Commentary on Revelation, Lecture 1
LECTURE I.
CHAP. VIII.
Vers. 1.
ANd when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.
2.
And I saw the seven Angels which stood before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.
3.
And another Angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer, and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints upon the golden altar, which was before the throne.
4.
And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the Saints, ascended up before God, out of the Angels hand.
WE have heard how under the former six seals the Lord hath been revealing, and foreshewing the state of the Church here on earth till that first great change of bringing Christianity in request publickly, and making it to be owned and countenanced by Authority in the world, by reason whereof, Idolaters and persecuter… should be disowned and discountenanced; so far the sixth seal came to foreshew and hold out the shaking and overturning of that Idolatrous world, and bringing horrour and trembling on persecuters; Before he came to prosecute the opening of the seventh seal (which bringeth the history of the Church that continueth to the end of the world in two periods, one, of the trumpets, another, of the vials) he hinted in the former Chapter at this sad storm which was coming on the Church from all airths, and at our Lords stepping in to hold these winds from breaking loose till He had sealed a number that He was to preserve from being carried away with the errours of the time.
In this Chapter, and the three following, is contained the third vision, or second generall prophesie of this Book, to wit, the vision of the trumpets: and because (as we said before in laying down the series of the story at our entry to Chap. 6.) the seventh trumpet bringeth in the last plagues of the seven vials, as the seventh seal bringeth in the trumpets, Therefore we comprehend the second prophesie under the first six trumpets, which reacheth from the beginning of this Chapter to the 15. verse of Chap. 11. when the seventh trumpet soundeth.
This prophesie, or vision, hath three parts, The first is preparatory, to the seventh Verse of this Chapter. The second is executory, or the main body of the prophetick vision, to the end of the ninth Chapter. The third is explicatory of, and consolatory against the two last great woes in the ninth Chapter, especially during the second unto which it is contemporary, as appeareth, vers. 14. Chap. 11. when it is said the second wo is past, Then, and not till then, including all the former events, since the trumpet sounded, as belonging to that time, and contemporary, at least, with these woes.
Before we enter particularly on the words, Be advertised concerning these four things to be adverted to therein. The first, is concerning the connexion of this prophesie with the sixth seal, in the close of the sixth Chapter; for, although the seventh Chapter interveen; yet, the series of the story leadeth us to joyn the seventh seal after the sixth, as the sixth was after the fifth, &c. Now, the sixth seal taking its beginning in Constantin's time, and taking in the overthrow then given to the persecuters of the Christians, and the change which was made in the Christian world, where the first period closed, it will be about the three hundred and tenth year of Christ, or a little after, taking in the peace that for a time the Church enjoyed then, whereby we may the more easily count the beginning, and the rise of these trumpets, and the evils prognosticated by them, to be the next ensuing evils after that intervall of peace, or during the time thereof, seing the intervall is not long, as appeareth from Christs cry, Chap. 7.2. 2. The second thing to be adverted to, is, the issue, or close of these six trumpets; which is clear Chap. 11.14. compared with 15. to be at the close of the second wo, at the blowing of the seventh trumpet, which bringeth in the last wo and seven vials whereby Antichrists Kingdom is overthrown, the everlasting Gospel preached through the world, and Nations that were not Christs before, now become His; which clearly is at the time of Antichrists greatnesse so bringing him to this height, and the Church low till the seventh Angel sounded, that bringeth the vials; the first whereof, is poured out upon these who have his mark, Chap. 16. Which fall of Antichrist, according to ordinary computation, begineth, Anno 1517. when Luth…r first preached the Gospel, or Anno 1559. when the liberty of the profession thereof was first confirmed; whereof we shall say more, Chap. 11. This only pointeth out the period to be at the fall of Antichrists absolute tyranny. 3. The third thing, is, the contemporarinesse of these trumpets with the beasts rising, Chap. 13. which belonging to one time, as appeareth by what preceedeth and succeedeth to both, and speaking also the same judgement, as appeareth by this, that the same thing, to wit, Gods sealing protecteth from both, and the same persons are hurt by both, to wit, these who were not sealed: therefore a speciall respect must be had of clearing one of them by the other, and making one of them agree with the other. 4. A fourth thing, is, That we conceive the storm, spoken of in the former Chapter by the Angels holding the four winds, to be the same mentioned in the trumpets. For, 1. if this seventh seal be knit to the sixth, Then it comprehendeth this, mentioned in the seventh Chapter, which was but by way of digression hinted at in the sixth, the better to prepare for a full view of it afterward: for, that storm must belong to the seventh seal or the sixth; but not the sixth, which described an event of an other nature, and on another object, to wit, the Churches enemies: Therefore it must belong to the seventh, which hath two prophesies, of distinct n…tures, to wit, trumpets and vials, answerable to the two different parts of that seventh Chapter. 2. That storm was foreseen there, and restrained; but here, it is executed. 3. It was then keeped up till the Elect should be sealed against it; and under the trumpets (Chap. 9.4.) they are found sealed and safe: which cleareth, that this is a spiritual ill threatned against formall and hypocriticall professours, which these trumpets bring; yea, the same with that in Chap. 7.
The connexion then is thus, That, after Iohn saw the Church freed from open persecutions, and the persecuters cast down, he saw Heresies and Errors ready to break in from all quarters on the Church; yet, through Christs care, a little breathing time was given; they are commanded to sist till His people were provided-for: now, this being done, Iohn goeth on in shewing what came when these winds were let louse; yet he casteth in a word before, to v…rs. 7. to shew they came not precipitantly, but as they had orders from Him who had laid the restraint on them, which is cleared in three or four circumstances of preparation.
