the mansions of bli
s! and roughly to resist temptations from sin, Satan, and the world!—What am I, or what is my father's house, that God hath brought me hitherto; raised me out of the dunghill, and made me to sit with princes!
28. They are called POOR or POOR IN SPIRIT
Psal. lxviii. 10 Matth. v. 3.
. Not only are they generally poor in worldly circumstances; and all, in themselves, destitute and despicable before God; but how unworthy, wretched, and polluted, in their own eyes! What students of contentment 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; and the chief of sinners! With what cheerful pleasure, they live solely on the free, the sovereign grace of 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
ELDERS, crowned and surrounding the throne of God
(c);
because
Rev. iv. 4. and v. 8. 9. 10.
of their gravity, their wisdom, their power, and authority. They are a people near unto God, and employed in the most humble and unceasing adoration 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!
30. They are compared to HARPERS
harping with their harps,
and singing a new song, which none but themselves can learn
Rev. xiv. 2.
. 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 ev
y thing they give thanks. How cordially; how pleas
ntly they praise their loving, their eternal FAIR; their endless ALL; in sine, their GOD!—Am I redeemed; redeemed to him; redeemed with blood DIVine? O may I lose my useless tongue, when it forgets to praise!
31. They are compared to MERCHANTS
Matth. xiii. 46. Rev. iii. 18.
. Christ the pearl of great price, the sin
gold, the
treasure hid in the field
of revelation, they seek out, buy, deliberately accept 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, because the days are evil. With wisdom, with care, with pleasure, with desi
e, and hope of endless advantage, they deal in spiritual and heavenly things. With knowledge and deliberation, they commission them by prayer; bring them home by faith; and receive them
them with much affection, and joy of the Holy Ghost.
Cheerfully they give their bill, their determined purpose, in his strength, to render unto God thanks for all his mercies. Grace, glory, God himself, in all his fulness, is the subject of their traffic.
Freely, without money and without price,
is 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 invoice; their bill of lading. DIVine ordinances are the port, the exchange, the market, where they carefully 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 accomptant. Their understanding and memory are their journal and ledger. Self-examination is their inventory of their stock, their stating of accompts. Improving of grace received, in holy and beneficent exercises, is their sale. Carefully ought they to keep distinct 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 languisheth, they ought to rejoice, or mourn.—Learn, my soul, this gainful business; this trade, making many, making all its users rich; this trade, that can never be hurt by the number of sharers; this trade, for which disappointments, straits, poverty, and guilt, may be improved, as a qualification.
32. They are compared to SOLDIERS
Eph. vi. 1
.—19.
. 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 implanted 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 keep undamaged, and ready on every occasion. It is theirs to distinguish themselves 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, with prudence, patience, submission, 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 advantage against them; shew no pity to any of them; but, by means of Jesus' death, believed with application, 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 certainty 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 your course with joy;
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 you, than he that is in the world.—Be then the day of war, the season of my soul.
33. They are compared to WATCHMEN
Psal. cxxx. 5. 6. Prov. vi. 23.
. In their respective towers and stations they wait upon, and watch
for God, more than they that watch for the morning.
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 opportunity thereof; to watch in duty, keep your heart, in its disposition and aims, because
out of it are the issues of life;
and to watch for the answer of prayer, and fruit of good works. It is yours, to watch against the roaring lion, and his serpentine agents: to watch with Jesus as your Lord, your defence, pattern, companion, and guide: to watch for him, coming in the Spirit, and in the clouds; for blessed are they,
whom, 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
Eph. vi. 12.
. 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, resisting, crying for deliverance from them, and studying to have every inward corruption utterly destroyed. In humble and earnest supplication, they wrestle with God: taking hold of his strength, pleading 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 discouragement drive thee from his mercy-seat. Fill thy mouth with arguments, even with thy need, thy guilt, thy perversness; order thy cause before him.
35. They are compared to WALKERS
Zech. x. 12.
. Being DIVinely brought into Jesus
the way of holiness,
in which
the way-faring man shall not err,
in the sight, in the company, under the awe, and with a regard to the glory of God; in the continued application of a Redeemer'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 mansions of happiness, they, with unceasing pleasure, peace, purity, honour and triumph, for ever attend the Lamb of God, in all his glorious discoveries of himself.—My soul, having "received the Lord Jesus, walk in him; walk up and down in his name; walk humbly with thy God;" at last thou shalt
walk with him in white;
for in him thou art worthy.
36. They are compared to RUNNERS of a race
Heb. xii. 1.
.
Encompassed with so great a cloud,
a multitude
of witnesses;
animated by the example of 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 possible. Put on the light, the pliant robes of Jesus' righteousness and grace. Be thou wholly, chiefly thy joints, thy principles of action, anointed with the Holy Ghost. Lay aside every weight of guilt, anxious care, and sinful affection. And particularly, thy evil heart of unbelief and thy predominant lusts. Beware of "surfeiting and drunkenness; 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, presecution, desertion, or inward weakness; but with integrity, vigour, and unwearied diligence, proceed in thy course; daily apply a Saviour's blood;
grow in grace; abound in the work of the Lord.
37. They are compared to PILGRIMS or TRAVELLERS
1 Pet. ii. 10.
. 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 armour 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 holiness; and continue walking therein: sweetly they drink out of its
wells of salvation;
and refresh themselves, but not tarry in the inns of ordinances built thereupon. How DIVersified is their condition! Now, their duty is pleasant and easy; anon, it is rugged and difficult. Now, they enjoy fine weather of peace and prosperity; clear views of Jesus countenance, wide prospects of his loveliness and love; clear discoveries 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 temptation, dark nights of desertion and disorder, that they know not what to do, or whither to go. How often fearfully pinched for provision! How often the wells of promises seem dry, and inns of ordinances are found empty! How often are they exposed to the gazing, ridicule, and malice of carnal men! How often, by Satan and their lusts, harassed and robbed of their grace, or its evidence! How often tempted to turn back! But, through every tribulation, they push forward to the city, the celestial kingdom, of God; and with so much more cheerfulness, if they enjoy 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
Psal. xxxix. 12.
. 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 celestial country, are their portion, their inheritance, their hopes, their affections, their thoughts, their desires! With what strange robes of DIVine righteousness, implanted grace, and gospel-holiness, 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 provision of Jesus' person, righteousness, and benefits! How employed in the much-unknown labour of numbering their days; of considering their last end; of ploughing up the fallow-ground of their heart; of sowing 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 out of bitter; of loving their mankind-enemies, and rendering them blessing for cursing! How unsatisfactory their outward enjoyments! What a
gazing stock
to the men of this world! And how despised, reproached, and harassed 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. In all my affliction he is afflicted, so he is my Saviour.
39. They are called BUILDERS
Jude 20.
. 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 gospel conversation; adding one degree of grace, one good word and work to another: and build up the church, by elucidating DIVine truths; winning souls to Christ; spreading abroad the savour of his name; and lifting up his praise.—So build, my soul, and thou shalt be able to finish.
40. They are compared to THRESHERS, or THRESHING INSTRUMENTS
Is. xli. 15. 16.
. In Jesus' strength, and by repeated acts of faith and hope, of repeutance 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 corruptions, manifold dangers and difficulties, which stand in their way of serving the Lord, or enjoying fellowship with him. Astonishing! shall
worm I
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
Luke xvi. 9.—12
. To their peculiar care hath 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 improven according to the rule of his word. Solemnly hath he charged 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 according to their works.—How quickly, my soul, shall he cause me
give an account of
my
stewardship; for
I
must be no longer steward!
Are all my accounts clear, and balanced with Jesus' blood?
42. They are compared to SERVANTS
Rev. vii. 3.
. How solemnly are they engaged! How deeply obliged to serve the Lord Christ, in whatsoever he shall command them! With what lowliness of mind, what faithfulness, gratitude, and evangelical
respect to the recompence of reward,
are they to do the will of God in all 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 for ever.
In,
and after,
keeping thy commandments, there is an exceeding great reward.
43. They are called INHABITANTS OF THE GARDENS
Song viii. 13.
. Being associated into particular congregations and worshipping assemblies, they make an open, a continued, a stedfast profession of Jesus' truth; and with constancy, delight, and diligence, they attend upon, and improve his ordinances; and are chiefly busied in keeping and cultivating their heart and conversation.
44. They are compared to FARMERS OF VINEYARDS
Song viii. 12.
. To them hath God, in a subordinate respect, committed the vineyard of their own heart and of his church; and to their advantage the fruitfulness thereof greatly redounds. It is therefore theirs, carefully to keep their vineyard; to watch over themselves and their work; to labour earnestly, in denying ungodliness and worldly lusts; and in living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. It is theirs to study regularity and distinctness in their religious course. It is theirs to improve every event, every faculty, and gift; to prune off 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 the paradise of God, to prop every good word and work. It is theirs to promote the purity, 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 mens vineyards, to the neglect of their own
Song i. 5.
. How often are they, by their mother's children, their indwelling corruptions, and hypocritical professors, forced and decoyed into a base submission to human impositions, in the service of God; to sinful and carnal courses; to too eager interfering with worldly affairs, or with spiritual things in a selfish and carnal manner! How often, is their watchfulness over their heart, their resisting and mortifying of their lusts, their due cherishing and exercising of their grace, hereby sinfully and shamefully prevented! How often doth their being in public office, in church or state, occasion much sinful neglect of personal piety!
46. They are represented as CARRIED ones
Is. xlvi. 3. 4.
. Being 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, notwithstanding their manifold filthiness, provocations, and infirmities, bears them
up
under every burden; bears them
out
against every opposition; bears them
on
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
Psal. lxxxiii. 3.
. How unknown to the world, and even to themselves, is their excellency; their gracious state; their spiritual attainments: and especially their future glory! How hidden,—how secret favours, are their election, their regeneration, their pardon, acceptance, adoption, and inward comfort! How secretly; how mysteriously and safely are their persons, their state, their life, their portion, and treasure, laid up in the word, the heart, the hand, the life, the honour of Christ, and of God in him!
48. They are represented as SEALED ones
Rev. vii. 3.
. By electing love, by effectual calling, by their justification, and by the daily influence of his Spirit, they are highly honoured of God, and appropriated and confirmed to his use; and distinguished from the world. Safely hid and
preserved in Christ Jesus,
how graciously are they enabled to make an open confession of his truth! How often protected from common calamities! How marvellously saved amidst eminent troubles!
49. They are called UPRIGHT ones
Song i. 4.
. How their heart, their affections, tower towards God, and heavenly 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 MEN
Psal. xciv. 8. 12.
. Being instructed 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 Christ, the best way; and with God, the most excellent companion. They espouse Christ the best husband; and live on his flesh and blood, the most wholesome and nourishing 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
Eph. vi. 10.
. Being strengthened in and by the Lord Jesus, they can bear heavy burdens without repining; can walk in God's way without wearying; run in the path of his commandments without fainting: can attack and conquer the strongest corruptions; resist the devil; overcome the world; and bear rule over their own spirit.—Rejoice, my soul,
I can do all things through Christ strengthening me.
52. They are represented as CARNAL men
Rom. vii. 14.
. Alas! what power hath their remaining carnal corruption over them! How much they fulfil their sinful lust! How compassed with fleshly infirmities! How sadly are their hearts attached to worldly things! What envy, 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
Luke xxiv. 25.
. Alas! how often they mistake their way; neglect their duty; act contrary to God's honour, and their own interest; grieve their friends, and please their enemies! How often they act without thought; complain of, or praise, what they know not! How often have I been brayed in the mortar of adversity; yet hath not my foolishness departed from me!
54. They are represented as CAPTIVES,
sold under sin
Rom. vii. 23. 24.
. How often do Satan, and their lusts, prevail over them; drag them from God and their duty, and into the slavish service of sin! How they buffet them for the least refusal! How they abuse and maltreat their soul!—Blessed be the Lord, who bringeth back his captives, even when, with stupidity and unconcern, they are like men that dream. Quickly, O my soul, shall the
prey be taken from the mighty,
and
the lawful captive be delivered.
55. They are represented as PRISONERS
Psal. cxlii. 6.
. How often are they shut up and confined in the prison of trouble; of prevailing corruption; of fearful temptation; 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 bring us forth, that we may glorify thy name?
56. They are compared to KILLED and CRUCIFIED men
Rom. viii. 17. 36.
. O the killing providences! the destructive, rage of inward corruption! the violent temptations of Satan! the persecutions of the world, with which they are trysted! They are
crucified with Christ;
in his death he represented them; and by the application of his atonement to their conscience, is their old man, their inward corruption, gradually and painfully mortified. They are
crucified to the world,
and it to them. Gradually, and not without paln and shame, are they weaned from the world as a portion, or any necessary part of it, and as dead malefactors are they despised by the men of it.
57. They are compared to DYING and DEAD men
Rom. vii. 4. 6.
. 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 husband and governour; 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: and are
buried together with Christ;
share the sweet repose that flows from his death; in consequence whereof they rise to newness of life.
58. They are represented as LIVING men
Gal. ii. 20.
. O the mysterious inward motions of their heart! O their agreeable breathing and desiring after Christ, and living by faith on him! O the sweet light, liberty, pleasure, and other enjoyments of which they are 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 trembling!—Lord, may I live and praise thee.
59. They are called a REMNANT
Is. xi. 16.
. How few in comparison of the rest of mankind! How often they chiefly consist of the poor and dregs thereof! How often are they wonderfully preserved, when the wicked are cut off!
60. They resemble ISSAC
Gal. iv. 28.
. They are the spiritual, the promised seed of Abraham; the special, the distinguished seed of Heaven, the offspring of Jesus' intercession. By means of the promise, and notwithstanding insuperable-like difficulties, they are spiritually conceived and born. How delightful a joy and rejoicing 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 fadly harassed by their bastard brethren! But being heirs, they at last enter in to possess
all the fulness of God.
61. They are compared to JACOB
Zech. xii. 8.
. Being freely chosen to salvation, they
strive to enter in at the strait gate
of union to Christ, and renovation of their nature; and struggle for glory, honour, immortality, eternal life. Being blessed in the robes of Christ, their elder brother's imputed righteousness; guarded of angels; highly esteeming their spiritual birthright and blessing; they wrestle with God, and also prevail: 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 sirname thyself, by the name of Israel.
62. They are compared to DAVID
Is. xliv. 5
. Being exalted from the lowest degree, they sit with
the Prince of the kings of the earth.
Wisely they conduct themselves: though striplings and weak in themselves, they are
strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might;
and notwithstanding fearful guilt, and difficulties innumerable, they are
more than conquerors through him that loved
them.
63. They are like unto LAZARUS in the parable
Luke x
i. 19.—26.
. How generally poor and contemptible, in the view of the great men of the world! How often the brutal 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!
64. They compare themselves to BEASTS
Psal. lxxiii. 20.
. For, O the stupidity, earthliness, filthiness, perverseness, mischievousness, unsightliness, which they discern in themselves!—Lord, what a monstrous beast, a wretched system of beasts, am I before thee! "Nevertheless I am continually with thee; thou holdest me by my right hand: thou 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 remove 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
Ezek xvii. 23. Song. ii. 12.
. How DIVersified are their cases and frames! The conversation 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 offices, relations, righteousness, and love of Christ, the
tree of lise,
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 ransomeds full concert, of
Hallelujahs
and
Hosannas,
come!
66. They are compared to EAGLES
Is. xl. 31. Psal. ciii. 5.
. How glorious; how royal their spiritual dignity among men! How solid their knowledge of the most dazzling, the most 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 munition of rocks,
their habitation, from whence they overlook 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 Rock which is higher than I.
67. They are compared to DOVES
Is. lx. 8.
. How weak and timorous in themselves! but being justified in Jesus' 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 thy mourn for his absence! How diligently they endeavour to gain others to his cause! How swift; how high; how heavenly, their motions of faith, love, and holy conversation! 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 danger!—May my life, my last end, be like theirs! May I be "a dove in the valley, mourning for mine iniquities."
68. They compare themselves to OWLS
Psal. cii. 6.
: 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, and owl 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 SPARROW on the house top alone
Ps
l. cii. 7.
. For alas! how weak and insignificant 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 CRANES and SWALLOWS
Is. xxxviii. 14.
. How mournful their lamentations! How broken their notes of praise! How strangely varied their speech! Sometimes like
cranes
they roar; anon like
swallows
they peep, and speak as it were out of the dust.—Lord, who knowest my brutal language, my whisper, my roaring, let my groans, my cries,
come up with acceptance on
thine
altar;
for how can I sing thy song in a foreign land!
71. Saints are compared to CHICKENS
Matth. xxiii. 37.
. How weak and insufficient in themselves! How exposed to danger, contempt, treading down, and destruction! But, how kindly called, warmed, comforted, protected, and provided for, by the Son of God! How sagaciously they 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
Mic. v. 8. Prov. xxviii. 1.
. How great 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 compassionate to penitent and submissive sinners! And how often dreadful to the spirits of wicked men!—Invested with thy righteousness, O Jesus, let me towards God, angels, and men, be "bold as a lion, that turneth not away for any: let me tear the arm, and the crown of the head," of every indwelling lust and sinful practice.
73. They are compared to a COMPANY OF HORSES
in Pharaoh's chariots
Song i. 9.
. Being chosen from among men, to everlasting honour 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 the fulness of God. By JEHOVAH, by his angels, and ministers, they are cared for, and attended. How richly ornamented with his righteousness and grace! How comely; how stately; majestic; strong; courageous; and 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 together! And with what order, harmony, cheerful alertness, and speed, do they honour 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?
74. They are compared to HARTS or HINDS
Psal. xlii. 1. and xviii. 33.
. In 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 serpent, and his seed! How fearfully these fasten 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' fountain of life! In his strength, and as swiftened by his grace, how gloriously they overleap, 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 OXEN and CALVES,
fatted in the stall;
or
of the yoke
Mal. iv. 2.
. How richly they seed 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 beautiful, 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 ay be flourishin.
76. They are called Christ's SHEEP and LAMBS
John xxi. 15. 16.
. Being chosen, purchased, formed, fed, and owned by him, how noted their righteousness; their purity; patience; innocence; and usefulness! On what wholesome pastures of God's truth and fulness they ordinarily feed! How they know and obey Christ's voice! rest under his shadow, in the noon-tide of trouble! 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, diseases, and storms! How apt, of themselves, to feed on the rot-grass of sinful corruptions, and carnal enjoyments! 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 RECOVERED
Luke xv. 4.—7. Psal. cxix. 176.
. Finding them by nature afar off, and wandering from God on mountains of iniquity, of vanity, and worldly enjoyments, Jesus, by the conviction and illumination of his word 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 sins and snares, he sends forth his light and his truth, to find out, lead, and bring them back. By repeated reproofs, corrections, convictions, and displays of his glory, he seeks them out and apprehends them; and in his 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
newly washed
FLOCK OF GOATS,
on mount Gilead; whereof every one beareth twins
Song. iv. 2.
. Notwithstanding their remaining corruptions, how beautiful are they, as washed in Jesus' blood! On what rich, high, and heavenly pasture of his promise, person, and fulness, they feed! How marvellously they travel heavenward! and climb to God's throne in quest of their provision! How
even shorn,
having put off the old man with his deeds! What living, reasonable, and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ! And how useful and medicinal to men is their holy conversation!
79. Young saints are likened to KIDS
Song i. 8.
. Whatever liveliness and beauty appear about them; yet there are sad remains of filthiness, weakness, folly, ignorance.—To remove this, my soul, feed thyself, besides the shepherds tents, in the gospel-ordinances of Christ.
80. They compare themselves to DOGS
Matth. x
. 27.
. What insignificancy; filthiness; mischievousness; 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
Matth. x. 16.
. Carefully ought they to watch against every danger; turn away their ear from all flattery and temptation; seize every opportunity of assaulting their spiritual foes; wisely secure their head and heart from every imminent hazard; and forcibly vomit up, by repentance, their sinful poison, when they go to drink out of God's refreshful wells of salvation.
82. They compare themselves to TOSSED LOCUSTS
Psal. cix. 23.
. How inconsiderable in themselves! How few their months! How short their mortal life! How often employed in evil! How toffed to and fro with blasts of trouble!—When, Lord, shall my
five months
of sin and wo be gone, and never dying glory come!
83. They are compared to WORMS
Is. xli. 14.
. How earthy in the origin, the residence, the food, and the return of their body! In their own view, how mean, weak, insignificant, and earthly-minded are they! their belly and soul cleaveth 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 FISHES
Matth. xii. 47.—50.
. In the sea of this world, their outward man liveth and moveth;—their new man in the sea of Jesus' love: for scales they are adorned and protected with his imputed righteousness and imparted grace; by their sins of faith and love, they balance their motions, and swim against the tides of corruption and trouble: and how vigorously, even now, they press towards heaven their native abode! The end cometh, when, while others are taken in an evil net, and cast away into unquenchable fire, they shall be gathered together, and by angels carried into Jesus' palace; that they may be to him a subject of everlasting pleasure and joy.
85. They are compared to TREES
Ezek. xlvii. 12.
. Being planted in the soil of the new covenant, rooted and grounded 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 unsading leaves of profession, and uncorrupting 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,
immoveably 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
Psal. xcii. 12.
. Being deep and firmly rooted in the rock Christ, and his unchangeable covenant, how full they are of spiritual 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
of God! How protecting a shade, to the sinners around, from the temporal judgments of Heaven!
87. They are compared to OAK and TYLE trees
Is. vi. 11. 12. 13.
. 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 outward condition, their conversation, or even their gracious exercise, yet, a
substance
of grace and seed of glory remaining in them, they shall, in the spring-tide of renewed DIVine visits, of death, and of the resurrection, revive and
flourish as an herb.
88. They are compared to FIR and PINE trees
Is. lv. 13. and lx. 13.
. Out of what barren soil of a natural state, do they originally spring! And in what a barren world, they here stand! Yet how upright! how tall! how comely in Christ! How free from knotting corruptions, and scandalous crimes! How useful and refreshing their shadow and influence! 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
Is. xli. 19.
. In respect of their new man, how excellent and useful! How savoury their conversation! How protecting and refreshful their shadow! their insluence!
90. They are compared to SHITTAH-trees or shittimwood
Is. xli. 19.
. 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
Is. xliv. 45.
. Being
planted by the rivers of water,
having a fixed communion with the love, the blood, the Spirit, the promise of God, how quickly, how pleasantly they grow up in grace, as his influences are plentifully enjoyed! Without 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, hypocrites wither and perish!
92. They are compared to PALM trees
Psal. xcii. 12. Ezek. xi. 26.
. At first, how weak is their faith! their hope! their love! Yet how straight, bending upward to heavenly things! How mysteriously their vital juice is reposited 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 manifold troubles, how mightily they flourish and grow! How useful in building the church! and in the peace and victory obtained for them by Christ, how shall they, as
with palms,
with emblems of conquest and peace,
in their hands,
for ever triumph!
93. They are compared to MYRILE-trees
Zech. i. 8.
. In their spiritual condition and attainment, how DIVersified! The persons and conversation of all, how fragrant! how precious and excellent! How they prosper in the fat soil of fellowship with God and his saints! and in the low
bottom
or
valley
of self abasement, and trouble! How infallibly they retain the sap of grace, and leaves of profession, till the end! How choice their fruit of love to God and their neighbour! Is it not from thee, O blessed
Man among the myrtle-trees,
that our sap, our fruit is sound▪
94. They are compared to POMEGRANATE-trees
Song vii. 12.
. How rarely to be found! and only in Christ's garden, the church! How DIVersified their condition, and degrees 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. They are compared to
IG trees
Song ii. 13.
. How early! how abundant and excellent are their fruits of faith, hope, repentance, love, humility, resignation, self-denial, zeal! How extensive and comely their leafy pro
ession, that flows from, and follows their principal, their inward fruit! How necessary are cutting convic
ions and trouble, to forward the ripening of their product! The longer they are plunged in waters of adversity, how often they bear up the better!
96. they are compared to OLIVE-trees
Hos.
iv. 6.
. 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 useful fruits of holiness; which make their face to shine!
97. They are compared to VINES
Song ii. 15.
. Weak and useless in themselves, but leaning on Christ their supporter, to what distinguished height, of holiness and profession, they grow! 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 BRANCHES
John xv. 2.—5.
. 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 depend. By him they are supported in all their trouble. From him they receive all that grace and glory, which render them holy or happy.—By the most intimate and constant fellowship, abide in him, my soul; so shall I bring forth much fruit. Let me never cleave to him, as an ivy, by mere outward profession, lest he pluck me away, and cast me into eternal fire.
99. They are compared to PLANTS
Song iv. 13.
. 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 quickly trodden down and ruined, if exposed to Satan and their corruptions! Being tender and weak in themselves, how carefully must Jesus and his ministers wait on, water, and hedge about them, to promote their spiritual growth!
100. They are compared to FLOWERS, OR PLOURISHING HERBS
Is. lxvi. 14.
. Rooted and grounded in Christ, partaking of his nourishing virtue, warmed with his solar heat, watered by his Spirit, they, under his shadow, grow up, appear fresh, fragrant, and beautiful; increase in grace; and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord. O their delightful comeliness, in the morning of conversion, of renewed manifestations, of entrance on the eternal state, and of rising from the grave!—Let thy dew, adored Jesus, cause me grow up as the lily, spread my roots, and cast abroad my smell, as Lebanon.
101. They are compared to LILIES
among thorns
Song ii.
.
. Amidst wicked men, that daily molest them; amidst troubles, that daily ha
ass them; how delightfully they, weak in themselves▪ do, by multitudes, spring from Jesus their root! How pure, comely, quick grown, and tail in grace! How open towards heavenly, and shut towards earthly things, is their heart! How fruitful are they in good works! and in converting others! What a sweet savour 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, pluckt by death!
102. They resemble MANDRAXES
Song vii. 13.
. How meek, cool, and pacific, their spirit! How beautiful, savoury, and acceptable to Christ and his Father! By fervent prayer, by earnest desire, how they promote the discov
ries of his love! By their lively and fruitful conversation, how they provoke one another to love, and to good works! Nevertheless, if left to themselves, how slothfully they sleep, and sinfully sleepen one another!
103. They are compared to GROWING CORN, or WHFAT
Hof. xiv. 5. Matth. xiii. 27. 30.
. Amidst tares of wicked men and vile corruptions, how, seeded with the grace and good word of God, watered with his blood and Spirit, and warmed 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 mortification of their lusts, how carefully ought they to be weeded and purged! How capable, through Christ, to endure winters and sto
ms of affliction! When ripe, how solid in knowledge! in experience! How their roots loose from the earth! and their heart hangs downward in selfabasement, and resignation to death! How cut down by his sharp sickle! By what sin-mortifying influence of the Spirit; by what threshing and winnowing troubles are they purged from their chaff! 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 immediate reason of God's benevolent care and labour about it?
104. They are compared to an ORCHARD OF SPICES
Song iv. 13. 14.
. 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
Song vi. 11.
. In the covering of Jesus' righteousness; in the love, the purpose, the power of God, how hid and secured are their persons and graces! How impossible to be lost, hurt, or destroyed! What coarse shell of a mortal body lodges their invisible, their precious soul! Amidst despicable outward appearances, how precious, useful, and glorious are they within! How tenaciously they cleave to Christ, and to one another in love! How hardy under pressing afflictions! How readily their grace is discovered, by breaking rods and afflictions!
106. They are compared to GOOD FIGS
Jer. xxiv. 2.
. How abundant their fulness of spiritual sap! What an useful medicine and refreshment to a land! How delightful and savoury to Christ and his people!—When, Lord, shall they be
very good!
107. They resemble an HEAP OF WHEAT
set about with lilies
Song vii. 2.
. 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
Eph. v. 8.
. How excellent, useful, and desirable! How powerful and clear their spiritual knowledge! How shining and illuminating 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
Song vi. 10.
. Small at present, but hopeful, pleasant, and gradual, is the increase of their light, knowledge, grace, and good works. How sweetly bedewed from above! How refreshful their state, and wholesome their air! While their graces go forth to their work, and labour of love, how fast the wild beasts of infernal fiends, and sinful corruptions, hide themselves in their dens! How 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
Matth. xiii. 43.
. How heavenly their state! their affections! their conversation! In Jesus' imputed righteousness, his imparted grace, and the good works proceeding therefrom, how brightly they shine! And next to himself, enlighten, adorn, warm, and refresh the world! Nor here, is their glory fully understood; nor their restful condition believed: but the time cometh, when they shall for ever rest, and shine in the kingdom of their Father. Jesus
shall change
their
vile body, and fashion it like unto 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
Song vi. 10.
. How far inferior to Christ the
Sun of righteousness,
from whom they borrow all their glory and lustre! How sully, direct views of his countenance, makes 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! How great their influence in the rise and fall of nations, in its troubled sea!
112. They are compared to STARS
1 Cor. xv. 41.
. 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! 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, an eternity, when unseen heavens shall burn with all their fires! their stars redeemed! when all the corners of heaven shall reflect our borrowed lustre!—When I have obtained that meridian, how shall my views of this earth, as insignificant, be lost! But how wide! how clear, shall be my views of Godhead! I
shall see him as he is.
113. They are compared to CLOUDS
If. lx. 8.
. What a collection of particular saints unnumbered! In Christ how high is their state and dignity! How heavenly-minded in heart! How close and mysterious their connection among themselves! How useful are they to overshadow, protect, refresh, and water the world! Moved by the influencing gales of the Holy Ghost, 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
Mic. v. 7.
. 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. How heavenly the state and temper of their soul! How readily attracted to things above! How great their number! How beautiful their form! How pleasant, refreshful, quickening, and fructifying the influence of their prayers and holy conversation, on those around! chiefly on young professors! When, my Lord, shall we
fly as a cloud,
to meet thee in the air?
115. They are a SPRING
shut up;
a FOUNTAIN SEALDD
Song iv. 12.
. In them, the Spirit is a well of water springing 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 corruptions, retake your ancient possession; the Lord hath shut me up for himself; and
there is no opening.
116. Saints falling before the wicked are like a TROUBLED FOUNTAIN, and CORRUPT SPRING
Prov. xxv. 26.
. How uncomely! how hurtful! how disagreeable and shocking the sight!—Yet. "rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light unto me."
117. Saints are called the APPLE OF GOD'S EYE
Zech. ii. 8.
. How dear to him! How carefully defended and preserved by him! How deeply he sympathizeth 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
Mal. iii. 17.
. How rare; precious; comely; excellent; and useful! How carefullysought 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 himself by them!
119. They are compared to GOLD
Job xxiii. 10.
. How precious, useful, comely, and durable! How the furnace of affliction purgeth away their 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; and how highly he esteems them, as
his portion,
and wealth! How often, Lord, when thou hast tried me in thy furnace, have I come forth as dross rather than gold!
120. They are compared to a LOST PIECE OF SILVER RECOVERED by sweeping the house
Luke xv. 8.
. Being lost in Adam, and lost amidst their own corruptions, God, by sweeping judgments; but chiefly by the preaching of the glorious gospel, which sweeps away error, idolatry, and superstition; and by conviction and illumination, which sweeps away self-confidence, legal righteousness, ignorance, hatred of a Saviour,—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
Psal. cxxxv. 4. Deut. xxxii. 9. Is. lxii. 3.
. He chose and redeemed them to himself. By the infinite price of his Son's blood; by the almighty conquest of his grace, he obtains them. How greatly he values, delights in; rejoiceth over; and boasts of them! How gloriously his choice, his pardon, acceptance, adoption, sanctification, and glorification of them, demonstrate his riches of grace; his power and sovereignty! Nor shall ever any of them be hurt, lost, or alienated.
122. They are represented as a TEMPLE and HABITATION for God
Eph. ii. 21. 22.
. Upon his Son as the Lord their
ghteousness and strength, he founds them. With his Spirit and grace he furnisheth them. With pleasure and constancy, he resides 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 knowledge; to fill their conscience with thy cleansing blood, pardoning grace, and directive law; to fill their will with thy melting love, thy unmatched excellency; to fill their affections 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 are like unto an ORNAMENT
Prov. xxv. 12.
. With their grace, their good works, how remarkably they adorn their profession! deck their country; and beautify their church! honour their race and family; and glorify their God!—Make me, O Lord, a faithful, a wise, a successful reprover; so shall I be more useful, esteemed, and glorious, than an
ornament of choice gold.
124. They are an EVERLASTING FOUNDATION
Prov. x. 25.
. How fixed for ever, on the Rock of ages, are their persons! How immoveable their new-covenant state! How unfailing their graces! How perpetual their remembrance! What a structure of displayed grace and glory, God builds on them! And is not their seal,
The Lord knoweth them that are his!
and, Let him that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity!—The Lord
is at my right hand,
is in my heart; on him dependeth all my hope;
therefore I shall not be moved.
125. They are LIVELY STONES
1 Pet. ii. 5. 6.
. Being digged out of the quarry of their natural state, quickened by the Spirit of God, united to Jesus Christ as their foundation, they constitute the structure of the invisible church: they enter on a state of everlasting life; become quick, lively, and active in holy duties: In respect of their profession and practice, they are in Christ made strong, fixed, and durable. But how often stumbling-blocks to carnal men; who, for their outward meanness and often infirmities, despise them, and so ruin themselves!
126. They are SIGNS and WONDERS
Is. viii. 18.
. In their new covenant state, and work, they deserve the admiration of all around them. But because they are unknown 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 folly, villany, hurtfulness, pride, error, novelty, melancholy, dulness, ingratitude, spite, hot-headedness, babbling.
127. They are compared to BRANDS
pluckt out of the fire
Zech. iii. 2.
. When they were burning in the fiery curse 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 hell, how powerfully! how seasonably! how kindly, Jesus apprehended them by his grace! quencheth them in his blood and Spirit! formed them into his image; and constituted them heirs of his glory! Shall I here also look after him, who thus saw, and saved me!
128. They are compared to PILLARS OF SMOKE
Song iii. 6.
. How burning their desire towards Christ! How upright and steady their heavenly affections and conversation! How cheerfully they offer up themselves, living, reasonable, and sweet-smelling sacrifices to God, as perfumed with all the spices of our glorious Merchant! And in what obscure and uneasy condition are they often, upon earth!
129. Weak saints are likened to SMOKING FLAX
Is.
lii. 3.
. 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 untender 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
Is.
lii. 3.
. How weak, insufficient, and worthless in themselves; in their own view; or in the estimation of carnal men! How unfit to tower heavenward, or bear heavy burdens of work, or warfare! How often are their hearts broken and bruised by convictions, desertions, temptations, prevalency of corruption, and outward troubles!—Blessed Jesus, thou wilt not break me; wilt not destroy, 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, B
WLS
Rom. ix. 22. 23.
. By election they are chosen and appointed; by justification, regeneration, adoption, and sanctification, 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 preserved by God's mercy, to be for ever filled with mercy and kindness. How often like OLD BOTTLES, unfit for
new wine,
for eminent manifestations of God, or hard service in his way! How often, like
bottles in the smoke,
withered, rent, and narrowed by perplexing trouble and affliction!—Lord, make me a
bowl before 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 my glory in.
132. They are compared to SALT
Matth. v. 13.
. Being interested 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 universal corruption and ruin.
133. They are the SUBSTANCE
of a land
Is. vi. 13
. They alone, are therein valuable. They are the useful means of averting wrathful judgments; os 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
Song iv. 1. and vii. 5.
. They are weak and insignificant in themselves, ready to be tossed to and fro; but being deep rooted in Jesus, the head of the church, they derive their security 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
Song viii. 6.
. How constantly loved, valued, protected, and remembered by him! His eye, his care, is ever on them. How well grounded, and firm, is their assurance of his affection! How near him they live! see his face, and feel his love working on their heart!
CHAP. VIII.
Metaphors respecting wicked men.
1. WICKED men are called DEVILS
John vi. 70.
. Having fallen from their first estate, they are become false accusers of God and his people; malicious, constant, and cruel enemies to them. How they delight to do evil! to lie, murder, and to the utmost of their power, tempt others to sin! How forsaken, and abhorred of God! How fast ripening for everlasting punishment!—How justly, Lord, mayst thou address me; "Get thee behind me, Satan, for thou favourest not the things that be of God; but the things that be of men!"
2. They are compared to a HUMAN BODY. Their
head
denotes their power and authority. Their
lifting up of their head
signifies their proud exerting of their power
Psal. lxxxiii. 2.
.
Shaking the head,
imports derision and contempt
Job xvi. 4.
. A
whore's sorehead,
a
brow of brass,
denotes shameless boldness in sinning
Jer. iii. 3. Is. xlviii. 4.
. Their having
ears that hear not, and eyes that see not,
imports their not knowing, believing, and receiving with their heart, the DIVine truths which they outwardly hear and see
Is. vi. 10.
. An
evil eye,
is one employed in espying occasions of wickedness, and tempting others to it; particularly one employed by a churlish, covetous, and malicious heart
Mark vii. 22. Prov. xxiii. 6.
.
Eyes full of adultery,
are those exceedingly given to wanton and lascivious looks
2. Pet. ii. 14.
.
Ensnaring eyes or eye lids,
are such as harlots employ in amorous glances to entice men to lust after them
Prov. vi. 25.
.
Losty eyes
and
eye-lids,
or
high looks,
import pride, and contempt of others
Prov. xxx. 13.
.
Winking with the eye,
imports derision of others, or secret enticing them to sin; which
bringeth sorrow
to the injured; and wrath to the injurer
Prov. x. 10.
.
Their teeth being spears and arrows, knives, swords,
imports their malicious using of their power and language, to pain and hurt others
Prov. xxx. 14. Psal. lvii 4.
. Their being
smitten 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
Psal. iii. 7.
. Their
tongue being a fire, a sharp sword,
and their having
a sword in their mouth or lips,
imports the mischievous and murderous tendency of their unchaste, profane, passionate, reviling, and fraudulent speech
Psal. lvii. 4. Prov. xxv. 18.
. Their
rolling sin as a sweet morsel under their tongue;
having
mischief and vanity,
or the
poison of asps under their tongue,
imports their delight in wickedness; their readiness, on every occasion, to utter mischievous and vain language; which however pleasant for a time, slowly, imperceptibly, and infallibly, tends to the ruin of every one infected by it
Job xx. 12. Psal. x. 7.
. To
smite with the tongue,
is to reproach and revile: to
backbite with the tongue,
is to speak to our neighbour's prejudice in his absence
Jer. xviii. 18.
. A
tongue walking through the earth,
implies impudent boldness, in every where blaspheming God, ridiculing and reproaching our neighbour
Psal. lxxiii. 9
.
Sharpening of the tongue like a serpent,
implies activity and contrivance, in belching forth the most destructive and poisonous discourse
Psal. cxl. 3.
. The words of the wicked are
sharp arrows,
are to
lie in wait for blood,
are the
piercings of a sword;
and these of tale-bearers,
deep wounds;
as they tend to murder mens fouls, bodies, and characters
Psal. lxiv. 3. Prov. xii. 6. and xxvi. 22.
. The
perverseness of their tongue, is a breach in the spirit;
shews a disordered spirit in them; and tends to vex and disturb the spirit of others
Prov. xv. 4.
. A
lying tongue is but for a moment;
truth will quickly discover herself, and put falsehood to shame
Prov. xii. 19.
. A
flattering tongue
or
speech,
resembles
smooth batter, oil, honey dropping from the womb,
for its apparent kindness, innocency, and love
Psal. lv. 21. Prov. v. 3.
. The mouth of a harlot or strange woman, is a
deep pit;
her lascivious and enticing words, ensnare men into endless, and unfathomable misery
Prov. xxii. 14.
.
Burning fire in one's lips,
denotes malicious, passionate, provoking, and lust-inflaming speeches
Prov. xvi 27.
.
Burning lips like a potsherd, covered over with silver-dross,
signify wicked discourse, embellished with elegant language, and fine elocution
Prov. xxvi. 23.
. The mouth of the wicked being
full of cursing and bitterness; of fraud and deceit;
and
their throat
being an
open sepulchre,
imports their constant readiness to pour forth abundance of angry, reproachful, blasphemons, noisome, infectious, false, and ruinous language
Rom. iii. 13. 4.
. Their
mouth
being
near destruction;
being
filled with gravel; covered with violence;
and
their soul eating violence,
imports, that for their hatred, oppression, malicious and blasphemous language, God shall quickly punish them with ruin; oppression; shame; vexation; and torment
Prov. xx. 17. and x. 11.
. Their
feeling no quietness in their belly,
and
vomiting what they had swallowed up,
imports their inward anguish of mind; their having no solid pleasure in, and being quickly deprived of what they had fraudulently obtained
Job xx. 15. 20.
.
Fatness
and
hardness of heart,
imply their stupidity and obstinacy
Is. vi. 10.
. Their
hands
being
full of bribes
or
blood,
imports their being much given to bribery and murder
Is. xxxiii. 15. Ezek. xxiii. 45.
. Their
feet swift to shed blood,
imports their inclination to, and activity in hurting and ruining others
Rom. iii. 15.
. Their
speaking with their feet,
and
teaching with their fingers,
imports their artful and indiscernible methods of exciting others to sin
Prov. vi. 13.
.
Thorns and snares, i. e.
manifold troubles and temptations,
are in their way,
awaiting and attending them:
destruction and misery,
done by, or awaiting them,
are in all their paths
of life and conduct; and the
way of peace,
Christ and his commandments, and a pacific conduct towards others,
they 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
Psal. cix. 18.
.
P
ide
and
wickedness,
like a
chain
or
ornament, compasset
them about;
as they boast and glory of it
Psal. lxxiii. 6.
. Their crafty enticements to sin, by which they catch others, and the snares they lay to ruin others, are their
net
Psal. x. 9.
.
Their table,
the gospel-ordinances, and their outward enjoyments,
become a snare and trap
to them: are occasions of their stumbling into deeper ruin, and being hardened in their wickedness
Psal. lxix. 22.
.—Am not I
filled with all unrighteousness, pride, debate, deceit, malignity,
hatred of God? And yet did the son of God love me, and give himself for me? O how his love occasionally 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
John viii. 44. Eph. ii. 2. 3.
. By Satan's agency they became 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 delight to enjoy fellowship with him, in his temptations. Alas how they are filled with, and given to disobedience, to wrath, and emnity against God! And how condemned to, and infeoffed heirs of everlasting punishment!—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
Rev. xii. 7.
. Enlisted under his banner, by voluntary consent to his service; wearing his livery of sinful practices; equipt with his armour of ignorance, enmity, and manifold lusts; they, at his direction, to the everlasting hazard of their soul, fight against the strivings of God's Spirit, in their conscience; and with deceit and violence oppose, persecute, and seek to ruin his cause and interest in the earth; and have for their present wages, the profits and
pleasures os sin,
which are but
for a season;
and hereafter everlasting punishment, with the devil and his angels.—Blessed Jesus, at what expence of love, of blood of life, hast thou bought me off from this service!
5. They are represented as HUNTERS and FOWLERS
. With the outmost vanity, craft, and cruelty, they tempt and force one another, into sinful, into soulruining courses. How often they wickedly undermine their neighbour's character, property, station, or life! How they hunt and persecute the people of God!
6. They are represented as MURDERERS
. By sin they destroy themselves: they ruin their friends and neighbours; they attempt to assassinate their maker: many of them
crucify the Son of God afresh.
nor, without shedding of his blood for, and application of it to them, can their sin be forgiven.—How, Lord, hast thou apprehended me, thy
betrayer and murderer,
and washed me from my sins in thy blood! How kind my remission!
Grace, grace, unto it!
7. They are represented as LIARS and DECEIVERS
. How
deceitful above all things,
is their heart! How early they
go astray speaking lies!
How they delight in, and promote false temptations, and errors; "sporting themselves with their own deceivings!" With what vain hopes, and empty shadows of virtue, they beguile themselves and others! In their religious profession purposes, and acts, what do, they, but
compass
God
about with lie
;
the temper and bent of their heart, being the very reverse of their profession and pretences! Lord, remove far from me, the
way of lying.
8. They are compared to DRUNKARDS
. With what care, desire, and delight, they seek after the pleasures 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 inward terror and conviction on their account, do they, as greedily as ever, return to their sinful course! How vainly merry! How stupid, outr
gious, and careless, about their great business, they are thus rendered!
9. They are compared to SO
OMITES,
nd like UNCLEAN persons
(
)
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 departure from God; and draw on themselves his tremendous and fiery vengeance.—Ah! how long, hath my life been among the UNCLEAN!
10. They are compared to THEIEVS and ROBBERS
Mal. iii. 8. 9.
. How craftily, cruelly, and shamelessly, though often secretly they waste their time and strength; and risk their eternal savation, in robbing God of his due honour, 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 BASTARDS and MOTHERS CHILDREN
Heb. xii. 6. Song. i. 6.
. Though they be the children of God by creation and common providence; or by 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 all their appearances of obedience proceed. They hate the true children of God, and are without all title to the promised inheritance of everlasting felicity. Hypocrites are children of the church, but not of Christ the husband thereof.
12. They are represented as PRODIGALS
Luke xv. 10.—16.
. How quickly; how sinfully; how unreasonably, they waste their time, their talents and opportunities, to the abominable purposes of dishonouring God, of defiling their neighbour, and of ruining their soul! And so at, or before death, reduce themselves to terrible straits and inward torments; and not seldom to outward misery and want! 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 me outrun my service; and fly to his offended, but gracious self, as my sole relief.
