Tropes and Figures · Benjamin Keach
Tropes and Figures, Treatise 1 · Head 7 · Part 1
The Church called the City of God.
Pſal. 87.3. Glorious things are ſpoken of thee, O City of God. Selah.
Pſal. 46.4. There is a River, the Streams whereof ſhall make glad the City of God, the holy Place of the Tabernacle of the Moſt High.
Iſa. 26.1. We have a ſtrong City, &c.
Iſa. 33.20. Look upon Zion, the City of our Solemnity, &c.
Iſa. 62.12. And they ſhall call them the holy People, &c. And thou ſhalt be called a City ſought out, not forſaken.
Mat. 5.14. Ye are a City ſet on a Hill, that cannot be hid.
IN theſe places of the Holy Scripture, Sion, or the Church of God, is called a City. Sion was a Fort or Mount in Jeruſalem, and the Temple was built upon it; hence the Church of the Jews was called (as ſome conceive) by this Name Zion, becauſe there they aſſembled: but after it was a Name or Title given to the Church, whether Jews or Gentiles, Heb. 12.12. Ye are come to Mount Sion, to the City of the Living God, the heavenly Jeruſalem.
God's People may be called by the Name of Sion, or Jeruſalem,
1. Becauſe we were naturally like Jeruſalem, the Forts of the Jebuſites, viz. Sinners and Enemies to God.
2. Becauſe by Grace we are overcome and conquered, (like as Jeruſalem was) by the true David.
3. Becauſe the Church is fortified by the Almighty for his own uſe, and chief Place and Reſidence in this nether Creation.
4. In reſpect of her Renown and Glory. As Jeruſalem was renowned above all Cities, ſo God's Church is now above all People and Societies in the World.
5. Becauſe it is viewed and gazed upon by all Strangers; ſhe may well be compared to a Looking-glaſs, as Zion ſignifies.
6. In reſpect of her Laws; for as the Law and publick Worſhip were at Jeruſalem; ſo Chriſt's Laws and publick Worſhip are maintained in the Church. Hence God is ſaid to love the Gates of Zion, more than all the Dwelling-Places of Jacob.Pſal. 87.2:
Obſerv. The Saints, or Church of God, is the City of God, or may fitly be compared to a City.
In opening of this Metaphor, we ſhall ſhew the Nature, Trade, Government, Privileges, and Glory of the City of God.
| Metaphor. | Parallel. |
| A City is a Place built by Men, for a People to inhabit, or dwell in. | THe Church is built by Chriſt, for a Habitation for God:Mat. 16.18 Ʋpon this Rock will I build my Church, &c. In whom ye are builded together for an Habitation of God, through the Spirit. Eph. 2.22. |
| II. A City is uſually compaſſed about with Walls, that it may thereby become more ſafe and ſecure to dwell in; and ſome Cities have two or three Walls, to make them more impregnable. | II. The Church of God hath ſtrong Walls about it. We have a ſtrong City; Iſa. 26.1. Salvation will God appoint for Walls and Bulwarks. The Church hath a threefold Wall about it. Firſt; The Wall of God's Providence. Haſt not thou made a Hedg (or Wall) about him? As the Mountains are round about Jeruſalem;Job 1. Pſal. 125.2 ſo the Lord is round about them that fear him, &c. Secondly; The Protection of the holy Angels:Pſal. 34.7. The Angels of the Lord encamp round about them that fear him, &c. Thirdly; God, in an extraordinary manner, is as a Wall of Fire round about her; Zech. 2.5. every one of his Attributes is a gracious Defence to the Church. |
| III. Some Cities are bravely ſcituated, they are built upon a Hill. | III. The Church of God is famous upon this account: Beautiful for Scituation, Pſal. 48.2. the Joy of the whole Earth is Mount Zion; on the ſides of the North, the City of the great King. Mat. 16.18 Ye are as a City ſet upon a Hill. |
| IV. A City is built of many Materials, and in it are many Buildings or Houſes, ſet in rare Uniformity, curiouſly joined and compacted together. | IV. The Church of God is built up of many living Stones, conſiſting of divers particular Societies, or ſpiritual Houſes. Now therefore ye are no more Strangers and Foreigners, Eph. 2.19, 20, 21, 22. but Fellow-Citizens with the Saints, and of the Houſhold of God: And are built upon the Foundation of the Apoſtles and Prophets, Jeſus Chriſt himſelf being the chief Corner-ſtone: In whom all the Building fitly framed together, groweth to an holy Temple in the Lord, &c. In whom ye alſo are builded together for an Habitation of God, through the Spirit. Jeruſalem is builded as a City that is compact together. Pſal. 122.3 |