We shall shortly go through the words more particularly. When he had opened th… seventh seal: He, that is, the Lamb, who had opened six seals before, openeth now the seventh; which seventh, though divided in two periods afterward, by distinguishing the vials from the trumpet…, Yet it comprehendeth both. Therefore, Chap. 7. a view of both shortly was given together. The effects that this bringeth with it, are a little suspended and some generall preparatory circumstances premitted, to shew it was some strange thing which was coming.
The first thing which occurreth, There was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. This is not so much the effect (for, that followeth) as that which accompanieth it, and a definit time is put for an indefinite, It is a very short while. To clear it more fully, understand heav… here of the visible Militant Church; it is that Church whose stare is here described, and there can be interruptions of noise and silence in no other heaven; so it implieth, that at this time, after persecuters were down, and the winds that were ready to blow, keeped in, there was a great quietnesse and peace in the Church for a little short time; which indeed was true for some years in Constantin's dayes, betwixt persecuters ceasing, and the Schisms and Heresies of the Donatists and Arians arising, which was but a very short time; and this is not inconsistent with the scope, as if he had said, I saw peace a while till all was made ready for the ensuing blast and storm, which is in the words following, and till fundamentall truths were confirmed publickly, for keeping the Lords people from the snares of these grosse Heresies, which then immediately followed. Whence Obs…rve, That the Churches outward peace is not long; she hath but a short time of it, half an hours silence only. The Church-story▪ Scripture, and experience prove this. Therefore, 1. Folks would not promise to themselves nor expect long peace. 2. They would improve the little time they have frugally, and not mispend it; an hour, or half an hours time in peace in the Family, or Congregation, is a rich mercy, and we know not how long we have it; few Churches have had so long peace as we have had in this Island, Therefore see it be improven well. 2. This half hour being a definit time, put for …n indefinit, sheweth that that rule holdeth not in the Revelation, that whole compleat times, as hours, yeers, &c. may be definit for indefinit, but not so broken times, as half days, half years and half hours, &c. for, no particular definite time can be rationally imagined to be understood by this.
Or, 2. understand Heav…n here, for that heaven, where all these things were represented to Iohn: silence in it, importeth a new transition to a strange matter, that for the stupendiousnesse and admirablnesse thereof, arrested the attention and made all keep silence, as taken up with expectation of what might be revealed, a little interim of time being between the opening of the seal, and the appearing of any thing: which suspension of the Angels out-coming with their trumpets, confirmeth the first exposition, as if thi… prophesie began with a little quietnesse; and the latter, is not to be slighted, because this exposition holdeth out a preparation and attentivenesse requisit in us for hearing and receiving such mysteries.
The second circumstance, is, vers. 2. When all do wait what the opening of this seal shall produce, something appeareth that prognosticateth a coming storm. Seven Angels are seen standing before God, and they get seven trumpets. The use of the trumpets and number, I shall forbear to speak much of them, and what these Angels are, till I come to vers. 6. Only here, we conceive them to be Angels that wait for Gods command, it may be, speciall Angels for eminencie, there being degrees among Angels; Or, the words may be read without the relative the, as differencing them, or relating to any other, which we find not before. These are the instruments, Angels, they are made use of to give the alarm. 2. Their weapons or furniture, is, trumpets, to incite others rather than to act themselves. Trump…s had a twofold use, 1. To give an advertisement of some imminent assault, sounding an alarm; so it relateth to Gods people, to stir them up to watchfulnesse and to be on their guard: 1 Cor. 14. If the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battell? 2. To c…ll the Congregation, or Assembly, or Hoast, for acting or attempting something; and so it looketh to offending, relating to the letting louse of enemies, as the former to defence, in guarding His people: however, they imply Gods giving speciall orders. In these cases, Angels are ministring Spirits, waiting on God for a commission, Therefore the trumpets are given them, to shew they are but Ministers and Servants in what is commanded them, and do by orders. 3. They are s…ven, though there were but four, Chap. 7. because these keeped all airths, that the winds should not blow, till they were let louse: these seven do proportion the out-letting of these winds by steps and degrees; and this is done out of the Lords goodnesse, that letteth not all blow at once but one by one, that men may have warning and be armed for what cometh after.
A third and main circumstance followeth, vers. 3, 4, 5. Though now the seal be opened, and trumpets be given to the Angels, yet these Angels are not yet to sound till orders be given, which is not till Christs intercession interveen. His intercession (as it is set down here) hath two parts, 1. His intercession for His people, vers. 3, and 4. in reference to the coming storm, that God would not impute sin to them, nor suffer them to be led away with Error, as Luke 22.31, 32. Satan hath sought to winn…w you, but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. The second part of His intercession, is, in reference to His enemies; and it is a denunciation against the ungodly world and that profane generation that received Him not, vers. 5. it is a peice of His absolutenesse, commissionating the Angels to go on and execute judgement; therefore it is said (vers. ….) The Angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, &c. and then the sounding of the Angels followeth: for, as He had given charge before to the four Angels, Chap. 7. not to hurt the earth till His Servants were sealed; so here He giveth charge and commission to these seven Angels to go on when His Elect are secured.