13. They are represented as FOOLS and SIMPLE
Prov. i. 22.
. They have no true knowledge to direct their course; they hate it, and despise the means of it: they prefer the husks, the dung, the dust, the spider's web, the wind of self-righteousness, of sinful pleasure and worldly enjoyments, to God, to Christ, to his righteousness, grace, and glory. They heartily mock at sin; at every 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: headlessly they ensnare themselves in Satan's temptations; and, to avoid momentary fancied evils, rush into infinite and everlasting misery.
14. They are represented as MAD, and POSSESSED of the devil
Luke xv. 17. Matth. xii. 43.
. 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;
outragious
scoffers and despisers of 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 these of others; and in improving Christ and the gospel, as occasions of their deeper damnation.—Lord,
my name is
LEGION; but do thou, with authority, command the unclean spirits to come out.
15. They are represented as POOR and WRETCHED
Rev. iii. 17.
. By sin they have lost every thing good: they have no spiritual provision of their own, to live upon: no money 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 comfort 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 was rich, yet, for our sakes, he became poor; that we through his poverty might become rich!"
16. They are represented as DEBTORS
Matth. xviii. 24.
. 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 infinite 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 they study to shift, and 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!—Lord, hast thou forgiven me
ten thousand talents!
shall not I love thee much! And for thy sake love, and do good to, such men as hate and injure me.
17. They are represented as WEAK and WITHOUT STRENGTH
Rom. v. 6.
. They cannot think a good thought; cannot speak a gracious word; nor perform an acceptable 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 receive it, when offered, nor even cease from rejecting it: in fine, they cannot cease to do evil, or learn to do well. Lord, without thee, I can do nothing; let my sufficiency be of God.
18. They are represented as BLIND
Rev. iii. 17.
. They see not the
light of life;
discern not the
Sun of righteousness;
have no true knowledge of spiritual objects: nothing is nearer them than God and his unspeakable gift, and there own heart; yet nothing is less known to them. Ah, how often they stumble and fall into sin, without any proper cause! How constantly they wander out of their proper course, and mislead those that follow them! How useless is the clearest dispensation 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
Rev. iii. 17. 18.
. They have no law-fulfilling righteousness, to cover them before God; no inward grace; no holy conversation to adorn them; no spiritual armour to 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, of sinners, of devils, and death! How shamefully the filthiness of their heart daily discovers itself in their practice! How unfit they are for every holy duty; for every honourable company!—When I was thus naked, how, Lord, didst thou array me in "fine linen, clean and white, which is the righteousness of the saiuts!
20. They are represented as SLOTHFUL SLUGGARDS
Prov. vi. 6.
. How averse to their proper work! How prone to delay it, and excuse themselves from it, with very trifles! How averse to have their conscience awakened and excited by the word, the Spirit, or the providence of God! How they waste precious time, in doing nothing, or worse! Wise indeed, they are in their own conceit, and faintly desirous of happiness, as they fancy it; but their languid attempts never issue in the change of their nature and state: Their hearts they neither keep nor cultivate: their talents and opportunities they never improve for the glory of God, or their own real good: and how often by mere shadows and fancies of difficulty, are they discouraged, from following out the appearance of any thing substantial!—Lord, how often have I, while starving, hid my hand in my bosom; and would not bring it to my mouth, with the offered fulness of thy Son!
22. They are represented as CARNAL and FLESHLY
1 Cor. ii. 14
. Alas! how they prefer the momentary concerns of their body, to the eternal ones of their soul! How they attempt to nourish and satisfy their soul, on outward enjoyments! How fixed under the reigning power of indwelling sin; and given to make
provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof!
How given to
fleshly lusts,
that they know nothing, enjoy nothing, love nothing, seek nothing, but the
things of the flesh!
They are
in the flesh;
fixed in their corruption, as a state, and prison. They
walk after the flesh;
act from carnal, corrupt principles, motives, and ends; and in a carnal, corrupt manner; taking delight in wickedness, and proceeding from evil to worse. They
war after the flesh;
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."
22. They are called STRANGERS
Ezek. xliv. 9.
. They are strangers to God; to the true knowledge of him in Christ; to the fear and love of him; to his converting grace, and saving fellowship. Strangers to Christ, in his person, natures, offices, righteousness, and work: strangers to the way of peace, life, and salvation through him; to faith in, love to, and fellowship with him: strangers to the Holy Ghost, in his person; in his work of regeneration, sanctification, and comfort; in his graces of hope, humility, repentance, resignation, zeal, self-denial: strangers to themselves, to their own 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 puricfiation from it: and, in fine, strangers
the gospel, the truths, the ways, and people of God.—Let me bless the Lord, who took the
stranger
in; and let me acquaint "myself now with him, that thereby good may come unto
my
soul."
23. They are represented as UNCIRCUMCISED
in heart, in flesh, and ears
Ezek. xliv. 9. Acts vii. 51.
. Never were they pricked to the heart for sin; never was its filthiness discovered, or hardness removed; never were they filled with shame 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; to abstain 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 in carnal and outward privileges, never were their ears spiritually opened to hearken and hear, that their soul might live.—Circumcise my heart, O Jesus, to love thee: To hate thee is my saddest hell.
24. They are represented as OUTCASTS,
and
FAR OFF
from God
Is. lvi. 8.
. Naturally they are rejected by him; driven from his intimacy, favour, and protection. They are sustained as abominable; exposed to all evil and danger, no man careth 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
the Lord that gathereth the outcasts of Israel,
gather me to himself.
25. They are compared to
new-born
INFANTS,
cast out, and lying in their blood
Ezek. xvi. 4. 5.
. In their earliest moments, they are rejected of God, as altogether guilty and lothsome in his sight. How universally unpitied; unhelped! 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 defiled. How devoid of the salt of grace! What strangers to the purifying influence of Jesus' blood and Spirit! How destitute of the warming, the adorning, the strengthening, the protecting robes of his righteousness!—Thrice stupendous
time of love,
when he found me lying in my blood, quickened me by his Spirit, decked me with his garments of salvation, and espoused me to himself!
26. They are represented as LOST and READY TO PERISH
Luke xix. 10. Is. xxvii. 13.
. How destitute of every agreeable privilege! of every useful qualification, which can tend to the glory of God, or their own felicity! How incapable of every good and useful work! How they wander in the wilderness of vanity! of danger and misery! 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 blessing of one ready to perish; for
I obtained mercy.
27. They are represented as SERVANTS
of sin
John viii. 34.
. For the wretched hire of carnal honour, favour, pleasure, or gain, how willingly they sell themselves to commit wickedness! How they choose; they delight in it! and make it their daily trade, and darling employ! How constantly they are under the reigning, the enslaving power of it! With 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 wages.—O Son of God, make me free; and I shall be free indeed.
28. They are represented as REBELS
Psal. lxviii. 18.
. Contrary to their duty, and to their most solemn engagements, they rise up against God; at their own inexpressible hazard oppose his interests, attempt to undo 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 against their own conscience, despise his pardon, and crucify his Son! Did he nevertheless receive
gifts for men! yea for the rebellious!
Is the gift of God, to rebellious me, eternal life, through Jesus Christ my Lord!
29. They are called CAPTIVES and SLAVES
Is. xlix. 24.
. How destitute of all spiritual liberty! How conquered and reduced to bondage, by sin, Satan, and the world! How sold into their hand, by their own inclinations, and by the awful justice of God! How wrathfully stript of every true privilege! of all spiritual armour! of every decent robe! How loaded with the yoke of a broken law! of oppressive guilt! of tyrannizing corruption! and of wrathful afflictions! How constantly employed in the vile drudgery of fulfilling abominable lusts!—Lord, may the prey be taken from the mighty, and the lawful captive be delivered.
30. They are represented as PRISONERS
Zech. ix. 11. 12.
. Alas! how the offended justice of God, the curse of his broken law, the ruinous power of sin and Satan, the deceiving influence of an evil world, fix them in their sinful, their miserable estate! How shamefully their condition marks their infamous guilt! How bound with the cords of iniquity! deprived of the light, the warmth of
the Sun of righteousness;
and of every true comfort! How shamefully lodged with malefactors! with devils! with infamous men! How devoid of all true honour, rest, or fresh air of DIVine influence! How charged with guilt! Their iniquities testify against them, and procure their condemnation to hell. In what terrible 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 accursed 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!
31. They are represented as SICK and DISEASED
Is. i. 3.—6.
. Under what shocking plagues of hardness of heart; of ignorance, of unbelief, legality, pride; of worldlymindedness, covetousness, discontentment; of envy, malice; of stupidity, vain conversation, and wretched estate; they lie insensible of their maladies, and unconcerned about Christ the physician of souls!—Let him who hath
power over all plagues
heal me; for I am sore vexed.
32. They are represented as DEAD
Eph. ii. 1.
. By the power of sin, how destitute are they of spiritual life! of all holy, all inward warmth of DIVine love! How devoid of every heavenly, every gracious sensation! How incapable to see the glory of Christ, hear his voice, handle his person, taste his goodness, breathe in prayer, speak to his praise, or move in his way! How uncomely, lothsome, and unsavoury! How solemnly condemned to, and ripe for hell! Nor can any thing, O JEHOVAH, but thy almighty power, recover and quicken them who are
dead in trespasses and sins.
Ah, how my wandering out of the way, hath made me to remain in the congregation of the dead!
33. They are compared to ETHIOPIANS
J
r. xiii. 23.
. How 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 in thy blood, and make me white as snow.
34. They are compared to CANAANITES
Zech. xiv. 21.
. For the sin of their progenitor, they lie under a grievous curse. For their wickedness against God, they are devoted to ruin. For carnal gain, how often disposed to deceive 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 from the world!
35. They are compared to PREGNANT WOMEN
Psal. vii. 14.
. Alas! how they conceive, carry about, nourish, and with inexpressible labour and hazard, bring forth sin, that child of the devil! How wretchedly they conceive chaff, and bring forth stubble,—what is altogether unsubstantial, and may conduce to their eternal torment!—Conceive vanity and mischief, and bring forth falsehood! Conceive rebellion against God, and bring forth to themselves endless destruction!—Alas! alas! how laboured is their way to ruin! How their cursed offspring are for ever like to waste and torment the mother that brought them forth!
36. They are compared to BEASTS ENSNARED in a pit or net
Psal. vii. 15. Is. viii. 15.
. How often are they caught by the net of temptation, that they cannot recover themselves! How often ensnared and ruined by the projects which they contrived and executed to undo others! How often caught by God in the net of affliction, where, though they roar and rage, they do but the more entangle themselves!
37. They are compared to RAVENOUS BEASTS
Is. xxxv. 8.
. 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 destroying one another, but chiefly the people of God! Their
horns,
their
teeth,
their
paws,
and
mouth,
signify their power, and the instruments of their mischief.
38. They are compared to EAGLES
Lam. iv. 19. Mic. i. 16.
. How highminded! How ambitious; filthy; subtle! How cruel; 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 neighbour's 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
Is. xliii. 20.
. 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, appearances, and speech! How detested of holy angels and men!
40. They resemble SILLY DOVES
without heart
Hos. vii. 11. and xi. 11.
. Under trouble and conviction they have no solid hope of deliverance. They cannot seriously think of, or care for their true interest. How often they build their nest, their hope, where disappointment formerly deprived them of their fruit! How easily decoyed into sinful snares! By forsaking God their proper residence, how they expose themselves to danger! And how shall they
mourn sore like doves
amidst endless wo!
41. They are compared to PARTRIDGES,
that hatch not their eggs
Jer. xvii.
. What unsubstantial imaginations that never succeed, they devise! What hopes of happiness never enjoyed, they conceive! What hard gained possessions, profit them nothing, in the day of trouble and death! How are they hunted by the vengeance of God, and taken in an evil net!—Ah, what bubbles of felicity hath my fancy formed, which perished with the touch! Sure an immortal spirit was never made for work like this!
42. They, chiefly tyrants, are compared to LIONS
Song iv. 8.
. How potent! proud! crafty! cruel! How fierce and insatiable in opposing the interest, and harassing and destroying the people of Christ! How they affect their earthly, their sinful dens! How outragiously they roar in proud boasting! in murmuring against God, and in reproaching and threatening his people! Lord, tame me, and make me lie down with thy lambs, and eat straw, feed on thy word, as thy ox-like patient, and laborious saints.
43. They are likaned to LEOPARDS
(a).
How spotted with various corruptions, are their heart and life! How subtile, pitiless, and expeditious, are they in doing Ibid. mischief! especially in persecuting and ruining innocent sai
s! How they wait for them! swallow them up! chop their bones in pieces, and tear off their flesh!
—Break thou their teeth,
their means of injuring,
O God.
44. They are likened to REEMS, which our version renders
unicorns
Psal. xxii. z1.
. How great are their power, courage, 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
Prov. xvii. 12. Psal. lxxx. 14.
. 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 his people! Whatever seeming regard they sometimes have for one another; how outragiously they hate God, maliciously tear his name, his ordinances, and people, and waste the vineyard of his church! How enraged, when they are bereaved of their darling enjoyments; or defeated in their beloved projects! Better meet
a bear bereaved of her whelps,
which can only tear the body,
than meet a fool in his solly.
46. They are compared to DRAGONS
Is. xliii. 20.
. How they snuff up the wind of vain imaginations! How they love the wilderness of an evil world, and unregenerate state! How cruelly they hate, bite, and devour the people of God! How maliciously, chiefly in the night of desertion, affliction, persecution, apostacy, they, by their breath of false doctrine, and sting of poisonous example, ruin and destroy the fouls of men! And how terrible shall be their
wailing
in hell!
47. They are compared to HORSES, and FED HORSES
Jer. v. 8.
. How great is their pride and vanity! With what outragious boldness, and unconcern, they hastily rush upon infinite danger! How governed; how enraged by their various and open fleshly lusts! In prosperity, how wantonly they
kick
at, and rebel against God! How shamelessly they
neigh,
and invite others to abomination!
48. They are compared to WILD ASSES and DROMEDARIES
Jer. ii. 23. 24.
. How pleased with the mountains of vanity, the desarts of alienation from God! How given to snuff up, and delight in vain fancies, unsubstantial selfrighteousness, and airy delusions! How hard to be tamed in spirit! How swift! how crooked and unsearchable 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.
49. They are compared to BULLS; FAT BULLOCKS; WILD BULLS; BULLS or KINE of
Bashan
Psal. xxii. 12. Ezek. xixiv. 20. to 23. Amos iv. 1. 2. 3.
. How often they enjoy great power and prosperity, which they abuse, 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 law! How fearless in doing evil! How necessarily, but unwillingly restrained by his providence! How they rage, or remain unconcerned, when he 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 down one, and sets another up.
50. They are compared to SHEEP
Psal. xlix. 14.
. 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 God, 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 amidst hoplessness and carnal unconcern, that death and damnation may devour and feed upon them. Nor doth their unhappy exit more awaken, or impress their hardened relations and neighbours, than that of sheep.
51. They are called GOATS
Matth. xxv. 32.
. How unclean, nauseous, and abominable! How covetous, mischievous, and insatiable! Upon what poisonous lusts and pleasure, they feed! Ah, how they injure Christ's sheep, and spoil the pastures of his ordinances! Now, indeed, they herd with the saints; but quickly shall they be separated, and condemned to eternal fire.
52. They are compared to SWINE
2 Pet. ii. 22.
. How unclean their nature and practice! How dull, stupid, and insatiable they are! How incapable of chewing their cud;—of spiritual meditation on DIVine things! How mischievous 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 powerfully 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 they look to, and seek after earthly things! How wickedly they trample on Jesus, and his precious blessings! How hideously they murmur, and sometimes roar, when God afflicts them!
53. They are compared to DOGS
Rev. xxii. 15.
. How base; filthy; foolish! How idle; unruly; fierce! How cruel; greedy, gluttonous,—of sinful and carnal pleasure! How often they bark out angry words and reproachful language! How unseasonably they bite and injure 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 abominations, which, with remorse, they once vomited up! How often God restrains them from their inclined mischief! How wisely he employs them to correct, awaken, and gather his people to himself! How wrathfully he excludes them from his chambers of spiritual fellowship; and at last from his heavenly mansions of bliss!—In what
riches of grace,
hast thou▪ Lord, looked upon
such
a vile, a
dead dog as I am!
54. They are compared to FOXES
Luke xii. 32.
. How cruel, crafty, and bold in transgression! How proud, stupid, and hardened under affliction!
They cry not, when he
pierceth and
bindeth them.
How they trust, delight, and repose in earthly things! How unsavoury, and unacceptable, their person and work! How crooked and irregular their paths! How wickedly they hate, and seek to devour, the sheep of Jesus' pasture! How sadly they spoil the vineyard of his church, by DIVerting and stopping the sap of gospel-truth, by digging up the roots of inspired doctrines, and otherwise injuring his tender saints!
55. They are compared to VIPERS; ASPS; SCORPIONS; SERPENTS; and what our version renders COCKATRICES
Matth. iii. 7. Psal. lviii. 4. Is. xi. 8.
. They are the genuine seed of Satan the old serpent: they delight in, and are filled with the 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 beautiful, some of their outward appearances be; how 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
Is. lix. 5.
. How aspiring and ambitious! How weak, and easily crushed! How full of envenomed corruption! What crafty ensnarers of others to their lasting ruin! How unprofitably employed, to spin out of their own bowels, their vain imaginations; their self-righteousness; or their unsolid, unblessed, earthly enjoyments! What, Lord, am I, that with my hands of faith, I should take hold, and live in thy royal palaces!
57. They are likened to BAD FISHES
(a).
How numerous! how stupid! useless! unsavoury! how mischievous, and hurtful! Even in outward life, how unsightly some of them! How irregular their moral course! How
Matth. xiii. 47. 48. 49.
anxious to bring up their seed like themselves! Now, they range through the wide sea of this unsettled world; but quickly shall they be drawn out, by the net of God's wrath, and cast into endless fire.
58, They are likened to TREES, and TREES OF THE WOOD
Rev. vii. 3. Song ii. 3.
. Whatever height of profession, power, or prosperity, they attain to; they still remain in the cold, the uncultivated, barren soil of their unregenerate state. How much less cared for by God, than the saints! 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, persecution! Ah,
twice dead!
Naturally dead in trespasses and sins; dead with habitual and presumptuous rebellion, and the hardening and condemning curse, annexed to it! At last, by the axe of death, how wrathfully cut down, and cast into hell fire!
59. They are likened to GREEN BAY-TREES
Psal. xxxvii 35.
. How mightily they flourish and spread their influence on earth! But, because devoid of useful fruit, how quickly cut down by mortality, and cast into the furnace of God's wrath!
60. They are likened to BARREN FIG-TREES
Luke xiii. 6.—9.
. However extensive their leaves of profession, their 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!
61. They are compared to an OAK,
whose leaf fadeth
Is. i. 30.
. However tall, strong, and deep rooted on earth, they may seem; however they attempt to monopolize the sap of the ground, the smiles of providence, how quickly shall their glory wither and fade; quickly shall they perish and decay!—Be thou, my soul, planted in the Christ, in the courts, of God; so in old age, when others sade, shalt thou flourish; the flames shall never kindle upon thee.
62. They are like unto WILD OLIVES
Rom. xi. 17.
. Upon what cursed root, and in what wild desart, of distance and alienation from God, they grow! Amidst their blossoms of prosperity, or profession of holiness, where is their good fruit! How long, ye Gentile nations, were you as a
wild olive,
amidst shews of morality and devotion, living in gross ignorance, superstition, idolatry, profaneness; without true knowledge, revelation, righteousness, without Christ, without God, and without hope in the world!
63. They are compared to EMPTY and BARREN VINES
Hos. x. 1. Ezck. xv.
. Notwithstanding innumerable mercies received, 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; seeking my own honour, ease, wealth, or pleasure, in almost all that I do! After all the pains which God hath been at with me, in softening my stony heart, in hedging me about, with his law, providence, and love; in building a wine press of a gracious nature in me; and in watering me with the dew of heaven; still, what four grapes of abomination I yield!
64. They are likened to BRAMBLES; BRIERS; and THORNS
Is. l
. 13. Son, ii. 2.
. The barren soil of this world, and of an unconverted state, is their beloved residence. How naughty! how cursed of God, are they, and their work! How they spoil, corrupt, and trouble the world! How low and grovelling their disposition! However God, for a while, make hedges of them to his church, yet in the end he will cast them into the tremendous fire of his wrath.
65. They are represented as TARES
Matth. xii. 25.
. Being sown by Satan, in the night of time, chiefly of carnal security, 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; but at the end it shall be done, and the tares cast, by multitudes, into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
66. They are compared to FLOURISHING GRASS, or GRASS on house-tops
Psal. xcii. 7. and cxxix. 6.
. How quickly they grow up! How often they flourish in prosperity! In succesa in sin! nay, sometimes, in religious profession! But how quickly cut down and ruined! Amidst their lofty and fair pre
ences, how unsubstantial! How insignificant in the hand of the all-cutting mower, DEATH! How quickly the Hasting wind of affliction, or the flames of Tophet, shall wither and consume them! Being planted in Christ, rooted and grounded in him, grow, my soul, as grass
by the water-courses.
So shall I never fade; death shall fill his hand with me: They that go by, shall bless me.
67. They are compared to a ROOT OF BITTERNESS
Heb xii. 15.
. How firmly; how secretly fixed in their sinful state! In what bitter soil of a broken covenant, an estate of sin and wrath, they stand! What bitter juice of corruption is within them! How disagreeable are their qualities and dispositions! what bitter; what gall and wormwood-like fruit! What destructive and damning works are produced by them! How many are poisoned, vexed, or tormented, by their means!—O Jesus Christ, with what surpassing sweetness, hast thou sweetened me, the bitterest of all my race!
68. They resemble BAD FIGS
Jer. xxiv. 2.
. How corrupt; disagreeable; useless!—Yielding neither pleasure nor honour to God; nor profit to men!
69. They are compared to a SWEEPING RAIN
Prov. xxviii. 3.
. What a plague to the world! How they disturb the inhabitants, and destroy the mercies thereof! How suddenly shall they themselves be hurried, and hurry one another, into the ocean of infinite wrath!
70. They are compared to WATERS; FLOODS; a FOUNTAIN; the SEA; the TROUBLED SEA
Psal. xviii. 4. Rev. vii 3. Is. lvii. 21.
. How great their multitude! their power! their disorder! their pride and arrogancy! their restless disquiet! their noisy rage, and threatening to devour others! their perpetual casting forth of abominable practices, monstrous opinions, unhallowed societies, and horrid forms of government!
71. They are called the WORLD
John xv. 18. 1 John vi. 19.
. To mark their numerous multitudes; their combination in folly and wickedness; and that they are wholly inclined and devoted to this world, and the vanities, lusts, and sinful customs of it.
72. They are called the EARTH, and
men of the earth
Rev. vii. 3.
. How carnally minded! In this world, they have their portion, and upon it their heart is fixed. Whatever they do is from carnal and earthly principles, and to carnal and earthly ends.
73. They are compared to MOUNTAINS and HILLS
Is. xli. 15.
. How fixed are they in wickedness! How often apparently firm their state on earth! How they abound in power and pride, that Omnipotence alone can lay them low! How barren and unfruitful! How vain refuges, 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 overturned by the earthquake, enflamed by the fire, and overwhelmed by the flood of Almighty wrath!
74. They are represented as dry ground, and a GARDEN
without water
Is. i. 30.
. Alas! how dry! how hardened! how withered their soul! How barren their heart and practice! how the seed of inspired oracles, and the warming 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 every moment?
75. They are compared to MARISHES or MIRY PLACES
Ezek. xlvii. 11.
. What mixtures of souring corruption and filthiness are in them! How dangerous trusting to, or close intimacy with them! How unfit are they for receiving the word and Spirit of God! How sour, disagreeable, and hurtful, is all that they produce! How often are they finally given up to the salt of a reprobate sense; and of endless damnation!
76. They, chiefly harlots, are compared to SNARES, NETS, PITS, and DITCHES
Prov. xxiii. 27.
. How dangerous is fellowship with them! How they intice to ruinous crimes! How hardly can these, who are ensnared into familiar intimacy with them, recover themselves; but wallow in wickedness; and sink towards everlasting misery!
77 They, chiefly hypocrites, are compared to WHITED
sepulchres,
or WALLS
Matth. xxiii. 27. Acts xxiii. 3.
. What splendor, and pretence to purity, may appear in their outward station and conduct! But what base; what uncomely; what abominable, and pestilential iniquity, reigns in their secret practice and heart!
78. They are represented as God's HAND; ROD; SWORD; AXE; HAMMER; BOW
Is. x. and xiv. Psal. xvii. 13. 14.
. By them, how often; how fearfully he corrects his people; and punisheth his enemies! how absurd, for those instruments of his vengeance, to lift up them themselves to his dishonour! And how often; after his work is performed by them, doth he cast them into temporal and eternal misery!
79. They are compared to BRASS, IRON, TIN, LEAD
Ezek. xxii. 18. Is. i. 22.
. In different degrees, how they abound with corruption! How hardened in wickedness! How worthless and naughty! How proper to be cast into the furnace of infinite wrath! Lord, melt me in thy love; and remove all my naughtiness!
80. They are compared to DROSS and SCUM
Ezek. xxi. 18. and xxi. 13.
. Are they not altogether unworthy? The filth; the pollution; the disgrace of mankind; of nations, cities, churches, and families? As what an abominable and naughty thing, shall God cast them out of his sight, into the pit of everlasting destruction, after separating them from the godly!
81. They, chiefly hypocrites, are compared to LUKEWARM WATER, and a CAKE
not turned
Rev. iii. 16.
. How often they mingle the true religion with a bad! have a profession, without true grace or good works! Being warmed 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!
82. They are compared to FIRE-BRANDS; things SET ON FIRE; a FI
RY OVEN
Prov. vi. 27. Psal. vii. 4.—7.
. How much given to strife, and contention! How the fire of malice and lust rageth in them! what means are they of kindling the the wrath of God, on nations, churches, and families! How often 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 themselves, and kindle in others! How harlots, with their lustful dalliances, enflame their companions, and burn them quick to everlasting fire.
83. They are assimilated to BURNING FAT
of lambs
Psal. xxxvii. 20.
. What sudden, terrible, and near destruction, awaits them! And shall not all their earthly abundance and felicity, promote and enhance their ruin?
84. Unconverted men are compared to DRY BONES
Ezek. ixxvii.
They have no spiritual sap, no remote source of grace, no hope of eternal life; no might to revive and recover themselves: nor can any creature assist them herein.—But,
Come from the four winds, O 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 TOW
Is. i. 31.
. How weak and insignificant! How easily crushed! How readily enflamed, and consumed by the fire of God's wrath! Stupendous! am I, notwithstanding,
pluckt out of the burning!
86. They are likened to a MOTH-EATEN GARMENT
Is. li.
. 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 God waste their person and property! How easily death gnaws them out of life; cuts them off! and they are no more!—Fear them not, my soul; be not afraid of their reviling; for the moth shall eat them.
87. They are compared to CHAFF
Psal. i.
. While on earth, they grow up with, and closely adhere to the saints. How worthless; how light, unsettled, and unconstant they be! How fearful do temporal troubles toss them! How quickly shall death and judgment beat them off, and blow them into hell!
88. Unfaithful friends are like a BROKEN TOOTH; and a FOOT OUT OF JOINT
Prov. xxv. 19.
. 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
Job. vi. 15.
. What ever assistance and comfort, we expect from them, disappoints us in the time of need. Thrice blessed new-covenant Friend, never shalt 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
Prov. xxv. 18.
. 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 BROKEN DOWN,
without walls
Prov. xxv. 28.
. How exposed to temptation, 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 shalt thou conquer Satan, the world, and thy corruptions; and obtain solid satisfaction and peace; procure unspeakable and endless advantage.
CHAP. IX.
Metaphors respecting faithful ministers.
1. FAITHFUL ministers are compared to ANGELS
Rev. i. 20.
. How distinguished their spiritual comeliness! their knowledge and wisdom! their dignity, power, and authority! By them God executeth his will, and publisheth his mind to men. With what pleasure, activity, readiness, submission, and faithfulness, 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 without fault, or without food.
2. They correspond to WINGED SERAPHIMS,
attending an enthroned Redeemer, while the train of DIVine excellencies and influences fill the temple of his human nature, and purchased church
Is. vi. 1.—7.
. They are
fiery ones,
are the light of the church, and burn with zeal for the glory of God. Their being
on, above,
or
near to the throne,
signifies their living near Jesus Christ, in spiritual fellowship with him, and possessing the office next to him in the church. Their
six wings,
import their eminent readiness, alacrity, and speed in his service. Their
covering of their face and seet,
imports their insufficiency to comprehend tho bright glory of his person, office, and work; and their being ashamed of their best services, in his sight. Their constant crying,
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts,
imports, that the great end of a gospel-ministry, is to display the holiness of God, and promote holiness among men.
The moving of the posts, at the sound of their cry,
denotes the shaking of nations, trembling of conscience; and melting of heart, which attend the preaching of Christ. The
taking a live coal from the altar, and laying it upon the mouth of the convicted prophet, for the purging away of his sin,
implies, that Jesus' atonement 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 vision
Rev. iv. 6.—9. and vi. 1.—7. and xv. 7. Ezek. i. and x.
. 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 insight into spiritual cases, into the plagues of the heart, and the operation of the DIVine Spirit in it; and into what 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,
imports the wisdom and circumspection of their behaviour. The
four faces,
import, that, like
men,
ministers are to be comely in their conversation, affectionate, sympathizing, meek, prudent, sagacious; like
lions,
bold, couragious, and terrible to evil-doers; like
oxen,
tame, patient, hardy, laborious; and like
eagles,
intelligent, heavenly-minded, and active in their work. Their
streight feet, and soles like those of a calf,
denotes 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 correspondence of their practice, with their solemn professions and engagements. Their
wings being stretched upward,
implies their dependence on Christ for furniture and direction. Their
covering of their bodies and feet with their wings,
imports their blushing at themselves and their work before God. Their appearance like
lamps
and
coals of fire,
marks their zeal for the glory of God, and their communicating light and knowledge to men. Their running
straight forward as a flash of lightning,
imports their integrity, quick progress, and majesty in their work. Their
going along with the wheels,
implies their constant connection 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 like 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 consider the word and providence of God.
The man in the firmament above them, incircled with fire and a rainbow,
is 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 work.
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, implies, 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 Ezekiel's vision of the gospel-temple
Ezek. xlii. 1.—18. and xliii. 19.—27. and xliv. 9.—31. and xlvi. 20.
. Their being the
sons of Zadok, not of the Levites that went astray,
implies their being true and blameless children of Jesus Christ,
the righteous;
and faithful preachers of his atonement, as the great substance of the gospel; and that such as have fallen into scandal, are not rashly to be admitted to the ministry. Their
eight day's consecration,
implies their entrance on their work with much deliberation, abundant application of Jesus' blood, and vigorous study of gospel-holiness; their having
distinct chambers for themselves,
imports that their office 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 ministers in the church, are ordinarily most hated and exposed 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 and defiling works; and that their doctrine must be pure, not erroneous and unsavoury; that their conversation must be holy, not offensive, stupid, or slothful; nor their ministry their burden. Their
linen bonnets and breeches,
denote 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 before God in the righteousness of his Son; yet, by their holy conversation, they must recommend holiness to their hearers and neighbours. Their "not sactify-the people with their garments," may imply 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 "not shaving their heads, or suffering their locks to grow," imports their abstaining from Popish superstition, and from worldly pride and wantonness. They must beware of being intoxicated with drunkenness and carnal care. They must marry such women only, as are of good report. They must teach the people of God, and compose differences betwixt them. They must avoid immoderate sorrow for deceased friends. And plentifully they must nourish their souls on Christ and him crucified. And plentifully are they and their families 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 RULERS
Heb. xiii. 7. 17.
. How eminent their excellency, usefulness, and authority in the church! Being chosen by their people, it is theirs wisely, meekly, kindly and carefully, 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.
6. They are represented as AMBASSADORS
2 Cor. v. 18. 19. 20.
. Sent by King Jesus to propose and negociate with sinful men a treaty of peace with God, of marriage with himself, and of traffic with his fulness; with all authority, earnestness, wisdom, singleness, and faithfulness, 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 readiness, to render an account of their conduct to God. With the utmost heartiness and 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 what DIVine vengeance it exposeth the guilty! And what a fearful presage of approaching wrath, is God's calling them fast off from their work!
7. They are represented as WITNESSES
John xv. 22. Rev. xi.
. With fidelity, distinctness, boldness, and impartiality, they 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 be acquitted or condemned at the judgment-seat of Christ. Under Antichrist they are
two witnesses;
few, but sufficient, powerful with God; but
clothed in sackcloth,
mourning and distressed,
8. They are compared to PARENTS
1 Cor iv. 15.
. How great is their dignity and authority 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, nourishment, and rule of the saints! How tenderly they care for, sympathize with, and exemplify godliness, to churchmembers! How mightily grieved with their miscarriages! And how tenderly to be loved, esteemed, and revered, by them! What a loss to be deprived of them!
9. They are represented as WOOERS; and FRIENDS
of the Bridegroom
John iii. 29. 2 Cor. xi. 2.
. By Christ's appointment, and with a single regard to his interest, and to the souls of men, they propose to them an offer of spiritual marriage with him. With every gaining consideration of their necessity, and of his excellency, honour, riches, beauty, and love, they prudently, faithfully, and earnestly enforce the proposal. To him they return an account of their diligence. With what sorrow their hearts are filled, if the treaty succeeds not! With what joy, if it do! How delighted to hear the Bridegroom's voice! And how averse to be loved in his stead!
10. They are called WARRIORS
2 Tim. ii. 3. and iv. 8.
. Being solemnly enlisted under Jesus' banner of truth and love, distinguished with the livery of his call to, and furniture for their work, clothed with his righteousness and grace, armed with the
whole armour of God,
nourished with his influence and provision, in face of difficulty and danger, they employ themselves in the vigorous defence of his church, ordinances, and truth. Skilfully they must wield and push the
sword of the Spirit,
and of church discipline and government, launch the spear and dart, and the arrows of DIVine truth, against every spiritual enemy. Never must they entangle themselves with worldly business, carnal offices, or temptations; but vigorously make war on the kingdom of Satan; pull down his
strong holds
of sinful lusts, abominable errors and hateful practices; and endeavour to conquer sinful men to Jesus Christ, the Saviour. So shall they obtain a
crown of righteousness,
and reward of eternal life.
11. They are called WATCHMEN
Heb. xiii. 17. Ezek. xxxiii. 7.
. Being placed by Jesus Christ in an high and important station; it is theirs faithfully, and impartially, to watch over the souls of church-members; to observe their state, their case, and walk; to watch over the truths and institutions of Heaven, that none be corrupted or lost. It is theirs to notice the variation of the times and providences of God; to observe the motions and approaches of every spiritual enemy, that, during the night of distress, and of time, they may give us distinct, 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 desert it, give up themselves to negligence and sleep in it, how guilty are they of the blood of souls! and how exposed to the most tremendous vengeance of God!
12. They are represented as TRUMPETERS
Is. lviii. 1.
. Divinely authorised and qualified, how sweetly; how loudly; how couragiously; how plainly and skilfully they proclaim the offices, the approaches, the spiritual feasts, the promises, the pardons, the laws, the threatenings of King Jesus to men! And call them to attend the ordinances of his worship! With what undaunted boldness and distinctness, they warn them of their faults, and their danger; direct and encourage them in their spiritual conflict with their indwelling sin, with Satan, and with a present evil world! and shew themselves patterns of bravery and diligence therein!
13. They are represented as LEADERS and GUIDES
1 Cor. xi. 1.
. How extensively; how eminently acquainted with the truths of God! with the duties of religion! with the temptations of Satan! and with the snares of the world! With what distinguished care and patience, they lead men into the knowledge of DIVine mysteries! into the practice of holy duties! into the exercise of fighting with, and pursuing after spiritual enemies!—and conduct them safely, through this world, in the way that leadeth to eternal life!
14. They are called PASTORS; SHEPHERDS; BISHOPS; or OVERSEERS
Ezek. xxxiv. 4. Acts xx. 28.
. They are DIVinely appointed, and solemnly engaged, carefully to lead the flock, the members of Jesus' church; tenderly 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 openly wicked. And from their flock ought they to receive a proper subsistence. From Jesus shall they receive an everlasting reward.
15. They are called BUILDERS
1 Cor. iii. 11.
. Being DIVinely instructed and appointed by Jesus, the sovereign Architect of the church, they must clear off the rubbish of false doctrine, and sinful customs. Every doctrine, instruction, and example which they exhibit, 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; 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 conviction, the illumination, the union to Christ, the justification, sanctification, comfort, and endless felicity of their hearers. Were not you, prophets and apostles,
wise master-builders,
concerned in laying the foundation, and principal matters of the church of God?
16. They are represented as FISHERS OF MEN
Ezek. xlvii. 10. Matth. iv. 19.
. With what labour, 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 conditions, some are hereby caught in reality; others only 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 inclosed! When shall the whole dead sea of this world be covered with these fishers! When shall the souls they catch be, like the fish of the great sea, countless in number; and exceedingly DIVersified in case!
17. They are compared to PLANTERS; to KEEPERS OF A VINEYARD; to VINEDRESSERS
Song viii. 11. 1 Cor. iii. 6. 7. 8.
. It is theirs to found and plant churches; to water them with gospel-oracles and ordinances; to watch over and defend the doctrines, and members, from spiritual hurt. It is theirs to take the foxes; to call false teachers to account; 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; to reprove, refresh, comfort, enourage, and direct the saints, who are the beloved, the darling vineyard, and garden of God.
18. They are compared to STEWARDS
1 Cor. iv. 1. Luke xvi. 1.—1.
. Being entrusted by Jesus with the charge of his oracles, his ordinances, his house and family of the militant church, and the souls of men pertaining to it; it is theirs, carefully to oversee whatever is done; to assign each member his proper business; and, in due season, give him his proper provision, his portion of promises, threatenings, reproof, censure, encouragement, or comfort. To Jesus they must give an account of their conduct. And how terrible their condemnation, if 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.
19. They are represented as SERVANTS and LABOURERS
Matth. ix. 37.
. Being solemnly engaged to, and hired by Jesus, to occupy in his church; it is theirs, by every proper method, however base or difficult to the carnal eye, to promote his glory, and the spiritual edification or 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 of mens hearts; in plucking them as brands out of the burning; in hewing them off from their oldc-ovenant root; in gathering them to Jesus; 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 unsuccessful their labours be on earth,—how glorious and lasting shall be their heavenly reward!
20. They, as the ancient prophets, are MEN or GOD
1 John iv. 6. 1 Tim. vi. 11.
. By God they are chosen, called, and fitted for their work. Near him they stand in their office. Near him they live in their holy conversation; and are his deputies, his distinguished representatives, and peculiar property on earth. He is the subject-matter, and the obvious end of their work. The injuries done to them, he will sharply resent. For he that despiseth them, despiseth him that sent them.
21. They are like a FLOCK
of newly washed, even-shorn, and twin-bearing sheep
Song iv. 2. and vi. 6.
. 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 authority assigned them by Christ! How earnest their endeavours, 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 conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
22. They are like two YOUNG ROES,
that are twins, and seed among the lilies
Song iv. 5. and vii. 3.
. 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 witness, is their number! How harmonious their affection! 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 DOVES EYES
Song i. 15. and iv. 1.
. 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!
24. They are compared to OLIVE-TREFS
Rev. xi.
. How comely and flourishing their office and conduct! In them 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 influence, offered and brought near to men.
25. They are called the GLORY OF CHRIST
1 Cor. ix. 23.
. On them his image and authority are stamped. In what they do, his glory and honour is intended. And by them are his glorious excellencies published and declared.
26. They are a
sweet
SAVOUR OF CHRIST
unto God
2 Cor. ii. 14.
. 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 of his wisdom, power, holiness, and equity in them that perish! Dreadful thought! Ye sinners; shall God; shall a Saviour be exalted in your endless damnation, if you refuse him?
27. They are represented as a SPECTACLE
to angels and men
1 Cor. iv. 9.
. How exposed to open view, on the theatre 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 ga
ing-stock, every where spoken against!
28. They are compared to LIGHT
Matth v. 16.
. What a distinguished measure of truth, of spiritual knowledge, they possess, and communicate to others for their inward refreshment, instruction, and comfort! What blessed means of discovering men to themselves: shewing them the plagues of their heart, or the grace that hath been given them! What means of discovering to men the excellencies of Christ, and the glory of God 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!
29. They are compared to STARS
Rev. i. 20.
. In the firmament of the church Jesus hath planted them, and furnished them with DIVersities of gifts and graces, for the adorning of it; and for refreshing, quickening, instructing men; for leading them to himself; for guiding them,—while, amidst this bewildering world, they wander 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 motions and course! How easily beclouded their glory! How readily; how wide-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
Matth. v. 15.
. In themselves how insignificant! But being formed, and, from the sire of Jesus' light and love, lighted by the Holy Ghost, with gifts, office, and grace; how useful, during the night of time, to enlighten a dark world! How necessary, that they should appear, and shine publicly! How generously they spend themselves in illuminating others! How often moved from one nation and place, to another! When, Lord, shall candles be extinct, and never-wasting glory shine!
31. They are compared to CLOUDS
Is. v. 6.
. Receiving their gifts, their grace, their office, from the ocean, the fulness of Christ; what appointed means of conveying the rain, the dew, of DIVine truths and influences, to men! Nor can they be useful, but as God pleaseth. Are they not a kind of vail interposed between weak-sighted mortals, and his dazzling brightness! How exposed to observation, and to tempests of trouble! How supernatural and speedy their motions! How heavy the judgment, when 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
Song vii. 4.
. 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 ministry! By their means, what numbers are made to know their own spiritual features; and are nourished up to eternal life!
33. They resemble PILLARS; POSTS; and BEAMS
Song i. 17. and iii. 10. Gal. ii. 9.
. 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 builded for an armoury,
or the TOWER
of Lebanon, that looked toward Damascus
Song iv. 4. and vii. 4.
. 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 confer 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
Zech. vi. 1.—8.
. How glorious, curious, and costly, their erection and office! By them, in gospel-ministrations, Jesus' name is carried before the Gentiles; and he, in a royal and majestic, a quick, easy, and triumphant manner, rides through the world; 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 appearance, their self-denial, their insight into spiritual mysteries, they resemble a
chariot with black horses.
In their holy lives, their pure doctrines, and spiritual conquests, they resemble a
chariot with white horses.
In their DIVersity of gifts and graces, they are like to a
chariot with grizzled and bay horses.
In the apostolic age, they resembled the first chariot. In the Antichristian 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 notwithstanding manifold oppositions.
36. They are called EARTHEN VESSELS
2 Cor. iv. 7.
. In themselves, how frail; base; contemned; and troubled! But God fills them with the treasure of gospel-truths, to convey it to others; that thus the excellency of its powerful influence, may appear to be of him.
37. They resemble a ROUND GOBLET full of mixed liquor
Song. vii. 2.
. How distinguished is their capacity and perfection! How abundant their fulness of evangelic gifts and grace, for purifying themselves! And for administering conviction, direction, and comfort to others!
38. They are compared to SALT
Matth. v. 13.
. By their holy conversation; by their faithful dispensing of gospel doctrine, worship, discipline, and government; they check corruption, and error; they preserve persons and churches from rottenness, unsavouriness, apostacy, and ruin; they preserve nations from general profaneness, and desolating strokes. How incorruptible and 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-fore and trouble to the wicked and scandalous! But if, by carnality, unholiness, or sloth, ministers lose their own savour, none are more hopeless; none more useless; none more ripe for eternal fire.
39. They resemble SCARLET THREADS
Song. iv. 3.
. In themselves, 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, navel, feet.
See chap. XI. No 2.
CHAP. X.
Metaphors respecting false teachers, and unfaithful ministers.
1. FALSE teachers are represented as MESSENGERS and SPIRITS OF DEVILS
2 Cor. xi. 15. Rev. xvi. 14.
. By Satan they are sent, excited, directed, and actuated. His honour and interest they promote and maintain. And in filthiness, in pride, in malice, in slander of the saints, in active wasting of the church, and in ruining mens souls, they imitate his example.
2. They, chiefly some principal ones, are called ANTICHRISTS
1 John. ii. 18.
. They oppose Christ in his person, his office, his righteousness, his intercession, his instruction, his laws, his conquests, his government, and the end of his work.
3. They are represented as FALSE PROPHETS and APOSTLES, and some of them as false Christs
2 Pet. ii. 1. Matth. xxiv. 24.
. Pretending a commission from God, and often a distinguished one; sometimes to be the Messiah, 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 destruction cometh upon them.
4. They are represented as MURDERERS
Zech. xi. 5.
. By neglecting to warn the wicked of their evil ways, and to promote their repentance, by false doctrines; by wicked example; and by unfaithful dispensing of DIVine ordinances, they destroy the cause and interest of truth; crucify Jesus afresh; and ruin the souls of men.
