A Complete History and Mystery of the Old and New Testament, Part 1 · Chapter 21
CHAP. XXI.
NOW when Christ's Miracles of Mercy to many had made Him famous to all, He went round about the Cities and Villages teaching his Oracles, Mark 6.6. and Matth. 9.35. and finding multitudes ſwift to hear, this drew forth his bowels to ſend forth more Labourers into the Harvest, which now looked white, and even hanging down for the hand of the Mower, Mat. 9.36, 37, 38. John 4.35. Hereupon he ſent out his Twelve Diſciples (who had been a long time as Probationers with him, &c.) to become Preaching Apostles with power for healing Diſeaſes, and for casting out Devils, leſt the People ſhould be under that Judgment which Moſes of old had deprecated, Numb. 27.17. … Sheep without a Shepherd; therefore as Moſes had ſent out Twelve Men to ſpy out the Land, and likely by Two's and Two's; ſo the Meſſias ſent out his Twelve Apoſtles by couples, and poſſibly juſt as they are ranked together, Mat. 10.2, 3, 4. that in the mouth of two Witneſſes the Truth might be confirmed. Upon this Miſſion and Commiſſion Apostolical take theſe ſhort Remarks. 1. Fallen Mankind are not ſaid to be like Dogs or Swine, which tho' lost or lugg'd, can find their way home again, but like lost Sheep, Iſa. 53.6. ſo ſilly a creature, as none more apt to wander, and none leſs able to return. 2. Christ's deep Commiſeration of thoſe loſt and ſcattered Sheep that lay panting for life, and now nigh gaſping their laſt becauſe of ſuch Wolves as Saul, Act. 9.1. moved him to ſend Shepherds. 3. Christ goes the Circuit himſelf, then ſent his Apostles thither. Happy we when Christ goes before us, &c. 4. Men ought to be Diſciples, before they be made Ministers: 5. Christ's Ministers meet with hard fare in an evil World, Perſecution, Impriſonment, &c. 6. Yet Christ takes care for their ſatisfaction and ſettlement. 7. He qualifies with Gifts whom he ſends upon his Service, giving them both protection and proviſion neceſſary. 8. 'Tis a great honour to be one of Christ's Retainers; the names of thoſe Diſciples are all Regiſtred in holy Writ, when the Grandees of the World, and Men of Renown, either lye wrap'd up in the ſheet of ſhame, or at leaſt rot away in the grave of oblivion. 9. The Workman is worthy of wages as well as meat, of double honour, countenance and maintenance. 10. The conſideration of Souls periſhing-danger muſt ſtir up Miniſters to faithfulneſs in their work. 11. Preaching is God's means appointed for Recovery of lost Sheep. 12. No leſs than a Kingdom, and that of Heaven, can buy men out of their ſweet ſins. Too many ſay as in Jotham's Parable [Shall I leave my fat and ſweet to Reign with God in Heaven?] The moſt chuſe rather for a little ſweet of ſin with the wicked on Earth, and in the Iſſue to roar with the Devil in Hell. 13. Saints (though poor) are God's Worthies, when Sinner's (though rich) be of little worth, Prov. 10.20. 14. The Place of Minister's Rendezvonze, muſt not be in the houſes of prophane perſons, who are great without God, but with thoſe ſmall Fiſhers, who bite better than great ones at the bait of the Goſpel. 15. Christ will have his Ministers maintained in an honourable way, and not like Beggars from houſe to houſe. 16. Christ hath a day wherein to judge and condemn Deſpiſers, ſuch have the two ſure ſigns of all Reprobate Goats, to wit, not Receiving his Ministers to houſe and harbour, nor hearing their words. N.B. Note well; As Christ's Apostles were Preaching up and down according to their Masters Miſſion, Herod beheaded John Baptist (as before mentioned at large, chap. the 10th) a little before Christ's Third Paſſover came, which then drew nigh, when Chriſt Retired upon his hearing of the Baptiſt's Murder by Herod, John 6.4. Mat. 14.13. Mark 6.30. and Luke 9.10. Herod hearing of the fame of Chriſt in his Miracles, thought him to be John whom he had beheaded (by his Dancing Daughter.) Herodias had buried the Baptiſts's head in her own Palace-garden, to ſecure it from a Reunion with his Body, (which John's Diſciples had buried in Sebaſte nigh to Samaria between Eliſha and Obadiah the Prophets) that the fulfilling of her luſts with Herod might have no new interruption or diſturbance thereby. John's Diſciples come and declare their Maſter's Death to Jeſus, which alſo affrighted all the Apoſtles home to their Maſter, with whom they retired into a deſert place till the Paſſover came, and then they attended their Maſter thither. In the mean time Herod is now perplexed, though he now with the Sadducees (for the Leaven of Herod, Mark 8.15. is all one with the Leaven of the Sadducees, Mat. 16.6.) hath made himſelf believe, that there was no Reſurrection, Judgment-Day, or World to come, the better to ſtill and ſtifle the noiſe of his bawling and brawling Conſcience: Yet all this would not do, for he ſtill ſtuck faſt in the Mud (as the word foreign ſignifies) Luke 9.7. and his Horrour did devour his Principles of Sadduceiſm, and made him think that John (in Jeſus and his Apoſtles Miracles) was again Riſen from the dead.
