Christ All and in All, Sermon 13
JOHN 15. 5.
I am the Vine, ye are the branches.XIV. SERM at Mary Wolnoth. L… Octob. 1…. 1652.
OUr Saviour in this Chapter treats …hiefly of three things.
1. Here is an exhortation to his Diſciples, that they would continue conſtant in that faith, into which they were implanted. This is from verſe 1. to verſe 8.
2. An exhortation given them to abound in good works, eſpecially in that duty of mutual love one to another; this is from verſ. 8. to verſ 18.
3. Encouraging arguments againſt the feare of perſecut…n, and the hatred of the world; this is from ver. 18. to the end of the Chapter. His exhortation …o conſtancy and perſeverance in the faith, is preſſed by the parable of the Vine and Branches. As the Branches when they are planted into the Vine, do continue in it, ſo thoſe that were by faith, and the Doctrine of the Goſpel plan…ed into Chriſt, ought to continue in him and bring forth fruits. The uttering of this parable, is thought by Piſcator, to be occaſioned upon the … by our Saviour and his Diſcip… … thorow the City. It was … from the beholding of … teach ſpiritual Doctrines. From the woman of Samaria's coming to Iacobs Well to dr…w wa…r, our Saviour takes occaſion to ſpeak f…lly of the water of life, Iohn 4. 7, 10. From the Diſciple… intreating of him to eat meat, he takes occaſion to preach of his zeale in promoting his Fathers work, Iohn 4. 32, 34. From the Peoples flocking about him for material bread, he takes occaſion to ſpeak of the bread of life, Iohn 6. 27. And here from the ſight of a vine, as he went up and down in Ieruſalem, he takes occaſion of preaching himſelf to be the true Vine. That this Sermon was preached as he walked in the City, may (ſaith Piſc…tor) probably be gathered from ver. 1. Chap. 18. Where it is ſaid, that when he had ſpoken theſe words, he went forth with his Diſciples over the brook Kedron; This going forth (ſaith he) cannot be underſtood of his going forth of the houſe (for chap. 14. ver. laſt, he went out of that before) but of his going forth out of the City, where he had preached this Sermon as he walked up and down. It is not much material where this Sermon was preached, though it is more likely, that it was preached in ſome houſe, then in the ſtreets of the City; eſpecially if that be true which ſome conjecture, that that prayer, Chap. 17. which belongs to this ſtory, was prayed at the inſtitution of the Supper, it is not (I ſay) much material. 'Tis Chriſts Doctrine where-ever it was preached. In the words of the Text we have two things.
1. A de…enption of Chriſt in relation to beleevers. I … th… Vine.
2. A deſe…ption of beleevers in relation to Chriſt. Ye are the Branches.
By Vine we are to underſtand not the vineyard or place planted with vines (though the Greek word here uſed, as Calvin notes, doth ſometimes ſignifie a vineyard,) but we are to underſtand it of the vine, or plant it ſelf; eſpecially of the root of the vine into which the branches are ingraffed.
By Branches we are to underſtand thoſe ſlips which are by him that keeps the vineyard ingraffed into the ſtock of the Vine. The words afford a double point.
1. That Chriſt is a Vine.
2. That beleevers are Branches of this Vine.
Doct. 1. That Jeſus Chriſt is a Vine. We are not to underſtand it in a proper ſenſe, (for Chriſt, to ſpeak properly is neither vine, nor door, nor rock, &c. but the eternal Sonne of God, who is both God and man in one perſon.) but we are to underſtand it in a Metaphorical ſenſe; he is ſo called by way of reſemblance: there is a very great ſimilitude between Chriſt and the vine. Twice expreſſely doth our Savior in this caſe call himſelf a Vine, v. 1. I am the true Vine. and v. 5. I am the Vine, and many times covertly in thoſe expreſſions of abiding in him, to which he exhorts his hearers.
For the opening of this Metaphor, I ſhall ſhew three things.
