Exposition of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 4 · Verse 1

Exposition of Ecclesiastes · Chapter 4 · Verse 1

p. 102Vers. I. So I returned, and considered all the Oppressions that are done under the Sun. And behold, the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no Comforter: And on the side of their Oppressors, there was power; but, they had no Comforter.

I Returned (Heb. was Converted) from my fallible wisdom, to see the Affairs of Mankind, in the infallible wisdom of God: particularly, to consider duely, the manifold Oppressions, under the Sun. Even himself, through his vastly expensive extravagancies, had given occasion to his oppressed Subjects, to bespeak his soolish Son …, after his Decease, on this wise. Thy Father … our … grievous: make his heavy Yoke upon us, lighter, and we will serve …; … King. 12. 4. He takes three days, to consider of an Answer to them, vers. 5. He consults with his Fathers Old Counsellours of State, who give him good Advice. But he … their Counsel, and consults with his Young Companions; vers. 6. 7. So, His answer was; My Father … your Yoke, heavy; and I will add to it. He chastised you with whips; but, I will … you with Scorpions. They reply; To thy Tents, O Israel, and let David's House look to itself; take their course; Vers. 8-16. The … Son acknowledg'd his wise Father's oppressing them; but, in stead of relieving, threatens to add to their grievances; though he saw them upon the turning point, with Jeroboam the in head of them, whom they make King of ten of the twelve Tribes, which never returned to the House of David, more. This got he to himself, and Successors, by his madness, in following the counsel of his rash, young Hectors. But, if even holy David, and his wise Son, Solomon, eminent in spiritual Saintship, and signal Pen-men of the Holy Ghost (through some remain's of uncrucified nature) demean'd themselvs so, in King-ship, as to cause many grievances to the Subject, what's to be expected, in the utmost degeneracy of Heathen Monarchy, from Golden-head Nebuchadnezzar, to Iron and Clay, though called most Christian? God gratified Israel's foolish request (… a corrupt humane Monarchy, like the Nations round about p. 103them, to a Theocracy, the Government of God himself; 1 Sam. 8. 5--7.) Giving them a King, in his Anger; whom he took away in his Wrath (Hosea 13. 11.) by the Philistines Sword, on Mount Gilboa; 1 Sam. 31. And were not the sad Consequents of David's numbering the People (seventy thousand mens Lives) with the quelling his Son Absolons Rebellion, and matter of Uriah, &c. sore Grievances?

But, in the principal meaning of these words, we shall find the Oppressors, more; and the Oppressed, fewer than is commonly considered. Till the truth, concerning both, be brought into publick view, 'Tis matter of wonder, to hear it. Solomon, in God's, found the mistake of his own wisdom; so, endeavoured to take off others, with himself, from wondering; and also, to shew them the Cure of the Evil, that, through ignorance, they wond'red (or were amazed and discouraged) at. If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of Judgment and Justice in a Province, marvel not at the matter (Heb. Will, or Purpose of God in it, who can use evil Magistrats, as Instruments of his Providence, though they be not properly, Ministers of his Ordinance; but indeed, directly contrary; a terrour to good works, and workers, and a countenance and encouragement to evil; Rom. 13. 3.) for he that is higher than the highest, regardeth, and there be higher than they; Eccl. 5. 8. The good Angel is higher than the highest, invisible, evil angelical Principalities and Powers of this world; and, Christ and God most high, are yet (unspeakably, infinitely) higher than they. In this Reason, is contained relief enough for the Oppressed, in the last, and worst of times; and Power, more than enough, to deal with the Oppressors, Devils or Men; as we shall farther and more clearly see, when we come, in course, to consider Chap. 5. 8. In this Chap. 4. vers. 1. and that, with divers other passages, in this Retractation-Book, doth Solomon prepare his spiritual brethren, to quit their ignorant natural man's wondring, by having recourse to spiritual sanctuary-Light, with the Psalmist; Psal. 73. 19. The highest wisdom of Man, in first-covenant Light and Righteousness, secures him not from being a Fool, and as a Beast, before God, in this matter, vers. 22. And so, indeed, is he, as to all his spiritual, eternal concerns, all the heavenly things or truths of God, and methods of his Wisdom, in his dealings with Men; with p. 104Friends, as Foes; and Foes, as Friends. All these things are Uninterpretable Riddles, Unintelligible Mysteries, not only to largparted and most Cultivated Learned Heathens; but, to Wise, Strong, and Honourable in Christ, as to first-covenant attainments in him, and Union with him. These, yet, are Fools and Beasts, to the truly or Spiritually Wise, Strong, and Honourable in Christ, who seem (and are reckon'd) Fools, to them, with Paul; 1 Cor. 4. 10. God's giving Incorrigible Enemies, more (in this World, within and without) then heart can Wish; and plaguing his Friends, Spiritual Saints, every Morning (as to all, he gratifies the other, with) puzzles the Prophet's Servant, or natural Man, even in the Saint himself; till Baptiz'd and Advanc'd (through a Mystical Death and Resurrection of his Spirit; the only true Regeneration, Transformation, or New-Creation thereof) into the Spiritual Light and Sight of the true Seer and Prophet, in him. The figurative Shadow or Type hereof, we find; 2 King. 6. 15-17.

