Christ All and in All, Sermon 16
PSAI. 72. 6.
He ſhall come down like raine upon XVII. SERM. at Mary Wolneth. Lon. Novem. 14. 1652.the mowen graſſe.
THis Pſalme was penned by David, as appeares from v. 20. It was compoſed by him a little before his death, when he had made his ſonne Solomon King. Upon the occaſion of Ad…nijahs rebellion, we read in 1 King. 1. 33, 34, &c. that Solomon was by the appointment of David annointed King of Iſrael and Judah. David having ſet him in his Throne, doth in the cloſe of his life make this Pſalme, wherein he doth prophetically foretel, and accordingly prayes for the proſperity of him and his Kingdome, under which he doth alſo Prophecy of the felicity of Chriſts Kingdome, of which Solomon was a type. Here are ſome paſſages which cannot be properly underſtood of Solomon, or his Kingdome; but are chiefly to be underſtood of Chriſt and his Kingdome, as that in ver. 7, 8, 17, &c. He ſhall have dominic…. His Name ſhall endure for ever. Therefore it is to be expounded of Solomon and his Kingdome as they were typical of Chriſt the true Solomon and his Kingdome. Here are three parts of the Pſalme.
1. Matter of petition, v. 1, 2, 3.
2. Matter of Prophecy, v. 4. to 18.
3. Matter of praiſe, v. 18, 19.
The Text falls under the ſecond head, which I called matter of Prophecy. David doth deſcribe by the Spirit of Prophecy the Kingdom of Solomon, but eſpecially the Kingdom of Chriſt, which was prefigured by Solomon's Kingdome. This Kingdome is deſcribed two wayes.
1. By the righteouſneſſe of it, v. 4. There are both the parts of righteouſneſſe. The defending of the good; He ſhall judge the poore of thy people, and ſave the children of the needy: The puniſhment of the wicked; He ſhall break in pieces the oppreſſor.
2. By the bleſſed fruits of it. Theſe are ſeveral, as namely,
1. The holy feare and reverence of God, ver. 5. They ſhall fear thee as long as the Sun and Moon endure, thoroughout all generations.
2. The propagation of his Kingdom by the calling in of the Gentiles, ver. 8, 9, 10, 11. He ſhall have dominion alſo from ſea to ſea, from the river to the worlds end.
3. The great bleſſing which ſhould accrue to his Subjects, and the great glory of the King. This is v. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. He ſhall redeeme their ſoule from deceit, &c.
4. The great encreaſe and edification of his Church. I name this laſt, becauſe it is in the text, and the verſe following the text. He ſhall come down like raine, &c. In which we have.
Firſt, a Prophecy of Chriſts communications to his Church. He ſhall come down.
Secondly, the nature of this communication. As the raine, as the ſhowers.
He ſhall come down. foreign There is a foure-fold deſcending of Chriſt which the Scripture mentions.
1. His incarnation, the manifeſtation of himſelfe in the fleſh.
2. The abaſing of himſelfe in condition. He did not onelyonly aſſume humane fleſh, but all the natural infirmities of our fleſh; he took upon him the form of a ſervant, lived in the meaneſt and loweſt condition of the ſonnes of men. Of this deſcenſion the Apoſtle ſpeaks, Phil. 2. 6, 7.
3. The ſubjecting of himſelf to death. His abiding under the power of the grave for three dayes and three nights. This is the loweſt piece of his deſcenſion. Of this the Apoſtle ſpeaks, Eph 4. 9. In that he aſcended, what is it but that he alſo deſconded firſt into the lowest parts of the earth? Theſe deſcenſions or comings down of Chriſt are included one in another. When he took our nature upon him he did truly deſcend. Not as if the Divine nature came where it was not before, but becauſe God did in the incarnation of Chriſt, manifeſt himſelf after ſuch a manner as he never had done before; For God cannot properly be ſaid to aſcend or deſcend; he being a moſt ſimple and ſpiritual Eſſence, is not moved from place to place as creatures are, but he is ſaid to aſcend or deſcend in regard of the manifeſtation of his preſence, either by the effects of his preſence, or by viſible ſpecies or ſhapes, which appearing or diſappearing, he is ſaid to aſcend or deſcend. Although men might look upon his deſcenſion as having re…erence to his incarnation▪ Yet
(4) There is another deſcenſion which we ſhall rather expound this of: the diſtillations of his grace, and ſpiritual bleſſings upon his Church. Theſe indeed are glorious deſcenſions. When Chriſt lets fall the influences of his grace, then doth he come down in a glorious manner. Every drop of grace is a Metaphorical deſcenſion. Chriſt doth ſpiritually come down, when he lets any ſpiritual vertue drop down in his Ordinances upon the ſouls of his people. Of this kinde of deſcenſion the Church ſpeaks, Eſay 64. 1.
Like the raine. foreign Some think our Engliſh word water comes from this Hebrew word matar, becauſe they are ſo neer in ſound one to another. Rain is the diſtillation of a moiſt cloud, which being diſſolved by the heat of the Sunne▪ and by the colliſion of other clouds, ſends down its water to the middle Region of the aire. The reaſon why it falls down by drops, and doth not come like a torrent, is becauſe the cloud is not diſſolved all at once, but by little and little.
Ʋpon the mowen graſſe. Detondere, foreign from foreign The Hebrew word uſed here hath a double ſignification. It ſignifies a ſhorn fleece of wool, and it ſignifies a meadow newly mowen. This hath occaſioned divers readings; ſome reade it, He ſhall come down like the rain into a fleece of wo…ll. So the Septuagint: they that follow this reading make it an alluſion unto the dew that fell upon Gideons fleece, Judg 6. 37, 38, 39. when all the land beſide was dry, and againe upon the reſt of the land when the fleece was dry▪ … read it according to our tranſlation. He ſhall come down like the rain upon the mowen graſſe, This ſeems to be more agreeable to the meaning of the Holy Ghoſt; eſpecially becauſe of the clauſe following, which is added by way of Explication. As the ſhowers that water the earth.
As the ſhowers. foreign. Rain and ſhowers differ onelyonly as leſſe and more; raine ſignifies ſmaller ſhowers, and ſhowers ſignifie greater raine, Deut. 32. 2. Raine falling in multitude of drops is called a ſhower.
That water the earth. foreign The word Zarziph, which is here tranſlated water, is onelyonly uſed in this place in all the Bible; it ſignifies to water by diſperſion, to water by drops. The ſhowers are diſperſed in drops all over the face of the earth, in a very regular and artificial way. God hath divided (ſaith Job) a water courſe for the overflowings of waters, Job 38. 25. The raine is from the cloud ſpouted out by drops after ſuch a manner, that every part hath its ſhare. Thus much for Explication.