| V. A City hath its particular Laws, Inſtitutions, and Cuſtoms, by which it is governed. | V. The Church of God alſo hath ſpecial Laws, Inſtitutions, and Cuſtoms belonging to it, by which it is in all things governed, which are contained in the holy Scripture, the great Charter and Statute-Book of the Church. |
| VI. A City hath a ſupreme Governor in it, who rectifies all Diſorders and Confuſions, that otherwiſe would be therein, conſidering the Multitude of its Inhabitants. | VI. The Church of God is not without a good Government, and a Supreme Magiſtrate, viz. the Lord J…ſus Chriſt, who is the chief Judg and Law-giver, or Head of this ſpiritual Corporation. |
| VII. A City hath, beſides the chief Governor, and principal Magiſtrate, divers inferior Officers, for Adminiſtration of Juſtice, and well governing thereof. | VII. So the Church of God hath inferior Officers under Jeſus Chriſt, which the Citizens by the appointment of Chriſt are required to ſubſtitute and ordain, to govern and keep all things in good Order. And he gave ſome Apoſtles, Epheſ. 4.8, 9, 10, 11, 12. and ſome Prophets, and ſome Evangeliſts, and ſome Paſtors and Teachers, &c. |
| VIII. A City hath ſome ſpecial Trade belonging to it, by which its Inhabitants are enriched. | VIII. The Church or City of God hath a ſpiritual Trade belonging to it, which all the Citizens do and ought always to follow, by which they are alſo greatly enriched. |
| IX. Many Cities have Merchants in them, who trade into remote parts of the World, and fetch their Merchandize from afar. | IX. The Saints or Citizens of Zion are all Merchants, who trade daily to Heaven; they fetch their bleſſed Merchandize from thence:Phil. 3.20. Prov. 41. Our Converſation is in Heaven. Hence the Church is by Solomon compared to Merchants Ships. [See Merchants Ships.] Saints have (like other Merchants) their Correſpondent, Jeſus Chriſt, who makes glorious Returns of all they venture, or ſend to Heaven: For every Duty rightly performed, he makes Returns of Mercy; for Tears of godly Sorrow, he returns them the Oil of Joy. Thou wilt (ſaith holy David) put my Tears into thy Bottle. By which means the ſpiritual Citizens grow rich in Faith, Hope, Experience, &c. [See the Parable of the Merchant-man.] Now touching the Trade, Traffick, or Merchandize of this City, upon which its Wealth and Proſperity doth wholly depend, take what follows. Firſt; Their Trade is heavenly. Wherefore, holy Brethren, Heb. 3.1, 2 Partakers of the heavenly Calling, conſider the Apoſtle and High-Prieſt of our Profeſſion, Jeſus Chriſt. And as they are all Merchants, and uſe one Trade, ſo they all deal with one and the ſame Benefactor, from whom they have quick Returns; they fetch their Goods from afar. Something touching the Excellency of the Trade of the City of God, I ſhall hint in a few Particul…rs. Secondly; As touching her Commodities, or the Merchandize which her Citizens deal in. Firſt, Negatively; 1. They are not prohibited Goods. 2. They are not counterfeit Goods. 3. They are not temporal and corruptible Goods. Secondly, Affirmatively, and more directly, they are, 1. Soul enriching Commodities, things that are of very great worth and value. The Merchandize of Wiſdom is better than the Merchandize of Silver, Prov. 3.14 and the Gain thereof than fine Gold. 2. They are needful things, ſuch things as we cannot be without. Some things that Merchants of a City deal in, and fetch from afar, tho they are of great value, yet we may very well ſubſiſt, and live comfortably without them, as Pearl, and precious Stones, &c. But there is an abſolute Neceſſity of all thoſe things the Citizens of this City trade in and for. 3. They are ſuch Commodities as will make the Nations and Perſons that buy them happy for ever; and indeed there is no true Happineſs without them. Queſt. What is the Traffick of this City of God? Anſw. The firſt thing that I ſhall mention, is the Truth; this ſhe offers to Sale: Buy the Truth, and ſell it not, Prov. 23.23. The Church is called the Pillar and Ground of Truth, 1 Tim. 3.15. Truth is only to be found in this City, or in the Ware-Houſes of the Citizens of Zion, viz. the Word of God, and the Hearts of Believers. The ſecond thing, is a Soul-converting Goſpel, and bleſſed Ordinances. The Law goeth forth of Zion, and the Word of the Lord from Jeruſalem, Mic. 2.4. The third thing they deal in, are the Gifts and Soul-enriching Graces of the Spirit, Hope, Love, Humility, &c. things of very great worth. The fourth is Juſtification; every true Sinner makes it his Buſineſs to