In fallen-nature (even when, in Measure, restor'd from filth of Flesh, oft deeplier guilty of filth of Spirit, Enmity to God's) do all worldly Governours, more or less, pervert and violate (under all specious and plausible pretences of doing) Judgment and Justice. Those, appointed to redress and remove (by forming up, and contriving a corrupt Interest to themselvs, contrary to the Community) do oppress, and make the Grievances. This, two general way's; by perverting good, or making Evil Laws. The Throne of Iniquity frames Mischief by a Law. And then, do they gather together against the Soul of the Righteous, and Condemn Innocent Blood; Ps. 94. 20, 21. The Wicked Compass about the Righteous, and then wrong Judgment proceedeth; Hab. 1. 4. The Wicked walk on every side, when the vilest Men are Exalted (Psal. 12. 8.) and the worthiest rejected; yea, cut off, as dangerous to the Peace of Tyranny. An evil selfinterest in Rulers, suggest's deceitful Policies, call'd Reasons of State, ugly unreasonable Reasons, for oppressing the helpless, in stead of doing them Justice. Such Reasons have been remarkably recompene'd, sometimes, even in this World, by God's Righteous Visible Judgments on the guilty Heads of the Wicked Inventers and Contrivers thereof. Pharaoh and his Council Judg'd it Reason of State, to kill the Male Children of the Hebrews, as soon as Born, least they should p. 105grow too many for them. This was paid off, with a Vengeance, upon them. After several other Plagu's, their own first-born Sons died for't. Exod. 12. 29. And, at last, Pharaoh himself, &c. with a Multitude of Egyptians, were over-whelm'd in the Red Sea. Jeroboam, for a reason of State, set up the old Egyptian Idolatrous Worship of Calv's, to prevent his Peoples going to Jerusalem to worship at solemn Feasts, which he fear'd, might endanger a Revolt from him, to the House of David. 1 King. 12. 26-28. This was the very trade, Israel had bin soundly punish'd for, in the Wilderness. What will warn Vain, Vile Man? All the Israelit's were Threatned with Destruction for't. But, on Moses his Intercession, the Punishment was narrow'd, to three Thousand, Kill'd by the Levit's, and a Plague on some others of the People; Exod. 32. They said, (v. 4.) and Jeroboam said, after them, in the like case, behold thy Gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the Land of Egypt. O Madness! To the Egyptian God's, that could not deliver their own People from them, do they ascribe their deliverance from their Egyptian Bondage and Task-Masters. So, Ahaz Sacrificed to the God's of Damascus, which were the ruine of him and all Israel; 2 Chron. 28. 22, 23. and 2 King. 16. 10-13. So also, Amaziah set up the Edomit's Gods, to be his Gods, and sought after them, which could not deliver their own People out of his hands (2 Chro. 26. 14, 15.) and was destroy'd, for his pains, as threat'ned by the Prophet, for not hearkning to his Counsell, though against and contrary to the King's Wicked, Idolatrous Council. v. 16. 27. And, what became of Jeroboam, for his Calf-worship, erected on a self Interested Reason of State? See, 1 King. 14. 10, 11. Ile cut of Jeroboam, and take away the Remnant of his House, as a Man takes away Dung, till it be all gone. Him that dieth of him, in the City, shall Dogs Eat, and him that dies in the Field, shall the Fowls of the Air Eat: For the Lord hath spoken it. Is not here, enough?

When Christ shall take possession of (and actually reign over) all the Earth (his right, always Psal. 2. 8.) all Visible and Invisible Principalities and Powers of this World, Evil Men and Angels, will be laid in the Dust. Nothing but Righteousness (of one sort or other, Man's, or God's in Man) will be found in the whole World (his Holy Mountain, or Kingdom) by his Executing that Judgment and Justice in the Earth (Jer. 23. 5. always, all along his peaceable, p. 106Righteous Reign) that they allway's perverted. Saints also, that he will bring with him, to Reign, will do the like, in Harmony with their Universal Fift Monarch; Dan. 7. 18--27. Jude 14, 15. Rev. 5. 10.