There is here an allusion to the high Priest under the Law, and Christ is brought in, using these ceremonies that the high Priest used when he went into the Temple and Sanctuary: so we take it for granted, that this is Christ and no other, that cometh and standeth at the altar with a golden censer, &c. 1. Because of His work; for, none can claim to this Office but Christ alone, to offer up the prayers of all Saints. 2. Because of the efficacie or effect of this His offering up prayers; it was effectuall both for His peoples… being accepted of God, vers. 4. and also against enemies in being terrible to them; yea, it was not the prayers of themselves, but the incense which was offered with them that made them acceptable; which can be no other thing but Christs sacrifice. 3. Because all the ceremonies here used have reference to the high Priest, and there being no high Priest for the time but Christ, He who was the antitype being come, and that levitical service being abolished, it must needs be He. And though it be said incense was given Him, which Christ hath of His own, (which maketh some expound the words otherwise) it militateth nothing against it. For, 1. Christs whole Office is given Him as Mediator, and His qualifications for it. 2. He is here speaking in the terms agreeing to an high Priest on earth, as to have an altar, censer, &c. all which are not literally to be understood of Christ; for, there is no altar nor incense in heaven, but as such may be figuratively applied to Him as the antitype signified by the high Priest; for, none other was typified by these Priests intercessions, but Christ who was Priest, Sacrifice, and Altar: and all the Spirituall things of the Gospel, are spoken of under the types and terms of the Old Testament.
Without insisting further in needlesse mysteries, the scope of this intercession and the interposing of it between the opening of the seal and sounding of the trumpets, we conceive, is, to hold out these things, which are Doctrines.
1. Christs care of His Church and Saints, that, while there is a coming storm to blow on the world, and a hypocriticall generation to be plagued, He steppeth in and interceedeth for them; in coming trials and storms, He is ever mindfull to pray for them, that they be not hurt by them: and we conceive it is for this end brought in here, to let the Church and all see the care of the Mediator, His compassionatenesse and sympathie, and that He is as carefull for preventing their sin, as for preventing their hurt and judgement; now in heaven, as tender as when He was on earth, Luke 22.32. 2. It is supposed here, that a time of trouble is a speciall time of praying; then all Saints pray, there is no standing in a trial without praying: Or, praying is a speciall duty or mean of defence for a trial, the prayers of all Saints are spoken of here; which in many places, are compared to Incense and Sacrifice, Psal. 141.1. Hos. 14, &c. Yea, that all Saints pray here, it sheweth, they deserve not that name who pray not, especially in difficult times, when a storm is come or coming on the Church; there is no Saint, but He is a praying Saint, especially at such a time, and these Christ offereth to the Father, though with His own incense▪ it is made the mark of a Godly man, Psal. 32.6. For this shall every one that is Godly pray unto thee, in a time when thou mayest be found; and it is made the mark of an atheist, that he calleth not upon God, Psal. 14. This is clearly holden forth here. 3. That there is no efficacie in the prayers of all the Saints without Christs intercession; they are offered by Him, the sacrifice is laid down before Him, By Him we come to God, Heb. 7.25. and 13.15. He is the high Priest, who only can enter the most Holy, and through whom we have accesse to God; there is no prayer acceptable to God as it is offered up by us, but as it is put in His hand, in His censer only it is acceptable: for, there are defects in the prayers of all Saints; the most holy Saint is faulty, and hath need of a Mediator to make his peace, and preserve it, and to present his prayers: both the persons and the prayers must be accepted through Him, and whatever we expect as the return of our prayer, it must be expected upon account of His satisfaction, and on no other ground; and nothing must be suffered to stick to our prayers of the conceit of our worth, or of the worth of our prayers. This is much acknowledged, but as much slighted; and most pray, as if accesse were to be had another way, and without being sensible of the defects of, and guilt that is in their prayers. 4. That Christ offereth and perfumeth all the Saints prayers lesse or more. There is no prayer in no Saint that He refuseth, whether they be weak or strong, whether they be faint or more fervent, with lesse or more spirit and life in them, whether shorter or longer, well ordered or confused, if they come from Saints, be warranted in the Word, and grounded on the promise and put up in His name, they are by Him offered, All go in one censer, and all go up as the smoke of sweet incense, and through Him are accepted of God; He taketh the least sigh, and putteth it in His censer, and it hath a good savour to God out of His hand, He refuseth no Saints prayer, nor sendeth it back unanswered: Whatsoever ye ask in My name I will do it, Ioh. 16, 23. and the Father heareth Him alwayes, Iob. 11.42. What an encouragement and direction how to pray is this? and a comfort in praying? 1. That our blessed Mediator receiveth the prayer and putteth it in His censer, putteth incense with it, that it ascendeth not alone but in His name, by vertue of His right and in His bloud it appeareth? many right carnal poor fecklesse prayers are savoury to God on this account, and none upon another; He is our dayes-man, this should encourage us. 2. It directeth us to imploy Christ in our prayers, which is to have respect to His sufferings, and satisfaction and intercession allanerly, both in making the prayers acceptable, and i… our expecting the return of what is asked without re…pecting our selves or our prayers, except as beloved and acceptable in Him. 3. It is matter of consolation in and after prayer, and ground of quietnesse, that how-ever our prayers be not much worth, yet Christs incense maketh them savoury. This, being well considered, would teach us to make more conscience of praying than anxiously to dispute whether we be heard or no. 5. There is an excellent conjunction here between the Saints praying and Christs interceeding as being both useful and necessary to the obtaining of the Believer… point. Their prayers and His incense go well together, as if none of them were profitable without the other, at least for a conscience to quiet it self: a praying man may expect a benefit by Christs intercession while he improveth it, which one that prayeth not, cannot expect; both are necessary, but not in a meritorious way; the merit cometh alone from Christ, but both are called-for in the command, and in the promise God hath knit them together. It is true, God is sometimes found of them that seek Him not, which is His own Soveraign way; but when we look to the promises, and the ground of our expectation, we will find them all qualified with seeking, Ez…k. 36.37. Notwithstanding I will be enquired of by the house of Isra…l for all these things. Let all these be joyned together, and separate not what God hath conjoyned; seing He hath bidden us pray, and pray in Christs name, Follow that way and order: for, these who either pray none, or pray not in His name, cannot expect a hearing; these are knit together as well as His satisfaction, and our faith.