1. In reſpect of which, … called a Vine.
2. Wherein the reſembl…nce … what reſpects Chriſt is ſo… Why he is … …led ſo?
3. The excellency of Chriſt above all other vines.
1. For the firſt. Chriſt is compared to a Vine in reſpect of both natures. Although ſome reſemblances do relate more chiefly to the Divine Nature, and ſome more chiefly to the humane; yet the general is to be underſtood in reſpect of both natures. Chriſt is a Vine in reſpect of the whole perſon, as he is Mediatour, God and Man. It will be made evident by this Argument. Chriſt is a Vine in that reſpect and latitude, in which Beleevers are Branches ingraffed into him. Now the union between Chriſt and beleevers is not between them and the humanity of Chriſt onelyonly, nor between them and the Divinity onelyonly, but between them and the whole perſon: Not onelyonly is the ſoule of a beleever united to the ſoul of Chriſt, nor the fleſh of a beleever to the fleſh of Chriſt; but the whole perſon of every beleever is united to the whole perſon of Chriſt. This is the firſt particular.
2. In what reſpects in Chriſt a Vine? In four reſpects.
1. In regard of the meanneſſe of his outward condition. The Vine is not like the Cedar for height, nor is it comparable to the Oak for ſtrength, 'tis but meane to the outward view. Jeſus Chriſt when he came into the world, did not come with any great outward pomp and glory. There was indeed a ſtar at his birth, that …ught the wiſe men from the Eaſt to worſhip him, but for his outward condition generally it was very meane: he was born in a ſtable, laid in the manger; he was born of a mean Virgin, and his life was but mean here on earth. His Kingdome is not adminiſtred with that outward ſtate and ſplendor that earthly Kingdomes are. Jeſus Chriſt did decline all outward glory and greatneſſe. See what the Prophe… foret…ls concerning him, Eſay 53. 2. He ſhall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root …t of a dry ground, &c. The reaſon of this is that which he himſelfe gives to Pilate, John 18. 36. His Kingdome was not of this world. He came not to be Miniſtred unto, but to Miniſter, Mat. 20. 28 He came to make others great, but to make himſelf little; to fill others, but to empty himſelf, Phil. 2. 7. He came in the forme of a ſervant to be trampled upon, to be reviled, diſgraced, and at laſt crucified. External pomp was not ſutable to ſuch a de…igne. This is our firſt reſ…mblance.
2. In regard of his fruitfulneſſe. The Vine is a fruit…l plant. Though…t hath little pomp, yet it … much plenty. The fruitfulneſſe of it appears three wayes.
1. It brings forth pleaſant fruit. No plant …ields more delightful fruit then the Vine; the grape i… delightful; the wine is a very pleaſant thing: and what is that but the blood of the grape, D…ut. 32. 1…?
2. It yields pr…fitable fruit. The blood of the grape, if it be moderately and ſeaſonably taken, doth warme the heart and chear the ſpirits. It doth as the Scripture ſpeaks, make glad the heart of man, Pſal. 104. 15. … repa…rer of natures detays. …ts both food and Phyſick.
3. It yields great plenty of frui…. Other … bring forth ſingle fruit, they bring forth by one and one. But the Vine bring… forth cluſter…. There are ſometimes hundreds of berries in one cluſter, and many of thoſe cluſters upon one Branch. The Scripture uſeth the Vine to ſet out plenty of increaſe. Thy wife ſhall be as the fruitful Vine upon the walls of thy houſe, Pſalme 128. 3. So Hoſ. 14. 7. Jeſus Chriſt may well be compared to the Vine for fruitfulneſſe, in all theſe reſpects.
1. He brings forth pleaſant fruit. All the fruits that grow upon Chriſt are very pleaſant, Cant. 2. …. I ſate down under his ſhadow (ſaith the Church) with great delight, and his fruit was ſweet to my taſte. All the trees of Paradiſe did not afford ſuch pleaſant fruit as grows on this Vine. Conſider what the fruits of this Vine are, and it will be granted that they are pleaſant. I will name ſome of the fruits of this Vine. I ſhall preſent you with four cluſters by which you may judge of the reſt.
