A Key to Open Scripture Metaphors, Book 2 · Part 2 · Subpart 27
Christ an Advocate.
1 Joh. 2.2.
We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.
ADvocate, in the Greek (foreign) is one called or retained to speak or plead for them who have Indictments against them, or otherwise were impleaded in any Court of Judicature, and intreated to favour another in Judgment, and Intercessor.
Advocate.
I. AN Advocate is, or ought to be a wise and learned Person, in a Court of Judicature, because entrusted with weighty Causes.
II. Advocateship is a relative Office, one related to a Judge and Court of Judicature.
III. An Advocate belongs to the Law, which is to be his Rule, in all his Practice.
IV. An Advocate is legally call'd and appointed to his Place and Office.
V. An Advocate undertakes Causes when they are brought to him.
VI. An Advocate pleads all Causes that he undertakes; for he undertakes them to that very end.
VII. An Advocate undertakes the Weight of a Cause, and knows how far it will prevail if well managed.
VIII. An upright and just Advocate is faithful to his Client, and will not betray his Cause to his Adversary.
IX. An Advocate gives Counsel and Advice, puts into a way and Method, how to improve a Cause when carried.
X. An Advocate is tied up to Customes and Rules of Court, which he always observes, that he might please and not offend.
XI. An Advocate usually speaks Comfort to his Client, especially if the Cause will bear it.
XII. An Advocate can use freedom of Speech, and speaks boldly to the Judg.
XIII. An Advocate knows the fittest time to manage Business, and every thing is beautiful in its season.
XIV. An Advocate hath the Judges Ear more than those that are but standers-by, that may be somewhat concerned in a cause; but the Judge listens to him, because he expects him to speak to the purpose, who hath Authority so to do.
XV. An Advocate gives free access, and is ready to be spoken with by all Persons that have any Business with him.
XVI. An Advocate undertakes high and desperate Causes, he refuseth not to speak for Men greatly obnoxious to the Law, he sticks not sometimes to plead the Cause of Traitours, where the Law admits of a legal Plea, tho in very great danger of their Lives, by reason of the greivous Crimes wherewith they stand charged against their Prince.
XVII. An Advocate is much honoured by the Judg in all his Replies, sometimes gives him the title of Brother.
XVIII. An Advocate knows much of the Judges mind, being skill'd in all the Rules that he judgeth by, and is well acquainted with his Nature and Disposition.
XIX. An able, eminent and learned Advocate, fears not being overmatch'd when he knoweth he hath Law and Reason on his side.
XX. A good and worthy Advocate is of so noble and generous a Disposition, that he will plead the Cause of the Poor out of Pity, rather than they should miscarry.
XXI. An able Advocate doth, and that not seldom, carry Causes that are very doubtful to others.
XXII. An Advocate is careful to keep up the Honour of the Judg and Laws, because the Contempt thereof proves of ill Consequence.
XXIII. A good Advocate is always very diligent, and mindful of his Client's Concerns.
XXIV. A good and able Advocate is very successful, in carrying on many Causes.
XXV. A good Advocate is concern'd when a Cause is lost through the Clients fault, because he would not make use of an Advocate.
XXVI. A good and wise Advocate will not undertake all Causes; there are some Causes so highly foul, that they are not in the least hopeful; Matters are gone too far, and have stayed too long, they are past remedy.
XXVII. A wise and honourable Advocate lieth fair for Preferment, viz. In some space of Time to be a Judg himself, when his Work and Business of Advocateship ceaseth.
Parallel.
I. CHrist is a wise and learned Person, In whom are all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledg; Col. 2.3.The Lord God having given him the Tongue of the Learned, &c.Isa. 50.4.
II. The Lord Jesus is related to God, and the high Court of Heaven, the Man that is God's Fellow;Zeck. 13.7. Psal. 80.15. The Man of his Right-hand, made strong for himself.
III. Jesus Christ was born and constituted under the Law, Gal. 4.4.and made it his Rule in all Cases, would not vary in the least from what God had required or enjoyned therein.
IV. Jesus Christ took not this Place and Office upon himself,Heb. 5.4. but was called and appointed to it by God, as Aaron was to the Priesthood.
V. Christ doth undertake Causes for any, if they come to him: If any Man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous; Who is the Propitiation for our Sins, 1 Joh. 2.1, 2.and not for ours only, but for the Sins of the whole World.
VI. The Lord Jesus pleads all Causes that he undertakes, did it when here on Earth, Holy Father, Joh. 17.6, 11.keep through thine own name, those whom thou hast given me, &c. Thine they were, &c. they have kept thy Word. Father forgive them, they know not what they do: Luk. 23.34.
