- 2. The quantity of that joy; It is exceeding great; It farre surpasseth all the joy that ever was or can be; which is further manifested in this phrase following▪ above thy fellows.
This Epithete gladnesse is here attributed to this oyl in relation to Christ the head, and to all beleevers his members.
It hath relation to Christ in two respects,
- 1. As it quickned him up and made him joyfull in all his undertakings for our redemption; Christ being by his Father deputed to his Function, most willingly and joyfully undertook it and managed it: As a Bridegroom coming out of his cham∣ber, he rejoyced as a strong man to run his race, Psa. 19. 5. When he cometh into the world, he saith, I delight to do thy will O my God, Psa. 40. 8. When he was in the world, he said, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work, Joh. 4. 34.
- 2. Gladnesse hath relation to Christ by reason of the fruit that sprouted out from thence. His coming into the world, and doing, and enduring what he did was matter of rejoycing to others; in which respect the Prophet exhorteth the daughter of Zion to shout, and to be glad and rejoyce with all the heart, Zep. 3. 14. Zec. 9. 9. And the Angels that brought the first news of Christs birth, do thus proclaim it, Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people, Luk. 2. 10.
2. This Epithete gladnesse hath relation to the members of Christ in two res∣pects.
- 1. As the things whereof in Christ they are made partakers are matters of great joy; For so many and so great are the benefits which beleevers receive from Christ, by vertue of that annointing, as they very much rejoyce their hearts. Ma∣ny of these benefits are expresly set down, Isa. 61. 1, 2, 3. Other benefits are in other places distinctly noted; as redemption from sinne, reconciliation with God, justi∣fication in his sight, adoption, regeneration, sanctification, and the end of all, eter∣nall salvation. If any things in the world cause true joy and gladnesse, surely these effects which flow from the annointing of Christ will do it.
- 2. As the members of Christ are quickened up by that Spirit which cometh from him, do and endure readily, willingly, cheerfully, joyfully what the Lord cals them unto, as Psa. 122. 1. 1 Chr. 29. 9, 17. It is said of those on whom the Spirit rest∣ed, that they received the Word gladly, and mutually communicated together with gladnesse. On a like ground the Eunuch whom Philip baptized, and Pauls Jaylor, are said to rejoyce, Act. 8. 39. & 16. 34.
This fruit of joy gives evidence of a Beleevers Union with Christ, and of the abode of Christs Spirit in him: For the Spirit is as Oyl, of a diffusing nature. Here∣by we may gain assurance to our own souls, and give evidence to others of the Spirit that is in us: So did the Jews of old, 1 Chron. 29. 9. and Christs Disciples, Luke 10. 17. and Christians in the Primitive Church, Heb. 10. 34. Phil. 2. 17, 18.
To shew our selves true members of Christ, we ought further so to carry our selves in our severall Functions, as we may cause others to rejoyce; So did Solo∣mon, 1 King. 5. 7. and Hezekiah, 2 Chron. 29. 36. and the Apostles, Act. 15. 31. This we shall do by diligence, faithfulnesse, justice, equity, uprightnesse, mercifulnesse, and by disposing of our affairs to the good of others; So did Christ.