Solomon, in Spiritual Light, sees and mean's, not only, nor chiefly, the oppression of the Body, in the concerns thereof, by Heathen Governments, violating the Common Law or Light of rational nature, in mankind: but, the Oppression and Violence, exercis'd by first-Covenant Brethren, against the second, the only true Heirs and Saints of the most high. The new Light and Life, they are found in (under the fructifying Influence and Beamings forth of the Mystical New-Creation Sun of everlasting Righteousness, Christ, as a Spiritual Bride-groom) is Scorn'd, Hated, contradicted, Blasphem'd; and they, Persecuted and kill'd for't (by none, so much as) by their envious Brethren, in Holy Flesh, restor'd Law-Life, under the Mystical first-Creation Sun, or First-Covenant Spirit, wherein Christ has bin a sleshly, Law-Bride-groom to them. Thus, are true Saints, the Oppressed, peculiarly and most properly (here, and Chap. 5. 8.) meant by Solomon. And then, shall we find the vast number of Dead Heathens, in the corrupt Life or Spirit of nature, dead in Trespasses and Sins, and the far smaller number of enliven'd first-Covenant-Brethren, professing Saints in Holy Flesh (in all variety of Judgment, Form, or way) in one kind or other, Oppressours of the smallest number of all, Christ's little Flock, the few that are saved, true Saints of the most High (in God's Holy, New-Creature-Spirit) stripp'd and destitute of all Worldly Power or help. All in this World, against them: No thing, No body for them. They are Men Wonder'd at, Scorn'd, Hated, by all: Men of Contention with the whole Earth. The whole Earth (or wordly party of Angels and Men, fix'd in their earthy, natural, first-Creation-make and State, despiteful Enemies to the Spirit of Grace, and all in the second) are their Implacable Adversaries, in every thing. The but first-Covenant Righteous Professour (call himself what he will) sometimes gets a considerable Share in the Civil Sword, or Power; and uses it, with greatest fierceness, against the new-Covenant professing Spiritual Saint; who, with Christ, look's not after the Kingdom of … … … … … p. 107Heavenly, managable only in the Spirit of …, not the most enlight'ned, righteous Principles or State of nature) and, not actually commencing, till Man's and Satan's be at a Period. Such a Kingdom, such a King (or Kings) as Christ (and his true Disciples) lay claim to (or own themselvs, of right, to be, as Sons of God) even Heathen Pilate was able to see and Judg, carries no clash in it, at all, with Worldly Ceasars, or Magistracies; John 18. 36-38. True Saints are not for throwing down all Heathen Magistracies, in the corrupt Spirit of nature, that they may rule over all, in the renew'd worldly spirit thereof. They that design (and drive at) this, are the Pseudo-Fift-Monarchists, who, in all their Zeal and high Pretences for the King Jesus, are the highest, and fiercest Enemies and Opposers of the very Jesus, the very Christ, in his very Gospel-reigning Spirit of Grace and Truth. They are, themselvs, the most signal part and Branch, at least, of that little Horn, with the Mouth speaking very great things (Dan. 7, 8. 11. 20, 21. 24, 25. Rev. 13. 3. 5--8. 11--17) which they would wholly fix upon, and appropriate unto a corrupt and grosly Idolatrous Heathen party in the Fourth, Roman Monarchy, under the name Christian. These are they, with the deadly Wound Healed (given by the first Sin, that laid all Mankind, dead in Trespasses and Sins) who, with a great mouth, speak great things, blasphemous words against God, and his new-name, or Gospel-Spirit, the Holy Ghost, God's Heavenly Sanctuary or Tabernacle; and them that dwell in it, even the Saints of the most high, that dwell (or have their conversation) in Heaven, Christ's Heavenly Gospel-Spirit of Grace. By the false Fift-Monarchist, is to be understood, not only a party, peculiarly, and apart from their Fellows (at Munster, or lately amongst us, or in any former Generations and other Countries, pretending this way, by throwing down all corrupt Worldly Monarchies or Governments, to set up themselvs) but the whole fixed first Covenant-Spirited Generation and Party of Professours, in all times and places, found in the same uniform Spirit of unchangable Enmity to the true Spiritual Saint, on the one hand; and a selfconfident, Disturbing, Traiterous Opposition to corrupt worldly Cesars, on the other. This troublesome Spirit, is charactred by the Apostle, in the Jewish Professours, that both kill'd the Lord Jesus, and their own Prophets, and Christ's Apostles: And, therein, please not p. 108(but indeed, highly displease and Provoke) God, and are contrary to all Men, on their right and left hand, Spiritual Saints, and polluted Heathens. For this, Wrath came upon those Jews, to the uttermost; and will, upon all, in like case; 1 Thes. 2. 15, 16. These are they that speak great swelling Words of Vanity (with their self-exalting Luciferian Master, Satan, the old, great, Bloody-minded Red Dragon) against the most high himself, and all his true Spiritual Saints. These are they, that said of Christ himself, the Supream Preacher and Prophet or Mouth and Living Word of God; he is a Blasphemer, a Sabbath-breaker, a Glutton, a Wine-Bibber, a Friend of Publicans and Sinners (implying him to be a Hater of, an Enemy to Good, Holy, Righteous Men) aud that he has a Devil, and is Mad. These are they, that Persecute the Spiritual Brotherhood; say, in their hearts, to true Spiritual Prophets and Seers, see not, Phophesy not unto us right things; speak to us smooth things (pleasing to nature, when righteous; things, after, or according to our own Hearts) Prophesy deceits; turn aside, out of the Path, the good old way; cause the Holy one of Israel (and all his right words of Counsel and Instruction) to cease from before us; Isai. 30. 