5. They are represented as PIMPS, and WHORISH WOMEN
Rev. ii. 20.
. With the utmost impudence, craft, and carnal enticement, they decoy multitudes to go a whoring from God and his ways, and to defile themselves, "fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and of the mind."
6. They are represented as angry MOTHER'S CHILDREN, and OUTRAGIOUS WATCHMEN
Song i. 6. and v. 7.
. Being originally members of the church, but never born of God, they hate his true children. With their enslaving errors and will-worship, they go about to oppress and hinder them from their proper work. Sadly they harass and wound them, reproach their conduct, expose them to injury, and attempt to rob them of their all-covering vail, Christ and his righteousness.
7. They are represented as Christ's COMPANIONS or rivals
Song i. 8.
. Whatever love to, and connection with him, they pretend; they heartily hate him; set themselves on a level with him; 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 ROBBERS
John x. 1.
. 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 Satan!
9. They are called DECEIVERS and SEDUCERS
2 Tim. iii. 13.
. 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 men into corruption and error; and bring on themselves and their followers sudden destruction.
10. They are represented as BLIND WATCHMEN; BLIND GUIDES
Is. lvi. 10.
. Being destitute of the saving knowledge of Jesus, 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
Zech. xi. 17.
. 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 spiritual, or gross idolatry, and alienation from God.
12. They are called HIRELINGS
John x. 12.
. Not from genuine affection to Jesus or his people, do they labour in the ministry; but to procure carnal favour, honour, pleasure, or gain. And in times of persecution and trouble, how readily they desert their flocks, and the doctrines of truth!
13. They are represented as FOOLISH BUILDERS
of hay and stubble
1 Cor. iii. 12.
. How light, empty, and worthless are the false doctrines, the corrupt practices; which, with great care, and apparent skill, they establish, preach, and 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
with untempered mortar
Ezek. xii. 10.
. By their false and inconsistent tenets and conduct, they exert themselves to confirm the wicked in their sin; in their dependence on self-righteousness; and to shake, to raze, the hopes of the saints founded on Jesus promise, person, and 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 CANAANITES and MERCHANTS
Zech. xiv. 21. 2 Pet. ii. 3.
. 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 pretend to confer spiritual favours! And by other like methods, unnumbered, deceive and ruin the souls of men!
16. They are compared to ROARING LIONS
Ezek. xxii. 25.
. With what boldness, fierceness, and cruelty, they roar out their errors and curses; vent their persecuting threatenings, and malice against the faithful! And spread terror and destruction among men!
17. They are called WOLVES
Matth. x. 16.
. Alas! how they love the darkness of ignorance, and shun the light of God's word! What a terror to watchful, or walking saints! How greedily, cruelly, and craftily, they destroy the church of God, and the spiritual lives and interests of men!
18. They are called FOXES
Song ii. 15.
. How unclean; noisome; abominable! How subtlely they shun the light of inspiration or conviction! With what amazing greed, covetousness, cruelty, and craft; and with what shifts, evasions, and self-inconsistencies, unnumbered, they, especially in the night of persecution, trouble, or carnal security,—spoil God's vineyard! unsettle weak and young professors! ruin mens souls! and promote Satan's interests; 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, DUMS DOGS
Is. lvi. 10. 11.
. How filthy; ready to return to the abominations which they once 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! How ready to hurt him, that putteth not into their mouth! How negligent to reprove and warn the unruly! Nay, how ready to connive at, and flatter them; chiefly if powerful and rich!
20. They, chiefly the Antichristians, are likened to SCORPIONS
Rev. ix. 3. 5. 6.
. What distinguished seed of the old serpent! How easily provoked to the most outragious fury against God and his church! with what pretences of piety and peace they vail and cover their error and wickedness! How subtlely; how incessantly, they smite their opposers with the vilest reproach; the cruellest persecution; and the heaviest censures! With what quickness and craft, they instil the poison of error and abomination into their followers! And how DIVinely are they restrained from poisoning and ruining the saints!
21. They, chiefly the Antichristians, are marked out by the LOCUSTS in the apocalyptic vision of the fifth trumpet
Rev. ix. 3. 7.—10.
. From the infernal smoke of ignorance and error, they derive their origin. How quickly they multiply and swarm! United under one head,
the angel of the bottomless pit,
the devil, and pope!—How harmonious, couragious, and active are they, in spreading error and corruption! How marked with outward grandeur; with usurped authority; and superstitious reverence of the mob! How noted their plausible pretences to piety; their affected courtesy; their lustful effeminacy; their fawning flattery and smoothness; and their enticing of multitudes to spiritual whoredom! How distinguished their cruelty and fraud in destroying the souls, the bodies, and the estates of men! How breast-plated with hardness of heart, searedness of conscience, and with civil and ecclesiastic laws and immunities in their favour! And with what noisy novelty, terror, curses, persecutions, anathemas, do they proceed in their infernal course, till the period assigned them by God, come to an end!
22. They are called FROGS
Rev. xvi. 13. 2 Tim. iii. 6.
. How filthy are their heart and life! How foolish their talking! How they delight to wallow in mires of abominations! And, especially, amidst summer-showers of fat benefices, to creep abroad; to insinuate themselves into the families and hearts of men; into the chambers and secret councils of the wealthy and great.
23. They are called BARREN TREES,
whose fruit withereth; trees twice dead, plucked up by the roots
Jude 12.
. However firm be their outward securities; however high their profession and office; yet no good fruit of connected gospel-truth, or genuine gospel-holiness, do they ever produce. How quickly their
apparently
good doctrines, labours, and followers, discover their naughtiness! To what a terrible and hopeless condition, doth their natural
death in trespasses and sins,
with their voluntary and obstinate apostacy from God, reduce them at last!
24. They are called WANDERING STARS,
to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever
Jude 13.
. With what a shining blaze of profession, and of pretence to knowledge, piety, and zeal, they restlessly move in the firmament of the visible church! and unceasing, bewilder themselves and others, into the perplexed mazes of error, and dreary, hopeless state of endless wo!
25. They are represented as FALLEN STARS; as WORMWOOD,
embittering the rivers and fountains of water
Rev. xii. 4. and viii. 11.
. How many of them are originally sound in the faith; but, by Satan's seductive temptations, are drawn away into grovelling apostacy and error, which are
bitter
to men at last; and embitter and poison to them, the promises and ordinances of the gospel!
26. They are called CLOUDS
without water
Jude 12.
. How great their towering pride, and self-conceit! How often their power in the church is eminent! What darkness, ignorance, error, and corruption, they produce on the earth! How unsettled is their vain mind! How restless their contentions! How ready to comply with every novelty; every temptation! Appearing full of refreshing, fructifying influence, how infallibly they deceive such as expect any good from them! How incessantly they forbode the storms of God's wrath on churches and nations!
27. They are called RAGING WAVES
of the sea
Jude 13.
. What pride; what noisy disorder; frothy vanity; unsettledness; and fierceness, abound with them! How often they threaten to carry all before them! How they foam out their own shame; cast forth their monstrous doctrines, vain and shameful practices, and vile reproaches, against their opposers!
28. They are called WELLS
without water
2 Pet. ii. 13.
. Whatever high pretences to piety, learning, or zeal they make; whatever sweet and useful advantage they promise to their followers, there is nothing in them, but slimy, earthly-mindedness, miry filthy lusts, hurtful frauds, errors, and vanity.
CHAP XI.
Metaphors respecting the true church.
1. THE church, in connection with her head, is called CHRIST
1 Cor. xii. 12.
. Jesus is her head, husband, and
all 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 member is united. And to his honour do all her saints, her laws, her ordinances, and offices tend.
2. She is compared to a HUMAN BODY, or WOMAN
Song i. 5. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. and iv. 1.—5. and vi. 5. 6. 7. and vii. 1.—5. and v. 2. Rev. xii. 1.
. 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 affliction, sympathize with one another's infirmities, care for one another's welfare, and are in constant readiness to serve one 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 manifold weakness and trouble on earth. Christ himself being her
head,
her
eyes
may signify her illuminating doctrines founded in him; or her ministers, who, being rooted and grounded in him, signally adorn her appearance, observe and direct her members, watch against her enemies, express her sorrows, and pry into the mysteries of 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 ornament and honour to Christ, and his church. Her
nose,
may represent ministers in their spiritual discerning, and relish of DIVine things; in their exposure to danger, and their watching against enemies; and who, while the church is sound, are a pleasant, refreshing, and
apple-like
savour of Christ to others; and by them her breath issues forth, towards God, in prayer and praise. Or may not her
nose,
signify her slately and majestic ordinances, awful to her enemies, ornamental and savoury to saints? Her
temples,
may signify her rulers, who, by humble and prudent management of her discipline and government, add to her comeliness. Her
cheeks,
may denote her whole outward and visible appearance. Her
scarlet lips,
may represent preachers and their gospel-ministrations, chiefly versant about Jesus Christ, as bearing, and crucified for, our iniquities. Her
teeth,
may denote ministers as chewing, as meditating on, the bread of life, and rendering it fit for 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; and as the useful means of exalting him, and conveying nourishment from him to us: or it may denote the inspired oracles, which, adorned with connected, durable, and precious doctrines, laws, and promises, 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 inspired testaments of heaven; her two sorts of ordinances, 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; 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 things,
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, beautiful with shoes,
denote her pastors, as fixed in the faith of the gospel, and boldly, readily, and beautifully running to and fro, to publish it? or her private members, as well instructed, and powerfully influenced 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 Jesus Christ, she is truly beautiful and glorious. Her
sleeping while her heart waketh,
implies all her members, except a few choice ones, fallen into carnal security, and sad ignorance. Her
crown of twelve stars,
implies her open and honourable profession of the doctrines of the prophets and twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Her chains of gold, rows of jewels, borders of gold, and studs of silver,
may represent her various and well-connected laws, doctrines, promises, 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 seet,
implieth her renouncing Jewish ceremonies, and contemning earthly customs and portions.
3. The church is compared to a VIRGIN
Is. lxii. 4. 5.
. How pure in her doctrine! her ordinances! How abhorrent of whorish idolatry and will-worship! How chaste her adherence to Christ and his law! How dearly beloved by him! and how comely in her order, offices, and institutions!—O virgin daughter, why hast thou become to him as an whorish woman!
4. She is likened to a WIFE
Jer. iii. 14.
. She is solemnly espoused to Christ, by outward profession, and by participation of the sacraments; and thus brought into fellowship with him, and a general interest in his person and benefits. Hereby, how highly she is exalted and secured against total ruin! In her, his will is manifested; and all her true members have special union and communion with him. And is it not the indispensible 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 and provoked?
5. She is compared to a MOTHER
Mic. v. 3. Gal. iv. 26. Rev. xii. 2.
. Christ himself was born in her; became a member of her; and is by her crowned with numbers of converts, with unfading honour, and endless praise. Being married to him, and obtaining his presence in ordinances, she, travailing in birth, by the painful labours of ministers and others, brings forth a generation of saints; nourisheth them with the
sincere milk of the word;
instructs them in the found principles of truth: dearly she loveth, 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 unruly. The Gentile world was long a
barren woman,
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 a
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 resolute saints: these are
caught up to God, and to his throne;
Christ exalted to his right hand; Constantine to the imperial throne; the primitive saints to the celestial mansions; or specially honoured and protected on earth. Satan and his agents, particularly the heathen 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 protects her for 1260 years.
6. She is compared to an ARMY
with banners
Song vi. 4.
. Having private saints for her common soldiers, spiritual rulers for her officers, Christ for her Captain general, his person, his truth, and love, for her banner, to gather, distinguish, direct, and encourage her bands; they, being armed with her graces and ordinances, resist, conquer, and spread terror among her spiritual foes.
7. She is represented as a NATION
Is. lx. 21.
. She is a durable, numerous, well regulated, protected, and enriched 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
two armies
to be seen in her, are hosts of DIVine perfections, and angelie spirits, standing in her defence; hosts of inward graces and lusts conflicting 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 become a
strong nation! the righteous nation, that keepeth the truth, enter in
to the heavenly Canaan!
8. She is compared to a CITY
Is. xxvi. 1.
. Upon himself, as her foundation, Jesus Christ hath 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 company, that no man can number, are her inhabitants! and how active; laborious; high fed, and richly clothed, are her true members! how DIVersified and rich these privileges, in which they have all 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 channels of ordinances and promises, runs the all-adorning, all-protecting 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 not prevail against
her.—O how much were it for her advantage, that her inhabitants tenderly loved and and clave one to another, as her adversaries daily besiege her, by temptation and persecution! But alas! while on earth, what a mixed multitude of treacherous hypocrites remain in, and plague, and pollute her!
9. She is compared to a FAMILY or HOUSEHOLD
Gal. vi. 10. Matth. xxiv. 45. and xxv. 15—30.
. Being separated from the rest of the world, God is her father; Christ is her elder brother, glory, and manager; angels and church officers are her servants and stewards. In her are saints, young and old; weak and strong: to each is DIVinely appointed his proper work, station, and privilege; and how comely, when with order, harmony, skill and delight, they apply themselves thereto! How DIVinely are all her members instructed, aparelled, defended; and, on every proper occasion, called to worship their God. She is like to a
family of servants:
how orderly hired, admitted, and connected, are, or ought her members to be! All of them are subject to Jesus' authority, and bound to advance his honour: To them, in very different degrees, he intrusts the talents and pounds of office, opportunity, gifts, and graces, that they may occupy therewith, till he come again: Such as improve them, shall be proportionally honoured and rewarded: such as do not, but, as it were,
hide
them
in a napkin,
shall be self-condemned, and cast into eternal ruin. How deeply are all indebted to Jesus! but finding they have nothing to pay, how ready is he frankly to forgive them! How absurd then for them to revenge petty injuries upon one another! If he forgive me my
ten thousand talents,
what torment, what damnation I deserve, if I resent on my my neighbour the petty wrong, which his tongue or hand have done me! If while my Lord delayeth his coming, I beat, reproach, unjustly censure, or persecute my fellow-servants, shall not I have my
portion with hypocrites?—
Pray, my soul, for this family of God; for
they shall prosper that love her.
10. She is compared to a DOVE
Song i. 15.
. How great her purity! her simplicity! her innocency! her comeliness! her chaste affection towards Christ her head! how single her adherence to his truths and ordinances! How she flies to him in distress, and mourns for his absence! How pleasant the consociation of her members! How noted her fruitfulness in young converts! How eminent her weakness in herself; and her exposure to enemies!
11. She is compared to a THRESHING OX
Mic. iv. 13.
. By her shall 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 FLOCK of sheep or goats
Ezek. xxxiv. xxxvi. xxxvii. Song i. 7. 8.
. How great the usefulness, purity, fruitfulness, unity, and affection of her true members! Of themselves, how weak to oppose! how unwatchful against their spiritual enemies! How tenderly loved, cared for, protected, healed, led, and nourished by Jesus! Ah! how often infection spreads among them! most being readier to follow example than precept. How beneficial are good patterns! and how hurtful are bad! Her
ews 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 professors, who are to be fed besides the
shepherds tents
of ordinances. She is
Christ's flock;
all her true-members he chose, purchased, gathers, conquers, feeds, protects, and cares for: and how many rich favours do even her nominal professors receive from his hand! She is
one flock,
wholly united in her one head, Christ; a
beautiful flock,
adorned with his word, his ordinances, righteousness and grace; a
little flock,
small in comparison of the rest of the world; a
flock of slaughter,
exposed to fearful persecution and trouble. Her
watering troughs, high mountains,
to feed on, and
green pastures,
are the lofty, the ever refreshing, and delightful word and ordinances of Christ. Her
still waters,
are the deeps of his everlasting love, meritorious blood, and DIVine influences, which run in the channels, and among the hills of DIVine ordinances. Her
fold,
is church-fellowship, DIVine ordinances; and gracious communion with himself. The
footsteps of the flock,
are the pattern of former saints; or the ordinances in which they walk.
13. She is compared to an OLIVE TREE
Hos. xiv. 7. Rom. xi. 17.
. How perpetual her verdure and sap! How good and abundant her fruit! How delightful her spiritual comeliness, grace and light; and the peace, with God, with conscience, with creatures, which is exhibited and enjoyed in her!
14. She is compared to a VINE
Hos. xiv. 7.
. Being planted, pruned, watered, and preserved by Jesus' power, she, in herself contemptible, weak, and useless, in him abounds with spiritual sap of DIVine truths and influences, 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 assemblies and members which remain unfruitful, dishonour God, provoke his wrath, and hasten their own disgrace and ruin!
15. She resembles a BUSH BURNING,
and not consumed
Exod. iii. 1.—6.
. To carnal men, she appears insignificant and contemptible: in this world, she is ordinarily low and exposed to afflictions: to such birds of mankind, as flee to the Lord Jesus, and sing to his praise, she is the common receptacle: notwithstanding of, nay, often amidst the fireiest trials and presecutions, she flourisheth with holy persons, graces, and exercises; painfully, though innocently, she pricks and plagues those who injure her.
16. She is compared to a LILY
Song ii. 2.
. How comely and useful in her author, her laws, ordinances, and real members! Though weak in herself, how rooted in Christ! How glorious and great in him, as her head! How fruitful in the production of saints! How high and heavenly her nature and tendency! To what heights of perfection shall she attain! How delightful and diffusive her favour, when the
fulness of the Gentiles shall come in,
and
the whole earth be filled with the knowledge of the Lord!
And though now she be
among thorns,
exposed to troubles and evil men; yet how quickly shall she be transplanted to the celestial paradise of God!
17. She is called the FULNESS OF CHRIST
Eph. i. 23.
. Her true members are his mystical body, through which he becomes a complete mediatorial head and husband, and in whom he fully manifests his mercy, kindness, and love.—Surprising! am I for ever to have Jesus for my fulness! and to be
the fulness of him, who filleth all in all!
18. She is called HEAVEN
Rev. viii. 1. and xi. 12. 15. and xiv. 6.
. She is the gate of entrance to heaven. In her, God, and his holy people reside; and the latter are fitted for the paradise above. Her laws, ordinances, and privileges, are of a heavenly origin, nature, and tendency. Christ and his oracles are her
sun;
his instituted ordinances her
moon;
HE, her
morning-star;
ministers and saints, her connected constellations.
19. She is compared to the SUN
Song vi. 10.
. 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 to the MOON
Song vi. 10.
. From Jesus Christ she receiveth all her light of inspiration, ordinances, and grace. Amidst various changes of outward circumstances, amidst unnumbered spots and imperfections, she, during the night of time, communicates 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 Jesus' face 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!
21. She resemblesh the MORNING
Song vi. 10.
. 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 everlasting brightness! But, my soul, did not the church
look forth as the
MORNING, in the patriarchal age? Did she not appear
sair as the
MOON, when clothed with the numerous, moon-ruled, and fading ceremonies of 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
Is. liv. 11.
. How curiously built and furnished by Christ, for conveying his people thro' the sea of this world, and of manifold troubles, to the haven of glory! How skilfully ought she to be directed and managed, according to the compass of inspiration! How necessarily influenced, by the gales of DIVine influence! Alas! how often bewildered with the mists of delusion; and tossed by waves and storms of persecution, DIVision, temptation, and trouble! What numbers, who once entered by a formal profession, are shaken out of her, by storms and death! 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
Matth. xiii. 47.—50.
. How mean her materials! but how curiously connected her members, ordinances, and forms! With what labour and skill, Jesus and his agents cast her into the sea of this world, to catch and draw men to himself! And how often they remove her from one place to another! What multitudes are sometimes, by his direction, therein apprehended! some 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
the good
shall be gathered to Jesus' mansions; and
the bad
thrown away into the furnace of his wrath.
24. She resembles Solomon's CHARIOT
of the wood of Lebanon
Song iii. 9. 10.
. Of men, rendered precious, fragrant, strong, comely, and durable, by his grace, hath our glorious King Jesus, our prince of peace, formed her. Ministers, shining in useful gifts and grace, are her
silver pillars.
The excellent, glorious, and everlasting person of Christ, is her
bottom of gold.
Her
covering of purple,
implies her being washed in his blood, clothed with his righteousness, royally dignified by his kindness, and exposed to bloody suffering for his sake. Her being
paved with love,
implies, that his love is exhibited and applied in her; and that his people walk in love towards him, and towards one another.
25. She resembles the WHEELS
in Ezekiel's vision
Ezek. i.
. How great her excellency and usefulness! how noted her moveableness from place to place! Through mens 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, heavenliness, courage, and patience in labour? the dreadful
beight of their rings
denote majesty, extent, and awfulness to opposers? May not their
colour of the sea, 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 perseverance and growth of her saints? May not their appearance as
a wheel within a wheel,
imply her curious structure, with respect to the particular worshipping 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 wheels by the Spirit of the living creatures,
imply, that the churches must be animated to their progressive work, by the zealous diligence of ministers, and the influences of the DIVine Spirit, who is in them?
26. She is called a SPRING SHUT UP; a FOUNTAIN SEALED
Song iv. 12.
. How remarkably is she often protected by God! All her true members are graciously separated and preserved for him, as his
hidden ones,
and peculiar property! All her inspired oracles, DIVine ordinances, and valuable blessings, are safely reposited and secured in her. Nor are they bestowed on, or made known to the rest of the world.
27. She is compared to a MOUNTAIN or HILL
Is. xxx. 6. Song iv. 6. and viii. 14.
. How immoveably rooted in Christ! How impossible to destroy her! How distinguished her excellency! How amazing her height, and extensive her prospect, into divine, deep, and distant things! With what contempt do her saints overlook every thing without her, as low and trifling! In her spring 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 is worshipped in spirit and in truth. In her, his ransomed flocks richly feed, on the pastures of gospel-ordinances! How safely preserved 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 perfuming the virtue of her 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 CARMEL; LEBANON; and SHARON
Is. xxxv. 2. and lxv. 10.
. 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 enjoyed in her! What fragrant and lasting verdure; what pleasant pasture, amiable prospect, and delightful rest, he, in her, creates for the souls of men!—In her, what plants of God; what flowers of grace, smell sweetly, blossom, and bring forth fruit!
29. She is a little LITTLE STONE
cut out of the mountain without hands, which breaks to pieces the kingdoms os the world, and becomes a great mountain, filling the whole earth
Dan. ii. 34. 35.
. Christ her Head, in his manhood, was formed by the transcendent 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 mankind. Implored by her fervent prayers, shall the righteous Lord bring terrible destruction upon her opposers. When wealthiest empires are overturned, she, however small and despised, shall continue, and gain ground by their ruin. In the last days, when the Chaldean, Persian, Grecian, Roman, and Tartarian empires, 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; VINEYARD
Is. v. 1.—5. Song iv. 13. 14. and viii. 11. 13. Is. xxvii. 2. 3. Matth. xx. 1.—16. and xxi. 33.—44.
. At infinite expence of love, of power, and blood, Jesus purchased her from the justice of God. The heart of her chosen members he plows up; removes their stony hardness; and every other bar in his way. Regularly he plants her with his saints, his ordinances and grace. By the hedge 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 nourisheth her. With the river, the rain, the dew of his word and Spirit, he waters her every moment. With his truths and blessings, he fattens her. By his angels, his ministers, his providence, he watcheth over, and keeps her night and day, lest any hurt her. How dear is she to him! and how he delights to walk in her! What officers and members he hires to labour in her! No feed, but that of his word, he allows to be cast into her. To none, but the choice seed of his saints, he allows access to her fealing ordinances. By a faithful administration of his institutions, and by manifold persecutions and afflictions, he weeds and prunes off her corruptions. Every plant, or member is 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 ground, for living unprofitably and wickedly in his church, doth he cut down professors, and cast them into endless sire! How often, for their spiritual barrenness, and noxious corruptions, he unhingeth particular churches! takes away their hedge of protection and government! gives them up to Heathenish, and other abominations! and suffers the wild beasts of wicked men to waste and deform them at pleasure! Nowhere are such noxious weeds, such corruptions produced, as in an uncultivated church. How quickly the nettles and briers of heresies, hateful practices, and wicked men cover her face, and render 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 wine,
amidst bloody persecutions, she produceth persons and works, which cheer the heart of God and man: Like an
orchard of pomegranates, spikenard, and all the chief spices,
she produceth saints unnumbered, precious, savoury, and useful, and in attainments and conditions, very DIVersified. These bring forth the rich, fragrant, and medicinal spices, and fruits of holy graces and good works. The
keepers
and
husband-men,
to whom Christ lets out his vineyard, are her officers, who are to cultivate her, and return him proper revenues of honour for the talents, opportunities, and charge affigned them. How miserably did God destroy the Jewish keepers, who abused his prophets and servants, and murdered his Son; and gave the vineyard to the Gentiles! Christ's having her
at Baal-Hamon,
imports, that now the access to her is large; and multitudes enter. His
having a thousand, and the keepers two hundred,
implies that he is to have the chief glory; and his ministers their respective subsistence and honour. His
hiring labourers to work in her at the third, the sixth, the ninth, and eleventh hour,
implies, that in different ages of the world, as the patriarchal, ceremonial, apostolic, and millennial; and in very different seasons of life, his chosen are converted, and made to labour in his work; and at the end, all of them shall receive the
penny,
the enriching, the gracious reward of eternal life. From her various worshipping assemblies, she is sometimes represented as
gardens,
or vineyards.
31. She is compared to a SOWN FIELD
Matth. xiii. 1.—8. 24—30.
. 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 devoured, and snatched from their memory and affection. 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 flourishing 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 unfruitful. 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, indifferency, 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 final separation shall be effected; the saints being gathered into God's heavenly storehouse, and the wicked cast into unquenchable fire.
32. She is compared to a THRESHING FLOOR
Matth. iii. 12
. Here the corn of precious saints, and the chaff of hypocritical 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 away, and another cometh in their stead! Blessed Boaz, it is thine to lodge on this thy
floor,
which thou hast chosen, purchased, and prepared. It is thine to purge it with the fan of thy word, of thine influences, and of stormy providences. What chaffy 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 judgment, may blow me away from Christ and his saints.
33. The gospel-church resembles the INHERITANCE OF ISRAEL, in Ezekiel's vision
Ezek xlvii. and xlviii and xlv. and xlvi.
. All her borders are exactly circumscribed in the purpose, the covenant, and word of God. In her the true Israelites, his chosen people, reside. How noted the regularity and harmony of their respective stations and conditions! How often do Danites, distinguished and early sinners, become the first, and the most highly privileged saints! What equal access for Jews and Gentiles to her fellowship! What shares of common gifts and grace, sojourning hypocrites often obtain! How regularly is their proper work, provision, and honour, assigned to her officers, her priests, and Levites! With what equity do, or shall those rulers execute her government and laws! How active and successful shall they be, as
fishers of men
in the dead sea of this world! How glorious are her watering and fructifying truths, institutions, and influences, which, issuing from the temple, and through the death of Jesus our Lord, do, in different periods, gradually increase, and on every hand produce
multitudes of trees,
of lively, flourishing, and fruitful saints! How deplorable their end, who reap no benefit thereby! They shall be cursed into sourness, into barrenness, and endless ruin! In her how high the honour; how abundant the portion of her prince and Mediator; at whose expence, her feasts, her ordinances, are observed! In midst of her dwells JEHOVAH, and shares the centrical portion, the supreme honour and glory of all.
34. She, especially in the latter days, resembles the NEW JERUSALEM in John and Ezekiel's visions
Rev. xxi. and xxii. 1. 2. Ezek. xl. 2. and xlviii. 30. 10 35.
. Her
descending from God out of heaven,
marks her heavenly, 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 and trouble; and her eminent enjoyment of the influences of her all-warming Sun of righteousness. Her appearance as a
jusper-stone,
imports her purity and comeliness. Her
high wall 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, mark out Jesus as equally accessible to finners 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 sinners in every case. Her
sour-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 power, 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 broad ways
are his ordinances. Her
light
is the Lord God and the Lamb. Into her shall multitudes come, and obtain divine light, knowledge, joy, and happiness; and from her special fellowship, shall wicked and scandalous persons be carefully secluded: and this 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, corresponds with the TEMPLE in Ezekiel's vision
Ezek. xl. to xliv.
. How surrounded with the strong
wall
of DIVine perfections, of love, and power! of salvation and government! 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 thresholds, signify our gradual increase in gifts and grace; and our gradual entrance into the visible and invisible church, and to fellowship with God; and the various means of obtaining it. The
courts
may represent the church as visible; the
sanctuary,
in her invisible state, or the
outward court,
may signify her visible, and the
inner court
her invisible state. The
sanctuary
her eminent fellowship 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 into the heart of men to conceive of. The
side-chambers
of the temple and court, may signify particular churches, worshipping assemblies, and instituted ordinances, where Jesus resides, and reveals his mysteries; protects and allows intimate fellowship to his people.
The enlarging of the upper stories of some of these chambers, by their jutting into the principal wall,
implies, that the more holy, heavenly, and dependent upon God, churches and persons are, in attending ordinances, the more extensive is their gospel-liberty. The
priests 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
narrowing as they ascended,
implies their being the more exposed to persecution, according to their eminency; or that, in the Protestant churches, there shall be great decays, as to number and quality; and that in the second, and especially the third age after the Reformation, few eminent members or ministers shall be therein found. The
void places between and before the chambers,
may represent the abundant access there is to Christian churches and ordinances; the light, liberty, and wholesome air of influence there enjoyed; and that our whole life is to be an improving of ordinances past, and a preparation for these in view. The
equal size of the chambers,
exhibits the equal privileges, power, and authority of churches and ministers; and the substantial identity of ordinances. The
posts and pillars
in this temple, may represent fundamental truths, evangelical promises, faithful ministers, and zealous saints; which establish and strengthen the church.
Cherubims and palm trees alternately mixed,
may represent ministers and saints attended by angels; and all prying into the mysteries of redemption, stying in the active service of God, or patiently bearing loads of labour and trouble, and obtaining victory over spiritual enemies. The
foundations and pavement
may represent Christ, and his inspired oracles, as the foundation of the church, and of every true member, grace, and good work, therein. The large
gates, doors,
and
porches,
signify Christ as the means of our abundant access to God. But the
porch of the sanctuary
may exhibit him as a supporter, hiding-place, and house of prayer, for his people: and the appropriation of
the east gate to the prince alone,
may signify, that he alone approacheth straight forward to God, by his own merit; and is the Head of the church, who may go in and out from his people and ordinances, as he pleaseth.
The windows
may represent ministers and ordinances, by means of which we share the light and air of life. The
identity of things, and measures on various sides,
exhibits 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-offering,
represents Jesus in his all-purchasing blood and righteousness.
That of incense
represents him in his all-procuring intercession. The
chamber for washing the sacrifices,
may denote the ordinance of baptism, in which the saints, these spiritual oblations, are washed by the blood and Spirit of the Lamb. The
eight tables of hewn stone, with the knives on them,
may signify the DIVinely appointed, the standing, and often-dispensed sacrament of the Lord's supper, in which Christ crucified, and our sins, the cause of his death, are affectingly presented to our spiritual view. And may not the
flesh-hooks
denote the promises and ordinances of the gospel, as exhibiting and bringing near to us, our crucified Redeemer? May not the
singers and Levites
signify true Christians, who rejoice in, bless the Lord, and labour in his service? May not the
priests
signify ministers, who present Christ to us; and saints, who by faith present him to God, and surrender themselves to his service? May not the
five hundred reeds of measure on every side of the court,
signify the extent of the church in the latter-days; and the considerable distinction to be kept up between her and the world? Doth not
the whole limit thereof round about, being most holy,
import, that all her ordinances are holy and spiritual, not ceremonial and carnal; and that holiness ought to be the shining quality of every member in her?
36. She is compared to an HOUSE or PALACE
Prov. ix. 1.—5. Is. liv. 11. 12. Rev. iv. 6. and xv. 2.
. Curiously Jesus contrived her whole form. Upon his own person, word, and righteousness, he lays her foundation. 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 blood, and ordinances, he rears her up. With sacred statutes, with provision of gospel-truth, with unsearchable blessings, he richly furnisheth her. What a place is she of secrecy, safety, rest, devotion, and spiritual feasting! To prevent her decay and ruin, how frequently is she repaired with new generations of saints, and supplies of grace! Her
being founded on the tops of the mountains, and exalted above the hills,
implies, that, remaining for ever founded on Jesus Christ, the Rock of salvation, she shall be most firmly and conspicuously settled in the world, that multitudes may flow unto her. Her
foundation of sapphires,
is Christ, infinitely pure, precious, glorious, and durable; and his truths. Her
pavement of fair coloured stones,
is him 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 successful ministers, who convey light and knowledge to her, from her glorious Sun of righteousness, and her oracles of inspiration. Her
doors and gates of carbuncles,
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 sealing ordinances only such as are visibly saints, and faithful? Her
borders of pleasant stones,
are her precious, her comely, well fixed, and durable saints, ordinances, discipline, and government. Her
cedar beams and pillars,
are the fragrant, firm, and lasting ministers, saints, promises, and ordinances, by which she is adorned and supported. Her
rafters and galleries of fir,
are her shadowy, refreshful, and comely ordinances of DIVine grace, in which we apprehend, retain, and walk with Christ. Her
chambers
represent her ordinances as the means of secret, sweet, and satisfying communion with Christ; and of his blessing us with his peculiar protection and presence. Her
wine-cellar, hanqueting house, and bed,
are the scriptures, the covenant of grace, and especial fellowship with Christ; by which we are sweetly refreshed, strengthened, satisfied, delighted, instructed, and rendered fruitful in good works. Her
table
is the ordinances of God, on which his fulness is exhibited to us. Her
throne of grace,
is Jesus, as the fulfiller of all righteousness, in whom God is for ever well pleased and rests.
The sea of glass before the throne, mingled with fire,
on which the saints for ever stand, and are bold before God, is Jesus' all cleansing, all-supporting blood, as flowing from his flaming love, and applied by his
Spirit of burning;
or it is the gospel applied by the Spirit to our conscience, for encouraging us to bold appearances, and servent supplications before God.
37. She is compared to an INN
Luke x. 34.
. For accomodating and refreshing the people of God in their heavenly journey, she is erected. In her, ministers are appointed to wait on the travelling saints, and afford them medicine, milk, or strong meat, as their case requires. Are not the two inspired Testaments; are not ministerial gifts and graces, the
two pence
bestowed by our kind Samaritan upon these
hosts
on 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 forward to thy long home, the
better country
above.
38. She resembles a CHAMBER and BANQUETINGHOUSE
Song i. 4. and ii. 4.
. How richly furnished with every thing comely and useful! with all the nourishing fulness of God! In her, how sweetly Jesus manifests himself to his people! feasts them with his goodness! allows them his intimate fellowship! reveals to them his secrets! and protects them from their enemies!
39. She resembles a GREEN and WELL-GUARDED BED
Song i. 16. and iii. 7. 8.
. What sweet communion have the saints here with Christ, and with one another! How sweetly here be dwells, and rests in his love! With what amazing pleasure he here declareth it to us, and maketh us to enjoy its endearing fruits! Is it not here, that saints and graces are begotten; are born; are nourished; and appear with constant verdure, glory, and freshness! What armed guard of infinite perfections, of holy angels, and faithful ministers, surround her on every side; all determined, during her night of trouble and time, to protect her in safety, and to execute vengeance on her enemies.
40. She is compared to a WALL
Song viii 9. 10.
. Being established in the faith of his word, cemented by his person and blood, and by their mutual love and spiritual fellowship, her true members are built on Christ the foundation. In them, and in her whole form, she is erected straight heavenward. 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 habitation of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and that, by her means, we ascend to the celestial state.
41. She is compared to a DOOR
Song viii. 9.
. In her, Jesus the
door,
the way, the truth, and the life, is exhibited; and the
door
of faith, the door of gospel offers, and of mens 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 DIVinely inclosed with the
cedar-boards
of ordinances, providences, and graces!
42. She is compared to a GOLDEN CANDLESTICK
Rev. i. 20.
. How great her beauty and value! From Christ the light of life her gifts and graces are lighted; and by her doctrine, discipline, and holy conversation, she communicateth the light of instruction to others. Her situation in the world is often varied; and in the morning of endless glory, her present form shall be laid aside. Her
oil
is the gospel and grace of God. The
pipes
of conveyance, are faithful minstrations of truth. The "two olive-trees, that empty the oil out of themselves," may signify ministers, who communicate gospel-truth to others; or Christ's natures and offices, by which the Holy Ghost is communicated to men.
43. The church is like unto a FIRE
Obid 18.
. In her dwells the Spirit of judgment and burning. In her, the word of God is like unto fire, inflaming and melting the hearts of men. In her, what multitudes are refined from their drossy corruptions! How terrible and destructive is she to her enemies!
CHAP. XII.
Metaphors respecting Antichrist, and other false churches.
1. CORRUPT Churches are called FLOCKS
of Christ's companions
Song i. 7.
. In mighty numbers they are gathered, 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.
2. They are called SYNAGOGUES OF SATAN
Rev. iii. 15. 16. Hos. viii. 8.
. In them he dwells; and by them he is worshipped. In them his doctrines are believed; his laws observed; and his ordinances attended; and his followers assemble for fellowship in error, delusion, and wicked practices.
3. They resemble LUKEWARM WATER, and a CAKE NOT TURNED
(e).
Pretending some regard to DIVine truths and ordinances, but wanting the love of them,
Rev. ii. 9.
they mix idolatry, and other corruptions, with some remains of God's true worship; they fear him, and serve their own god's; and so render themselves abominable to him and his people; and are in the utmost hazard of being spued out of his mouth, into everlasting ruin.
Why they are compared to
old men
with grey hairs without knowing it; and to
roaring lions; rapacious birds; corrupt carcases; barren vineyards;
and
empty vines.
See in Jews, chap. xiii. § 2. No 1.
4. The Antichristian state, or Papacy, is called a MAN OF SIN
a Thess. ii. 3.
. How wonderfully it is connected in its parts! How marvellously all of them sympathize with, and support one another! What pretence it makes to reason, and to the advantage of mankind! The Pope, who overseeth, 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 system of his doctrines, laws, worship, miracles, offices, officers, and courses!
5. Antichrist is called the SON OF PERDITION
1 Thess. ii. 3. 2 Tim. iii. 1.—7.
. By the destructive vengeance of God on men, for not receiving his truth in the love of it, was the rise thereof permitted. The Pope, and his thorough paced agents, go about, seeking whom they may devour. Their doctrine, their laws, and example, effectually tend to the everlasting ruin of multitudes. Their beloved, their habitual labour, is to destroy the souls and bodies of men. The period of their power is a
perilous time;
for they have consciences seared 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 use; they are lovers of themselves, covetous, proud, blasphemers disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, intemperate, fierce, heady, high minded, despisers and haters of those that are good.
6. Antichrist is compared to a WHORE
Rev. xvii. See
Morning Exercises;
and discourses of Episcopalian DIVines,
against Popery;
CALVINUS MINOR. Bell's
Standard of the Spirit:
and my
Oracles of Christ,
and
Abominations of Popery,—Antichrist.
. With what amazing craft, filthiness, 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 pretences to piety and reason! How they delude men with the most engaging outward appearances of earnal pomp and splendor! Under pretence of chastity, how they decry marriage, and yet wallow in all manner of uncleanness! The
scarlet-coloured beast, with seven heads and ten horns,
upon which she rideth, is the blasphemous and bloody empire of Rome, which had seven different forms of government; and is now DIVided into ten principal sovereignties, over which the Pope did, or doth exercise his power.
The many waters on which she sitteth,
are the noisy multitude of people, subject to her authority. Her
purple and scarlet clothing,
marks out the purple livery of her cardinals; her amazing pride; her high pretences to more than royal sovereignty; and her bloody presecution of the saints. The
golden cup, full of filthiness, in her hand,
is the unhallowed means which the taketh to ensnare and defile the souls of men. Her
name on her forehead, Mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of harlots, and abominations of the earth,
imports her high pretences to lying wonders, and her astonishing impudence in the filthiest crimes. Her being
drunk with the blood of saints,
implies her cruel and bloody persecution of them, her delighting to murder and massacre them. The
burning of her flesh with fire by the ten kings once subject to her,
implies their angry, utter, and fearful destruction of the Papal constitution, power and revenue, in the time appointed by God.
7. Antichrist is called SODOM
Rev. xi.
.
. What pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness, are with her numerous devotees! What shocking bestiality, Sodomy, fornication, adultery, and every other fleshly and mental impurity, prevail in Popish countries! 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 often you creep into mens houses, to defile their spouses and daughters with your whoredom and error!
Past feeling,
how you abandon yourselves to all uncleanness, to work it with greediness! And shall not you, and your followers, like Sodom, be set up as monuments of wrath,
suffering the vengeance of eternal fire?
8. Antichrist is called EGYPT
Rev. xi. 8.
. 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 idolatry in worshipping waxen wafers, images of a cross, relics of dead men, pretended or real, old rags, or chips of wood,
&c.!
9. Antichrist is called BABYLON THE GREAT
Rev. xvii. 5.
. How astonishing and wide-spread the Popish power and dominion! How did their agents captivate and enslave the nations and people of God! What magic, idolatry, superstition, persecution, and murder, abound among them! And shall not this state and system be overthrown by the special 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
Rev. xiii.
. 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 reviling of God and his truths; and of Christ, in his office 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
appearance of a leopard,
imports craft, cruelty, and being 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 influence. His
rising from the earth in form of another beast,
may denote the rise of his power ecclesiastic, from obscurity, by carnal means, and to promote earthly and carnal ends. Its
being like a lamb,
imports his pretence to innocency, purity, and usefulness; and his usurpation of Christ's office as a Surety and Priest. Its
two horns,
denote his connected civil and ecclesiastic power and authority; or his power of order and doctrine, bniding and loosing, in the church. Its
speaking like a dragon,
imports his terrible curses, 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 mens 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 threescore and six, the number of his name,
marks out the Latin church, whose Latin service was appointed in A. D. 666. The letters of this number from LATEINOS and ROMIITH, that is, Latin and Romish. The apparently regular construction of this number, may denote the seeming regularity of the Antichristian 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 Antichristian state is represented as a HABITATION OF DEVILS, A CAGE OF EVERY UNCLEAN BIRD
Rev. xviii. 2.
. In her Satan and his angels reign. Her principal members are a kind of devils incarnate. Her whole system is constituted of unclean doctrines, worship, offices, officers, customs. Shall it not at length appear so to men? Shall not Rome, the revered seat of her dignity, become an unsightly desolation?
12. The Antichristian state is represented as a VISIBLE WORLD
Rev. xvi.
. Her
earth
may signify her fundamental articles of the pope's supremacy, infallibility,
&c.
Her
sea,
the honour and gain made by that religion. Her
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 remains of doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, together with her monasteries and consecrated dignities. Or may the
earth
signify Germany and Poland, these inland countries? the
sea,
Portugal, France, and Spain, which are almost surrounded with sea? the
rivers 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,
&c.?
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
2 Thess. ii. 4.
. By adding to, or taking from the word and worship of God; by pretending to pardon sin, or indulge men in it; by usurping Christ's headship over his church, and opposing his person, office, and grace; by usurping authority over the civil magistrate, enthroning and deposing him at pleasure; and by working pretended miracles to confirm their abominations, he and his agents set themselves 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
Rev. ix. 11.
. Being sent, excited, and directed by Satan, he promotes the interests of hell; ripens multitudes for its everlasting destruction; and with amazing craft and vigour, persecuteth the saints, who oppose his designs; and is a fearful stumbling-block to the Jews, and ruinous plague to the Gentiles.
15. He resembleth the KING in Daniel's vision, who
doth according to his will, magnifies himself above every God,
&c.
Dan. xi 36.—39. Rev. xix. 19.—21.
. Making his own pleasure his sole supreme rule of conduct, he exalts himself above magistrates, angels, and the true God; blasphemes his Maker;—at once contemns the idols of the ancient Heathen, and the God of the primitive Christians. Lawful 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; offers them rich presents; and, for gain, pretends to assign them their respective countries, cities, occupations, and cases, in which they are to oversee, protect, and bless. He rules over great multitudes, which being assembled by him, do, with him, fight against the Lord Jesus Christ; but, in the end, shall be wrathfully overcome, and ruined, and the followers of Jesus enriched with their spoil.
16. He resembles the LITTLE HORN in Daniel's vision,
which had eyes, spake perverse things and subdued three horns
Dan. vii. 8.
. His power was inconsiderable at first, but he quickly made himself master of three sovereignties, the dukedom of Rome, the exarchate of Ravenna, and the region of Pentapolis. With amazing craft and circumspection; with numerous spies, prying into the councils of men; with terrible blasphemy, boasting, perfecution, and curses, he did and doth promote his unhallowed interests.
CHAP XIII.
Metaphors respecting nations, armies, samilies, and their adjuncts; which being almost innumerable, but generally more restircted in their signification, and less edifying; no more is here intended, than such an explanatory swatch, as may serve for a key to the rest.
SECT I. FIRST
Metaphors respecting nations more generally considered.
1. ALL nations are represented as the TWO SONS of a family
Matth. xxi 28.—32. Luke. xv. 11. 32.
