Miscellanea philo-theologica, or, God, & man A treatise compendiously describing the nature of God in his attributes, with a lively pourtraiture of his wisedome in ordering, and disposing of the celestiall, and terrestriall bodies. Containing much variety of matter ... and apt applications singular for brevity, and perspicuity. By Henry Church.

[Section. 2] Secondly, Resolves Concerning the Breast.

1. Quest. What learne we from the Breast, and the Shoulder given to the Priest in the Peace-offerings, Le∣viticus 7.29. to 32?

Ans. 1. The Priest must have the Breast of know∣ledge; the Shoulder of labour.

2. The people must bring the Breast to be cleansed from corruption; the Shoulder to be directed to worke, and take paines.

3. The lifting it up, and waving the Breast:

• 1. In acknowledgement, it was from God.
• 2. Our mindes, and endeavours should be upward.
• 3. In publike view, our workes must be manifest.

2. Qu. What learne we from the Breast-plate, Exo. 28.30?

Ans. 1. It was the Breast-plate of Judgment, the High-Priest put-on, when he consulted with God: Num. 27.21.

2. He must weare it on his Hear, or Breast, with precious-stones therein graven, signifying the

nearenesse of the Church to Christ, and alwayes in re∣membrance, and enricht with Graces; Rich, precious Graces.

3. The Breast-plate was lost in the Captivity, Ezra. 2.63. After that they must keepe to the Law of Moses, Mala. 4.4. and enquire there.

3. Qu. What is that Righteousnesse, which is a Breast-plate, Ephes. 6.14?

Ans. It is the Righteousnesse of a good Consci∣ence, being a powerfull worke of Gods Spirit, in the Regenerate, whereby they endeavour to approve themselves to God, and Man, by performing what Gods Law requires:

• 1. Tis a worke of Gods Spirit, which quick∣neth. Rom. 6.11.
• 2. A powerfull worke: We by Nature be dead, Ephes. 2.1.
• 3. In the Regenerate: They be borne of the Spi∣rit, Iohn 3.6.
• 4. They endeavour, and strive: Acts 24.16. Heb. 13.18.
• 5. To approve themselves to God, and Man: Matth. 22.37.39.
• 6. According to the Law, that shewes us our Dutie.

This Breast-plate keepes us from sinne, in safetie.

4. Qu. Why is Faith, and Love a Breast-plate, 1 Thes. 5.8?

Ans. 1. Faith brings home Christ, for our De∣fence.

2. Love evidences, we be Gods Children: 1 Iohn 3.14. That prevents despaire; and Love sets us on worke to keepe Gods Commandements: so we prevent sinne, and flie presumption, and securitie, and escape wounds, as by a Breast-plate.

5. Qu. What is meant by the Blessing of the Breasts,

Iosephs Blessing, amongst the rest, Gen. 49.25?

Ans. It was a numerous Posteritie, tenne thou∣sands of Ephraim, and thousands of Manasseh: Deut. 33.17. Many Children, well nourisht Children: the contrarie is a curse, Hosea. 9.14. a barren wombe, and drie Breasts.

6. Qu. What is meant by the two Breasts, Cant. 4.5?

Ans. Breasts set out the Churches Ornaments, Eze. 16.7. Thou art come to excellent Ornaments, thy Breasts are fashioned. Also they signifie Nourishment. Esa. 66.11. Those without the Ministrie, are said to be without Breasts, Cant. 8.8. The Breasts of the Church, be as Towers, Cant. 8.10. being obvious, and strong, and large.

Notes

• D. Goog•• his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pag•• 146.
• Ainsworth on Cant. Or Towers for strength o•• deliverie o•• the word Mi∣dal, which i•• Tower, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is a Pulpit, 8 Nehemiah 4