get this precious Treaſure. The fifth thing is the Peace of God, which paſſeth all Underſtanding, one of the rareſt Commodities in the World. The ſixth thing is, Union and Communion with God.1 Joh. 1.3. That which we have ſeen and heard, declare we unto you, that ye alſo may have fellowſhip with us; and truly our fellowſhip is with the Father, and with his Son Jeſus Chriſt. The ſeventh thing is, Peace of Conſcience: Herein do I exerciſe my ſelf, Acts 24.16 to have always a Conſcience void of Offence, towards God, and towards Men. The eighth thing is, Sanctification, or a holy Life; they who trade not in this Commodity, are none of the true Sons and Citizens of Zion. Ninthly, the Pearl of great price, worth more than ten thouſand Worlds. Tenthly; The laſt thing that I ſhall mention is, Eternal Life,1 Pet. 1.4. a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away. |
| X. A City whoſe Commerce lies principally in a Foreign Trade or Merchandizing, hath uſually a navigable River belonging to it, by which Means their Commodities, or thoſe Goods they deal in, are brought home to their very Doors; as we ſee by experience. What infinite Profit doth the River Thames yield this famous City! and what would its Trade be worth, were it not for it? | X. The City of God, whoſe Trade lies in ſpiritual Merchandize fetch'd from afar, hath a moſt glorious River belonging to it, which may indeed be ſaid to run through every Street thereof, viz. the holy Spirit, and Word of God. The Spirit in ſeveral places of Scripture is called a River, and by means of theſe bleſſed Streams are all divine and ſacred Commodities (which the Godly deal in) brought home to their very Doors, viz. Gifts, Graces, Pardon, Peace, and Joy in the Holy-Ghoſt, &c. wh…h are very excellent Merchandize. And were it not for this River, what would become of this City? we ſhould ſoon be impoveriſhed and undone. It is the holy Spirit that enriches and chears the Hearts of all gracious Souls. There is a River, the Streams whereof make glad the City of God, Pſal 46.4. the holy Place of the Tabernacle of the Moſt High. It may not be amiſs here to conſider, 1. From whence this River comes.See River under the 3d head of Metaphors &c. 2. The Nature of the Water. 3. The divers Streams thereof. Firſt; The River comes, 1. From a Rock, Numb. 28.8, 11. This Rock was firſt ſmitten, and then the Water came out abundantly. 2. It comes from an infinite inexhauſtible Fountain;Rev. 22.1. 'tis ſaid to proceed from the Throne of God and the Lamb. Secondly; Touching the Nature of this River; tho we have ſpoken of it under the Third Head of Metaphors in the firſt Volume, yet we will touch a little upon it here. It hath, beſides other Properties of ſpiritual Water, theſe divers Qualities. 1. It will heal all the Diſeaſes of the inward Man; it will ſoften, and make very tender and pliable, and break in pieces a hard Heart. 2. It will cure the Soul of ſpiritual Blindneſs; nay, it will open the Eyes of him that was born blind. 3. It will infallibly cure all ſpiritual Conſumptions, that ſpiritual Waſte or Decay of Faith, Love, Zeal, Hope, &c. which ſeizeth ſometimes upon many Chriſtians. 4. It will bring down the Tympany of Pride, and make a Man very humble, and little in his own Eyes; the more of the Spirit, the more humble. 5. It will cure all manner of ſpiritual Deadneſs or Deafneſs, making a Man very lively and diligent to hear good Counſel and Inſtruction, as Lydia experienced.Acts 16 14 6. It is good againſt the Tremblings of the Heart, and will make a Man bold and couragious in the Cauſe of Chriſt, in evil Times. We cannot but ſpeak the things which we have both ſeen and heard. Acts 4.20. 7. It is an excellent Remedy to purge out all noxious and evil Humors of the Soul, from whence many Diſtempers flow, making a Man ſound at Heart, and holy in Life. 8. It will effectually reſtore a loſt Appetite, and make a Man reliſh well the Food of God's Word, cauſing it to be ſweeter to him than Honey,Pſal. 119.103. or the Honey-Comb. 9. It will preſerve from the Plague of Sin, of what ſort ſoever it be, tho a Chriſtian be amongſt infected Perſons every day. 10. It will revive a fainting and drooping Spirit. 11. It will ſet and make whole all broken Bones,Pſal. 27.13 as David and thouſands others have found by experience. 12. It will cure the Leproſy, and all old running Ulcers, and alſo all freſh Wounds of the Soul, tho never ſo deep, ſtinking, and loathſom. 