. The Jews are the ELDER, the Gentiles the YOUNGER. The former, God, by his word, required to
work in the vineyard
of his church. Fairly they engaged, and readily they promised, to serve him; but quickly broke their engagement. Long the latter lived in open rebellion; but, at last, influenced by his converting grace, they repented and complied with his call. Long, like prodigals, they deserted their Father's family and church, till deep sense of their spiritual need brought them to themselves, and made them enquire what they should do to be sayed. How readily then did JEHOVAH meet them in mercy! embraced them with love! arrayed them with the
best robe
of his sons righteousness! feasted them with his flesh and blood! adorned them with his ordinances and influences! But why, ye Jews, did you repine at his honouring them above you, who had long been his peculiar children and servants! Was it not meet, that there should be an abundant display of heavenly bounty and gladness, when God's so-long
lost children were found?
when your solong
dead brethren were made 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,
(b)
Is. xl. 15. 17. worthless! 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!
3. The Gentile nations, before the spread of the gospel, are called a LITTLE SISTER
without breasts
Song viii. 8.
. Though many of their progeny were chosen by, and in the purpose of God united 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
Is. liv. 1. 4. 6. and lv. 1.
. 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 woman,
signifies the church during Christ's personal presence with her on earth. And the
children of the desolate being more than they of the married wife,
Implies, that after Christ's withdrawment to heaven, the converts to him should be most numerous.
5. The Gentiles, before the spread of the gospel among them, are called FOREIGNERS
Eph. ii. 20.
. They were without visible interest in, or connection with God in Christ; and destitute of the offers of his grace, the doctrines of his word, or the laws of his kingdom. They had no spiritual fellowship with his holy nation; no claim to his covenants of promise; no hope of a Messiah, or salvation by him, or 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 were once afar off, are brought nigh by the blood of Christ! But ah! what multitudes of persons 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 WILDERNESS
Is. xxxv. 1. 6. 7.
. How barren and unprofitable to God, and to one another! Not plowed with his influence; nor fown with his word, ordinances, or grace; nor hedged about with his special government and protection: no
way of holiness
that leadeth to life; no flocks 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 perplexity and unsettledness of mind, how to satisfy an immortal soul! what surrounding hazards of eternal consequence! what blasts of conquering temptation, and wrathful calamity! what mists of ignorance, idolatry, profaneness, delusion, and will-worship abound!
7. Particular nations are compared to the UNIVERSE
Is. xxiv. Mark xiii. 24. 25. Psal. lxxxii. 6. Rom. xiii. 4.
. The more glorious part of their members and laws are the
heavens,
and
luminaries
thereof; and the rest the
air,
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 bear not in vain,
is their power and authority to protect the innocent, and punish the offenders.
8. Particular nations are represented as FAMILIES
Psal. cxxxvii. 8. 9.
. 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
sister
of another.
9. They are compared to HARLOTS
Is. xxiii. 15. 16. Nah. iii. 4. Ezek. xvi. and xxiii. Jer. iii.
. What deceitful 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 execueth upon them the judgment of whorish women, stirring up their friends to hate and harass them; and by openly destroying them in the fire of his wrath!
10. They are compared to TRAVAILING WOMEN
Is. xxiii. 4. Jer. vi. 24. Hos. xiii. 12.
. How often! how suddenly! how terribly pained, and tormented, with DIVine judgments! How often pained, in attempting to perform their purposes! How often they travail, without bringing forth any deliverance! How often they bring forth wickedness! Ye nations, how gracious are you
when pangs
of adversity
come upon you!
Then perhaps you return, and enquire right early after God; but how often then are you rejected by him!
11. They are compared to
animal bodies
Is. vli. 14. 15. and i. 5. 6. and vii. 20. and xvii. 4. and xxix. xi. Lam. iv. 20.
. Magistrates and honourable persons are the
head,
which adorns, directs, and manageth them. False teachers, and the low mob, are the
tail
and
seet;
most useless and contemptible. No
soundness from the sole of the foot to the crown of the head,
implies the sinful corruption, or the distress of all ranks, high and low. The
head sick,
and
the heart faint,
implies, that the rulers, and most active and animating persons, are corrupted, perplexed, and discouraged. To
shave off the hair 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.
Leanness,
imports fewness of persons, and poverty of condition.
Paleness,
implieth shame and confusion. To
wax old,
is to lose courage, vigour, strength, or authority.—Magistrates are the
breath of their nostrils,
by which their life, vigour, and influence are maintained.
12. They are represented as systems of BEASTS of the field, air, or sea
Dan. iv. 12. Ezck. xxix. and xxxi.
. And magistrates are represented as the principal animals of those kinds, as
lions, bears, eagles, dragons, leviathan.
Sometimes for their refreshful, protecting, and supporting influence, magistrates 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
Jer. xxiii. Ezek. xxxiv.
. 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
Is. xv. 5. Jer. xlvi. 20. and xlviii. 34.
.
Fair
and
fat heifers
represent them in their glory and prosperity.
Heifers taught,
represent them as accustomed to subjection.
Backsliding heifers,
represent them as perversely apostatizing from God. To cry, or
lift up the voice, liks 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
Rev. vi. 12. 13. 14. and viii. 10. 12.
: for their distinguished brightness and influence; rulers and great men are represented as the
sun, moon,
and
stars.
16. They are compared to a COUNTRY
Psal. lxxii. 3.
. And their magistrates and great men are likened to
mountains and hills;
which overtop, overshadow, and protect the rest. The constitution of government is the
foundations.
And DIVine judgments are represented as
storms, droughts, earthquakes.
17. They are compared to a SEA, or WATERS
rushing
Is. xvii. 12. Jer. xlix. 23. Rev. vii. 1. Is. lx. 5. Lam. ii. 23.
; because of their numbers; their noise; their unsettled state; their haughty threatening, and actual overwhelming of the nations around; and sometimes because dwelling on the sea-coast.—A
breach like the sea,
de notes a very wide one.
18. They are likened to a FOREST
Hos. ii. 12. Ezek. xx. 46.
; because of the multitude of persons, cities, and villages. And magistrates and great men are represented as
tall trees, top-branches;
and those of low condition, as
low trees.
19. They are represented as VINEYARDS
Is. xvii. 6.—11. and xxiv. 13. Jer. vi. 9.
. Hedged about with government, kept, and cultivated by rulers, how great the order, and advantage of their connected state! Cities are the
boughs
and
branches.
Multitudes of people are the fruit.
Two or three berries left,
signify a small remnant saved in the vintage of desolating judgments.—A
forsaken bough,
is a desolate city. To
glean, and turn the hand into the basket,
is gradually to destroy, or lead captive the remnant left at the first. To
plant the vineyard with strange slips,
is to bring in foreign people, doctrines, or customs into a nation.—Lord, how easily canst thou plant or pluck up, destroy
branch and rush, in one day!
20. They are likened to HEATH
Jer. xvii. 6. and xlviii 6.
, to represent their barrenness; witheredness, and contemptibleness; and their not profiting by the means of prosperity or grace.
21. They are likened to a CROP of corn
Is. xvii. 5.
; for their multitude of persons; their comeliness; glory; and promising usefulness.
Gleaning of ears,
implies the care of a conquering enemy to kill, or carry captive, the whole nation.
22. They are likened to STUBBLE
Psal. lxxxiii. 13. Is. xlvii. 14. Jer. xiii. 24. Nah. i. 10.
, to denote, that they are brought to the utmost contempt; are trodden down by their enemies; or have only an insignificant remnant left. They are represented as
dry stubble,
to imply their ripeness for the judgments of God, and nothing else. They are represented as
stubble before the wind,
to mark how easily and quickly they shall be driven out of their place.
23. They are compared to CHAFF, or
chaff of the mountains
Is. xvii. 13.
, 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 place! How readily canst thou rebuke them! and with the breath of thy providence, make them flee far off, and hurl them out of the world!
24. They are compared to HORNS
Zech. i. 18. Rev. xiii. and xvii.
, because of their conspicuousness, their power and authority to defend themselves, or harass and ruin others. The
four
horns that scattered Judah,
are the Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabians, and other nations who harassed them, after the captivity.
Ten horns
upon one beast, signify ten kingdoms or sovereignties formed out of the Roman empire.
25. They are likened to a POTTER'S VESSEL
Jer. xviii. 1.—10.
. It is thine, O JEHOVAH, to form them as thou pleasest; thine to appoint them to honour or dishonour. How base are they in themselves! but how curious thy formation of them! How impossible to refit them, if once they be marred in the hand of thy providence.
SECT. 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
Luke xv. 11. 26.—32. Matth xxi. 28.
. They were God's
first-born;
first of the nations, he distinguished them in his favour: readily they professed 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 RICH MAN in the parable
Luke xvi. 19.—31.
. Glorying in their wealth, their numerous rites and traditions; their relation to God, and their pious ancestors; they contemptuously rejected the debased Saviour; while unclean publicans, harlots, and Heathens, received him. Notwithstanding all their pomp, the flaming vengeance of God came upon them. Terrible and hopeless were the torments and miseries into which they were plunged; nor could the covenant made with Abraham their ancestor yield them any relief; nor could their desperate wishes obtain further evidence of Jesus Messiahship, for themselves, and their various sects; or for their brethren of the ten tribes.
3. They are likened to an INFANT
lying in blood; vile, unpitied, unassisted of men, but quickened, furnished, adorned, and espoused of God
Ezek. xvi. 1.—15.
. Not for their righteousness' sake, but for his name's sake, he raised them up from an idolatrous, polluted, and despicable origin. Marvellously he preserved and multiplied 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 solemn 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 of the most honourable kingdoms that ever existed.
4. They are likened to a DELICATE WOMAN
Jer. vi. 2.
. How proud of their distinguished privileges! How unprepared 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
Gal. iv. 25.
; to mark out their subjection to the ceremonial law; their lying under the power of sin, Satan, and the broken law; and their exposure to sad distress and slavery for their rejecting of Christ.
6. They are likened to an HARLOT
Ezck. xvi. and xxiii. Jer. iii.
. Contrary to equity, to decency, and to solemn covenant with God, they forsook his law, worshipped idols, and polluted themselves with every abominable course. Treacherously they distrusted and rejected the Lord, imitated the idolatry, and relied on the assistance of the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Chaldeans. For a while, these of Judah and Benjamin condemned the enormities of Sodom and of the ten tribes; but, though warned by their destruction, they at last surpassed them in wickedness, and so justified their conduct. They had a
whore's forehead,
rushing impudently on sin; and of their own motion, and at their own expence, seeking after sinful connection with the Heathen, and communion with them in their false worship. Long God hired 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 relied on, and imitated: he cast them out of their church relation to him, and refused to shew them mercy. But rejoice, you feed of Jacob, you shall be as though you had not been cast off. In the wilderness of adversity God shall speak unto your heart; and make you return to your former husband, with whom it was better with you than now. "Though the vision tarry, wait 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 of Shinar
Zech. v. 5.—11.
; to denote, that after filling up the measure of their iniquity, God should cause them to feel the fearful weight thereof, and by his blast of wrath, and instruments thereof, should carry them out of Canaan, and for many ages fix them in a state of dispersion, unsettledness, and fearful misery.
8. They are likened to a
person with
GREY HAIRS,
without knowing it
Hos. vii. 9.
. What tokens of weakness and guilt! what signs of approaching ruin were among the ten tribes before their captivity! What multitudes of prevailing abominations! What furious contentions! What murdering of kings and nobles! What multitudes of lesser judgments unsuccessful, none of which were laid to heart!
9. They are likened to a person HALF STRIPPED of her clothing
Jer. xiii. 22. to 26.
. When the Chaldeans invaded their country, and led them captive, how was their land stripped 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
Is. i. 10.
. How abandoned to unnatural lust! How shameless in sinning! How ready their people to commit, and their rulers to protect the vilest crimes! In the Assyrian harassment, and Chaldean captivity, how justly exposed, as public monuments of DIVine wrath!
11. They are likened to a SPECKLED BIRD, against which all the fowls around assembled
Jer. xii. 9.
. How distinguished from others, by their ordinances, laws, and customs! And how hated, and sought for to destruction, by the nations around! And, alas! how spotted with their own corruptions! But the word rather signifies a TALONED RAPACIOUS FOWL, and represents them as ready to persecute God's saints; ready to abuse his mercies, by flying in his face, breaking his laws, and tearing his honours; on which account, he gathered the nations against them, to destroy them.
12. They are represented as LIONS, as RORING LIONS
Mic. v. 8. Jer. xii. 8. Ezek. xix.
. In their ancient glory, and in the time of the Maccabees 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. But in the days of Jeremiah, how outrageously they roared against God, his prophets, his ordinances, his word, and providences! Their state is likened to a LIONESS. After Josiah's death, she furnished the throne with Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeheiachin, and Zedekiah; who, for their outrageous oppression of their people, their roaring against God and his servants, and the like, are called
lions;
and by the kings of Egypt, and Babylon, were successively taken, removed from their station, and disqualified for injuring their subjects.
13. They are likened to WILD ASSES and DROMEDARIES
Jer. ii. 23. 24.
. Refusing subjection to the yoke of God's law, they vainly wandered after their own fancies, snuffed up the hurtful and unsubstantial idolatries and delusions of the Heathen; lustfully traversed all their ways, unsettledly following now, one idol and wicked course; anon, another.
14. They are likened to a THRESHING OX,
with horns of iron, and hoofs of brass
Mic. iv. 13.
. In the time of the Maccabees they did; in the beginning of the millennium, they shall, by the assistance of Heaven, push off, resist, and tread down their opposers.
15. They are likened to WILD BULLS
in a net
Is. li. 20.
. How filled with perplexity and rage, when God brought them into the entangling bands of the Assyrians and Chaldeans! With what brutish stupidity, they poured forth their roaring complaints! How effectually every attempt to rescue themselves, entangled them more and more!—Ah! how like my soul under trouble!
16. They are likened to an HEIFER
Hos. x. 10. 11.
. God
taught them,
by giving them his laws. He
passed over their fair neck,
by encouraging them with prosperity, or by alarming them with adversity. He made
Ephraim to ride,
by strengthening the ten tribes against Judah in the days of Jeroboam the second, and of Pekah the son of Remaliah; or made them
to be rode upon,
by giving the Assyrians power to captivate and oppress them. Judah's
ploughing,
and Jacob's
breaking his clods,
may import the Jews slavery in Chaldea. Their
ploughing wickedness, reaping iniquity, and eating the fruit of lies,
imply their proceeding from evil to worse, and receiving at last the due reward of their crimes; when like
backsliding heisers,
they had long persisted in obstinate apostacy from God.
17. They are represented as
abused, lost, and scattered sheep
Ezek. xxxiv. 16. Jer. l. 6. 7.
. Ah how abused, oppressed, and misled, by their wicked rulers and false prophets! How, in their captivity, driven from their pasture in the promised land! scattered one from another! exposed to injuries unnumbered! destitute of order, and without solemn assembling to worship! Once, what a
beautiful flock,
a comely church and nation, cared for, nourished, and protected of God! But, especially since the death of Christ, what a
flock of slaughter
and misery!
18. They are likened to VIPERS; SERPENTS; SPIDERS
Is. lix. 5. 6.
. How full of deathful malice and corruption! How desperately set upon, and crafty in doing mischief! Their idolatrous courses, and laboured schemes of self-preservation, were a
weaving of spiders webs;
might entangle others, but were insufficient for every good purpose. Nay, as
cockatrice eggs, breaking forth into vipers,
infallibly procured their ruin.
19. Particular tribes of Israel are likened to particular ANIMALS
Gen. xlix. Deut. xxxiii. 17. 21. 22.
. Judah to a LION, because of their distinguished royalty, power, and furious destruction of of their enemies. Joseph's seed to a YOUNG BULLOCK, because of their glory, their strength; and their royalty among the ten tribes. Ah, how changed, when, like
silly doves without heart,
without hope, wisdom, or care, to avoid the destruction and ravage of the Assyrian bands! Issachar to an ASS, for their strength, patience, and labour in husbandry. Dan to a LIONS WHELP
and
SERPENT, for their daring courage in war, and their craft in destroying their enemies. How like a
lion's whelp,
when leaping to the borders of Bashan, to take Laish! How, in Samson, did they, like a
serpent,
bite the horse heels, and make the Philistines on their temple, and otherwise, to fall backward! Benjamin to a
ravening
WOLF, for their warlike courage, and their readiness to take the prey from their enemies. Naphthali to a HIND
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, and their safe dwelling beside 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 dragons;
and
enlarge their baldness as eagles!
20. They are likened to the HAIRS of a man's head
Ezek. v. 1.—4.
. How weak and insignificant! The
shaving
or
cutting them off,
imports the killing or carrying them captive; or the unhinging of their church and state by the Chaldeans. The
third part burnt in the midst of the city, pourtrayed by Ezekiel on a tyle,
represent about a
third part
killed by famine and pestilence within Jerusalem, during its siege by the Chaldeans. The
third part
smitten about with a knife, represent them who were slain by the Chaldeans. The
third part scattered in the wind,
represent them who were taken captive; a
sew of which
being left in the land, and by their going down to Egypt, and thus bringing upon themselves the suspicion of having murdered Gedaliah, Nebuchadnezzar's deputy, provoked the Chaldeans against their brethren, and became a source of
fiery
plagues and trials to them.
21. They are likened to FLOURISHING BOUGHS;
IGN-ALOES; GREEN OLIVES; CEDAR-TREES
Numb. xxiv. 6. Rom. xi. 16. 17. Jer. xi. 16.
. Being planted by God, their nation was long powerful, delightful, useful, and glorious; but, for their sin, how given up at last to his withering and fiery judgments. You flourishing kingdoms,
be not high-minded, but sear.
You wild-olive Gentiles, who are graffed into God's church in their stead, take 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-TREES
Luke xiii. 6.—9. Matth. xxi. 19. Jer. xxiv.
. Amidst their fair, flourishing, and wide-spread leaves of profession, how destitute of good works, even when Jesus was among them! For forty years after his death, his intercession procured the sparing of them, till by his gospel, and lesser strokes, he had
digged and dunged about
them. But continuing barren, they were, by the axe of the Roman troops, cut down, and
quickly withered away
under his curse. In more ancient times, were not those carried captive with Jehoiachin as
good figs,
acceptable and useful? and these who continued behind,
bad ones,
unprofitable and hateful!
23. They are likened to a VINEYARD and VINE
Is. v. 1.—6. Ezek. xv. Deut. xxxii. 32. 33.
. God gave them the fertile land flowing with milk and honey. The stony and stubborn Canaanites he digged out from before them. The
wall
and
hedge
of his protection and law he assigned to them. The
wine press
of his tabernacle, temple, and ordinances, he built among them. With the
rain
of his oracles, the
dew
of his favours, he watered them. Originally they were a
right seed;
a
choice vine;
the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God's friends, who commanded their households to walk in the way of the Lord; but how sadly they
degenerated into the plant
of a
strange vine;
became like the Heathens around! When much fruit might have been expected from them, they became an
empty vinc;
without good fruit, and so only fit for, and exposed to the fiery vengeance of God
bringing forth fruit to themselves,
seeking their own carnal ends, not the glory of God, in whatever they did. They became a
vine of Sodom;
eminent for pride, luxury, uncleanness, bringing 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, infinitely disagreeable to God, hurtful to others, and in the issue ruinous to themselves.—Ye Protestant churches, consider these things, and be afraid.
24. They are likened to DEW, and represented as a BLESSING amidst the nations
Mic. v. 7. Is. xix. 24.
. In the apostolic age, 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 refreshing the nations, and converting many to Christ!
25. They are likened to STICKS or STAVES
Ezek. xxxvii. 16.—19. Zech. xi. 7. 10. 14.
. The
joining of two sticks,
denotes the uniting of the posterity 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 ecclesiastic and national state, and giving them up to furious 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 Romans and others towards them.—Lord, these who despise thee, shall be utterly ruined and contemned.
26. They are represented as a CARCASE
gathered to by the eagles
Luke xvii. 34.
. Being separated from God, the life of their soul, and church; having apostatized from his quickening truths; and being destitute of his enlivening grace; how overspread with lothsome and noisome corruption! How detestable to God and his people! How surrounded, sought out, murdered and ruined by the
eagle-
bannered Roman armies!
27. They are likened to DRY BONES
in a valley,
revived by means of prophecy
Ezek. xxxvii. 1.—14.
. During their Chaldean captivity, they lived in a low plain country; they were reduced to a most abject and debased condition. The appearance, the hope, and the desire of their restoration, were almost extinct But by Cyrus' 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 country, and resettle 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 represented as REPROBATE SILVER
Jer. vi. 30.
. In Jeremiah's time, and at present, amidst all their fair pretences, how useless and unworthy! Rejected by God and abhorred by men! Not purged from their dross of corruption in the furnace of trouble; but becoming worse and worse!
29. They are likened to BOTTLES
filled with wine
Jer. xiii. 12.
. 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 no pleasure
Hos. viii. 8.
. How wretched, base, and shameful, their captive state! How were they defiled with the dung of reproach, contemned, abhorred, and counted as the offscouring of all things!
31. They are likened to an EARTHEN VESSEL
marred in the hand of the potter
Jer. xix.
. How mean their orgin! 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 MARRED,
lying in a hole by the river Euphrates
Jer. xiii. 1.—11.
. 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 Chaldea, or the banks of the Euphrates, where their glory was marred, and their public worship mostly disused, and even impossible to be performed.
33. JERUSALEM, their principal city; and Samaria, the metropolis of the ten tribes, are represented as MOUNTAINS or HILLS
Zech. viii. 3. Amos vi. 1.
; because they were built on hills; and were conspicuous in glory and wealth.
34. Jerusalem is represented as a
city pourtrayed on a tile
Ezek. iv. 1.—8.
; to signify its contemptible and weak condition before the Chaldeans took it. The
iron pan
surrounding this protrait, signified God's determinate purpose to punish the inhabitants; and the Chaldeans fixed rage against, and their safe and determined siege of the city. Ezekiel's "lying three hundered and ninety days before this portrait on his left side, and forty on his right to bear the iniquity of Israel and Judah," signified that in the Chaldean destruction of Jerusalem, God would have an eye to the Jews continuance for
three hundred and ninety years,
in approving the sin of the ten tribes; and their having grievously rebelled themselves, during
forty years
of Manasseh's reign, or from the thirteenth year or Josiah, to the eleventh of Zedekiah.
35. She is compared to a FOUNTAIN
Jer. vi. 7.
. Ah how herinhabitants cast forth and diffused wickedness, through every part of their conduct! and spread evil courses into the cities and country around!
36. She is compared to a FURNACE
Is. xxxi. 9. Ezek. xxii. 20. 22.
. How the flaming wrath of the Lord raged against her inhabitants! In her, how he tried and purified his people, and consumed drossy multitudes of wicked men!
37. She is compared to a BOILING POT or CALDRON
Jer i. 13. Ezek. xxiv. 3.—14. and xi. 3.
. In her dwelt the principal wicked men of Judah; and were tormented by the fiery wrath of God, and fury of the enraged Caldeans. Ah what a
scum
of wicked persons and prevalent crimes was in her! The
face towards the north,
implies, the Caldeans coming against her from the north. She was
not the caldron
to these carried into captivity, or slain without the walls.
38. She is called a CUP OF TREMBLING and BURDENSOME STONE to her enemies
Zech. xii. 2. 4.
. What terror and overthrow did the Maccabees spread among her besigers and enemies! How happy, firm, and fixed, shall be the Jews millenial state! With what oppressing trouble, 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 LIONS; and their judges to RAVENING WOLVES
Mic. iii. 2. 3. Zeph. iii. 3.
; because of their fraud, their tyranny, and cruel oppression and murders, especially of the poor and godly. Their "eating the flesh of God's people; flaying off their skin; breaking their bones in pieces," imply, their taking every method to oppress and deprive them of their substance. Their
not gnawing 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 OF FIRE
in a sheaf
Zech. xii. 6.
. In the time of the Maccabees, and in the beginning of the millennium, what terror, havock, and ruin, they spread among their opposers!
41. Uzziah and Hezekiah are represented as FURIOUS SERPENTS
Is. xiv. 29.
. With what fury and dispatch did their troops attack, terrify, and destroy the Philistines!
42. Zedekiah is called the BREATH
of the Jews nostrils
Lam. iv. 20.
. 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, disappointment,
vanity, and vexation of spirit.
43. Pekah king of Israel, with his ally Rezin King of Syria are called the TAILS
of smoaking fire-brands
Is. vii. 4.
, to represent their weakness; the vanity of their impotent 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
Zech. i. 20. 21.
, the Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabians, Syrians, and others, who harassed the Jews after their return from Babylon.
SECONDLY,
Metaphors respecting the Egyptians.
1. The EGYPTIANS are compared to a FLY
Is. vii. 18.
; alluding to the swarms of flies in their country; and for their number, their swift march, and their troublesome annoyance.
2. They are likened to a FAIR HEIFER
Jer. xlvi. 20.
. In the days of Pharaoh-necho, how glorious and flourishing was their kingdom, consisting of twenty thousand cities! how great their prosperity and wealth! but how quickly destruction came! Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
3. They are likened to FISHES
Ezek. xxix 3.—5.
. 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 scale's,
imports their faithful cleaving to his interest in peace and war; or perhaps, their obstinate rebellion against Pharaoh-hophra.
4. They are likened to SERPENTS
Jer. xlvi. 22.
; to denote the abject state to which the Chaldeans, and their own civil war in the reign of Pharoah-hophrah, reduced them; and their mournful howling over their condition.
5. They are likened to a FOREST
Jer. xlvi. 24.
. How surprizing the number of their cities; and of the inhabitants! How flourishing a long time their prosperity! How exposed to, and at last consumed, by the fire of God's wrath!
6. They and their kings are likened to BROKEN REEDS
Ezek. xxix. 6.
. How insufficient and untrusty helpers! Instead of assisting the Jews against the Assyrians or Chaldeans, according to promise and expectation; they rather
ran into their hand,
by promoting their ruin.
7. Their country is called an IRON FURNACE; and HOUSE OF BONDAGE
Jer. xi. 4. Exod. xx. 2.
. 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
Ezek. xvii. 7.
, because of his extensive power and dominion over many tribes. Zedekiah king of Judah entering into a league with him against the Chaldeans, "is the vine turning towards him, to be watered by him."
9. He is represented as a DRAGON; a LEVIATHAN; a CROCODILE
Psal lxxvi. 24. Is. xxvii. 1. Ezek. xxxii. 2.
. Among, and about the streams of Nile, haunted by these creatures, he ruled. And how distinguished was his terribleness, cruelty, and power to defend himself, and hurt others!
10. Pharaoh-necho is represented as a NOISE
passing at the time appointed
Jer. xlvi. 17.
. Notwithstanding of his haughty boasting, noisy preparation, and furious march against the Chaldeans at Carchemish, by the Euphrates, he and his mighty host were quickly routed, and put to a most shameful slight.
THIRDLY,
Metaphors respecting the Assyrians.
1. The ASSYRIANS are compared to EAGLES
Hos. viii. 1.
. With what rapidity, malice, and fury, did they come up, to ruin the ten tribes! and to harass and waste the kingdom of Judah!
2. They are likened to LIONS
Is. v. 29.
. With what noise, terror, irresistible force, and bloody cruelty, they, under Pul, Tiglath-Pileser, Shalmanezer, Sennacherib, and Esarhaddon, wasted, conquered, and murdered, the nations around them!
3. They are compared to BEES
Is. vii. 18.
; alluding to the multitude of
bees
in their country; and because of their number, their noise, their desperate rage, and tormenting cruelty; and their readily answering the Lord's invitation to punish the nations.
4. They are likened to an EAST WIND
Hos. xii. 1. and xiii. 15.
. From the east they invaded the nations. What deceitful and unsubstantial helpers! but what sweeping, blasting, and destructive enemies to men!
5. They are called the WATERS
of the river, strong, and many
Is. viii. 7. 8.
. On the banks of Euphrates, and Hiddekel, or Tigris, they resided. How numerous, noisy, powerful, and prevalent! Their
passing through the breadth of Immanuel's land, and reaching even to the neck,
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 CHESNUTTREE
Ezek. xxxi. 2.
. 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 nations 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
Is. xxxiii. 21. 23.
. 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
ars.
The Assyrian army had their
tacklings loosed,
when most of their commanders were cut off. They could not strengthen the
mast,
by assisting their king Sennacherib. They could
not spread the sail,
the most of their troops being cut off before Jerusalem.
8. They are called God's ROD and AXE
Is. x. 5. 15.
. By them he scourged and cut off many kingdoms. By them he cut down the barren tribes of Israel, and carried them into captivity; and severely corrected the hypocritical ones of Judah and Benjamin. How unreasonably they magnified themselves against God their manager, and ascribed their conquests to themselves!
9. They are called an hired RAZOR
shaving the beard
and the feet
Is. vii. 20.
. With rich spoils, God hired them, to punish and destroy the sinful nations: and by them, especially in Israel and Judah, he cut off multitudes, small and great.
10. They are likened to FUEL
Is. xxx. 21.—33.
. Having by them punished the nations, God cast them into the destructive flames of his vengeance, till their nation was consumed; and by a fiery plague he cut off Sennacherib's army before Jerusalem.
11. That army is likened to a DREAM, and NIGHT-VISION
Is. xxix. 7. 8.
. Amidst their expectations 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 LEVIATHAN;
that strong and piercing serpent
Is. xxvii. 1.
. For his distinguished pride, power, and terrible appearances. But is not rather the Egyptian king, or Antichrist, there spoken of?
FOURTHLY,
Metaphors respecting the Chaldeans.
1. The Chaldean empire is likened to a DESTITUTE WIDOW
Is. xxvii.
. At last, how her glory faded! How mournfully was she bereaved of her kings, armies, power, and wealth! How was the city Babylon burnt, harassed, enslaved, and finally reduced to a desart!
2. It is compared to a LION,
with eagles wings
Dan. vii. 4.
; because of their noise, their bloody cruelty, their irresistible boldness, fury, and might; and for their rapid success in conquering the nations around. What terrified multitudes readily submitted, and craved their shadowing protection, till the Medes and Persians ruined it.
3. It is perhaps compared to a CHARIOT
with
RED
horses, issuing from between mountains of brass
Zech. vi. 1. 2.
. Notwithstanding difficulties unnumbered, their forces, according to the settled purposes of God, extended their power; and, by bloody conquests, destroyed and enslaved the nations.
4. It is called a GOLDEN HEAD, and GOLDEN CUP: and Babylon its metropolis, a GOLDEN CITY
Dan. ii. 32. Jer. li. 7. Is. xiv. 4.
. How astonishing was the glory, wealth, and power of it. How wide-spread their dominion! By them, how fearfully God measured out the wine of his wrath to the sinful nations around! and caused them to drink it!
5. It is called God's BATTLE-BOW, or AXE; the HAMMER
of the whole earth
Jer. li. 20. and l. 23.
. By these Chaldeans, God fought against, conquered, and broke in pieces, the most of the then principal nations on earth.
6. It is called God's THRESHING; and the CORN
of his floor.
Is. xxi. 10.
. What fearful vengeance seized it, by the Medes and Persians! Where is now their glory and power! is it not threshed out? Mighty Babylon, destroying mountain, conspicuous and overwhelming destroyer, how art thou now threshed to the dust! razed to the foundation! rendered a
burnt mountain!
a heap of rubbish! and habitation of wild and venomous beasts!
7. The Chaldean troops under Nebuchadnezzar, are likened to WATCHERS
of a field
Jer. iv. 16.
. Carefully they watched at the siege of Jerusalem; apprehended such as fled from the city; and executed judgments upon them.
8. They are represented as FISHERS; HUNTERS; and FOWLERS
Hab. i. 15. 16. 17.
. How earnestly they laboured for the destruction of men! hid snares, digged pits, and pursued for their life! and ah! how they
sacrificed to their own net;
imputing their warlike success, not to God's providence; but to their own crafty plots, and their vigorous efforts!
9. They are represented as SIX MEN
armed with slaughter-weapons, and directed by one clothed in linen
Ezek. ix.
. Armed with Jesus righteous permission, and with weapons of war, they, under his direction and rule, entered the Jewish temple, slew the princes and rulers; but spared most of the godly, who mourned over the sins of their people.
10. They are compared to SERPENTS
Jer. viii. 17.
. How noted their craft! inveterate their rage! cruel and certain their murder!—Ah! how hath sin changed men, into the likeness of the old serpent, the devil!
11. They are likened to an EAST WIND; a DRY WIND
from the wilderness;
and a WHIRLWIND
Hab. i. 9. Jer. iv. 11. 13.
. From the regions eastward of Judea they issued; and with astonishing rapidity, and irrefistible force, they spread trouble, blasting, and ruin, among men.
12. They are likened to CLOUDS
Jer. iv. 13.
. 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 a
great
EAGLE
with long wings, and full of feathers
Ezek. xvii. 3.—6.
. How great his power! How extensive his authority! how distinguished his ability; to protect his subjects! His
various colours,
denote the DIVersified laws and customs of his empire. His "coming to Lebanon cropping off the top of a cedar, and carrying it into a land of traffic, and city of merchants," signifies his invading Judea by the way of Lebanon; and carrying off Jehoiachin, and other princes 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 Zedekiah, causing him to swear subjection, and constituting him his tributary deputy, or king of Judah.
14. He is likened to a LION, WOLF, and LEOPARD
Jer. v. 1.—9.
; because of his power, authority, courage, craft, covetousness; and his terrible and barbarous harassing and murdering of the nations.
15. He is compared to a
large and shadowy
TREE,
cut down by order of the heavenly watchers
Dan. iv. 10.—17
; Great indeed was his glory, power, and authority. Multitudes of men submitted to him, and shared his protection. But, after long prosperity, how wrathfully cut down by God for his wickedness!—seven years deprived of his reason and government!
16. The Chaldean-monarch is represented as the LUCIFER, or
morning star, sallen from heaven
Is. xiv. 12.
. How bright the glory of Nebuchadnezzar! how powerful his influence on earth! At first, how splendid the power and brightness of Belshazzar! but alas! how wretched his last end! how deprived of his dignity, his authority and grandeur, and cast out as an abominable and base person!
FIFTHLY,
Metaphors respecting the Persian empire.
1. The Persian empire is likened to a BEAR
raising up himself on one side, having three ribs in his mouth, and bidden to arise, and devour much flesh
Dan vii. 5.
. Though less wealthy, strong, and glorious at first, than the Chaldean; yet with much craft, sagacity, and bloody cruelty, was it settled and maintained. Multitudes of nations were torn, conquered, and reduced by it. Towards the west-side, it especially raised and exerted itself; conquering and spoiling the
three
wealthy kingdoms of Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt.
2. It is represented as a
two-horned
RAM,
pushing northward, southward, and westward, till furiously destroyed by a he-goat
Dan. viii. 34.
. Consisting of the two kingdoms of Media and Persia, it made extensive conquests towards the airths mentioned, and became an empire, containing an hundred twenty and seven provinces, till the furious Greeks overturned and ruined it.
3. It is perhaps represented as a CHARIOT
with black horses, issuing from between mountains of brass
Zech. vi. 3. 6.
. According to the purpose of God, and maugre all opposition, it was established.—At first, the Persians were strong, and warlike; under Cyrus, terrible to the nations; under Cambyses, and some others, troublesome to the people of God. Their
going out into the north country,
may denote their conquest of Chaldea north-ward of Judea; and of Lesser Asia; and their invasions of Greece. In this they
quieted God's spirit,
as they executed his judgments, and made his wrath to rest on Babylon.
4. It is compared to a BREAST AND ARMS OF SILVER
Dan ii. 32.
. With distinguished prudence, alert activity, noted bravery, and no small humanity, did Cyrus found it; and render it noted for wealth and grandeur, the power of the Medes and Persians being united in it.
5. King Cyrus is represented as a RAVENOUS BEAST
from the east
Is. xlvi. 10.
. From the east he, with a golden eagle for his banner, marched against Chaldea; and with amazing terror and success, ravaged and conquered the nations, to the west of this country.
6. He and Nebuchadnezzar are called God's SERVANTS
Is. xlv. 1. Jer. xxvii. 6.
. 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
winged and four-headed
LEOPARD
Dan. vii. 6.
; 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
horned
HE-GOAT,
that, without touching the ground, ran, trode down, and stamped to pieces, a two horned pushing ram
Dan. viii. 5.—14.
; to mark the rapidity and force with which the Greeks, under Alexander, marched into Asia; attacked, conquered, and broke to pieces, the proud and pushing Medo-Persian kingdom. This goat's
notable horn between his eyes,
is Alexander the Great, as attended with his prudent and sagacious generals.
This being broken, four came up in its stead;
he cut off by an untimely death; his empire was DIVided into four principal sovereignties; and himself succeeded by four chief princes, Ptolemy in Egypt, Seleucus in Syria, Antigonus is Lesser Asia, and Cassander, in Macedonia and Greece. "The little horn which sprang from one of these, and waxed great and strong towards the south, east, and west, and magnified himself against God and his saints," is Antiochus Epiphanes, a descendant of Seleucus, a very contemptible person who craftily got into the throne of Syria; defeated the Egyptians on the south; subdued the Medes, Persians, and 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 swines flesh, and murdered such as refused; till, at last, he was fearfully destroyed by the immediate hand of God.
3. It is perhaps represented as a CHARIOT,
with white horses, going after the black horses
Zech. vi. 3. 6.
; to denote Alexander's kindness to the Jews; his rapid victories and conquests, while he attacked and pursued the Persians, and took from them the very countries which they had wrested from the Chaldeans.
4. It is compared to a BELLY and THIGHS
of brass
Dan. ii. 3.
. Without distinguished wealth, the Greeks were exceedingly 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.
SEVENTHLY,
Metaphors respecting the Roman empire.
1. The Roman empire is represented as a DRAGON; as an exceeding TERRIBLE
beast, very different from others, having iron teeth and brazen nails; treading down and devouring every thing it sound
Dan. vii. 19. 20.
. Not in the form of an absolute monarchy, like the Chaldean, Persian, and Grecian, but of a common wealth, it was settled; and with astonishing, terror, force, cruelty, craft, and murder, it conquered and enslaved the most part of the then known world.
2. It is represented as a BEAST
with seven heads and ten horns
Rev. xvii. 3.
. It had, successively,
seven
forms of government, of
kings, consuls, dictators, decomvirs, tribunes, 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 bay horses, going towards the south
Zech. vi. 3. 6. 7.
. They especially pushed their conquests southward, into Asia and Africa; ravaged and conquered the promised land; and from the north did the Goths, Huns, and Vandals, march to and fro, in ravaging and ruining this empire.
4. It is represented as LEGS OF IRON,
with se
t and toes of iron, mixed with miry clay
Dan. ii. 33.
; to denote their lasting courage, strength, and warlike success; its division into the eastern and western empire; and its final DIVision into ten sovereignties; which being composed partly of Romans, 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
Is. xxiii. 8.
. How astonishing 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
CHERUB
Eack. xxviii. 13. 14.
. He was the glorious and royal protector of his subjects. He
had been in Eden the garden of God;
had lived amidst the utmost plenty, pleasure, and safety. He
was covered with precious stones, walked up and down among stones of fire.
He had his crown, his clothes, 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 Saracens.
1. The Saracens resemble the LOCUSTS and SCORPIONS in the vision of the fifth Apocalyptic trumpet
Rev. ix. 1.—11.
. Sprung from the smoke of the bottomless pit, animated by the most absurd delusion, and under the standard 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 most shocking ravage, torment, desolation, and delusion, through many of the most populous countries on earth, and rendered the lives of multitudes their burden; but were not permitted to undo any of God's chosen saints, or ravage Savoy and Piedmont, where many of them were hid. Or even take Constantinople, where many of them lived.
TENTHLY,
Metaphors respecting the Turks.
1. The Turks are likened to FOUR ANGELS
once bound, but under the sixth trumpet loosed from the river Euphrates, that for a year, a month, a day, and an hour, they might destroy the third part of men
Rev. ix. 13.—20.
. Restrained by God; restrained, for about 200 years, by the warlike expeditions of the European Christians 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, Soliman-Shah, the founder of the Othman race, with his three sons, attempted to pass that river to the westward. He was drowned, and two of his sons returned. Ortogr
l, the third, with his three sons, sometime after passed it, and settled in Armenia. In 1281, he began his conquests on the Christians, in the taking of the city of Kutah in Asia. Thence forward, for 391 years,
ll the taking of Caminick from the Poles, in 1672, they, with a multitude of cavalry, and terrible fire-arms, made fearful havock of apostate Christians, and others, in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
2. The Turkish and other Mahometan powers, are likened to the river EUPHRATES
Rev. xvi. 12, Is. xi. 15.
. At present, they impede the conversion of the eastern nations to Christ; but in a little, they shall be dried up; shall have their power brought low, and their delusion abolished; that the kings and kingdoms of the east may be turned to the Lord.
SECT. III.
Metaphors respecting armies and their officers.
1. ARMIES are compared to EAGLES, or ravenous fowls
Deut. xxviii. 49. Luke xvii. 34.
; because of their far, their swift, and destructive 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
Jer. li. 38.
. How dreadful their noise! their power! their terrors! How furiously they seize on, and destroy, whatever comes in their way! and how terrible the yelling of their wounded!
3. They resemble SWARMS OF BEES
Psal. cxvi. 12.
. How easily excited to their enterprize! How regularly they obey and follow their commanders! How desperately they sting, torment, and trouble their opposers! How madly disposed to hazard their life, to revenge a trifling injury! And, sometimes, how easily routed!
4. They are likened to swarms of FLIES; LOCUSTS; GRASHOPPERS; CATERPILLARS
Nah. iii. 15.
. How numerous and annoying! How sadly they waste and harass the countries which they invade! How wide and quickly they spread torment, havoe, and ruin!
5. They are compared to FLOCKS or HERDS
Jer. vi. 3.
; because of their number, their order of marching, and their wasteful influence. Their officers are the
shepherds,
who lead, govern, and provide for them. Lazy and enriched soldiers, are the
fat bullocks.
6. They are likened to a FOREST
Is. x. 18. 19.
, for their visibility 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 FLAMES
of fire
Jer. xlviii. 45.
. How terrible and furious! How hard to be resisted! How unmercifully they spread horror and ruin! How rapidly they invade a country, consume its product, and murder its inhabitants!
8. They are likened to WIND; WATERS; RIVERS; FLOODS
Is. xxviii. 2. Dan. xi. 22.
. How powerful! terrible! mischievous! numerous! and hard to be resisted!
9. They are represented as a WING
Dan. ix. 27.
. How rapid their march! How sweeping their influence! And how protecting their power and favour!
SECT. IV.
Metaphors respecting families, and their members.
1. A Family is called a HOUSE; a TABERNACLE
Prov. xiv. 1. 11.
. 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 eyes
Gen. xx. 16.
, 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 Abimelech, 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 house
Prov. xiv. 1.
. Not only she readily builds it up with children; but in every respect, promotes the welfare and prosperity thereof. But the foolish
plucketh it down;
mars its peace and prosperity. Thrice happy, that my hands cannot pluck down the Lord, who is my habitation!
4. A wife is represented as a FRUITFUL VINE
Psal. cxxviii. 3.
. Though frail, and subject to many infirmities, she brings forth an amiable increase of children. Her cleaving
to the sides of
her husband's
house,
implieth 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 PLEASANT ROE; a HEIFER, a LAMB
Prov. v. 19.
; because of her agreeable comeliness; loveliness; kind affection; and delightful company.
6. She is compared to a FOUNTAIN
Prov. v. 18.
. 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,
may be dispersed abroad!
7. She is a GOOD THING
Prov. xviii. 22.
. An eminent blessing to her husband, children, and servants; and he that hath a good wife, hath obtained a signal favour of the L
d.
8. She is called the DESIRE OF THE EYES
Ezek. xxiv. 16.
; because 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 ORNAMENT
Prov. xii. 4.
. She brings credit and honour to her husband and family—O were I such to Christ!
10. A bad wife is likened to the WIND
Prov. xxvii. 16.
; because of 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 DROPPING
Prov. xix. 13.
. She will be perpetually harassing her husband and family with her scolding and strife. Better dwell in a corner of the wilderness, than live with her in a palace.
12. A bad wifē is ROTTENNESS
to her husband's bones
Prov. xii. 4.
. Either she wickedly seduceth him, to sow to the flesh 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 wicked as I am, I cannot be
rottenness
to thee!
13. CHILDREN are likened to PLANTS, and OLIVE PLANTS, around their father's table
Psal. cxxviii. 3.
. How pleasant, when they keep their due order! What a promising appearance of joy, honour, and support, to their parents! But ah, how often death quickly cuts down the plants! or sin withers them!
14. Children are compared to a LAMP or COAL
2 Sam. xiv. 7.
. Being lighted into life by means of their parents, how they tend to the comfort of families; and the promoting of warm affection! How, with their shining light, they are a lasting honour and renown to their parents!
15. They resemble STREAMS
of water dispersed in the streets
Prov. v. 14.
. How delightful and comely to see them in the streets at their lawful employment, or even innocent DIVersions!—Alas! O Fountain of living waters, how often they run, and twine about our heart, and steal away our love from thee!
16. They are represented as ARROWS
of strong men
Psal. cxxvii. 4.
