The brazen serpent, or, God's grand design viz., Christ's exaltation for man's salvation, in believing on Him, or, The right way to regeneration ... / by J. Horn ...

CHAP. XXI.

A Second Ʋse. The Excellencies of Christ hence infer∣red, and that is viewed: First, As the Excellencies of the choice Creatures are ascribed unto Him; and so He, the first-born of every Creature.

[Use. 2] THe Second Thing I shall note, is for further Information of us, from all said upon God's Grand Design of exalting and lifting up Christ the Son of Man, and of the necessity and fulness of Him, and his Exaltation, both as exalted in Himself, and as glorified by the Spirit in the Gospel, for effecting Faith in us, and there-through preserving us from perishing, and giving us Eternal Life; to inform us of the exceeding precious∣ness, excellency and glory of the Lord Jesus, this Son of Man himself, from whom, and whose excellency all the Glory of the Gospel, and its beneficialness and advanta∣giousness floweth. Surely, He that renders the Gospel so glorious, must needs excell in glory and excellen∣cy himself; its nothing, but He in it that makes it rich and full, and efficacious. Let Men speak as gallant words as they can imagine, and use all the skill that Art, and Industry can suggest; yea, that the most wise and subtle spirit can teach them, Speak with the Tongue of Men and Angels, use the most powerful demonstrations Logick can make, and the most perswasive arguments Oratory can invent and make use of, yet if there be nothing of the Son of Man in it, nothing of Christ, and him cruci∣fied, it avails nothing to our Salvation and enjoyment of Eternal Life. But He alone discovered (and the better

the more nakedly, and with the less artifice and use of those Sciences) is able to effect all in us; for God hath made void the wisdom of this world; the wise, the Scribe and the Disputer of this World, are with him mere ciphers, 1 Cor. 1.18, 19, 20. Deceive men they may (and there∣fore the Apostle cautions us to beware, least any man spoil us through Philosophy and vain deceit, Coll. 2.8) but save men from perishing they cannot, much less advance them to Eternal Life: No, its this Object held forth in the Gospel, that is the life and vertue of it, which is the Son of man Christ Jesus, Rom. 1.3. and 16.25. and there∣fore seeing the Gospel is so excellent by his being the matter of it, how excellent is He himself, who is its matter? He must needs be more precious than the Gold of Ophir, more glorious and excellent than the Mountains of prey, Isa. 13.12. Psal. 76.4. That hath in him not on∣ly the excellencies of all the Creatures, but all the excel∣lencies of God also. Gods great glory, and mans utmost happiness, all meeting in him. If when Ahasuerus pro∣posed the Question, What shall be done to the man whom the King will honour? Haman reasonably thought it would be no small matter which would be done to him; How much more may it be thought and believed, that He whom God not only will honour, but honour above all, must needs excell in all things that may commend him? Yea, He honours him with his own, with all his own honour and glory; which he will not give to any other besides him, either thing or person: Surely he must needs be infinite∣ly and inexpressibly honourable and glorious; seeing God is infinitely honourable and glorious himself, and honours him not according to the dictates of the wisest and highest Creatures (with whom he takes no counsel in this, or any other matter) but according to his own wisdom, understanding and goodness, which are all infi∣nite

and boundless; unless then we could by searching find out God, yea, and find him out too to perfection (whose Excellency is higher then the Heavens; so that, What can we do? Deeper then Hell; and therefore, What can we know? Longer then the Earth, and Broader then the Sea, and so altogether Incomprehensible) we cannot find out, and fathom all the Glory and Excellency of this Man, the Son of man, the Lord Jesus. Well may it therefore be said of him, that He hath a Name above eve∣ry Name, and that none knows but himself, Rev. 19.12. And as himself saith, None knoweth him but his Father, Mat. 11.27. Yet many, and great, and glorious things are said of him, by his holy Spirit, That searcheth out all things, even the deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2.10. And Takes the things of Christ, and shews them to us, John 16.13, 14, 15. Things that commend him highly to us, though yet, his Name (which is) only Excellent, Psal. 148.13. Is Exalted above all Blessing and Praise, Neh. 9.5. So that when we have searched, and said all we can, in, and from what is Recorded of him by his holy Spirit, yet we may conclude, as in Psal. 106.2. Who can declare his mighty Acts? Who can set forth all his Praises? God hath so poured out Himself, and his Fulness, and the Ful∣ness of all things therein as it were into him, that he is All and in all, in the new Creature, or Creation, Col. 3.10. It hath pleased the Father, that in him all Fulness should dwell (and it hath pleased all Fulness to dwell in him) yea, All the Fulness of the Godhead dwells in him bodily, and in him we are compleat, Col. 1.19. and 2.9, 10. All things in Heaven and Earth, hath God pleased to gather together in one, even in Christ Jesus, Ephes. 1.10. That if any thing in either, or all things in both of them, may like us, and satisfie us, we may have them fully and transcendently in him. Let us essay to View

something of his Infinite Perfections. And so

1. We may find him as the Son of man, the First-born (or most Choice and Excellent) of every Creature, and to be before all things: As he in whom the choicest Vir∣tues, of all the choice Creatures, are transcendently met. And well they may, seeing by him all things were made and by him received their several Beings, Forms, Pro∣perties, and Virtues. We may take a brief view of some of the prime of them, as they are used in Scripture Speech, to be as his Shadows, or Representations of something of his Excellencies; Who is the beginning of the Creation of God, Rev. 3.14. The Wisdom in, and by which all things were made, Psal. 104.24. Prov. 3.19, 20. and 8.22, 30. And here let us view,

