One Hundred Select Sermons, Old Testament · Sermon 1

One Hundred Select Sermons · Old Testament · Sermon 1

p. 1Sermon I.

Gen. 28.12, 13.

And behold a Ladder ſet upon the Earth, and the top of it reached unto Heaven, and behold &c.

There is commonly ſo much Weakneſs and Tenderneſs even in the beſt of The Servants of God, is thoſe Troubles and Perplexities that in this World happen unto them, as that all the Means that may be is little enough for the Supporting and comforting them in ſuch Conditions. And accordingly is God himſelf for the moſt part careful to Supply them, and to expreſs Himſelf towards the…; An Inſtance whereof we have here in this Scripture which we have now before us in the Example, of the Patriarch Jacob in his Journey from Beerſheba to Haran. It was a Journey that was undertaken by him with a great deal of Difficulty and uncomfortable Reflexion; And yet he received a great deal of Comfort from God in it, and Incouragement to it: God appeared to him by Night in a Dream while he was upon his way, and ſtrengthned and confirmed his Faith in it, by a twofold Diſpenſation; a Viſion and an Oracle, wherein he applyed himſelf to the Accommodation of both of his Senſes, his ſight and his hearing; In the Viſion he came home to his Eye, and confirmed his Faith by That. And in the Oracle he came home to his Eare, and confirmed his Faith by That likewiſe. Our Buſineſs at this preſent time is with the Firſt of theſe wayes of Confirmation; as preſented to his ſight by the Viſion: in the words which I have now read unto you. And behold a Ladder ſet upon the Earth, &c.

IN the Text it ſelf there are two General parts conſiderable. Firſt, The Viſion or Spectacle propounded, Secondly, The Incitement or Provocation of Attention thereunto. The Viſion or Spectacle it ſelf, that we have in the whole body of the Text, as the main Scope and ſubſtance of it; Of a Ladder with the Circumſtance of it. The Excitement or Provocation of Attention, that we have in the word Behold, interwoven throughly.

We begin with the Firſt, as more principal, viz. The Viſion or Spectacle propounded, And that as it lies here before us is conſiſting of three, Branches, Firſt of a Ladder reaching from Earth to Heaven., Secondly, of Angels aſcending and deſcending upon this Ladder. Thirdly, of God himſelf ſtanding above it.

The Firſt Part or Branch of this Viſion is of a Ladder ſet upon the Earth and the top of it extending to Heaven; This is conſiderable of us not onelyonly in the words but in the Scope; not in the letter onelyonly, but in the Miſtery which is ſignified by it, and intended in it: And indeed this Eſpecially for our Edification where, Inquiry is to be made by us, what this indeed is; and what p. 2is to be underſtood by it. Now this we may take according to a twofold Explication; Either that which is Primary and Principal, Or that which is ſecundary and Subordinate; The Primary and Principal Notion of this Ladder here in the Text is as it refers to Chriſt. The Secundary and Subordinate notion is as it refers to the Church of Chriſt, and to every particular Part and Member of him.

Firſt, We will look upon it in the Primary and principal Notion and Conſideration of it as it refers to Chriſt himſelf; who i… chiefly intended in it, and to be underſtood by it, as even out Saviour himſelf gives us an hint of it, in Joh. 1.51. Verily Verily I ſay unto you, Hereafter ye ſhall ſee Heaven open, and the Angels of God aſcending upon the Son of Man, where he alludes to this Viſion of the Text of Jacob's Ladder, as is acknowledged by the Generality of Interpreters both Ancient and Modern: Now Chriſt is very fitly reſembled by this Ladder here of Jacob in a twofold Conſideration eſpecially. Firſt, upon the account of his Nature, and Secondly, upon the account of his Offices.

Upon the account of his Nature. Firſt, of all which are two his, Godhead and his Manhood. According to his Manhood: ſo he hath in him the Foot of the Ladder, which is ſet upon Earth. According to his Godhead, ſo he hath in him the Top of the Ladder, which reacheth up unto Heaven. And ſo the Scripture ſtill expreſſes him, and repreſents him unto us, in the Union and Conjunction of theſe two Natures both together, as of Heaven and Earth. Thus John. 1.14. The word was made Fleſh and dwelt among us. 2. Tim. 3.16. Great is the Miſtery of Godlineſs; God was Manifeſted in the Fleſh. Col. 2.9. In him dwelleth all the fulneſs of the Godhead Bodily: Chriſt, he is perfect God, and perfect Man both. And it was very requiſite and neceſſary that he ſhould be ſo, It was requiſite that he ſhould be Man, and ſo have his footing upon Earth: Partly that he might be capable of Suffering, and dying for us, which otherwiſe he could not be; and partly that he might make ſatisfaction in the ſame Nature that had offended, that there might be a ſutableneſs and Conformity betwixt the Head and the Members, That he who Sanctifyes, and they who are Sanctifyed might be of one Nature, the Head and the Members both alike. And that accordingly he might have a Sympathy and Fellow-feeling of affection towards them. And thenit was requiſite alſo that he ſhould be God, That he might know our wants and Neceſſities, and that accordingly he might Supply them and make them up; that he might ſatisfy the wrath of God for us, and indure the Puniſhment which was due to our Sins without ſinking under it. That he might both preſerve us from the greateſt Evil; and beſtow upon us the greateſt god alſo. And that's one account of this Reſemblance of Chriſt to Jacobs Ladder, Namely, from the Conſideration of his Nature.