. What a protection and defence to their parents and families! But let my great armour be of God.
17. They are represented as the HERITAGE and REWARD
of God
Psal. cxxvii. 3.
. He bestows them upon parents; and to him should they gratefully dedicate them as his property, and train them up in his service.
18. they are represented as a CROWN to their fathers
Prov. xvii. 6.
. 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. Daughters are represented as
polished
CORNERSTONES
Psal. cxliv. 12.
. What comeliness and beauty they often 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
born for adversity
Prov. xvii. 17.
. Chiefly in trouble, they ought to sympathize with, counsel, comfort, assist, and support, one another.
21. Brethren offended are like to a WALLED CITY
Prov. xviii. 19.
. because of the difficulty there is to reconcile and appease them. And
their contentions are like the bars of a strong castle,
not easily broken up, and removed.
BOOK III.
Metaphorical representations of things.
CHAP. I.
Metaphors respecting God's purpose, and providential execution of it.
I.
Metaphors respecting God's purpose.
1. GOD's purpose is represented as a
counsel
Is. xlvi. 10.
. O the depth of DIVine wisdom that shines in it! Without deliberation, such as ours, how exactly are all matters, means, and ends, therein connected! Surprising! did JEHOVAH consult for the endless welfare of thoughtless, wicked, worthless me!
2. It is called his PLEASURE, and
good pleasure
Eph. i. 11.
. His sovereign will is the cause and rule of it. And O his ever-fixed delight in the thoughts of his heart!—Were thy delights, O JEHOVAH, with me! and shall mine not be with THEE!
3. It is represented as a DETERMINATION and DECREE
Acts iv. 27. 28.
. By his absolute authority are form, circumstances, and limits, immutably fixed in it, for every person, property, and event.
4. It is represented as KNOWLEDGE, FOREKNOWLEDGE
Acts xv. 1
.
. Therein, before creatures had any existence, God had the most exact view of their nature and circumstances.
5. It is represented as MOUNTAINS OF BRASS,
from between which four chariots issue forth to move in the earth
Zech. vi. 2.—7.
. How firm, unchangeable, infallible, glorious, and pure! And from it do all the cha
ots of ministers, angels, monarchies, and providences, go forth, to execute its contents.
6. It is represented as a FOUNDATION
2 Tim. ii. 29.
. How wisely laid! How sure, fixed, and immoveable! How it supports, regulates, and adorns all God's works! What endless structures of creation and providence are built upon it! Hail, my happy soul, amidst all thy fleeting changes, thy foundation, laid by the wisdom and love of God, stands sure, having this seal,
The Lord knoweth them that are his.
Let me, therefore, who
name the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.
7. It is represented as a BOOK
Psal. cxxxix. 16.
. 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 mens everlasting life, are fixed. It is called the
Lamb's book;
because we are chosen in, and saved by Christ.—O to see my name written in heaven!
8. The DIVine purpose, respecting angels and men, is called a PREDESTINATION or FORE-APPOINTMENT
1 Thess. v. 9.
. Therein each is personally and immutably appointed to everlasting happiness or misery, before the foundation of the world; and every mean conducive to these ends, is so wisely and infallibly fixed, as no way interferes with their own free will.
9. The DIVine purpose, as relating to men who are appointed to everlasting life, is termed a FOREKNOWLEDGE, ELECTION, or CHOICE
Rom. viii. 29. and xi. 5.
. In themselves, they were equally mean and unworthy as others; but God, in his mere sovereignty, took notice of them, favoured, acknowledged for his, and separated them from others, to be a peculiar people to himself.
II.
Metaphors respecting God's providence.
1. Providence is represented as God's FACE
Jer. xxi. 10.
. Therein he discovers his glory. By prosperity he
lifts up his countenance,
and smiles. By heavy judgments, he frowns, and
causeth men to perish at the rebuke of his countenance.
By his watchful care, his
eyes run to
and fro,
to shew himself strong in the behalf of such as fear him. By the
breathing
of his powerful 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 FOOTSTEPS
Psal. lxxvii. 19.
. Herein with pleasure he displayeth his power, and gradually fulfils his purpose. He
cometh
to men, to relieve, comfort, and punish them. He
turns away
from men, by desertion, or by forbearing to punish. His
way is in the sea,
and
his footsteps not known;
when it is hard to understand the nature and tendency of his providences; or see his perfections displayed therein. His
paths drop down fatness,
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 CLOUDS
Is. xix. 1. Psal. xcvii. 2.
. How lofty; marvellous; and incomprehensible! How pregnant with events! How swift and DIVinely directed the motions of it! To the wicked, how terrible the influence, and sometimes the appearance! To the saints how refreshful and fructifying!—When I see the most black, 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. Providence is compared to a
white cloud,
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
Zech.
. In it. God, with pleasure and pomp, as it were, traverseth the world; orders affairs; defends, bears, and supports his people; treads down, and triumphs over his enemies. It resembles
four chariots,
as it reacheth to every circumstance, in every end of the earth. That with
red horses,
may denote its awful, bloody, and destructive seenes; that with
black,
its terrible, confounding, and perplexing dispensations; that with
white,
its smiling dispensations, as succeeding the most awful; that with
grizzled and bay horses, walking to and fro in the earth,
its mixed dispensations of mercy and judgment, observable in every place and circumstance.—What if the
first
relate to the period of persecution after Christ; the
second
to the Antichristian; the
third
to the Millennium; and the
fourth
to the lukewarm period before the last judgment?
5. It may be compared to WHEELS
Ezek. i.
; to represent the quick and easy motion; and the mysterious nature, and frequent changes of it. How quickly it humbles the lofty, and exalts such as are low! Like the wheels of a machine, how exactly it regulates all things in nature! These wheels having
four faces,
may mark out providence, as respecting all the ends of the earth; and as exercised with great tenderness, patience, knowledge, and power. Their
uniform likeness,
imports the uniform tendency of providences. Their appearance as of a
wheel within a wheel,
imports its mysterious and intricate conduct. The
height of their rings, and their being full of eyes,
may signify the tremendous nature of, and the infinite knowledge discovered in, providence.
6. It resembles DEEP FLOODS
Psal. xxxvi. 6.
. How mysterious and unsearchable! How powerful and irresistible! What an inexhaustible comfort to the godly! What a bottomless gulph of misery to the wicked!
7. In respect of the righteousness therein displayed, it resembles
great
MOUNTAINS
Psal. xixvi. 5. 6.
. 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 agreeable pasturage; prospect, and shelter to his chosen sheep!
His saithfulness
therein
reacheth the clouds;
every dispensation fulfilling his word, what clear, extensive, and ofty discoveries are made thereof!
8. It resembles a LADDER,
reaching from heaven to earth, with the Lord at its top, and angels ascending and descending its rounds
Gen. xx
iii. 12.
. Being managed and inspected by God, it extends to all things above and below; and angels are employed to execute many, if not most, of its dispensations.
CHAP. 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
Rom. iii. 19. 10.
. It comprehended the whole duty of man; was inforced with DIVine authority; was not an agreement betwixt, equals, but enjoined by God to man 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 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
Rom. vii. 8.
. How extensive and hard are its requirements of us! Without 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 our 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 eondemn, lash, and torment us.—Alas! O Jesus, how long I foolishly preferred this hard bondage to thy easy yoke and light burden!
3. It is represented as a HUSBAND
Rom. vii. 1.—4.
. We were solemnly married to it in Adam. Heartily we approve the match, going about to establish our own righteousness; 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 fulfil it, till Jesus, by applying to our conscience his law-magnifying righteousness, renders it
dead to us,
destitute of all power to condemn or hurt us; and us
dead to it,
freed from relation to it, love of it, or delightful attempts to serve it!—Better, O my foul, dwell with a brawling woman in a strait house, than with this husband in a wide palace of outward prosperity. Flee therefore to Jesus; tarry not, lest thou be consumed. Avoid this broken law; pass not by him; never glean in his field; come not near the door of his house.
4. It is represented as a PREGNANT WOMAN
gendering children to bondage
Gal. iv. 24.
. As many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse of slavery to Satan, the world, and their sinful corruptions. A
their coarse provision; the husks of sinful and sensual pleasures! their wretched apparel; the filthy rags of self-righteousness, and curse of Almighty God! their hard servitude; weary and heavy laden,
serving DIVers iusts,
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, how 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 conscience mar my believing assurance! the prevalence of sin, or pride of grace, cheeks my exercise of faith on Christ! my defects in duty mar my peace! Alas! how I undervalue Jesus person and blood! How straitened am I in religious exercises! How discouraged and fretted in almost every condition! How ready to go straight from duties to the service of lusts!
5. It is called the STRENGTH OF SIN
1 Cor. xv. 16.
. From the strictness of its precept, and severity of its penalty, discovered to the conscience, indwelling sin taketh occasion 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. O tremendous mystery! The holy law condemning us to a death 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 sinful concupiscence! O mad legalist, to seek liberty and salvation by the
mother of bondage!
to seek purification by the
strength of sin!
Wonder no more, my soul, that the preacher of our good works, 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 hell open heaven for us?
II.
Metaphors respecting the covenant of grace.
1. The covenant of grace is compared to a RAINBOW
Rev. iv. 3. and x. 1.
. 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 heavenliness, the refreshing virtue, the royal majesty, and bloody suffering, of my Sun, my Shield, my incarnate God! and gilds all the clouds of providence with his redeeming love! Here I behold him ALL IN ALL, even of my gloomy cross! Here I see JEHOVAH'S bow inverted; his wrath turned away from me, and pointed against the prince 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!
Him that cometh unto thee, shall in no wise be cast out. Short-lived, indeed, are our 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 withered soul, eat and drink; there is a sound of abundance of
ain;
to-morrow
shalt thou be for ever deluged with the loving-kindness of God. Blessed agreement, by Jesus' sacrifice wast thou established, and for ever dost 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 ever fixed on thee!
2. It resembles
Solomon's
CHARIOT
of the wood of Lebanon
Song iii. 9. 10.
. Herein Jesus manifests his infinite royalty, power, and wealth; hereby he conveys his chosen to his heavenly country; and conquers, and captivates every opposer. How precious, durable, firm, and fragrant its whole frame! Its
pillars of silver,
are its 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 righteousness, the condition of it. Its
mid pavement of love,
its source, heart, and substance, is the unbounded love, grace, and mercy of a God in Christ.—In thee O blessed chariot, how sweetly; how safely; how quickly I ride to glory! How I overleap every mountain of difficulty 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 tougue shouts the Redeemer!
3. It resembles a BED,
guarded in the night by threescore valiant men of Israel
Song iii. 6. 7. 8.
. Instated in this, O Jesus, 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
us during the night of trouble and time, we are attended by thy powerful perfections, mighty angels, and faithful ministers.
4. It is represented as a BUILDING and BANQUETING HOUSE
Psal. lxxxix. 1. 2. Song ii. 4.
. O thrice glorious structure of grace and mercy, whose soundation is Jesus' person, and JEHOVAH'S love! whose covering is the righteousness of an incarnate God! whose store is
all the fulness of God!
Here, embannered with everlasting, with all-attracting, all-conquering
love,
you ransomed drink of the
spiced wine of the juice of his pomegranates;
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
Heb. vii. 22.
. Here God dispones all things into Christ's hand; and he hequeathes them to us sinful and unworthy men. By his blood and death it is confirmed; and all its promises are, in him,
yea and amen,
to the glory of God. Nor can any disannual or add thereto.—O thrice-honourable title to eternal life! Be it "all my falvation, and all my desire, though he make it not to grow."
6. It is represented as God's OATH
Psal. cx. 4. and lxxxix. 3. 35. Ezek. xvi. 10.
. 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 believing expectation, I will DIVide, I will commence the enjoyment 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 with me, nor rebuke me; that, Surely blessing he will bless me, and multiplying will multiply my everlasting satisfaction and bliss.—Is there any conveyance, any charter like mine, mine enemies themselves being judges! O how
rich,
comprehending all the fulness of God! how
sure!
a covenant of peace, that cannot be broken!—how
safe!
that neither thieves can steal, fire burn, floods drown, or time waste! how
free!
dispensed in gracious promises, sweeter than honey to my taste!
CHAP. III.
Metaphors respecting the word of God in general.
1. GOD's word is compared to an INSTRUCTOR, COMPANION, and COUNSELLOR
Psal. cxix. 24. 98.
. It contains the whole revelation of his mind to us. In 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 dictates. 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 NECK of a human body
Song i. 10. and iv. 4.
. Thereby the church is joined to Christ; her life maintained; her food conveyed from him; and her spiritual breath of prayer, praise, and preaching, transmitted. Adds not this greatly to her comeliness! and is it not
chained about
with golden promises, ordinances, and blessings?
3. The scripture resembles a mother's BREASTS
Song i. 14. and iv. 5.
. 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 convey the spiritual milk of saving knowledge, and gracious influence to her members!
4. It is represented as a mother's BELLY
Song vii. 2.
. By its influence are saints and graces begotten, quickened, and nourished, in this their weak state; and 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
two
TWIN-ROES
feeding among lilies
Song vii. 3.
. How fresh, comely, and glorious, are its two inspired testaments! How harmoniously connected! How they feed, or dwell, upon Christ and his people! How thick planted with lilies of precious promises.—My soul, let them to be thee, as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let their breasts satisfy thee at all times, and be thou alway ravished with the love of Christ in them.
6. It is called STATUTES
Psal. xix. 8.
. By God's infinite wisdom, it is framed; by his sovereign authority, it is ratified and published; and is indispensably obligatory on our conscience.
7. It is called a LAW
Psal. xix. 7.
. Every article of it is stamped with the authority of the one lawgiver, able to save alive, or destroy. It sufficiently teacheth, directs, and binds us to an holy practice. To our unspeakable advantage, we conform to it; and to our inexpressible hurt, we walk contrary to it.
8. It is called JUDGMENTS
Psal. xix. 9.
. O the wisdom and knowledge of God displayed therein!—By it he now judgeth our actions; requireth us to judge ourselves; and by it he will judge us at the last day.
9. It is called TESTIMONIES
Psal. xix. 7.
. Solemnly and faithfully it declares to us every momentous truth concerning God, concerning Christ, concerning ourselves and our neighbour; and it is attested by the sacred oath of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
10. It is represented as a TESTAMENT
Heb. ix. 11.
. It is the last will of our crucified Redeemer. It is immutably confirmed and ratified by his death; and therein he hath graciously and distinctly bequeathed to us all his inestimable blessings, his fulness of righteousness, grace, and glory; and left us all the important rules of our conduct.
11. It is compared to LIGHT
Psal.
ix. 50. 105.
. How heavenly its origin! How marvellous its nature and influence! How astonishing and numerous its mysteries! How pure! how glorious, pleasant, and comfortable, its truths! How penetrating, purifying, quickening, discovering, and directing, its virtue!—While I have this light, let me walk in it, lest darkness come upon me. Do thou, Jesus, open mine eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of thy law.
12. It is compared to a LAMP
Psal. cxix. 105.
. 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 or misinterpretation! How ealy and often removed from one place to another! How often do ministers therewith light up Jesus' friends to their celestial chambers, and return themselves to the blackness of darkness! It is a light only suited to the night of time, and small in comparison 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 my feet, and a lamp to my paths!
13. It is compared to a FIRE
Jer. xxiii. 20.
. How absolutely necessary in our cold earth! How powerfully it penetrates into, illuminates, warms, melts, softens, quickens, comforts, and purifieth our heart! burns up our inward corruption, and conforms us to its own likeness! Ye ministers of God, keep it not back from your people, lest it be in your bowels, as a tormenting, a burning fire. Ye sons of men, meditate and muse thereon, that its fire may seize you; cause your heart to burn, while Jesus openeth to you the scriptures. Quench not its influence by bloody crimes, by presumptuous rebellion against God; nor by wallowing in sin, and drinking up iniquity; nor by earthly mindedness and sensuality; nor by neglect to administer due fuel, in the exercise of reading, hearing, meditation, and prayer.
14. It is compared to RAIN and DEW
Deut. xxxii. 2.
. How heavenly and DIVine its origin! How gradually and irresistibly it is revealed to the church, and applied to the heart! How numerous its articles of history, prophecy, promise, threatning, doctrine, and law! How 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 dew, and distil as the rain; so shall we
revive as the corn, grow as the lily,
and cast forth our roots as Lebanon.
15. It is compared to WATERS
Is. lv. 1. Zech. xiv. 8. Psal. xxiii. 2. and xlvi. 4.
. It, chiefly its promises, being furnished with the Father's love, the fulness, merit, and grace of the Son, and the unbounded influence of the Holy Ghost, powerfully sound, and run into our heart; bear down all sinful opposition; spread into all our inward powers, and outward practice; and among all the various nations of men. How suitable to the case of every one, sinner or saint! How effectually it cools our burning lust! quencheth our carnal desires! purgeth off our filth! beautifieth our heart and life! refresheth, nourisheth, strengthens, heals, mollifies, quickens, and fructifieth our foul.
Christ's sprinkling us
with this water, imports his gradual, close, careful, and plenteous application thereof to our heart, and conscience; to purge us from dead works, to serve the living God.
16. It is represented as SEED, or GOOD SEED
Mark. iv. 1.—20.
. How precious, useful, and necessary! With what care and skill, doth Jesus, its producer and sower, in every age and case, delightful, or stormy, cast it into his church, and the hearts of his people! that it may bud and grow up, it must be hid in our heart; dwell in us richly; and be covered with meditation and prayer: nor, immediately after it is sown, must we expect, sensibly to perceive and enjoy its good fruits. The frost of affliction and temptation is useful, to deepen its root, and kill the weeds of corruption, that spontaneously spring up in our soul in order to choke it. But chiefly, 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. If it be early and abundantly sown, and 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 wither; 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 apostles, on the barren
mountain
of our Gentile-world, produce!
17. It is compared to WHEAT
Jer. xxiii. 18. Song vii. 2.
. How noted its value! its purity and solidity! its duration and power to endure storms! How wholesome, healing, and nourishing its influence! Is it not
an heap of wheat set about with lilies?
How large its fulness, and DIVersified its truths! How surrounded with fragrant, flourishing, and medicinal promises; and with ransomed men, feeding thereon! Do not all its truths centre in Jesus,
the lily of the valley?—
What then, is the unsubstantial chaff of vain imaginations to this wheat, saith the Lord!
18. It is compared to FOOD
Matth. iv. 4.
. How 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, and seek after it! and with what frequency and pleasure they receive it!—Was it, my soul, ever found, and eaten by thee? Was it the joy and rejoicing of my heart? Do I
live, not by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God!
Do I more carefully, more frequently, attend the repast of my soul, than of this mortal worm, my body? Happy I, that though the meat be cut off from the field, there is enough in my Father's inspired granary, and to spare. Eat, my soul, that which is good, 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
much more abundant
19. It is compared to HONEY
Psal. xix. 10
. 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! delightfully sickening my heart, and rendering even troubles sweeter than honey to my taste! How effectually it softens our inward powers! searcheth and heals our spiritual sores! recovers from inward consumptions! purgeth and nourisheth our soul! Yet ah! how lothed by many, who have access to it!—John's little book was
sweet in his mouth, but bitter in his belly.
With pleasure he received the knowledge of future events; but was grieved to think of the foreseen adversities of the church of God.—Be thou, my 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 Godhead, as my ALL IN ALL.
20. It is compared to MILK
sincere
and uncorrupted
1 Pet. ii. 1. Heb. v. 12.
. O its purity and sweetness! its nourishing, restoring, healing, and purifying influence! How much desired and valued by the saints! how proper food in their earthly and infantile state! what noble remedy under their spiritual consumptions! O the abundance! 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 understand, receive, and digest, the former; while only those, 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, with the weakest, on thy plain promises. And O how plain! plain! pleasant, they are to my heart?
21. It is compared to GOLD; FINE GOLD
Psal. cxix. 72.
. How pure, precious, solid, and durable! How glorious, useful, enriching, adorning! How substantial and weighty, containing much in few words! How thoroughly tried, amidst flaming persecutions, fiery trials of enraged opposers; and in the fiery-like experience of the saints! What a sovereign medicine to heal our running sores of corruption! What a sovereign cordial to revive, and re store a drooping spirit! Covet earnestly, my soul, this best thing, this gold, that shall keep me; and shall, in all cases and countries, pass current, between me and my God.
22. It is compared to SILVER TRIED
in a furnace, and seven times purified
Psal. xii. 6.
. How pure, precious, shining 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 fiery death?—Didst thou, my soul, ever find dross in him, or his word?
23. It is likened to a RICH SPOIL and TREASURE, a HERITAGE
Psal. cxix. 162.
. It is the fruit of Christ's victory over sin, Satan, and the world. It contains an inexpressible fulness of 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
Hos. x. 12.
. Being DIVinely applied to our heart, it
breaks up the fallow-ground,
breaks the roots of corruption, and prepares us for receiving the good feed of grace. The more obdurate our heart, the 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 springtide of youth! How necessary that every application be attended with the rainy influences of the Holy Spirit!
25. It is compared to a ROD and STAFF
Psal. xxiii. 4. and xlv. 6. and cx. 2.
. By it Jesus, 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 shadow of death, let this rod and staff comfort me; so shall 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 the conviction, 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
Jer. xxiii. 29.
. By it God beats and breaks our hard hearts; fastens in them the nails of convincing influences, of regulating precepts awing threatenings, sanctifying and encouraging promises.—When thy words, O Master of assemblies, are by thee fixed in my soul, I am prickt to the heart; all my powers cry out, What shall I do to be saved? Give me Christ, or else I die.
27. It is compared to a SWORD, and called
e sword of the Spirit
Psal. xlv. 3. Eph. vi. 22.
. It was the Spirit, who framed and en
ited it; and, by applying it to our soul, he wounds 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 erroneous, 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
Psal. xlv. 45.
. By means thereof, God powerfully, suddenly, and often somewhat imperceptibly, convinceth, converts, and subdues sinners to himself.—Lord, cause the arrows of thy truth and influence, stick fast in the heart of thine enemies, to make the people fall in subjection under thee!
29. It resembles the TOWER
of David builded for an armoury, whereon hang a thousand shields of mighty men
Song iv. 4. and vii. 4.
. How strong, invincible, and glorious! How richly furnished with all the armour of God! Here is
the sword
of sufficient arguments against every temptation and error;
the 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 fortify and encourage our heart;
the breast-plate
of imputed righteousness, and sanctifying grace, to secure our soul;
the helmet
of a well grounded
hope of salvation,
the
shoes
of gospel-principles, and the
artillery
of manifold prayers. Choose, O 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 with Jesus' love
Song li. 4.
. By bringing us into the spiritual knowledge thereof, what stores of reposited blessedness he discovers to us! How sweetly he feasts, refresheth, strengthens, and animates, to the spiritual warfare, with his love, which is better than wine!
31. They are compared to Solomon's
green and guarded
BED
Song i. 16. and iii. 7. 8.
. What sweet rest in, communion with, and sanctifying and fructifying influence, do we therein 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
3 John. 4.
. 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 walking in the truth, more and more receiving it into their heart, and practising it in their life.
33. It is compared to a RULE, REED, or MEASURINGLINE
Ezek. xl. &c.
. It is indeed contemned by a carnal world, but is the exact, the useful, the DIVinely appointed standard of all the forms and ordinances of the church, and of every part of our conduct; and by which we shall be judged at last.—Alway, therefore, my soul, enquire
what saith the Lord.
34. It is compared to a GLASS
2 Cor. iii 18.
. Through it, we behold our own insufficiency and filthiness, the glory of God in Christ, the momentous reality of eternal things, and the true path of holiness that leadeth to eternal happiness. Behold in this glass, my soul, thyself, and be humbled; behold the glory of Christ, that thou mayest be changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord. Nor be thou a forgetful hearer, that quickly forgets what manner of appearance he saw.
CHAP. IV.
Metaphors respecting law and gospel; which are the two principal parts of God's word: The law teacheth us what duty God requireth of us; and the gospel, what blessings be freely giveth to us.
1.
Metaphors respecting the law.
1. THE law is represented as a SCHOOLMASTER
to bring us to Christ
Gal.
ii. 14.
. The moral law shews us our need of him, for by it is the knowledge of sin; it demands of us that righteousness which we can only find in him; chargeth us to embrace him, as soon as he is revealed and offered; and prevents our quiet resting in any thing till we find him. Darkly the ceremonial law pointed out the mystery of Christ, and by hard services, and carnal ordinances, led to his person, righteousness, and grace, as the fulfilling end of its types and shadows.
2. The law is called a KILLING LETTER
2 Cor. iii. 6.
. No law of itself, can give us any life; but kills our vain hopes and imaginations. Sin taketh occasion from it, to abound, and promote our spiritual death. The moral 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 curses and death upon its subjects, as they led them away from the fountain of life, to their own righteousness; by which they could not live. Howbeit, God's punishing Israel, by
giving them statutes that were not good,
is not to be understood of the ceremonial law, but of God's giving them up to obey the sinful edicts of Jeroboam, and his idolatrous successors.
3. It is called a LAMP and LIGHT
Prov. vi. 23.
. 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
Psal. cxix. 32.
. Being planned by God, and plain in itself; we are to exercise ourselves in it, by making progress towards the city of God. How
peaceful!
Great peace with God, and with their own conscience, have all they who love and walk in 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
holy, just, and good!
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 unregenerate person, and every sinful thought, word, or deed. How
exceeding broad!
requiring duties unnumbered, in every circumstance of heart and life. How
safe!
the way-faring man, though a fool, shall not err therein. It is a
way of life;
walked in by the living in Jerusalem; a way wherein life is ever communicated and which leadeth to life as an eternal, but gracious reward. It is
above,
is heavenly, in its origin, nature, and tendency; and by it we depart from hell which is beneath. Here, let me ever run, when God enlargeth my heart.
5. It is compared to a HEDGE
Eccles. x. 18.
. Thereby God limits our motions, and points out, whether we may, or may not go. To what hurt in his work, and what punishment in the issue, doth the breaker of it expose himself! The old serpent, the devil, the serpent of a stinging conscience, and the serpent of God's judgments, shall bite him.
6. It is represented as a YOKE; BANTS; CORDS
Psal. ii. 3.
. By DIVine authority, it restrains our sinful liberty and madness; and keeps us to our station and work. How galling to our corrupt nature and 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 Christ, is an
easy yoke and light burden;
it is lined with his redeeming love, sweetened with his pattern, attended with communication of his strength, and enforced with a glorious and free reward, to the weakest attempt, if sincere, to draw therein.—Why then, my soul, art thou as an unruly
bullock unaccustomed to this yoke?
Why so many criminal attempts to shake off the yoke, and burst the bands? why this resisting of the Lord, and struggling to evade his 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 burdensome services innumerable; and the latter rigorously demands what we can never perform.
7. It is called the LAW OF LIBERTY
Psal. ii. 3.
. To obey it as a rule, is the privilege of those only whom God's
(c)
Jam. i. 25. Son hath made
free indeed.
The obedience of love to it as a rule, springs from our freedom from the law as a covenant, and is the very quintessence of our honourable and delightful liberty.—Lord, my true freedom from sinful slavery lies in being thy filial subject. Truly I am thy servant, I am thy servant; thou hast loosed my
bands.
8. It is called the ROYAL LAW
Jam. ii. 8.
. Being established by God, the universal Sovereign, it extends to all his rational subjects; nor, without high treason, can it be broken.
It is not made for a righteous man,
is not made to curse and condemn him. Nor have the truly righteous nation any immediate connection with it,
as a covenant,
it being dead to them, and they to it, by Jesus Christ's fulfilling it in their stead.
9. The law of the wise is called a FOUNTAIN
of life
Prov. xiii. 14.
. The DIVine law, which every wise man attends to, as his rule, and the instructions which wise men give to others, are means of exciting them to apply to Christ, the resurrection and the life; means of quickening, reviving, and restoring spiritual life; means of mens escaping the second death, and preparing for life eternal.
10. The ceremonial law is called CARNAL
ordinances,
and
a
CARNAL
commandment
Heb. ix. 10. and vii. 16.
. It prescribed carnal and fleshly rites; and carnal or natural descent entitled to the privileges thereof.
11. The ceremonial law is called a PARTITION-WALL
Eph. ii. 14. 15.
; because of the great distinction which it made between the Jews and Gentiles; nor, till Jesus removed and abolished it by his death, was any considerable number of Gentiles brought into the church of God.
12. The ceremonial law is called ENMITY
Eph. ii. 14. 15.
. The sacrifices therein required, manifested God's indignation 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 distinction it put between Jews and Gentiles, occasioned enmity between the two.
II.
Metaphors respecting the gospel.
1. The gospel is called the SPIRIT
that giveth life
2 Cor. iii. 6.
. It contains spiritual blessings and promises. It comes from, is attended by, and is the great means of conveying 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 lively faith in their soul, to look to, and live upon him. It is the food that supports the spiritual life; the cordial, that revives and restores the heart under every drooping circumstance.
2. It is represented as the WHITE HORSE, upon which Christ and his people ride
Rev. vi. 2. and xix. 14.
. O its purity, glory, and comeliness! By it Jesus proclaims peace to men, and subdues them to himself. On this, in the apostolic age, he went forth conquering; and in the Millennium he shall go forth, more eminently, to conquer the hearts of his people. Then, in accomplishment of, and as animated, supported, and dignified, by gospel-promises, shall multitudes follow him, and promote the destruction of Antichrist.
3. It resembles
Solomon's
CHARIOT
of the wood of Lebanon
Song iii. 5. 10.
. Being framed by Jesus, for the safe, the easy, and honoured conquest, and conveyance of his people to heaven; how pure, precious, glorious, fragrant, and lasting! Its
pillars of silver,
are its comely, useful, and enriching truths and promises. Its
bottom of gold,
is its substantial and precious foundation-truths, or the infinitely precious person of Christ, and God in him. Its
covering of purple,
is the doctrine of justification through Jesus' blood; and of the cross endured for his sake. Its
inward pavement of love,
is the unmatched kindness and mercy of God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, running through every truth and promise therein contained.
4. Its promises are like LILIES
Song ii. 7. and vii 2.
. O their pleasantness, glory, fragrancy, and height! How fruitful of everlasting blessings! How full of medicinal virtue, for the healing of our soul! How condescendent, and suited to our low, our wretched condition!—Blessed field of inspiration, how these every where abound! How they bend their blessed head towards mean, debased,
earthly, sensual, devilish
me! How they refresh mine eyes, and rejoice my heart! How rank they smell of Jesus, the Lily of the valley! And truly, as lilies among thorns, so are they to my soul, amidst her troubles, and her created comforts.
5. It is called the GRACE
of God that bringeth salvation,
and GREAT SALVATION
Tit. ii. 11. Heb. ii. 3.
. It flows from, discovers, and includes the rich, free, and undeserved favour of God, and the blessed fruits thereof. It publishes, brings near, offers, and is the means of applying, a costly, extensive, and everlasting salvation to men.—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 my heart; so shall I never be a root of bitterness, bearing gall and wormwood, whereby many are defiled.
6. It is called the POWER
of God unto salvation
Rom. i. 16.
. By it, God displays his amazing power, in the contrivance, in the purchase, and application of our redemption. Thereby he exerts the exceeding greatness of 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 brass, strong impediments, broken and removed; nations reformed; men, furious as outragious beasts, tamed; and deep-rooted and earnestly-held abominations, abolished. Come, blessed
day of power;
come forth,
blessed rod of Jesus' strength,
then shall the people be willing; God shall raise children out of worse than stones to Abraham. Nothing is too hard, when his power is present to heal them.
7. It is called the WISDOM
of God in a mystery; the manifold
WISDOM
of God
1 Cor. i. 7. Eph. iii. 10.
. How
manifold
its doctrines and promises! How manifold the instances and rays of DIVine wisdom in each! and the various times and seasons in which, and persons to which, it is displayed! It discovers how wisely JEHOVAH acted, in chusing the persons, 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 salvation 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 taken on our inventions; in a way, by which our redemption is all of mercy, and all of justice; all of merit, and all of grace. O sweet mystery! beyond archangels comprehensive ken!
8. It may be called the KISSES
of Christ's mouth
Song i. 2.
. 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! ravish our heart! and excite our affection and love to him!—Let Jesus kiss me, with one, with all
the kisses of his mouth;
apply one, apply all his promises to my heart, to kindle it wholly into a flame of love to himself!
9. It is called a LAW
Is. ii. 1. 2. Rev. vii. 2. and iii. 27.
. It is the will of a sovereign God, proclaiming his edicts of peace and pardon. It engageth him to bestow his blessings on us; and binds and 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 of life in him,
as by it, the Holy Ghost, as dwelling in, sent by, and taking of the things of Christ, to shew them to us, begets, preserves, restores, increaseth, 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 dispensation proceed, and spread among the Gentiles.—O may I meditate on this law, day and night; may it be better to me, than
thousands of gold and silver!
10. It is called
good
TIDINGS
of great joy
Is. iii. 8. Luke ii. 10.
. 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 purification to the polluted! of health to the diseased! of liberty to the enslaved and imprisoned! of clothing to the naked! of food to the hungry and starving! of light to them that sit in darkness of distress and ignorance! of riches to the poor, comfort to the mourner, peace to the traitor, life to the dead, and salvation to the lost! How often have these good news from the far country been as cold water to my thirsty and weary soul! It is called the
gospel,
or
good tidings 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 substance and end of of it, in whom all the articles of it are
yea and amen to the glory of God:
It is called the
gospel of ministers,
as they preach and publish it. It is the
gospel of peace,
as it proclaims the peace of God to us, and the means thereof; and reconciles our heart to him, and to one another in love. It is the
gospel of salvation,
as it proclaims, 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 dispensed till the end of time; and its fruits shall remain for ever. It is the
gospel of the kingdom
of grace; and which brings men, who believe it, to the kingdom of glory.
11. It is called a MYSTERY
Eph. iii. 9. 1 Tim. 3 iii. 16. Matth. xiii. 11.
. O the incomprehensible truths which it reveals! That there are three persons in one Godhead, or DIVine essence: That 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 justification; was exalted as a Prince and Saviour, to give us repentance and remission of sins; sent to bless us, make us the righteousness of God in him, and dwell in our hearts by faith; that being crucified with Christ, we might live by faith on him, and have the world crucified to us, and we to the world. Is not every doctrine thereof an unsearchable deep, shown only by the Spirit of God, and which even a wise man cannot find out to perfection! O the height, the depth, the length, and breadth of the love, the wisdom, and knowledge of God, included therein! It is the
mystery of godliness,
which founds and promotes conformity to, and reverence of God; 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, desire to look into it.
12. It is likened to a TRUMPET
Is. xxvii. 12.
. With great skill 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 flee from 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 RIVERS
of living, and all-quickening water
Ezek xlvii. 1.—4. Joel iii. 18. Zech. xiv. 8. Psal. xlvi. 4.
; because of its freeness, fulness, purity, perpetuity, and patency to all; and for its cleansing, beautifying, protecting, refreshing, and enriching virtue. By it Jesus begets, preserves, restores, promotes and perfects, the spiritual life of his people, and brings them to eternal life.
This river proceeds from the temple, and runs by the altar of God;
flows from his love, and through the blood and sacrifice of his Son.
Gradually it increaseth from a bubbling drop to an unpassable sea.
Before the flood, it was very small in appearance; but gradually it increased by new revelations, till, in the apostolic age, it became like a river. Before Jesus' resurrection, it was inconsiderable, in respect of its appearance in the apostolic and millennial age. It
runs
into the dead sea, and valley of Shittim;
spreads among dead and barren Gentile nations, and into cursed, barren, and lifeless hearts. It
makes every thing to live whithersoever it cometh;
had, and shall have, an amazing success in quickening dead sinners, and reviving dying saints; but heals not
marishy places
of reprobate men.
The flourishing and fruitful trees growing on the side of this river,
are Jesus the tree of life, and his comely and useful saints.
The multitude of fishers from Engedi even unto Eneglaim, and the multitude of fishes caught by them in the dead sea, when this river hath run into it,
are ministers preaching, and multitudes hearing and receiving the gospel, through the world, from one end to the other. Its
running both in summer and winter,
implies its being constantly preached and applied, whether in times of prosperity or trouble, with the church, or any particular member thereof It
maketh glad the city,
the church
of God,
by its
streams
of declarations, offers, invitations, and influences.
14. It is a WELL, or
wells of salvation
Is. xii. 3.
. O the depth of its doctrines and promises! Without faith, I can draw nothing from them. O their perpetual fulness of influence! of blessedness and salvation! How sweetly calculated to delight, refresh, nourish, restore, heal, quicken, and fructify my heart! And is not salvation their sum, their
all in all?
15. The gospel is compared to a NET
Matth. xiii. 47. 48. 49.
. How curious its frame and contexture! How base and despicable 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 storms, are its constant, its faithful preachers exposed! How seldom, they,
at first,
perceive their success in preaching it! It is the stated means of drawing sinners out of their natural and worldly state, to Jesus Christ. Fishes small and great, sinners less or greater, 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 inclosed; it is impossible the net can break. Quickly, my soul, shall 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
Matth. xiii. 31. 32.
. At first, its discovery 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 comfort! What numbers shall profess subjection to it! How increasing its influence in our heart! At first, perhaps scarce discernible, it quickly fills the whole. What multitudes of graces are refreshed! What good works are brought forth, under the overshadowing influence thereof!
17. It is compared to LEAVEN
Matth. xiii. 33.
. However unpleasant and despicable it be to carnal men; yet being inlaid in the world, it continueth to spread its influence, till the whole earth be filled with the knowledge of the Lord. Being inlaid in mens heart, it spreads its virtue, enlightening the mind, purifying the conscience, renewing the will, softening the heart, inflaming the affections, and fixing the memory, till the whole be thereby sanctified.
18. It is compared to LIGHT, and a GLASS
Is. lx. 1. 2 Cor. iii. 18.
. What ravishing, though imperfect views of JEHOVAH, in his greatness and love; of Jesus in his comeliness, office, relations, righteousness, power, and grace, do we here obtain! What prospect of life and immortality! We look not at the things which are seen, which are temporal; but at the things which are not seen, which are eternal; we see, that henceforth is laid up for us a crown of righteousness; that we shall awake 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
hid in the field
Matth. xiii. 44.
. How inestimably precious, containing all exceeding great and precious promises, comprehending all inestimable benefits, all the unsearchable riches of Christ! When possessed, how it enricheth, felicitates, ennobles, and emboldens towards God! encourageth and enables to resist wicked lusts, angels, and men!
In the field
of inspiration it lieth hid, and must be digged up by careful search, meditation, and prayer. And for its sake, are the oracles of Heaven worth ten thousand worlds to my heart.
20. It resembles CHAINS OF GOLD, ROWS OF JEWELS, BORDERS OF GOLD, and STUDS OF SILVER
Song i. 10. 11.
. How well connected! how comely, precious, firm, durable, enriching, and adorning, are its doctrines and promises to the scripture and church; and to every true member thereof! How they strengthen and adorn the neck of my faith! render 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
Song vii. 1.
. It supports our soul, our grace, our walk; influenceth our affections; marks our liberty, and our royal greatness. The more fixed we be in the faith thereof, the more pleasantly, safely, and swiftly, we proceed in our spiritual journey; and tread Satan, the old serpent, and his agents, under our feet.
22. Its leading truths resemble a FOUNDATION
2 Tim. ii. 19.
. Being fixed on the testimony of God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, it is impossible that they can sink or fall. How gloriously they support and embellish the whole remaining oracles of God! And on them build my soul; build, you saints, your whole hopes of eternal felicity.
CHAP. V.
Metaphors respecting the gospel-dispensation, and ordinances thereof.
Metaphors respecting the gospel-dispensation.
1. THE dispensation of God's grace, especially under the New Testament, is called the KINGDOM OF GOD; the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Mark i. 14. and Matth. xx. 1.
. O the majestic sovereignty, state, and royalty of God therein manifested! O its beautiful order, strength, and duration! and the honourable privileges therein conferred! What multitudes are thereby connected, and united under Jesus their head! God is the deviser, the establisher, the manager, and his glory the end of it. It is heavenly in its origin; it resembles heaven in holiness, comeliness, 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
law of the house;
and its privileges are more spiritual and sanctifying.
2. The gospel dispensation in the apostolic age is represented as a MARRIAGE-DINNER; and that chiefly in the glorious Millennium, is called the MARRIAGE SUPPER
of the Lamb
Matth. xxii. 1.—14. Luke xiv. 15.—24. Rev. xix. 7.—9. Matth. viii. 11. 12.
. The former is indeed towards the end of time, but nearer its middle than the other, which shall but take place before the last judgment. God hath
killed his oxen and satlings;
hath slain his own Son, to he our provision; hath prepared all possible blessings; and invites every sort of sinners to espouse his Son, and accept of his fulness. From trifling and carnal motives, the Jews, when first invited, refused to receive this mercy and favour; For this they were excluded from the church, and the ordinances thereof; themselves massacred by the murdering Romans, and by one another; and their city burnt with fire. But thrice happy! God extended his invitations to the destitute, the wicked, and infamous Gentiles, in whatsoever city or nation they are found! O now our rich provision! our amazing joy and happiness! our honourable fellowship with God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; with angels, ancient patriarchs, and eminent saints, while the Jewish
children of the kingdom
are cast out! How fitly our entertainment prepareth us for our work in the end of the world! qualifieth us to lie down in our dusty beds of the grave! and to enter into our eternal rest! How great JEHOVAH's earnestness to have his house filled with destitute sinners! Upon his invitations what multitudes have entered, and
yet there is room.
By setting before us the sinfulness and misery of our natural state, Jesus' excellency, ability, and readiness to save, and using every method to persuade our conscience, he requires his ministerial servants
to compel
us to come in, that his house may be filled. But dreadful shall be our endless misery, if we live in his church, without putting on his Son, as our
righteousness and sanctification!
3. It is represented as the
letting out of a vineyard to husbandmen
Matth. xxi. 33.—43.
. In the ceremonial form thereof, God gave it to the Jews, and sent his prophets to demand, that they should give him the glory due to his name; these being injuriously maltreated, he sent his Son, whom, it might have been expected, they would reverence and regard; but they murdered him, that they might live as they listed. For these things God miserably destroyed the Jewish nation, and gave the gospel to the Gentiles, that they might bring forth fruits of good works, answerable to it.
4. It is compared to the
hiring of labourers at different hours, to work in a vineyard, and giving all equal wages
Matth. xx. 1.—16.
. In the morning of the patriarchal, in the noon-tide of the ceremonial, at the
ninth hour
of the apostolic age, in the
eleventh hour
of the future Millennium, or thousand years reign of the saints, multitudes are DIVinely invited, and brought to Christ, and to his work in the church. Nor shall the eternal blessedness of the former exceed that of the latter. Murmur not, ye Jews,
who bore the burden
of eremonial rites,
and the heat
of laborious service; murmur not, ye primitive Christians, who
bore the burden
of troublesome work, and
the heat
of scorching persecution; may not JEHOVAH do with his own as he pleaseth? Is not the whole reward of sovereign grace? Let not your eye be evil, because his is good. In the early morning of life, are not some; in its middle or noon are not others; in its evening of old age, are not others, though more rarely, called and drawn to Christ? May not a sovereign God impart to all an equal share of his endless bliss; his gracious reward?
5. It is compared to a
great man's giving pounds or talents to his servants, as he departs to a far country, that they may occupy till he return, call them to an account, and render them rewards, according to their respective improvement
Matth. xxv. 14.—30. Luke xix 11.—27.
. Ascending up on high, to receive for himself a kingdom, Jesus committed to men, the precious and useful
pounds
and
talents
of DIVine scriptures, of gospel ordinances, of manifold opportunities of grace and happiness, of holy offices, gifts, and graces; to some in a greater, to others in a lesser degree. These he requires them to improve,
alway abounding in the work of the Lord.
At the end, he will come, and reckon with them. Such as having real grace, have improven their talents, shall be highly and proportionally rewarded with everlasting honour and joy. Such as, having no real grace, through hard thoughts of Jesus, have not improved their gifts, offices, and opportunities, shall be self-condemned, and cast into endless misery.
6. In the end of the world, it is like to
the calling of wise and foolish virgins to meet the Bridegroom
Matth. xxv. 1.—13.
. Though, church-members be like virgins in outward purity, in blamelessness of life, and soundness of principle, and in apparent modesty, and self-denial; yet alas how many of them are not
wise unto salvation!
What multitudes 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 shall summon them to judgment. Happy then, those, who have
oil
of true grace, attending their lamps of profession! their glory shall be brightness; their lamps trimmed; their grace perfected; and themselves shall enter into immediate and everlasting fellowship with Christ! but oh unhappy these, who have lamps, but no saving grace! None can then be given them; no creature shall be able or willing to help them. They shall be irreversibly excluded from the fellowship of Christ; and shut up in everlasting torments, where there shall be
weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.
7. The gospel-state of the New-Testament church is represented as a REST
Heb. iv. 3.
. How 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 in Christ, and in his love towards us!
II.
Metaphors respecting gospel-ordinances.
1. GOSPEL ORDINANCES resemble a
woman's
BREASTS
Song. viii. 1. 10.
