THE

WHOLE WORKS

OF THE LATE

CONSISTING OF

VOL. n.

( iv ) needful to be (aid in anfwer to which is,, that the public wound given by that a£^.was fre{h> and the hearts of the poor people of God bleeding,. to fee theoifelves fppiled by thofe who (hould have been the guardians of their fpiritual rights and privileges ; and what could be more proper than to panfe the green wound> and pour in fome of the healing balfam of gofpel^confolation, ariGng from the government of their great King, who rules in the midft of his enemies ? The author never pretended to deliver every particular word or fentence contained in his notes, which to him would be the greatefl; flavery and confinement. But as the.fermon flood in his notes, fo it comes abroad ; and he fuppofes that there will be but very inconfiderable variation. Only, the preamble, whea he entered upon the text, is added, without which it would have loGi)^:f<^iA^^A 4}^f^i\ i A^^d^s fomething he had not time that •eVeiling to •overtake', at the end of the difcourfe. He preached t3;f o pihf^ ferinons on the fame claufe of the *•* *••• *^ • ••* • verfe, the*i^ba(h fcJlpwin^ which there was no time to hanfcribe foViTic'preT5;.VQt3xwife the difcourfe might have been more perfefl, and the omiffions quarrelled by fome beea fupplicd.

THE

PREFACE. RiadiT, THE foUo^iDig fermbn hiving made a great noife through this and feyeral other comers of the land; left any jDiouId think the author is afliamed of his dofirine he there delivered, he allows it to cdme abroad to the world with the laft fermon in the preceding volume. He had begun to preach from that text^ If. ix. 6. in November 30. 1731 i and having fpoke to the two firft claufes^ he took occafion, June 4. 1732^ viz. Sabbath-evening, after the ^ccilpbration of t]{]te fe^rament at Stirling, to infift upon the cl'ai^e immediately foltowing, Tit government Jkall he upon hisjfbouldefy as I't: bas been iniifting up* on the following patt of the verfe ever^finee. * * Some were of opinion^ that* thb fubje£t was onfuitable tp the occafion, after people had been at a communion-table^ But it would appear, that fuch as think fo, do not cqnfidert that Chrift did wade to the throne and government of his mediatory kingdom through blood. For my part, I do not know how one can be better entertained^ either at, or immediately after he has been at the Lord's table, (hewing forth his death, than by letting him know, that he nuho was dead is now mlive^ and lives for evermore^ having the keys of hell and^eath in his hand. What more comfortable to a believer, than to hear that the Lamhjlain is now in the midft of the throve^ with the reins of government in his hand, efpecially in a day of troublt^ and of treading down^ and of perplexity from the Lord God ofhoftt in the Valley of'Oifion ^ Others judged it amifs on fuch an occafion, to touch upon the aft of afTembly anent the fettlement of vacant congregations^ which had been pafied a few days before. All that is needful

CONTENTS. Page IX. The wrath of man bounded by the power of God. PsAL. Ixxvi. 10 — -^Surely the wrath of manJbaU praife thee: the remainder of wrath Jbalt thou reftrain* 28t X. The name of God glorified in Chrift. £xoD. xxiii. 21. — Beware of him^ and ohey his voice, promohe him not: for he will not pardon your tranf grejjions: for my name is in him. 293 XI. The tabernacle of David ruined by man, and reared up by the mighty God. Amos ix. ii.-.-/ that day will I raife up the tabernacle. of David that isfallen^ and clofi up the breaches there^ of and I will raife up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old. 386 XII. The annals of redeeming love, with the Redeemer's vengeance upon the grand enemy of the redeemed. ISA. Ixiii. 4. — For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come, 426 XIII. The fovereignty of Zion's King. PsAL. ii. 6. — Yet have Ifet my King upon my holy hill ofZion. 515 XIV. Chrift the refurreaion and the life. John xi. 25. — Jefusfaid unto her^ lam the refurre6iion, and the life* '5^3