9-11. We desire not to hear of him, to have any knowledg of his Words or Ways; Job. 21. 14. and, 34. 27. Jer. 44. 16, 17. Desperate Resolutions! But, why should the Servant look to fare better then his Lord, amongst them? These are they, that proudly say to the blind Heathen, on the one hand, in Scorn and Contempt, stand by, come not neer me (touch me not) for I am Holier then thou; Isai. 65. 5. And, the same do scorn, ravenously trample upon, and insult over the Spiritual Saint, on the other hand, as the filth of the World, the very off-scouring of all things; 1 Cor. 4. 8. 13. These are the signal Objects of their Scorn and Hatred, they shoot forth their most Malicious Arrows, even bitter Words, against; Psal. 64. 3. As for their left-hand Men, the corrupt Heathen; they can, on occasion, call and make use of them (as the Professing Jews did) even the most Debauch'd and Corrupt, amongst them, any lew'd Fellows, of the baser sort, to help carry on their Persecuting-work, against Gospel-Saints; Act. 17. 5. But, seldom shall ye take them calling in them, to their assistance, against the corrupt Party, except unawares, or in an exigent. And, when succesfully help'd and delivered by them; rather then bear their Words, if p. 109they can't otherwise suppress them, they'l e'ne call in their Subdued lewd party again, to their assistance, in the case. So, has the true Fift-Monarchy-Saint (not allow'd any name or place, at all, amongst these corrupt and Righteous worldly Scrambles for the Scepter) the slip given him, on all hands, by the whole twofold earthly party, Professing and Profane. When the former have made use of his assistance against the latter (and then, find him, not to be for their turn, in that first-Covenant Principle, or Life of the Law, the Pseudo-Fift-Monarchy-Spirit, Christ would not Reign in, Jo. 6. 15. Paul could not Reign in, 1 Cor. 4. 8.) they call back the latter, to their assistance against him; deliver him up into their hands, as Guilty of Death, for what he did, in Union with them, against them. This, though what he did, was, in such extraordinary, unusual, and, never before, happening Circumstances (the dissolving and parting asunder of the Supream, Legislative Powers) as, might reason have had any hearing or place, would fairly have … to justify him, as doing the best, that, in so difficult a case, could be done. On the reform'd Parties Victory over the Corrupt and Idolatious, in any Nation, the Trumpet is (presently and confidently) blown, and makes a ringing Noise, as a tinckling Cymbal; gives a Confused, Uncertain Sound, for the King, Jesus. But, in what Spirit? In that, he'd never own himself a King, in; yea, directly contrary to that, in which he did; so, in a flat contradiction to that good profession, he made before Pontius Pilate, concerning his true Kingly Spirit, and Reign, both Negative and Affirmative (the one expressed, the other, necessarily implied) 1 Tim. 6. 13. Jo. 18. 36, 37. He bore Witness to the Truth; or, to and in that new-Creation-Spirit of Truth, in which alone, his Reign is to be. There's nothing but Shadow, Letter, Figure, Type, as to any life or Goodness, found in the first Creation. All truth is found only, according to Scripture-Testimony, in the second. So, Pilat's question, what is Truth? (v 38.) was answer'd, before-hand; v. 37. Thus are true Saints, the truely poor and needy (inwardly in their Spirits, as to first-Covenant Life and Laodicean Treasures; and oft, also, outwardly, in bodily concerns) Shuffled out of all Play, on all hands; and, at length, out of the World, as not fit to live any longer, in it; Act. 22. 22. Heathens and a first-Covenant people, mean p. 110while, can joyn Counsels, and speak lies at one Table, against them (Dan. 11. 27. even against those, that are the best Subjects of the one, and, on lawful, warrantable grounds, the best helpers of the other) yea, they'l joyn forces, also, in one Army, against them. Thus, down goes the true Saint, on all hands. They have no visible relief. All are against them. They are men of contention to the whole Earth (Jer. 15. 10.) or earthly party, corrupt and righteous. They are poor and needy on all accounts, within and without, while their combin'd Adversaries, Heathens, and a professing People (Psal. 2. 1.) are fat, rich, full, and flourishing (in outward or inward, litteral or mystical riches, or both) and joyn hand in hand, or hand and heart, maliciously, against them. On the side of both these Oppressors, there is Power; but, they have no comforter. God helps them, supports them; Christ and good Angels are for them. But, all this Relief is invisible; and is not visibly put forth for their deliverance from Persecution, and violent bodily Death; but makes such … and Death, the method (in their wonderful, mysterious contrivance) to secure them from eternal Death, and bring them into eternal Life. Here's comfort for them, to purpose, in their utmost Tryals. And this, are they well aware of. Enemies, of all sorts, hate and despise the marr'd Visage of their natural man, which they see; and they mortally hate their spiritual man (hid with Christ in God) which they see not, but only hear, hate, and dread the unpleasing words or doctrine of.