This Third Paſſover was uſhered in with two mighty Miracles; the firſt was Chriſt's feeding five thouſand and upward with five Loaves and two Fiſhes; the ſecond was his walking upon the Sea and rebuking the Storm, &c. Mat. 14.13. to the end, Mark 6.30. to the end, Luke 9.10, to 18. and John 6.1, to 22. All the four Evangeliſts relate the ſame ſtories, briefly indeed by Matthew, but largely by the reſt, eſpecially by Mark and by John.
Theſe Remarks are found in the firſt Miracle. 1. Dangers muſt be declined. when they may be ſo with a ſafe Conſcience. Jeſus's Diſciples came from Preaching abroad, and John's Diſciples with tydings of their Maſters death came all in to Chriſt about the ſame time; upon this Chriſt withdraws into a Deſart, knowing that Herod deſired to ſee him, Lake 9.9. that he might diſpatch him alſo, as he had done the Baptiſt; but, ſaith Chriſt, [Gotell that Fox, mine hour is not yet come.] In the mean time, that he might declare himſelf a real man who might be taken and murdered; and to teach us by his Example not to tempt God by a wilful expoſing our ſelves to the rage of man, but to decline unneceſſary dangers, according to his own counſel [when perſecuted in one City ſ… to another,] Mat. 10.23.
The 2d Remark is; Such as are ſenſible of their need of Chriſt, will follow him in his with drawments, and find him out even in a Deſart. Though he be a God that ſometimes hides himſelf, Iſa. 8.17. yet cannot he be hid (Mark 7.24.) from ſenſible Souls that ſeek him ſeriouſly, and muſt fetch him out of his Retiring Room by their fervent prayers. The people ſaw him departing, though privately, therefore they ran on foot after him, Mark 6.32, 33. They neglecting all neceſſary proviſion, had hard toil and travel, yet we will ſcarce ſtir out of our own doors to ſeek a withdrawing Chriſt.
The 3d Remark is; Chriſt is compaſſionate towards ſuch as ſeek him: He will not only i… no wiſe caſt them out, John 6.37. but he will both head their bodies (who took all this pains (notwithſtanding their Diſeaſes) to follow him ſo far) and their ſouls too, by Preaching to them concerning the Kingdom of God, Mat. 14.14. Mark 6.34. and Luke 9.11. Here was the diſpenſation of Divine Wiſdom; he likewiſe firſt refreſhed their ſouls [by teaching them many heavenly Truths] before he refreſhed their bodies, which is of leſs worth, Mat. 6.25. He taught them, that he was the King promiſed of God, the Meſſiah, (ſee Deut. 33.3.) Res pro perſonâ, The Kingdom of God, pro Rege miſſo aeque ac promiſſo, for the King ſent as well as promiſed of God.
The 4th Remark is; Preachers of God's Kingdom muſt ſhew much Tenderneſs towards the Infirmities of their Auditors, and not hold them too long, but give them a timely Diſmiſſion. This People (the hearers of our Lord) came out of their ſeveral Cities (where they had fulneſs of all things) into the Deſart, where nothing could be had: They forgat their bodily neceſſities to attend upon this bleſſed Teacher, and to hang their Ears upon his Honey-lips, Cant. 5.13, 16 preferring his holy and ſweet-ſmelling word before their neceſſary food, Job 23.12. Though few now will take ſo many weary ſteps as thoſe good ſouls did, Pſal. 84.7. and theſe here be at any pains and coſt for Heaven, neglecting and hazarding their bodies for the good of their ſouls: Yet the beſt have but a meaſure of Affection, and when that is ſpent, a good ſoul may be weary in an Ordinance, that is not weary of an Ordinance: This Chriſt's Diſciple▪ knew well therefore, when the day was far ſpent, they will not have the People kept too long in Attendance of Divine Worſhip, but takes care for their timely and neceſſary Refreſhment.