1. The Creatures made before man. Of which

1. The Light was the first we read of distinctly mention∣ed. And, Truly the Light is sweet, and of great good in the Creation, comfortable and very useful, discovering all things else; and rendring them visible, and affording Direction and something of Capacity for our Working, Walking, and comfortable Fruition of other Creatures. And he is the Light of the World, the true Light, lightning every man coming into the World; the Light of Life, gi∣ving a right and true discovery of all things, and afford∣ing Direction to us, and Capacity for our right demea∣nour of our selves toward them, and comfortable Injoy∣ment of the Benefits in, or by them; inlightning the mind, and inlivening the inward man, John 1.9. and 8.12.

2. The Earth with its Furniture and Garnishments, is used also to represent some of his Excellencies. For he is both as the Fruitful Soil, that brings forth and gives Fruitfulness to the Vegetables there-on. For in him the Trees of Righteousness are Planted, and do Grow

(he being in the most choice sense, the House of the Lord) Psal. 92.12. John 2.21. Col. 2.9, The fruitful Hill, or Horn of Oyl, Isa. 5.2. Yea, his Garden and Vine∣yard, with all their pleasant Flowers, Spices and Fruits, have their Rooting in him, Col. 2.6, 7. And Grow in the Grace and knowledg of him, 2 Pet. 3.18. Cant. 4.11, 12.16. and 2.2, 13. He, the Word, falling into the Earth, the Humanity, and Dying in the Manhood, brings forth much Fruit, that grows from and in him, John 12.24. Yea, he is both the Root and Off-spring of David too, Rev. 22.16. Though Growing as a tender Plant, and as a Root out of a dry Ground, Isa. 53.2. The Branch out of the Root of Jesse, Isa. 11.1, 10. with Rom. 15.12. The pleasant Plant, the Man whose Name is the Branch, Zech. 3.8. and 6.12. The Branch of the Lord Beautiful and Glorious, and the Fruit of the Earth, Excel∣lent and Comely. No such Branch, or Root, or Fruit, as he, Isa. 4.2. The True Vine, John 15.1.4. Whose Grape and Juice chears both the Heart of God and man, Judg. 9.13. The Apple-Tree amongst the Trees of the Forest, whose Shadow is fragrant and delightful to sit under, and whose Fruit is pleasant to the taste, Cant. 2.4, 5. Yea, the goodly Cedar of Lebanon, so strong and dura∣ble, and the Palm-Tree so Tall and Streight growing up, though under Weights and Pressures, are Emblems of him and his Kingdom; he being the Head of the Righteous, the First and Prime of them, Psal. 92.11. The Green Olive-Tree also in the House of God is he, ra∣rather then any other, trusting as man in the Mercy and Bounty of God (and so Living by the Father that sent him, John 6.57.) For ever, Psal. 52.9. He is the choice Flower in Gods Garden; and his Cheeks are said to be sweet Flowers, Cant. 5.13.

Again, In the solid parts of, and in the Bowels of the

Earth, he is represented by what is therein Excellent. Whether it be what is hard and durable only, or what is also precious; the Stone for strength: He is the Stone and Rock of Israel, Gen. 49.24. 2 Sam. 23.3. The Rock of Ages: The Foundation of Gods Building, that cannot be moved; the sure Foundation, the precious Cor∣ner Stone, with whom what is united, and upon whom whoso trusteth, shall not be ashamed, 1 Pet. 2.4, 6. Isa. 28.16. Yea, if their be any Pearls in the bottome of the Sea, Gems, Jewels, or precious Stones, or Mettals, in the Bowels of the Earth; he is far more Rich and Precious then they. He being and affording that which in the Spirit is called, The Gold of Ophire, and the Stones of the Brooks, the Almighty, that is the Defence, or Gold; of those that acquaint themselves with him, and re∣ceive the Law from his Mouth. As in him also we may find plenty of Silver, or Silver of Strength: His Word being as Silver, seven times purified in the fire, Job 22.22.24. Psal. 12.6. Yea, The words of his Mouth, are better to the Soul then Gold, then much fine Gold; yea, Then thou∣sands of Gold and Silver, Psal. 9.10. and 119.71. He is the Pearl of Price, which the wise Merchant sells all to purchase, counting as Loss and Dung, the most goodly and glistering Pearls besides, that he may win him, Mat. 13.44, 45. Phil. 2.7, 8, 9. Yea, He and the knowledg of him, is that Wisdom that is better then Pearls and Rubies; not to be valued with the Onyx Stone, or Topaz of Ethiopia, or what ever other Gems and Jewels: All things that can be desired, not being comparable therewith, Job 28. Prov. 3.14, 15.