VII. Christ knows the Weight of every ones Cause, and knows how far it will go if well managed; He knows who will carry the Cause, and who will lose it: he that relies upon him alone by a lively Faith, in a way of Holiness and new Obedience, is certain of the Cause, when all others are like to miscarry: He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned: Mark 16.16.
VIII. Jesus Christ being Justice it self; will be faithful in all Causes wherein he is entrusted; he is not only called Jesus Christ the Righteous; but he did as a due Proof thereof,1 Joh. 2.1. Mat. 4 8. refuse the tender or offer of the whole World, for the sake of Sinners, rather than he would betray his Trust, or yield up the Cause of Men's Souls into the hand of their cruel Adversary the Devil.
IX. Jesus Christ the wonderful Counsellor, he sets his People in a hopeful way and Method to improve a Cause, when carried against an Adversary: Go thy way and sin no more, Isa. 9.6. Joh. 5.14.lest a worse thing come unto thee, &c.
X. Christ did nothing of himself, but what he received from the Father; he is a strict Observer of all Rules of Righteousness, so as to lead at all times in the Ways thereof, Joh. 12.49. Prov. 8.20.and in the midst of the Paths of Judgment; and that he might appease the great Judg in all things, he came up to the demands of Justice, and answered the Law, and now pleads the Merits of his own Blood in the Court of Heaven for us.
XI. Jesus Christ out-does all Advocates under Heaven in all things, for he speaks so as never Man spake like him;Joh. 7.46. Joh. 14.13. He bids them ask what they will, and he will do it for them: Ask and it shall be done, Joh. 16.24.that your Joy may be full.
XII. Christ most fully answers to this, where he saith, Father, Joh. 17.24.I will that those whom thou hast given me, be with me, where I am, that they may behold my Glory, &c.
XIII. The Lord Jesus knows the fittest times to manage Business, on the behalf of Souls, there is an acceptable time for him to be heard and to do his Work; when Satan tempts, when he desires to sift, when he accuses to God, as in the Case of Job, when Provocation is given and the Enemy lays Siege against the Soul; then is a fit time for our Advocate to work; this Christ is well acquainted with, Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have thee, that he may sift thee as Wheat: Luke 22.32.but I have prayed for thee, that thy Faith fail not, &c.
XIV. Christ hath the Ear of the Heavenly Judg, because he always speaks to the very life of the Cause. He was heard in all things, and at all times: I know that thou hearest me always: Joh. 11.42He only is authorized to plead for poor Sinners.
XV. Jesus Christ invites all that are weary and heavy laden, Mat. 11.28to come to him for Rest, with a Promise of free access, Whosoever comes to me, I will in no wise cast out: Joh. 6.36.
XVI. The Lord Jesus, this wise and able Advocate hath undertaken desperate Causes, such as Mary Magdalen a great Offender, Peter a great Backslider, Paul a great Blasphemer and Persecutor. The Gentiles that were Thieves and Idolaters, by the Fall: desperate was the Cause of all he undertook:2 Tim. 1.13. Joh. 17.20. Isa. 53.12. I Pray not for these alone, but for all that shall believe on me through their Words: He makes Intercession for the Trangressors.
XVII. Christ is very much honoured by God, he calls him his Fellow, and will have all Men honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.
XVIII. Jesus Christ knows much of the mind of God, being skill'd in all the Laws, Natural, Moral, and Evangelical, well understands his Nature and Disposition, being always by him, Prov. 8.30.and as one brought up with him, Joh. 1.18.being daily his delight, &c. so near and familiar that he lay in his Bosome.
XIX. Jesus Christ had unspeakable Confidence, in so much that he feared not to appear amongst great and learned Doctors in the Temple,Luk. 2.…. hearing them and asking them Questions, to the Astonishment and Amazement of all them that heard him; He appeared too mighty and learned for all the Pharisees, Sadduces, and Priests of the Jews.
XX. The Lord Jesus stands not on Fees, or Gratuities, for indeed none are able to give unto him a Reward for his Work,Rom. 11.35. Isa. 55.1. but he acts on the same terms that God gives Wine and Milk, and that is, without Mony, and without Price. Whosoever will, may come, and take his Counsel and Advice, Water of Life freely: Luk. 1.53.He hath filled the Poor with good things, but the Rich he hath sent empty away; Their Cause falling to the ground.