The 5th Remark is; When God calls to any extraordinary duty, then doth he furniſh with ſuitable Ability, and makes extraordinary proviſion for thoſe, that prefer providing for their Souls before their Bodies (as Mat. 6.33.) provided always, they tempt not God by a wilful neglect of ordinary means: Therefore ſaith Chriſt [They need not depart] Chriſt knew better than his Diſciples, what kind of place this Deſort w… and what he had to do, John 6.6. yet they look'd upon his Motion [Give ye them to eat] as abſurd, and not only improbable, but impoſſible, ſaying, [Shall we go and buy, &c?] Mark 6.37. This is (they think) a very unlikely matter. 'Tis a queſtion (ſaith Beza) not without a ſcoff, as if they had ſaid, where's your money, Sir? have we 200 pence to cater for ſo great a company? Chriſt only tryed them, not as Silver, Iſa. 48.10. we muſt believe againſt ſenſe in things inviſible, and againſt reaſon in things incredible, when Christ calls.
The 6th Remark is; Where Christ giveth a Call to his Miniſters for feeding his People, there they must not be diſcouraged at the ſmalneſs of their Proviſions (ſo it be the best and most they can get) but bring them to Chriſt, and believe in him for a bleſſing. The Diſciples here had but five Loaves and two Fiſhes, and now in a Deſart, where no more could now be procured; this made them deſpair of doing what their Lord bid them do, yet Christ was content with what they had (though but barley Bread for quality, and but ſmall and few for quantity) and ſaid [Bring them hither to me] teaching us, to bring all we have and are (though never ſo little, ſo it be the beſt of the beſt, Gen. 43.11. or the beſt we are able to get, Levit. 14.21, 22.) unto Christ, that he may take off the firſt Adam's Curſe, and ſuperadd the ſecond Adam's bleſſing. Man lives not on bread alone, Mat. 4.4. Christ's command exerciſeth his Diſciples Faith, Obedience and Liberality to thoſe in want here.
The 7th Remark is; Our wants and weakneſſes muſt first be diſcovered before Christ will declare his Omnipotency in our Relief. This is manifeſt here; it muſt be long paſt Dinner-time, well towards Evening, when healthful ſtomachs would be craving for food; it muſt be in a Wilderneſs (where unbelief had ſaid, Can God prepare a Table here? Pſal. 78.19.) far from any Town, ſo no more ſtore could be poſſibly procured, and ſecretly handed in for feeding this multitude; the fewneſs of the Fiſhes and Loaves (not enough for twelve mens Dinners) muſt alſo be made known before Christ will work his work of wonder in feeding of 5000 and upward therewith, that the Miracle may be more manifeſt.
The 8th Remark is▪ The Lord ſo diſpoſeth of all the Circumstances of this Miracle, as might be moſt for his Father's Glory, and for the Peoples profit. For, 1. Chriſt conſults with Philip (ſaith John 6.5.) not with Peter, as Prince of the Apoſtles, to detect the folly of Rome in her fictitious Primacy, but with him, for this was in the Deſart of Bethſaida, which was Philip's City, John 1.44. and he conſulted with all his Diſciples, ſay Mat. 14.15, 16, 17. Mark 6.35, 36, 37. and Luke 9.12. (thus what is omitted by one Evangelist, is commonly ſupplied by another; both was done ſucceſſively, one after another.) Christ did this to diſcover the Diffidence of his Diſciples (as well as to commend to them the uſe of ordinary means under an ordinary Call) having as yet more Droſs than good Oar in them, ſpeaking here like meer carnal men, though Christ was reſolved in himſelf (notwithſtanding this Conſult) to work this Miracle, which teacheth, Though we be oft at a Non-plus under the failure of means, yet Christ is never Non-plust, but knows what he hath to do, John 6.6. The 2d Circumstance is, Christ commanded the multitude to ſit down upon the Graſs (which now at the Paſſover was well grown) by fifties and by hundreds, Mark 6.39, 40. and Luke 9.14. that is, Rank by Rank, that the number of them might be more manifeſt, and that an orderly Diſtribution might be the better