3. If we View the Waters. He is the Ocean of Goodness, and of plenteous Redemption: Into whose Depths he will cast all his Peoples sins, Mich. 7.18, 19. The Spring and Fountain of Living Waters, Jer. 2.13.

The place of broad Rivers and Streams, much more safe then the Seas; for therein goes no Gally with Oars, nor gallant Ships, Isa. 33.21. And the Waters which he gives, far transcend all others in Virtue and Goodness; both for Cleansing, for they cleanse the fowlest Spots, make clean such as the house of David, and Inhabitants of Jerusalem; Persons guilty of bloody sins, like Scarlet or Crimson, Zech. 13.1. Isa. 1.10, 18, 21, 22. And for Fructifying, for they cause the Trees of Righteous∣ness always to be green, and to bear forth precious and prosperous Fruits, Psal. 1.2, 3. Ezek. 47.7, 12. And for Quenching the Thirst, for they cause the Drinkers of them to Thirst no more, John 4.14. Rev. 7.16, 17. Yea, they also produce a multitude of Fish, Souls trust∣ing to and Swiming in the Goodness of God, as ma∣nifested in him. Yea, and they give Life and Healing to all they come to, Ezek. 47.7, 8. And what are not healed by them, are like Marshes and Miry places, the Sinks of sin. And these Waters are Christ, and the know∣ledg of, and abundance of Grace in him, John 6.35. and 7.37, 38, 39.

4. View we the Air, and there we shall find the Clouds useful for shading from the heat, and the Rain and Dew thence refreshing the Earth, and producing Fruits therein. And is not Christ a Cloud of Protecti∣on and Shadow to his Servants? Isa. 4.4. And he shall come down like Rain on the mown Grass (those that are ta∣ken down and cut off from their Carnal confidences, and Fleshly rejoycings in themselves) and as the showres that water the Earth. So as in his days, the Righteous shall flou∣rish, Psal. 72.6, 7. Yea, and his Doctrine is as the Rain, the small Rain, and as the Dew to the tender herb, or heart; because his Name is therein Proclaimed, Deut. 32.1, 2. And his Spirit poured out, is like Water upon the thirsty,

and his blessing like floods of water upon the dry Land, Isa. 44.3, 4. so as he causes to grow, as among the grass, and as the Willows by the water courses. And He will be as the Dew to Israel, a sweet refreshing, so as he shall grow as the Lilly and cast forth his roots as Lebanon, his branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the Olive-tree, and his smell as Lebanon, Hos. 14.5, 6. Yea, and he makes them that are in him, and partake of him, to be as the dew too from the Lord, and as the showres upon the grass, (as he is held forth in and by them) that tarryeth not for man (to help forward by his Art and industry) nor waiteth for the Sons of men, Mic. 5.7. In the Air also is the cool re∣freshing breath, & the winds that sometimes bring clouds and rain, and sometimes drive them away; sometimes carries on mens endeavours, and sometime breaks down what resists. And his Spirit is as the wind which blow∣eth and breatheth where it listeth, and brings forth the Clouds that have rain in them, his gifted Servants, Joh. 3.8. Isa. 5.6. and showres of heavenly doctrin and bles∣sing. And it is sometime like a mighty rushing wind, too strong for all that make resistance there-against, Act. 2.2. and 6.10. And he drives away from, or brings storms upon men, as he sees fitting, Rev. 7.1, 2. Yea, Christ by his Spirit sometimes fills the Soul with a fresh Gale, and carries it on with a full Sail of assurance of faith and hope, while they as Vessels swim upon the Ocean and Streams of his Goodness, and commit themselves to his care and assistance, Coll. 2.2. Heb. 6.11. and 10.22. Yea, and in the Air there be Thundrings and Light∣nings too, representing his Voice, and the discoveries of Himself, and his wrath; while He thunders from hea∣ven upon his enemies, 1 Sam. 2.10. and answers his people by terrible things in righteousness, in the secret place of thun∣der, Psal. 65.5. and 81.7. Yea, and He makes his

Servants and Disciples too sometimes Boanerges, Sons of Thunder, Mark 3.17. And his Lightnings (his suddain, forcible discoveries of himself, his truth, and judgments) inlighten the earth, Psal. 97.4.

5. The Fire also represents him who was as devouring Fire in the sight of the Children of Israel, Exod. 24.13. and, who sits as the Refiners fire to purify the Sons of Levi, that they may offer a pure offering, Mal. 8.3. And surely He is that light of Israel that is for a Fire, and his Holy one that is for a flame, to burn and devour his thorns and briars (the wicked amongst and against them, with all wicked works) 2 Sam. 23.6, 7. Ezek. 2.6. and 28.24. Mal. 4.1. Heb. 6.8. Isa. 10.17. Yea, his Law is a fiery law, Deut. 33.2. And his word as fire to give light, warmth, and helpfulness for purifying, melting, and bur∣ning up what is meet for such operations, Jer. 23.29. and his spirit a Spirit of burning, Isa. 4.4. where-with also, as also with fiery tryals and afflictions, he baptizeth; Matth. 3.11.