THE GOVERNMENT UPON CHRIST'S SHOULDER. A SERMON PREACHED ON SABBATH-EVENING AFTER' THE SACRAMENT AT STIRLING, JUNE 4. 1 73 2.

tsA. ix. 6'-~For unto us a child is bom, unto us a /on is given, and the government /ball be upon hisjboulder: and his namejball be called Wonderful, Counfeller^ The mighiy Cod, The everlafting Father^ The Prince of peace. THE great defign of God, in his whole works of creatioh and providence, is to manifeft and make known the glory of his power, wifdom, goodnefs, and greatnefs to the children of men: hence is that of David, Pfal. xix. from the begining, " The heavens declare the glory of God: and the firmament fhcweth his handy-work. Day unto day uttereth fpecch, and night unto night (heweth knowledge.** And if it be afked> What the great defign of God is in the fcripturcs? I anrwei*. It is juft to bring a lofl: world to the knowledge of a Saviour, ** who is the brightnefs of the Father's glory, and the cxprefs image of his perfon." All the prophecies, promifes, hiftories, and do£irines of the word, do point us to him, as the needle in the mariners compafs points to the pole-ftar: ** To him bore all the prophets witncfs.'* And when apoflles under the New Teftament were fent unto all nations, with the filver trumpet of the everlafting gofpel in their mouths, what was the great theme of their fermons? It was juft to make Chrift known among the nations ', he was the Alpha and Omega o£ their whole miniftry; it is Chrift, fays Paul to the Coloflians, ** whom we preach;" and, writing to the Corinthians, he declares, that '* he defired to know nothing among them, but Chrift, and him crucified.*' In fhort, Sirs, our preaching, and your hearingi is in vain, unlefs we bring you in to the knowledge

The Government upon Chrifi'sjboulder. 9 For confirmation of the dof^rinej I need only repeat the yrords of the text, though many other fcriptures might be adduced, which, to gain time, I wave at prefent. Unto us a child u born, unto us a/on is given, and the govermnent Jball he upon his Jhoulder* In difcourfing of which do£trine, through divine afliftance^ I fhall endeavour to do thefe things. I. t would offer a few thoughts anent the church or kingdom of Chrift in the world. II. Speak a little of the government of his kingdom. III. How it is committed to him by his Father. IV. Why it is committed to him, or laid upon his fliould£r. V. Apply. I. The firft thing Is, to offer a few thoughts anent the church or kingdom of Chrift in this 'world. 1. then, By the church I underlland that remnant of Adam's family, who being determined to break their covenant with hell, and their agreement with death, join themfelvts to Chrift, as their prophet, prieft, and king, either in reality, or by a vifible and credible profeflion of their faith in him. This remnant of Adam's family, as they are fcattered through the world, make the church univerfal: and any particular member of dbis, whether in a nation, congregation, or family, are called particular churches, national, parochial, or domeflic; but ftill thefe are but branches of the church univerfal, which makes the myftical bodjr of Chrift in the world. 2. The church or kmgdom of Chrift, during the Old Teftament difpenfation, was peculiarly confined, to the po^erity of Abraham, to the nation of the Jews, excepting a fe^ir Gentile profelytes; but now fince the coming of Chrift in the flefli^ and his refurre£lion from the dead, is extended alfo to the Gentile nations, according to Pfal. ii. 8 The partition- wall being removed, and a door of faith opened to the Gentiles, Chrift is now fet for an enfign to the Gentile world: If. xi. 10. ^' And in that day there fhall be a root of Jefle, which {hall ftand for an enfign of the people; to it (hall the Gentiles feek, and his reft (hall be glprious." 3. All the fubje£9Ls of Chrift's kingdom and government^ are originally' brought oiit of the territories of hell, being *' children of wrath, even as others." Every man by nature comes into this world wearing the devil's livery of original iin, and of a depraved nature, till Chrift, in a day of power, come and fet the captive of the mighty at liberty \ the ftrong Vol. 11. B man