Firſt, the fruits of his death. There are many particulars in this cluſter, I name but ſix.
1. The ſatisfaction of Divine Justice. The appeaſing of Gods anger towards the Elect, Eſay 53. 6. Chriſt by his death did as perfectly ſatisfie the demands of juſtice as though God had never been offended, he made full payment.
2. The reconciliation of beleevers to God. He hath not onelyonly paid what juſtice required, but he hath perfectly made agreement between God and the ſin…er; that now thorough, Chriſt God is as well appeaſed, and is become as perfect a friend to the beleever as he was to Adam i… Paradiſe. God hath not in his heart the leaſt gr…dge towards his perſon. Of this the Apoſtle ſpeaks, Eph. 2. 14, 15. and Col. 1. 21, 22.
3. The working out of a compleat righteouſneſs for the ſinner. Such a righteouſneſſe as that the ſinner may with a holy boldneſſe chalenge the Law of God to finde fault with it. Of this the Apoſtle ſpeaks, Rom. 5. 17, 18, 19. This is called in divers reſpects righteouſneſſe of God, Rom. 1. 17. The righteouſneſſe of faith, Phil. 3. 9. Rom. 4. 13. The righteouſneſſe of Chriſt, Rom. 5. 18.
4. The deſtroying of him that had the power of death. Of this you may …eade, Col. 2. 15. and Heb. 2. 14. Sa…ans ſupremacy over the ſoule is aboliſhed, and the captived ſoul made the Lords freeman.
5. The ſweetning and per…uming of the grave, and the freedome of the ſinner from the fear of death. This fruit is mentioned by the Apoſtle, Heb. 2. 15.
6. The killing of the power of ſinne. Chriſt by dying for ſinne ſlew ſinne, ſo as that it can never damne any of the Elect. Of this you m…y read, Rom. 6. 4, 6.
Secondly, the …ruits of his reſurrection. Theſe are many; I ſhall ſet a few before you; theſe foure.
1. Spiritual vivifi…ntion. The ſoule of a beleever is raiſed up and empowred to walk in …neſſe of life. This the Apoſtle applieth principally to the reſu… … 2. 12, 13. You being de… i… … He …ath quick…ed together …
2. An aſſured evidence … from ſinne. This the Apoſtle … reſurrection of Chriſt, Rom. 4. 25. He was … again for our juſtification. The reſurrection of Chriſt from the grave is a full proof that all the debt is paid; the diſcharge of the priſoner is a cleare teſtimony of the diſcharge of the debt. The Prophet puts them together, Eſay 53. 8. He was taken from priſon and from judgement. And hence the Apoſtle argues againſt thoſe that deny the Reſurrection, 1 Cor. 15. 17. If Chriſt be not raiſed, we are yet in our ſinnes.
3. An Argument of the reſurrection of our bodies at the last day. If the Head be raiſed, the body ſhall not lie for ever in the grave; the Reſurrection of Chriſt is a pledge of ours, as the firſt fruits were unto the Jewes a pledge of the enſuing harveſt. The Apoſtle alludes to that, 1 Cor. 15. 20. And therefore the Apoſtle ſaith, that Beleevers are raiſed up together with Chriſt, Epheſ. 2. 6. They did riſe in their repreſentative when Chriſt was raiſed.
4. The Confirmation of our hope of heaven. This fruit of Chriſts Reſurrection the Apoſtle ſets down, 1 Pet. 1. 3. We are begotten againe to a lively hope, by the Reſurrection of Jeſus Christ from the dead. The Doctrine of Chriſts Reſurrection is the nouriſhment of the grace of Hope.
Thirdly, The fruits of his Aſcenſion. This is a very rich cluſter. I ſhall name a few, theſe five.