6. View we the Heavens; there the bright and the morning star very comfortable to them that watch for the Morning, and the Sun pleasant for the eye to behold, are to be seen, and He is the bright and the morning star, Rev. 22.16. The Day spring (East, or Morning) that hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness, and the sha∣dow of death, and to guide our feet into the ways of peace, Luc. 1.77.78. A great light, Matth. 4.16. Yea, He is the glorious Sun of righteousness that shall arise to those that fear him, with healing under his wings; and as the Sun in the Firmament hath rejoyced, and doth to run his course, Mal. 4.2. Psal. 19.6. Yea, He is far above the Sun in excellency; for, the Lord God is a Sun and a Shield too, and will give grace and glory, and no good thing will he with-hold from them that walk uprightly, Psal. 84.11.

7. View we the Animals and living Creatures, what excellencies or usefulness is in them, that be not far more excellently in him; the meekness of the Lamb, its cleanness for Sacrifice to God; goodness, sweetness & wholsomness for food, and profitableness for clothing to men; its pati∣ence in suffering, &c. are far more excellently in him; the Lamb of God, the spotless Lamb, and without blemish, that takes away the sin of the World, Joh. 1.29. 1 Pet. 1.19. Joh. 6.51.53, 55. a Lamb against the ravenous Beasts, who though hated and hunted by them, bears all with patience and meekness; dumb before the Shearers, and when led to the slaughter opened not his mouth, Isa. 53.7. and at the last overcomes them, Rev. 17.14. The strength and courage of the Lion, and the comeliness of his going, that turneth not away from any, being found in him too, who is therefore stiled the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, that hath prevailed. Prov. 30.30. Rev. 5.5. Yea, he overcomes the old Lion and Dragon, and all the Beasts of prey, which rise up against him. The stately Unicorn and his erected Horn is but an emblem of Him, and his Kingdom, having the strength of the Unicorn, Numb. 23.22. and 24.8. and his glory, and strength called his Horn, shall be exalted like the Unicornes horn, Psal. 92.10. The Roe and the young Hart leaping on the moun∣tains, is he in the liveliness of his love, Cant. 2.9, 17. and 8.14. The Hen or any other Bird most loving to her Chickens or young ones, are short of him too in his desire to gather Souls under him for his defence, and in keeping warm and safe those that trust under the sha∣dow of his wings, Matth. 23.37. Psal. 91.3.

II. View we Man, Gods prime workmanship at the first, Gen. 1.26. and Christs delight, Prov. 8.31. and we shall find no excellency given Man, wherein Christ excells not; View we,

1. His Body, with its Members; they are made use of to express, or rather figure his excellencies, who also was made Man, and took an humane body now made glori∣ous: under the names of Mans bodily members, he hath discovered his perfections; but so, as far surpasses all that's in other mens bodies; for, his Head is as the most fine gold, to signify the preciousness of his Deity and Authority, his Rule and Government, and how exceeding rich and precious his thoughts and inventions; 1 Cor. 11.3. Psal. 139.17, 18. His locks bushie and black as a Raven, his thoughts exceeding many to us and deep, and so are the acts and exercises of his Authority and Government o∣ver us, and for us; his judgments also unsearchable and full of strength, youth and beauty, Psal. 4.6. and 92.5, 6. Rom. 11.33. His eyes (or inspections) like Doves eyes wa∣shed with milk, undefiled, pure and clean, chast and single, and fitly set, nothing wrong or amiss in them, he season∣ably beholds our needs and wants, and discovers either love or anger, as is meet for us. His cheeks, the appear∣ance of his face, as beds of spices, sweet flowers, both love∣ly to the view, and grateful to the tast and smell, sweet, fragrant, precious, refreshing the inward senses. His lips like Lillies dropping sweet smelling myrrh; his words pure and clean, precious, refreshing the heart, and physical, and full of purging, healing virtue to the Soul and Conscience. His Hands as Gold-rings set with the Beryll, his powerful acts and works precious, rich, heavenly, and his power without beginning or end. His Belly as bright Ivory over∣laid with sapphires, his inward hearty affections, and bowel∣ly compassions manifest, pure, clean and chast, and most preciously rich, and inriching, as opened and disclosed in the Holy Books or Scriptures of truth. His Leggs as Pillars of Marble, his goings strong and steddy, set upon Sockets of fine gold, having their Basis or Foundation in

his Deity, or also in his precious sufferings, wherein he was as Gold tried in the Fire for us, and all suitable to his Word and Wisdom, more precious then the finest Gold, Psal. 19.10. and 119.72.127. Prov. 3.14. and 8.10, 18, 19. His 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like Li••••••••••, excellent as the Cedars; his stature, and the growth of his glory, and glorious Kingdom, such as is beautiful and fragrant, strong, durable, and such as over-passeth all others, and his love and favour marveilous, great, strong, and refreshing. His mouth most sweet; his gracious and heavenly Doctrin sweeter then the honey and the honey comb, Psal. 19.10. and 119.72. Yea, he is altogether lovely, or love and desires, worthy to be admired and beloved of us, Cant. 5.10, 16. and though he hath not always one and the same ap∣pearance attributed to him, yet its always excellent and glorious.