XXI. Christ did frequently, when on Earth, and since his Departure into Heaven, carry Causes doubtful to others: He carried the Cause in a great Trial against Satan, who made strong Attempts against him,Mat. 4.3▪ 4, 8, 9. Rev. 5.5, 6. Rom. 5.7. Gal. 3.13. after he had fasted fourty days. And when none was found worthy to open the Books, and unloose the Sea's, and look thereon, at which John wept, The Lion of the Tribe of Judah prevailed. In due time Christ died for the Ungodly, he hath delivered us from the Curse of the Law, being made a Curse for us.
XXII. Jesus Christ is watchful to keep up the honour of God and his Laws, because the Contempt thereof would prove of ill Consequence; I honour my Father, I have glorified thee on Earth; Joh. 17.4.Not one jot of the Law shall fail; think not that I came to destroy the Law, &c.Rom. 3 26. He answered the Demands of it, that God might be just, and the Justifier of those that believe in Jesus.
XXIII. Christ is very diligent, never guilty of any Neglects in acting for his People; he went about doing Good, pleaded often, pleaded strongly, with Crying and Tears, used mighty and prevailing Arguments with God, on the behalf of his Flock on Earth; pleads for great things for them, for the holy Spirit, for divine Protection, Union, and for their safe Conduct to Heaven: Father, Joh. 17.17, 21, 24.I will that all they whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my Glory.
XXIV. Jesus Christ is successful, he hath carried many, yea multitudes of Causes for his People; nay, indeed it may be said, when did he miscarry? what Cause was lost when the Sinner did sincerely and in good earnest engage him? he carried the Cause for poor Peter, to the preventing his utter Destruction; he prevailed for the Protection of God to the twelve Apostles, that continued with him; He pervailed for the sending the Comforter, when he went away; he carried Paul and the suffering Saints away Conquerours; hath made us more than Conquerours: Rom. 8.38.He manages effectually all the Affairs of his Elect throughout all the Earth.
XXV. Jesus Christ is greatly grieved, to see Men miscarry in the great Cause of their Souls through their own neglect, because they did not, they would not come to him, retain him, make use of him;Joh. 3.40. Luk. 19.41, 42. Mat. 23.37. He drew near the City, He beheld it, and wept over it. O Jerusalem, that thou hadst known, even thou in this thy day, the things that belong to thy Peace! But now they are hid from thine Eyes; their Cause was irrecoverably lost, because they would not come unto him.
XXVI. Jesus Christ will not take the names of some into his Lips, he leaves them wholly to themselves, to stand or fall; saith of them, as once it was said of Ephraim, Let him alone; such are the hardned Hypocrites and Reprobates, horrible Apostates, the Blasphemers of the holy Ghost, of these it may truly be said, as in Eccles. 4.10. Wo unto him that is alone; and they may say of themselves, The Harvest is past, the Summer is ended, Hos. 4.17.and we are not saved. God hath sworn in his Wrath against some, that they shall not enter into his Rest; and Christ will neither plead nor pray for them;Jer. 8.20. He will take no foul Cause into his pure Breast, but clearly leaves them out of his Intercession and Advocateship: I pray not for the World, &c, Joh. 17.9.
XXVI. The Lord Jesus is the wisest and honourablest Advocate that ever was, and therefore is the undoubted Heir to Preferment; yea, to the greatest of Preferments, He being appointed the Judg of all the World,Acts 10.42. Joh. 5.22. by a former and unalterable Decree: Him hath God ordained to be the Judg of the quick and dead; God judgeth no Man, but hath committed all Judgment unto the Son; He hath appointed a day, Acts 17.31.in which he will judg the World in Righteousness, by that Man whom he hath ordained, &c.
Advocate.
I. AN Advocate here below, is concerned but for a few Clients, cannot serve many, much less all that need an Advocate to plead their Cause for them.
II. An Advocate here below, is but of short standing, comes in an hour and goes out in an hour, the Eldest are but of yesterday and of small Experience.
III. An Advocate here below leaves his Clients doubtful, because they know not how a Cause will go before Trial.
IV. Some Advocates here below do more often miss than carry Causes, and many of them lose more Causes than they gain.
V. An Advocate may carry a Cause here below, and there may lie an Appeal against it in some of the superior Courts, as the Court of Chancery, &c. The Cause may be carried for a Person in one Court, and lost in another.
VI. An Advocate in these lower Courts, tho he be an able Man, yet he may be over-match'd and out-done by others; it being a Rule in most Cases, Not one so good, but he may find his Equal, &c.
Disparity.
I. JEsus Christ is an Advocate for his whole Church, all may come and make use of him; I pray not for these alone, but for all them that shall believe on me through their Word: Whosoever comes,Joh. 17.20. none is refused, that hath an Appeal to make to the great God, who is Judg of all the World, &c.
