Meditation XXI. Vpon the Golden Calfe, and the Bra∣•en Serpent.

THe Makers of these two Images were Moses and Aaron, such a pair of Brethren as History cannot parallel for Eminency, and whose Names out-shine greatly all others of the like alliance that have an ho∣nourable mention in the Book of God. Where are there two Brethren in that Sacred Chronicle, so re∣nowned for sundry Miracles done by them? or so highly dignified by Titles given to them by the Spirit of God as they? Moses being stiled signally the Servant of God; and Aaron, the Saint of the Lord: and yet how strangly differing are their two Images? they are unlike in the Matter; the one being of Gold, and the other of Brass? unlike in the Figure, the one a Calfe, the other a Ser∣pent: but most unlike in their Effects, the one Killing, and the other Healing. Vi••lus aureus occidit Serpens Aeneus sanat: The Golden Calfe that kills, and the Brazen Serpent that saves alive. One would think that the same Fountain should as soon send forth Salt Water and Fresh, as either of these to do any thing Page  37 that should terminate in such contrary effects, by whose harmonious Conduct Israel had been led as a Flock of Sheep through the Wilderness. But what if their Actions did Jarr? yet, who could readily con∣ceive that Aarons Calfe should be as a destroying poy∣son? or that Moses his Serpent should be as an effectu∣all Antidote to save alive? did he not flee from his Rod when turned into a Serpent, as fearing to be hurt by it? And was not this Brazen Serpent in shape and figure like to those fiery Serpents, that had stung many Israelites to death? from whence then comes this strange difference between the one and the other, is it not from hence? Aarons Calfe, though made of Gold, was without, yea against a command of God; but Moses his Serpent, though of Brass, was by his special appointment. Let the Institutions of God be never so mean and despicable to the eye of sense; yet they shall obtain their designed end: and let the Inventions of Men be never so rich and costly, yet they will be found to be no other then hurtful vanities. Who is of so small an Insight in the Mystery of Idolatry and Super∣stition, as not to observe how they affect a Pomp and Splendor in their Religion, as if when they had made it Gay, they had made it Good? and how greatly they despise the simplicity of that Worship which is not clothed and decked with an external Grandure? But will a Clove in the Mouth cure the unsavory breathings of corrupt Lungs? or will the Leper• making of him∣self brave with the finest Garments cause the Priest to pronounce him clean, when he comes to behold his Sore? then may such arts and palliations of men, wedded to Idolatrous practises, vindicare the evil of their doings, and justifie them to be such as God will not condemne. But as Religion is not a thing left to Page  38 any mans choice, to pick out from that diversity, with which the World abounds, what best pleaseth himself; so neither are the wayes and Mediums of the Exercise of it at all in his power. As God is the object of Worship, so the meanes by which he is honoured, and his servants benefited that use them, must be appoint∣ed by himself. His will and not mans must be the sole and ad•quate Rule. For all Ordinances do not work necessarily, as the Fire burns, or as the Sun enlightens the Air; nor do they work Physically, as having an inherent power to produce their effects; but they are operative, by way of Institution, and receive their vertue from God, who therefore appoints weak and in∣sufficient things to the eye of Reason, that himself may be the more acknowledged in all. What could be more unlikely to heal the bitings of a fiery Serpent, then the looking up onely to a Brazen Serpent? or to restore to the blind Man his •ight, then the anointing of his eyes with Clay and Spittle? And yet these things God and Christ are pleased to make use of; not from indigency, as if they could not work without meanes, but from Wisdom and Councel, to shew, that they can work by any: Let no Man then fondly make it his Work, or count it his duty to honour God with his In∣ventions, though specious and beautiful in his own eyes; but let him value and prize Gods Institutions, though to outward appearance they be contemptible. The Blew-Bottles, and other Weeds in the Field are more gaudy and delightful to the Eye than the Corn amongst which they grow; but yet the one are worth∣less, and the other is full of strength and nourishment.