The Second is from the Conſideration of his Office; as he is the Mediator of the Church, And that in all the kinds and Perfections and accompliſhments of it. He is thus far alſo capable of this Reſemblance which we have here before us, As he is King, and Prieſt and Prophet.

Firſt, Take him in his Kingly Office, and it holds good in that Conſideration. That he reacheth from Earth to Heaven. Thus Matth. 28, 18. All Power is given unto him both in Heaven and in Earth. Take him as to Earth, and he is her King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Rev. 19, 16. He is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth. Revel. 2, 5. He can give Laws to binde the Conſciences of Men: Yea of the greateſt Monarches and Potentates in the world; who ſtand in a ſtate of Subjection and Obedience to Him. And for Heaven; He is likewiſe the head of all Principalities and Powers. Col. 2, 10. And Angels, and Authorities and Powers are made ſubject unto him, 2 Pet. 3 22. This for his Kingly Office.

Secondly, Take it for his Prieſtly Office; And here he is likewiſe like Jacobs Ladder, in the work of Atonement and Reconciliation, as bringing Heaven and Earth together. Thus Col. 1 20. It pleaſed the Father by him to reconcile all things to himſelf, whether they be things in Earth, or things in Heaven. And ſo likewiſe in Eph. 1, 20. That in the Diſpenſation of the fulneſs of time he might gather together in one all things in Chriſt: both which are in Heaven, and which are in Earth, Even in Him. Take us what we are in our ſelves: and there is a Diſproportion betwixt God and us, we are not onelyonly Strangers, but Enemies to him; And he to us. But now in Chriſt, this Enmity is removed and taken away, and there is perfect peace wrought according to that againe of the Apoſtle. Col. 1, 21. You that were ſometimes alienated, and Enemies in your minde by wicked works, Yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his Fleſh through Death &c. And again Rom. 5, 10. When we were Enemies we were reconciled unto God by the Death of his Son: And not onelyonly ſo, but we alſo joy in God through our Lord Jeſus Chriſt; By whom we have now received the Atonement: Chriſt hath made God and us Friends.

And then again, as for Reconciliation, ſo alſo for Acceſs; which is the Fruit and Effect of it: It is by Chriſt that we come unto God; and have Admiſſion unto the Throne of Grace; As we have the Benefit of his Satisfaction ſo likewiſe of his Interceſſion; and both of them conſider'd as our high Prieſt. Thus the Apoſtle ſeats it. Eph. 2, 18. Speaking of Jew and Gentile; Through him we both have an Acceſs by one Spirit unto the Father. And ſo Chap. 3, 12. In whome we have boldneſs and Acceſs with confidence through the Faith of Him. What ever intercourſe there paſſes at any time betwixt God and us, it is in all the Covenant of Grace and as it is obtained p. 3and procured by Chriſt. And it is he alone that does effect it for us; and that brings it to paſs. And therefore upon this Ground are we ſtill incouraged to have recourſe unto God, and to perfect our Communion with him: as Heb. 4, 14. Seeing then that we have a great High Preist that'is paſſed into the Heavens Jeſus the Son of God; Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of Grace; that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need. And ſo again Heb. 10.19. &c. Having therefore boldneſs to enter into the Holyeſt by the blood of Jeſus, by a new and living way which he hath conſecrated for us through the vayl, that is to ſay his Fleſh: And having an high Preiſt over the Houſe of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full aſſurance of Faith. And Rom. 5, 1, 2. Therefore being juſtified by Faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jeſus Chriſt: By whom alſo we have Acceſs. foreign.

Hence has he in Scripture ſuch Names and Titles put upon him; as doe import thus much, when he is called the Door whereby we Enter: and the Key whereby we Open; and the Rock whereby we Climbe, and the Ladder whereby we Aſcend; as it is here in the Text. A twofold Ladder (as I may ſo expreſs it) which he hath ſet up for us. The Ladder of his Fleſh; and the Ladder of his Croſs both together make that New and living way for us, which was mentioned in the foregoing Scripture, Chriſt is our Conveyance to God, and He alone; as the Scripture again inform's us. Joh. 14 6. I am the way, the Truth and the Life. No man Cometh unto the Father but by me: As no Man come's to Chriſt except the Father draws him, ſo no Man com's to the Father except Chriſt brings him; Neither is there Salvation in any other, for there is no other Name under Heaven given among Men whereby we muſt be ſaved. Acts 4 12. God was in Chriſt reconciling the World unto himſelf, 2 Cor 5 19.

Therefore this (by the way) ſhews the Vanity of all ſuch Perſons which dream of any other way or Conveyance beſides; whether of Angels or Saints, or their own Free-will and the like, that neglect and lay aſide Chriſt as in a manner Needleſs and Superfluous in this great Work of Salvation; ſurely ſuch as thoſe they are exceedingly deceived and miſtaken: Theſe that throw down the Ladder, they will never be able to get up to Heaven, by all the Ropes they can hoyſe up to themſelves. He that hath the Son hath Life, but he that hath not the Son hath not Life. 1 Joh. 5 12.