to TBe Government upon ChriJPsJbtmlitfm man keeps the houfe, till Chrift, who 13 the ftrongcr, enter in atid fpoil him of his goods, and tranflate the poor foul from die power of darkncfs into his kingdom of light. 4. The great engine whereby Chrift rcar up a kingdom to himfelf in the world, is the preaching of the everlafting gof- ?el, accompanied with the power and efficacy of his Spirit, 'his is called '* the rod of his ftrcngth,*' whereby be makes •'a willing people.** The gofoel is " the power of God unto falvation;" and it is by thete weapons which " are not carnal, but mighty through God," he cafts down ilrongholds. 5. The church and kingdom of Chrift being founded and governed by him, " in whom all the treafures of wifdom and Knowledge ate hid," cannot mifs of being one of the beft regulated focietics in the world as under his management, whatever irregularities may be found in her through the corruptions of men intermingling with the concerns of the kingdom* The church,btCaufeof her comely orderand regularity, andasfhc is moulded by her King in the midft of her, i^ compi^red unto a city lying fourfquare. Rev, xxi. ; (he is faid to be •* comely as Jerufalem, beautiful for fituation, the joy of the whole earth.** Every thing neceffary to render any kinjrdom or fociety regular, is tt> oe found in the church or kingdom of Chrift. As, ly?, A kingdom well cohftitutc hath its laws; and fo hath the church of Chrift. And the laws given by her King are all holy^ju/ty and good; and all the tme lubjefls of the kingdom delight in the laws of their King, as being the tranfcript of infinite wifdom and equity. 2diy, A kingdom hath its officefS under its king; and fa hath the church of Chrift; for **he gave fome, apoftles: and fome, prophets: and fome, evangelifts: and fome, paftors and teachers j for the perfcdling of the faints, for the Work of the tniniftry, for the edifying of the body of Chrift: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and ot the knowledge of the iSon of God, unto a perfeft man, unto the meafurt 6f the ftatui-e of the fulnefs of Chrift,** Eph. iv. 1 1 12. 13. And it is by his officers, or office bearers, that ye have been fcrved this day at his tahje, according to his dire^iop. 3 J/y, A kingiiJom hath its corftts, wWe the fnbjefts attend to receive the will pf the king, ahd the benefits of his admiftiftration; and fo hath the tfhurch. David fpeaking of the Old Teftament church, anifparticdlarly of Jerufalem, a type of the New Teftament church, tells us, ** There are fet thrones of judgement, the thrones of the houfe of David, whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the teftimony of Iff ael.** The church of Chrift, even the church militant, hath her