But this, yet, is not all, nor half the worldly power, engaged against them; which they have to deal and grapple with, combate and wrestle against. We wrestle not against flesh and blood (only, or chiefly, in our selves or others) but against Principalities, against Powers, against the Rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high Places; against unchangably wicked spirits, Devils, comming forth in their counterfeit, heavenly, spiritual appearances of God, Christ, and holy Angels; a disguise (by their permitted, sinful transforming arts) put upon them, whereby to deceive, if …, the very Elect. These are more subtile and potent, than both their visible, inhumane enemies. But, There are higher than these highest enemies of the Saints of the Most High, on their side; and then, who can be against them, and finally prosper? or what can any do against them, that can … them? yea, that shall not be of a direct p. 111tendency, under God's over-ruling order, to their final and everlasting good? comfort, enough. Good Angels excel (all Enemies, evil Angels or Men) in strength; Psal. 103. 20. And Christ, and God most high, with their Infinite, Almighty, and irresistibly mighty, divine and new-creation power; all these are on the Saints side. Power, more then enough. Yea, Saints themselvs have that Life and Power of Godliness in them, that will render them more than Conquerours; Rom. 8. 37. Yea, when but Babes and Sucklings, Low and Weak in the Life of God, or of his Spirit of Grace, are they able to still (quell, or subdue) the Enemy and the Avenger; Ps. 8. 2. Here's Power, upon Power; and so, Comfort upon Comfort; strong, rich consolation to the spiritual, in the greatest tribulation that can befall the natural man of the saint. But still, while visible and invisible enemies are permitted to oppresse them, for their good (during Christ's and their suffering season) on the side of their oppressours, is power; but they have no comforter. This is the case, all along this world, under Satan's reign, till the holy angels be commission'd to come forth about their preparatory work to Christ's second comming, for preaching the Everlasting Gospel, for the wakening up, and gathering Saints out of all Nations, to Christ; and, for the giving of signal dashes on all their Worldly Enemies, by the gradual pourings forth of the Vials of Gods Wrath, upon them. Till this, are Saints, Men wondred at, in Scorn, (Zec. 3. 8.) Men of contention with the whole Earth; Jer. 15. 10. All, in the but single worldly spirit of nature, corrupt or righteous, are against them, to a Man; to a Devil. And, as depriv'd of all worldly Power, within or without, are they (in the Judgment and sight of their own reason, as well as of their Enemies) naked, and exposed to the insulting Fury of all their said Adversaries (to all their Proud, Rhetorical Mockings and Insolencies) without Relief. But, since Flesh and Blood are set aside, as far Inferiour to a higher and more dangerous, subtle, and more Powerful sort of Enemies, evil Angelical Principalities; let us, more particularly, take notice of their more unperceived Practices, and methods of proceeding, against the true Saint. They Accused God, to Adam and Eve, as envying the happy Life and State he had set them up in, by Creation. And so, engag'd them, in a Union of Mind with themselvs, as far as they could, to Envy, Hate, and … themselvs p. 112above and against, both the Divine and Creature-Life of God; Isai. 14. 14. 2 Thes. 2. 4. And, as Satan, their Luciferian head, falsly Accuses God to Man; so, Man, to God; Job 1. 9-11. and, 2. 4, 5. Satan is the Accuser of the Spiritual Brethren, before God, Day and Night (Rev. 12. 10.) that is, continually. This, though abundantly convicted of Perjury and Falshood, in all such Witness-bearing; as in Job's case. What reception can he hope for, in his Testimony against true Saints, at the Bar of their Infallible Friend and Judg? What most gall's this Insolent Adversary? To see Christ approach, in the garb of an Enemy, to the Saint, with his two-edged Flaming Gospel Sword. This may seem yet more strang, to Man's Wisdom. Why should this Sworn Mortal Enemy of Saints, be troubled at Christ's comming as an Enemy upon them, too? He know's, why. Christ comes to kill and offer up his party, the natural Man, Life, and Will, in them, in Sacrifice to God. And, he know's a Gospel-Spirit and Principle of Life and Action, will be set up in them, in the room thereof, that's Wiser and Stronger then he; which he can never reach, or touch; Jo. 4. 4. and 5. 18. This is the Thing, the Life, he unchangably hates, and dread's. 'Tis the Friend of the World and Devil, and Enemy of God, in the Saint, that Christ cast's into the fiery Furnace of his Cross, to destroy. And, this Destruction of Man's Flesh (or fleshly natural Life and State) makes way for his Salvation in God's Spirit. This Devil, Enmity to God, is not cast out, but by Fasting and Prayer. (Mat. 17. 21.) the Impoverishing of nature, the Mourning-State, and Death thereof, at best; an abstinence from all the Serpents Diet, all worldly desireables; and earnest Prayer, for; and labour of the Spiritual Mind, after the never-perishing Meats, at Christ's Heavenly Table. When Satan observ's Man, in a long course of Faithful Obedience to Law-Light, and can't fix him there, but find's in him a dangerous Inclination to obey God's farther, Gospel-Light (as giving notice of a better State, yet, in the new-Creation Life or Land of Promise; and so also, fair warning of Christ's Approach with his Cross, on that Law-Life, he long own'd him in) he bestirr's himself, and labours (might and Main) to cause him to resist the work (and so, prevent the effects) of this Cross. Job was sore put to't, for a season, under the demolishing, death-work thereof. And Satan was p. 113in a wonderful toss, through fear of what matters might come to, with him. That which Job fear'd, did come upon him (Job. 3. 