13. It is good againſt Weakneſs of the Hands, and Feebleneſs of the Knees.1 Theſſ 5.14. 2 Pet. 1.9. 14. It is ſovereign good againſt ſpiritual Barrenneſs, making the Godly to bring forth much Fruit. 15. It will clear the Sight, and make a Man to ſee afar of. 16. It infallibly cures the ſleepy Diſeaſe, or the ſpiritual Lethargy of the Soul,1 Theſſ. 5.6 ſo that they ſhall not ſleep as others do. 17. It cures all Diſeaſes of the Tongue and Mouth, and an unſavoury Breath,Jam. 3.5, 6. that common Sign of a foul Stomach. 18. It cures all ſpiritual Lameneſs; it cauſeth a lame Man to leap as an Hart,Iſa. 35.6. and never halt any more between two Opinions. 19. It perfectly cures all Diſtempers of the Head, occaſioned by Error, and erroneous Principles, that corrupt the Underſtanding. 20. It is Water of Life, he that drinks of it ſhall never die.Joh. 4 14. Thirdly; This River hath three ſpecial Streams, 1. The Stream of Ordinances. 2. The Stream of heavenly Graces. 3. The Stream of Divine Promiſes. Sinners come to theſe Waters, O come before the Stream be turned another way. See River and Water of Life. |
| XI. In a glorious City uſually is the King's Palace, or his chief Place of Reſidence, which tends much to its Honour and Renown. | XI. The Church is the Habitation of God. The Lord dwelleth in Zion,Pſal. 9.11. Iſa. 8.18. Pſal. 76.1, 2, 3. Pſal. 132.13, 14. Iſa. 57.15. in Judah is God known; his Name is great in Iſrael; in Salem alſo is his Tabernacle, and his Dwelling-place in Zion. This is for the everlaſting Honour and Renown of the Church. The Lord dwelleth in Zion. Sing praiſes, for the Lord hath choſen Zion, he hath deſired it for his Habitation. This is my Reſt for ever; tho he be the high and lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity, yet he dwelleth with them that are of an humble and contrite Spirit. The ſpecial and moſt gracious Preſence of God is with his People. |
| XII. A City hath ſome certain Privileges, Freedoms, and Immunities belonging to it, which Strangers have nothing to do with; Foreigners may not dwell within the Walls of ſome Cities. | XII. So the Church of God hath many glorious Privileges and Immunities belonging to it, which unconverted Sinners have no Right to. The firſt Privilege, or part of that Freedom that belongs to the City of God, is Pardon of Sin.Iſa. 33.24. The Inhabitants ſhall not ſay, I am ſick; the People that dwell therein ſhall be forgiven their Iniquity. 1. This is a glorious Privilege and Freedom, if we conſider the abominable and hainous Nature of Sin, which is opened in the firſt Volume, under the third Head of Metaphors. 2. Becauſe of that which is couched and comprehended under the Bleſſing of Pardon; when God abſolves a poor Sinner, he not only forgives, but alſo forgets, their Sins and Iniquities he remembers no more. 3. Becauſe it is a Freedom from the Guilt of it. 4. Becauſe it is a Freedom from the Power and Dominion of it. 5. It is a Freedom from the Puniſhment of it,Rom. 6.14. Rom. 8.1. 1 John 5.24. 6. Becauſe 'tis a purchaſed Freedom, it was obtained by a great Sum, viz. the Sum of God's great Love and Grace, with the Sum of Chriſt's Blood. Remiſſion is through Chriſt's Atonement. 7. Becauſe it is a ſealed Freedom, it is made over to the Soul by the King's own Seal, the Spirit of God,Eph. 1.13, 14. that great Seal of Heaven. 8. Becauſe it is a laſting Freedom; the Sins of Believers are forgiven for ever, they ſhall never be laid to their Charge. The ſecond Privilege of this City is, Goſpel-Fellowſhip, free Acceſs to the Lord's Table, and Communion with the Saints:Eph. 2.6. They are made to ſit down together in heavenly Places in Chriſt Jeſus. The third Privilege is Right to the Miniſtry; they may all lay claim to the Miniſters and Miniſtry of the Word: Whether Paul, or Apollo, or Cephas, all are yours. 1 Cor. 3.27, 28. They, and all their Gifts and gracious Endowments, are the Saints. The fourth Privilege is, their undoubted Right to the City-Stock, or the Churches Patrimony. 1. The Stock of Prayers; ſincere Souls have a Right to all the Prayers of the Church. 2. To that Store and ſpiritual Proviſion, viz. the Bread of Life,Pſal. 132:15. &c. that is laid up in her. God will bleſs the Proviſion of Zion, and ſatisfy her Poor with Bread. 