Tit Gwernmeni t^ ChnJPsJb^uldir. x I her court8*for government, where the key of difcipline is ex ercifed; and her courts for worfhip, where the doSrine, the ordinances of worfliip are difpenfed. i^ly% A kingdom hath its feal: we hear frequently of the broad feal of the kingdom, which is commonly appended unto charters for their confirmation. So in the kingdom of Chrift he hath appended two public feals unto the charter of his covenant of grace, viz. baptifm, and the Lord's fupper; the lafl: of wluch we have been this day difpenGng unto you, for the confirmation of your faith, as to the validity of the chartrr s and happy for ever is that man who has got the internal feal of the bcrament, and privy feal of the Holy Spirit with it; for be is ** fealed up to the day of redemption." ^ibiy^ A kingdom commonly hath its enemies to grapple with, both foreign and inteftine; and fo hath the kingdom of Chrift. The gates of hell, and its auxiliaries, have in all ages been attempting to overthrow the kingdom of Chrift in die wtirld; the dragon with his angels and armies make war a* gainft Michael and his angels: and the war between the feed of the woman and the feed of the ferpent, like that betwixt Amalek and Ifrael, will never end while the world ftands* But belides the foreign enemies the church of Chrift hath to deal with^ inteftine enemies, corrupt officers, members, and minifters, pretending to build, and yet caufing the work to ceafe, in as far as in them lies. Yea, the true fubjeds of this kingdom of Chiift, have the enemy of a deceitful and corrupt heart within them, that is ready to join hand with the enemy that is more foreign. The kingdom of Chrift is a theatre of continual war, from the difturbances perpetually created by fome of thefc enemies, and will be militant while in this world; *^ for we wreftle not againft fleOi and blood only, but againft principalities, againft powers, againft the rulere of the daik nefs of this world, againft fpiritual wickednefs in high places:** and ye who have been this day at the banqueling-houfe, pro* vide and prepare for the battle, &c. 6thlyi A kingdom hath its armies and auxiliaries; and fo hath the church of Chrift, being in a confederacy with the Lord of hofts. The armies of heaven are ready to fight her quarrel, and to ftep into the affiftance of the true believer, who is minting to fight the good fight of faith, under the condu£l of the Captain of falvation. And becaufe all the fub jeds are fbldiers, here is a fuitable military equipage provided for them, ** the (liield of faith, the helmet of falvation," &c. ']thlyy A kingdom hath its fortifications and ftrong-holds; and fo hath the church of Chrift: If. xxvi. i. '< In that day iball (his fong be fung in the land of Judah, We have a ftrong city,

I a Tbe Cttverntnent upon Chrift'sjhoulder. city, falvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. The ftrong ramparts of the kingdom are the divine attributes; for ** as the mountains are round about Jerufalem, fo the Lord - encompafieth them that fear him.*' A God in Chrift is the church's refuge, Pfal.xlvi. i • *' God is our refuge and- ftrength, a very prefent help in trouble.'* II. The fec9nd thing was, to fpeak a Utile of the government and admintfiration of the kingdom. What I have to offer as to this, take in the particulars following. !• Chrift himfelf you fee in the text is the great and glo* rious Governor, The government fball be upon bisfhoulder^ PfaL ii. 6. *' Yet have I fct my King upon my holy hill of Zion,'* Mic. V. 2. ^^ But thou, Bethlehem. £phratah, though thou be little among the thoufands of Judah, yet out of thee (hall he come forth unto me, that is to be Ruler in Ifrael; whofe goings forth have been from of old, from everlafting." Mic. ii. 13. <* And their king (hall pafs befove them, and the Lord on the head of them." Eph. i. 22. 23. •* He hath given him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulnefs of him that fiUech all in all." Oh how may the church of believers pride themfclves in their King and Governor, faying, " The Lord is our defence, the holy One of Ifrael is o'ur King: in him (hall all the feed of Ifrael be juftified, and ihall glory r*' 2. All things in heaven, earth, and hell, are put under the power of Chrift, for the more advantageous government of his church, Eph. i. 22. 23. juft now quoted, and Phil. ii. 9. 10. 1 1. So that not only the government of the church, but the government of angels, men, and devils, of all things vifible and inyifible, are in the hand of Chrift for the fake of his church. Hence is that promife or article of his latterwill, Rom. viii. 28. **A11 things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpofe." 3. ChrHl the King of Zion is wonderfully fitted by his Father, for the government and adminiftration. You read of his qualifications for it, If. xi. 2. 3. 4. '^ And the Spirit of the Lord (hall reft upon him, the Spirit of wifdom and under-* ftanding, the Spirit of counfel and might, the Spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord: and (hall make him of quick underftanding in the fear of the Lord, and he fhall not judge after the fight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears. But with, righteoufnefs (hall he judge ^he poor, and reprove with equity, for the meek of the earth 1 and he (hall fmice the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with