The Obſervation is this.
Doct. Jeſus Chriſt is to his Church as the rain to the mowen graſſe, as the ſhowers of rain that drop down upon the earth. Jeſus Chriſt is the ſpiritual raine of his Church. Jeſus Chriſt is a myſtical ſhower to the hearts of his people. When God gave Chriſt out of his boſome, he did then, if ever, raine a golden ſhower upon the world. The Prophets do uſe this Metaphor in their predictions of Chriſt, Eſay 45. 8. Drop down ye heavens from above, and let the skies poure down righteouſneſſe, &c. Though it be expreſſely a prediction of that great return of the Church from their captivity. Yet as Calvin well obſerves, it relates to the ſpiritual Kingdome of Chriſt, when all this ſhould be compleatly fulfilled; The heavens did never drop down ſalvation, they never rained righteouſneſſe ſo abundantly, as when they rained down him who is the Lord our righteouſneſſe. In the handling of this Doctrine I ſhall open three things.
1. What that is which in Chriſt may be compared to the rain.
2. Wherein lieth the reſemblance between Chriſt and rain.
3. Wherein lies the diſproportion: there I ſhall ſhew how Chriſt excels all other raine.
For the firſte This Metaphor of raine doth relate to three things of Chriſt. It reſpects three particulars.
1. It hath relation to his Doctrine. It is uſual in Scripture for Doctrines to be compared to the raine. My Doctrine (ſaith Moſes) ſhall … at the raine, my ſpeech ſhall diſtil as the dew, … Ordinarily the preaching of the Prophets Deut. …. …… c…lled Dropping, Ezek. 20. 46. Drop thy word …oward the ſouth, and Prophecy, Ezek. 21. 2. Drop …y word toward the holy places, Prophecy againſt the land of Iſrael. I finde divers Expoſitors interpreting that Text of Chriſts Doctrine. Saith Chryſoſtome, the coming down of the rain upon the graſſe, or upon the fleece of wool, as he renders it, ſignifies the preaching of Chriſt in the Synagogue. And certainly Chriſts Doctrine (if ever the Doctrine of any perſon) may be well compared to the raine. His Doctrine is from above, and it hath all the properties of raine. The Prophet makes the compariſon, Eſay 55. 10, 11.
2. It hath relation to the ſpiritual Government of his Kingdome. The adminiſtration of judgement is many times ſet out by the deſcending of the raine. Job ſpeaking of himſelfe as a Magiſtrate, uſeth this Metaphor, Chap. 29. 22, 23. My ſpeech (ſaith he) dropped upon them, They waited for me as for the raine, and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter raine. Evill Governours are compared to a parching drought whereby the eſtates of the Subjects are withered, they are like thoſe deſtroying Gardeners that pluck up the very roots of the herbs, but good Governours are like Gardeners that do daily water the flowers, and ſo cauſe them to thrive. Jeſus Chriſt is ſuch a Governour as ſeeks the wealth of all his Subjects, he drops down rain upon them, whereby they are multiplied and increaſe. The Prophet ſpeaks of this, Hoſ. 6. 3. His going forth is prepared as the morning, he ſhall come unto us as the raine; as the latter and former raine unto the earth. Chriſts government tends not to the impoveriſhing, but to the enriching of his Subjects. In his dayes ſhall the righteous flouriſh, verſe after the Text. Jeſus Chriſt is not a waſter, but a waterer of the ſpiritual eſtates of thoſe that are under the Government of his Scepter. The Pſalmiſt compares his Scepter to dew, Pſ. 110.
3. It hath relation to the influences of his Spirit. The influences of Chriſts Spirit are compared to the raine. The Prophet uſeth this Metaphor to ſet out the diſtillations of his Spirit upon his C…u…h, Joel 3. 18. It ſhall come to paſſe in that day that the mountains ſhall drop down …to …i…e, and the …ill… ſhall flow with milk, &c. When Jeſus Chriſt h…d communicated▪ his Spirit to the Church▪ See wh…t ſhe ſaith, Cant. 5. 5. I opened to my beloved, and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with ſweet …lling myrrh up…n the handles of the lock. Chriſt did there come down as the raine; by the ſecret vertue of his Spirit, he cauſed many precious drops to fall upon the ſoul of his Church. Calvin expounds this Text of the ſecret diſtillations of Chriſts grace upon his people; ſo that whether we reſpect Chriſts Doctrine, or his ſpiritual Government, or the ſecret influx of his Spirit; in regard of all theſe doth he come down as the raine upon the mowen graſſe, and as the ſhowers that water the earth. This is the firſt thing. Qui reſpectus.
For the ſecond, Quae propo…tio, Wherein ſtands the reſemblance between Chriſt and raine. I ſhall mention three particulars.
1. The raine is the immediate and proper work of God The Scripture doth by this put a difference between the true God, and Idols, Jer. 14. 22. Man can neither ſet abroach the veſſels of heaven to cauſe raine, nor can he ſtop them when God hath ſet them abroach. The key of the raine hangs at Gods girdle. Man may ſpeak long enough to the clouds before they give a drop of moiſture, but if God do but lift up his finger they are diſſolved. As he brings forth the wine our of his treaſures, ſo doth he draw the raine out of his Cellars. Jeſus Chriſt comes down like the raine in this reſpect, for he is the immediate and proper gift of God. This raine had never fallen from heaven, if God had not of his own accord beſtowed it; had all the Angels of God been conven'd in an Aſſembly, how to reſtore loſt man, they could never have found out this way. The Scripture attributes the whole work of giving Chriſt to God alone. My Doctrine is not mine, Joh. 7. 16. but his that ſent me. His Doctrine is from God John 12. 49 His Scepter is from God, Pſal. 110. 2. His King he is called, Pſal. 2. 6. He prepared him a body, Heb. 10. 5. This raine hath no Father but God alone.