manag'd. Christ will have all matters in his Church manag'd in Decency and Order, 1 Cor. 14.40. The 3d Circumstance is, [He took the five Loaves and the two Fiſhes,] becauſe he took care to feed the multitude, not by creating new Loaves (which he could have done to confute Arrians) but by multiplying the few Loaves, which was equivalent; for his giving them Bread and Fiſh, did declare him to be Lord of Sea and Land; and to make much of a little, required no leſs than Omnipotency. The 4th Circumstance is, [He looked up to Heaven] which he did not when he was doing greater works than this, as in Raiſing the dead, casting out Devils, and ſubduing the ſtormy Sea, &c. yet lifts he up his Eyes in this leſſer work, not becauſe he could not otherwiſe do it, but as in the caſe of Lazarus, John 11.41. in healing the Deaf and Dumb, Mark 7.34. to ſhew that he came from the Father, and acted all by him, and nothing contrary to him. Sometimes he looked not up, in his acting as one equal with the Father, and ſometimes he doth look up, acknowledging his Father greater than he, as Man, John 14.28. but eſpecially it was to teach us, not to cat Meat before we look up to God for his bleſſing. 'Tis ſaid, Rom. 14.6. He that giveth God thanks, eateth to the Lord, then he that gives not thanks at eating, eateth to the Devil. The 5th Circumſtance is [He bleſſed and brake, &c] He did not only give thanks to God for what was preſent, John 6.11. but alſo but his bleſſing upon the Bread, &c. to make it abundant proviſion, Pſal. 132.15. as well as implored the Father's Bleſſing upon it: Had not the Bread been broken (as well as blest) it had not been multiplied: Fragments ſucceed fragments both in the hands of the Servitors, and in the mouths of the Eaters, Chriſt opened his hand and filled them all, Pſal. 104.28, and 145.15. The five Loaves (by a ſtrange kind of Arithmetick) were multiplied by diviſion, and their augmenting Addition was made by a ſingular Subſtraction, ſo that there was enough for 5000 men by his Divine operation. The 6th Circumſtance is, When Christ had broken the Bread he gave it to his Diſciples, &c. both that a Decorum's and due order may be duly obſerved in the Church by the Miniſtry and that they might be more certain Witneſſes of the Truth of this Miracle; as alſo, that by them, as Miniſters, this Miracle might be wrought, whereby he (after a ſort) transferred the Glory of it from himſelf to them, they fed five thouſand and upward to the full, &c.
The 9th Remark is; Chriſt's Ministers ſhall loſe nothing by distributing their little in feeding the People. The Diſciples here grudged not of their own little to give others ſome, therefore did it grow in their hands as the Widows Oil did in her Cruiſe, as it did in the hands of the Eaters alſo, who could not but expect a Miracle, otherwiſe they would not have ſit down ſo ſilently at Chriſt's command; and the Diſciples here, after above five thouſand had been fed with their five Loaves, do take up twelve Baskets full, which was a great deal more than they had laid down; nothing was ever loſt by liberality, eſpecially of this nature. Chriſt bid his Diſciples [Take up the fragments that nothing may be lost] John 6.12. He would have us Thrifty, but not Niggardly; wilful waſte bring woful want. The Diſciples do ſo, and have one Basket full for each of them. If we conſider how few were the Loaves and how many were they that fed upon them, we may wonder they left any thing; and if we conſider how there were twelve Baskets full of fragments left, we may wonder alſo that they are any thing. Chriſt taketh care to fill his Miniſters Baskets, that they may feed others; if not with Temporals, yet with Spirituals: Baskets be but baſe things, yet God uſes them to confound the World: The Remainder here was more than Moſes's Manna, Exod. 16.18. or Elias's Meal, 1 King. 17.16. or that of Eliſha, 2 Kings 4.44. and ſignified, the Doctrine of the Twelve Apoſtles (being the Remainder of Chriſt's) ſhould feed and fill all Lands.