And ſo as for final Salvation: So for Intermediate Communion likewiſe, It is that which we partake off through Chriſt and him alone, we cannot come into the preſence of God, nor offer up a Prayer before him, which may be acceptable to him, but through his Mediation. By the Mediation of his Spirit as inabling us, and by the Mediation of his Blood, as purchaſing acceptance for us: He is the Angel, namely the Angel of the Covenant; who offers up the Prayers of all the Saints upon the Golden Altar, is before the Throne, as it is in Revel. 8, v. 3. And what ever are preſented otherwiſe they are of no Force or Validitie at all. Thus is Chriſt our Ladder that reaches from Earth to Heaven, in the Conſideration of his Preiſtly Office in both the parts of it, whether of Satisfaction, or Interceſſion.

Thirdly, For his Prophetical Office, if we take it there alſo, we ſhall finde that Chriſt has the notion of a Ladder. And as he conveys out Prayers and Deſires to God; ſo he does likewiſe carrye God's words and will to us, Joh. 1 18. No man hath ſeen God at any time, The onelyonly begotten Son, who is in the boſome of the Father, he hath declared him. And again. Joh. 3, 13. No man hath aſcended up to Heaven; but he that came down from Heaven; Even the Son of man which is in Heaven. He ſpeaks concerning the knowledge of heavenly Myſteries: and the Communication of them, which did belong onelyonly to Chriſt, who though then upon Earth as Man; Yet as to his Godhead was ſtill reſiding in Heaven; having the ſame Eſſence and Glory with the Father, Matth. 11, 27. All things are delivered unto me from my Father, and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father, neither knoweth any man the Father, but the Son; And he to whom the Son will reveale him. It is Chriſt that brings Heaven down to Earth in regard of diſcoveries. And thus a Ladder in his prophetical Office alſo.

To draw up this Point to an head. Take Chriſt in his full extent whether of Nature or Offices and in all the expreſſions and accompliſhments of either, and we ſhall find him to be very fitly ſet forth to us by this reſemblance in the Text, whether as to the ſteps of the Ladder, or to the terms of it. The terms of it: of Heaven and Earth; And the ſteps of it in the Paſages betwixt either: They are ſuch as are very remarkable in Chriſt in all the works and performances of his Mediatorſhip from his Conception to his Aſcenſion it ſelf. In them all he reach'd from Earth to Heaven, as he teſtifies of himſelf. Joh. 16, 28. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the World. And again, I leave the World and go to the Father, And ſo, Eph. 4, 10. He that deſcended is the ſame alſo, that aſcended up far above all Heavens, that he might fill all things. It is that which is obſervable and conſiderable in every Miſtery, in his Birth, in his Paſſion, in his Aſcention and what not. There was ſomewhat of Earth in Each, and ſomewhat of Heaven; and he was a Ladder ſet up betwixt both, in the undergoing of them. And ſo much may be ſpoken of this Ladder here in the Text; in the primary and Principal notion of it, viz. As it referrs to Chriſt.

p. 4The Second is the Secundary and Subordinate, as it refers to the Church of Chriſt, and every particular part and member of it. The Church is either Collectively taken, or diſtributively; Collectively in the whole Company of Believers; or Diſtributively in every ſingle and diſtinct Chriſtian. This Ladder it was a Repreſentation in part of Jacob himſelf; and that both Myſtically and Perſonally; Myſtically, as he was a tipe of the whole Church at large. And Perſonally, as he was ſuch a man in particular.

Firſt, Wee'l take it in the firſt Senſe; for the Church of God conſidered at large, that is eſtabliſhed in Scripture called by the name of Jacob: and may very well have the Notion of this Ladder faſten'd upon it, for it reaches alſo from Earth to Heaven, in the militant part, and the triumphant; the body on Earth, and the head in Heaven. The Church it is Earth, as it were removed and tranſplanted into Heaven. Believers they are taken out of the World, and they are firſt ſent into that before they are taken into a better place. Born firſt from Below, and then Born from Above. This is the State and condition of the Church; in regard whereof this expreſſion does ſute unto it.

Secondly, Take it more reſtrainedly, for every particular Chriſtian and ſo it agrees with Jacob perſonally, as this Ladder which is here intended in the occaſional Scope of it. The Lord by this Viſion of the Angels of God aſcending and deſcending upon this Ladder, and himſelf ſtanding above it, would ſignify to Jacob his ſpecial Providence and care of him in his Journey: And ſo upon this account Jacob muſt be the Ladder himſelf in the next and immediate Senſe, though not in the cheif and Principal. And thus indeed alſo is every true Believer; he is one conſiſting both of Earth and Heaven; His Body from Earth, his Soul from Heaven; his aboad upon Earth, his Heart in Heaven. His Pilgrimage upon Earth; his treaſure and his Inheritance in Heaven; Heaven and Earth they do devide every Chriſtian. And ſo I have done with the firſt branch of this Viſion here before us; and this is the Ladder reaching from Earth to Heaven, which is Primarily to be underſtood of Chriſt; and Secondly to be underſtood of Chriſtians: that is Jacob both Myſtically and Perſonally.

The Second Branch of this Viſion is of the Angels of God aſcending and deſcending upon this Ladder, wherein again are two particulars more; Firſt, The Perſons mentioned, and Secondly the Motion of thoſe Perſons. The Perſons mentioned, they are the Angels of God. The Motion of theſe Perſons, that is, that they aſcended and deſcended Reciprocally.