2. The raine is very uſeful to the earth. Jeſus Chriſt is very uſeful to his Church. Conſider this in five particulars
(1) The raine hath a cooling vertue. When the aire is heated through the ſcortching beams of the Sunne, the raine doth refreſh and coole it; we find a great cooling after one nights rain, even in the heat of Summer. Jeſus Chriſt hath a cooling vertue, when the ſoul burnes with luſt, when it is ſcortched with fiery temptations, one ſhower from Jeſus Chriſt cools it againe. Jeſus Chriſt by the droppings of his Doctrine, and by the ſecret diſtillations of his grace, quencheth the unholy heats of the ſoule. God complaines of his people; that they are as an Oven heated by the Baker, Hoſ. 7. 4 The beſt of Gods children finde in themſelves ſuch inordinate heats. Sometimes they burn with worldlineſſe, ſometimes they are hot with envyings, ſometimes they rage with paſſion and diſtempered anger. Jonah had a flame of anger in his ſoule, when he fell ſo foul upon God, Chap. 4. init. There's no way to extinguiſh ſuch burnings, but by the cooling drops of Jeſus Chriſt; he ſends down a ſhower upon the heart, and …o brings it to its own temper againe. How did Chriſt cool Paul when unconverted, Acts 9. 1, 3, 4.
(2) The raine hath a mollifying nature. When the earth is like iron under our feet by long droughts or hard froſts, a few good ſhowers ſupple it, and make it tender, Pſalm. 65. 10. David ſpeaking of the earth, ſaith, Thou makeſt it ſoft with ſhowers. Jeſus Chriſt hath a ſoftening vertue; ſometimes the heart is hardened by the deceitfulneſſe of ſinne. The ſoul is like the froſty earth, no hammers will break it, no judgements will diſſolve it; at ſuch a time a few drops from Jeſus Chriſt will ſoften it. The heart of Peter was once grown as hard as a ſtone, he denies Chriſt, forſwears Chriſt, curſes himſelf if ever he knew him, Luke 22. 55, 56, &c. no ſooner doth Jeſus Chriſt open the cloud, and raine upon him, but he melts into teares, v. 61. The heart of the Church was once frozen very hard. Chriſt comes and knocks, ſhe ſleeps, he continues knocking, ſhe gives him a ſcornful anſwer, Cant. 5. 2, 3. no ſooner had he let fall ſome drops of myrth, but ſhe is ſoftened, v. 4. Before, her bowels were troubled at his knocking, but now her bowels are more troubled that ſhe made him knock twice. Chriſts Word and his Spirit have a ſoftening power and vertue; the unconverted hardneſſe of the heart is moll…fied by this rain. If Chriſt would but now drop a few drops from heaven, the verieſt flint in the Congregation would be turned into a fountaine of waters. How comes the ſtony heart to be turned into an heart of fleſh, but becauſe theſe ſhowers fall upon it? One good ſhower of this raine upon the heart of a Judas would make it like melting wax. And then,
3. The raine hath a cleanſing vertue. A good ſhower makes the very chanels cleane, ſtore of raine makes the very ſinks ſweet. You obſerve the fields have a ſweet perfume after rain. Jeſus Chriſt hath a cleanſing and ſweetning vertue. Thoſe hearts that are as filthy as ſinks, thoſe ſoules that are as naſty and ſtinking as your common ſhores, after a good ſhower of this raine, are both cleane and fragrant. Mary Magdalen was a very ſink of ſinne, ſhe was full of devils; yet when this raine fell powerfully upon her, how cleane was ſhe? See what the Apoſtle ſaith, 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10, 11. What a company of filthy creatures are theſe? Fornicators, Idolaters, &c. yet v. 11. one good ſhower waſheth theſe cleane. Chriſt hath a cleanſing vertue. Let the ſoule be never ſo leprous or filthy, a few good ſhowers from him will make it cleane; The Prophet calls him a fountaine for ſinne and for uncleanneſſe, Zech. 13. 1. And then,
(4) The raine hath a fructifying vertue. The feed which is ſowen doth not thrive, the graſſe in the paſtures doth not grow, if God withhold raine. All the labour of the husbandman comes to nothing, if either the former or the latter raine be denied. The Pſalmist ſets out this vertue of the raine, Pſal. 65. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. want of raine brings a famine upon the earth. Thoſe three yeares of famine, which followed one after another in the dayes of David, were occaſioned by want of raine, 2 Sam. 21. 1. compared with v. 10. The ſonnes of Saul were to be hanged, till God by ſending raine, did ſignifie that he was appeaſed. The raine is the very life of the fruits of the earth; the clouds are the ſucking-bottle of the fruits of the earth; they dwindle if theſe bottles continue for any ſpace ſtopped up. See Jer. 14. 4, 6. There is in Jeſus Chriſt a fructifying vertue. He makes the barren ſoul bring forth, and be a fruitful mother of children. See v. 16. after the text, John 15. 5. He that abideth in me and I in him, the ſame bringeth forth much fruit. The Word of Chriſt is a fructifying word. The Spirit of Chriſt is a fructifying Spirit; the Church is acquainted with the fructifying vertue of Chriſt, therefore ſhe goes to him, Cant. 4. 16. if Chriſt do not raine, there will be no fruits: but if Chriſt will drop down his dew, the paſtures will be green. All the labour and paines of the ſpiritual husbandman will come to nothing, if the raine come not down from Chriſt. And if he pleaſe to poure down ſhowers, let not the Eunuch ſay, I am a dry tree. Though your heart be as dry and withered as the rod of Aaron was; yet if Chriſt will raine upon it, it ſhall both bud, and bloſſom, and bring forth Almonds. The husbandman uſeth to ſay of his corne in a time of long drought, that it is ſtocked, yet that corne when the raine comes, will ſhoot up. Grace is ſometimes ſtockt in the ſoul; yet if Chriſt rain plentifully upon it, i… will get up and gather ſtrength again. Davids grace was ſtockt, when he lay ſleeping in his blood, and uncleanneſſe, for ſo many months together; yet when God opened this cloud and poured moyſture upon him, he revived.