1. Leading captivity captive. The Apoſtle mentions this, Eph. 4. 8. By …eturning to he… ven from whence he came, he did publickly …ar…y his ſpoile with him, he did declare that …ll the enemies of our ſalvation were perfectly brought under. As great Conquerours, when they have ſubdued their enemies, do lead captive thoſe whom they have overcome; ſo Chriſt the great Captaine of our ſalvation, did by his Aſcenſion let his people ſee that their ſpiritual enemies were all eternally vanquiſhed.
2. The conferring of M…niſterial gifts, yea of the office of Miniſtery on his Church. Of this the Apoſtle ſpeaks, Eph. 4 8. The Miniſtery of the Church is a fruit of Chriſts Aſcenſion. And tis as poſſible to pull him out of Heaven, as to deſtroy that which he ſo ſolemnly ſettled at his Aſcenſion.
3. The more ple…tiful effuſion of his Spirit upon his Church. Of this fruit of his Aſcenſion our Saviour ſpeaks, John 16 7. If I go not away, the Comforter will not come; but if I go away, I will ſend him. Chriſt when he departed, powred forth his Spirit in greater plenty then ever it was before, to ſupply the want of his bodily preſence. And then
4. Preparations of Manſions for his members. This fruit is mentioned, John 14. 3. As a man when he hath eſpouſed a wife, provides a houſe for her abode againſt the day of marriage: ſo Chriſt having eſpouſed the Church, goes to heaven before-hand to make all things ready for their entertainment againſt the marriage day.
5. An aſſured evidence of their corporal Aſ…enſion. Chriſt aſcended and … as the fore-runner of his Chur…; … The Apoſtle tells us that Chriſt … foreign. Not onelyonly for ou… … our ſtead to give us an undoubted … that we… alſo ſhall perſonally entertaine▪ the aſcenſion of the head, is the praeludium of the glorification of the members.
Fourthly, The fruits of his Interceſſion. Theſe are very many. I ſhall name theſe four.
1. Aſſurance of the Application of all his benefits. Whatſoever Chriſt purchaſed by his death, …e doth actually apply to the Elect by his interceſſion. The Prophet puts them together, Eſay 53. ult. This is one fruit of Chriſts interceſſion; beleevers are ſure to be put into full poſſeſſion of all that which Chriſt hath merited for them by his blood-ſhed. This ſome make to be the meaning of that Scripture, John 14 3. They refer it to his interceſſion. Chriſt by his ſatisfaction obtained for the Elect a right to heaven, and by his interceſſion he doth actually apply it to them.
2. The ſuperſeding and ſtopping of all Accuſations made againſt them. The Law accuſeth, Satan pleads the Law againſt beleevers, and hence accuſeth them. Chriſt is interceding continually at Gods right hand to invalidate all theſe accuſations; There can no ſooner come in any complaint, but Chriſt throws it out. Of this fruit of his interceſſion the Apoſtle ſpeaks, Rom. 8. 33, 34.
3. Manuduction into the preſence of the Father with boldneſſe. Chriſt is at Gods right hand for this very purpoſe, that when ever a beleever hath any requeſt to pre…er to God, he may take them by the hand and bring the… to the Father with confidence. This fruit of his inter…eſſion is ſet down by the Apoſtle, Heb. 4. 14. 16.
4. Aſſurance of the acceptance of our weakeſt ſervices. This fruit of his interceſſion is mentioned, Rev. 8. 3, 4. The aſcending of the incenſe out of the Angels hand, before God notes the complacency that God takes through Chriſt in the obedience of his Saints. Put theſe together and ſee whether Chriſt do not bring forth pleaſant fruit. All the Vineyards in the world cannot ſhew ſuch grapes for pleaſantneſſe as theſe are.