Now follows the ſecond grand Miracle of Christ's walking upon the Waters, &c. which was thus occaſioned. This five thouſand whom he had fed with five Loaves, &c. had ſo much Devotion to Christ (for ſo feeding them) that they unanimouſly concluded to cry him up for their King, &c. John 6.14.15. They could not imagine him the Meſſias, that had not an earthly Kingdom, therefore would they force this honour upon him. Thus Superstition doth to Chriſt at this day; it will needs obtrude ſeeming honours upon him, whether he will or no, though the Word call it no better than Will-worſhip: But this Tumultuous Acting Chriſt (knowing their thoughts) did prevent, by conveying his Diſciples into a Ship, and himſelf into that Mountain where he had been before, John 6.3. Matth. 14.23. that he might decline the Tumult; for he ſaith, My Kingdom is not of this World, John 18.36. N. B. Note well; Chriſt is received in a Regal capacity, where the everlaſting Doors of the Soul are ſet open to receive this King of Glory, Pſal. 24.7. that he may Rule in the heart by Faith, Eph. 3.17, &c. This multitude minded not his Spiritual Kingdom, was all for a Carnal Kingdom, wherein they might eat and drink with their King, &c. as they had done in the Miracle, and after followed him for Loaves more than for Love: Hereupon he avoids them, departing all alone into that Mountain, where his Diſciples had been with him before, and had not Chriſt commanded them to take Ship, they had much fail'd of their duty, to leave their Lord alone behind them: He diſmiſs'd them leſt they ſhould ſtrike in with the Raſh headed Rabble, who would have made him King by force, they being probably a People that got their Bread very hardly in the ſweat of their brows, deſired Chriſt (who had lately filled their bellies at an eaſier rate to them) to be their King. Chriſt prudently and privily departs, that Herod (who watched for his halting) might have no ſuch Hole in his ſeamleſs Coat; our Lord abſtained from all appearance of evil, as he bids us do, 1 Theſ. 5.22. ſending away the multitude to avoid all ſuſpition of Sedition. N.B. Note well; We ſhould look to our Credits without, as well as to our Conſciences within. The Spouſe dare not look like an Harlot, or a Wanderer, not as one ſuch, Cant. 1.7. And Chriſt diſmiſſes his Diſciples too, 1. To prevent their ſin in joyning with the ſeditious multitude; 2. To teach them, that they muſt pray to him when abſent, as well as while preſent; and, 3. To give them a proof of his Power for their Relief in danger. Chriſt had comforted them againſt the peril of Poverty in the foregoing Miracles, by ſupplying them with food; and now he comes to comfort them againſt the peril of Perſecution in this following Miracle of delivering them from a Storm, which the Devil had raiſed againſt them. The former he wrought at Land, and this latter at Sea, to ſhew them, that his Right foot is upon the Sea, and his Left upon the Land, Rev. 10.2. and that he is the Lord and Ruler both of Sea and Land.
In this Miracle at Sea are many Remarks in its Antecedents, Concomitants and Conſequents of it. The whole Hiſtory hath theſe Remarks.
1. Chriſt conſtrained his Diſciples to take this Voyage that proved thus dangerous: Full loth they were to leave and loſe his ſweet company, in whoſe preſence is life, ſafety, and fulneſs of joy, Pſal. 16.11, &c. N.B. Note well; Which teacheth us, we have need of a clear and urgent call from Chriſt before we undertake any hazardous Action, Voyages, Journey or Duty. Yet were they not ſo refractory to Chriſt's command, as to be driven from him by force, for they obediently went down to the Ship, John 6.16. and there waited for Chriſt's coming to them till night, hoping to have him with them again as ſoon as he had diſmiſs'd the multitude one Rank after another (as they ſate at meat in companies) orderly without confuſion: This (they expected) would take up ſome time before he could receive the particular Thanks of every fifty for his full feeding both their Souls and Bodies, and before he could diſmiſs them all five thouſand home with his prayers and bleſſing.
The 2d Remark is; Christ having diſmiſs'd both them and his Diſciples, inſtead of going to them, returns again into the Mountain (where he had been with his Diſciples) apart and alone to pray for them who were to fall under a new exerciſe of their Faith at Sea; for he needed not (ſaith Theophilact) to pray for himſelf, but for his Church, which teacheth us, N. B. Note well, 1. While Chriſt gives Means, he will not have men to expect Miracles, nor under pretence of attending upon him, to neglect their proper Stations and Vocations, therefore did he diſmiſs the multitude to theirs. 2. N. B. Note well; Secret Retirements are fitteſt places for prayer. Anima diſperſa fit minor. The beſt Soliloquies and Interchangeable Societies, yea the moſt Refreſhing Solaces are in ſecret: Thus Iſaac got alone into the fields, Gen. 24.36. Jacob leſt alone in the way, Gen. 32.24. Peter retires to the houſe-top, Acts 10.9. and here Chriſt goes apart to a Mountain, Mat. 14.23. As Secrecy is a ſign of Sincerity; ſo ſecreat Meals make fat Souls as well as Bodies, 3. Chriſt was praying in the Mount for his Diſciples, while they were perilling and almoſt periſhing in the Sea.