(5.) The raine hath a recreating …. It cauſes a gladneſſe and cheerfulneſſe in the heart… of men, and it begets a kinde of briskneſſe in the ſenſitive creatures: the birds chirp, the beaſts of the field rejoyce in their kinde: yea, there is a kinde of joy in the very inanimate creatures. The Prophet ſpeaks of this in Pſal. 65. 13. The paſtures are cloathed with flocks, the valleys are covered over with corne: they ſhout for joy, they alſo ſing. When raine comes after a long drought, there is melody made by all creatures in this lower world. Jeſus Chriſt hath a cheering vertue, he doth fill the ſoul with joy when he comes down into the ſoule. The heart that was dead, and dull, and heavy, is made pleaſant and joyful, when theſe ſhowers fall upon it. When Jeſus Chriſt comes to the ſoul, he brings joy to the ſoule, Eſay 9. 3. They joy before thee, according to the joy in harveſt, and as mon rejoyce when they divide the ſpoile. When the Eunuch had his ſoul bedewed with this raine, He went on his way rejaycing, Acts 8. 39. The ground of his rejoycing you may ſee, v. 32, 33, 35. Philip had acquainted him with Chriſt, and Chriſt upon Philips preaching had rained down a ſoaking ſhower upon his ſoule, that created a holy gladneſſe in his heart. Chriſt is the onelyonly cheerer of the heart. He can remove ſpiritual melancholy, he can take off ſpiritual heavineſs, and put unſpeakable joy into the ſoule. 'Tis true, many of the members of Chriſt want ſpiritual joy. This ariſeth either from the reſtraining of this raine, or from their not diſcerning of this raine. When ever the diſtreſſed ſoul ſhall come to the feeling of theſe ſhowers, it will rejoyce and be no more ſad. The Doctrine of Chriſt is a cheering Doctrine. The whole Doctrine is called foreign a Doctrine of good tidings. All the Ordinances of Chriſt are cheering Ordinances. I will make them joyful in my houſe of prayer. God hath planted Jeſus Chriſt as a root of joy to his people. As he is a plant of ſalvation, ſo he is a plant of conſolation, no joy is either real or laſting, which is not bottomed upon Jeſus Chriſt. That ſoul that hath received this raine into his heart ſhall have ſome joy here, and he ſhall have everlaſting, full, ſoul-ſatisfying joy in Chriſt, and with Chriſt, and from Chriſt in the other world. This is the ſecond, Chriſt is like raine in reſpect of uſefulneſſe.
3. Chriſt is like the raine, if we conſider the manner of its deſcending. There is a great ſimilitude between the manner of Chriſts deſcenſion upon the ſoule, and the deſcenſion of the rain upon the earth. I ſhal inſtance in ſeven particulars.
Firſt, The raine comes down ſucceſſively and gradually, now a little and then a little. The raine doth not fall down all at once; but it comes now a ſhower, and then a ſhower, as the earth ſtands in need of it. God pierces now one cloud, and then another in a pleaſant ſucceſſion. Jeſus Chriſt comes now a little and then a little, as the condition of the ſoule requires. A drop in one Ordinance, and a drop in another Ordinance. A ſhower falls in this Sermon, and a ſhower at another Sermon. This is that which the Prophet mentions, Eſay 28. 10. Precept muſt be upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little. Now one comforting influence comes down and then another; now one quickning impulſion, then another; now one promiſe is rained down, then another.
(1) Jeſus Chriſt would have his people in a conſtant dependance on himſelf.
(2) He would have them wait conſtantly upon every Ordinance.
(3) He would not have them ſurfet, either upon his Doctrines or comforts, therefore he obſerves a ſucceſſion in his diſtillations of good things upon them.
(4) He would have every Doctrine, and every comfort ſoak into their hearts, Luke 9. 44.
(5) Chriſt would have nothing loſt, which he is pleaſed to beſtow.
(6) Chriſt would endear every drop of his grace to his people.
(7) The ſoules of his people are like narrow mouth'd veſſels, they cannot receive much at once without ſpilling.
(8) We are ſuch bad husbands, that Chriſt dares not truſt us with much at once. For theſe and ſuch like reaſons, doth he cauſe all he gives, to diſtill in a way of ſucceſſion. Jeſus Chriſt doth in a way of wiſdome, parcel out all the good which he raines down upon the ſouls of his people.
Secondly, The rain comes down irreſiſtibly. When God doth by his Word of command ſpeak to the cloud to diſtil its moiſture upon the earth, it is not in the power of all the creatures in heaven and earth to hinder its falling down. As the clouds cannot open their own veines till God give the word, no more can they …ch themſelves when God ſets them a bleeding. Jeſus Chriſt comes down upon the hearts of men with an irreſiſtible power and efficacy, whether we underſtand it of his Doctrine, or of his Scepter, or of the influences of his Spirit, he doth deſcend with a forcible and mighty power. His Word is called a powerful Word, Heb. 4. 12. The Word of the Lord is quick and powerful, foreign. His Scepter is called a Scepter of ſtrength, Pſal. 110. 2. The Lord ſhall ſend the rod of thy ſtrength out of Sion. His Spirit is a Spirit of might, and its ſaid to work mightily in the hearts of his people, Col. 1. 29. foreign. Let Pelagians and Arminians talk what their wilde fancy dictates, of the reſ…ſtibility of grace; the Scripture mentions no ſuch thing: the raine will come down whether men will or no; and let the earth be never ſo hard, it will ſoak into it. When Chriſt by his Word and Spirit deſcends, it is with a mighty power, that the ſoul is not able to reſiſt it. I ſhall ſhew the power of Chriſts Word, Spirit and Scepter, in three great works;
Conviction, Converſion, Conſolation. To ſpeak particularly to theſe.
1. For Conviction. When Chriſt comes down with an intention, thoroughly to convince the conſcience, of ſinne and righteouſneſſe; the ſoul though it may ſtand out for a time, yet it is through the mighty ſmitings of Chriſts Word and Spirit ſo powerfully over-ruled, that it cannot but yield: we have an inſtance of this in Paul, Act. 9. 6. Jeſus Chriſt doth with ſuch an invincible evidence come upon his conſcience; that though he was in a violent motion carried on in a contrary courſe, yet he yields up himſelfe as a priſoner into his hands, crying out, Lord, what wilt thou have me do? He hath no ſtrength to ſtand out any longer, nay not ſo much as to diſpute it with Chriſt. Of this convincing power the Apoſtle ſpeaks, 1 Cor. 14. 24, 25. Jeſus Chriſt, when he comes down with a purpoſe to bridle the conſcience, doth deal ſo effectually, that the proudeſt ſinner is brought upon his knees, and made to paſſe ſentence againſt himſelf. Yea, with ſuch a mighty power doth he come down upon the ſoule, that even thoſe who are not ſavingly brought in, have their mouths ſtopped, and are unable to ſay any thing for themſelves. Thus it was with thoſe that brought the woman taken in the act of Adultery, to Chriſt, John 8. 9. They were ſo mightily convicted by the Word and Spirit of Chriſt, that they were not able to abide in his preſence, but ſhrunk away one by one as men ſelf-condemned. Thus it was when Chriſt deſcended in the word of Stephen, Acts 6. 10. Though they would not yield, yet they were ſo powerfully convinced, that they could not reſiſt the Spirit by which he ſpake. Chriſt doth ſo demonſtratively ſmite the conſcience, that carnal reaſoning hath no door of evaſion. Of this powerful conviction we may underſtand that of the Prophet, Eſay 11. 4. Where ſpeaking of Chriſt he ſaith, that he ſhall ſmite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips ſhall ſlay the wicked. When Chriſt ſets upon the work of conviction; he comes with ſo much efficacy; that he ſmites ſome to ſubmiſſion, all to ſilence.