. 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 church; and nourish her true children, to everlasting life, with the
sincere milk
of God's word! How delightfully,
during the night
of time, Jesus lieth between, and is found in them!
2. They resemble TWIN ROES
feeding among the lilies
Song. iv. 5.
. How harmonious! how well connected! how comely, pleasant, and pure! how opposite and ruining to the old serpent, and his agents! and how often attacked and wrathfully injured by them! How delightfully maintained! and as it were sed among the promises, and doctrines of the glorious gospel!—And thine it is,
O Lily of the valley,
and
thy lilies among thorns,
with pleasure to feed therein.
3. They resemble CHARIOTS; LITTERS; and HORSES
Is. lxvi. 20.
. In a swift, majestic, and glorious manner, Jesus therein approacheth to our heart; and triumphantly rides through, and appears in the world. And by them he easily and honourably transports his chosen people through it, to their better, their heavenly country.
4. They resemble MANDRAKES, or DUDAIM
Song vii. 13.
. How savoury, medicinal, cooling, and refreshing to our soul! How comely and delightful to our spiritual eye! How effectually they enkindle our love to Jesus and his people! and render us fruitful in good works! Yet alas! how many, by means thereof, lull themselves into such spiritual sleep, as nothing but the flames of hell can awaken them!
5. They resemble SPIKENARD
Song i. 12.
. 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! And truly, O King of kings, it is thy sitting with me at thy table, in intimate fellowship, that makes this
spikenard
send forth its smell, and refresh my soul!
6. They resemble WATERS; and WELLS
of salvation
Is. lv. 1. and xii. 3.
. How easy, unhampered, and free is my access to them! How effectually, by them, Jesus purifies my conscience, and nourisheth my heart! refresheth all my inward powers! cools my lust! and satiates my desire! When I am enabled to enter into their spirit, would I, for ten thousand worlds, forsake their
cold-flowing waters, which come from another place?
7. They are compared to MOUNTAINS and HILLS
Song iv. 6. Joel iii. 18.
. How hard to ascend them aright! In them, how wide is our prospect of eternal things! How they exalt us above the grovelling world! and bring us to the confines of heaven! What noble shadows and wells of spiritual refreshment we find in them! What a glorious forest, Christ the tree of life, and his unnumbered trees of righteousness growing up under his shadow! What blessed river of JEHOVAH and his love, of Jesus and his blood, and of the DIVine Spirit and his influences, that
makes glad the city of our God!—
What pleasant and wholesome air of DIVine breathings! What rich pasture for Jesus' chosen flock is here to be found! What need, carefully to descend from them to worldly concerns, lest we fall, stumble, and be broken, snared, and taken! They are
mountains of myrrh, and hills of frankincense.
What fragrant, medicinal, quickening, and refreshful truths, and breathings of heaven, we there enjoy! But take heed, my soul, even there the serpents lurk. How often you corruptions, you fiends, have I seen you! have I felt your deadly influence, at the very top! in the highest ordinance, and in the best frame! But when felt I these
mountains drop with new wine,
ever fresh, redeeming love; and
these hills flow with milk,
of heart-warming and restoring grace; and these channels
flow
with the
water
of life, and the
fountain come out of the house of the Lord, and water the valley of Shittim;—
water my debased, earthly, barren heart?
8. They may be called the PATHS
of Christ's flock
Song i. 8.
. In them the saints, as they have access, walk with pleasure and progress towards the heavenly country.
9. They are likened to SHEPHERDS TENTS
Ibid.
. 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 of Christ, ought constantly to attend.
10. They are represented as the COURTS; the HOUSE; the TEMPLE; TABERNACLE; and ALTAR of God
Psal. lxxxiv. 10. and xliii. 3. 4.
. There his glory is seen, his presence enjoyed, and his benefits conferred, through Christ, as crucified for us; and in them we offer ourselves spiritual sacrifices to him.
11. They are called STREETS and BROAD WAYS
Song iii. 2.
At the infinite expence of Heaven, they are prepared for men. How carefully to be kept pure and entire! How beautiful and straight! How useful to lead us to the palace of the mighty King! And what multitudes have free access to walk and trade therein!
12. They are represented as TOWERS
Song viii. 10.
. 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 all spiritual armour!
13. They are likened to CHAMBERS
Song i. 4.
. Here Christ and his people dwell together. Here they rest, and are refreshed; here he secures and defends them. Here he comes to, and is familiar with them; manifests himself, and makes known the secrets of his covenant. Here they secretly pour out their hearts; worship the Lord of hosts; eat meat which the world knows not of; and labour not in vain in the Lord.
14. They are called a BANQUETING-HOUSE, or HOUSE OF WINE
Song ii. 4.
. 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 fulness of God!
15. They resemble RAFTERS
of fir
Song i. 11.
. How straight, comely, and self consistent! How heaven-pointed, permanent, flourishing and refreshful! How usefully and delightfully they support and connect the church, and establish her true members, in their most holy faith, and their gospel-conversation!
16. They may be compared to GALLERIES.
Song vii. 5.
. Are they not the pleasant, the magnificent, lightsome, and lofty means, in which King Jesus walks, and converseth with his people? is held in their spiritual embrace? and feasts them on his infinite fulness?
17. But the word rendered
galleries
and
rafters,
signifies also WATERING-TROUGHS
Is. lv. 1.
, to which gospel-ordinances may be compared, because therein Jesus waters and refresheth 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 WATER; as PLACES OF CONCOURSE; as GATES; and DOORS
Prov. i. 21. and viii. 1. 2. 3 4.
. In them Jesus stands and invites multitudes of sinful men to receive his benefits. In them he distributes his prepared goodness to the poor, sells without money and without price. In them we are to wait for him; and, by them, we enter into fellowship with him, and go into the heavenly mansions.
19. They are compared to WINDOWS and LATTICES
Song ii. 9.
. By them the church is beautified, enlightened, 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
Matth. xvi. 19.
. By a proper use of Christ's doctrine, discipline, and government, the church, nay, heaven itself, is ministerially opened to, or shut against, the sons of men.
21. They resemble a GREEN and well-GUARDED BED
Song i. 16.
. Being surrounded by DIVine perfections, and holy angels; attended by saithful ministers, what safe and sweet rest and fellowship with Christ may we enjoy in them! O how our hearts are warmed with his love! How we recruit our strength! and renew our youth even as the eagles! How sweetly we enjoy the sleep of God's beloved! do cease from our sins, our self-righteousness, and worldly labour! and are rendered fruitful to God in the works of holiness!
22. They are compared to a TABLE
Song i. 12.
. To display his munisicence, Jesus framed them; and furnisheth 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 table, doth the Lord of hosts make for all people, saints and sinners, Jews and Gentiles, a
feast of fat things, full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined;
JEHOVAH, in all his fulness and love; Jesus, in his person, offices, righteousness, and grace; and the blessed Spirit in all his characters, operations, and influences.—Lord, may this table never become our trap; let never DIVine ordinances tend to the hardening of our heart.
23. They resemble ROWS
of
JEWELS
on the cheek
Song i. 10.
. How mysterious their order, and DIVine their connection! How they adorn the church's outward form! and make the saint's face to shine!
24. They resemble CHAINS OF GOLD
about the neck
Ibid.
. How precious, durable, and firmly, connected! How closely they adhere to, and illucidate the scripture! warm, support, and protect our faith!
25. They resemble BORDERS OF GOLD, with STUDS of SILVER
Song i. 11.
. How precious all! but some more important than others! How comely and durable! How enriching to the saints, and ornamental to the church! How attended by, and productive of, well-tried, honourable, and precious gifts and graces!
26. They are represented as a DIGGING and DUNGING about sinful men
Luke xiii. 8.
. Being attended with convincing providences and influences, they import and manifest the most astonishing patience, pains, and care, of the Most High towards men; and render us inexcusable, if, notwithstanding, we continue in our spiritual barrenness.
27. Gospel truths and ordinances are represented as a TRUST
committed to men
1 Tim. vi. 20.
. How solemnly! How DIVinely, and with proper gifts attending, are they committed and entrusted to ministers and private Christians, that they may be preserved pure and entire, from generation to generation! And at the peril of our honour and life, do we betray or lose any of them.
CHAP. VI.
Metaphors respecting God's favour, and the saving benefits flowing from it, which are manifested and conveyed through the new covenant, the gospel, and the ordinances of it, to men.
1.
Metaphors respecting God's favour.
1. GOD's free favour and grace is compared to a KING
Rom v. 21.
. 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 person, perfection, purpose, and providence, concurs to promote its honour. Every creature is employed to advance its designs. It conquers every foe; subdues to itself every chosen sinner of mankind; rules with absolute dominion in every saint; and receives from him a tribute of endless praise.
2. It is likened to an overflowing SEA or RIVER
Eph. iii. 18. 19.
. O its height, depth, length, and breadth! It passeth knowledge. It reacheth from eternity to eternity; from hell to heaven! It bears down all opposition; washeth away every stain; covers every mountain of guilt and misery; spreads into every person, power, and concern, of an elect world, and maketh glad the whole city of our God.—Blessed river! boundless ocean! be thou the sole source of my happiness. Let all my well-springs of promises and ordinances be in thee; and cause every thing whithersoever thou comest, even my dead heart, to live.
II.
Metaphors respecting the change of our state.
1. The change of our state is represented as a CALLING
Heb. iii. 1
. 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 happiness; from earth to heaven; in fine, from the fellowship of the law, and our lusts, to the fellowship of God's Son.—Arise, my soul,
the Master is come, and calleth for thee.
2. The change of our state is represented as Christ's SEEKING and FINDING us out
Matth xviii. 11. 12. 13.
. With amazing love, care, and skill, he pursueth us by his word and providence. 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 us in his favour, and restores to us the felicity and usefulness of which sin had deprived us.—Lord, when I know not were to find myself, do thou seek and find me.
3. It is called a MARRIAGE, or ESPOUSALS
Song iii. 11.
. In consequence of our Redeemer's preparing himself for us, by undertaking our cause, assuming our nature, clothing himself with wedding robes of finished righteousness, fulfilled in our stead; in consequence of his preparing 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 his Spirit enters and dwells in our heart; and enableth us to accept of him, as our only, our everlasting husband. 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 righteousness, 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 is represented as an IMPLANTING or INGRAETING
Rom vi. 5.
. It is by the amazing patience and labour of God, we are cut off from the stock of the fallen Adam; are closely united to, rooted and grounded in Christ; made partakers 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 roots as Lebanon.
5. It is represented as a CONQUEST
Psal. xlv. 3. 4. 5.
. 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 soul with the sword of his Spirit,—his word; fastens in us the arrows of convincing and heart-drawing influences; slays our enmity, by his powerful promises and bleeding love; constrains us to yield our souls, take his easy yoke upon us, and consent to be his willing, affectionate, and obedient subjects.—So, Lord Jesus, conquer multitudes; conquer me.
6. It is represented as a LIBERATION
Zech. ix. 11. 12.
. Finding us in a most wretched, shameful, and slavish captivity, to Satan and our sinful corruption, and in the unclean, unwholesome, unhappy, cold, dark, disgraceful, and confining prison of our natural state; Jesus powerfully overthroweth the dominion of our enslavers in us; looseth 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
Gal. ii. 19. 20.
. Herein we partake of the influence of Jesus' death. Our old man receives his mortal wound, of which he afterward dieth daily. In it our hopes of happiness by our own works, our relation and love to the law as a covenant, our 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
Col. ii. 12.
. In it, we partake 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 contemptible and disagreeable to carnal and worldly men, Sweetly we rest from sin; and self-righteousness; from the overwhelming terrors of the law; of death and hell; and from every sting of trouble and adversity.—So let me be buried with Christ; so come, my soul, and
see the place where the Lord lay.
9. It is called a RESURRECTION
Ezek. xx1vii 1.—14.
. Being by nature in the most earthly, withered, dry, lifeless, and lothsome condition, Jesus, by his Spirit of life, quickeneth us; causeth us to pass from death to life; brings us from our graves of condemnation and lust; clothes us with the white robes of his righteousness and grace; and qualifieth us to work and walk with God, angels, and good men.—So let a poor sleeper in the dust, awake and sing.
10. It is called a CREATION
Eph. iii. 10.
. Unassisted by any creature, Jesus, by his almighty power and word, forms the ever-abiding structure of grace, the
new creature,
out of nothing. His work he commenceth in the forming of spiritual light and knowledge. Daily he adds new ornaments thereto, till, against the Sabbath of eternal rest, it be fully perfected.—So, Lord,
create in me a clean heart,
and
renew a right spirit within me.
11. It is called a RENEWING of the Holy Ghost
Tit. iii. 4
Cor. v. 17.
. Therein God forms a
new creature,
directly opposite to our indwelling corruptions, of ignorance, unbelief, enmity, and the like; makes all things new. He furnisheth our mind with
new
light, thoughts, and designs. He imparts to our conscience, purity, penetration, softness, tenderness, activity. He bestoweth on our will,
new
inclinations and desires. He sets our affections on
new,
spiritual, and heavenly objects. He fixeth in our memory
new
treasures of DIVine truths and gracious experience. In fine, he giveth us a
new heart;
and makes his
new Spirit
to dwell within us. By his grace he disposeth us to relish and choose
new companions;
and to lead a
new,
holy, humble, self-denied conversation, of charity and love, out of a pure conscience, and from faith unfeigned.
12. It is represented as a SECOND, a HEAVENLY BIRTH
John iii. 3. 5.
. Of the incorruptible seed of his word and grace, Jesus, our spiritual Father, begets us again to a lively hope. Curiously and wonderfully, we are conformed to his image! Without our preparation or asfistance, there is formed a marvellous contexture of grace, a
new man.
We are made partakers of a DIVine and heavenly nature. By his painful sorrow and suffering, by ministers painful labours, and with our own painful experience, we are born and brought into the
new,
the heavenly world, of a
new-
covenant state, and become related to God, angels, and saints.
13. It is called a CIRCUMCISION,
not of the flesh, but of the heart
Col. ii. 11. Deut. xxx. 6.
. Therein God, by his word and Spirit, sharply pricks and wounds our heart and conscience; exposeth to us our spiritual nakedness and guilt; cuts off the reigning power of indwelling corruption; prevents our after pollution; manifests and confirms our interest in his covenant; and gives us a constant and abiding mark of our relation to him. And without it, we are exposed to endless destruction.
14. It is called BAPTISM
Matth. iii. 11.
. Therein we are graciously received into covenant with God, and entitled to the privileges of his people. Therein, washed in Jesus' blood, and purified by the influence of his Spirit, we solemnly receive God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, as our Parent, Saviour, Sanctifier, and
all in all;
and cheerfully dedicate ourselves to his service.—My soul, hath Jesus baptized me with the holy Spirit, and with his fiery and sin-purifying influence?
15. It is called a TURNING or CONVERSION
Jer. xxxi. 18.
. Therein we are DIVinely turned from the paths of hell to the ways of heaven; from darkness to light; from guilt to righteousness; from sin to holiness; from slavery to freedom; from poverty to wealth; from rebellion and enmity, to favour, acceptance, and intimate friendship with God; from distance to nearness; from sinful sickness and weakness, to spiritual foundness and strength. So turn me, Lord, and I shall be turned.
16. It is called a TRANSLATION
into the kingdom of
God's dear Son
Col. i. 13.
. By his grace Jesus lays hold upon us; bears us in the arms of his power and love; carries us into a new-covenant state; in which we are only subject to him, and not to the broken law, raging devil, or reigning lusts.
17. The work of grace in mens heart is called the KINGDOM OF GOD
Luke xvii. 20.
. In the day of his power, Jesus invades and enters our heart; by his word and Spirit, he overthrows the strong holds of inherent corruption; 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, and tender conscience: he entitleth us to all his fulness and treasure; enters us into league with his omnipotent perfections, mighty angels, and useful creatures on earth. Storing our inward powers with his DIVine armour, he disposeth and enableth us to wage war with sin, Satan, and the world. Thrice blessed kingdom, consisting not in meat and drink; but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost!—Thrice happy and honoured is my soul, if this kingdom, that cannot be removed, be within me!
18. The change of family herein is called ADOPTION
Gal. iv. 5. 6.
. Finding us children of the devil, and heirs of wrath, God, in infinite mercy and kindness, puts us among his children of angels and saints; and giveth us an undoubted and everlasting title to all the privileges of sonship. His name he puts upon us; his Spirit in us; and his image on us. His angels he appoints to guard, and his ministers to inspect and instruct us. Our prayers he hears, our requests he grants, and allows us familiar boldness and intimacy with him. He teacheth, directs, feeds, clothes, arms, protects, comforts, and corrects us. Irreversibly he bequeaths to us the everlasting, the
pleasant land, and goodly heritage of the hosts of nations,
the whole fulness of God. 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 couldst; wilt thou not
front 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,
Thou
SHALT
call me my Father, and
SHALT NOT
turn away from me. I
WILL be to him
a Father, and he
SHALL
be to me a son.
How could my enmity, my inward rock, 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
Matth. xi. 28.
. Here, in Jesus' blood, as the means of protecting our soul, and appeasing our conscience; in his power, as an antidote against every fear and danger; in his love and loveliness, as the all-satisfying object of our desire; in his faithful promise, as our infallible security for glory, honour, immortality, eternal life; we rest safe from every wrathful event and enemy. 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 lusts of the flesh and of the mind.
III.
Metaphors respecting the pardon of sin.
1. Pardon of sin, which is often put for the whole of our justification, is represented as God's
being merciful to our unrighteousness
Heb. viii. 12.
. It is entirely of his free, rich, and sovereign grace and mercy, that he doth not avenge, but forgive our unrighteousness of heart or life. O grace, grace unto it!
2. It is represented as a COVERING
of sin
Psal. xxxii. 1.
. By the imputation of Jesus' righteousness for our robe, our guilt is so hid and covered, as no more to expose us to God's revenging wrath; nor can it justly annoy our conscience with legal horror.
3. It is called a REMISSION or FORGIVENESS
Acts v. 31.
. Therein God most fully acquits us of the charge of our crimes; secures us against the avenging and wrathful punishment thereof; and removes every legal bar, that obstructs our hope, our happiness, or comfort.
4. It is represented as God's NOT REMEMBERING
our sin
Is. xliii. 25.
. Having pardoned it, Gôd no more continues to charge or punish it upon us; but allows us as eminent friendship, familiarity, and fulness of blessings, as if we never had sinned. How often, my soul, hath he taken me into his bosom, as if I had been an innocent angel!
5. It is represented as his BLOTTING OUT of sin
Psal. li. 1. 9.
. Upon the imputation of Jesus' blood to our person and conscience, our sinful debts, and the demands of satisfaction for them, are so dropt from the book of God's judicial remembrance, that neither he, nor the broken law, nor our conscience, have the least remaining ground to charge them upon us, in order to require satisfaction for them.
6. It is represented as his
casting our sins behind his back, or into the deeps of the sea; and his putting and removing it far from us
Is. xxxviii. 17. Mic. vii. 19. Psal. ciii. 12.
. For when it is pardoned, he neither will, nor can charge it upon us; nor suffer any wrathful punishment to come near us. Our sins are buried the deeps of JEHOVAH'S love and Jesus' blood; nor ought fears of DIVine curses or condemnation in the least to dismay us. Jesus hath taken away the
handwriting
of law-charges of guilt, as well as of ceremonial ordinances, that was against us, and hath nailed it to his cross, from whence it can never be loosed.
7. It is represented as a PURGING
away of sin, through the sprinkling of,
or
washing us in clean water
Ezek. xxxvi. 25.
. By the saving application of Jesus' infinitely pure and purifying blood, the legal guilt of our sin is completely removed from our conscience; and a sufficient foundation is laid for purging away its moral filth, by 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
Is. i. 18.
. By the imputation of Jesus' blood and righteousness, all their terrible appearances do, as it were, evanish; and purity, peace, righteousness, and rest, succeed in their room.
9. It is compared to the
dispelling of a cloud, or thick cloud
Is. xliv. 22.
. Hereby, God alone removes the guilt of our numerous, our innumerable, and frightful crimes; removes 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 stone, with a new name written on it
Rev. ii. 17.
; in allusion to an ancient custom of the Greeks, their voting sentences of absolution, by casting into a vessel white stones, whereon was sometimes written the name of the person absolved. God giveth us our sentence of pardon, in the pure, peaceable, glorious, and everlasting promise of the gospel, directly pointed and applied to our heart. Hath God done so to me? Then let me never be merciful to any iniquity; let me never cover my transgressions as Adam; let me never forgive my wicked self; let me remember my evil ways, and be ashamed and confounded for all that I have done; let my sin be ever before me.
IV.
Metaphors respecting sanctification.
1. Sanctification is represented as a LIFE
Gal. ii. 20.
. It is the immediate effect of Christ's living in us by his Spirit; it is a mysterious, pleasant, and profitable mercy, maintained by the constant, the quickening influence of Heaven, the daily application of Jesus' flesh and blood.
2. It is represented as God's WASHING
us in water,
and PURIFYING
us in fire
Is. iv. 4.
. By the continued application of Jesus' word, his blood and spirit; and by manifold troubles, temptations, and persecutions, he gradually, skilfully, and powerfully purgeth out our sinful corruption, 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 iniquities
Mic. vii. 19.
. 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 occupy their room in our heart, our speech, and behaviour.
V.
Metaphors respecting fellowship with God.
1. Comfortable fellowship and intimacy with God in Christ, is represented as a
being in his
HOUSE,
his
CHAMBER,
or
PRESENCE
Song. i. 4. and ii. 4.
. Being DIVinely drawn and admitted, we therein, with secrecy and safety, enjoy eminent familiarity with him; are refreshed and nourished with his delicate provision; are enabled and encouraged to utter all our complaints into his bosom; and have the secrets of his covenant and promise, and sometimes of his purpose and providence, unfolded to our soul.—"O send forth thy light, and thy truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to thine holy hill; then will I go to God's altar, to God mine exceeding joy."
2. It is represented as a SEEING
of God,
a WALKING
in his light,
and
having his countenance lifted upon us
Is. ii.
. Psal. iv. 6.
. O the clear, the near, and intimate discoveries we there enjoy of his perfections, promises, relations, words, and works! With what pleasure we therein behold his excellency and brightness! understand his illucidating truths, and thereby make progress in our heavenly journey, causing the light of our holy conversation shine before others, that they may take knowledge of us, that we have been with Jesus!
3. It resembles a GREEN and well GUARDED BED
Song i. 16. and iii. 7. 8.
. 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 familiar 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 Christ's mouth
Song i. 2.
. By his various promises, how sweetly are his everlasting kindness, mercy, and grace, manifested to our soul! How powerfully this testifieth and assures us, that tho' he was angry, his anger is turned away, and he comforteth us! With what delightful influence it animates and enhanceth our love to him!
5. It is compared to LIFE
Psal. xxx. 5.
. How agile, alert, and active, it renders our soul in the work of God! How pleasant! how mysterious and useful!—Life, O Jesus, lieth in thy favour; natural life is but a death, a hell, without thy presence and love. I live, if I stand fast in the Lord.
6. It is likened to INEBRIATION
Song v. 1.
. How abundantly we therein drink out of God's wells of salvation! drink of the wine of his loving kindness, receiving it by faith into our heart! How effectually are we thereby encouraged and 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 RUNNING OVER
Psal. cxvi. 13. and xxiii. 5.
. How delightful; how refreshing; how ravishing our believing views of our redemption! How transporting to possess, and know myself a possessor of that salvation, which, from eternity, employed the thoughts of God to devise it; and which comprehends the enjoyment, the endless enjoyment, of
all the fulness of God!
8. It resembles an ANOINTING
2. Cor. ii. 21.
. Plentifully, therein, the Holy Ghost bestows his grace, applieth his influence, and renders us fresh, comely, alert, and active, 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
Eph. i. 13.
. Therein the blessed Spirit of all grace impresseth his image on our heart; sets us aside from the world to his service; and consirms to us our hopes of everlasting salvation. Jesus sets me as a seal 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 promise!
10. It is represented as a SITTING
under Christ's shadow, and
FEASTING
on his sruit;—
a SUPPING
together with his Father and him
Song ii. 3. 4. Rev. iii. 20.
. Being protected and refreshed by Jesus' power, righteousness, and love, we thereby, in sweet familiarity with DIVine persons, with pleasure and joy, believe and acquiesce in the
glory to God;
and abundantly embrace the
peace on earth, goodwill to men,
and rich fulness of grace and glory, which he, by his mediation, purchased and precured for us.
11. Earnest desire after this fellowship with Christ and the inward comfort flowing from it, are represented as a LOVE-SICKNESS
Song v. 8. and ii. 5.
. In the first, what a painful pressure of mind; a trouble, a sinking of heart; a burning desire after Christ; a detestation of all wordly 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 Saviour's love, when I lie basking in his warming rays, how am I ravished with joy! how sick! how overcharged with bliss! how all inflamed with love DIVine!—How I detest the sweets of earth!—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.—Get hence, thou mortal life, thou circle of repeated woes, vanities, and vexations of spirit, where, since sin and folly entered, happiness was never seen.—Ye flowery varieties of earth, ye sparkling glories of the sky, now let me shut mine eyes on you, and open them on brighter!—O far brighter seenes!—On God! my GOD! my JOY! my LIFE! my LOVER! and my ALL!—How delightfully my thoughts, with reason, rave on my loving, dying, living Lord! Beyond creation's utmost line, how fast! how far, my wishes fly! O how my heart languisheth for the habitation, the embrace, the bosom, of the Most High! How she longs to behold my almighty Lover, in all his pomp of majesty, and bloom of beauty! How she pants for the FAIR ORIGINAL of all that is lovely! for beauty yet unknown! for intellectual pleasure yet untasted!—By what almighty; what enrapturing attraction he now draws my heart! How Jesus' lovely form meets every thought! fills every view! Beside him, I behold nothing; beyond him, I desire nothing. O sweet burning thirst, to be quenched by nothing but the unfathomed 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 but shut my eyes, and see my God.
CHAP. 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 SPIRIT
Gal. v. 1
.
. It is formed by, and resembleth the Spirit of God. It resides in the whole soul, in all the spiritual powers of man; and it disposeth to mind, savour, delight, and labour in spiritual things.
2. It is called a MAN
Eph. iv. 24. and iii. 16. Song iv. 1. to 5. and vii. 1.—5. 1 Pet. iii. 4.
, for its glorious dignity, its marvellous contexture, its eminent prudence and sagacity. It spreads through our whole man, soul, body, and spirit. It hath what answers to the distinguished parts and powers of a human body, and faculties of the human soul. Hope, that mounting grace, is its
head
as Carmel, or crimson; spiritual thoughts and good works are the hairs growing thereon. Faith and spiritual knowledge are its
eyes,
by 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
ears,
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 ointments, and sagaciously to prescent 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 embracements, ardent affection 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
thighs, legs,
and
feet.
See
Book
I.
ch.
VII. No 5. It is called a
new man.
It was not originally in our heart; all things pertaining to it are
new,
directly opposite to the old man of indwelling corruption; a new heart, a new spirit, new light, life, liberty, new love, affection, memory, and conversation. It is called the
inner-man 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 affections. 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, that they cannot certainly discern it. When we walk in spiritual darkness, and are deprived of the shining of God's countenance, we ourselves can scarcely observe it. And how safely is it laid up, sealed and secured in Christ!
3. It is represented as an ARMED WARRIOUR
Eph vi. o.—18. 1 Thess v. 8.
. Dreadless of danger, secure against death, it continually seeks the ruin of,—and by earnest desire after holiness, by warm opposition of inward lust, by resistance of temptation, and study of disconformity to carnal men, it fights against sin, Satan, and the world. It is armed with the
girdle of DIVine truth,
which being applied to the heart, renders it strong and active; with the
girdle of inward 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 accusations of Satan, secures from condemnation and death; and
of faith and love,
which render our soul couragious and safe. Armed with the
shoes
of gospel-truth, a firm establishment in the principles of which, qualifies to run alertly, regularly, and fearlessly, in the field of spiritual warfare: with the shining, solid, and impenetrable
shield of faith,
especially of the
DIVine persections,
as embraced and improven by saith, to defend the whole man, and to repel and return on Satan himself, his fiery, fearful, swift, flying, and dangerous darts of seduction: with the
helmet of salvation, and hope thereof,
to ward off deadly, stupifying, and confounding blows of temptation or trouble. Armed with the mail-coat, and
armour
of universal holiness and
righteousness, on the right hand, and on the left,
to damp the heart of every opposer: with the artillery of
all prayer
and dependence on God, and with the
sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God, by which our conscience is convinced; our corruptions wounded; temptations, errors, and heresies, solidly refuted and ruined.
4. It is represented as a DIVINE NATURE, and image of God
2 Pet. i. 4.
. By him it is conferred on, and produced in us; and by it we are permanently conformed to him in every imitable perfection, in knowledge, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth; are inclined to live on him as our portion, with him as our friend, and to him as our last end. O when shall I be perfect as my Father, which is in heaven, is perfect! When shall I be like him, by seeing him as he is!
5. It is called an HEART
Psal. li. 10.
. It is the residence of Christ and his Spirit, as the life of our soul. In its several graces of knowledge, faith, love, repentance, it answers to, and fills the several powers of our soul.
6. It is called an HEART OF FLESH;
fleshly table of the heart
Ezek. xxxvi. 26. 2 Cor. iii. 3.
. How softened by the love! how readily impressed with the word and providence of God! how readily it bends under his influence; and resigns to his sovereign will!
7. It is called LIFE
1 John v. 10.
. By the breathing of his word and Spirit, God alone forms it. How pleasant, precious, and honourable is it! and how comely and active in serving God, and in promoting our own happiness, it renders our foul!
8. It is called LIGHT
Eph. v. 8.
. To us, how mysterious and incomprehensible is its nature! From the Sun of righteousness it wholly proceeds. And how pure, penetrating!—how active, refreshful, enlightening and directing to our soul! What a blessed prelude and earnest of everlasting felicity!
9. It is INCORRUPTIBLE SEED conveyed into our heart by the word of God
1 Pet. i. 23. 1 John. iii. 9.
. Being, with DIVine labour and wisdom, planted and sown in our heart, watered with the rain and dew of the holy Spirit, and warmed with the love, the rays, of the Sun of righteousness, it never rots, or consumes; never gives place to sinful lust; but flourisheth as corn and trees; and, though in different degrees, brings forth fruit into everlasting life.
10. It is a ROOT
Matth. vii. 17. 18. and xii. 33. and xiii. 21. Mark. iv. 28.
, into which the word of God is spiritually ingrafted; and which, being of an abiding and fixed nature, produceth many Christian tempers, and gracious exercises, and grows up very gradually.
11. It resembes a GRAIN
of mustard-seed
Matth. xiii. 31. 32.
. From the smallest beginnings, it grows up, till it be exceeding strong, visible, and useful, for the seasoning and improvment 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 rocky barren heart, shakes with fruit! O how the particular graces flourish! how the good works abound!
12. It resembles an HEAP OF WHEAT
set about with lilies
Song vii. 2.
. O the excellency; the abundance; the variety of particular graces! the purity, permanency, and solidity thereof! 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 works!
11. It is compared to SPIKENARD
Song i. 12.
. How low and contemptible, in the view of carnal men! but how precious and fragrant to Christ and his saints! How effectually it warms, nourisheth, preserves from corruption, strengthens and refresheth our heart! When Jesus, our King, is sensibly present, how sweetly it sends forth the smell thereof, in heavenly desire, and holy exercise!
12. It may be compared to MANDRAKES
Song vii. 13.
. In every form, how delightful, fragrant, and comely! How powerfully it cools our indwelling lust; our fiery perturbations of soul! heals our spiritual maladies! attracts our affections to Jesus! and renders us fruitful in good works!
13. It resembles all
pleasant fruits, and chief spices of camphire, calamus, saffron,
&c.
Song iv. 12. 13.
. What a flourishing, fragrant, and delightful garden of God, it renders our wilderness soul! How DIVersified its various forms of faith, of hope, of love, repentance, humility, patience, resignation, and the like! How rare, precious, and pleasant! How effectually it cheers our heart! preserves from spiritual corruption and rottenness! 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 on high, mount toward Jesus and heavenly things; while repentance, self denial, patience, resignation, like spikenard and saffron, couch beneath?
14. It resembles
all manner of
PLEASANT FRUITS,
new and old, laid up at our gates for Christ
Song vii. 13.
. O the abundance and variety of particular graces! How constantly they receive new supply from Jesus' 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 calculated.
15. It is compared to GOOD GROUND
Matth. xiii. 8. 23. Luke viii. 15.
, on which the
good seed
of God's word being sown, brings forth abundance of fruits of holiness, to the honour of God, and the advantage of our soul.
16. It is compared to
all the
POWDERS
of the merchant,
or
apothecary
Song iii. 6.
. How DIVersified and various the particular graces of it! How rich and costly! purchased by Jesus' blood; compounded by his skill; and received out of his fulness; how effectually they perfume our nature and work! and render it amiable to God and his people!
17. It is compared to SALT
Mark ix. 50.
. It is of a durable and purifying nature. It pricks, pains, and puts away our corruption. It preserves us from becoming rotten, unsavoury, and noisome in our disposition and practice. It heals our soul; and testifies our friendship and reconciliation with God. Be you, my heart, my speech, my work, always seasoned with it.
18. It is compared to LEAVEN
Matth. xiii. 33.
. However weak, and inconsiderable at first, it gradually, powerfully, and often insensibly, conquers and transforms our whole heart and life, into its likeness and image!
19. It is compared to a CHAIN OF GOLD
about the neck
Song i. 10. 11.
; consisting of the precious, solid, lasting, and DIVersified links of knowledge, hope, humility, meekness, love, repentance, zeal, thankfulness, contentment, sincerity,
&c.
beautifully connected. It flows from, and depends on our spiritual
neck
of the promise, and word of God, and surrounds, adorns, and strengthens the
neck
of our faith.
20. It resembles ROWS OF JEWELS
on the cheek;
BORDERS OF GOLD
with
STUDS OF SILVER
Ibid.
. How distinguished the value, the purity, the adorning and enriching virtue of these various graces! In what comely order, and beautifying influence, they appear in an holy, humble life! How agreeable, when these
golden borders
are attended with
silver gifts,
and holy fruits, of the Spirit!
21. It is called a GOOD TREASURE
Matth. xiii. 52. and xii. 35.
. It is very precious, useful, and enriching; and by means of it, we are enabled to give much glory to God, and do much good to men.
22. It, with its attending benefits, are like GOLD TRIED
in the fire
Rev. iii. 19.
. How precious, pure, substantial, satisfying, and durable! No fiery oracles of heaven, 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 brook.
23. It is compared to a ROBE
Eph. iv. 24.
. Skilfully it is framed by the power and wisdom of God. Effectually it warms, adorns, and protects our heart. My soul, be thou clothed herewith. Let it adorn my inward powers, and shine forth in my conversation.
SECT. II.
Metaphors respecting particular graces, knowledge, faith, hope, love, repentance, zeal, humility.
I.
Metaphors respecting knowledge.
1. SPiritual knowledge is a FOUNTAIN OF LIFE
Prov. xvi. 22.
.
It shews us the nature of life, spiritual and eternal, and the means of attaining it. It refines and sanctifies our, natural life; is the means of spiritual; and the means, beginning, and earnest of eternal. It teacheth and engageth our heart to receive Jesus, the resurrection and the life, into our heart; and it is eternal life to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent.
2. Saving knowledge and true faith resemble EYES and EARS
Song vii. 4. Is. lv. 3.
. 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 our 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 God; hear, that our soul may live; hearken and hear, for the time to come; are led out, to realize, and prepare for, an eternal state.
3. They resemble DOVES EYES
Song i. 15. and iv. 1.
, because of their purity, their clearness, their loveliness, meekness, singleness; their chaste affection to Christ, and quick discerning of wholesome provision to our soul.
4. They may be compared to the FISH-POOLS
of Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim
Song vii. 4.
, 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 repentance, holy modesty, cordial humility, and eminent self-denial.
5. Spiritual knowledge, prudence, and faith, resemble the NOSE
Song vii. 4. 8.
. By them we relish the fragrancy of spiritual things; discern the noisome nature of sin, the dangerous approach of our spiritual enemies, and the unsavouriness of created enjoyments. By these is our religious appearance exceedingly beautified. By the exercise thereof, do our apple-like smelling breath of holy desires and endeavours, mark the inward soundness of our heart.
II.
Further metaphors respecting faith.
5. Faith is our spiritual MOUTH
Psal. lxxxi. 10.
. Thereby we taste and see that God is good: we receive Jesus as the food of our 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 sin.
6. It is our spiritual TEETH
Song vi. 6.
; by which we chew the bread of life in holy meditations, heavenly desires, and assured persuasions of his being the all-suited, the all-comprehending, and unspeakable gift of God to us.
7. It is our spiritual NECK
Song i. 10. and vii. 4.
; which joins us to Jesus our glorious Head; is the means of our correspondence with, and receiving nourishment from him; supports our towering grace of hope; and renders us stately and glorious.
8. It is our spiritual HANDS and ARMS
Song v. 5.
; by which we receive and embrace the all-glorious 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 the sweet-smelling myrrh
of Jesus' influence, when he graciously opens and draws out our heart!
9. It resembles a
newly-washed, even-shorn, and fruitful
FLOCK
Song iv. 2.
. How self-consistent, are its various acts! all washed in a Saviour's blood and Spirit! all fed in the pasture of his word; and bringing forth abundaut fruits of holiness to the honour of God!
10. It is like the TOWER
of David, builded for an armoury
Song. iv. 4.
. How inexpressibly high, firm, and impregnable! 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, precious, comely, and strong! And
like the tower of Lebanon looking toward Damascus;
it, with our spiritual knowledge and prudence, chiefly watches against, and opposes our unbelief, our pride, our legality, and other
Syrian-like
principal enemies of our soul.
11. It is compared to a SHIELD
Eph, vi. 16.
. Depending on, and improving God in Christ as our Shield, and our exceeding great reward, it turns every way, and eminently contributes to protect our inner-man, from all the fiery darts of the devil.
12. It is compared to GOLD TRIED in the fire
1 Pet. i. 7.
. How pure, precious, durable, and useful! How tried in the fire of God's probatory word! and in the fire of temptation and trouble! It is
much more precious than gold.
It is the purchase of Jesus' blood; the distinguished gift of JEHOVAH's hand. It adorns our soul, conforms us to the image of God. It furnisheth us with spiritual life, liberty, health, nourishment, and glory, from the fulness of Christ. Nor can thieves, or any creature, deprive us of it.
13. Faith and loveresemble
two towering
BREASTS
Song viii. 10.
. How near and comely their connection! What mutual 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 eminent growth in our soul.
14. They resemble TWIN ROES
feeding among lilies
Song i. 3.
. What harmony, loveliness, and vivacity are in them! What opposition to Satan and his serpentine seed! What sad harassment and trouble, they, especially 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!
15. They resemble WINGS
Is. xl. 30.
. In the exercise thereof, by the breathing of the Holy Ghost, we fly above this world, and its earthly concerns; above the clouds of ignorance, guilt, and affliction; and ascend to Jesus, our exalted Saviour, and the things above.
16. They are compared to a BREAST-PLATE
1 Thess. v. 8.
. Constantly and effectually they protect our heart from Satan's temptations, or the hurt thereof; and from the hurt or horror of trouble.
III.
Metaphors respecting hope.
2. Hope resembles a HEAD
Song vii. 5.
. Supported by faith as a neck, it mightily tends to preserve us from sinking amidst waves of adversity. It is an especial seat of our spiritual vivacity, courage, and beauty. And, when lively, it produceth an unnumbered multitude of good works.
3. It resembles CARMEL
Ibid.
. How heavenly its height, foundation, and object! How wide its prospect of the promised land! and of the sea, the ocean of endless duration! How noted its fragrancy and fruitfulness.
4. It resembles CRIMSON
Ibid.
.
Christ
crucified
is our hope,
the author, foundation, and object of it. Through his bloody death, we obtain a
good hope,
are begotten through his resurrection to a
lively hope;
and to be with him for ever, is the sum, the all, for which we hope.
5. It is an ANCHOR
sure and stedfast, entering into that within the vail
Heb. vi. 19. 20.
. Through well-grounded hopes of heaven our souls are secured, that no weight can sink our spirit; no storm of temptation can drive us away; no floods of tribulation can hurt or dismay us. Fix, my soul, thy anchor, thy hope, to a strong faith within thee; cast it forth of thyself. Fix it in Jesus, the immoveable rock, and the unseen scenes of a distant, a celestial world.
6. It is compared to an HELMET
1 Thess. v. 8.
. What signal protection and safety it affords to our soul! How terrible it renders us to our spiritual enemies! How bold and undaunted in fighting with, resisting, and attacking them!
IV.
Metaphors respecting love; four of which are joined with those of faith.
5. Love is compared to DEATH and the GRAVE
Song viii.
. It conquers our heart, and every opposer: renders us dead to our lusts, our righteousness, our wisdom, our will, our carnal profit or honour. It disposeth us to die for the honour and testimony of Jesus, and for the spiritual interests of his people. Like the grave, it separateth us from the world, and insatiably hungers and thirsts after the fulness of Christ.
6. It is compared to COALS OF FIRE,
that have a most vehement flame:
and zeal for Christ is likened to a
consuming fire which eats us up
Song viii. 6. Psal. lxix. 9. and cxix. 139.
. Our love being fixed on a known, though unseen Redeemer, how it melts our heart! inflames our desire after him! purifies our soul from the dross of corruption! insatiably presseth after further fellowship and conform
ty with him! Nor can floods of ungodly men, of persecution, affliction, temptation, desertion, corruption, or law-terrors, quench or destroy it. True zeal burns up, not these around us, with carnal contention, and angry reviling; but our own heart, with grief and concern that Jesus is dishonoured; and with earnest desire and endeavour to have him exalted.
7. Love and harmony among brethren in nature, office, or profession, is like OINTMENT and DEW
Psal. cxxxiii. 1. 2. 3.
. How it refresheth, exhilarates, beautifies, and spiritually fructifies themselves and others around!
V.
Metaphors respecting repentance.
1. Repentance is represented as a BROKENNESS and RENDING
of heart
Psal. li. 17. Joel ii. 13.
. How, therein, the hammer of God's word and providence breaks our heart to pieces! How our whole soul is pressed and pained with views 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
Psal. li. 17.
. While looking on a crucified Christ, we mourn, and in his name request forgiveness, how highly God regards our exercise! how readily he grants our petitions!
VI.
Metaphors respecting humility.
Humility is represented as an ORNAMENT and ROBE
1 Pet. iii. 4. and v. 5.
. Eminently ought it to appear in our whole conversation, which is thereby rendered valuable, comely, and glorious, in the view of God, angels, and men.
SECT. III.
Of the exercise of grace.
1. OUR exercise of implanted grace, is called a DYING
Rom. vi. 6. 7. and viii. 13.
. Thereby our love to, and our activity in the 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, abate, 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
Gal. ii. 20.
. Proceeding from God the fountain of life, how pleasant, honourable, active, and useful it is; for advancing his glory, and our own and others eternal advantage! Christ, in his person and fulness, is the food which we receive by faith. God is our dwelling. He, his angels and saints, are our companions. Holy desire, prayer, and praise, are our spiritual breath. Obedience to Jesus' law, is our motion and work.
3. It is represented as a CALLING; an OCCUPATION; VOCATION; or BUSINESS
John vi. 26. Phil. ii. 13.
. To proceed therein, we must know the mysteries of the gospel, concerning Jesus, in his person, his offices, relations, benefits, and ordinances; and concerning ourselves, in our state, our qualities, and duties. We must have a stock of imputed righteousness, implanted grace, and exceeding great and precious promises. We must understand the nature and worth of spiritual and heavenly things. We must daily attend to the exercise of holiness, as our great, our important work. We must carefully abide at home, keeping our heart, watching over, and ordering our conversation. Frequently, by self-examination, we must distinctly state our business, our accounts; and 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, and animate our diligence! And how rich shall this blessed occupation render us, in our last end! Godliness with contentment is great gain,
having the promises of this life, and of that which is to come.
Apply to it, my soul, in every branch thereof; so number thy days that thou mayest apply thy heart unto wisdom, and learn God's truth; plough up the fallow ground of thy heart, accepting his rod and word for thy conviction and contrition. Deny thyself; awake, shake off thy drousiness and sloth; beware of prodigal wasting of JEHOVAH'S bounty; whatsoever things are needful, whatsoever things are lovely, and of good report,
buy,
freely and deliberately receive, out of the fulness of Christ; and, together with God, work out thy salvation with fear and trembling.
4. It is represented as a WALK or JOURNEY
Col. ii. 6. Rom. viii. 14.