3. The Stock of Promiſes. God hath promiſed to bleſs, comfort, ſtrengthen, beautify, build up, and ſave Sion, and conſequently every Saint and Member thereof; for all thoſe, and many more like Promiſes, are directly made to every ſincere Soul or Citizen of Sion. The fifth Privilege is, free Acceſs to the Throne of Grace.Eph. 2.18. Sixthly, a Dwelling-place there. This is a glorious Privilege; they dwell near the King, behold him in the Galleries every day; they dwell in God's Courts, nay, in his Houſe: Bleſſed are they that dwell in thy Houſe, they will be ſtill praiſing thee. Pſal. 84.1. Pſal. 92.13 Selah. They that are planted in the Houſe of the Lord, ſhall flouriſh in the Courts of our God, they ſhall bring forth Fruit in old Age, &c. 1. 'Tis a ſtrong and ſure Dwelling-place: He ſhall dwell on high, Iſa. 32.18. Iſa. 33.16. his Place of Defence ſhall be the Munition of Rocks. 2. 'Tis a rich and glorious Dwelling-place. 3. 'Tis a pleaſant Dwelling-place. 4. 'Tis an honourable Dwelling-place. 5. 'Tis and ſhall be a peaceable Habitation. Look upon Zion,Iſa 33.20: the City of our Solemnities: Thine Eyes ſhall ſee Jeruſalem, a quiet Habitation, a Tabernacle that ſhall not be taken down; not one of the Stakes thereof ſhall ever be removed, neither ſhall any of the Cords thereof be broken. Seventhly; They have a Right and Privilege to chuſe their own Officers; every free Citizen hath his Voice at every Election. No Miniſter, Biſhop, or Deacon, may be impoſed upon them without their own free Conſent. Eighthly; They have Right to all the Bleſſings and privileges of the River, the Streams whereof make glad all the Inhabitants, the Nature of whoſe Water you have heard. Ninthly; They have a Right to the City-Guard, which always attends them, whitherſoever they go, or whatſoever they do, when they are about their proper Work, which are the good Angels. Tenthly; The laſt Privilege I ſhall mention is, Sonſhip.Joh. 1.12. Gal 4.6. But to as many as received him, to them gave he Power (or Privilege) to become the Sons of God. Becauſe ye are Sons, God hath ſent forth the Spirit of his Son into your Hearts, crying, Abba, Father. |
| XIII. Some Cities have a common Stock in them, out of which the poor decayed Citizens are often ſupplied and helped in their Diſtreſs, and thereby delivered from utter Beggery. | XIII. The Church hath a common Stock or Storehouſe belonging to it, called the unſearchable Riches of Chriſt,Eph. 3 8. out of which all poor decayed Chriſtians have their Wants ſupplied. That Grace that is treaſured up in Chriſt, is always ready to be given forth to his poor Children; and by this means they are kept from Ruin, and being utterly undone. My God ſhall ſupply all your Needs, according to his Riches in Glory, by Chriſt Jeſus. Phil. 4.19. |
| XIV. A City hath alſo a ſtrict Watch appointed to keep the Gates, and to ſee that no Accident happen in it, to the hurt and detriment thereof. | XIV. The Church, or City of God, hath alſo a ſtrong and faithful Militia, or ſpiritual Watch, which are the holy Angels. Theſe are called Watchers, Dan. 4.23. or Watchmen; and in other places, the Lord's Hoſt, or the Armies of Heaven, who are mighty in Power, one of them being able to deſtroy all the Churches Enemies. Theſe keep the Saints day and night; they encamp about them, and ſee that no Evil comes unto them. Beſides them, God is ſaid to watch over his People continually, who is called, the Watchman of Iſrael, and the Saviour thereof in the Day of Trouble. Pſal. 127.1, 2. Ʋnleſs the Lord keep the City, the Watchman waketh but in vain. Beſides,Pſal. 127.1. See 6th head of Metaphors there are the Miniſters of the Goſpel, who are called Watchmen. |
| XV. A great and famous City hath Towers and Battlements belonging to it, not only for Ornament, but alſo for Strength, and Security from Evil. | XV. The City of God is famous in reſpect of its Towers, and Places of Security. Walk about Zion,Pſal. 48.12, 13, 14. and go round about her; mark well her Bulwarks, conſider her Palaces, that ye may tell it to the Generation following: For this God is our God for ever and ever, and he will be our Guide until Death. The Name of the Lord is a Strong-Tower, &c. Everyone of the bleſſed Attributes of God are as ſo many Towers of Safety to his Church. [See Strong-Tower in the Firſt Head of Metaphors.] |