Concerning Christ's Intercession.
THere is no peice of the fulnesse of our blessed Lord Jesus that is more rich in consolation than His intercession is; and yet it is often suffered to ly beside even the Believer, not being emproven to the excellent use which doth flow from it, as if there were no such treasure therein; seing therefore there is so fair an occasion in the first part of this Chapter to speak thereof, we may essay it a little in His strength: not as if we could unfold this mystery and satisfie curiosity therein, nor yet as if we were to debate speculative questions that are raised concerning the same, intending only to lay open the practicall part, as it tendeth to the Believers consolation. We shall therefore endeavour shortly to speak to these points, 1. in general, to what intercession importeth. 2. How our Lord Jesus may be conceived now to execute this office in Heaven. 3. If our Lord was intercessor before His incarnation. 4. What is the consolation that doth flow therefrom, and wherein it doth consist. Lastly, How this consolation ought, and may be improven, by a Believer.
To the first, we conceive there are four expressions in Scripture, which being put together, serve much to illustrate this of intercession. The first, is that, (1 Tim. 2.5.) where Christ is called the M…diator, or Mid-man, betwixt God and man; in which place, expresse respect is had to the making of our prayers acceptable before God. Now, this word Mediator, doth import these two, 1. A suitablnesse in the person interposing, to both the different parties, so that he cannot be said to be stated on either side. 2. It importeth a work and office, that is, to tryst betwixt these two parties, that the prayer and petition of the one may by His Mediation find favour before the other; thus is the phrase so frequent, of our coming to God by Him. The second word is the same of Intercession, or Intercessor; which doth indeed import a guilt on their part, who are interceeded for; yet doth imply also the interposing of a worthy party to interceed for such persons and to deprecate wrath, and that upon His own account, without respect to what is in them. Upon this ground (Rom. 8.34.) a defiance is given to all accusations, because Christ Jesus maketh intercession. The third word, is, that He is called (1 Ioh. 2. vers. 1.) and Advocate; if any man sin, we have an Advocate: which looketh to Christs undertaking the cause of the Believer, even in a Legall and Judiciall way, and to make it out in way of Justice, whereas the former word of intercession, of it self doth look more like a friendly intre…ty. This title Advocate, importeth His undertaking of their cause, and that not only to solist it, but to plead it; yea, and by office to do so. A fourth expression, is, (Heb. 9. vers. 24.) where it is said, Christ hath entered into Heaven, there to appear before God for us, which is yet more than the former, because this sheweth the purpose of His entry, which is, as it were, to be Agent or Solicitor, wait…ng on and that in our name to answer and vindicate any thing that is imputed to us▪ or, as an Ambassador that sustaineth the room of such before God; and so His appearing for us, having the perfect commemoration of His by-past death, cannot but effectually answer for, and vindicate all in whose name He appeareth.
If it be asked, in the second place, how may our blessed Lord Jesus be conceived to go about this work of interceeding or advocating for sinners? It will not be enough to say, that His merit and suff…rings, do continue to deserve such things, as if His pleading were only the vertue of His merit, which figuratively might be said to plead for good to His people, as Abel's bloud is said to plead the contrary to Cain, even after his death. This is indeed true; for (Heb. 12. vers. 24.) the bloud of sprinkling doth yet speak, and that far better things than the bloud of Abel; but this doth not constitute His intercession to be any part of His Office, but doth rather overturn the same.
Neither is it to be thought, that He interceedeth with such gesture and verbal expression, as men use with men, or as He Himself did in the dayes of His fl…sh, when He offered up prayers with strong cryes and tears, which did become the state of His humiliation, but not of His Glorification. Though this be a mystery, yet we may humbly and soberly conceive it in these particulars,
First, There is in this intercession a sympathie, and fellow-feeling in our Lord, which is the very great ground of this intercession. For, Jesus Christ, though glorified, is yet true Man, having the real and true properties of the humane nature, which make Him capable to be in another way affected with our afflictions and griefs than formerly; yea, not only so, but He was in H…s own person a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, and learned obedience by what He suffered, whereby not only is He man to sympathize with us simply as a man, but He is a man experimentally acquainted with grief, and for that end that He might be the more fit and able to succour these that should be in such a case, Heb. 2. vers. 17, 18. and 4. vers. 15, 16. Again, our blessed Lord Jesus, being God and Man in one person, by vertue of His Godhead He cannot be ignorant of the least affliction of His people; and by vertue of His Manhead, personally united to His Godhead, He cannot but be affected therewith, especially considering His being taught by experience, for this very end, that He might be a compassionate high Priest and the sooner touched with the infirmities of others: Now, this sympathie doth not only rise from the ba…e speculative knowledge which He hath of the afflictions of others, but it is wakened and entertained by that union of the Spirit betwixt the Head and the Members, whereby they become one; so that He that persecuteth the one, persecuteth the other, as is frequently asserted in the Scripture. From all this, there doth arise, in the Mediator so considered, an inclination, and (to say so) a natural propensness to have these evils redressed, so that He cannot but desire the removing thereof: and this His desire, being of great weight before God, may be well counted intercession.