The 3d Remark is; This Ship is a Reſemblance of the Church, wherein her Militant State is many ways aggravated. As, 1. This was but a little Ship (called Navicula) therefore in more danger of a Shipwrack by the Storm, than if ſhe had been a bulky Veſſel. Thus the Church is but a little Flock, Luke 12.32. and compared to a little City, Eccleſs. 9.14. 2. This Ship met with a Storm, when other Paſſengers took other Shippings which met not with any Storm that we read of, John 6.24. Thus the Church was under Divine Indignation, while all the Earth (beſide her) ſate ſtill and was at reſt, Iſa. 54.11. Zeeh. 1.11, 12. 3. This Ship was in the midſt of the Sea (the danger had not been ſo great, had this happened nigh the Haven) Thus the Church is ſaid to be ſeated in the midſt of the Wolves, Mat. 10.16. It wat toſſed with Tempeſts (ſo that theſe Sea-faring men in their Fiſhing-Imploy, much acquainted with ordinary Storms, were not only Terrified, but Tortured and Toiled with this extraordinary Tempeſt;) ſo is the Church afflicted, toſſed with Tempeſts, and not comforted, Iſa. 54.11. Were it but a little ſhaken to and fro with a Gentle Gale, the danger would not be great, but ſhe is toſſed, toiled and tormented (as the word foreign ſignifies, Luke 16.23. with Mark 6.48. with the moſt prodigious floods of Hereſie, Tyranny and Perſecution; yea ſometimes in perils from falſe Brethren, and in other perils often both by Sea and Land, 2 Cor. 11.26, 27, &c. 4. As the Wind was contrary to this Ship, Mat. 14.24. and to Paul's Ship, Acts 27.4. ſo 'tis moſtly with the Church, which is very oft as the Magellan. Straits, where what way ſoever the Trading Ship bends her courſe, ſhe is ſure to have the Wind ſit croſs againſt her. Indeed the Church ſometimes hath the ſweet, ſoft and gentle Gales of God's Spirit upon her Sails, which (even out of all quarters) blows good to her Garden, Cant. 4.16. and which yields her a joyful Inlargement in her increaſe and fragrancy of Spices; but at other times tempeſtuous Storms, (unlike that Ruach Gedolah; or Ruſhing-wind, 1 Kings 19.11. that had not got God in it) are upon the Church, even ſuch as have the Devil in them, and are belched out of the black mouth of this Prince of the Air and Darkneſs. N.B. Note well; As this was here deſigned to drown all the Diſciples; the Devil was doubtleſs in it, as he was in that Wind whe…ewith he brained all Job's Children, in their Fathers abſence, Job 1▪ 18, 19. The like deſign Satan had for drowning all the Apoſtles of Chriſt, while he was abſent from them. 5. As this Ship was both in the Deep (in the midſt of the Sea, Mat. 14.24) ſo that no bottom could be fathomed; and in the Dark too (not only in a Midnight darkneſs, but both the Waters and the Air were darkened with the black Cloud of the Tempeſt) John 6.17. ſo that no Shore could be diſcerned Accordingly 'tis oft thus with the Church, ſo deep no feeling bottom, and very dark no ſeeing Shore. 6. As this Ship wanted her beſt Pilot and Captain all this ſtormy night, while thus under th…d circumſtances of being both in the Deep, and in the Dark, far worſe than the former Storm, Mat. 8.23, 24. Though then the Ship ſhipped in much Water (by the overgrown waves) ſo that ſhe was ready to founder at Sea, yet had they Chriſt at hand with them Imbark'd in the ſame Bottom; and though he was then fallen faſt aſleep … might they ſoon awake him there, as they did. But here their Lord and Cap… of their Salvation (Heb. 2.10.) had withdrawn himſelf out of their Call, and they k…w not when he would come, therefore had they no proſpect, but that of periſhing. So 'tis thus oft with the Church, &c. 7. As theſe Ship-men here did not altogether deſpond (as thoſe Deſperado's did, betaking themſeleves to their Boat, Act. 27.30.) but kept their Ship plyed their Oars, and tugg'd hard at them even all the Three long Watches of the night, John 6.19. when their Sails were uſeleſs, (the boiſterous Wind not adm…ng their handing out) then their Oars were uſeful, which being well handled (with hands all) not only kept the Ship more ſteady in the Storm, but carried them 30 Furlongs, even to a ſight of their Saviour▪ N.B. Note well; So Chriſt's Church men muſt not (even in the worſt of