The Government upon hriJP s Jhoulder, i^ iR^ith the breath of his lips ihall he flay the wicked." Oh \ "where was there ever fuch a well qualified Governor? It is impoflible he can err in his adminiitration. And what fwcetens this is, that the qualifications of the King are communicable, and actually communicated unto all the loyal fubjcAs of the kingdom; for he is not only a head of government, but of influences: for '< out of his f ulnefs do ail we receive, and grace for grace." 4. Chrift's government and admin iilration is very wonderful and furprifing; you fee here that the name of the Governor is Wonderful. He is wonderful in his perfon, and wonderful in his adminiftration; for, by his ikill of management in his kingdom, he brings light out of darknefs, order out of confufion, life out of death, itrength out of weaknefs: and therefore the fubje£ls may be eafy amidft the greateit apparent confufions, even though the mountains were removing^ and heaven and earth mingling; for he is <^ the Lord that doth wonders, and rules even in the raging of the fea," &c. 5. Chrift's government and adminiitration in and about his church and people is exceeding wife; fo much is imported in his being called the Counfellor. ** Wifdom and counfci are his; there is no fearching out of his underilanding." The deepeft laid plots of hell arc all open before him; for " he difcovereth deep things out of darknefs, and bringeth out to light the (hadow of death;" he rules in the midil of his enemies, and turns all their counfels to fooliflinefs. And as for his loyal fubjefls, " he will guide them by his counfel, and afterward bring them to glory.' 6. Chrift's government and adminiftration is irrefiftible; for the Governor is •* The mighty God," who will go through with his defigns: ** Who can ftay his hand, or fay unto him. What doft thou? O let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad ^" for her King in the midft of her is mighty, yea, the almighty God^ who is able to prote£t his fervants, and is both able and refolved to deftroy his enemies: ^^ Strong is his hand, and high is his right hand; and his right hand doth ever valiantly." How valiantly did he fpoil principalities and powers on the crofs? And he is as valiant as ever. 7. Chrift, in the government of his church and people, is exceeding tender and companionate; for his name is** The everlafting Father, with whom companions flow; and his mer-* cy is from evcrlafting to evcrlafting upon them that fear him. As a father pitieth his children: fo the Lord pitieth them that fear him. He gathers the lambs in his bofom, and gently leads thofe^that ^re with young." And "inhimthefatherlcfs findcth

14 The Gcvernment upon Chri/Ptjhouldfr* cth mercy. He will not break the bruifed reed, nor quench the fmoking flax.^ 8. Chrift's government and adminiftration of his church is very peaceable ; for his name is The Prince ofpeaee^ and ^^ of the increafe of his government and peace there (hall be no end," it is true, he has told his fubjeds, that *^ in the world they ihaH have tribulation, but yet in him they fhail have peace,** for ** he hath overcome the world ;" and Ae peace he gives is fuch as the world can neither give nor take away, John xiv. 27. "^^ Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you : not as the world ^iveth, give I unto you." 9. This government is everlafting ; for *• o£ the increafe of his government there (hall be no end. His kingdom is an verlailing kingdom, and his dominion that which (hall not be dcftroyed ; his feed ihall endure for ever, and his throne built up to all generations." Other kings die, and their kingdoms numlder away into nothing *, but he is '^ the King eternal, immortal," and his kingdom endureth for ever. •* Thy throne O God, is for ever and ever : the fceptre of thy kingdom is a jright fceptre. Judgement and juftice are the habitation of his throne :" and this is what renders his government everlafting, bccaufe this King doth rule in righteoufnefs, and his throne is •llablifhed in juftice. III. The third thing was, to inquire how the government of the church is committed unto Chri/}, or laid upon his /boulder, In* terpreters think, that in this expreiBon there is an aliufion to the ancientcu ftom of carrying the enGgns of government upon the (boulders of thofe who were inv efted with it, or of their officers. The plain meaning is, that the government and fupreme authority of the church, whether mihtant or triumphant, is devolved upon him. An expreilion much of the fame im> port you have, If. xxii. 7Z* " And the key of the houfe of David will 1 lay upon his ihoulder : fo be (hall open, and none Ihall ftiut, and he (hall (hut and none (hall open." Now, the government is committed to Chrift, or laid upon his (houlder^ with a three or fourfold folemnity. I. With the folemnity of an unalterable decree : Pfal. ii. 6 — 8. '* Yet have I fct my King upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree : the Lord hath faid unto me. Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Aik of me, and I (hall give thee the-Heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermoft parts of the earth for thy po(rc{rion." Now, can this decree of Heaven be reverfed, or thefe mountains of brafs be overturned? Ko, furely, ** the counfcl of the Lord (hall (land j" and therefore the