Secondly, This intercession of His, may be conceived to consist in His …pp…aring in heaven in our name: whereby the Son of God, being now Man, …steth Himself as ready to make appearan… for such and s… sinners, So His very being in our nature there, speaketh His purpose in reference to this end, and Go…s accepting of it according to appointment.
Thirdly, It may be conceived to take along with it His declared willingnesse to have such and such prayers granted, &c. This was a part of His intercession, Ioh. 17.24. Father, I will that these thou hast given me be with me, &c. where His declaring that to be His will, is a prime part of His intercession: now, it cannot be thought but that He hath a will to have the same things executed, which were engaged to Him, and these particulars, which the necessities of His people shall call…for from Him, granted; and that the Mediator should will such a particular for such a person, and, in an inconceivable way of His adoring the Father, present the same before Him, is no little part of His intercession.
Fourthly, …n all this, there is an holy and reverend (though inconceivable) adoration, whereby the M…diator, now at the Fa…hers right hand (and being, in that respect, lesse than the Father) doth in all His appearances for us, as being the head of the body, adore the Soveraignity, Goodnesse, Wisdom, &c. of God, with a respect to the Covenant of Redemption: His saying to His Disciples oftn…r than once, I will pray the Father for you, doth imply (to say so,) some addresse to God, though we cannot conceive the manner thereof, even in reference to some particular persons, and some particular cases; and He being set at the right hand of Majesty, cannot but adore that soveraign Majesty.
There are some other words in Scripture, which seem to import something in reference to this intercession, as that, Heb. 10. vers. 13. He is expecting till his enemies be made his fo…stool, and that▪ in His prayer, Ioh. 17. Father I will that these that are given me may be where I am, &c. where He may seem to be longing to have His body perfected; which desire, certainly He hath not yet laid down: But these and others, may be reduced to some of the former branches, therefore we shall propose no moe.
It will be some difficulty to clear, if Chr…st, before His Incarnation, did execute this part of His Office, and with what difference He doth it now. The Scriptures indeed of the New Testament do speak of Christs Intercession, as not only posterior to His Incarnation, but also to the whole state of His Humiliation; which is often spoken of as that which doth qualifie and fit Him for this Office: yea, the Scriptures do ever presuppose His Resurrection and Ascension; yet as it cannot be denied that Christ was Intercessour on earth, though He was not in the forementioned manner appearing in heaven ▪ so it cannot be denied, that Christ did execute this O…fice before His being man▪ for, He was Mediator, King, Priest, and Prophet before His Incarnation; neither can any warrantably say, that Believers then did want this consolation; and in Scripture we will find some grounds bearing forth all the essentials of intercession, as first, in that parable of the Wi…e-dressers interceeding with the Master, Luk. 13. we have the Mediators reverend interposing represented to us, and that before His Incarnation; beside, what is holden forth by the typical services, as praying towards the holy Temple, th… holy Oracle, the high Priests making intercession as well as offering sacrifice, and such like, do evidence, that respect is had to Christs intercession. Secondly, We will find His sympathie and being aff…cted with the condition of His people: that is a great word, Isa. 63. ver. 9. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and in his love and pity he red…emed them, and he bare them and carried them all the dayes of old: This speaketh a sympathie, flowing from a Covenant-relation, even before He was Incarnate. Again, Prov. 8. vers. 31. He speaketh of His delight and rejoycing in the habitable parts of the earth, that is, in these that were given Him, and even in the places in a manner where they were to reside: which sympathie seemeth to flow from the very appointment of Him to be Head to such a number. Thirdly, He be…ng then Mediator, could not but be Advocate, and have His Judiciall appearances (to say so) for His people, there being no lesse need then than now. Fourthly, As what concerneth His willingnesse to have His people well in that time, cannot be denied from that one place of Isaiah, just now cited, so neither can His intercession be denied.
If it be asked, where the difference lyeth? We answer, especially in these three or four, First, in the ground of the intercession: it was then done in vertue of the sacrifice to be offered; now it is performed by, and grounded upon, the vertue of the satisfaction that is already given and finished upon the Crosse. Secondly, there is a difference in respect of the blessed Intercessor, who, being then God, hath now taken a new relation to Him, by assuming our nature in one person to His Divine Nature; whereby He is not only capable in a more suitable way to sympathize, but actually hath submitted Himself to suffer, for this very end, as was formerly hinted. So that though He cannot have larger bowels, than formerly He had; yet hath He now a new experimentall way of being affected with our griefs, and of being provoked to heal the same. T…irdly, There followeth a difference in His manner of interceeding, which is now done in our nature, for in it He appeareth before God; also touches of our ill…, and His sympath…e with us, are more suitable to our nature, and do more exp…rimentally impresse and affect Him than before. La…tly, There is th…s difference, that though before there was consolation to H…s people from H…s intercession; yet it is much more now, and therefore it is so often and fully insisted on in the New Testament, beside what was hinted, that then His sympathie flowed from His deputation and appointment, but now from His humane Nature and the experience thereof.