Firſt, For the Perſons themſelves. Theſe are here expreſt to be the Angels of God, which they are called upon a threefold Account. Firſt, From their Creation as made by God, Secondly, From their Qualification as being made like unto God, holy Angels. And Thirdly, from their Imployment and ſpecially Miniſtry, as being continually in Attendance upon God, and ſtanding in his Preſence expecting their Commands from him, and yeilding all ready and chearful Obedience to him. Theſe are the Perſons here mention'd.

Now Secondly, For the Motion whereby is attributed and aſcribed to theſe Perſons, it is of Aſcent and Deſcent reciprocally. They aſcended and deſcended upon the Ladder, whereby in one word is ſignified their ſpecial attendance upon Chriſt and the Church, and the diſcharge of their Miniſtry towards them. Wee'l take them both together, and in their order as they lie before us, in reference to the Expreſſion above mention'd.

Firſt, Take it of Chriſt himſelf. And ſo this aſcending and deſcending of the Angels upon this Ladder, it does intimate and declare unto us their ſpecial regard and reſpect to Him, which is very eminent in them. Theſe Bleſſed and Glorious Spirits are very remarkable in their obſervation of Chriſt. It is that which we may take notice of in every Miſtery and Paſſage concerning him, how the Angels were ſtill imployed about him, and ſubſervient to him upon all occaſions whatſoever.

For his Conception, an Angel foretels it to the bleſſed Virgin. Luk. 1, 31. Behold thou ſhalt Conceive in thy Womb, and bring forth a Son, and ſhalt call his name Jeſus. An Angel declares it to Joſeph. Matth. 1 20. The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a Dream ſaying, Joſeph thou Son of David fear not to take unto thee Mary thy Wife, For that which is conceived in her is of the holy Ghoſt. For his Birth, an Angel publiſhes it to the Shepherds, with a Glorious Hymn which they Sung, ſaying, Glory be to God on High, on Earth peace and good will towards Men, in Luke 2 14. And when he comes into the World, All the Angels of God worſhip him, in Hebr. 1, v. 6. &c.

In his Temptations in the Wilderneſs, the Angels came and miniſtred unto him, in Matth. 4, 11. In his Agony in the Garden, an Angel was ſent to Comfort him, in Luke. 22, verſ. 43.

At his Reſurrection, the Angel roll'd the Stone from the Sepulchre, and brought the tidings of it to the Women that ſought for Him.

In his Aſcneſion, the Angels attended upon him, and informed the Deſciples concerning him.

And at his Comming at laſt to Judgment, the Lord Jeſus ſhall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels. Thus take him which way you will, whether in his State of Abaſement and Humiliation, or in his State of Advancement and Exaltation; do thoſe bleſſed Creatures ſtill Miniſter unto him. According to either Motion of Chriſt, is the Motion of Angels. If Chriſt be pleaſed to deſcend in his State of Abaſement, the Angels deſcend with him. If Chriſt again be pleaſed to aſcend in his State of Advancement, the Angels they aſcend with him. Thus do they both aſcend and deſcend upon the Son of Man.

p. 5This they do as we may conceive of it upon a twofold Account. Firſt, in point of Affection and ſingular Love to Chriſt. Secondly, in point of Duty and ſpecial obligation to Chriſt. In point of Affection, Firſt of all, and ſingular love to Chriſt. The Angels they waite upon him for that, as delighting to be imployed about him. Ther's no ſuch ſervice, as the ſervice of Love; this has the excellence and preheminence of all other ſervice whatſoever. And this is the ſervice of the Angels to Chriſt, they are very well pleaſed and ſatisfied to be exerciſed and taken up in it. It is very Natural and agreeable to them, from their Affection towards him.

Secondly, In point of Ingagement. As he is the Lord and head of Angels, and ſo he is called. Col. 2 10. The head of all principality and Power. And the Angels do receive ſpecial benefit and Advantage by Chriſt, though not as to matter of Reconciliation; yet as to matter of Confirmation and Preſervation in that happy State and Condition in which they are, this Benefit they owe to Chriſt. That whereas being Creatures of their own Nature, they might fall away, as well as the reſt of their Fellows, and might leave their firſt Eſtate and Habitation; now they are ſetled and Eſtabliſhed in it, this they injoy from the Grace of the Redeemer; And while they do ſo they have very great cauſe to be obſervant of him, and to yeild all homage unto him; which accordingly they do. That's the firſt Reference of this their Motion here in the Text, namely, as to Chriſt himſelf.

The Second is to the Church of Chriſt, and every particular member of Chriſt. Firſt, For the Church at large, the Miniſtry of the Angels is very eminent in reference to this, and great things are ſtill upon occaſion done by them for it, in their attendance upon it. The Angels have a double Miniſtry wherein they are imployed; A Superiour and an Inferiour anſwerable to their double Motion which is here mention'd in the Text: of aſcending and deſcending. This Superior Miniſtry that is to attend upon Chriſt: and therein as we may ſay they do aſcend. And this inferiour Miniſtry, that is to attend upon the Church of Chriſt; and therein they do alſo deſcend. The latter is that which we are now at this preſent ſpeaking unto in this particular. And this latter is to be taken as depending upon the former as the Ground and foundation of it. Therefore do the Angels Miniſter to the Church from that relation which the Church has to Chriſt as his Body and Spouſe. That reſpect which is given to the head, is in part given to the Members; and that honour which is given to the King, it does reflect alſo upon the Queen, who is honoured the more for his ſake: This is the Caſe and Condition in this buſineſs. And accordingly we have it ſhadowed out to us under the old Teſtament in two Inſtances, refering to one another. The one is of the Cherubims looking with their faces upon each other; and with their wings covering the Mercy ſeat. Exod. 25, 17. Theſe Cherubims are the Angels, and this Mercy-ſeat it is Chriſt, who is the true Propitiator; Theſe they look upon him, with a Reverence and adoration of him. The other is of the Vayle of the Tabernacle with the Pictures of Cherubims round about it. in Exod. 26 32. Whereby is ſignified the variety of Angels attending upon the Church.

