SECT. V. Of the first Manifestation of Christ.
4. FOr the first Manifestation of Jesus by his several witnesses; now it was time that the Sun of Righteousness should arise, and shine in the view of the world: and (be∣cause of unbelief which had blinded the world) that some especial witnesses should be chosen out,* 1.1 both to anoint our eyes, and to point to the light, saying, This is he of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth the Son of Joseph: to this purpose we read much of the manifestation of Jesus; God was manifest in the flesh. And Christ verily was fore-ordained before the foundations of the World, but was manifest in these last times for you. In that first Miracle that ever he wrought, this is written upon it,* 1.2 he manifested forth his Glory. And John the Divine, in his setting out of Jesus, he tells us, that the Life was manifested; and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal Life which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.
And there is reason for this manifestation. 1. Because every manifestation was an approbation of his Mission and Divinity. 2. Because in the manifestation of Christ, there was a manifestation of the Grace of God; and this was the Will of God, that he would not only act free Grace, but he would have it known, and published to all the world; this is the Glory of Grace, and sets it out: And therefore saith the Apostle, The grace of God that bringeth salvation,* 1.3 hath appeared to all men. At the opening and discovery of Jesus Christ, the kindness, and pity, and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared. 3. Because this manifestation hath something in it of the removal of sin; it is the voice of Christ unto such as are in sin,* 1.4 Behold me; the first step towards the remission of Sins, is the beholding of Christ; now we cannot behold him that will not come into view:* 1.5 and therefore saith the Apostle, ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins. 4. Because this manifestation hath something in it to the overthrowing of Satan; for the while that Christ hid himself, Satan blinded the minds of men; but when once Christ the Image of God shone forth, then Satan, like Lightning fell down from Heaven;* 1.6 for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the Devil. 5. Because this manifestation tends to our believing in Christ, and by consequence to our Salvation through Christ:* 1.7 Many signs Christ did in the presence of his disciples which are not written; but these are written, (saith John) that ye might be∣lieve that Jesus is Christ the Son of God; and that believing, ye might have life through his Name.
Well, but wherein was this first manifestation of Jesus? I answer, in those several witnesses that held him forth:* 1.8 It is written in the Law (saith Christ) that the testimo∣ny of of two men is true; but to manifest Christ, were many witnesses. As, 1. From Hea∣ven the Father is witness;* 1.9 for see, saith Christ, the Father that sent me, beareth witness of me: and the Son is witness; for so saith Christ: I am one that bear witness of my self; and though I bear record of my self, yet my record is true; for I know whence I came, and whither I go:* 1.10 and the Holy Ghost is witness; so faith Paul: The Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: and to that purpose he descended like a Dove, and light upon him. 2. On Earth John the Baptist is witness:* 1.11 for so saith Christ; ye sent unto John, and he bare wit∣ness unto the truth,—he came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Christ might believe. No sooner was John confirmed by a sign from Heaven, that Jesus was the Christ, but he immediately manifests it to the Jews; and first to the Priests