. 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 before God in the heavenly Zion. It is a
walking in Christ,
a practical abiding and increasing improvement of his person, righteousness, and fulness: it is a
walking 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 satisfied in him. It is a
walking humbly and mournfully
with him, in the faith of his presence with us, as our God, our Father, our Friend, and our Guide; daily loathing, and mourning over our corruptions and offences done to him. It is a
walking before
him; with reverence of, and as in his immediate prefence, and in hope of direction and reward from him. It is
a walking in his name,
as his servants, influenced by his power and promise, directed by his law, and intended to his honour. It is an
upright walk,
our purpose and practice uniformly concurring to advance the glory of God. It is
a walking circumspectly, redeeming the time;
attending to every circumstance of our practice, that we may regulate it, by the DIVine law; that we may value time as a precious jewel, and under a deep sense of former sinfulness and sloth, exert our whole care and might to improve our present opportunities, to the glory of God. It is a
walking with the wise;
making those who are taught of God our patterns and companions in every good word and work.
5. It is called a RACE
set before us
Heb. xii. 1. 2.
. In the word of God, is the way, the troubles attending, the method of course, the pattern, and prize,
set before us.
The race plot, is this present world; the prize, the heavenly glory; the path, Jesus and his law. Being supported by and looking to him, as our forerunner and pattern, we must labour and suffer for him; and with agility, readiness, cheerfulness, vigour, and patience, press forward, from one degree of grace to another, till we become perfect, as our Father which is in heaven is perfect.
6. It is called a GOING UP
through the wilderness leaning on the beloved
Song viii. 5.
. Finding no rest, ease, or satisfaction, in this desart world, or in the barren bewildering state of sin, or condition of estrangement from God, we must turn away our desire, our delight, and expectation therefrom; and in a state of union to, exercise of intimacy with, and dependence on Jesus' person, righteousness, and strength, walk-in him, and his word, as our way; and with assiduous labour, vigour, and prudence, surmount every towering impediment of ignorance, unbelief, of temptation, persecution, 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 WARFARE
against the flesh
Gal. v. 17. Eph. vi. 10.—19. 2 Tim. iv. 8.
. In it our new man of inward grace, like a strong and active spirit, wills, chooseth, and follows after, the things which tend to the destruction of sin. Therein is our whole man, soul, body, and spirit, with skill, courage, patience, and preseverance, to oppose, fight against, and by all possible means, seek the destruction of indwelling lust; to fight against Satan, 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 multitudes of afflictions, patiently enduring them. It it a
good fight.
It is for the
good
cause of God and truth; under a
good
captain, Jesus Christ; it is to be performed in a
good
method, according to the law of God, with the good armour of God, and in the good and well-grounded hope of a good victory and spoil, an inestimable crown of glory, life, and righteousness. It is a
fight of faith,
fought to maintain the doctrine of
faith once delivered to the saints;
and by the grace of faith, is standing, and victory therein signally obtained.
8. It is represented as a KEEPER and EXALTER of a nation
Prov. xiii. 6. and xiv. 34.
. What a blessed means of preserving it from sin and danger, are
wisdom and knowledge,—
real religion and righteousness! How gloriously they exalt the characters of persons! increase and establish their prosperity and happiness!
9. It is compared to the GROWTH of persons, herbs, and trees
Eph. iv. 15. Hos. xiv. 5. 7.
. Notwithstanding our frequent sickness, and sad blasts of temptation, and frost-like prevalency of indwelling lusts, the daily application of Jesus, as our bread of life, and of the watering and warming influences of his Spirit and 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 FEAR
of the Lord
Psal. cxi. 10.
. With a reverential fear of, 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
Prov. ii. 2.
. Hereby we choose the best friend, companion, husband, and portion; discern the things that differ; follow after righteousness, peace, charity; and run in the way of God's commandments. And by improving Jesus Christ, as our righteousness and strength, take a proper method to perform gospel holiness, and obtain the DIVine acceptance thereof.
12. The path of the just is represented as SHINING LIGHT,
shining more and more unto the perfect day
Prov. iv. 18.
. From small beginnings, their knowledge, their holiness and comfort gradually, mysteriously, and pleasantly increase, till they be swallowed up in the noon-tide brightness of eternal glory. Nor can any cloud overtake them, which shall not be quickly removed. Surely then their path is
pleasant, plain,
clearly laid down in God's word, and without these snares and stumbling blocks which lie in the way of the wicked. Surely this is a
way above,
wherein heavenly things are chiefly attended. A
way of life,
marking life spiritual, and preparing for life eternal.
13. Holy exercises resemble LILIFS
Song vii. 2.
. Numbers of them spring from one root or principle of faith. How pure! comely! high! and heaven bending! the better they are, the more humility and self denial are mixed with them.
14. Holy exercises, real religion, and true wisdom, are a TREE OF LIFE
Prov. iii. 18. and iv. 13.
. They shew a heart quickened by the Spirit of God; and do bring forth the good fruits of spiritual liveliness here, and of life eternal, hereafter.
15. Holy exercises are called the GREEN FRUITS
of the valley;
and the BUDS or FRUITS of the saints, these trees of righteousness
Song vi. 11.
. In consequence of our implantation into Christ, and union with him, they gradually, 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 righteousness;
a SOWING
in tears,
and to
the Spirit
Prov. xi. 18.
. In practising it, we, in the solid hope of eternal glory, carefully work righteousness;—amidst grief and sorrow, we follow the dictates and operation of the Holy Ghost; and act as influenced by, and to the advantage of our 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
Prov. xiv. 26.
. How refreshing its influence! What endless glory! In what immortal life will it break forth at last! From thee, O
fountain of living waters,
is my life, my fruit found.
18. Wisdom, or real religion, is represented as an ORNAMENT; and righteousness as BRIGHTNESS
Is. lxii. 1.
. How precious in itself! how dearly purchased with Jesus' blood! How notably it adorns our nature and life! maketh our 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 HONEY COMB
Prov. iii. 13.—16.
. How sweet and ravishing! Nor can any one know the excellency thereof, without tasting it; strangers do not intermeddle with the saints joy.
20. True religion is compared to SILVER, and an HID TREASURE
Prov. ii. 4.
. How comely, precious, and enriching! How unknown to most of mankind! With what diligence it is to be sought for! With what joy the finding of it fills our soul, and in what happiness it ends.
21. Prayer is represented as MEDITATION; SUPPLICATION; INTERCESSION; CRYING
Psal. 4. 1. 1 Tim. ii. 1.
; to denote the solid judgment, deep humility, familiarity, and earnestness, therein to be exercised.
22. It is represented as a
pouring out of the heart; lifting up of the soul to God; breathing and panting for him
Psal. lxii. 8. and xxv. 1. Lam. iii. 56.
; to denote the inward fervency proper therein.
23. It, with some other religious worship, is called a
standing,
a
kneeling,
a
bowing,
a
falling down
before the Lord
Psal xcv. 6. and cxxxiv. 1.
; in allusion to the gestures therein used; and to denote the reverence proper to attend it.
24. Praising of God is represented by SHOUTING; and by SOUNDING or PLAYING
on musical instruments
Is. xii. 6. Psal. cl.
; in allusion to the service of the Jewish temple; and to mark the solemn sweetness and joy of heart included in this exercise.
25. Humiliation for sin is represented as a
putting on
SACKCLOTH; as an ABHORRING
of one's
SELF; a
lying,
or ROLLING
one's self in the
DUST; a
putting our
MOUTH
in the
DUST
Joel. i. 13. Job xlii. 6. Lam. iii. 29.
. To denote the shame, the sense of unworthiness, 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
Prov. xi. 24. 25. Eccles. xi. 1.
; to mark, how it refresheth and nourisheth the poor object; how liberally, and without prospect of requital, it is to be exercised.
CHAP. VIII.
Metaphors respecting sin, the opposite of grace, in its nature, its state, course, kinds, temptations.
I.
Metaphors respecting sin in general, or as inherent.
1. THE indwelling sin of our nature is compared to a KING and MASTER
Rom. v. 21.
. With great force and authority, it ruleth in, and over the wicked. Their heart is its palace and throne; devils, wicked men, and worldly things, are its armies and guard; every method of opposition to God is its law. By an amazing, powerful, and constant urgency, it mightily compels its unregenerate subjects to do whatsoever it listeth, however vile or slavish; nor can any created power subdue and conquer it.
2. It is compared to a WARRIOUR
Rom. vii. 23.
. Armed with the curse of the broken law, delivering us up to spiritual death, it, with the utmost subtlety, aversation, opposition, enmity, and violent rage, fights against God, his Son, his Spirit, his word, and grace; and, with restless violence and crafty stratagems, alway exerts its influence, to subdue our whole man into an entire slavery to itself.
3. It is compared to a MAN
Eph. iv. 22.
. It spreads through every part of our soul and body; fills our heart with all
unrighteousness, unbelief, pride, debate, deceit, malignity,
high, vain, and vile imaginations and affections. In our mind, it is ignorance, vanity, pride, error, and craftiness; in our conscience, it is searedness, partiality, or rage; in our will, weakness, aversion, and enmity to every thing good; in our affections, it is earthliness, filthiness, disorder. It fills our mouth with cursing and bitterness; renders our ears open to error and filthiness; our eyes apt to behold vanity,
lifted up,
and
full of adultery;
our hands apt to perpetrate evil; and our
feet swift to shed blood.
It is an
old man.
It is in us from our conception; and is alway pre-existent to our grace. And however crafty, peevish, and proud it be; yet in the saints, it is in a weakened and languishing condition.
4. Indwelling lusts may be called our MOTHER's CHILDREN
Song i. 6.
. By our mother we are conceived and born in them. They have no origin or allowance from God our heavenly Father. Alas! how they grow up with us from our birth! What a cursed intimacy is between them, and our soul! Alas! how 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, office, or interest!
5. It is represented as a WITNESS or WRITTEN TESTIMONY
Jer. xiv. 7. and xvii. 1.
. How deeply it is engraven on our heart! How irrefragably its reign there, and our habitual voluntary commission of actual transgressions, testify before God, and our awakened conscience, that we are unregenerate enemies to our Maker! children of Satan! incapable to recover ourselves! unripe for heaven! rich deservants, and infeoffed heirs of endless misery!—and testify, that God is righteous in correcting and punishing us!
6. It is represented as an uncommon DECEIVER
(d).
It deceiveth and renders deceitful all mankind; renders our heart deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; renders it more deceiving to us, than Satan himself. It promiseth us pleasure and profit in offending God; and maketh us imagine that we enjoy them, while we are consumed by it; and that we procure wealth, while we lose our soul, and every thing good or useful, and pierce ourselves through with many sorrows. How often it persuades us that we obtain liberty, while we enslave ourselves into the cruellest bondage! that we are men of wisdom, while we wax blind and ignorant! that we make religion our great business, while we wallow in sin, heartily loathing, and detesting every thing good! that inward wickedness is of small account! that sin may be repented of, and turned from, at pleasure!—How often it hurrieth us, from one extreme to another! How strangely it adorns the vilest abominations with specious names, fair pretences, and honourable appearances;
Heb. iii. 13. Jer. xvii. 9.
and makes them pass for duties and virtues! How often it employs us in attempting to deceive God, and compassing him about with lies, in our profession, our prayer, our praise, and other religious exercise! How effectually it renders us deceivers of ourselves; the wicked to their everlasting ruin; and the saints, notwithstanding their saving illumination, solemn resolution, and drawing love, to a woful perverting of their way, dishonouring their God, and wounding their soul!
7. It is compared to a THIEF
Luke x. 30.
. How it robbed all mankind in Adam of their honour and happiness! How craftily it steals away our time, our opportuities, our concern for eternal happiness! How insensibly, or violently, it robs us of our peace, honour, riches, and rest! Alas! how it carries us out of God's way! wounds our soul! binds us hand and foot! and renders us incapable to pursue after it, raise an outery against it or cry to God, for just vengeance on it! It is the common 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, temptation, desertion, how effectually it attempts, and succeeds in, its unhallowed and shameful work!
8. It is compared to a WHORE
James i. 13. 14.
. Ah! how cunningly it enticeth and leads us from God, to comply with our lusts! how it conceiveth and brings forth actual crimes! and so conceiveth and brings forth our enhanced ruin. Cursed be she, in her basket, and in her store, and in the fruit of her womb. Blessed be he, who taketh her little ones, her first motions, and dasheth them to pieces. May iniquity, in every form, stop her mouth; hide herself as ashamed: may her partisans stop their mouth; and with grief and blushing confess themselves guilty before God.
9. Sin is compared to an EVIL-DOIR,
nailed to, and crucified on a cross
Rom. vi. 6.
. In the saints, not only God, but the man himself, condemn it; and take 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, condemned and mortified: nor shall it ever save itself, 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 heart-strings so long lapped thee round! why have I so long attempted to hide, and protect thy guilty head!
10. It is called a BODY OF DEATH
Rom. vii. 24.
. O the variety of lusts which are therein marvellously compacted; and mutually subordinated to the support and tendency of one another! Alas, what cursed members of atheism, pride, envy, malice, unbelief, ignorance, legality, covetousness, lasciviousness, intemperance; are comprehended in it! Ah! what a noisome and infectious system of death is it, in itself! How it renders us spiritually 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
Song ii. 15.
. How secretly they lodge! how are they connected with earthly things! how noted 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 abominable! how readily they pretend to be graces, virtues, or innocent things! how insatiably voracious! how unweariedly set upon mischief! how hurtful to saints, chiefly weak ones, and their tender graces; by attempting to unsettle, or root them out; or by depriving them of their sap! Alas! how they peel God's choice vine! strip his trees of righteousness! tread them down! gnaw off their blossoms of holiness! and mar them with earthly cares! what inexpressible care, and persevering 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 provision for the flesh, 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
Gal. iii. 1.
. In what fearful league with Satan, it enters and fixeth our soul, and enticeth us to worship him! With what infernal influence and envy, it deceiveth, 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 heretics to subvert our souls, and seduce us from the truth as in Jesus!
13. It is called REBELLION
1 Sam. xv. 23.
. How opposite is it to the law and authority of God, our rightful Sovereign, and our solemn vows to be his! What fearful disorder it makes in the world! What a daring attempt 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 God the Lord might dwell among them, why should my soul continue to rebel against thee, my Saviour! to commit high treason against my God! Why expose herself to endless wo? Shall neither mercies melt, nor terrors awe? Why should I revolt from under thy yoke? O forgive me, for I know not what I do.
14. It is called a WANDERING and STRAYING from God
Psal. lviii 3.
. Thereby we lose our first estate; go out of our proper way; do, we know not what, or why; go, we know not whither; turn our 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! How hard, nay impossible 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
Jer. iii. 1.
. Thereby we break our covenant-marriage with God; admit Satan, the world, and our lusts, into his room; by whom we conceive, and bring forth the infernal progeny of sinful desires, and wicked courses. How base and shameful in its nature! Ah, how it takes away, hardens, and stupisieth our heart, making us refuse to be ashamed, when we commit abomination! What wretched pleasure we take therein, while our strength is thereby insensibly wasted! and we exposed to poverty, infamy, and endless death!
16. Indwelling sin is called LUSTS
James iv. 1.
. What a variety 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! In the saints, how it lusteth and warreth against the grace of God! In others, how often it renders them like
fed horses, dogs,
or
swine,
with the impetuous violence of fleshly lust!—When it speaketh fair, believe it not; there are seven abominations in it.
17. It is called a LAW OF SIN
in our members
Rom. vii. 23.
. Ah, its power and authority over us! How it obligeth and forceth us to study conformity to its dictates; and to fulfil its lusts, employing the powers of our soul, to commit sinful acts!—O were I but fully dead to this law, that I, might live unto God! When I would do good, how sadly is evil present with me!
18. Sin is called INIQUITY or UNRIGHTEOUSN
SS
Rom. vi. 19.
. It is the very reverse of the righteous nature, and holy and just law of God. It is an universal robbery and fraud; by it we rob God of his due honour, love, obedience, and regard; ourselves of our holiness and felicity, and of every proper means to regain it;—our neighbour, of all true love, esteem, and regard;—and the very creation of its proper ease, use, and
onour.
19. Sin is called WICKEDNESS and ENMITY
Zech. v. 8. Rom. viii. 7.
. Ah! the inveterate, unreasonable, and fixed malice, against God, and the welfare of creation, which is contained in it. Nor can it be transformed into any other shape. Lord though enmity cannot be changed, yet slay it, and change my heart! Alas! is hatred my return for thy redeeming love!—Why, my 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 hast dwelt too near my heart! Hence, to eternal distance, flee!
20. It is called UNCLEANNESS; an ABOMINABLE THING; an ABOMINATION; an HORRIBLE THING
Zech. xiii. 1. Jer. xliv. 1.
. It is the very reverse of the beauty, comeliness, and purity of God; it is the murderer of Jesus Christ: it defiles every thing it toucheth; renders the plowing and prayer of the wicked an abomination: it spreads through our whole man; renders our person, heart, 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 delight in, or behold us with pleasure.—Direful monster, may I never look upon thee, without detestation and horror! Far may I flee from thy presence, and lothe myself for thy sake! O the omnipotent virtue of that blood which cleanseth from all sin! that can wash the
Ethiopian
into comeliness! the lothsome, the worse than
wallowing sow,
into purity!
21. It is represented as a FOLLY and MADNESS
Psal. xiix. 13. and lxx ii. 19. 20. 21.
. How stupid and unteachable! How unreasonable, cruel and mischievous to ourselves and others, it renders us! By it we reject God the chief good; rage against the Almighty; presumptously rush on his neck, and upon the bosses of his buckler. How effectually it transforms us into proud and
prating fools!
Ah, how destitute of delight in wisdom! it is too high for, and hated by us. How we despise a God,
a Father's instruction!
How Christ crucified, the power of God, and the wisdom of God, and every spiritual thing, are
foolishness
to us! neither we can by nature know them; for they are spiritually discerned! So fast is
folly bound up in our heart,
that even rods of manifold correction drive it not far away. Our
heart is at our left hand
set upon earthly and sinful objects; its proper resolutions are saint, and ill put in practice. Its
eyes,
its thoughts, and desires,
are in the ends of the earth,
set upon vanity, or things we have no concern with. Though deceitful above all things, how fondly we
trust it!
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, against our neighbour,
resteth in our bosom!
is, with pleasure and delight, lodged and entertained in our heart! What outrageous
wrath
and passion,
heavier than the sand,
is often rouzed in our breast! In the multitude of our words, how manifest our folly! In our mouth, how
unseemly
are
parables
and
excellent speech!
How unconcernedly uttered! and how inconsistent with our practice! In our mouth, what
a rod
of proud boasting, and arrogant calumny! How readily our
lips enter into contention,
meddling with strife, with vain jangling, and idle disputes not pertaining to us! Alas! how often our mouth
seeds upon,
takes pleasure 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 our
mouth
the means of
destruction
to ourselves and others, How often we
answer a matter
to God, or to men!
before we hear,
consider, or understand it! By our
prating,
how often
we fall
into snares! What a
perverting of our way
is our whole practice! What a mad running to
the correction of stocks!
How then, can
honour be seemly
for, or God take pleasure in us! How often we
die for want of wisdom!
and have
shame
given us for our
promotion!
How often our
prosperity
hardens, and tends to
destroy
us! How rarely do
hundreds of stripes
make any proper impression upon us! Nor, though
brayed in a mortar
of adversity, doth our
foolishness
depart
from us! Alas, what an
heaviness!
what a grief! what a
calamity!
what
wasters!
what banishers, it often makes us to our natural parents! our churches, or families! and chiefly to our God, and his faithful pastors set over us!
22 It is represented as SLOTH or SLUGGISHNESS
Prov. vi. 6.—11.
. It makes us delight in standing
all the day idle.
It renders us averse to act for our souls! for the glory of God, or the good of our neighbour. Lord, how sluggish! 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! How often
hide I my hand in my bosom,
and
refuse to put it to my mouth,
with the all-nourishing bread of life! How often my empty desires kill and starve me! I
desire, and have not,
because my hands refuse to labour. Next to nothing have I to
rost, which I took in hunting;
shall not then my
slothful soul suffer hunger?
shall not my
slothfulness cast
me
into a deep sleep?
Shall not
the building
of my grace, profession, or practice, decay and
drop through?
Shall not the vineyard of my heart and conversation be
overgrown with thorns
of iniquities, and
nettles cover the sace thereof;
and the
stone wall
of vigilance
be broken down?
Shall not my
sloth lay me under
the basest slavery and
tribute;
and
drousiness cover me with rags?
Go to the ant, thou sluggish soul,
consider her ways, and be wise;
gather thy meat in the summer, and prepare thy food in the harvest, that thou starve not in the eternal state. Plough up thy fallow-ground, that thou be not for ever wretched. Be thou no more as
a smoke 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 thy want as an armed man,
suddenly and irresistibly.
23. Indwelling sin is represented as a HA
and STONY
heart
Ezek. xxxvi. 26.
. In renders our soul barren.
sensible, rough, and impenetrable, at a rock or
stone While under the reigning power of it, the rain of divine ordinances, and seed of inspiration, are lost upon, and harden us. Ministers, who are sent to hew us, with 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 Spirit 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 crofs.
24. It is called FLESH
Rom. viii. 1.
. It is of a bafe, vile, worthless, and putrifying nature. It is conveyd to us with our body; and is much influenced, modified, and exerted thereby. It renders us carnal and fleshly; make us
to mind,
love, think of, and chiefly care for,
the things of the flesh;
to dwell
in the flesh,
under its absolute power and authority; to
walk after
it, 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
2 Cor. x. 4. 5.
. How advantageous is its situation, and deep its foundation in our heart! How dreadful its impenetrableness! uncleanness! 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 infernal armour! How many and secret its means of communication with Satan and the world! He is the governor; our predominant lust is the citadel; our actual 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, is Satan's ARMOUR
Luke xi. 21. 22.
. Thereby he fights against the DIVine Saviour, when he is coming to rescue and deliver us. Ignorance and slupidity are his helmet; unbelief and legality his shield; pride, unconcern, obstinacy, and despair, his breastplate; enmity and error his sword.—Lord, spell him of this armour, wherein he trusteth.
27. It is called LEAVEN, and OLD LEAVEN
1 Cor. v. 7. 8.
. How
our and disagreeable in its nature to God, good angels, and men! How its influences spread into, and infect all our 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 leaven, is sin good for any thing, but to defile.
28. It is compared to POISON
Psal cxl. 3.
. It inflames our heart with enmity, malice, and rage, against God and men. Quickly it infects and corrupts our whole man. It begets an infatiable thirst after sinful and earnal pleasure and profit. Like the poison of asps, how effectually 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 expelled, but by the convincing, illuminating, and sanctifying oil, or influence of the Holy Ghost.
29. It is compared to lothsome VOMIT
Jer. xlviii. 16.
. How uncomely, disagreeable, and detestable! How conviction makes us throw it up by vexation, confession, or true repentance! How shameful and wicked, by returning to sins formerly paining, resolved against, or repented of, to swallow down that which was once thrown up!
30. It is compared to a STING
1 Cor. xv. 56.
. From the old serpent, the devil, it proceeds; and renders afflictions, death, and every thing in the system of nature, hurtful and deadly to us. How infectious its poison, spreading 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 Redeemer, exalted on the pole of the gospel, can they be healed, or the corruption rooted out.—Thrice blessed HE, who sucked the venom of my wounds into himself, bearing mine iniquities, that I might obtain health and cure; might have death, trouble, and every thing else unstinged to my soul; and might safely tread on dragons and serpents of the pit!
31. It is compared to a WOUND
Psal. xxxviii. 5. 8. 9.
. It is the effect of the bite, the sting of the old serpent. And ah, how inveterate! how envenomed! how deep, spreading, and extensive! How filthy, noisome, and infectious! How painful, shameful, and deadly a wound! Alas, how it weakens our soul! mars and withers our beauty! how it hinders our proper exercise, and pollutes all that we do!—Lord, heal my lothsome disease, my painful wounds, that stink, and are corrupt: my folly makes it so.
32. It is a PLAGUE and LOTHSOME DISEASE,
1 Kings viii. 38. Psal. xxxviii. 2.
. It is the corrupt humour of our soul; and a heavy judgment on mankind. How mysterious in its nature and source! How quickly it overspreads our whole nature and life! How shameful, nauseous, and of itself desperate, 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
Matth. viii. 12.
. Sprung from the eating of forbidden fruit, how it affects our heart; and thence spreads into our whole man, and every concern! How it extends to our whole race, and sickens the lower part of the creation for our sake! How gradually it weakens our soul! hastens our eternal death! 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 moonstruck madness, till everlasting burnings bring them to their senses!—My soul, when I see my sickness, and my wound, let me call Jesus the physician of value; let him, by conviction, by effectual calling, by justification and sanctification, make me whole! Quickly may he bring me to that happy place, where
the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick.
34. It is represented as a DEATH
Eph. ii. 1.
. Hereby our 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 everlasting concerns; are altogether lothsome and abominable; 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! Who shall deliver me from so great a death! Who but thee, O Jesus, who quickenest the dead, and eallest things that are not, as though they were!
35. It is compared to a FIRE
Is. ix. 18.
. How fearfully it inflames our heart with lust, with enmity, and rage against God! How furiously and effectually it consumeth our soul! 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 forests, whole nations and armies, with flaming destruction! How it burns the reprobate world into endless fire! Lord Jesus, quench it in me, in thousands, with thy blood.
36. It is compared to a CLOUD and THICK CLOUD
Is. xliv. 22,
. Ah, how innumerable, as the particles of a cloud, are its lusts and acts! How it interposeth between us and our God, and our heavenly glory! What terrible shadows of destruction it casts over us! How fearfully it threatens us with thunderbolts, and sweeping deluges of DIVine wrath! Ye saints, how it damps your spirits! forebodes storms of chastisement! While under the cloud, how often your hearts quake with the voice of thunder! What darkness and shadow of death are over your soul! By thy forgiving grace, by thy shining rays, by the gracious wind of thine influence, do thou, Jesus, dispel the cloud, and give day to my inward powers.
37. It is compared to a MOUNTAIN or HILL
Is. lxiv. 1. Song ii. 8.
. How fixed it is in our heart! How dreadful its height! How fearful and inconceivable its weight! If it fall on us, by conviction or punishment, how it crusheth and sinks our soul toward the lowest hell! How fearfully it interposeth between God and us! What noxious spirits and curses do, as it were, reside therein! Almighty Saviour, who wast once willingly crushed under its weight, in mercy come leaping over it to my soul; melt it down with thy love; touch and waste it away by thy grace; remove, overturn it; cast it into the deeps of forgetfulness, the deeps of thy precious blood. O to see thy bleeding love prevail, till the highest mountains of my guilt and corruption be covered! O for a firm faith, effectually to bid this mountain remove, and be cast into the
deeps of the sea!
38. It is compared to a VINE
Ezek. vii. 10. and xviii. 2. Jer. xxxi. 30.
. Alas how it flourisheth and spreads its branches! what clusters of abomination and misery it produceth! how sour, hurtful to all, disagreeable to every sensible soul, are its grapes! 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! how 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 storm of death, make 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 an EVIL TREASURE
Matth. xii. 35.
. Its great residence is the hidden cabinet of our heart. How carefully we keep and conceal it as a sweet morsel under our tongue! Ah! how we daily live upon it! How many are proud of, and reckon themselves enriched 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 wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God!
40. It is represented as a DEBT
Matth vi. 12.
. It includes our neglect of that obedience we owe to God's law; it involveth 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 occasions our hatred of God, our creditor! our aversion to self-examination! our abhorrence, and sometimes terror, 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 awful, unbounded debt, which God alone can pay! nor he, but at the expence of his wealth, his blood, his life? O his grace in forgiving me, his enemy, my ten thousand talents! Let not me continue in sin, because grace doth abound.
41. Sin is called a REPROACH
Prov. xiv. 34.
. 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!
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
COURGE
Jer. ii. 19.
. What strokes! what lashes of conscience and providence, our iniquities bring upon us! How often their lustful motions harass and disquiet us? How often our sinful methods of relief and happiness involve us in further trouble! How often are our sins plainly marked on our judgments! or we are given up to our lusts, to punish us for our former wickedness!
43. It is represented as a WEIGHT and BURDEN; and perhaps as a TALENT
of lead in an ephah
Psal. xxxviii. 4. Zech. v. 7.
. How dreadful its impression! How heavily it hangs upon 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 convinced! bruifeth and breaks their bones, and makes them weary of their life! What an oppressive load to the saints! None but thee, O Jesus, could sustain its weight; nor thou, without sweating, groaning, and dying, under its guilt; nor can any other remove it from my soul!
44. It is compared to a BOND; BAND; CHAIN; YOKE
Is. lviii. 6.
. Ah! what crimes it supposeth or includes! what slavery it imports! what punishment it forebodes! How effectually it confines our soul, and restrains her from acting or moving in the way of holiness! How it binds men to Satan's door-posts! fixeth them in his prison; causeth them to draw in his plough; and dig up mischief! Ah! how many reckon these chains of darkness, ignorance, and misery, their honour; a chain and ornament of grace to their neck!
45. It is compared to GARMENTS
Col. iii. 9.
. How fully the habits and acts of sin encompass our whole nature and life! How often they plainly mark what, and whose we are! How they contribute to warm our inward lust! How fearfully they are lined with the DIVine curse! How sadly they protect our heart from God's arrows of conviction; and prevent our penitential shame! Though our best deeds be but filthy rags, how often we take pleasure in, and glory of them!—Lord Jesus, remove these
filthy garments,
and give me
change of raiment.
46. It is compared to a SPOT in garments, or the like
Deut. xxxii. 5.
. It is altogether vile and unsightly. It mars all the beauty of our heart, and spoils the robes of our conversation. It defiles our best duties: nor can it be washed out, but by Jesus' blood and Spirit.—By his mercy and truth applied to my soul, and his causing me to imitate him therein, may my spots be washed out: and by fearing him, may I depart from evil.
47. It is compared to the CRIMSON and SCARLET colour of wool or garments
Is. i. 18.
. What horrid murder of our God, our Saviour, ourselves, our neighbour, it includes! How fast it cleaves to our nature and practice! How visible and terrible to behold! and what a shocking mark of God's warfare with us; and presage of his shedding the blood of our soul!—Lord, what profit is in my blood, that I should go down to the pit! By the application of thine, make my deep-dyed crimes
white-as snow;
fully forgive and purge them away.
48. It is represented as FILTHY NAKEDNESS
Is. iii. 18.
. How shameful and odious is it to God, angels, and saints! What shocking impudence, to be unashamed of it or to be careless of having Jesus' righteousness spread over us, to cover it!
II.
Metaphors respecting a sinful state or condition.
1. A state of sin is called the GALL OF BITTERNESS
Acts viii. 23.
. While one continues in it, no property is in him besides sin, that infinitely bitter thing. Nothing he enjoys that is not poisoned and embittered to him. It exposeth him to the bitterness of DIVine vengeance, of eternal death. Lord, to how many is even
bitterness
sweet!
2. A sinful state, or a condition of estrangement from God, and of prevalent corruption, resembles a WILDERNESS
Song viii. 5.
. In it, how sad the wandering from God! how many the byepaths! how eminent the dangers! how numerous the wild beasts, of evil angels and sinful inclinations! what want of proper provision and companions! how violent the storms of trouble!—May I go up from it, leaning on my Beloved! by him alone, as my guide, my way, can I escape out of it.
3. It resembles a DEEP and PIT
Psal. xl. 2. and cxxx. 1. Zech. ix. 11.
. What sinking
ears and discouragements! what increasing entanglement and perplexity! what nearness to hell! what defilement and despair, abound therein! How little water of consolation to refresh our fainting heart! Out of the deeps have I cried unto thee, O Lord.
4. It resembles a PRISON
Is. lxi. 1.
. How shameful to be in it! how evidential of guilt! how unhappy; unhealthful; and restrictive of liberty! How destitute of spiritual warmth, rest, water, or wine of consolation! In what momentary hazard are we, of being brought forth to further shame and trouble!
—O bring my soul out of prison, that I may glorify thy name.
5. It resembles DARKNESS
Eph. v. 8.
. How horrid and disagreeable! What idleness, perplexity, confusion, disorder, fear, and danger, attend it! O Lord Jesus, turn my darkness into light.
6. It resembles a WINTER
Song ii. 11.
. What clouds of guilt interpose between God and our soul! 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 destitute of inward warmth of love to Jesus' person, covenant, 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 unsightly is our whole appearance!—O my soul, is this winter past, and the rain over and gone!
7. It resembles DEATH and the GRAVE
Eph. ii. 1. 5.
. Alas, how it separateth us from our true friends! How unsightly it renders us to God and his servants! How, therein, we are shut up to our lusts! how buried in stupidity, forgetfulness, and filthiness! hid, amidst earthly and sinful cares and pleasures! nor can any besides thee, O Resurrection and Life, quicken and bid us
go forth.
III.
Metaphors respecting a stated course and practice of sin.
1. A wilful course of sin, is represented as a TRADE and OCCUPATION
1 John iii. 8. 9.
. With what deliberation, activity, constancy and delight, do unregenerate men commit iniquity, in every thought, word, and deed! As
of the devil,
they attend constantly to this very thing; commit sin,
weave spiders webs,
waste their time, thoughts, and substance, in that which may ensnare others, but cannot profit, nor cover themselves;
hatch cockatrice-eggs,
do mischief to themselves, and all around. Ah! why not rather choose, and labour for,
the better part,
that shall never be taken from them!
2. It is a WARFARE
after the flesh
2 Cor. x. 3.
. With what craft, rage, and vigour, we therein oppose God, his truths, his ordinances, and people, and seek to injure them!—How long, my foul, hast thou served day and night, winter and summer, in this horrid campaign!
3. It is a WALKING
in and after the flesh
Rom. viii. 4.
. With 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, always 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 RACE
Is. lix. 7.
. 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 doing evil! And ah how quickly, if mercy prevent not, shall they attain the goal of endless ruin!
5. It is compared to DRUNKENNESS
Jo
xv. 16.
. With what pleasure, greed, strong desire, do evil men drink up iniquity, drink up scorning, follow after, and commit sin! indulge themselves in blasphemous scosfs, till their conscience be thereby stupified, their heart distracted and enraged!—O may I, for ever, drink of the
well of Bethlehem,
of the
Fountain of living waters,
and
streams from Lebanon.
6. It is compared to a WALLOWING
in the mire
2 Pet. ii. 22.
. How altogether absurd and shameful! How therein our best works do more and more defile us!—Lord, when wilt thou pluck me out, and carry me home, that I may wallow no more!
7. It is represented as a GROWTH in sin, a FILLING up the MEASURE
of iniquity
Matth. xxiii. 32.
. Therein wicked men flourish and increase in wickedness, grow worse and worse, more bold and active in it, till they attain that height and measure, at which God hath determined to cut them off.
8. It is called a CROOKED WAY
Psal. cxxv. 5.
. How unsightly! self-inconsistent! grievous! and inconstant a course of wickedness! And how contrary to the even rule of the DIVine law! How often, Lord, are my ways so crooked, that none but thee can know them!
9. It is called a FIRE
Jude 23.
. How terribly it increaseth our enmi
y and rage against God! How inexpressibly dangerous, burning us up, and hurrying us to the vengeance of eternal fire!—Lord, save from this
Taberah;
this infernal burning.
10. It is compared to DARKNESS
Prov. iv. 19.
. Nothing in it is instructive, comfortable, or edifying. It perplexeth, blinds, and occasions spiritual stumbling to all around.
IV.
Metaphors respecting particular courses or acts of sin.
LESSER SINS are compared to MOTES in the eye, and to GNATS, while greater are likened to BEAMS and CAMELS
Matth. vii. 3. and xxiii. 24.
. The very least are hurtful and blinding, and will be painful to the saints; but others are more obvious and aggravated.
1. IDOLATRY, or FALSE WORSHIP, is represented as a
compassing God about with lies and deceit
Hos xi. 12.
. It fals
ly supposeth the DIVinity of idols: It deceitfully giveth them the honour due unto God. Doth not my drawing near to God with my mouth, and honouring him with my lips, while my heart is far from him, falsely suppose him a
blind idol,
and d
ceitfully flatter him?
2. It is called a
sowing of the wind
Hos. viii. 7.
; to mark its vanity, unprofitableness, and hurtful influence. Alas! how many thereby reap the whirlwind of DIVine judgments!
3. It is called a
hewing out of broken cisterns, that can hold no water
Jer. ii. 13.
; to denote, that the hardest labour therein, will bring no true advantage or comfort.
4. It is called a
feeding on ashes
Is. xliv. 20.
. How vain, base, and hurtful! And what a manifest token of inward corruption and plagues!
5. It is represented as WHOREDOM
Ezek. xvi. and xxiii.
. Thereby the Hebrews and others did, or do break their marriage-covenant with God, as his church; and admit idols into his room, as the darling of their heart, and object of their religious honour.
6. It is represented as a
setting up idols in the heart
Ezek. xiv. 4.
; to signify, that inward love to, and esteem of idols, are the spring of the worship given them.
7. Idols are represented as VANITY, they can do no good: as CARCASES, because without life, and detestable to God: as STUMBLING-BLOCKS, as they occasion mens falling into sin and danger: as
upright like the palm tree,
without any motion, they remained fixed in their erect posture: as DUNG GODS, because altogether contemptible and abominable: as TORMENTS, because they bring their worshippers to misery
Jer. x. 15. 5. Ezek. xiv 4. Is. xlv. 16.
.
1. APOSTACY from God is called BACKSLIDING
Jer. iii. 22.
. How absurd and contrary to light and reason! How gradual, and often insensible! In the issue, how dangerous! If any man draw back, God's soul will have no pleasure in him.
2. It is called a
leaving of first love
Rev. ii. 4.
. It implieth an abatement of former esteem, regard to, and desire after God, and his Christ.
3. It is called a
dealing treacherously
Mal. ii. 11.
. It is transacted contrary to solemn vows, and under fair pretences of friendship.
4. It is called a
revolting from God
Is. xxxi. 6.
. By it we cast off his authority and law; withdraw from him our subjection, and revenues of honour; and bestow them upon ourselves, upon Satan, and the world.
CARNAL SECURITY is compared to a BED; a SLEEP; a SLUMBER; and DROWSINESS
Song iii. 1. and v. 2.
. How careless, languid, 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-righteousness! How we lose our time, and expose our spiritual nakedness! How fondly we amuse ourselves with empty dreams and imaginations, of the excellency and happiness of our state! and how readily we quarrel with God's providence and ministers, who attempt to rouze us up!
1. HERESIES, and their attending abominations, are called DEPTHS OF SATAN
Rev. ii. 24.
. By his agency, their authors 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 GANGRENE
2 Tim. ii. 17.
. How insensibly and gradually they waste and devour the churches of Christ, and souls of men! How effectually they wear out the vitals of religion; and even the form of godliness! How difficult of cure! But is there any thing too hard for the Lord?
3. They are called VAIN BABBLING
2. Tim. ii. 16.
. How noisy and foolish! how unsubstantial and unprofitable! Feed not thyself, my soul, with these, but with Jesus' words, which are
spirit and life.
1. Secret sin, especially WHOREDOM, is compared to STOLEN WATERS,
and bread eaten in secret
Prov. ix. 17.
. What pleasure and delight men take in it! how they exert themselves to obtain it! and what endeavours they use to hide it!
2. Whoredom is compared to COALS OF FIRE, and a HOT OVEN
Prov. vi. 27. 28.
. From the inward burning of absurd and outrageous lust it proceeds. How great is the danger 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 BART
striking through one's liver
Prov. vii. 23.
. How quickly, how unexpectedly it ruins the: powers of the soul! and the inward constitution of the body, of those who are given to it!
4. Unclean lust is compared to the RAGE OF a STALLION
Jer. v. 8.
. How brutish, shameless, furious, and commanding its force!
1. OPPRESSION of the poor is called a
panting after the dust on their head
Amos ii. 7.
. Thereby the oppressors incline to rob them of every thing, and crush them to the dust of death.
2. It is represented as a
selling them for a pair of shoes
Amos viii. 6.
; 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
Amos v. 11.
; to signify the grievous, afflictive, and debasing tendency of it.
4. It is called a
staying of them;
a
chopping their bones;
a
frighting and tearing them in the manner of lions, wolves, or bears
Amos viii. 4. Mic. iii. 2. 3.
; to denote the inhuman cruelty contained in it, and the utter ruin effected by it.
5. It is represented as a
building of houses and cities by blood
Hab. ii. 12.
; because oppressors rear these structures with the wealth extorted from others, to the endangering of their life.
6. It is called
an eating of God's people as bread
Psal. xiv. 4.
; to mark the pleasure and greed with which wicked men persecute the persons, ruin the character, and consume the substance of the godly.
PREVAILING SINS, with their attending judgments, are called GREY HAIRS
Hos. vii. 9.
. They manifest their subjects to have enjoyed their best days, and to be old in sin, and withered, weak, and feeble, in their spiritual condition, and that their death and ruin hasten apace, if mercy prevent not. And ah, how often have men these symptoms without knowing it!
FALSE HOPES and joys are likened to a RUSH; a FLAG; a SPIDER'S WEB; a
house built on the sand
Job viii. 11.—14.
; to mark how unsubstantial they are; and how incapable to endure the storms of trouble, conviction, or death.
VAIN SPEECHES and imaginations are likened to the EAST WIND
Job. xv. 2.
; to signify how unsubstantial, noisy, blasting, and hurtful they are.
SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS resembles a SPIDER'S WEB, and FILTHY RAGS
Is. lix.
. and lxiv. 6.
. How worthless, vile, unconnected, and shameful is it before God, and every convinced conscience!
PERVERTING of judgment is compared to HEMLOCK
growing up in the surrows of the field
Hos. x. 4.
; to denote how bitter, grievous, poisonous, hurtful, and wide-spread it was.
V.
Metaphors respecting temptations to sin.
1. Temptations to sin are represented as TRAPS; SNARES; PITS
Josh. xxiii 13. Prov. xxii. 14.
. Unawares they seize us; firmly they retain us; and tend to promote our present and future ruin! O Jesus, open mine eyes to discern them; guide my feet in the way of peace. Break the snares, that I may escape.
2. They are represented as STUMBLING-BLOCKS
Ezek. iii. 20.
. Alas! how Satan and his agents lay them in our way! To our own and others hurt, how heedlessly we rush upon them! and sinfully stumble and fall in our conversation!
3. They are represented as DEVICES and WILES
2 Cor. ii. 11.
. With what craft do Satan and his agents devise and lay them before us! How well they are suited to our nature, tempers, and circumstances! How cunningly are sins therein represented to us as virtues; as small sins, that can be easily repented of, and may be readily forgiven! How craftily we are dissuaded from duty, as if unseasonable, unimportant, unplain, or dangerous!—Attend, my soul, be not ignorant of these devices.
4. They are represented as a BUFFETING ROD; and THORN in the flesh
2 Cor. xii. 7.
. Ah! how they harass, oppress and grieve some; chiefly saints! and render them 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.
5. They are represented as a SIFITNG
Luke xxii.
. Alas! how Satan, by them, troubleth, tosseth, and trieth the saints! But, blessed Redeemer, thou hast prayed for them, that their faith fail not. None shall shake them out of thy hand; nor shall the smallest stone of their number fall to the earth.
6. They are represented as a WRESTLING and WARFARE
Eph. vi. 1
.
. How closely, how furiously, how craftily, do Satan and his agents therein ply the saints! endeavour to trip up their heels! overturn and ruin their soul! but God shall make them stand.
7. They are represented as FIERY DARTS
Eph. vi. 16.
. From what distance they may be cast! to heavenly souls, how terrible their appearance! how suddenly, and from what unexpected airths they strike! how fearfully 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 readily quench all the
fiery darts of the devil.
CHAP. IX.
Metaphors respecting prosperity, spiritual or temporal.
1. PROSPERITY is compared to LIFE
Psal. xxxi 5.
. 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 my heart.
2. It resembles the having
the head anointed with oil
Psal. xxiii. 5.
. In the enjoyment thereof, men do, or ought to appear comely, lovely, and cheerful.
3. It is represented as a
sitting under our own vines and fig-trees, and a beating weapons of war into instruments of husbandry
Mic iv. 3. 4.
; to mark the pleasure, the property, the refreshment, the peace, satisfaction, and safety therein comprehended—Sit, my soul, under Jesus' shadow, with great delight; let his fruit be sweet to my taste. Thus, though the fig tree should not blossom, and no meat be in the vine, and the labour of the olive fail; yet will I rejoice in the Lord, and be joyful in the God of my salvation. With detestation shall I cast away the weapons of my rebellion against him; and improve the remembrance of my wickedness, to render me active in gospel holiness.
4. It is represented as a LIFTING UP
Job xxii. 20.
. It prevents contempt and oppression; renders us more visible to mankind; exalts us to honour, authority, pleasure, and more abundant usefulness—May I be raised up together with Christ: so, when men are cast down, I shall say,
there is lifting up,
and he shall save the humble person.
5. It is represented as HEALTH and FATNESS
Jer. xxziii. 6. Prov. xii. 4.
. Thereby pain, trouble, and poverty, are removed, and pleasure, strength, and extensive influence, abundant fulness, honour, and power, succeed in their room. —Be thou, O Saviour, the health of my countenance, and my God.
6. It is represented as a TREE OF LIFE
Prov. xiii. 12.
. 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 livest, I shall live also.
7. It is compared to a
flourishing
FIELD
or
GARDEN
Is. lviii. 11.
. How pleasant and refreshful to behold! and how promising of what is better!—Lord, render my soul as a
watered garden, whose springs fail not!