2. He brings forth profitable fruit. The wine that comes out of this Vine, doth chear, and refreſh and ſtrengthen, and make glad, and that not the outward man, but the ſoule and conſcience alſo, which no other wine can do. If I ſhould go over all theſe fruits againe, and ſhew you the advantage which beleevers have by them, you would then ſay they were profitable fruits. Healing fruits and ſtrengthning fruits, and quickning fruits. They remove all fears, they bring in all joy, &c.
3. He brings forth plenty of fruit. I have named many, but I have named but a few in reſpect of what I might name. All the graces of his Spirit are the fruits which he brings forth, ſaith, love, meekneſſe, perſeverance, &c. All the promiſes are his fruits; eternity will be too ſhort to meaſure all the fruits which grow on this Vine. This is the ſecond reſemblance.
3. In regard of the ſhadow which he caſts over the Church. The Vine is a ſhadowy plant, it is in regard of the … fitteſt of any plant for ſ…adowing. … Arbors of the vine. Micah 4. 4. … ſhadow to his Church. The Scripture calls hi… a ſhadow, Eſay 32. 2. A hiding place from the winde, a covert form the tempeſt, the ſhadow of a great rock in a weary land; the words are ſpoken of Chriſt, as is clear from the firſt verſe, Behold a King ſhall reigne in righteouſneſſe: he who is there called a King, is afterwards called a ſhadow; I ſate under (Cant 2. 3.) his ſhadow: ſo Jeſus Chriſt is called the Churches onelyonly ſhadow.
1. He is a ſhadow to defend them from his Fathers wrath. God is in himſelf a conſuming fire. So the Apoſtle, Heb. 12. 29. His anger is declared againſt all the ſinnes of men. He can as well ceaſe to be, as ceaſe to be diſpleaſed againſt ſinne in whomſoever it is. Now Jeſus is the Beleevers ſhadow to preſerve him from being burnt by his wrath. Yea, Chriſt hath by ſatisfying his Fathers Juſtice for ſinne, quenched this wrath as to beleevers; and this ſatisfaction is ſuch a thick ſhadow, that whenſoever the beleever retreats to it, and ſits under it, the wrath of God cannot reach him to hurt him, the Screen of Chriſts perfect ſatisfaction doth continually ſtand between God and the beleever to preſerve him from the fury of Divine anger. The wrath of God muſt kindle upon Chriſt before it can kindle upon the beleever; and upon Chriſt it cannot kindle. He hath once born the wrath of God, and by bearing it hath for ever quenched it. Since Chriſt hath made himſelfe a ſacrifice for ſinne once, God hath many wayes declared that he is well pleaſed with him. Abide under his ſhadowy vine, ye that are beleevers, the wrath of God cannot come nee…e you.
2. He is a ſhadow to defend them from the de…iſ… rage. Satan is full of rage againſt the godly. They have broke out of his priſon, they have renounced his ſervice, they have proclaimed perpetual war againſt him and his kingdom, they have by the grace of converſion blotted his Name out of their hearts, this fills him with rage againſt them. He is continually way-laying them, he is daily fighting with them, he never ceaſeth to tempt them, that he may deſtroy them 1 Pet. 5. 8. Jeſus Chriſt is a ſhadow to preſerve his Church from the fury of this deſtroyer. By his death he hath broken his head, Col. 2. 15. By his interceſſion he doth ſafegard his from all the attempts he makes upon them, Luke 22. 31, 32. The devil muſt overcome Chriſt, he muſt pluck off all the leaves of this Vine, before he can devoure the ſoule of a beleever. Retreat to Chriſt by faith when Satan hunts you, and continue here, and you may laugh at Satan and all his aſſaults.