| XVI. In a City, notwithſtanding the many noble and honourable Perſonages, or worthy Patrons, that dwell therein, yet there are ſome ill and unworthy Members that get a being there, which tends much to its Blemiſh and Reproach. | XVI. So the City of God, notwithſtanding all the holy and eminent Saints and Servants of God who dwell therein, yet hath in it ſome wicked and ungodly Ones, who by Craft and Hypocriſy get a being there, tho when known they are turned out, as the inceſtuous Perſon, Hymeneus, and Alexander was.1 Cor. 5. 1 Tim. 1.20 Jud. 4. For there are certain Men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this Condemnation, ungodly Men, turning the Grace of God into Laſciviouſneſs, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, Theſe ill and looſe Profeſſors bring a great Reproach upon the Church of God; but there is a Day coming, when the Church ſhall be freed of them.Zech. 14.21. There ſhall be no Canaanite in the Houſe (or City) of God. |
| XVII. The Citizens of a great and glorious City are much affected with, and highly eſteem and love the City where they dwell. | XVII. So the Citizens of Zion have an honourable reſpect, and high eſteem for God's Church, as appears particularly in David: If I forget thee, O Jeruſalem,Pſal. 137.56. let my right-hand forget her Cunning; if I do not remember thee, let my Tongue cleave to the Roof of my Mouth, if I prefer not Jeruſalem above my chiefeſt Joy. Many Reaſons may be given, why the Godly are ſo much taken with Zion. 1. Becauſe it is the place of their Birth; they were born, or rather born again in her. And of Zion it ſhall be ſaid, This and that Man was born in her, Pſal. 87.5, 6. and the Higheſt himſelf ſhall eſtabliſh her. Verſ. 6. The Lord ſhall count, when he writeth up his People, that this and that Man was born there. 2. Becauſe 'tis the City of their Father, and ſo their bleſſed Inheritance; all the glorious Immunities thereof are theirs. 3. It is a City redeemed or purchaſed by Chriſt's moſt precious Blood,Acts 20:27. 1 Cor. 6. Pſal. 87.2. he gave himſelf for it. Ye are bought with a Price 4. 'Tis built by God, and for God; it is the Place that he hath choſen, he eſteems highly of it. He is ſaid to rejoyce in Zion, he loves the very Gates thereof, more than all the Dwelling places of Jacob. 5. It is a ſplendid and moſt glorious City; her Foundation is laid with precious Stones, yea, the choiceſt Saphires; her Streets are paved with that which is more rare than the pureſt Gold. |
| XVIII. Some Citizens who are induſtrious, grow very rich, and attain to great Honour among their Neighbours; and thoſe are quickly known, and taken notice of; they may be diſcovered in divers reſpects. | XVIII. So ſome of the Citizens of Sion, who are diligent and induſtrious in the Improvement of Grace, and the Means of Godlineſs, grow very rich in Faith and good Works, rich in ſpiritual and divine Knowledg, rich in heavenly Experience.Prov. 10.22. The diligent Hand maketh rich, with the Bleſſing of God. And theſe rich Saints are alſo ſoon diſcovered, and taken notice of. |
| 1. Rich Men, wealthy Merchants, can truſt, or ſtay a great while for their own, when poor Men muſt have all preſently paid down. The cleareſt Promiſe, or firmeſt Covenant, will not ſerve their Turn, without ſome conſiderable part preſently paid. | 1. So thoſe who are ſpiritually rich,Jam. 2 5. rich in Faith, rich Merchants of Mount Zion, the City of God, can truſt, they cand ſtay patiently, in expectation of the Good of the Promiſe, (as Abraham, Rom. 4 20 who was ſtrong or rich in Faith) when others cannot rely upon a bare Promiſe, or take God's ſingle Word for the accompliſhment of this or that. |
| 2. Rich Citizens have a great Stock lying by them. | 2. So thoſe who are rich Citizens of Sion, rich in Grace, have a Stock of bleſſed Experience, (as David had.) They have a Stock of Faith, much Faith, when others have but a little; a Stock of good Works, having done much for God, and for his Church, &c. |
| 3. Rich Citizens have abundance of precious Things, rare Merchandizes to delight in, as Gold, Silver, and many other rich Commodities. | 3. So rich Citizens of Sion have abundance of rare and precious things in their Ware houſes, (viz. their Hearts) as Love, Peace, and Joy in the Holy-Ghoſt.Gal. 5 22. |
| 4. Rich Men do not live upon their Labour, as poor Men do. Some rich Men work, and take as much pains as the pooreſt Man in the City; but their Work is pleaſant, and more delightful to them, than the Labour of one that is very poor. | 4. So rich Citizens of Sion, tho they work hard for God:1 Co…. 15.10. I laboured more abundantly than they all. Yet their Work is ſweet and pleaſant to them, becauſe they work not for Life, or for a Livelihood;Gal. 2.20. they reſt not upon doing, but live by Faith: but poor Saints live more upon doing than believing; they have but little of that, or any other Grace. |