2. For Converſion. When Chriſt deſcends upon the ſoul in the work of Converſion; what ſtrength doth he put forth? the ſtrong holds of ſinne are battered down, every high thing that exalts it ſelf againſt the knowledge of Chriſt, is brought into captivity, to the obedience of his Scepter, 2 Cor. 10. 4. Devils are caſt out of the poſſeſſion which they have kept for many yeares without the leaſt diſturbance. Strong luſts are mortified, and the very conſtitution of the ſoul is changed. What aileth thee O thou ſea, that thou fleddeſt, thou Jordan that thou wast driven back? ye mountaines that ye skipped like rams, &c. Pſ. 114. 5, 6. The Prophet ſpeaks thoſe words of the powerful entrance of the children of Iſrael into Canaan. The like is done by Chriſt in the converſion of a ſinner. Jordan is driven back, the whole courſe of the ſoul is altered, The mountaines skip like rams; There are many mountaines in the ſoul of a ſinner, as p…ide, unbelief, ſelf-conceitedneſſe, Atheiſme, profaneneſs, &c. Theſe mountains are plucked up by the roots in a moment, when Chriſt begins the work of Converſion. See how the Prophet doth allegorically ſet out the powerful deſcenſion of Chriſt in this work, Eſay 11 6, 7, 8. The wolf ſhall dwell with the lamb, &c. All the woolviſh, ravenous and brutiſh qualities and affections of the ſoul are powerfully ſubdued and brought under. All that have known a perſon before, wonder at the great change which is wrought, and he wonders more at himſelfe then all others can do. Chriſt put his bridle of power into his lips, and turned the current of his ſoul he ſcarce knows how. When Chriſt came upon the heart of Eliſha, what a mighty power was put forth, 1 Kings 19. 19, 20, 21. Elijah caſts his mantle upon him, the Spirit of Chriſt deſcends in that action, and ſee how the man is changed. He left the oxen and ran after Elijah, forſakes all his friends to wait upon the Prophet. When Chriſt by his Word and Spirit deſcends upon the heart of the Jaylor, what a ſtrange work is wrought upon him! Acts 16. 33, He takes the Apoſtles the very ſame houre and waſhes their ſtripes. Had any one that had over-night ſeen him beating the Apoſtles ſo cruelly as he did, told him, well, before the morning-light thou ſhalt wiſh that all thoſe ſtripes had been upon thy own body, thou ſhalt before the Sunne ariſe waſh thoſe bloody ſtripes with thy tears; would not he have thought him mad? and yet all this came to paſſe. Jeſus Chriſt comes down with ſo much power, that though the will would ſtand out againſt him, yet it cannot reſiſt. Many a perſon comes to Church, perhaps with an intention to laugh at the Preacher; Chriſt poures down a ſhower upon him, which hath ſo much power, that he that came a ſcorner, departs a mourner. Zacheus is upon the Sycamore tree, Jeſus Chriſt lets a few drops upon him, and he is ſo powerfully ſubdued, that he comes down ſpeedily at the firſt call, Luke 19. 5, 6. Matthew ſits at the Exciſe-office gathering tribute▪ Chriſt raines down but one ſhower, and that hath ſo much power, that the man leaves all and follows him, he cannot ſtay to take one mans money more, he ariſeth from his profitable ſeat, and runnes after Chriſt, Matth. 9. 9, 10. Peter and Andrew are buſie (as Chriſt paſſes by) mending their nets: Chriſt diſtils a few drops upon them in that call of his, Follow me and I will make you fiſhers of men, and how mightily are they overpowered! they will not ſtay one tyde more, yea they will not give another ſtitch, but ariſe and follow him, Mat. 4. 18, 19, 20.
3. For Conſolation. When Chriſt comes down with a purpoſe to comfort a ſadded heart, he comforts it with power. See the promiſe, Eſay 66. 13. I will comfort you, and ye ſhall be comforted. The Conſolations of the Word and Spirit of Chriſt come with ſuch efficacy, that the ſoul cannot ſhut them out, the mourning is preſently turned into dancing. The Conſolations of Chriſt are called ſtrong conſolations, Heb. 6. 18. not onelyonly in regard of the matter of them, but in regard of the reception of them; where ever they come, they come with ſtrength. Hannah is in bitterneſſe of Spirit for a time; Jeſus Chriſt doth but, as ſhe is at prayer, poure down a few freſh drops upon her; and ſhe goes away, and is no more ſad, 1 Sam. 1. 18. Mary Magdalen ſtands at the Sepulchre full of ſorrow, ſhe weeps many a briniſh …eare, John 20. 11. Jeſus Chriſt doth but open the cloud and drop a few drops upon her, and what j…y is in her heart? Take the moſt melancholy and perſive ſinner: though he be like Rach…l that would not be comforted, yet one promiſe of Chriſt rained down upon him, and ſet on by his Spirit, will make him lay aſide his mourning garments. Though Miniſters cannot anſwer the objections of ſorrowing Chriſtians, ye… Chriſt can anſwer them ſo powerfully, that the ſoul ſhall have nothing to anſwer againe. This is the ſecond particular.
Thirdly, The raine comes down voluntarily, undeſervedly. The Prophet tells us how the dew and ſhowers fall; They tarry not for man, nor wait for the ſonnes of men, Micah 7. 5. The raine doth not expect any humane concurrence or cauſality. Though it come down upon us, yet it comes down without us. The raine deſcends for our advantage, but not for our deſerving. The diſtillation of Chriſt comes down undeſervedly on our part. The ſoule meets with many a ſhower from Chriſt, when it deſerves no ſuch thing. The good either of Chriſts Doctrine, or his Scepter, or his Spirit are not merited by us. Should we have no raine from Chriſt till we did deſerve it, we ſhould ſuffer an eternal drought. The firſt grace of Chriſt is preventing grace. I am found of them that ſought not after me, Eſay 65. 1. And all the after-grace of Chriſt, is undeſerved grace. We do as little to deſerve the influences of Chriſt, as we do to deſerve the diſtillations of the clouds. All that Chriſt doth for us is onelyonly from the meer motion of his own grace, Eſay 55. 1. Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth, James 1. 18. We muſt ſay, Grace, grace to all the ſoul-fatning drops that come from Chriſt. He forgets that Chriſt comes down as the rain, that dreams of merit. All the ſonnes of men want Chriſt, but none of the ſonnes of men can deſerve Chriſt.