To come then to speak of that consolation and the grounds thereof, There is need here of a spirit d…pped therein for fitting to conceive and speak aright thereof: However, that it cannot but be ground of great consolation, may appear from these considerations.
First, From the consideration of the bl…ssed Intercessor Hims…lf, whom we may look upon as the Fathers fellow and equal, who, though condescending to take on Him the place of a Mediator or Mid-person, yet, is He the brightnesse of the Father's glory and the expresse image of his person, Heb. 1. And this excellency of the person, cannot but be comfortable to the poor base sinner. Again, we may consider Him as man, and so as our Brother, yea, as an afflicted man acquainted with griefs and tempt…d; and so we may conceive H…m as our Physician, who hath not only learned (to say so) some skill, in an exp…rimentall way, how to guide these that are tempted or a…flicted; but also as fitted with the more sympathie, affection and tendernesse, to improve that skill for their good. Hence, (Heb. 2.18.) He is said to be able to succour them that are tempted, He Himself having been tempted in all things, yet without sin: where His being tempted, is supposed to be a furnishing with excellent abilities, tenderly to supply and succour such as may be in the like case: The same also may be gathered from Heb. 4.15.16. Now, He who is thus diversly considered, being yet but one person, what more can be imagined for comfort? for, though He be high, yet have sinners accesse to Him; and though He be man for emboldning them to appro…ch to Him, yet being God-man, He is able to stand before Justice and plead, when no meer creature durst appear.
Secondly, We may consider the grounds of this Office and the ends thereof: to speak with reverence of our blessed Lord Jesus, it is nothing that is occasionall or accidentall; but it doth …low from the Fathers appointment, who hath constituted Him, and that by oath, to be a Priest for ever, Psal. 110. and for thi… end doth He sustain this Office and live for ever, that He may save to the uttermost all that come to God by Him, Heb. 7.25. Now, that this intercession is a thing of old determined i… the counsel of God; and, that …t was determined for this end, that sinners, who were banished, from Gods pres…nce, might again have accesse, and find grace to h…lp in the time of need, Heb. 4.16. and 10.19, &c. this cannot but be exceeding comfortable.
Thirdly, We may consider the comfort of this intercession in respect of the extent and reach thereof: which we may point at in these four, First, In reference to all cases: it is a great word (Isa. 63.) in all their a…iction he was a…icted, &c. and this was even in the dayes of old before the Word was made flesh; and therefore it must be conceived to be much more fresh and lively in so far as concerneth that sympathie which the humane na…ure hath with it. Secondly, This extent appeareth in respect of persons; for, all that will make use of Christ and come to God, are admitted; neither was there ever a sinner that offered to make use of Christ in approaching to God, or sought to have peace with God through that mids, but this intercession did bear Him through, as that great word is, Heb. 7.25. He is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by Him, s…ing he liveth for …ver to make intercession for them. And if men will not make use of Christ, they do in this forsake their own mercy. Thirdly, The reach of this cons…lation may be considered as to the degree; it is a perfect salvation that cometh by this intercession; it is from ev…ry thing, and that to the uttermost, so that more cannot be imagined, as the same word is, Heb. 7.25. He saveth to the uttermost, or, unto perfection. Fourthly, I…s extent may be looked to in respect of the parties against whom Christ interceedeth. There is no party but this doth give a dash unto it, whether devil, challenge, tentation, or what else; upon this the triumph proceedeth, Rom. 8.33, 34, &c. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect? which is a defying word to all; and these are the grounds, it is God that justifieth; it is Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again, sitting at the right hand of God, where this of making intercession closeth the triumphall defiance given by the Apostle. All which, being put together, can it be but comfortable, that there is such a compleat delivery whether from sin or misery, and that of whatsoever sort?
Fourthly, The consolation of this intercession may be considered in respect of its efficacy: for, as Christ can refuse no cause put on Him, but must interceed, being employed; so He cannot but be heard alwayes, as He said Himself, Ioh. 11. and so His prom…e is, what ever ye ask in my name, it shall be done unto you, Ioh. 14. vers. 13▪14. yea, what ever ye ask in my name, I will do it: where the Intercessor be…ng the Executor of what He pleadeth for, it cannot be but comfortable, and it is suitable to the terms of the Covenant it should be so.