Tie Governfmnt upon ChriJPsJbouliir. i; the crown fliall ftand on the Redeemer's head, mnd the govern^ ment lie upon his fhoulder. 2. With the folemnity of a corenant tranfaOed bctwixc htm and his eternal FaUier, when the council of peace was between them both* And what is the iflTue of that grand council, which was held in heaven, from the ancient aftes of eternity \ It was juft, that the man^ whofe name is tLt Branch, (hould come out of his place^ that he (houid tear the g!o^ ry^ and that he (hould ^/ and rule upon his throne^ Zech. vi. i2 3* With the folemnity of an oath, ratifying the dctermina* tioa of the council of peace in this matter: Pfal. Ixxxix. 3. 4. •* I have made a covenant with my chofen; I have fwom unto DavM my fervant. Thy feed will I eftabliCh for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations/' And you fce rer. 35*. that in his oath he impignorates hia holinefs, the moO: orient and dazzling jewel of his crown, for the greater fecurity, " Once have 1 fwom by my holinefs, that I will not lie untd David," i. e. I will as focn ceafe to be a holy God, as turn my Son out of the government 1 no, it (hall lie upon his (houlder^ as long as I am holy, and that is for ever and ever. The go Tcnunem is committed to him by a folemn ele£lion and inveflU tuf e \ he was efe£ied to the government by his own Father^ and the joint concurrence of all the fubjeds: If. xlii. i. He is *' mine cleft in whom my foul delSghteth." Pfal. Ixxxix. 19* 20. ^ 1 have exalted one chofen out of the people. I have found David my fervant: with my holy oil have I anointed him." And the whole family of heaven and earth concur in the choice, without a contradi^ory voice: hence when he mounts the throne, and afcends up on high, they all clap their hands, faying, asPfal.xlvii. 5. 6. "Godisgoneup''witha(hout, the Lord with the found of a trumpet. Sing praifes to God, fing; pr^ifes: (ing praiies unto our King, (ing praifes." That pali'age^ Rev. V. I u 12. is thought by fome judicious interpreters, pirticularly the great Owen, to have a rcfpect unto the reccptiort Chri(t met with, when he returned to heaven, and (at down on the throne in our nature: *^ And i beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, Rnd the beads; dnd the elders: and the number of them was t?n thoufand times ten thoufand, and thoufands of thouf^nds,^ and what fny thcy? heW cordially do they give their vote, that he (hould reign? •* Saying with a lould voice, Worthy is the Limb that was flain, to receive power, and riches, and wlidom, and ilrength, and honour, and glory, and bleifing.'* IV. The fourth thing was, to give the reafons of the docl6 Tie Government upon ChriJPiJbouIien trine. Why is the government laid upon his fhoulder? t, anfwer, 1. Becaufe his (houlder alone was able to bear the weight of the adminiftration and government of the church. They who ufurp the adminiilration, take too much.upon them: it is a burden too heavy for angels or archangels; how then (hould finful worms bear it? God the Father faw chat none in heaven or earth but his own eternal Son was match for fuch a province s and therefore commits it to him, with a.promife of his owa afliflance in the government, Pfal. Ixxxix. 19 — 21. " 1 h^ve laid help upon one that is mighty.— 1 have found him: — I have anointed him. — With whom my hand ihall be eftabliflicd: mine arm alfo (hall ftrengthen him." 2. It is laid upon his (houlder, or committed to hiroi that he xnight be in better capacity for accomplifhing the falvation of his people, and bringing many fons and daughters unto glory^ hence we find his kingdom and fal/ation frequently joined tQ< gether; " Thou art my King of old, working falvation in the midft of the earth;" and Zech. ix. 9. <^ Rejoite greatly, O daughter of Zion; fhout, O daughter of J^ rufalem: behold thy. King Cometh unto thee; he is juft, and having falvation. X^et his kingdom be never fo low, his fubjedts in the worft of bon* dage and mifery, whether as to the external or internal man^ if their Governor and King give but the word of command^ immediately deliverance comes; Pfal. a^liv. 4. ** Thou art my King, O God, command deliverances for Jacob.'' His command dried up the Red Sea, divided Jordan, and brought If" rael into the promifed land. 3. The government is laid upon his (houlder, that he may ** ftill the enemy and the avenger," that he may refent. his Father's quarrel againft Satan, and entirely bruife his head^ for his defacing and (Irikine; at his find his Father's image in our (irft parents, and difturbing his government, which he had eftabliihed in innocence. Chrift's great, bufinefs, when he appeared in this world in perfon, and whea -he ap pears in the difpenfation of the gofpel, ^nd power of his Spirit, is to deftroy the works of the devil, tp rear up his own kingdom, in the ruin of the old ferpent and his feed. Hence it is, that when he takes the field, he gives the (hout of war againd: that enemy and all that join him, If. Ixiii. 4.^ '^ The day of vengeance is in mine he^rt, and the year of my Rtdeem* ed is come.*' .;:.-. 4- The government is laid.ppon his (houlder, or committed unto him, becaufe he hath a juft title to it. . As, . ^Jl^ He has a title to it by birth. He is God's firft-born^ ■ ^. . ■ ^ .. I and