25.) the Death of his Law-State, at best. And, that which Satan chiefly fear'd, came upon him, too; the Life of Christ's Gospel-Spirit, that's greater then he. One First-Covenant Saint (fix'd in Holy Flesh, and the Law-Life thereof, against God's Holy Spirit, and the Gospel-Life and words thereof) becomes a more Useful, Creditable Instrument, for his Service, against the Gospel, then a thousand Profane Persons, in the corrupt nature, that have no colour of Religion, about them. Till then his matters are sure with Man, by a fix'd Enmity (or, the business is determin'd, beyond all hopes of recovering him into a fix'd Enmity to the Cross) he plies it, in accusing God to such a Man; and him, to God. Thus turn's he every Stone, leaves no Means unattempted, for the carrying on of his Oppressive and Destructive Designs upon Saints. For shame, says he, to them, be not baffled out of all Sense and Reason, so as tamely to deliver up your selvs (in a Life, by Christ himself, twice set up in you) to a Murderer. So Represents he Christ himself (in the Shakings and Brandishings of his Spiritual Flaming Sword, over their Heads) as no other, or better, then a Murderer, a Devil, and Mad; Jo. 10. 20. He offer'd at perswading Christ himself, by an Apostle, to spare his own Innocent, Spotless, Righteous, Earthly nature, Life, or self; Mat. 16. 22, 23. But, Christ kindled his Spiritual, Gospel-fire, on that Earth, or earthly, Law-Life, in himself; spoke no Peace, but War and Death, to't; Luk. 12. 49. 51. But, when the subtil Enemy hath seemingly prevail'd with any (hopefully secured and steel'd them, with his Serpentine Armour and Doctrin) against the harsh Accents and sharp Disciplin of the Cross, as a most Absurd, Unreasonable, and Destructive thing; he frisk's about, turns his Dragon's-Tail upon them, and Accuses them to God, as those, whom (if he touch them to the quick, in the Mystical Skin and Life of their righteous natural Spirit, break the Mystical Bones, cut asunder the Nervs thereof; Enervate, Abolish and take away all the Strength and Power thereof) will Curse him to his Face; that is, utterly quit and seperate from him, for ever; Job. 2. 4, 5. Thus, as the Father of Lies, and a Murderer, on all hands, from the Beginning to the end of this World, in a Murdering Mind of Enmity towards p. 114God, Christ, and Saints (and an actual Murderer of all he fixes, with himself, against them) does he act his part, towards God and Men; belying Saints, to God; and God, to Men. If true Saints be guilty of lesser Slipps, he'l Aggravate and Aggrandize them. If they can't be caught tripping, he'l forge down-right lies against them. See all this, in the Practice of his Inspired Instruments, against Jeremy. All tends, in their design, to the Invalidating his true Spiritual Testimony; that no heed may be given to any of his words; Jer. 18. 18. and 20. 10. Who were these that Watch'd for the haltings; and lay at catch, for advantages, against true Prophets, Christ himself, and Apostles, all along? Familiars, Brethren, a first-covenant righteous party of Professors, and their Teachers. So, David found it also, Psal. 41. 9. The Spiritual Saint, that's a Lively Stone in the House on the Rock, sets Fire on their House upon the Sand, he once was in, and of. Will this be born? No. Away with such a Fellow from the Earth, say they; Act. 22. 22. Then, they betake themselvs to the use of such Fire and Sword, as they are furnish'd with, against him. Their Tongue is set on fire of Hell. They forge … against him, to prove him a Traitour against Cesar; and so, make the Heathen Magistrate, their Executioner. Christ himself was thus handled, by the Professing Jews. Thus, Solomon beheld the Tears of the natural Man of the Saint, under the Cross, as, on all hands, Oppress'd and Suppress'd, by God, or Christ himself; and by evil Angels and Men. Enemies are all for destroying (and Christ makes all, they do, exactly serviceable to his design of saving) them, for ever. He sits at the head of the work, as the Master-Contriver, and Over-ruler of all. He designs the destruction of their flesh (or fading natural State, Enemies can reach and touch) that they may be saved in his Spirit, which they can never touch; though all their spite, and aim, be at that. He uses wicked Angels and Men, as his Sword, and hand on Saints; Ps. 17. 13. This Sword is in his hand. He manages all: Keeps all, on the right Wheel. All works for good, to his Saints. All mischievous intents of Enemies, for utterly destroying them, are frustrated. They can't go one step out of the ready Rode to his designed favour, for them. They can hit nothing but their Friend, the natural Man of his Saints, which he would give Death-touches to, were there no such Enemies, in being. They do p. 115his work, then; remove that that lets, or hinders the springing up of that Life, in which the Saint is sure to break all their Heads, and tread them all under his Feet. This is all they get, by bruising their Heel, or destroying their natural Man, that's to die. Saints ought to Comfort one another with such words, and rejoyce with Joy unspeakable and glorious, a-midst the utmost Tribulations, can befall them; not reckoning the present Sufferings in their Flesh, worthy to be compared with the Glory that shall be revealed, to, and upon them, in Christ's Spirit; Ro. 8. 18. For this Joy, set before them, and made known to them, well may they, with Christ, endure his Cross, and despise the Shame; Heb. 12. 2. Here are the richest Cordials, in (and Glorious allay's to) their sharpest Tryals, in the fiery Furnace of the Cross. The Son of God is among them, as Nebuchadnezzar saw and said, of the 3 Children; Dan. 3. 25. He has a fellow-feeling with them, as their Compassionate HighPriest; Heb. 2. 18. All's but to hasten away the Old Man, with all his old things, that all may become new. Would not Oppressors let them alone, if they knew the good they did them, by their Injuries? But the natural Man, even in Saints themselvs, knows not what to think on't, when storm'd on all hands; finding God, Christ, good and evil Angels and Men, all against him, on differing accounts, and with … contrary designs. He finds no Comforter, among them all, after his own heart, or in his own wil, and way. All runs Cross. Paul earnestly groan'd after the compleat dissolution of his Earthly Tabernacle (2 Cor. 5. 1-8) natural body, or whole State, which kept him short of a compleatness in Christ's Resurrection-Life; Phil. 3. 11-14. The Jews false Accusations of him, for Treason; and Nero's Sword, did his work. The compleat Death of the Saint's natural Man, sets him free from (and above) all Enemies and Deaths. 'Tis the death of death in them, of their Spirit of Enmity and Death; and so, frees them from him that has the Power of Death (or over all that's subject to Death) the Devil. Hereby, enter they into Peace, lie down in a Bed of perfect Rest, for ever. Is. 57. 