3. He is a ſhadow to defend them from the fury of men. The world is a bitter enemy to the ſervants of Chriſt. They cannot walk after the faſhion of the world, they cannot but reprove the wickedneſſe of the world, both by their lives and by their ſpeeches too as they have occaſion. This makes the men of the world madde againſt them; you may ſee this both in the Old and in the New Teſtament. In the Old Teſtament, Gen. 19. 9. they were ready to tear Lot in pieces, becauſe he reproved their filthy wickedneſſe. In the New Teſtamen… … 4. becauſe the godly cannot drink of … … ters they do, therefore do they … Jeſus Chriſt is a ſhadow to preſerve them from the worlds fury. He did by his death obtaine victory, as well over the world as over the devil, John 16. 33. and he doth ſhadow his Church in the world from the rage of the world. Some particular members of his Church are perhaps overcome by the world, but the body of the Church can never be overcome; And for the particular perſons or Churches that are ruined by them, their ruine tends to their own perſonal ſalvation, and to the preſervation of the whole body; the blood of particular perſons or Churches is a ſanctified ſeed which tends to the enlargement of the Church Univerſal.
4. In regard of the influen…ial Communications from him to the Branches. This is that which is eſpecially meant in this place; beleevers are compared to the Branches, Chriſt to the Vine. As the Vine doth communicate ſap and nouriſhment to the Branches, ſo doth Chriſt communicate ſpiritual ſap and nouriſhment to beleevers. All the Churches ſprings are in Chriſt, Pſal. 87. 7. Beleevers have nothing but what comes from him, Beleevers can do nothing that is good, but by aſſiſtance from him. He is the ſtrength of their ſtrength, the wiſdome of their wiſdome. God hath put all their ſtock and portion into his hands. They have their dependance on him, they have all their ſupply from him: This is that which is laid down ver. 5. of this Chapter, Without me, or ſevered from me ye can do nothing. Of this I ſhall ſpeak more in the next Doctrine.
3. The excellency of Chriſt above all other vines. He hath the preheminence in theſe ſeven reſpects.
1. Chriſt is a Vine immediately of Gods planting. Other Vines are the plantations of men. 'Tis true, In the Creation God did by the Word of his power without the help of any creature, cauſe the Vine as he did all other plants to ſpring, Gen. 2. 4, 5. But ſince the creation of man upon the earth, theſe plants are the work of his hands. We read of a vineyard planted by Noah after the flood, Gen. …9. 20. and we ſee that ſince, to this day, vines are ſtill ſet by the hands of men. But Jeſus Chriſt …s the meer plantation of God alone, God prepared him a body, Heb. 10. …. God appointed him for the work of Redemption. It could never have entred into the heart of man, nor into the underſtanding of Angels to have planted the Son of God as a Vine, for the bearing and feeding of man-kind. This is that which our Saviour himſelf declares, v. 1. of this chapter. I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Huſbandman. This order of grace, that Chriſt ſhould be the head of life and ſalvation, that the Elect ſhould be ingraffed into him and ſaved by him, is appointed and ſet by God alone. He is the author of this Divine husbandry; Men wonder at it, the Angels of heaven do to this very day admire it, and ſhall admire it to eternity; but God himſelf is the onelyonly Inventor, and Author of it. It is a work of Gods doing; and it is, and will be, and ought to be marvellous in our eyes, Pſal. 118. 23. Behold I …ay in Sion for a foundation, a ſtone, a tried ſtone, &c. Eſay 28. 16. This foundation had never been laid, this Vine had never been pla… … ſelfe had not done … dry.
2. Chriſt is a Vine that doth … … riſh. Other vines are not alwayes … depth of Winter, they have neither leaves no… fruit; when the vintage is over they are empty vines. But Chriſt is a Vine that i… continually green; the vintage is never over with this Vine, he knows no… winter. Jeſu… Chriſt yeſterday, and to day, and the ſame for ever, Heb. 13. 8. He keeps his vigor and freſhneſſe from generation… to generation. Jeſus Chriſt flouriſhes now as gloriouſly as ever he did ſince the firſt day he was planted, and he will be as green and lively to the end of the world as now he is. A few yeares put an end to the life of all other vines; they have their infancy, a time when they do not bear; and they have their full growth, a time when they are in their height; and they have their old age, a time when they are paſt fruit: but Chriſt knows no ſuch changes; he did beare fruit the very firſt moment of his planting, and there will never be a time when he will ceaſe bearing. It is alwayes vintage-time with Jeſus Chriſt. Never did the eye of man ſee him empty, never ſhall eye ſee him withering. He is called a tree of life, Rev. 22. 12. becauſe neither mortality nor old age ſhall ever betide him.