This they are willing to do, and it is no diſparagement at all to them to do it, thugh it be upon Creatures inferiour to themſelves; becauſe herein they are ſubſervient to Chriſt, whoſe the Church is. And they delight to do it for that reaſon. The ſame Love (as I ſhew'd before) that made them to ſerve Chriſt, makes them alſo to ſerve the Church for his ſake, and whilſt they love him; they cannot but love her as related to him, and alſo to themſelves as Fellow-members.

And then again further for their own Advantage likewiſe, For they themſelves gain by this Miniſtry, and are much improved from it, as from hence occaſionally they are inſtructed in the knowledg of ſuch Myſteries which before they were unacquainted withall; Thus, 1 Pet. 1 12. While the Apoſtle mentions the Evangelical Doctrines he ſays this of them; That they are ſuch things as the very Angels deſire to look into them; namely, for the Excellency of them. And again St. Paul. Eph. 3 10. To the intent that unto Principalities and Powers in Heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wiſdom of God. This incourages them in this their Attendance; And makes them willing to be miniſtring Spirits for the Salvation of the Elect, as they are ſaid to be. Heb. 1 14.

But beſides as to the Churches in General; ſo alſo to every particular Member, as to Jacob here in the Text. Not only Myſtically conſidered but Perſonally, Their's not the pooreſt Chriſtian that is, but he has a guard of Angels attending upon him as there's occaſion for them, not onelyonly one particular Angel (as ſome would have it) for a particular Perſon, as aſſigned and appropriated to him, but a multitude and variety of Angels as Jacob here had. We ſhall find if we look into Scripture, how ſerviceable the Angels have been to the particular perſons of God's Servants, as they have had need and uſe for them. Elijah was deſtitute of Meat, and the Angels fed him. Daniel was caſt into the Den of Lyons, and the Angels preſerv'd him. Peter was put into Priſon, and the Angels reſcu'd him. Eliſha was purſued by the Syrians, and the Angels incompaſs him. Jacob was alone in his Journey, and the Angels accompany and conduct him. He ſhall give his Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy wayes; They ſhall bear the up in their hands, that thou daſh not thy foot againſt a ſtone, as it is Pſal. 91.11, 12. There is vey great Benefit from the Angels in their Miniſtry and attendance upon the Saints.

Indeed we do not diſcern them, nor take ſo ſenſible a notice of them. They are about us, but they are about us Inviſibly. The Manifeſtation of Chriſt in the fleſh, who is the Lord of Angels hath taken away the Manifeſtation of Angels in a Corporeal Diſcovery, and hath reduced the Adminiſtration of his Kingdom to a more Spiritual forme; But this does not take away from their real preſence with us, and attendance upon us. They are with us, and aſſiſtant to us: after an inviſible manner, and that to very good purpoſes, which if we had time we might inlarge p. 6upon unto you. And eſpecially as to the reſiſtance of evil Angels and their attempts upon us. Look what ever miſcheif the Devils can work againſt God's Servants, the contrary good can the good Angels obſerve for them, and accordingly they do, as there is need and occaſion for it, In the protection of their Perſons, in the aſſiſtance of their Imployments, in the ſcattering of their Temptations, in the ſatisfying of their Objections. As the Angels were inſtrumental to the removing of the Stone from the Sepulchre, ſo they are many times inſtrumental in removal of Scruples out of the mind. And as the Devils have power now and then for the injection of evil Imaginations, ſo have the Angels alſo power to deſperſe them, and to take them away. But that which is cheifly to our purpoſe, and moſt agreeable to he ſcope of the Text is the Miniſtry of the Angels for the Cuſtody and preſervation of God's Servants, which is very full and Eminent in them. Theſe Angels do always behold the face of God in Heaven; and that to this end, as to be Commanded and ſet on work by him, for the ſafety and ſecurity of them. The Angels of the Lord incamp about them that fear him and deliver them. Pſal. 34.7. And ſo I have done alſo with the ſecond Branch of the Viſion, which is exhibited to us here in the Text conſiſting in the Activity of the Angels. The Angels of God aſcending and deſcending upon the Ladder.

The Third is the Super-Intendency of God himſelf in theſe words. And the Lord ſtood above it, and thus it carries a reference with it to both the former, to the Latter, and to the Motion of the Angels, which paſſed upon it. It refers to them both.

Firſt, It refers to the Ladder, and that in the full extent of it; whether of Chriſt or the Church, or Jacob. The Lord ſtands above it with reſpect to either Explication.