8. It is compared to LIGHT; to the SUN; the MOON; to a LAMP: a CANDLE
Is. lx. 20. Psal. xviii. 28.
. By means thereof are men noticed, and regardfully distinguished; and have an opportunity of active usefulness. How pleasant and delightful it is! Yet how fast all outward prosperity hastens to its final period! and the brighter it shine, its duration is ordinarily the shorter.—May the Lord be my
everlasting light,
and my God my glory.
9. It is compared to a SPRING TIDE; a MORNING, or DAY
Is. xxxv. 1. 2. and xxi. 12.
. Therein our enjoyments bud, and promise much increase; every thing in our lot seems fresh and smiling, and calleth us to activity and labour. Therein we are warmed with pleasure and fulness; sing for joy, and walk abroad with airs of gaiety and cheerfulness. But how quickly does the winter and night of death succeed!
10. It is compared to MOISTURE and DEW
Psal. xxxii. 4. Job xxix. 19.
. How refreshing, pleasant, and useful! and therein ought we, like
a dew from the Lord of hosts,
to refresh and do good to others.
11. It is compared to WATER; a FOUNTAIN; a RIVER
Is. lxvi. 12.
. How pleasant to behold, or enjoy it! What extensive usefulness, apparent security, and continuing duration, it seemeth to promise! But how often it proves
brooks of Tema;
is quickly dried out of its place.
12. It is compared to a TABLE; a FEAST; a CUP OF WINE; or MILK
Psal. xxiii. 5. Is. lxvi. 11.
. It is DIVinely set before us, and measured out to us; it is pleasantly and greedily embraced by us; and cheerful and merry it rendereth us.—But art not thou, endless nuptial-feast of the Lamb, thou new wine in the Father's kingdom, thou milk, not of the Gentiles, but of Jesus, ten thousand times sweeter than honey to my taste!
13. It is called a CROWN
Lam. v. 16.
. What glory, respect, and authority attend it! But alas, how tottering! how easily it falls from our head, because we have sinned!
14. The rich man's wealth is his STRONG CITY
Prov. x. 15.
. He trusts and depends on it for safety; and is by it protected from various insults and dangers.
15. Riches are likened to EAGLES
Prov. xxiii. 5.
. 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 unrighteousness
Luke xvi. 9.
. What a numerous collection and multitude! How often the object of much unrighteousness in procuring and keeping them!—What others sinfully gain or use, let me lawfully get, and lay out in works of piety and charity, that I may be rewarded in the heavenly, the
everlasting habitations.
17. Saints count all but LOSS and DUNG to win Christ
Philip. iii. 8. 9.
. In comparison of him, they reckon every other thing contemptible, useless, unsavoury, and vile.
CHAP. X.
Metaphors respecting adversity.
1. SORE troubles are likened to a troop of HORSEMEN; and represented as the TERRORS
of God set in array against one
Jer. xii. 5. Prov. xxiv. 34.
. O the irresistible force! the impossibility of fleeing from them! and the fear, perplexity, astonishment, and often hopeless stupidity, of men under them.
2. Affliction is called the BLAST and BREATH of God, SMOKE
out of his nostrils
Job. iv. 9.
. How easily he inflicts it upon us! and thereby, how are we toffed, fanned, unsettled, and perplexed! Amidst my trouble, Lord, breathe on me, and cause me to receive the Holy Ghost.
3. It is compared to LIONS; BEARS; and SERPENTS
Amos v. 19. Eccl. x. 8.
. What terror and ravage it spreads in the world! In desolating judgments, how unmercifully are men torn and stung in their persons and enjoyments!
4. It is likened to an ALMOND TREE
Jer. i. 11.
; to mark its speedy approach, and its lasting duration. How quickly violence riseth up into a rod of wickedness! How quickly
pride buds,
and brings forth punishment!
5. It is compared to a
thorn hedge;
a
surrounding wall of hewn stone;
a
wall of gall and travail
Lam. iii. 5. 7.
. It stops our course and enterprize; shuts us up from liberty and escape. How often our attempts to remedy it, do but prick us, and embitter our condition more and more!
6. It is represented as a
feeding on gravel,
and four grapes; and
having the teeth set on edge
Lam. iii. 16. Ezek. xviii. 2.
. How debasing and unpleasant! How bitter it renders life, and the enjoyments thereof! Lord, sweeten all my troubles with thy love shed abroad in my heart.
7. Sore trouble is represented as a
treading down;
a
cutting down;
a
drying up;
a
covering with ashes
Is. xxii. 5.
; to denote the violent debasement and oppression, the painful agony, the deprivation of comfort, and of the hope of it, therein contained.
8. It is called a
licking of the dust like serpents;
a
moving in the holes of the earth;
a
sitting in the dust
Micah vii. 17.
; to mark the dreadful debasement, the shame, and the difficulty of obtaining necessary provision, contained in it. And how often do sinners then
wail as dragons, and hiss and murmur as serpents!
9. It is called a
breaking in the place of dragons,
and
with breach upon breach
Psal. xliv. 19. Job xvi. 14.
. How often it is inflicted by instruments cruel and unmerciful, who scarce allow the least hope of outgate! How often is one painful and debasing judgment added to another! How effectually they break our spirits, deprive us of joy, vigour, and courage! break our bodily constitution! break off our purposes! break to pieces our worldly enjoyments! break asunder families, churches, and nations.—O Jesus, heal our present breaches, which are wide like the sea.
10. Adversity is compared to a VOICE, or
sounding of trumpets
Micah vi. 9. Rev. viii. 5.—13.
. Often God warns men of it; and by it he solemnly calls us to consider our ways, and with whom we have to do; to repent of our sin, and flee to Jesus, from the wrath which is to come. O may I distinctly know what is spoken and sounded!
11. Fearful affliction is represented as a
scattering of brimstone upon one's habitation
Job. xviii. 5.
; alluding to the overthrow of Sodom; and to mark how wrathful, disagreeable, and hopeless, it renders our condition.
12. God's judgments upon Antichrist are represented as the
pouring out of seven vials
Rev. xvi.
; to mark how wisely, gradually, and completely his vengeance 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
Ezek. xxi. 13.
. 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 sun, or NOON-TIDE
Rev. xvi. 8. Song i. 7.
. In it how vehemently do an angry God, prevailing corruptions, wicked angels and men, disquiet our souls, our bodies, and deprive us of our rest, refreshment, comfort, and glory! How is our duty thereby hindered, or rendered hard to perform!—Under such trouble, let me flee under Christ's shadow, and live as one planted in, and watered by him.
15. It is compared to an EVENING or NIGHT
Is. xxi. 12. Zech. xiv. 7.
. 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 instituted ordinances, stars of ministers, and such like lesser comforts, are left behind. How often doth our sun go down at noon! our comforts forsake us, when we least expected it! In trouble, how heartless; cold; painful; and dangerous to live! What delusive meteors of vain fancies, and flattering temptations, blaze abroad! What wild beasts of hurtful inclinations range around, seeking whom they may devour! How slowly time seems to move! How drowsy and stupid our souls often become! And how often is the darkness and danger greatest, before the day-spring of deliverance appear!
16. It is compared to DARKNESS
Lam. iii. 2.
. It is a judgment DIVinely inflicted, and occasioned by the hiding of God's face; by his removal of the
sun
and
lamp
of prosperity; by his depriving us of his word and ordinances; and by his cutting off the great men of a church or state. How unpleasant and unactive it renders our life! What wandering and stumbling it occasions! 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! How often it is such a mixture of mercy and judgment, that it is hard to 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
pavilion
and
secret place;
let me therein behave as in his immediate presence; let me
feel after him;
though clouds and darkness be round about him, judgment, mercy, and truth, go before his face.
17. Afflictions are compared to CLOUDS
Psal. xcvii. 2.
. How great their variety, how numerous their ingredients! how often they suddenly come upon us! 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?
18. They are compared to RAIN; DEW; and DROPS of the night
Song v. 2. Matth. vii. 25.
. How numerous their ingredients! how 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 how delightful and numerous the fruits of glory to God, and felicity to men, thereby produced!
19. They are likened to WINTER
Song ii. 11.
. God appoints and limits them. The withdrawment of his smiling countenance, the removal of his warming and illuminating word and ordinances, or of outward prosperity, occasion them. How painful to endure! how often they kill such as are not rooted and grounded in Christ! how they nip the weeds of corruption in the saints; and cut off the vermine of earnal professors from among 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. O shocking 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 suffered, and entered into his glory. The winter of my unregeneracy is past; quickly shall all my winters of raging corruption and trouble be finished, and one eternal spring ensue.
20. They are compared to storms of WIND; HAIL; and RAIN
Is. xxviii. 17. Matth. vii. 25.
. By the abounding of iniquity; by the want 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 governed; devils and wicked men being no more than his instruments. How swiftly they pursue! how suddenly; how terribly and irresi
ibly they seize 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! how the storm sweeps away their lying refuges of vain imaginations, self-righteousness, and sinful methods of deliverance! how this whirlwind binds them up in its wings, and hurls them into eternal ruin!
21. They are compared to WATER-SPOUTS; BROOKS; OVERFLOWING STREAMS; and SWELLINGS OF JORDAN
Psal. xlii. 7. and cx. 7. Jer. xii. 5.
. How various 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 conscience! how muddy and disagreeable to our taste! What havock they make in families, nations, and enjoyments! How effectually they carry off into eternal wo, these who are not anchored, rooted, and grounded in Christ!
22. They are compared to DEPTHS and DEEP MIRES
Psal. lxix. 1. 2. and xl. 2.
. How often they gradually increase and overwhelm us! how fast they retain, and refuse to let us go! In them, how wretched, cold, perplexed, and dispirited our soul! how incapable are we to recover ourselves from them! How often, my soul, are the deeps like to swallow me up! how often am I deprived of the smiles of Jesus' love! perplexed with ingratitude to him! afraid of his just wrath! oppressed with his judgments! harassed in conscience with fears of utter rejection? with temptations of Satan, and prevalency 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-kindness 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
Hos. ii. 14.
. How difficult to live in it! how exposed to enemies, snares, and temptations! 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 end.
24. It is called a VALLEY; a BOTTOM; a VALLEY
of the shadow of death
Zech. i. 8. Psal. xxiii. 4.
. Therein, how debased is our condition! how ready are we to be trodden upon! What preludes of death! What terrors often surround 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; SNARES; STUMBLING-BLOCKS
Psal. vii. 15. and x. 9.
. How wickedly do Satan and his agents often prepare them for us; and draw us into them! How unprepared and suddenly, do we often fall into them! How often are we so entangled, that endeavours to extricate ourselves do but inveigle us more and more! How often we rage as wild bulls in a net! How often we are overthrown, hurt, and bruised by them! How sadly they stop our way, and render us unsightly!
26. Is is compared to a PRISON; STOCKS; or CHAIN
Psal. cxlii. 6.
. 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. Our attempts to escape at our own hands, do but add to our misery.—My soul, quietly bear thy shame; accept the punishment of thine iniquity; be
still,
amidst thy trouble, till God himself bring thee out.
27. It is compared to a BED
Rev. ii. 22.
. Our spirit it confines; our activity it restrains. Under it, how sick, uneasy, unsightly, lean, destitute of courage or comfort are we!
28. It is compared to a FIRE; a FURNACE; FLAMES; an OVEN
Zech. xiii. 9.
. How often it breaks forth suddenly! how quickly it spreads! how 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 fire. It makes mens
faces like flames;
fills them with reddening terror and rage. It makes them
blacker than a coal;
deprives them of their joy, their glory, and honour. It renders them
like bottles in the smoke,
quite unsightly, and almost useless.—When I pass through the fire, be thou, Jesus, with me; so shall I not be burnt, nor the flame kindle upon me.
29. It is compared to ARROWS; to a SWORD; and other weapons of war
Job. vi. 4.
. Afflictions are launched from the bow of God's providence, and managed and directed by his hand. How numerous and well-aimed! How often do they secretly and unexpectedly strike, wound, pierce, and pain our body or soul!—How often, O Lord, have thine arrows stuck fast in me, and thine afflicting hand pressed me sore! how often have the poison thereof, the torment and fear arising therefrom, exhausted the joy, courage, and ease of my spirit!
30. It is compared to a ROD or SCOURGE
Job. ix. 34.
. What a painful and grievous consequence of sin! It is sent to cause us consider our evil ways, and turn to the Lord: Kindly we ought to receive it, and carefully to improve it. How often it proves beneficial to promote our conviction, and conversion to God! Such as being often corrected, harden their neck, shall be suddenly destroyed, and that without remedy.—Correct me, O Lord, but in measure; and let thy rod drive all my sin, my foolishness, from my heart.
31. It is compared to a WOUND; DISEASE; LEANNESS
Is. i. 6. and xxiv. 16.
. How sharply it pains us? how sadly it confines, and abridgeth our liberty! spoils us of our glory and fulness; and renders us weak and unsightly! Alas! by neglect to receive and digest my spiritual provision; by sinful anxiety; by immoderate care about earthly things; by taking satisfaction in carnal and sinful pleafures; 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
Eccl. vii. 13.
. In the 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! By thy favour, blessed Jesus, thou liftest me up; and by thy rebukes thou castest me down: but eternity shall make even all.—Let not then my soul endanger herself, essaying to
make straight, what be hath made crooked.
33. It is called a CROSS
Matth xvi. 24.
. Like the ancient crosses, 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
cross of Christ
34. It is compared to a BURDEN and WEIGHT
Is. xxx. 27.
. It oppresseth and sinks our spirits; it lowers our circumstances. It renders us uneasy in life, and unsit for extensive 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 doth it. Jesus bare my griefs, and carried my sorrows: he hath borne and carried; and even to old age he will bear, and he will carry, and he will deliver me. Be thou, my soul, a follower of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
35. It is called a YOKE
Is. x. 27.
. How closely it cleaveth to us, and joins us together! firmly we are fixed therein; sadly is our spirit often galled thereby. Nevertheless it obligeth us to follow the course appointed for us, in the providence of God. It is a
yoke of transgression
wreathed about our neck, by our iniquities; for though hand join in hand, the sinner shall not go unpunished.
36. It is called a HOOK; and BRIDLE
Is. xxxvii. 29.
. By applying it to men, and painfully tormenting them therewith, 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.
37. It is compared to a FAN; and SIEVE
Jer. xv. 7. Is. xxx. 28.
. Thereby God tries and discovers what we are; tosseth us up and down; separates sinners from the saints in the church; for
what is the chaff to the wheat?
Hereby ho 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 mens emptiness; sets 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 GALL; and WORMWOOD
Jer. iv. 15.
. 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; purgeth off our filth; cures our spiritual barrenness and deadness; and enlargeth our appetite and desire after Christ.—O the height, the depth, of the wisdom and knowledge of God, who by
gall and wormwood
ushers in sweet Jesus, and his glory, to my heart!
39. It is compared to a CUP, full of liquor
Jer. xxv. 15.
. God exactly 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 and enraged! How often it causeth us vomit up our shame, confessing our wickedness, parting with that which we had sinfully gained; or pouring forth our blasphemous rage against the DIVine Manager of all plagues! How often it is a
cup of fury,
proceeding from the revenging 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 and faint at the thought of receiving, or of continuing to drink it!—Adored Redeemer, what a cup was thine! a
cup of trembling,
filled with
wine of astonishment!
a
cup full
of the fury of the Lord,
full of thine own blood! a cup deep as hell, and broader than the sea! O how my heart is wonder-struck! How melted to hear thee cry of it,
The cup that my Father giveth me, shall I not drink it?
to see the wring out the bitter dregs thereof, and drink them out for whom! for ME.
40. The afflictions of Christ and his people are called their BAPTISM
Matth. xx. 22. 23.
. Through these they are dedicated to God; put off 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 blood, in death, for men! for ME!—Heave all my powers; burst thou mortal frame with love; with longing for my Christ.
41. The overthrow of nations or churches is represented as a
rolling together the heavens; a turning the sun into blackness; and the moon into blood, and causing the stars to fall
Matth. xxiv. 29. Rev. vi. 12. 13. Is. xiii. 10.
; 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 are disgraced; their magistrates and ministers ejected, and barbarously murdered; their ordinances, laws, and statutes, are abolished.—These, my Lord, shall perish; but thou shalt endure: they shall be changed! but thou art the same, and thy years have no end.
42. The overthrow of nations and churches is compared to an EARTHQUAKE
Rev. xi. 13.
. How terrible and destructive! How it makes mens hearts to fail and quake for fear! How dreadfully it rends asunder the whole frame of government! How furiously and suddenly are magistrates, ministers, and great men, these exalted and overtopping mountains, private persons, these plain fields and useful rivers, thrown out of their respective stations and enjoyments!
43. The overthrow of a nation or church is likened to an HARVEST and VINTAGE
Joel iii. 13. Rev. xiv. 15. 20.
. Men being ripe in, and having filled up the whole measure of iniquity, which DIVine patience intended to bear with, God cuts them off from their standing. The wicked he casts in bundles, or multitudes, into hell-sire: the saints he either preserves in life, or by death carries them home to himself. Ah! what pricking thorns, and blasting whirlwind, do many then reap, as the punishment of their crimes!
44. Civil punishment is called a WHEEL brought over the wicked
Prov. xx. 26.
; Alluding perhaps to some ancient method of torture; and in order to represent its easy execution, and bruising influence.
45. Church-censure is called a ROD
1 Cor. iv. 21.
. It is intended to correct men for their sin, and to reclaim them from it to Christ; and it is to be applied with tender affection, meekness, equity, and prudence.
46. Lets and impediments in the way of performing an enterprize, are called
mountains; gates of iron and brass; the sea; the river Euphrates; and streams of Egypt
Is. xl. 4. and xlv. 2. and xi. 15. Rev. xvi. 12.
. Because they signally stop and hinder the execution of designs. But lie what will in the way of performing the promise, thy power, O Jesus, shall remove it, in the time thereof: mountains shall leap aside; seas and rivers shall dry up, at the rebuke of thy countenance.
CHAP. XI.
Metaphors respecting human life.
1. HUMAN life is compared to a POST
Job. ix. 25.
. Night and day, it swiftly passeth forward; nor can any thing stop its progress one moment. Ye sons of men, improve every moment thereof. Rise early in the morning of it, to follow hard after God. Rest on no present enjoyment. If you come not up to Jesus, in due time, your eternal life must go for it.
2. It is compared to the FLIGHT
of an eagle hasting to her prey
Job. ix. 26.
. With the utmost swiftness it passeth away, scarce leaving the marks where it hath been. What years I have lived, are not lived, but lost. What but vestiges of folly and guilt are to be seen behind me!
3. It is compared to a FLOWER, or GRASS
Job. xiv. 2. James i.
. In our infancy and youth, how fair and beautiful! At JEHOVAH's pleasure, how quickly are we cut down by untimely death! or withered by old age!—But shall not my life, hereafter,
revive as the corn, and grow as the lily?
4. It is compared to a WAY and JOURNEY
Matth. v. 25.
. How much trodden! how constantly pursued! how quickly ended! My soul, while thou art in this way, agree with God. Let my whole way point towards eternal bliss.
5. It is compared to a FEAST
1 Cor. v. 8.
. In it God giveth some a cup of consolation and prosperity; to others he giveth bread of affliction, a cup of adversity and wo. Whichsoever my Father giveth me, let me cheerfully drink it. If I am in Christ, my life is a continual feast.
6. It is compared to a
valuable
MERCHANDISE
to be redeemed
Eph. v. 16.
. Eternal and unbounded felicity or misery depends on every moment of it. By the enjoyment of God, every moment may be rendered more valuable than the whole earth. Sensible of its importance, deeply concerned that we have lavished so much of it on Satan, the world, and our lusts, we are to be doubly careful in improving the rest.—My soul, how hath time lien heavy on thine hand! How often hast thou been straitened how to dispose 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 to love Christ! too long, to prepare for eternity! too 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 cost me a restless eternity in hell! O costly hour for drinking a bottle, if rapid with an eternal drinking of of unmixed wrath! O ill purchased hours for a ball, horse race, or stage-play, if they cost me everlasting fellowship in fire with the devil and his angels! O dear bought opportunity of an idle visit, or onedifying 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 torment? Should I, 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
Job. ix. 26.
. How quickly it passeth away, and carrieth us into the ocean of eternity! And how many in it imagine every thing moving but themselves! How often bestormed, and brought to the brink of ruin!
8. It is compared to a SHPEHERD'S TENT
If. xxxviii. 12.
. Eternity apart, how mean it appears! how easily our lot therein is changed! How easily is life itself dissolved and finished!
9. It is compared to a WEEK or DAY
Job. vii. 10
. Therein we are to be laboriously occupied, securing our present and future felicity. Its duration is fixed; and, at the end thereof, we shall enter on the restful sabbath of everlasting happiness, or fearful night of unceasing 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
Psal. xc. 4.
. Quickly, and often amidst darkness, perplexity, and trouble, it passeth away, and cannot be recalled.
11. It is compared to a SPAN and HANDBREADTH
Psal. xxxix. 5.
. How short its measure! how precisely fixed by God is its duration! and ought not its brevity and uncertainty to be ever before us!
12. It is compared to a TALE
that is told
Psal. xc. 9.
. How little useful impression it maketh upon our minds! To how little purpose hath the past been spent! How little abiding sense we have of what we do in it!
13. It is compared to a SLEEP
Psal. xc. 9.
. How short and empty! How sadly past, before we are rightly sensible of enjoying it! To how little purpose are we either pained or pleased in it! What multitudes therein never think a serious thought, nor bestir themselves to one good work!
14. It is compared to a DREAM
Job. xx. 8.
. How filled up with idleness and vanity! How many in it are employed 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
Job. vii. 7.
. How unsubstantial! how swiftly, insensibly, and irresistibly, it passeth away, and returns no more!
16. It is compared to a weaver's SHUTTLE
Job. vii. 6.
. With what rapidity do its moments run along! and at last, as a web, we are cut out of the world, by death!
17. It is compared to a CLOUD
Job vii. 9.
. Notwithstanding its promising appearances, how quickly 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
James iv. 14.
. 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! How quickly it expireth almost as soon as it exists!
19. It is compared to a SHADOW
Eccles. viii. 13.
. O its emptiness and uncertainty! how quickly it goeth away, and never returns! I hear of
a time to be born, and a time to die;
but of none to live. Why, Lord, should I then boast of it?
20. It is called NOTHING
Psal.
xix. 5.
. It bears no proportion to the eternity of God; nor to the future eternity of men.—Be thou, O time, as
nothing
in 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.
CHAP. XII.
Metaphors respecting opportunities of obtaining or doing good, 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
John. v. 25.
. Its period and duration are precisely fixed by God. O how short, when compared with eternity! And, at our infinite hazard, do we lose a moment thereof, in vanity or wickedness.
2. It is called a DAY
Heb. iii. 7.
. How fixed and short! Only during the continuance thereof, the sun of prosperity, or of sacred inspiration, shines 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 bestormed with trouble and persecution! and beclouded with the rise of error and delusion! When it draws to a period, how the warming influence of 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 cooling and abatement of love to God, and to one another! what weariness of religious exercise and spiritual watchfulness takes place! What contentious and bloody appearances do showy professors, these empty clouds, make in the church! What mountains of guilt, offences, 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 notes, and retire to their heavenly rest! and prophane owls, and other doleful creatures, men wicked and erroneous, boldly appear! To these tokens, what fearful night of wo succeds! When Jesus, our blessed Sun, withdraws himself, how bulks the moon like world in our heart! starry ministers, with their artificial light of gifts and modes, are all in all. How fall these stars, and become earthly, senfual, devilish! What deceitful pretenders, as blazing meteors, fly! What dark ignorance; what bemisting delusion; what works of wickedness abound! what idle sloth; what still stupidity; what wandering and stumbling prevail! How unused and inffectual is the glass of God's word! How bolted are mens 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, wherein no man can work. In Zion, a night is come; behold, it is come.
3. It is called a MORNING and DAY BREAK
Is. xxi. 12.
. How pleasant, and for a time growing, the
shine
of providential smiles or scripture light! How refreshful the falling
dew
of God's favour, word, and Spirit! How kindly blow the cooling breezes, the north
wind
of conviction, and southern gales of heavenly comfort! How boldly
walk abroad
the children of God, and early seek after him; while, as ashamed, the wicked hide themselves in obscurity, or put on masks of dissimulation!
4. It is compared to a SPRING-TIDE
Song ii. 11. 12. 13.
. Then Jesus the
Sun
of righteousness approacheth to us, in the offer and influence of his grace. Saints, those fragrant and beautiful
trees
of righteousness, grow and flourish. The savoury and medicinal
flowers
of grace and holiness 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 redeemed
birds
of paradise sing forth the excellencies of redeeming love! Blessed period, when the winter-dispensation of Jewish ceremonies was finished; when thousands at once were gathered to their risen 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! Blessed period, when the winter cold and storms, the floods, barrenness, and darkness of Heathen and Popish abominations; of general security and unconcern; or of legal fears of DIVine wrath, or awful feeling of his rod, are removed and finished!
5. It is compared to a SUMMER
Prov. vi. and x. 5.
. How comely, fragrant, flourishing, and effective, professors and ordinances, then appear! How fast the redeemed, and their graces, ripen for the harvest of death, and the wicked, with their sins, for endless ruin! 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, by believing on his Son; or, at the end, be exposed to
everlasting shame and contempt.
6. It is compared to a HARVEST
Matth. ix. 37.
. How plainly calculated to relieve starving sinners with spiritual provision! How actively ought every man to bestir himself in faith and holiness! How carefully is every moment of it to be seized and improven! 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 opportunity! 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 unceasing vengeance awaits me!
7. It is called a YEAR; and the
year of God's redeemed
Is. lxiii. 4.
. Every circumstance thereof is regulary fixed in the purpose of God; and various are his appearances therein. Now he causeth his chosen to walk through winter, trouble, darkness, and perplexity; anon the spring tide from on high visits them. Now they bask under the summer-rays of the Sun of righteousness; anon they are cut down, and gathered to the heavenly garner. O the wonders of love, grace, and mercy, therein wrought for God's redeemed, in purchasing, exhibiting, and applying redemption to them! Lift up thine head, my soul, these honoured periods of time are but the beginning of months. The everlasting day and year of my redemption draweth nigh.
N. B.
Most of the emblems in this chapter might be particularly applied to the apostolie, the reformation, and the millenial period of the church in general; or to the particular season of spiritual deliverance, to a person or land.
CHAP. XIII.
Metaphors respecting death.
1. DEATH is called the KING OF TERRORS
Job. xviii. 14.
. Relentlessly and irresistibly, and as at pleasure, it cuts off mankind, small and great, poor and rich. What a terror 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
is a stinged or painful exit, exhibiting or importing a double 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 selfconceit, I should have no bands in it, I launch forth into eternal fire! I fall into the hands of an angry God! I leap blindfold into the horrors of damnation!—But, am I in Christ? Return then, O death, that I may look upon thee; where is now thy terror and thy sting? To me, how deeply dipt! how richly deckt in blood 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 fly!
2. It is compared to a WOLF
Psal. xlix. 14.
. How it preys upon mankind; cuts them off; and consigns their bodies to the grave, to be the prey of vermine!
3. It is called a WARFARE
Eccl. viii. 8.
. With what arrows of pain and fear, it attacks mankind! With what perplexity, what struggling of nature, thy use to oppose it! Nor is there any
discharge in this warfare;
no escaping of death. "It is appointed for men once to die, and after that the judgment."—Boldly war, my soul; it is with a conquered foe.
4. It is called a DEPARTURE
Phil. i. 23. Eccl. xii. 3—6.
. By it we leave our worldly friends, and stations; and enter into the unseen 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 of all, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant;
and you wicked, to your father
the devil, and his angels.
Chiefly in old age, 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,
become dim, and darkened; the jaws close; the voice and breath become so low, as to be scarce discernible; foundness of sleep ceases, every thing disturbs it; the ears become dull; nor doth any ability or relish for
music
remain: the ssightest labour becomes difficult and terrible; every thing, though light as a
grashopper is a burden;
at last the nerves shrink; the veins, the arteries, the brain, and even the heart, that
fountain
of life, forbears to circulate the blood, that vital juice. Thus man goeth to his
long home,
the grave; and where is he!
5. It is compared to SOWING of seed
1 Cor. xv. 36.
. By it our bodies are reduced to the earth; and, after a proper interval, shall 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 represented as the DISSOLVING
of a house or tent
2 Cor. v. 1.
. Therein the earthly tabernacle of our bodies are, and often gradually, demolished; and what pain and fear often attend the downfal! Ah! how many have this house falling about their ears, while they know not whither to go! have no house eternal in the heavens!
7. It is compared to a FLOOD
Psal. xc. 5.
. Gradually, speedily, violently, irresistibly, and often 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, no gates of hell, can prevail against thee; thou hast swallowed up death in victory.
8. It is compared to REST
Job. iii. 13. 17.
. It finisheth mens enterprizes; makes them cease from their worldly employ; and how sweet and refreshing to the labouring saint! 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 burdens, my labours; there shall every wicked one cease from troubling, and tossed I, as a ship at anchor, lie at rest.
9. It is compared to SLEEP
1 Thess. iv. 14.
. Thereby the bodies of the saints rest in hope, while their souls are occupied 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 danger. None shall for ever continue under the power of natural death, but in the resurrection be awakened; "some to everlasting life, and some to everlasting shame and contempt."
10. It is compared to DARKNESS
Job x. 21.
. It hides men 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 is
weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth!
11. It is compared to SILENCE
Is. xv. 1.
. It finisheth our converse with men; husheth all our noise and bustle on earth; makes our remembrance to cease in this world,—My soul, be now silent 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! how gladly would I rush into his arms!
12. The death of the wicked is represented as a DRIVING or HURLING AWAY
Prov. xiv. 32.
. How violently, involuntarily, and with infinite danger, are they forced from their present enjoyments, and furiously cast into everlasting damnation! and alas!
driven away in their wickedness,
reigning in them, and charged upon them, to suffer
the vengeance of eternal fire!
CHAP. XIV.
Metaphors respecting the resurrection.
1. THE resurrection is compared to a MORNING, and DAY-BREAK
Psal. xlix. 14. Song ii. 17.
. 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 tokens will it be ushered in! What full discovery it will make of our thoughts, words, and deeds! How undesired and terrible to wicked angels and men! How gladly would they hide themselves, and flock to their dens; but cannot! How brightly shall Jesus, our eternal
Sun,
arise in the clouds! How alertly shall mankind leap from their sepulchral beds! How sweetly sing the saints, these birds redeemed! How glorious the aspect of the earth! How wide our prospect, from eternity to eternity!—Watch for it, my soul, more than they that watch for the morning.
2. It is compared to an AWAKENING out of sleep
Dan. xii. 2.
. Then shall the loud
trump of God
rouse the nations from the sleep of death; cause them arise and come to judgment. Then shall every dream of error and vain imagination appear, in its emptiness and vileness. Then shall mankind be struck with universal concern. Then shall some awake with joy and gladness; others with trembling and horros.—How precious, O Jesus, are the thoughts thereof to my soul! for what time soever I awake, I shall be with thee: I shall behold thy face in righteousness, and be satisfied with thy likeness. How often I now awake with nought, but sin, but earth, in all my thoughts! But then my faults, my lusts, shall wake no more. I shall waken full of glory, full of God. Hark, my soul, the trumpet sounds,
Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
3. It is compared to the REVIVING and FLOURISHING of vegetables in the spring
Is. xxvi. 19.
. O the then blessed influence of the
Sun of righteousness!
His visage shall be no more marred; nor his virtue intercepted. Not one bewintered careless heart shall be found in creation; thousands long dead, shall now revive, spring up, and appear in their proper form. 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 superexceeding bloom of beauty,
like unto his glorious body.
4. It is compared to the QUICKENING
of very dry bones
Ezek. xxxvii. 1.—14.
. By the breath of the Almighty, shall the dry dust, the rotten carcases, and withered bones of all generations, be, with DIVine care, collected, each particle to its proper body, quickened, reanimated, brought out of their graves, and sisted at the judgment-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 with power, in my resurrection from the dead.
CHAP. XV.
Metaphors respecting the day of judgment.
1. THE season of the last judgment is called a DAY
2 Pet. iii. 10.
. It is a DIVinely fixed period. What amazing discoveries of God's perfections purposes, and word; and of the dispositions, states, and lives, of angels and men, shall be then made! What important and extensive 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 works therein, shall be burnt up!—
O
great day,
honoured 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 mountains shall proceed from their now prayerless lips! for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand.
2. It is compared to a REAPING TIME; a HARVEST-DAY
Matth. xiii. 39.
. What great and important business shall be done thereon! How universally shall all nations be gathered, and settled on a new bottom! How completely shall the wicked be separated from the 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 JEHOVAH'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! It is thine, O Jesus, and thine, O saint, to go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, and to return rejoicing, bring 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
Matth. xxv. 30.—46. Rev. xx. 11. 15.
. Pompously then shall Jesus, our appointed Judge, sit down on his awful bench, call, and in proper order sist before him all nations, and exhibit the most exact representation of their case. The saints being acquitted, shall be his assessors in judging others; the wicked shall be arraigned, and their guilt fully evinced. Then every thought, word, and deed of the children of men, must be accounted for; and upon clear manifestation of their state and conduct, shall just sentence and immediate execution proceed.—Great Judge, I kiss my lips, that I can give a right answer;
It was exacted, and thou answerest it: all my faults were thine.
4. It is compared to a MARRIAGE-DAY
Rev. xix. 7. Psal. xlv. 13. 14.
. After spiritual betrothing in the council of peace, and in effectual calling; after extensive preparation, and abundant longing for the event, shall Jesus, with all his ransomed, in the highest raptures of joy and love, in all the pomp of glorious apparel, before angels and men, be solemnly declared
espoused one to another;
and in consequence thereof, for ever obtain the most splendid feast, on
all the fulness of God,
on the
new wine
of everlasting love, and the mutual enjoyment of one another.—Write on thy heart, my soul,
Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
O when shall the union of mingled elements be dissolved, that my relation to Jesus may be all in all!
5. It is compared to a DAY of COROMATION and TRIUMPH
2 Tim. iv. 8.
. The enemies of Christ and his people being now fully subdued, he shall publicly appear, wearing his many crowns of glory and honour; and oblige his enemies to confess his universal and rightful authority.
Thus shall it be done to the man whom
God, whom my soul,
delighteth to honour.
Then shall you, redeemed, be DIVinely proclaimed
kings and priests unto God,
and with joy and shouting, crowned with endless glory, life, and righteousness.—Run, my soul, to receive this incorruptible crown. In fighting the
good fight of faith,
be
thou faithful unto the death,
and he shall
give thee a crown of life.
O how my heart springs forth to meet his burning chariot-wheels, and longs to see creation all in flame!
CHAP. XVI.
Metaphors respecting this world.
1. THE world is compared to a WOMAN
Rom. viii. 19.—22. Psal. xcvi. 11. 12.
Its
astonishment
and
grief,
denote the fearful wickedness committed, or judgments executed in it: Its
groaning and travailing in pain,
and
expectation
of the glorious liberty of the sons of God, mark how dreadfully the irrational creatures are abused by sinners, and how they suffer for 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
Matth. xiii. 47.
. What noise, disquiet, disorder, and danger prevail in it! What rocks! what whirlpools! what snares abound! what multitudes of unreasonable men live and devour one another! O the storms that blow on it, and daily wash out its inhabitants 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
Song viii. 5.
. How solitary, destitute of the comfortable presence of God! How barren! affording nothing to nourish or refresh our soul! How dangerous! the most pleasant inviting places and conditions, resembling Lebanon, Amana, Shenir, and Hermon, are but
lions dens, and mountains of leopards;
the lodging of Satan, and his destructive snares and agents. How often thunderstruck, and bestormed by the judgments of God! How devoid of a right way to happiness! and filled with false and dangerous paths! How overspread with briers and thorns, of wicked men, and of sinful entanglements! How bemisted with fogs of ignorance, perplexity, delusion, and crimes! How unsettled, troubled, and fearful their case, who dwell therein! and have it for their portion! 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 way,
a
way of holiness,
Jesus and his law,
for the redeemed
to walk in; hath caused
an handful of corn,
a little of his word, 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 wilderness to
blossom as the rose;
to possess the excellency of Carmel and Sharon; the whole earth being filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
4. It is compared to a FIELD
Matth. xiii. 38.—43.
. How extensive and large its boundaries! What persons and things, most DIVersified in form and circumstances, grow 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 inroads 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 rendered a "portion of foxes, a habitation of dragons,
of
wild or solitary beasts,
or a
place of breeding of thorns and nettles," denotes. that it is bereaved of its human inhabitants, and turned into a desart.
5. It is compared to an INN
Eccl. i. 4.
. Here we have no continuing city, no fixed property. One generation cometh, and another goeth away. Expect nothing in it, my soul, but mere necessaries;
having food and raiment, let
me
be therewith content.
CHAP. XVII.
Metaphors respecting the state of glory in heaven.
1. IT is called an INHERITANCE
Acts xxvi. 18.
. We receive it, not as purchasers thereof by any work of ours, but as
heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ;
as the sons and daughters of Jesus, who purchased it with his blood. And oh all comprehending, pleasant, incorruptible, and undefiled
inheritance of the saints in light,
in which we
inherit all things!
are
filled with all the fulness of God!
enjoy Godhead, in the face and person of Jesus Christ, to the utmost stretches of our wish! But will God in every 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, infeoffed me therein!
2. The heavenly state is called a BETTER COUNTRY
Heb. xi. 16.
. 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 for ever 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 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
tree of life;
unblasted, ten thousand fold glory, our only crop; God and the Lamb our only
light,
our unclouded, our unsetting
sun;
the unvailed face of an incarnate God, our only oracle and ordinance; God in him, our only provision, our only treasure; full conformity to God, our constant attainment, our common aspect; basking in the rays of his love, and rapturous acclamations of praise, our only employ; DIVine righteousness, brightest glory, denoting purity, victory, peace, and priesthood, our
white,
our only
raiment;
endless honour, life, and righteousness, our untottering crown. O happy land, where is no sickness, sorrow, pain, death, or curse! but holiness reigns, felicity overflows, and God is all in all! Am I to be for ever there! Are these eyes, now so intent on vanity and vileness, for ever to see God as he is! my God, and
mine exceeding joy!
Are these
feet now so swift to shed blood,
for ever to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth! Is this
mouth, now so full of cursing, and bitterness,
for ever to be filled with the high praises of him that loved me, and gave himself for me! Is this heart,
now so filled with all unrighteousness,
to be for ever extended, and filled with all the fulness of God! Am I, now altogether as
an unclean thing,
to lie for ever in the immediate embraces of Godhead, and be perfect as my Father which is in heaven is perfect!
3. The heavenly state of glory is compared to a KINGDOM; a PALACE, and THRONE
James ii. 5. Psal. xlv. 13. 14. Is. lxvi. 1.
. Here JEHOVAH, Jesus, and his ransomed ones, in their proper order, for ever reign! angels are the honorary retinue! they and saints the celestial hosts! Perfect holiness in every will, is the law; unceasing hosannas, the mirth. Here God, the universal monarch, is immediately enjoyed; the victories of his love for ever celebrated, and his unsearchable riches laid out to common use. Here, for ever reign inexpressible glory, honour, harmony, order, peace, and liberty; and all things and persons 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
Heb. xi. 10. Rev. xxi.
. How DIVinely built! How astonishing its order, compactness, comeliness, safety, government, and privileges! How numerous, and joined 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 person and office of his Son, as exhibited by the apostles, are
the twelve
jewelly
foundations
thereof. Christ, the pearl of great price, as preached to all the ends of the earth, is the
twelve gates
thereof. Its
foursquare form
denotes the self consistency, comeliness, and duration 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 are the
sun, light,
and
temple
thereof. The
sea of glass, mingled with fire before the throne,
is Jesus' bleeding love, his heart-inflaming and supporting righteousness. The
seven lamps besore the throne,
and the
river of life, clear as crystal, 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 vigour.
Nothing shall enter into it that defileth;
but there DIVine persons sit enthroned; and thither the tribes of God, the saved nations, go up to celebrate their endless festival: thither these kings carry 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!
5. It is called PARADISE, and compared to the garden of Eden
Luke xxiii. 43.
. Being DIVinely planted, it affords 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
tree 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 with bands;
and a GARNER
2 Cor. v. 1.
. Being DIVinely erected, framed, furnished, and prepared, it endureth for ever, and comprehends the most abundant safety, secrecy, 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
Matth. vi. 20.
. How inconceivably rich and valuable! in time how unknown! But how comprehensive! how supporting! emboldening! and heart-attracting, to him who hath it! My soul, cover 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
Is. lvii. 2. Heb. iv. 9.
. O the profound and unceasing quiet thereof! Peace, harmony, and love, reign in every breast. Here the covenant of peace, and its restful blessings, are enjoyed in the highest perfection. Toilsome labour is no more; but our endless employ of contemplation, love, wonder, and praise, is unmixed pleasure. Here want is neither felt nor feared; no enemy is to contend with, or danger to come near us. But the work of Jesus' righteousness is peace, and the effect of it.
quietness and assurance for ever.
His people shall dwell in a
peaceable babitation, 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
2 Cor. iv. 17.
. O its brightness and dazzling excellency! What glory is within! what glory on! and what glory all around us! What views of God in his brightness! of Jesus in the glory that the Father hath given him! How shall we be wrapt up, and transformed into glory, 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 confusion on my view!—O how 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 subsist under its ravishing pleasure and brightness!—My God, is it THIS which my afflictions work for me? send me then, as many, and as heavy ones, as thou wilt.
10. It is called the JOY
of the Lord
Matth. xxv. 21.
. There God is the matter of our joy; and our gladness approacheth as near as possible to his; and especially to that of Christ as Mediator. With what transporting pleasure, shall we think of the hell which we have escaped! of the troubles and temptations which we have overcome! of the holiness and everlasting felicity which we have obtained! With what pleasure shall we behold our blessed companions, and hear the unceasing hallelujahs! 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, HONOUR, and TRIUMPH! nay, ECLIPSER of the glory of creation! that MARROW of our love! LIFE of our joys! FOUNTAIN of our comfort! and CENTRE of our hearts! that RAVISHMENT of angels and men! that DELIGHT of JEHOVAH! and BRIGHTNESS
of
the 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 of David; Hosanna in the highest.
CHAP. XVIII.
Metaphors respecting hell.
1. HELL is called a LAKE
that
BURNS
with fire and brimstone
Rev. xx. 10.
. Here men, like the ancient Sodomites, are constituted monuments of DIVine vengeance. Here every power of their soul, every member and sense of their body, is tormented in the flames! Here, ye children of disobedience, shall your lusts for ever 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 irrecoverable loss! with what horror shall you behold the frowns! with what envy, hatred, and malice, shall you tremble under the hand of an angry God!
2. It is compared to TOPHET
Is. xxx. 33. Matth. v. 22. Cr.
, a valley near Jerusalem, where the Jews burnt their children to Molech, and the angel slew 185,000 Assyrians in one night. How near to the heavenly Jerusalem is the state of the damned! with what infuriated rage, madness, and anguish, they behold the happiness which they once despised! How terrible their torment! how horrid their outcries!—Alas! who shall live when the Lord doth this!
3. It is compared to a BURNING FIERY FURNACE, that cannot be quenched
Matth. xiii. 42.
. How terrible its appearances! How exquisite and universal its torments! how painful and penetrating! And O shocking thought, FOR EVER! Ye sinners in Zion be afraid; let fearfulness surprise the hypocrites. Who among you
shall dwell with devouring fire!
who shall
dwell with everlasting burnings!
While there is hope, flee, flee from the wrath to come.
New is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.
God having raised up his Son Jesus, sends him to bless you, in turning you from your iniquities. But if he is rejected, how shall every 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
1 Pet. iii. 19.
. Here transgressors are for ever shut up to the fury of Almighty God; are exposed to the most shocking disgrace and contempt; 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; FOR EVER, if mercy prevent not, God's unmixed wrath shall be your drink, your food; the howlings of the damned your music; enraged fiends your inseparable companions.
5. It is called a BOTTOMLESS PIT
Rev. ix. 11.
. How inconceiveably dreadful, and durable, is the misery thereof! 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 DARKNESS; and BLACKNESS OF DARKNESS
Matth. viii. 12.
. In it there is no glimmering of patience, mercy, or hope; but endless wickedness, perplexity, anguish, torment, and terror.—Kiss now, my soul, the Son of God, lest he be angry, and I perish from the way.
7. It is compared to a STORM
Psal. xi. 6.
. O the violence, irresistibleness, and unsupportableness of DIVine wrath, raining upon them
snares, fire, brimstone, and an horrible tempest!
Ah! how their souls tremble at the thunder-claps of vengeance! and are tossed by the fury of Almighty God!
8. Infernal torments are compared to SALT
Mark ix. 49.
. Ah! how painful, penetrating, and permament! How powerfully 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 every lust; a consuming fire to every corruption. God forbid, that sin which digged, which kindled, my Saviour's hell of wo for me, should be my pleasure, or my jest!
FINIS