3. Christ is a Vine whoſe fruits never abate. Go to the fulleſt vine that ever grew upon the earth, and pluck off but one cluſter, and there is a cluſte… leſſe; if you take away but one berry, there is a diminution. But Jeſus Chriſt knows no abatement. All the Patriachs, all the Prophet…, all the Apoſtles, the Sa…nts i… the Ol… Teſtament ever ſince Adam, the Saints in the New Teſtament to this day have been feeding upon him, and yet there is not one cluſt… leſſe then there was at firſt. He hath not loſt one berry ſince his firſt plantation. The reaſon is that which the Apoſtle mentions, Col. 2. 9. In him dwelleth all the fulneſſe of the God-head bodily. Fulneſſe is in Chriſt, all fulneſſe is in him, all fulneſſe is in him bodily, foreign, that is perſonally, not onelyonly in regard of efficacy and aſſiſtance as in the Saints, but in regard of hypoſtatical and perſonal union, and then all this fulneſſe dwells in him, foreign, dwells in him inſeparably, dwells in him undecayingly. …ather never ſo much fruit from this Vine, and yet he ſtill retains his fulneſſe. We beheld his glory (ſaith the Evangeliſt) full of grace and truth, John 1. 14. All the old Saints had been eating of him ſince Adam to that day, and yet he was ſtill full of grace, and ſo he continues as full as if his fruit had never been touched with hands, nor taſted by any of his Elect.
4. Chriſt is a Vine of greater ext…tion then other vines. Earthly vines are but of a ſmall compaſſe. A few yards will meaſure both their length and breadth; but Chriſt is a Vine of great dimenſion, his Branches reach all the world over. He hath ſome Branches in all Nations under heaven, Rev. 7. 9. This Vine ſpreads it ſelf into all the quarters of the world, Aſia, and Europe, and Afric…, and America; this Vine grows in all theſe parts of the world. The Univerſal Church is the Vine-yard, this Church is diſperſed thoroughout all Nations, and every member of this Church▪ is an … Vine.
5. Christ is ſuch a Vine as … of his Branches. Other vines are often … their branches, even of thoſe branches th… were truly ingraffed; every child can rob … of its branches. But this Vine can never loſe a Branch: ſome branches there are that are ſeemingly ingraffed, they are ingraffed onelyonly in regard of viſible profeſſion, theſe may be broken off and burned, yea they ſhall be, ver. 6. of this Chapter. But for the Branches that are really implanted, they can never be taken away. All the ſtrength of men and devils is not able to divide one Branch from the Vine. Every Branch of the Vine doth tend to the myſtical perfection of the Vine; the Saints are the fulneſſe of him that filleth all in all, Eph. 2. ult. He cannot loſe one of them without empaiting himſelf. The devil hath been plucking and hewing, but he was never yet able to break off the weakeſt Branch.
6. Chriſt is a Vine whoſe fruit ſeeds the ſoule. Other vines they onelyonly bring forth fruit for the body. The outward man is cheared and nouriſhed by the grape, and by the liquor of the grape. But now Chriſt is a Vine whoſe fruits are for the ſoule. Wine for the conſcience, for the ſoule, comes out of the fruit of this Vine. When the heart is cold by reaſon of inward fears, this Wine warmes it: when the heart is heated by reaſon of violent temptations, this Wine will coole it; when the ſoule is ready to die, this Wine will revive it.