Firſt, Take it in reference to Chriſt, who is the Ladder in the firſt and principal Nation and conception of it, ſo the Lord ſtands above it; whereby is declared unto us thus much. That though as the Son of God Chriſt be every way equal to the Father, yet conſidered as Mediator, he is leſs and inferiour to him. The Father is greater then I in that place which we lately opened. Joh. 14.28. Look upon the whole work of our Redemption, and the Mediatorſhip of Chriſt, and we ſhall find it to be all tranſacted by the Power and Authority of God himſelf, who was principal in it; if he came into the World, he was ſent by God. God hath ſent his Son into the World. Joh. 3.16. And the Father hath Sanctified and ſent him. Joh. 10.36. If he was appointed to the work of the Mediatorſhip, it was the Father that appointed him. Him hath God the Father ſealed. in Joh. 6.27. When he was baptized, it was the Father that approved him, and gave Teſtimony unto him. This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleaſed. Matth. 3.7. When he was Crucified and put to Death, it was God the Father that expoſed him. He was delivered by the Determinate Council and foreknowledge of God in. Act. 2.23. When he was brought again from the Dead, it was the Father that raiſed him. Him hath God raiſed up having looſed the pains of Death becauſe it was not poſible that he ſhould be held of it. Act. 2.24. Thus is the whole Contrivance of this Ladder, for the framing of it and rearing of it, and faſtning of it, it was wholly from God. And this as it refers to Chriſt himſelf.

Again, Secondly. Take it in reference to the Church, this Ladder in the ſecond Notion of it, and ſo the Lord ſtands above it there alſo; What ever it be that happens to the Church, it happens to it by the diſpoſal of the Lord, who does order all events and Conditions whatſoever unto it. The Diſpenſations of Providence are different, and full of Varieties in ſeveral times and ages of the World: Some they fall out in one kind, and ſome they fall out in another, but the Lord he is above them all; and overrules them, as himſelf pleaſeth. And ſtill (which is the comfort of all) for the good of the Church. The eyes of the Lord run too and fro through the whole Earth, to ſhew himſelf ſtrong in the behalf of them, whoſe hearts are perfect towards him, as the Prophet tell us. 2 Chro. 16, 9.

There is a Double advantage which does ariſe from an high Poſture and more eminent ſtanding. The one is the Advantage of Inſpection, and overlooking. And the other is the Advantage of Influence and overruling thoſe that ſtand above others, they may ſee what is done by them. And thoſe that ſtand above others, they may uſually either hinder or prevent them. And both of theſe Advantages are here intimated to be in God toward the Church while it is ſaid, that he ſtands above it. Firſt of Inſpection and over-looking. He ſees how it is at any time with it. He that is higher then the higheſt Obſerves, and there be higher than they. Eccl. 5.8. I have ſeen, I have ſeen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt. And then Secondly the Advantage of Influence and over-ruling. Our God is in Heaven and he doth whatſoever he pleaſeth. in Pſal. 115. verſ. 3. And Pſal. 135 verſ. 6. Thus it refers to the Church.

Thirdly, Take it in reference to Jacob for his particular, as we muſt alſo take it, as the next and occaſional and more immediate ſenſe though not the principal, and it hath a truth in it ſo likewiſe; that the Lord ſtood above it: hereby to ſignify that ſpecial care which God had of his Servant at this particular time; Poor Jacob was now at this time in a very ſad and comfortleſs condition, as to outward circumstances. He was driven away for his life from a cruel Brother, to a cruel Unkle; he had left his Fathers houſe, and was now to ſeek entertainment abroad, and he had the difficulties of a tedious Journey upon him. The Ground for his Bed, the Stones for his Pillow, the Heavens for his Cannopy. He was all alone and had no body neare him, to adminiſter comfort unto him. See here now it pleaſed the Lord in his Goodneſs to provide for him, and to expreſs himſelf towards him, by ſending him a guard of Angels to defend and protect him; and by being himſelf in a ſpecial manner preſent with him, and comforting him, and ſtrengthning him, and upholding him in the way in which he went. This is God's uſual manner and dealing with his p. 7Servants, to own them and to draw near unto them in their Greateſt Extremities. Jacob the harder he lay, the ſweeter he ſlept. And the leſs incouragement that he met with from Earth, the more had he from Heaven. This is that which we may ſtill obſerve as the Lot and happyneſs of God's people, to have it thus with them, God viſits them in their greateſt Solitarineſs, and helps them in their greatſt Diſtreſs. Fear not Jacob, I am with thee, be not diſmayed, I am thy God, I will ſtrengthen the yea, I will help thee &c. Eſay. 41.10. It is true both of Jacob Miſtically, and of Jacob Perſonally. And ſo to Paul. Act 18.10. Be not afraid for I am with thee, and no man ſhall ſet upon thee to hurt thee. And as he had it in the Promiſes; ſo he had it likewiſe in the Performance and the accompliſhment of that promiſe to him, as we may ſee in 2 Tim. 4, 16, 17. All men forſook me, but the Lord ſtood by me and ſtrongthned me. There was the Lord in the top of the Ladder. In the Multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my Soul. in Pſal. 94. verſ. 29. And ſo much of the Firſt reference of this Paſſage as it reſpects the Ladder it ſelf in the full Latitude and extent of it, whether of Chriſt, or of the Church or, Jacob.