1, 2. Would Enemies hurry such out of the World, if they knew all this? But, what care they, so they'r rid of such Tormentors, at present? Rev. 11. 10. They Rejoyce and make Merry, for being shut of them, till they see them upon their Feet again, an exceeding great and Invincible Army; then their high rejoycing, is turn'd into great fear and p. 116amazement; v. 11, 12. and Ezek. 37. 10. And then appears a Judgment-Seat, and Righteous Judg, all of them must stand before (2 Cor. 5. 10.) and give an account of all, done against him, and his Saints. What care they? Let them rule in this World, take the next, that will. Awaken'd spiritual Saints, does Satan look upon as unalterably principled, to be Fix'd Enemies and Traitours to his Crown and Dignity; the Peace of his most Oppressive, Tyrannical Domination in his Universal Province of this World; the only, Dangerous, Mischievous spies, that discover all his wiles and secrets, in his whole Mystery of Iniquity; as Elisha (in Figure) serv'd the King of Syria. But, as bad as Legal-spirited Professors reckon them, so as falsly to accuse, and charge them with Treason against Heathen Cesars; they are their quietest and best subjects. Their Principle is absolutely against Tumultuous Insurrections. Christ himself paid Tribute to the then Heathen Cesar. And, Pilate acknowledg'd his owning himself a King, no clash with his Master, Cesar. Indeed, had he own'd himself a King of the Jews, in that worldly, first-Covenant spirit, they'd have had him (Jo. 6. 15.) he and they had bin Enemies to Cesar, as outing his Government. That's the Pseudo-Fist-Monarchy-spirit. Judg, who are Traitor's against Cesar, first-Covenant Professors, that struggle with him for worldly Soveraignty, as their right; or, spiritual saints, that with Christ, pretend to no such matter. Would worldly Cesars, Heathen Magistrat's be Lictors and Executioners of Traiterous, Heady, High-minded Professors Rage (in the form of Godliness, denying the power; 2 Tim. 3. 4, 5.) on their most Peaceable Subjects, spiritual saints, if they knew what they did? … not lawful for us, to put any Man to Death, said the Fanatick Jewish Professors. Such are not usually possess'd of the Civil Sword or Power; have no way, but to get the Magistrate to do their Bloody work, upon the spiritual saint. The whole Earth, all the World is against the true saint; and he, with Jeremy, a Man of Contention with them all, Heathen, and a first-Covenant people. These belie him, make him a Traitour, and the other Execute him. Every Man's, every Devil's hand, is a natural Enemy to saints. All, against them. The better they see, the worse they like, the more they hate them, as in an … contrary way, to them. Their help is in God, in that new name and Life of the Lord, that's a Rock and strong Tower. p. 117Enough, enough. Infinite, Almighty, and Irresistibly Mighty Divine and new-Creation Power, is on their side. But Enemies, seeing them destitute of all worldly Power, say also, there's no help for them, in God; Ps. 3. 2. and 42. 3. Were this true, they were gone, indeed; quite gone. The like was Reproachfully said by Men, under the Devil s Influence, to Christ himself, as to David, his Type; Psal. 22. 6-8. Mat. 27. 39-43. And so, find we it, in the Apocryphal Wisdom of Solomon (Ch. 2. 10-22.) concerning Christ, and all his true followers. The natural Man, in the saint himself, is in a union of mind and Judgment, with Enemies without, also, against his spiritual mind; the fleshly Warrier, in every desire, thought, lust, and motion, against it; alway's for War, no Peace to be had with it; Psal. 120. 7. Gal. 5. 17. Rom. 7. Psal. 73. 1-20. Jer. 12. 1. Till saints have recourse to Sanctuary-light, the exercise of their spiritual mind, all appears dismal; but then, all's Right, and Comfortable, again. Psal. 73. 17. Jer. 20. 7-13. Not fully Crucified and Transform'd Humane Reason and Wisdom, in Saints, is the most dangerous homebred Traitour to them, within Doors, of the same mind and party against God and himself, with all Enemies without Doors, Devils and Men. This Foe, these Foes, of the Saint's own House (a Multitude of evil lusts and thoughts, peopling his own soul, and making up a Tumult of those in him, that rise up against God and himself, Encreasing, and Ascending continually, to provoke, and cry for Vengeance, upon him) must be run down by him. This, through his powerful stirring up of the unspeakable Gift of God in him, watching constantly all their motions, and skilfully managing all Spiritual Weapons, put into his Hands, to Crucify that fleshly mind and life in him, that, in all its Affections and Lusts, Fights against God and his own Soul. Steddy walking as well as Living in God's Spirit, and continual earnest Prayer to God, therein, will do the work; Gal. 5. 16. and v. 24, 25. When these Enemies, within, are storm'd on all hands (from Christ, without, in answer to their Prayer; and by themselvs within, in answer to their Duty and grand concern) they'l certainly fall under their Feet. Paul found himself, when looking on any Body, any thing (within, without, or round about him) of this World cleer gone, there; as by his Marred Visage and Image, of the Earthy in Holy Flesh, rendred a Spectacle of Scorn and Derision to p. 118the whole World, wicked Angels and Men; stripp'd of all Power or Defence, they can take any right notice of. So, in their sight, was he most despicable, as the off-scouring of all things. And this seemingly deplorable condition, will be more the lot of Saints, in the last Age of this World, then ever, before. Ezekiel's natural Man, could not see the possibility of spiritual Israel's recovery out of the desolate State of dry Bones in a Valley, then, or now; but said, in answer to the Lord's Question, thou knowest; Ezek. 37. 3. With him, what seems Impossible to Man, is Possible. This can God do. And, he reserves the Exercise and Demonstration of his Power, herein, for such a desperate season; to fetch up Saints out of all their Visible and Invisible Enemies Hands; and put their Enemies Necks under their Feet; as in Type, Josua, the Kings of Canaan, under his Captains Feet; Jos. 10. 24. The natural Man's thoughts, even in Saints, are not as God's thoughts, in this matter. The Powerful breath of his quicknnig Spirit (Ezek. 37. 5. 10.) recovers all; as Abraham (in Type) Lot, &c. out of the four Kings hands, who were Types of the four worldly Oppressing Monarchies, Assyrian or Babylonish, Persian, Greek, and Romane.