In Dan. 10.6. his Body appeared like the Beryll, of a sky-colour, to signify his heavenliness, and the heaven∣liness into which he brings his Church; his face as the ap∣pearance of lightning, terrible to his enemies, and exceed∣ing bright, pure and glorious in its sudden transient mani∣festations. His Eyes as Lamps of Fire; his inspections such as discover things in the dark, and burn up things combustible, and such as are saving to his People, Isa. 62.1. Yea, his eyes behold, his eye-lids try the Children of men, Psal. 11.5. His armes (wherewith he works) and his feet, (wherewith he walks) like in colour to polished brass, strong, bright, glorious and pure, for his work is perfect, and all his ways are judgment, a God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he, Deut. 32.4. Or, as Nebu∣chadnezar expressed it, His works are truth, and his ways judgment, and such as walk in pride, he is able to abase, Dan. 4.37. The voice of his words, like the voice of a multitude. Such firmness in his sayings, and testimonies that are as

much or more to be believed, then what is testified by a multitude of witnesses: In Rev. 1.14. its a little other∣wise. His head white like wooll, white as snow, to shew him to be from of old, from everlasting; Mic. 5.2. The ever∣lasting Father, Isa. 9.6. and his Authority and Govern∣ment to be perfectly pure, and immixed with any thing of evil: His eyes as flames of fire; his views such, as per∣fectly discerns what's in the dark, and makes it evident, burning up the evil. His feet like unto fine brass, like as if they burned in a Furnace, which may signify (beside what we noted on them in Daniel) the fiery trials that he orders in his ways and providences, for purifying his mem∣bers in their goings; and yet the durableness of his ways and meanest, and greatliest suffering members, that are not thereby consumed, but consume what opposeth his walkings. His voice as the sound of many waters, which signifies a multitude of witnesses, as before. In his right hand seven Stars, to signify his holding and upholding by his power, and favour, his shining Ministers, and dis∣posing them as he pleaseth. And out of his mouth went a sharp Sword; his quick and piercing Word, with its In∣structions, Reproofs, and Judgments: And, his counte∣nance, as the Sun, when it shineth in its strength; his fa∣vour affording most excellent, and full light of under∣standing, warmth, and chearing of heart, and effecting fruitfulness in all good things, when it shines forth; such is He, as he is represented in the similitude of a man; yea, as He took a body of flesh for us, so He therein and there∣through, is the body or substance of all things, that ty∣ped him out: Col. 2.16. But, let us view him also in the Perfections of,

2. Man's inside, as made of God. God breathed into Man the breath of life, and Man became a living Soul. Life is common to Man with other Creatures, and is a great

excellency of the Creatures indued with it, making them therein to excel the inanimate. Christ not only hath life in himself, but is the life, the life of the Soul, the Re∣surrection and the Life: Joh. 11.25. The Way, the Truth, and the Life: Joh. 14.6. Yea, all life he gives to the Soul, as well as He hath it in himself; Life of growth; for, as he himself grew in wisdom, stature, and favour, both with God and man; so he causeth the Soul to grow in grace; as He in the knowledg of himself, comes more and more into it. The Thessalonians being in God, and Christ, their faith and love grew exceedingly, 2 Thes. 1.1, 3. 2 Pet. 3.18. Life of sense and motion; He hath that per∣fectly; for, he beholdeth all things, and nothing is hid from his sight, but all things are opened and naked before him; Heb. 4.12, 13. Though, yet through charity, none so blind as he, not to see and observe against us our iniqui∣ties, Isa. 42.19, 20. Psal. 130.3, 4. He heareth all things; for, he that planted the ear, shall not he hear, Psal. 94.9. Though through charity he is oft, as one deaf, to what may make against men, so as not to testify his hear∣ing in punishing them: Isa. 42.19, 20. But, he hears the cry of the poor and helpless; yea, he hears from heaven: Psal. 102.20. compared with ver. 25, 26. and Heb. 1.10, 11. He smells the savour of his Spouses Ointments above all Spices, and her Garments as the smell of Lebanon; Cant. 4.10, 11. He tasts the sweetness of her love more then Wine, and eats his honey-comb with his honey, and drinks his Wine with his milk; and findes sweetness and refresh∣ing therein. Cant. 4.10. and 5.1. Though he will not smell in the solemn Assemblies of evil doers, tast their sacri∣fices, nor regard their Songs, or the melody of their Viols; Amos 5.21, 22, 23. He feels also our infirmities, and can be touched with his Peoples injuries, and be sensible of their miseries. He that toucheth them, toucheth the apple 〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