| 5. Rich Men go finer, or are generally more richly adorned, than the Poor; you may know a rich Citizen by his coſtly Ornaments, by his rich Robes, and Chains of Gold about his Neck. | 5. So rich Saints are more adorned with the Garment of Humility,1 Pet. 3.1, 2.3. with the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit, which is in the ſight of God of great Price. They can deny themſelves, are patient under Sufferings, endure all things contentedly for Chriſt's ſake; they have much Wiſdom,Prov. 1 9. as an O nament of Grace upon their Head, and Chains of Gold about their Neck. |
| 6. Rich Citizens do uſually bring up their Children more nobly, and give them more Learning, and better Education, than the Poor generally do or can. | 6. So rich Saints, ſuch as have much Grace, who are great Dealers, and have got much by Trading in ſpiritual Things, bring up their Children more vertuouſly,Gen. 18.19 Eph. 6.4. and give them better Education; they give them better Counſel, better Examples than others; they train them up in the Fear and Admonition of the Lord, taking God for a Patern herein,Pſal. 94.11, 12. who maketh the Word and Rod a Bleſſing to his Children. |
| 7. Rich Citizens live high, keep a good Table, in compariſon of what the Poor do, or are able. | 7. So thoſe who are ſpiritually rich, have many precious Morſels, yea, bleſſed Variety of choice things; they are often feaſted by Chriſt, and are with him in the Houſe of Wine,Cant. 2.4. and delight themſelves in Fatneſs; their good Conſcience is to them a continual Feaſt.Prov. 15.15. |
| 8. Rich Citizens can bear Burthens, Taxations, and Loſſes, better than the Poor. | 8. So thoſe who are ſpiritually rich, can beſt bear up under croſs Providences, Perſecution, and Loſſes for Chriſt's ſake. |
| 9. Rich Men can do for others; poor Men can do but little for their poor Friends or Neighbours, when the Rich can do much. | 9. So thoſe that are rich in ſpiritual Experience, in Faith, and good Works, can do much for weak Chriſtians by Prayer, by Advice, and good Counſel.Exod. 17.11. Jam 5.16. Moſes did mighty Things by Prayer for Iſrael. The fervent Prayer of a righteous Man availeth much. |
| 10. Rich Men can beſt ſtrive with Difficulties, and live in Years of Scarcity, when others who have but juſt from hand to mouth, are in ſuch times in danger of ſtarving, or to be reduced to great Extremities. | 10. So thoſe who are ſtrong, and very rich in Faith, and all other Graces, are help'd to bear up and paſs through a Difficulty, in Time of Want and Scarcity, better than weak or poor Chriſtians will; only God hath for their Comfort and Encouragement promiſed to ſupply their Wants,Phil. 4.19. and will (if ſincere) alſo relieve them,Pſal. 84.11 that they ſhall not faint or periſh in the Years of Famine. |
| XIX. Some Cities, tho rich, yet are in a comparative ſence but ſmall, but little Cities. | XIX. The City of God, in compariſon of great Babylon, is but a ſmall City, notwithſtanding all her Glory, Grandure,Luke 12.32. Eccleſ. 9.14. Rev. 17.18 and Greatneſs, (as you have heard) ſhe is but little: There was a little City, and few Men in it. This City is the Church of God, &c. Babylon is a great City. In compariſon of the Wicked, Chriſt's Flock is but a handful of People, as it were. |
| XX. A City, tho very ſtrong, yet is ſometimes beſieged, and hath many Enemies. | XX. The City of God, this little City, is beſieged;Iſa. 1.8. The Daughter of Zion is left as a Cottage in a Vineyard as a Lodge in a Garden of Cucumers, as a beſieged City. And marvellous it is, ſo ſmall a City ſhould hold out ſo bravely unto this Day, eſpecially conſidering what mighty Enemies have, and do beſiege her. Object. But here it may be objected, Hath it not been overcome? is it not ſaid, The Holy City was trodden under foot? Rev. 11.2. Anſw. It is only the outward Court. God hath had his Church in all Ages, tho forced for a time to flie into the Wilderneſs, from the Face of the Dragon.Rev. 12 6. |
Queſt. By whom is this City beſieged?
Anſw. 1. By the Devil, called a great King, and the King of the Bottomleſs Pit.Eccleſ. 9.14. Rev. 12.
2. By Antichriſt, the Firſt-born of Satan. He hath for above twelve hundred Years laid Siege againſt it, uſing all manner of Engines, Craft, and Cruelty, to batter her down, and finally to deſtroy her.