Fourthly, The raine comes down unexpectedly. Sometimes when the skie is black with clouds, the winde riſeth and driveth them away without ſo much as a drop: At another time the raine falls plentifully when no ſhower is expected. Jeſus Chriſt comes down upon the ſoules of his people many times, when they look for no influences from him; the Church obſerves this, Cant. 6. 11, 12. I went down into the garden of nuts, to ſee the fruits of the valley, and to ſee whether the vine flouriſhed, and the pomegranates budded. Or ever I was aware, my ſoul made me like the chariots of Aminadab. Here a ſhower fell upon her head when ſhe did not look for it. The ſoul ſometimes comes to an Ordinance ful of miſgiving thoughts, expecting no good; and before it depart, it's wet from top to toe with the diſtillations of Chriſts Spirit. The Church found it ſo, when ſhe had the leaſt reaſon that could be to expect it, Cant. 5. 5. She might have expected to have found flames of brimſtone in regard of her dealings with Chriſt, and behold ſhe findes the droppings of ſweet-ſmelling myrrh. Sometimes in the night-watches Chriſt raines upon the ſoule, when it, never expects any ſuch thing. David made his bed to ſwim, Pſalme 6. 6. he could not have watered his couch with his teares, if Chriſt had not firſt watered his heart with his grace. Sometimes the ſoule comes to the Throne of grace parched with hardneſſe, perhaps as dry as the rock in the Wilderneſſe, and Chriſt ſuddenly ſends down a ſhower, that it goes ſavour…y weeping from his preſence. Did not our hearts burne within us, while he talked with us by the way? Luke 24. 32. Jeſus Chriſt did deſ…end ſuddenly upon them while they were in conference with him. Sometimes a ſervant of God takes the book of God into his hand, when his ſoul is dry and withered, and before he hath read half a Chapter, he findes the clouds melting, and his ſoul bedewed with a ſhower of grace, never did a ſhower comedown ſo ſuddenly, as the grace of Chriſt hath ſometimes comedown upon the ſoul.
Fifthly, The raine comes down not for its own benefit, but for the benefit of the earth. What advantage hath the cloud by all the moiſture that drops down from it? It empties it ſelfe that it may enrich the ground. Jeſus Chriſt doth by his Word, and Spirit, and Scepter, deſcend for the benefit of men. His Doctrine, the influences of his Grace, are for the enriching of his Elect. Chriſt came down at firſt in his incarnation for our ſakes, 2 Cor. 8. 9. and all his other deſcenſions are for our good. For the filling of our empty ſoules, for the quickning of our dead ſouls, for the comforting of our ſtraitned and diſtreſſed ſouls, it is that Chriſt comes ſtill down into the world. His preaching, his knocking, his ſtriving is onelyonly and meerly for our benefit. What profit is it to God, that thou are righteous? Job 22. 3. Chriſt hath no more advantage by all the drops he ſends down upon thy ſoule, then the clouds have for all the ſhowers they let fall upon the earth.
Sixthly, The rain comes down variouſly ſometimes after a more ſtormy manner, ſometimes after a milder manner. Chriſt comes down ſomtimes by promiſes, comforts, enlargments in a way of mildneſs; ſometimes he deſcends in a way of ſeverity, by rebukes, threatnings. The Church hath as much need of ſtormy ſhowers as milder ſhowers, of cold raine as of warmer drops. Chriſts more angry drops are as uſeful for his people, as his more pleaſant drops. His chiding and frowning diſtillations make his comforting droppings more ſweet. His milder ſhowers comfort us, but his ſtormy ſhowers try us more; If Chriſt ſhould not rebuke us as well as comfort us, he would indeed loſe us. The great raine of his anger keeps us from ſtragling, when …he ſmall raine of his love occaſions us to wander.
Seventhly, The raine comes down plentifully. Not a drop or two, but whole ſhowers. Though it come not down all at once, yet as much comes down as is uſeful for the earth. Jeſus Chriſt comes down plentifully, he doth not ſcant the ſoul, he doth not give one comfort, but many comforts. Eat O friends, drink abundantly, Cant. 5. 1. He hath enough in him to give. The ſoul wants more then a little. He is not niggardly, but bountiful, therefore he gives plentifully; and then as the raine falls down in many places at once, ſo doth Chriſt. All the earth for many miles together is ſometimes rained upon at o…e and the ſame time; the rain waters many fields at once. Jeſus Chriſt comes down abundantly; he can, if he pleaſe, water many ſoules, yea many Congregations at once. So many Churches, ſo many Fleeces; ſo many Congregations, ſo many Paſtures. Chriſt can rain upon this Congregation, and he can water other Congregations at the ſame time. Jeſus Chriſt, if …e pleaſe… an ſend down ſuch a ſhower as ſhall water every Congregation, yea every ſoul in the world a… one and the ſame time. As the drops of a ſhower cannot be numbred, no more can the drops which fall from Jeſus Chriſt upon his Church. If we receive not plentifully from Chriſt, 'tis becauſe we ask not plentifully.
For the third particular. Quae diſproportio? And here I ſhall ſhew the excellency of Chriſt above all material raine, in ſix particulars.
1. Chriſt comes down from the higheſt heavens. The raine deſcends from the viſible heavens. Philoſophers divide the aire into three Regions; the higheſt, the middle, and the loweſt Region. Now they all hold that the raine deſcends onelyonly from the middle Region: there it is generated, and from thence it deſcends upon the earth. But now Jeſus Chriſt comes down from the inviſible Heavens. There he ſits at the right hand of God, Acts 5. 31. and from thence doth every drop which diſtills upon the hearts of men deſcend. This is that which Peter tells the Jewes, Act 2. 33. Being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promiſe of the Holy Ghoſt, he hath ſhed forth this which now ye ſee and hear. All the good of his Word, of his Scepter, of his Spirit, comes down from the Heaven of heavens. There the royal throne is, and from thence doth the raine fall. You muſt look above the higheſt Region of the aire, yea above the higheſt ſtar in the firmament, if you expect any drop from Jeſus Chriſt.