The Second Reference is to the Motion of the Angels that paſſed upon it. The Lord ſtood above them alſo, as ordering, and guiding, and diſpoſing, and governing of them The Angels as Great as they are, yet they are ſtill but Creatures, and at the Command of God himſelf who is the Lord and Creator of them. And ſo the Scripture teſtefies of them. in Pſal. 103.20. Bleſs the Lord ye his Angels, that excell in ſtrength, that do his Commandements hearkening to the Voice of the Lord. It was a great Comfort and Advantage to Jacob that he had the Angels to waite upon him in this his preſent Condition, to aſcend and deſcend upon his Ladder, Oh but this was the main of all, that God himſelf ſtood above it; for the ordering and regulating of them. The greateſt means of Comfort without God are altogether uncomfortable, and helps which have no help in them; it is he who alone give virtue and Efficacy to any Creature and that makes it advantagious in him; and without which it can do us no good, nor benefit us at all, be it in its own Nature never ſo excellent. This was that which was the Glory of this Viſion, and that put an Eminency upon it, which (as I may ſay) is a Ladder it ſelf and conſiſting of its ſeveral ſteps and gradations in it, and neither of them could be wel ſpared. Here's the Ladder, and the Angels, and the Lord. If Jacob had not ſeen the Ladder, as a pledge unto him of the happineſs of his Conveyance, he would have been at ſome loſs within himſelf. If he had ſeen the Ladder, and had not ſeen the Angels aſcending and deſcending upon it, he would have been to ſeek ſtill. And if further had ſeen the Angels upon it, and had not ſeen the Lord ſtand above it, he would have been very miſerable for all this. This is that which is the excellency of Angels, that they are the Angels of God, and this is the good that comes by them. That the Lord ſtands above them.

This is true and holds good not onelyonly of Angels Properly, but of Angels Metaphorically, not onelyonly of Angels by Nature, but alſo of Angels by Service and imployment which are the Paſtors and Miniſters of the Church, who have ſometimes this appellation of Angels faſtned upon them, and are ſo denominated, we may apply it even to them alſo by way of Analogy. The Pulpit (it is as I may ſo call it) Jacobs Ladder that reaches from Earth to Heaven. It has its footing on Earth: for we have this Treaſure in Earthen Veſſels. But the top of it is in Heaven; for we bring with us the glad tidings of Salvation. The Angels of God they aſcend and deſcend upon it; in the exerciſe of their mineſteriall Imployment. But it is the Lord that muſt ſtand above it, and give virtue and Efficacy to it, or elſe all is in vain and to no purpoſe. It is he that muſt give us Aſſiſtance, and it is he that muſt give us Succeſs and a bleſſing upon all our undertakings, or elſe it will go but very ill with us, nor with you neither. If thy preſence go not with us, carry us not up hence, as Moſes ſaid in the like caſe. Exod. 33.25. Who is Paul and who is Apollo, but Miniſters by whom ye beleived even as the Lord gave to every man. I have Planted and Apollos has watered, but it is God that gave the Increaſe, as the Apoſtles ſpeaks. 1 Cor. 3.5. And ſo I have done with this firſt General part of the Text which is the Viſion it ſelf in the three ſeveral Branches of it. The erection of the Ladder. The Motion of the Angels, and the Superintendency of God himſelf.

The Second is the Provocation of Attention, or the Propoſal of this Spectacle to view in the word BEHOLD, which is now breifly to be diſpatch'd by us. This though it be firſt in the Text, yet it is laſt in our handling of it, as it is alſo in the Nature of the thing. For firſt of all the ſight is prepared, before the Spectators are call'd into the vewing of it. And ſo here this word Behold as it lies in the Text is very Emphaticall, and more then ordinary in other Scriptures, (where alſo ſometimes we meet with it) as we may obſerve in the Multiſ lications of it, for we have it here under a Threefold Repetition the more to awaken our attention to it. Behold, Behold, Behold. Behold the Ladder, and behold the Angels, and behold the Lord. All are to be Beheld by us. And the Viewing and beholding of them all will ſerve as the Application of all that heitherto has been delivered about them.

There are divers ſorts of Looking and beholding, which are here required of us in order to this Spectacle before us. Firſt, So behold it with an Eye of Wonderment and Admiration as a very Great and Glorious Miſtery, eſpecially ſo far forth as it concerns Chriſt himſelf. Here's that which calls for ſpecial heed and attention from us, we heard before how the very Angels themſelves looked upon it with Aſtoniſhment, and how much more then ſhould then Sons of Men who are themſelves ſo deeply Intereſted and concern'd in it. There's nothing which belongs to Chriſt but it is worth the beholding, and has commonly the Provocation of it affix'd unto it. Behold a Prophet, Behold a Virgin, Behold the Lamb of God, ſtill behold; when there's p. 8Speech of Chriſt, and ſo here. Foraſmuch as he is pleaſed thus to offer and Exhibit himſelf to our view, we ſhould not take off our Eyes from him, but faſten them upon him. Look upon him in both his Natures, and look upon him in all his Offices, as they are laid before us. It is that which is here required and expected from us. This Viſion it was not onelyonly for Jacob but alſo for us; and it does very much belong unto us. This Ladder is ſtill ſtanding even to this preſent day, and is not removed or taken down, but we may look upon it. Not in a Dream, but waking, nor in the Shaddow onelyonly but in the Subſtance. We all now may with open face Behold as in a Glaſs the Glory of the Lord &c. as it is 2 Cor. 3.18.