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patient bearing Injuries, and Evils, and going through with his Work, so as nothing turned him back, Isa. 50.5, 6. Heb. 12.2. Temperance; for the Honours and Preferments, Riches, and Pleasures of this World, could not move him from his course; neither when Sa∣tan bad for his Service, the Kingdoms of the World, and their Glory, Mat. 4.8, 9. Nor when the people would have made him a King, John 6.15. Prudence; for its fore-testified of him by his Father: Behold my Servant shall deal prudently, Isa. 52.13. And he is the Spring of all these Excellencies, to all that listen to, and obey his Doctrine, giving them to know, and understand all things, Prov. 28.5. 1 John 2.20, 27. And to discern the things that differ, and approve the things that are excel∣lent, Rev. 3.18. Phil. 3.10, 11. Makes them to re∣member him, and in him God and his Goodness, and what he sees good for them; by his Spirit, bringing all things to their remembrance, John 14.26. Cant. 1.4. Gifts them severally as he pleases, with Knowledg, Inventi∣on, and Finding out of Secrets, Prov. 1.2, 3, 4. Re∣news the Affections to love good, and hate evil; and in a word, through the discoveries of his Glory, he changes them into his own Image, making them a new man, in∣dued with all manly Qualities, and Virtues; Righte∣ousness, Fortitude or Courage in induring Adversities, and going on in his ways with all Perseverance, Tempe∣rance, in denying their Lusts, and Appetites, and living Soberly and Righteously in this present world; and prudence in walking wisely; yea, in all wisdom to all well pleasing, 2 Cor. 3.18. Ephes. 2.6. and 4.15, 16, 21, 22, 23. Col. 1.9, 10, 11. and 3.10. Tit. 2.11, 12. As may be seen in his Worthies, who through the Faith of him, have loved and wrought Righteousness; so as for the sake thereof, to suffer and endure all things, as may be

seen in that Cloud of Witnesses, Heb. 11. with 1 Sam. 18.30. Gen. 39 1, 2, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23. Dan. 1.8, 9.12.17. and 6.4, 5. &c. Yea,

3. He had not only (even in his mortal state too) the perfections of the first Man, as to matter of Virtue and Integrity of mind, but also in that state he managed them far better then the first Adam did: For Adam though in a Garden of delight or Paradise, free from Infirmities in himself, or trouble from without him, having the abundance of all Delights or Mercies before his Eyes, every one of which might have minded him of Gods Goodness, and the good reason he had to love and cleave to him; yet merely by the Temptation of a Creature, fell from his Obedience at the first on-set, Evah by the temptation of the Serpent, and Adam by her suggesti∣on; But Christ (who though in the state before his Incarna∣tion, was higher then the first Adam, being the Lord in Heaven, the Image of the Invisible God; and so owned by the Angels as the Lord at his coming into the World, before which he also lived with his Father, in the height of Glory and Happiness, Phil. 2.6. yet) now in his Incarnate state, had emptied himself of all that for us; yet in this State, though made in the similitude of sinful Flesh, and compassed about with Temptations among Men and Devils; though led into a Wilderness, where he eat nothing for forty days, and forty nights; among no pleasant Fruit-trees, or Objects of such Content and Delight, but among wild Beasts, tempted by Satan, resisted him all along in manifold assaults, and got the Victory over him, and kept his Integrity. Yea, though all his life after he was set upon with diversity of Ene∣mies and Assaults, and met with nothing in the world, in a manner but Trials and Griefs, the worst Rejections, Reproaches and Sufferings: Yea, though tempted both

of Men and of Devils, and tried to the uttermost by his Father, yet held fast his Integrity, and was obedient to the Death, the Death of the Cross; indeed for our sakes, though as Innocent in himself, as, and more perfect in his conforming himself to Gods Will, then Adam; yet he was not here in the form of the first Adam, while Inno∣cent as to his outward man and state. He was not so free from Mortality and Infirmity, for he was tempted in all points even as we; with Hunger, Thirst, Weariness, Grief, Torments, &c. nor had such power in the world over the Creatures as to his visible Form, but was in the Form of a Poor-man, and a Servant, who had not whereon to lay his head. Yea, he was in all the state of the fallen man, made sin, and under the Law, and bare our Curse; in which he shewed forth the exceeding greatness of his Love and Obedience to his Father, and Charity to us men; Vir∣tues far transcending all that was found in the first Adams acting, though made good and upright: Yet through Death having satisfied Gods Justice, and pacified his Wrath for us, overcome Death, spoiled Principalities and Powers, risen a Conquerour, and gone up to the Right-hand of God: As he was before much Higher then the first Man, being the Lord in Heaven, 1 Cor. 15.45.50. So now also he hath restored the Nature of man in himself, from under all the Miseries that the first Adams sin occasioned to it, and to him in it, and hath Exalted it, and is Exalted in it to far higher Happiness; and so we find in him both as in himself before, and as Man now.