2. The raine that deſcends upon the earth, doth firſt aſcend from the earth. A cloud which is the womb of the raine, is a cold and moiſt vapour exhaled by the heat of the Sunne, out of the earth or waters, into the middle Region of the aire, where it is by the cold condenſed, and there hangeth, till by the heat it be diſſolved into a ſhower. So that the ſhowers which do drop upon the earth, are firſt drawn out of the earth, Pſal. 135. 7. But now all the drops which diſtil from Chriſt, are generated in heaven. Jeſus Chriſt is not beholden to the earth to furniſh him. What ever he diſtils, either in his Word, or by his Spirit, is originally in and from himſelf. Out of his fulneſſe have we all received, and grace for grace, John 1. 16. Chriſt doth not exhale vapours from the earth, but ſends down vapours from himſelf to the earth. All his materials are in himſelf, and from himſelf; if Jeſus Chriſt could not raine upon us till we did furniſh him with materials, we ſhould be out of hopes of receiving one drop from him to the day of our death. We can furniſh him with materials for fire and brimſtone, but the ingredients of his comfortable raine are from himſelf alone.
3. The raine is not neceſſary at all times. There are ſeaſons when the husbandman craves no raine. He is ſometimes afraid of ſhowers, and wiſhes for Sun ſhine rather then ſhowers. As ſnow in Summer and raine in harveſt, ſo honour is not ſeemly for a foole, Prov. 26. 1. But now Jeſus Chriſt is never unneceſſary. This raine can never faill unſeaſonably. There's no time but the drops of Chriſts doctrine come welcome to the ſoul. There's no moment wherein the influences of Chriſts Spirit are not grateful to the ſoule. That day that is not a rainy day, is a mournful day. The earth may be too full of raine, but the ſoule can never be too full of this heavenly moiſture. Si dixiſti ſufficit, periisti.
4. The raine is ſ…metimes hurtful to the earth. Immoderate raine is as prejudicial as immoderate drought. A poor man that oppreſſeth the poore, is like a ſweeping raine that leaveth … food, Prov. 28. 3. As parching heat doth ſometimes dry up the fruits of the earth: So exceſſive raine doth often drown the fruits of the earth. Sometimes men and cattel are drowned; ſometimes houſes with their inhabitants are ſwept away by overflowing ſhowers. But now Jeſus Chriſt is never prejudicial to the ſoul. If ever this raine do any annoyance to men, it is by accident, becauſe it is not received or improved. The diſtillation of Chriſts Doctrine is ſometimes the ſavour of death, 2 Cor. 2. 15. but this is onelyonly becauſe men are not bettered by it. The Scepter of Chriſt doth break many in pieces, Pſalme 2. 9. but this is becauſe men do not ſubmit to it. The influences and ſtrivings of Chriſt by his Spirit, are ſometimes the occaſion of the hardning of mens hearts, and ſo conſequently of their deſtruction: but this is, becauſe they do reſiſt and oppoſe them. This raine hath intrinſecally no hurtful deſtructive property in it. If it ever prove deſtructive, it is becauſe of ſome evil quality in them upon whom it falls.
5. The raine is no diſtinguiſhing Argument between good and bad. It falls promiſcuouſly upon the righteous and unrighteous. This our Saviour tells us, Matth. 5. 45. The raine indeed ſometimes falls in one place, when it doth not fall on another, Amos 4. 7. but on whatſoever City or Village it falls, it comes down equally on all. As fat drops fall upon the ſluggards field, as upon the field of the moſt diligent man. But now this ſpiritual raine is more diſtinguiſhing. Though all where the Goſpel is preached have the ſame common Doctrine, and all have ſome common influences of Chriſts Spirit, yet there are ſpecial drops diſtilled upon the Elect, which others never partake of. Some are hardned, others are ſoftned; ſome are rained upon to converſion, others are rained upon for obduration; ſome are melted and diſſolved, others are ſtiffned and enraged. The peculiar drops of ſpecial grace are not communicated to all alike from Jeſus Chriſt. Arminians may talk of Univerſal grace, that Chriſt doth no more for Peter then for Judas; but the Scripture ſpeaks of peculiar grace which is not communicated to all. Why is it that thou wilt reveal thy ſelf to us, and not unto the world. John 14. 22. There is hidden Manna which Chriſt never intended to beſtow on all. There are ſecret drops which Chriſt lets fall on one ſoul in a Congregation, and doth not diſtill upon others. This raine falls with a moſt exact diſtinction. He hath mercy on whom he will have mercy, (ſaith the Apoſtle Rev. 2. 17.) and whom he will he hardeneth, Rom. 9. 18. Chriſt hath excluded ſome from the benefit of his prayers, John 17. 19. And they that are ſhut out of the benefit of his prayers, are excluded from the ſaving merit of his blood. His propitiation is not extended further then his mediation, 1 John 2. …, 2. The peculiarity of the deſcending of this raine is cleerly ſhewed by our Saviour in the anſwer he gives to that queſtion of his Diſciples, concerning his preaching to the people in Parables, Mat. 13. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Though the raine of Chriſts Doctrine fall down indifferently upon all, yet the ſpecial grace of underſtanding, applying and improving that Doctrine, is not given unto all.
6. The rain can make nothing ſpring where nothing hath rooted. The ſhowers are able to make both graſſe, and corne, and other plants grow up; but if either the earth be barren, or if there be no foundation of roots, the ſhowers can do nothing; the raine can make nothing grow up out of rocks. It cannot make wheat grow where none was ſowen. But now Jeſus Chriſt doth not onelyonly make ſeed grow where ſeed is ſowen, but he makes ſeed grow where none was ſowen. Chriſt by the drops of his Doctrine, and by the influences of his Spirit, makes the rocks bring forth fruit. He doth not onelyonly cauſe plants to ſpring in good ſoyle, but by the dropping of his grace, turnes a barren ſoyle into a fruitful ſoyle; one good ſhower from Chriſt will make the barren Heath as good ground as the fruitful valley. The Word of Chriſt is called ſeed, 1 Pet. 1. 23. it doth not onelyonly make ſeed grow, but it is ſeed it ſelf. Chriſt by raining down, turnes the Thorne-tree into an Apple-tree. He changes the thiſtle into wheat. Other raine brings up ſomething where ſomething was, but this rain brings up ſomething where nothing was. Other ſhowers bring forth figs from Fig-trees, but theſe ſhowers bring forth figs from thiſtles. Other raine brings up a crop where a crop was ſown, but this raine brings forth a crop where none was ſown. Thoſe three thouſand you reade of Act. 2. 37. had not one root in them when Peter began to preach; but before he had done raining upon them, their hearts were a nurſery of all living plants.
The Uſes of this Point.