Times) deſpair, and caſt away their Oars (their Prayers and Tears) but ply them hard, hands all; God will be truſted but not tempted by a wilful neglect of practicable means: In thus doing, thirty Furlongs more may bring us to a look on him whom our Souls look and long for, &c. 8. As this Ship ſailed in darkneſs, and therefore knew not whither ſhe went, John 12.35. yet Chriſt had his Eye upon her (though in the dark) and ſaw them toiling with their Oars, Mark 6.48. therefore breaks off prayer, haſtens to them, knowing his preſence was neceſſary (according to Mary's and Martha's words) Lord, if thou hadſt been here, our Brother had not died John 11.21, & 32. Though Chriſt's preſence did not free them from the Fright of the former Storm, Mat. 8.23, 24. yet from the Ruine of it; for when awaked, he rebuked it: And though Chriſt's command, and their obedience thereto (for they went not to Sea without the Lord's conſtraint, Mat. 14.22.) did not ſecure them from meeting with a Storm in their way, yet Chriſt haſtens to relieve them from being all ruined by it. So will he do with his Church, whoſe affliction he ſees alſo Exod. 3.7. 9. As no ſto…y Sea, nor the ſurlieſt Surges thereof did hinder Chriſt from coming in to the Relief of his diſtreſſed Diſciples (whoſe diſtreſs aroſe with the ſtreſs of the Tempeſt) and rather than not relieve them from Ruine, he will do what Job ſaith, ſhall be done by God himſelf [He will tread upon the waves of the Sea] Job 9.8. He haſtens not to them in ſome other ſwifter Ship, nor conveys himſelf immediately among them in the ſ…me Ship (which he could have done by his Divine Power, no leſs than tranſport his Body after from Earth to Heaven) but he comes walking upon the proud waves as upon a level Marble Pavement, whether by conſolidating the ſurface of the Sea, or by ſuppreſſing the gravity of his Humane Body by his Divine Power, or both, ſeems preſumption to determine; however, infinitely tranſcending the Art of thoſe Water-walkers in our day, who yet cannot tread the Waters with a dry foot Chriſt needed not here any Tranſport-Ship we now here talk'd of, to carry Men into Flanders, &c. So will Chriſt come to relieve his Diſtracted Church, leaping over Hills and Mountains, Cant. 2.8. and his way is in the Sea, and his path in the great Waters, yea his footſteps are not known, Pſal. 77.19. They are unſearchable, Rom. 11.33, 34. Oh that we may ſee (or hear) his goings! Pſal. 68.24.10. As Chriſt came not to his Ship the firſt watch (ſpending all that time in praying for them on the Mount) then betwixt the Cock-crowing and the dawning of the day (at which time 'tis uſually darkeſt) Chriſt came; ſo he doth to his Church, and ſo he doth to his Children. N. B. Note well; 1. To his Church in general; the firſt Watch was under the Law, the ſecond was under the Prophets, the third was the Time of Chriſt's coming in the Fleſh, and the fourth is when he comes in Glory; till then, the Church ſhall be toſſed with Tempeſts, and he will find her wearied with the Yoke of Antichriſt, &c. But in particular, this Rolling tumbling Ark hath interchangably her Times of Deluge and Tempeſts, and her Times of Reſting upon Mount Ararat: Chriſt obſerves his ſeaſons of chaining up or changing the worrying Wolves, and of giving his Churches Reſt thereby, Acts 9.31. but they muſt wait till towards the morning, and then the upright ſhall have dominion over their Adverſaries, Pſal. 49.14. And thus 2. He deals alſo with his Children; he tarries till their firſt Watch of the night be over under their Self-reflections, and the ſecond Watch under Self-abhorrency; and the third Watch under a firm Reſolution for Self-reformation; then comes he at the fourth Watch to comfort them, and cauſeth the Spirit of Bondage (which is attended with Horrour and Terrour) to conclude comfortably in the Spirit of Adoption, performing his own promiſe, [Bleſſed are they that mourn, for they ſhall be comforted] at the 4th Watch, Math. 5.4. 