4. All the perfections of man that he first laid aside in his first appearance for us, to suffer in the Flesh: Yea, all, and greater then all Adam had in all the Honour God put upon him, and the Provisions he made for him in his Innocent state. For as he made himself of exceed∣ing

rich, through his great charity and grace to us, poor, that through his poverty we might be made rich; so to that end, that he might inrich us, He is become in the man∣hood far richer then the first Adam was: for, the Father loves the Son, and hath given all things into his hands; Joh. 3.35. So as all that the Father hath is his, Joh. 16.15. and he is Lord of all, Act. 10.36. He that was in the form of God, made himself in the form of a Servant, and in the habit of a Man, even of an ordinary man for our sake, having neither outward form or beauty, when we see him that we should desire him: nor Authority and Power to command any man, but such as voluntarily became his Disciples: but, now the Sun is not so glorious, much less was the body of Adam in his innocency, as his body be∣ing glorified is, Act. 26.13. Philip. 3.21. Nor, is there any Authority beside comparable with his. Adam in∣deed had Dominion over Gods works that are visible in Earth and Sea, but all Authority both in heaven and earth, is now given to him, and he doth exercise it over them. Adam knew how to call all the names of the li∣ving Creatures, but Christ not only knoweth what is in them, and in men also; yea, all men, Joh. 2.24, 25. but also he knows his own name, and his Father and Fathers name, which none else doth, Joh. 7.29. Rev. 19.12. Matth. 11.27. Adam then had provision made for him, that he might in standing, live, and been immortal; a Garden planted, furnished with all variety of Trees and Fruits, pleasant to the sight, and good for food; and a River of Water running therein to water it, and a Tree of Life in the midst of it.

And surely Christ, as he had delight in God, and ful∣ness of glory and satisfaction in, and with him, before his Incarnation (it being the same glory he had with him before the World was, that now he hath, Joh. 17.5)

So now also he lives in God (

yea, when in the flesh, he lived by his Father, as he that eats him lives by him;

Joh. 6.57) and it was, and surely is

his meat and drink to do his Fathers will,

Joh. 4.34. and

He also hath planted a pleasant Garden, and an Orchard of Pomegranates with pleasant Fruits, Camphire, Nard, Spikenard, Saffron, and Calamus, and Cinnamon, and all the Trees of Frankincense, Myrrh and Aloes, with all the chief Spices; and there is (or rather he is) the foun∣tain of Gardens, a Well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon,

Cant. 4.15.

And he exercises himself to dress this, as the first Adam his; and he eats of his pleasant fruits, which it brings forth to him. Gathers his Myrrh with his Spices, eats his honey-comb with his honey.

The fruits brought forth by his spirit in his People are the joy of his heart, and as his pleasant meat; and he

drinks his Wine with his milk; even the love of his Spouse, and of his Children to him, which he hath begot in them, by his spirit, and the expressions of it;

Cant. 4.11, 13, 14. and 5.1. Joh. 15.11. And he is all this to us and for us. Adam again had a Sabbath to rest in; and surely Christ rested in the Father, and in his love, even before the foundations of the World; and

rests in his love to his People,

Zeph. 3.17.

Yea, and having offered one perfect Sacrifice now to God for us, is set down, and rests for ever from all his sufferings and toilsome work and service in his Priestly ministration, at his Fathers right hand; there expecting till all his foes be made his foot-stool,

Heb. 10.11, 12, 13. And is the Rest and Sabbath for us to rest in, Heb. 4.3, 4. Mat. 11.28. Adam was made in Gods Image;

and Christ is the Image of the invisible Majesty, the brightness of his glory, and express Character of his Person,

Col. 1.15. Heb. 1.3. Adam was Male and Female, as Adam is the

common name of both, Gen. 5.1. and Christ takes on him both formes often. He is the man Christ Jesus; 1 Tim. 2.5. Yet sometime he is represented in the Fe∣minine forme; as Wisdom hath built her house, and hewed out her seven Pillars, Prov. 9.1, 2. And as he is the ever∣lasting Father, that begets Children to himself, and to his Father: So, he brings them forth too, through the travail of his Soul, Isa. 9.6. and 53.10. Yet, as God see it good for Adam not to be alone; and therefore he made him an help-meet for him out of his side, while he was cast by him into a deep sleep: and so formed the woman for him, and brought her to him that leaving Father, and Mother, Man might cleave to his Wife: even so Christ also hath a Spouse formed out of his side; out of his flesh, and out of his bone, through his sleeping in death; which he hath left Father and Mother to cleave unto, and in her is his delight, Eph. 5.30. Isa. 62.4, 5. Adam and Eve were naked, and were not ashamed in their innocent state (or, as the words may be read, they behaved themselves prudently, and did not shame themselves, Gen. 2.25) and did not see themselves naked, till they had sinned; for, till then, they were comely through the beauty and glory of God upon them, and their integrity and inno∣cency; and Gods favour and protection was their de∣fence and cover, from any thing that might harm them: but after they had sinned, and Christ was interposed to be their Saviour, God clothed them with Coats. So Christ also, and his Spouse are represented as naked sometimes one to the other; and there is no shame therein. So Christ is nakedly represented, in Cant. 5.12, 16. and so we find the Spouse his Church set forth, as exceeding comely, lovely and beautiful, without any Ornaments, or clothing mentioned, save upon her feet, to keep her clean, and safe in her walking with him, Cant. 7.1, 7. Yet, at