Fifthly, We may consider the Soveraignity and freenesse of this intercession, which tendeth not a little to the consolation of Gods people: for, in the exercise thereof, our blessed Lord Jesus hath not tied Himself to wait on our prayers, or on our sight and sense of, or weightednesse with, our own evils either of sin or misery, but often His way appeareth to be very gracious and soveraignly condescending, that He answereth before we call, Isa. 65. vers. 24. and that He interposeth, even when we are like fruitlesse trees troubling the ground▪ Luk. 13. and when we are secure, not minding the snares the devil is laying for us, as Luk. 22, 32. He prayeth for Peter that his faith fail not, He in the mean time not knowing any such snare. Hence in the Scripture, grace i… exalted, and sinners are invited to come with boldnesse thereunto, upon this ground of Christs intercession …s much a… any: so (Heb. 4.) when the compassionatenesse of this high Priest hath been spoken to, this conclusion is drawn from it, Let us th…refore approach with boldnesse unto the thr…n… of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need: here grace hath a Throne; and He that seeketh upon this account, may expect to find mercy and grace as that which aboundeth most under thi… Dominion and about this Throne. It is from this ground of His intercession, that so many evils are prevented and kept back from the people of God, which have even been at their door: and were the mercies which we obtain, and that without any direct petitioning of the Lord for them, and the many evils which we are liable to, and might and would come, if the Lord prevented not, we our selves in the mean time being but little watchfull to have them prevented: were these (I say) considered, how much? O how very much would we find our selves oblieged to the Intercessor, from whom His people have all these? yea, if we will consider this freenesse more nearly, we will find, that this Intercession and sympathie is not broken off and made lesse because of the Believers sin; but is in some respect the more stirred and provoked, because this sympathie floweth from the relation that is betwixt Head and members, which sin doth not cut off; and it is as with a tender naturall parent, who cannot but be aff…cted with the childs straits, even though he hath shamefully brought them on himself; yea, his very failings do touch and affect: so our high Priests sympathie, is not only in crosses, but it is to have pity on the ignorant, and compassion on these that are out of the way, Heb. 5. and thus the very sin of a Believer affecteth Him so, that He cannot but sympathize and be provoked to sympathize with him. O what a wonder is this, the more sin, the more sympathie … which ought to make Believers humble, and yet exceedingly to comfort them under a sinfull condition; for, it is written, if any m…n sin, we have an Adv…c…te ▪ 1 Ioh. 2.1. whereby, in some singular manner, Christ… intercession is suited unto, appointed and d…signed for sinners.
The last thing wherein we shall consider the consolation of this intercession, is, the sympathie from whence it floweth, and which it carrieth along with it, This is a main ground of consolation, which doth sweeten all the rest. We may consider this humane sympathie, either as it giveth a ground of consolation to us, or as it doth someway make us more capable to conceive of the consolation that doth flow from the consideration of the bowels of Jesus; both which tend to our actuall comfort.
That there is an humane sympathie in the Man-Christ with the Believer, cannot be denied, the Scriptures (whereof some passages have been cited) are so clear: only we shall give some properties thereof, for helping to understand the same so far as we can reach, First then, we say, it is a reall and humane sympathie: when we say it is reall, it doth not only import, that He knoweth the affliction… of His people, nor only that He mind…th help to them, which two do agree to the Lord JEHOVAH; but it importeth a sensible, native, and (to say so) a naturall touch of these evils; for, He is not one, that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, Heb. 4. This is as one brother is affected with the straits of another, especially straits that himself hath formerly felt; This must needs be asserted as that which followeth the reality of Christs Manhead, who, as such, cannot but be supposed to have what properties are belonging to a man. I called it humane sympathie, to distinguish it from that figurative sympathie which was applicable to Him before His incarnation. This sympathie is really for kind such as one friend hath to another, a father or mother to their children, as frequent expressions in Scripture do hold forth; and it is the believing of the reality of this humane sympathie, that openeth the door to all the following consolations, to wit, that our Lord Jesus hath a humane heart stirred and affected in that same manner, (yet unconceivably holy) as ours are towards our friends and children in their necessities: and though Christ be glorified, yet ceaseth He not to be true man, and so not to want this sympathie.
Secondly, This sympathie is sinlesse in Him; it hath much muddinesse and byasse in us; yea, through sin it is much obstructed and cooled, so that selfishnesse drowneth much of this, or miscarrieth it in the exercise thereof; but with our Lord Jesus it is not so, He is every way pure, who knew no sin, not was capable to be tempted therewith. Therefore His sympathie must be the more excellent, in that it cannot mistake, or miscarrie in reference to any object it shall have occasion to act upon.
Thirdly, His sympathie is perfect… and though while He was on earth, there was a purity beyond what we can conceive; yet, being now exalted to Glory, even in His humane nature as all, that is in Him, so His sympathie and bowels, must be much more shining and glorious, as being now at the height of all the perfections that may make a true man in the most excellent manner to sympathize with others. Therefore if we would conceive the earning of bowels or sympathie of a hundred naturall fathers or mothers towards their children in difficulties, yet all is nothing to this of our exalted Prince and Lord Jesus Christ, whose affections stir Him, though more inconceivably, yet with more tendernesse, faithfulnesse and dear respect to the good of His people.
Fourthly, This sympathie is the sympathie of a man, who is God and man in one Person, having both Natures personally united; and what can be more for consolation and for the commending of this to Believers? for so His qualifications cannot be but at the height of perfection; So there can be nothing hid from Him, and He will not Fail to be touched with their necessities; and which is wonderfull comfort, He is touched with them and sympathizeth whether they themselves be touched with them or not, whether they know them or not, or whether they make addresse to Him or not, even as a tender mother will be affected with her childs hazard, though it doth not complain. And by this, the Believer hath not only affections to be warmed by the consideration of Christs sympathie, and humane bowels; but also hath a ground to stay his faith in dyving in these, and comforting himself in these, because they are bowels of a Person who may be lippened to, and rested upon, as no meer man can be.
Lastly, This sympathie of the humane nature Man-christ, is agreeable unto His divine will; for, though there be two Nature, yet there is but one Person; and though He hath different wills, yet He cannot have opposite wills; and therefore what He may be conceived in His will and pity to will to us as man, that same must be conceived to be made effectuall to us as He is God, which is the conclusion of this consolation.