1. How juſtly may Chriſt expect fruitfulneſſe from his people. My beloved (ſaith the Prophet) had a vineyard planted in a very fruitful hill. And he fenced it, and gathered out the ſtones, &c. and he looked that it ſhould bring forth grapes, Eſay 5. 1, 2, 3. It is but equal that they that live under Chriſts Doctrine and Scepter, and under the influences of his Spirit, ſhould bring forth both good fruit, and plenty of fruit; the people of God are compared to a tree planted by the rivers of water, which bringeth forth his fruit in his ſeaſon, Pſal. 1. 3. Chriſt is ſpiritual raine, he is both cleanſing raine and fatning raine. They that live under ſuch droppings, will be one day found inexcuſable, if they be not very fruitful; thoſe paſtures that are manur'd every year, if they have ſeaſonable Sunſhine and ſhowers, are laid open to the wilde champion if they be not fruitful. Remember ſeriouſly that of the Apoſtle, and lay it well to heart, Heb. 6. 7, 8. No Argument can be uſed to plead for thoſe that live under theſe fat ſhowers without abundance of fruit.
2. Behold the neceſſity of Chriſt. Is not rain neceſſary for the ground? are not ſeaſonable ſhowers neceſſary for the fields and paſtures? can any plants live long if they be not watered? No more can any plants that are in the ſoul live without continual ſupply from Chriſt. The Doctrine of Chriſt is not unneceſſary, the Scepter of Chriſt is not unuſeful, the influences of Chriſts Spirit are not in vaine. Chriſt in all theſe reſpects is as neceſſary to the ſoule, as the raine and dew are to the earth. He is either blind, or proud, that doth not ſee an abſolute neceſſity of Chriſt. Egypt is fruitful though it have no raine; the yearly overflowings of the river Nilus is inſtead of ſhowers. Jeſus Chriſt is as the river Nilus to our Egypt: did not he by the overflowing ſtreams of his grace water our hearts, they would neither bud nor bloſſom, nor bring forth; He is both the husbandman that plants our fruits, he is the ſoyle that beares them, and he alone is the rain that waters them. Never think of the need the earth hath of the rain, but meditate of the need your ſouls have of the droppings of Jeſus Chriſt.
3. How blinde and wicked are they that are offended at the Doctrine of Jeſus Christ! When Chriſt was on earth, many were ſcandalized at his Doctrine. And there are many ſtill even amongſt Chriſtians, that are offended at it. He is to this day a ſtone of ſtumbling, and a rock of offence, to them that ſtumble at his Word, Rom. 9. 33. Men finde out many wayes of ſtumbling at the Doctrine of Chriſt. To inſtance in a few.
(1) Some are offended at the ſtrictneſſe of his Doctrine. Chriſt by his Doctrine doth condemn, not onelyonly the outward acts, but the inward motions of ſinne in the heart, Mat. 5. 28. He commands the plucking out of the right eye, &c. Duri Sermones durioris Magiſtri, have ſome ſaid of theſe Precepts, which are indeed the commendation of Chriſts Doctrine.
(2.) Some are offended at the ſimplicity of his Doctrine. Thus the wiſe Greeks were offended at him. The Apoſtle mentions this, 1 Cor. 1. 17. 18. They were of opinion that Tully and Demoſthenes did far excel the Doctrine of Chriſt for eloquence.
(3) Others are offanded at the ſpirituality of his Doctrine. They think his Doctrine is too myſtical and ſublime. This was that which made many take offence at him, John 6. 51, 52, 60, 61. They thought it was a ſtrange kinde of Doctrine, that Chriſt ſhould give them his fleſh to eat.
(4) Others are offended at the Diviſions which follow upon his Doctrine. Though the Doctrine of Chriſt be in it ſelf a Doctrine of peace, yet accidentally meeting with the corruptions of wicked hearts, its an occaſion of diviſion, Luke …2. 49. I am come to ſend fire on the earth, and Matth. 10. 34, 35. Think not (ſaith our Saviour) that I am come to ſend peace an earth. I am not come to ſend peace, but a ſword, &c. Theſe accidental diviſions which follow upon Chriſts Doctrine, cauſe many to be offended at him; And if any can receive his Doctrine, yet they are offended at his Government. This is a general offence, Pſal. 2. 2. 3. Let us break their bonds aſunder, &c. His Scepter is too ſtrict, too ſevere, &c. Let all that are offended with Chriſt any way, know that theſe are groundleſſe offences. They are Scand…la accepta, not ſcandala data. For Chriſt comes down not as poiſon to deſtroy men, but as the raine to preſerve and nouriſh men. Take heed therefore of being offended at Chriſt; remember he comes down, both in his Doctrine and Government, not for the ruine, but for the ſalvation of men. Chriſt hath all the good properties of the raine, but none of the bad properties. Whoſoever is offended at him, is offended at his own mercy.
4. Lay your hearts open to receive the diſtillations of Christ. When any of this raine deſcends, let the veſſels of your ſouls be ſet wide open to receive it. When Chriſt drops in his Doctrine, when Chriſt diſtils upon you by his Spirit; let your hearts be in a readineſſe to drink it in. The raine doth no good unleſs it be taken in. All the drops of Chriſt will do you no good, if you do not take them in. When men are beleaguered in a City and want water, they ſet out all their veſſels, when a ſhower comes, that no drop may be loſt. Gods children are in this world as in a beſieged City; you want raine, O let not one drop of Chriſt fall beſides you. Open your mouths wide, that you may take in, yea take down all the pleaſant drops of Chriſt. Two things are neceſſary for thoſe that would have this raine. Firſt, they muſt get under the cloud. The publick Miniſtery is the cloud by which the raine droppeth, Eſay 5. 6. abide where you ſee theſe clouds gathering thickeſt. And when Chriſt drops down thorough theſe clouds, be ſure your veſſels be ſet out uncovered to receive what-ever falls.
5. What a miſerable condition is it to be without Chriſt! It's made the top of all miſery, Eph. 2. 12. He that is without Chriſt is as parched land without raine. The Scripture threatens with▪holding of raine as a ſore judgement, Amos 4. 7. I have with-holden the raine from you, when there were yet three moneths to the harveſt. 'Tis threatned as a judgement againſt them that came not up to keep the feaſt of Tabernacles, that on them there ſhall be no raine, Zech. 14. 17. If it be ſo ſore a judgement to want the natural raine; what is it to want this ſpiritual raine? Pity ſuch as want Chriſt, more then you pity thoſe that want other raine.
6. When ever you ſee a ſhower fall down upon the earth, meditate on Jeſus Chriſt. For this reaſon doth Chriſt reſemble himſelf to all theſe things, that we might have remembrancers every where to put us in minde of him. Let every drop of raine be a natural preacher, to put ſome ſerious thought of Chriſt into your hearts.