3. She is beſieged by the World, by wicked Men, Men of earthly and carnal Principles, who abhor Zion, and ſay, Let her be defiled, raze her,Pſal. 137.7 even to the Foundation thereof.
4. She is beſieged by Sin, and the Fleſh, a ſecret Enemy, who fain in a clandeſtine way would betray her; this Enemy doth her the moſt Miſchief.
5. She is beſieged by a Multitude of falſe Teachers;2 Pet. 2.1, 2. theſe likewiſe have done great Hurt and Dammage to the Church of God, who labour by evil Doctrine to poyſon all her Inhabitants.
6. And beſides all this, there have been ſad Diviſions within her alſo; ſhe has been as a City divided, and yet ſhe ſtands.
7. There have been ſad Breaches made in her Walls, ſo that many have been let in that way, who ſhould have been kept out.
8. Many that ſeemed to be for her, have deſerted her, and joined with the Enemy, and yet ſtill ſhe holds out.
9. And, which is worſt of all, few of thoſe who have been in the City have bravely acquitted themſelves, by Zeal and Holineſs, to defend her, and yet ſhe holds out ſtill.
Queſt. From whence is it that ſhe is helped to bear up againſt all theſe ſore and grievous Aſſaults, Batteries, and Calamities?
Anſw. 1. This City (as you have heard) is built upon a Rock, it has a ſure Foundation, which cannot be removed.Mat. 16.18.
2. The Lord of Hoſts hath fought for her; 'tis he that hath been on her ſide, he hath defended Mount Zion, and the Hill thereof; he hath took part with her,Pſal. 125.2 Iſa. 31.4, 5 and doth at this day.
3. She holds out, becauſe God hath decreed her Standing,Zech. 12.8, 9. and that her Enemies ſhall not prevail.
4. She is defended, becauſe ſhe is the Place which the Lord loveth,Pſal. 74 2. and hath purchaſed with the Blood of his own dear Son.
5. Becauſe it is the Place where God's Honour dwells:Pſal. 26.8. I have loved the Habitation of thy Houſe, the Place where thy Honour dwells.
6. Again, ſhe ſtill remains, becauſe ſhe is (tho a little City, yet) a ſtrong City: We have a ſtrong City. She hath ſtrong Fortifications, ſtrong Walls and Bulwarks.Iſa. 26.1. Pſal. 31.21. & 135.21. Zech. 2.5.
7. 'Tis becauſe God's own Habitation (as you have heard) is in her; God is a Wall of Fire round about her, and the Glory in the midſt of her.
8. She is defended by reaſon of the Strong-Tower ſhe hath in her; ſo long as her Tower ſtands, how can ſhe be battered down? And her Tower is impregnable. The Enemy may ſooner pull the Sun out of the Firmament, than undermine or batter down, deface or demoliſh the Tower of Zion, which is the Name of the Lord.Prov. 18.10. See Strong-Tower.
9. She is defended, becauſe in her are the Laws, Statutes, Ordinances,Iſa. 2.3. and holy Inſtitutions of her King, the Lord Jeſus, where he is worſhipped and adored in Spirit and Truth.
Inferences.
HEnce all that dwell in Zion may be provoked to a diligent Improvement of their great Privileges, to the end they may be enriched with all thoſe ſpiritual Riches, and dignified with that Honour that appertaineth to a true Denizen thereof.
2. Take Comfort and Encouragement alſo, whatever the Attempts of the Enemies are, yet about all her Glory ſhall be a Defence. All thoſe whoſe Feet ſtand within her Gates, may read Honour, Safety,Iſa. 4.5. and Salvation as it were written upon her Walls.
3. Let it be your Delight to prefer her above your chiefeſt Joy; as ſhe is called the holy City, ſo be ye alſo holy,Pſal. 137.6 that you may declare your ſelves unto what City it is you do belong.
4. How may this call home all thoſe that are gone aſtray, and invite all that profeſs good Will unto Sion, to let their Feet ſtand within her Gates, for the Lord hath deſired it for his Habitation. Holy David made this his one thing deſirable,Pſal. 27.4. viz. to dwell in God's Houſe, to be a Denizen of this City; and why ſhould not you?
5. Let it be a Warning to all Sion's Enemies, to take heed how they lift up their hands againſt her, or reproach God, and them that dwell in Heaven; let them lay down their Arms, and fight againſt her no more. The Lord ſhall roar alſo out of Zion,Joel 3.16. and utter his Voice from Jeruſalem, and the Heavens and Earth ſhall ſhake: But the Lord will be the Hope of his People, and the Strength of the Children of Iſrael. So ſhall ye know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion, my holy Mountain, &c.