Again, we said, this humane sympathie may be considered as it putteth us in a capacity to conceive of the consolation that cometh by Him; for, the more Spiritual an object be, the lesse do we conceive of it, and when the Scripture speaketh of the Lords bowels and sympathie, that is not easily reached or conceived: but when we have the bowels, or sympathie, of a true man spoken of, we are more able to reach that and know what it is, and so are more ready to be affected with the consolation that suiteth so with us: we conceive it is no little part of the Believers consolation, that in Gods condescension, this sympathie is so moulded as to keep full the properties of the humane nature: now, the Believer hath Him as it were His brother, that sucked the breasts of his mother; now he hath Him as his friend, having the same affections and qualifications that he himself hath, yet sinlesse; now he may sometimes gather from his own affections within himself, the earning of the bowels of Christ or a resemblance of what is in Him, and may conclude, O what vast bowels an sympathie must be in Him! and yet all this is but a poor hint of the excellent and strong consolation that this part of our Lords Priest-hood furnisheth. What must Jesus be, when known and possessed? and what might His people be in the triumph of a comfortable life, if the breasts of those consolations were sucked by them?
The last thing to be spoken to, is how this consolation is to be improven by Believers? and though this be the main use of all, yet how great difficulty is it to get hearts up, seriously to be in love therewith, and to be longing to be made dexterous in the improving of it? The truth is, except that One Spirit touch our hearts with some impression of that sympathie, and kindle something in us, it will want its native lustre.
The first generall that we would propose, is, that men would study to know the fulness that is in Jesus, and that they would consider the high Priest of our profession, Heb. 3.1. and endeavour to be acquainted with His excellencie; and in particular, with this, that so there may be a throughnesse in the faith of these truths, whereof I fear there be too much ignorance and unbelief in the visible Church. O that men were truely convinced, that Christ hath such an Office, and that now as man He doth with a humane sympathie perform the same! I suppose there are even many, not amongst the worst, who yet all their dayes have been without the benefit of this, because they have never known Him, nor considered what use should be made of, and what benefit doth flow from the Mediators being Man, but do still carry in every thing, without respect thereto; and it is like, that even many very gracious souls have but little Spirituall skill and dexterity in this matter.
Secondly, In our addresses to God, Faith would be exercised on Jesus Christ, even in respect to this part of His Office, that is, that as there is a resting by Faith on Christs satisfaction, for attaining of pardon or what else is needfull; so there ought to be a resting on Christ as intercessor, for the obtaining of what we are petitioning for before the Throne. This putteth the obtaining of what we seek off our selves, and giveth the credit and glory thereof unto Him.
Thirdly, Faith would not only respect Christ simply as an intercessor, but as an intercessor who is man in our nature, who hath experience of infirmities, and tender humane sympathie towards us. The neglect of this, maketh Christ look like a stranger, and maketh the soul anxious even in its addresses to Him.
Fourthly, Upon this consideration there ought to be accesse with holy boldnesse, the heart exulting in its approach to God, that it hath such a new and living way, as the vail of his flesh, to approach to God by. It is often not only spoken of, but commended in the Scripture, especially in the Epistle to the Hebrews, upon this ground, as Chap. 4. verse. last; and 10. vers. 19; &c. Were this considered, it would banish the drouping, heartlesse approaches that Believers make to God through Christ, as if they were coming to stranger, whereas they approach to a brother, to a brother really and sunsibly touched with their infirmities and affected with them, as any brother on earth is with the infirmities of another.
Fifthly, The heart would keep confidence on this account, as to the event, however it be for the time: can it be but well with one with whom Christ so sympathizeth? and ought not they then to comfort themselves in the hope of an outgate? Paul triumpheth upon this consideration, Rom. 8. that though there should be persecution, nakednesse, sword, &c. yet they should not hurt him, nor separate him from the love of God in Christ Jesus, but that over all he should be a conquerour; yea, more than a conquerour. This were well becoming a Believer in straits, and were suitable to this ground of strong consolation; and this confidence is to be humbly extended unto all sorts of things which may mar the Believers consolation here.
Sixthly, It is even requisite to have the exercise of Spiritual senses for the right improving of this consolation, so that Believers would carry upon themselves a little copie of that sympathie that is in Jesus Christ, and have still upon their spirits an impression of the reality thereof, that by meditating thereon, in lying down, rising up or walking &c. the heart may be refreshed, and that excellent box of ointment may cast a savour; neither can it be, that poor believing sinners should without unspeakable refreshment and consolation conceive Christ Jesus the blessed Mediator, to have such thoughts of them, such care of them in their straits, such a touch of an fellow feeling with them in their infirmities, as that a reproach upon them, a crosse or strait, a hazard to sin, or an actuall fall doth touch and affect Him, as the fall or strait of the child doth affect a tender mother; and that we may with as great boldnesse approach to Him, and have as con̄fident expectation of a hearing with Him, as children may to their most dearly loving mother: who can think of these things and not be affected? and were Believers more in the thoughts of these, there would certainly be more comfort.
Seventhly, This would be to the Believer the last refuge, and whatever come, it is never to be loused or reteired from; but when all looketh dark about, He is here to anchour, and on this intercession and sympathie to cast himself, and that not without hope that He who is a compassionate high Priest will give proof thereof, and even in the same particular. In a word, this consolation might be improven against want and private straits, against publick difficulties: for, He sympathizeth with His Church, and every member of it; it is most fresh in straits, because then His bowels are awake, most stirred and warmed; and it is a fortresse against the terror of death, seing He died, and therefore hath the fresher sympathie in that choke. It were even good, believers were acknowledging themselves defective in this, and would endeavour the amending of it wherein there is hopes that this compassionate high Priest would further them and furnish them with other sort of helps and directions. To Him be praise for ever.