II. But Christ this great Advocate of Souls, who appertaineth to the high Court of Heaven, is of long standing and great Experience, possessed the Place of an Advocate from the Fall; nothing can surpass his Cognizance, he stood before the Antient of days, in the days of Noah, Daniel, Job, &c.
III. But Jesus Christ knowing all things relating to the Judgment-day, gives assurance to his Saints, before Trial, it shall go well with them: He that seeth the Son and believeth in him (hath the Cause) hath eternal Life, and shall never come into Condemnation.Joh. 5.24. Rom. 8.1
IV. But Christ, this high and holy, this great and good, this wise and just, this true and righteous Advocate, carries every Cause he undertakes. He will not undertake any Cause, to plead effectually, but the Believer's: He will not speak a word for the Sons of Belial, that will not submit to his Laws: I pray not for the World, but for those thou hast given me. Joh. 17.9.For those that willingly submit to his Laws, he is successful to a Wonder; whatever he desires is done for them, his Prayers being always heard.
V. But the Lord Jesus, the Churches Advocate, makes sure Work; when He carrieth a Cause, it's done in the highest Court it self, from whence there is no Appeal. Every Cause that Christ carrieth, is, like the Laws of the Medes and Persians, unalterable, and like the Covenant,2 Sam. 25.4, 5. Luk. 10.42 ordered in all things, and sure; it is as the good Part Mary chose, that shall never be taken from her; neither Men nor Devils shall be able, by Fraud nor Force, to take it away from them. 'Tis God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? Rom. 8.33, 34.'Tis Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again, who also maketh Intercession for us.
VI. Christ hath no Match or Equal, but he very much transcends all his Opposites. Beelzebub hath had a great Name, but he is nothing to Jesus; Christ makes him flie before him, and fall like Lightning. He hath an awful Majesty in his words, that if he doth but say,Mat. 4.11. Zech. 3.2. Get thee behind me, Satan, The Lord rebuke thee; Satan shrinks off shamefully: He dares not, cannot stand before this powerful Advocate.
Application.
I. BEhold the marvellous Goodness of God, that he should (in meer Mercy to us) appoint such an able Advocate, to whom the very Angels themselves are inferior, in point of Wisdom, Power, Office, and Honour.Job 38.7▪ 1 Pet. 1.12 Those Sons of the Morning shout for Joy at his Appearance as an Advocate, and pry into the Mystery of his honourable Work.
II. There is great Encouragement to come to this Advocate: God invites Men to come to Christ for advice, and to take his Counsel:Mat. 3.17. This is my beloved Son, hear Him. He is not concealed in some secret Chamber, where he cannot be found, but stands at the opening of the Gates, Prov. 1.20, 21, 22. Isa. 49.6.at the Place of the chiefest Concourse. God hath given him to be a Light to the Gentiles, and his Salvation to the ends of the Earth. Whoever believingly and in truth desires to have him for their Advocate, my have access unto him, and have their Cause undertaken, pleaded, and effectually managed by him, who is the Judge's own Son. The Motives to this Duty are many.
1. When poor Sinners come to this holy Advocate, they are kindly embraced.
2. They have their Work readily undertaken, they are not tired out with Delays.
3. They have it very carefully managed; the Cause is not lost, nor suffered to fall to the Ground, for want of prudent and careful Management, &c.
4. It is a great Case, that cannot safely be trust in any other hand, it is about a Title to an Inheritance, wherein if a Man miscarry, he is utterly undone, yea, utterly undone to Eternity.
5. Their Cause is admitted of, and undertaken, without Fees or any kind of Charges; He will do all freely without Money.
6. There is much Peace, Satisfaction, and Security in it. A Man that hath committed his Cause to this Advocate, may sleep in Peace, go about his Business in Comfort; neither need he in the least doubt or fear of what will follow, for there was never any one that trusted in him confounded or put to shame. There was never a Cause left by any Man, to the wise Counsel and Management of this most powerful and holy Advocate, but it carried the Day. He is not only able to save, but able to save to the utmost, Heb. 7.25.not only some, but all those that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make Intercession for them.
III. Who then would refuse coming to Jesus Christ, or neglect to make use of this Advocate?
IV. It also shews us the Cause why Men perish, and miss of God's Favour, and lose eternal Life: It is not for want of free Tenders of Grace, or because there is no Advocate to plead for them; but it is because they will not open at his Knock, nor take his Counsel, &c. They will not come unto him, Joh. 5.40.that they might have Life.
Lastly; Let all Saints, who through Satan's Temptations have been overcome, and have sinned, and wounded their Consciences, remember, that there is an Advocate for them with the Father, 1 Joh. 2.1, 2.Jesus Christ the Righteous.