7. Chriſt is a Vine whoſe fruits never ſurfet. The fruit of all material vines, if it be taken immoderately, breeds diſtempers and ſickneſſes. Noah drunk of the Wine of his vine, yard and was drunk; Gen. 9. 21. many bereave themſelves of their health and of their wits too, by the exceſſive uſe of the fruit of the vine; we have too many examples of this. But the fruits of this myſtical Vine have no ſurfetting quality. A man cannot take too much of them. Eat O friend drink yea drink abundantly O beloved, Cant. 5. 1. The ſickneſſe and the death of the ſoule ariſeth not from the immoderate uſing, but from the refuſing of the fruits of this Vine. …. 8. A Vine that never coſts any of his fruits. He brings all his fruits to perfection.
The Uſes of this Point.
1. This may help us to underſtand that ſpeech of Chriſt, when he ſaith, This is my body, and my fleſh is meat indeed, &c. John 6. 53, 54, 55. The Papiſts underſtand it in a proper ſenſe, as if the bread were changed into the ſubſtance of his body, &c. They are angry with the Proteſtants becauſe they will not beleeve it. Amongſt many reaſons which overthrow that fond interpretation; this and ſuch like other figurative ſpeeches may help us to underſtand that. Chriſt ſometimes calls himſelf the light, ſometimes the door, and here the Vine; not as if he were ſubſtantially changed into theſe things, but to ſhew the ſpiritual reſemblance which is between him and theſe corporal things. Why there ſhould be any more change of ſubſtance, when Chriſt ſaith, this is my body, then when Chriſt ſaith, I am the door, I am the Vine, I cannot ſee, but God hath upon the blinde Papiſts fulfilled that threatning, 2 Theſ. … … dicially blinded their … antiſcriptural opinions ….
2. See the excellency; and … All theſe compariſons are but to convinc… … carnal ſoules of Chriſts tranſcendent excellency, Chriſt hath in a ſpiritual ſenſe al the good properties of the Vine, and of all the fruits of the Vine. He hath all the excellencies of Wine. I name foure.
(I.) Wine nouriſheth. It helps digeſtion. Chriſt is a great nouriſher, the ſoul would decay and dwindle to nothing, if Chriſt did not continually nouriſh it and feed it.
(2.) Wine is a comforter, Pſal. 104. 15. Jeſus Chriſt is the great comforter of the ſoul. When the ſoul droops and languiſheth, when it's caſt down and dejected, the love and preſence of Chriſt doth chear it again, Pſ. 21. 6. David confeſſeth it in Pſ. 23. 3. He reſtoreth my ſoul. Jeſus Chriſt is the ſouls reſtorer.
(3) Wine emboldneth. Being a ſpiritual creature it doth raiſe the ſpirits, and being moderately uſed, puts courage into the fearful. Jeſus Chriſt doth embolden the ſoul His preſence and his grace fills the ſoul with a holy courage; he that was fearful, dares now ſpeak for God, and act for God; the very tydings of Chriſts coming expels feare from the hearts of his people, Eſay 35. 3, 4. There is no true valour in the ſoul till Chriſt be there. All the ſouls confidence is built on Chriſt, and on Chriſt alone. We have no boldneſſe in prayer, no boldneſſe in approaching to God in any Ordinance, but is communicated by, and from Jeſus Chriſt, Heb. 10 19.
(4) Wine is healing. Some kind of wines are prefer bed for the healing inward of diſtempers, &c. The Samaritan poured oyle and wine; Luk. 10. 34. Chriſt is a great heales, he heales broken hearts and wounded ſpirits, and all inward diſtempers whatſoever. There is no health in the ſoul till Chriſt be there. Ʋnto you that fear my Name, ſhall the Sun of righteouſneſſe ariſe with healing in his wings, Mal. 4. 2. Chriſt is that tree of life whoſe leaves are for the healing of the Nations, Rev. 22. 2. Chriſt is an excellent and precious perſon. Never look upon the Vine, never ſee the fruit of the Vine, but meditate on Jeſus Chriſt.