Solomon, in the same prospect of things, by spiritual Faith, with Ezekiel, would secure Saints from being dismayed at the universal oppression they are under, from all worldly powers. These meek, poor, oppressed ones, shall have their day, to inherit, even the earth, at Christ's coming to Reign over all; Mat. 5. 5. Mean while, all their Oppressours are perfectly seen and noted (by God, Christ, and holy Angels, that are all higher than the highest Powers of this World) with a black Character, to the unspeakable Comfort and relief of the Oppressed. Their helpers, will be unspeakably above all their Enemies. And they over-rule all (Oppressors do) for their good, even now. In the close of the bloody red-Dragon's day, they'l be found the manifested, visible, declared Heirs of Salvation, in the view of all, Friends and Foes. This, will matters come to, after all scrambling Controversies between Zion-Saints, and their unreasonable Adversaries, hypocritical Sinners in Zion-dress. In this world, Enemies find no sure way of silencing them, but by violence. The professing Jews, not able to resist the wisdom in which Steven spoke, ston'd him. This is their way. Now from the certain sight of what follow's, Solomon, and Christ himself, would have Saints possess their souls in faith and patience, under all worldly p. 119Oppressors. God exactly marks, and regards all their demeanour under Oppressors, as well as Enemies demeanour towards him and them. Comfort enough! come what will. They are Co-heirs with Christ, of God; Rom. 8. 17. What would or can they have more? They that laugh now, will have time enough to weep; and weepers now, to laugh. Eternity. Eternally blessed are the latter: Everlastingly cursed, the former; Mat. 5. 3--12. Luk. 6. 21--25. Oppressors will be paid home, at last, with everlasting sorrow; the Oppressed, with everlasting Joy. For shame, leave off Complaints, O Saints of the Most High. For shame, leave off exulting, and rejoycing, O mad enemies of God and them. Saints see ground for this advice to them. Enemies (not seeing all, at winding up) will on, and rejoyce in their oppressing-work. They oppress them, who alone, in greatest love, shew them the way of Salvation. But, this disturbs them in their large and swift steps, towards damnation. They desire to hope well; and so, march on quietly to their everlasting torment. Hell here; torment here, and hereafter too, they reckon too hard. Let them please themselves with false hopes, and confidences here; and come what will, think they, hereafter. At length, they must leave their false present rest, and lie down in everlasting sorrow. Who can help? Satan's twofold party, corrupt and righteous men (fixed in nature, with him) will on, in their fools Paradise; in their various pathes, under Satan's counsel and steerage, to the same Tophet. Saints ought to do their best, in all meekness, to recover any out of the snares of the Devil, till evidently fix'd in Enmity. God's method with men, is, that none should (usually) have two Heavens or two Hells.

All Good, is the Saints; all Evil, the incorrigible sinners; in the world to come. All Saints tears are put into God's bottle of remembrance, to requite all, hereafter; as Enemies, oppressive madnesses shall also be paid off, with such recompence of their Errors, as is meet; the vengeance of Eternal Fire; Jude 7. All will come to their rights, at last; Friends and Foes. This very Argument does Paul comfort oppressed Saints with; 2 Thes. 1. 4--10. At Christ's second coming, will Saints ride in their Triumphal Chariots (as more then final Conquerors) over the Heads of their Oppressors, Devils and Men; who have had their turn, to ride over their heads; Ps. 66. 12. The Lord regards every sigh and groan of his Prisoners, appointed to death, under p. 120worldly Powers; Psal. 12. 5. and 69. 33. and 79. 11. 146. 7. He will make his despised, oppressed ones, a praise in the Earth, in the sight of all that have scorn'd and trampled on them; Psal. 102. 13. 16. 19. 20. The true Saint pants after final deliverance from all Enemies within him (Rom. 7. 24.) as well as without. All will be …, at last, in Answer to their Prayer; Psal. 74. 10. and ver. …. Saints groan after deliverance from their mortal righteous earthly life of Enmity, as well as from that of the Body; 2 Cor. 5. 1, 2. All, in nature, within and without them, is in a universal confederacy against them. What matter? If God be for them, who can be against them? Or, who can hurt them? Rom. 8. 31. Here's enough. The whole first-creation world, lies in wickedness, litteral and mystical, filth of flesh or spirit (1 Joh. 5. 19.) and so, in a universal daring affront, and contradiction to all words and things of God, in the next; Jer. 44. 16, 17. But, God will hear (or deliver) Saints from the horns of the Unicorns (Psal. 22. 21.) That is, from all oppressive Powers of this World, visible and invisible, without and within. So have we, in some small measure, the meaning of these words.