Secondly, With an eye of Faith, we are to behold it ſo alſo as improving it to our own great Comfort and Conſolation; in the greateſt Troubles and perplexities that may befall us, we ſee here how we have no cauſe to deſpair even in the ſaddeſt Conditions, of Poverty, of Solitarineſs, of Exile, of Remoteneſs of Friends, of purſuit of Enemies; All which were the Caſes of Jacob here in the Text. For God himſelf will draw near unto us in ſuch Conditions, and then to chuſe more eſpecially; he will draw near to us Himſelf. And he will give his Angels charge over us to take care of us. What is preſented here to Jacob it is made good to every Iſraelite, and ſuch perſons as are of Jacobs ſeed. And whatever is written aforehand, it is written for our Satisfaction, that we through patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have hope, which accordingly we ſhould nouriſh in our ſelves. It is that which a Chriſtian may make uſe of even in Death it ſelf, and in his paſſage from Earth to Heaven, when he is going out of the World; That the holy Angels themſelves ſhall attend him as they oncedid Lazarus and carry him into Abraham's Boſome, and God himſelf will appear for him. Indeed, that we may have the full Comfort and Benefit of theſe Truths to our ſelves, it concerns us to indeavour to make good our Intereſt in Chriſt, and to ſee that we are truly and really members of him. For this is the Groundwork and Foundation of all other Comforts beſides. And amongſt the reſt of this here in the Text, of the Miniſtry of Angels. Take us out of Chriſt, and they are our Enemies rather then our Guardians, ſo far fom Miniſtring to us, as they are ready rather to fight againſt us, as the Cherubims had their Sword drawn to keep man out of Paradiſe, when he had fallen and departed from God. But it is Chriſt and our Intereſt in him that Reconciles them to us, and that makes them ſubſervient for our good.

Thirdly, With an eye of Dependance, we ſhould look upon it ſo likewiſe. In all the Buſineſſes of Difficulty, that we undertake, go about them in the ſtrength of Chriſt. And in all our approaches. to the Throne of Grace, make them ſtill in the name of Chriſt, as being the Ladder which is ſet up for this purpoſe, that thereby we might get up into Heaven and have Communion with God himſelf. He is able to ſave to the uttermoſt, thoſe that come unto God by him. Hebr. 7. verſ. 25. A Ladder that will never break nor ſlip, nor any way diſappoint us. And therefore we ſhould be willing to make uſe of it, and to venture our ſelves upon it. We ſhould look upon God as our utmoſt End; it is he that ſtands above; And we ſhould look upon Chriſt as our principal Medium and Conveyance that brings us to God and that lifts us up to him.

Laſt of all, We ſhould look upon this ſight with Thankfulneſs, and all due Acknowledgement of the goodneſs of God to us; that hath thus graciouſly provided for us. And our Hearts and Tongues ſhould be full of his Praiſes for ſo much goodneſs towards us. What is man O Lord that thou art mindful of him! or the Son of man, that thou ſo regardeſt him. Thou haſt made him but a little lower then the Angels, as the Pſalmiſt crye's out in Pſal. 8.4, 5. We ſhould not give the Honour and praiſe to the Angels, but to the Lord himſelf that ſtandeth above them: and has the Ruling and Governing of them for our good, as we made mention before. We ſhould take heed of doing any thing, which may be grievious to thoſe Glorious Spirits, and may cauſe them to remitt of their care and Cuſtody of us, and attendance upon us. That they may be Regular, and Orderly, and Compleat in their Motions towards us, in aſcending, and in deſcending both; not onelyonly to aſcend, and to declare our Conditions to God. But alſo to deſcend, and to bring down his Bleſſings upon us, and then eſpecially when they are moſt ſeaſonable for us.

In a word, We ſhould ſhew our Thankſulneſs in all Cheerfulneſs of Obedience to God upon all occaſions; Whom now we may ſerve as it were without fear all the dayes of our life, in this Security that he hath provided for us. It ſhould very much animate us, and quicken us, and inliven us in God's Service, and in the doing of thoſe things which he does at any time call for from us, and requires at our hands.

And more particularly. It ſhould keep us from Complyance with all Allurements and Temptations to Sin, though never ſo Secret; the Cloſeſt and privateſt Abominations. Here are two Arguments in the Text, The one is the Obſervation of Angels, and the other is the Superviſing of God himſelf. The Angels they ſee us and behold us, and take notice of us what ever we are doing; and we ſhould be aſhamed to grieve them in their paſſages and intercourſes amongſt us. Though we owe them not an honour of Adoration; yet we owe them an honour of Reverence in this particular, as we do in like caſe to the preſence of ſome Grave and Auſtre-man. Then, God himſelf alſo he ſees us and beholds us, and takes notice of us alſo, and we ſhould be affraid to provoke him, by any thing that is unworthy coming from us. For he is higher than the Angels and ſtands above them. And if they ſee us which moves upon the Ladder; how much more does He that is far above it. Thus we ſhould anſwer one Beholding with another; as the Angels beheld us in a way of Attendance, we ſhould behold them in a way of Reverence. And again as the Lord himſelf beholds us in a way of pittying, we ſhould alſo behold him in a way of Awfulneſs, and p. 9dreadful obſervance, ſo much for that. And likewiſe for the whole Text which I have now diſpatched. Behold a Ladder ſet upon the Earth and the top of it Reaching from Earth to Heaven, &c.