11. As when Chriſt came to comfort his diſtreſſed Diſciples, they were farther affrighted, miſtaking their Deliverer for a Deſtroyer: Even ſo it is ſometimes with the Church, miſapprehending more danger to be approaching, even when Deliverance is at the door. As Chriſt came towards them walking upon the Waters, and taking long ſtrides from the top of one ſwoln Wave to another; The Diſciples miſtook him for a Spectrum that was ſome preſage of their Shipwrack, or for that Evil Spirit that had raiſed the Storm, and was now come to carry them all away, not only into the bottom of the deep Sea, but alſo into the bottomleſs and deep Pit of Hell: Hence aroſe both their Terrour and their Clamour, and they wiſhed him farther off from them; and hence alſo (it may be ſuppoſed) was the reaſon why our Lord would have paſſed by them, Mark 6.48. not ſo much to try them a little longer, as out of a ſparing Tenderneſs towards them, foreſeeing he ſhould become farther affrightful to them, ſuppoſing him ſome Hob-Goblin, and no real Man, whoſe ſolid Body (they thought) could not be born up upon the fluid Waters: But though the darkneſs of the night might ſomething excuſe their miſtakes, yet certainly was it their ſin of infirmity in many reſpects: As, 1. In meaſuring Chriſt's Actings by their own Humane and Natural Model, as if he could do nothing above the power of Nature, &c. 2. In their being ſo affrighted at the Appearance (ſuppoſed) of one ſingle Phantaſm, while they were ſo many together, who ſhould all have believed, that as they were in Chriſt's Precincts (not undertaking this hazardous Voyage without his expreſs Precept) ſo they ſafely lay in the Arms of Chriſt's protection; and ſo long as he keeps the Inſuring-Office, the Devil (himſelf) could not harm them without their Lords-permiſſion: And 3. Their vain Imaginations: If the darkneſs was not ſo condenſed, as to hinder them from beholding the Spectrum, they might alſo have ſeen and known their Saviour, had they truſted in him, and their ſenſes not been diſturbed by their fancies and fears, which were now got above their Faith, when they ſhould have been below, Pſal. 56.3. Gen. 15.1. Thus it is with the Church; things ſeems to go backward, ere they go forward, though Chriſt be come. Duplicantur lateres & venit Moſes, when the tale of Bricks were doubled, then came Moſes. 12. As the Diſciples deſerved reproof for their misbelief, yet Chriſt pities and pardons their perplexities and paſſions, ſpeaks good words and comfortable to them, ſaying, [Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid] 'tis no nocturnal Bug-bear, but your very Saviour, in whoſe preſence ye have no juſt ground to fear; your extremity is my opportunity; I am, that I am, Exod. 3.14. Hereupon they deſire him to come up into the Ship (when he had made them able to know it was he that ſpake, as he ever doth to his own People) John 6.21. N. B. Note well; Thus Chriſt covers our miſtakes; we think ſometimes he is mad, (as Mark 3.21.) when he exerciſes us with harſh Providences, though he do all things well, Mark 7.37. They miſtook him for a Spirit, not only now, but after, Luke 24.37. till he had convinced them by both being touched by them, and by his eating with them, v. 39.42. nor was this the only time of Chriſt's ſeeming to go from them, Mark 6.48. for he did ſo, Luke 24.28. only that they might invite him both times; let us do ſo alſo, &c. 13. As ſtill Peter muſt be tryed (for asking a ſign) and Chriſt muſt be entertain'd (tho' at hand) before the Storm ceaſe, &c. N.B. Note well; So we ſtill hanker after ſigns; and invite him not earneſtly to a conſtraint, &c. were this done, the Sea would be calm; and as ſoon as Chriſt ſets his foot upon the Ship, ſhe would immediately be at Shore: Our Jeſus ſets his foot upon the proudeſt Waves of wickedneſs, as did Joſhua upon the necks of his loftieſt Adverſaries, Joſh. 10.24. Chriſt is not far off, Acts 17.27. Rom. 10.6, &c. conſtrain him to come in, and he will bear the Ship, more than ſhe bears him, ſo can lift her into the Haven of Hope. No ſooner is Chriſt come into any heart, but preſently Conſcience is becalm'd: Luſt is our Tempeſt, while we love the Lord, we (with Peter) can walk on the Waters, but when we love the World, then begin we to ſink; yet if then we cry to Chriſt, he hath an helping-hand for us, &c. The Romaniſts applaud this fact of Peter, but Pareus ſhews, he believed not without a ſign (as the reſt did) and had it but with a check, v. 31. Mat. 14.