other times we find Christ represented as clothed, not as having any thing of shame to be hid and covered; but as Adam, before he see himself naked, was covered with the glorious Ornaments of his own virtues, and the glory of God upon him; So it is said, The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with Majesty, the Lord is clothed with strength, he hath girded himself, &c. Psal. 93.1. and in Dan. 10. we find him clothed with linen, his own innocency and puri∣ty, as the high Priest that was to offer the atoneing Sacri∣fice; and girded with the fine gold of Ʋphaz: that is, with his truth, more precious then the finest gold; as in Isa. 11.5. Righteousness the girdle of his loynes, and faith∣fulness the girdle of his reines; in Rev. 1.12. we find him clothed with a Garment down to his Feet: The Robe of Righteousness, wherewith he covereth his whole Body, the Church, even to his lowest and meanest Members; and girt about the paps with a golden girdle; his heart girt with love and charity (or strengthned therewith) the bond of all perfection, as its called, Col. 3.14. He hath (as Princes use to have) changes of Raiment, in which is much preciousness. We may find him sometimes a∣mong his People

in Garments of Salvation and Praise;

Isa. 61.10. And sometimes

clothed with Garments of Vengeance, against his and their Enemies:

So in Rev. 10.1. We find him clothed with a Cloud (as threatning tryal to his Church, or vengeance to his Enemies; and with a Rain-bow about his head: as mindful of his Cove∣nant with them that fear him, in Isa. 59.17.

He is clad as a Man of War, having righteousness on as a Brest∣plate, and the Helmet of Salvation on his Head, (which he hath for his Body the Church also, Eph. 6.14, 15) and he put on the Garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal, as a cloak.

And in Isa. 63.1, 2. He is represented

red in his Aapparel, and his Garments

dyed and stained with blood; because of the venge∣ance executed by him on his Enemies,

as also in Rev. 19.12.

But when he is clad as a Bridegroom or Suitor to our Souls, all his Garments smell of Myrrh, Aloes, and Cassia, (sweet, healthful, and purging Spices and Per∣fumes) out of the Ivory Palaces wherewith they have made him glad,

Psal. 45.8. And we find his Spouse clothed and adorned by him, and for him too, in Ezek. 10, 11, 12, 13. and in Rev. 19.7, 8. But of these things I shall not speak more largely.

III. We have seen the perfections of man. Let us a little (as we may) view also those of the Angels. He is also called,

the Angel of the Covenant

. Angel is in English a Messenger, and therefore so translated in our later Editions of the Bible, in Mal. 3.1.

The Angel of Gods presence that saved Israel,

Isa. 63.9. And that redeemed Jacob out of all evil; and had power of bles∣sing: Gen. 48.16. And surely He is the highest and best Messenger, or Angel that was ever sent of God, be∣ing his only Son. Nor can we find any excellency in the Angels, in which he doth not out-strip them: They are said to excel in strength, doing Gods commandments: Psal. 107.20. but they excel not, nor equalize him in either: They cannot uphold all things by the Word of their Power, as He doth, Heb. 1.3. Nor could they stand under the weight of our sins, as He did; 1 Pet. 2.24. Therefore they give him the preheminence; and judge him only Worthy to receive the Power, Riches, Wisdom and Strength, Ho∣nour, Glory and Blessing, Rev. 5.12. Nor do they Gods Commandments, like or equally to him, who obeyed to the death, the Death of the Cross, laying down his life at his Fathers commandement, and delighting to do his will therein; so as to bear and take away our sins by the sacrifice of

himself, Philip. 2.8. Joh. 10.18. Heb. 9.26. and 10.5, 6. Psal. 40.48. Joh. 14.31. They are also in∣telligent and understanding spirits, great in knowledge, and excellent in speech, 1 Cor. 13.1. yet far short of him: for, God hath found folly in them, saith Job 4.18. but Christ is the wisdom of God, 1 Cor. 1.24. knowing his Father, whom none else so knows, Matth. 11.27: and grace is poured into his lips, so as God hath blessed him for ever; Psal. 45.2. They are also great in power, especi∣ally such of them as are called Principalities and Powers, Eph. 1.20, 21. but not equal with Christ, to whom all of them are commanded to give worship.

He hath obtained a far more excellent name by inheritance then they, as may be seen,

Heb. 1.5, 6. to the end. They are indeed Spirits, but ministring Spirits to him. He is

the Lord that Spirit, the quickning Spirit, so as none of them are;

2 Cor. 3.16, 17. 1 Cor. 15.45. So that in him are all the perfections, and more then all the perfe∣ctions of Creatures: Yea,