The Gwemment upon ChriJPsJhouIderl 17 mud therefore he will make him *^ higher than the kings of the earth r^ yea, he is " King of kings, and Lord of lords.** 2dly^ He has a title to it by purchafe. He hath redeemed his church by his own blood, and therefore • has the beft fight to govern her: hts crofs was the way in which he came to tfie crown; he fuffered, and then entered into his gk)ry. . 3d/)r, He has a right to it by his Father's promife and charter, granted him upon the footing of his death and fatisfaAion; If. liii. I2 " Therefore will 1 divide him a portion with the great, and he fiiall divide the fpoil with the ftrong: becaufe he hath poured out his foul unto death;" and, Phil ii. 8. 9. io we arc told, that " becaufe he endured the crofs, and def-nfed the fliamei therefore God alfo hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name /' ^hljf He has a title to it by conqueft. He invades the ter^ ritories of the god of this world, fets up his ftandard within hit dominions, and fpoils principalities and powers, fcts the cap* tives of the mighty at liberty, he travels in the greatncfs of his ftrengthi (hewing himfelf mighty tof^vr, fubdumg fmners, and bringing every thought into captivity to his obedience; and be caufe he doth (b, therefore the government is committed to ^iniy and laid upon his (houlder V. The j^A thing was, the Application of the doctrine. The firft ufe may be of Information in the following parti* culars. is it fo, that the government is laid upon the flioul<- 4ers of the Redeemer by the ordination of the Father? See bence, I. The wonderful love of God which he bears to his church and people, in providing fuch a Ruler and Governor for them. I rememher the <)ueen of Sheba, i Kings x. 9. in her addrefs to Solomon, (he fays, '* Becaufe the Lord loved Ifrael for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgement and juftice.'* ^o, well may we fay here, Becaufe the Lord loved his church and people, therefore he made his own eternal Son King in the midft of her, and laid the government upon his fhoulders* O what a wonderful evidence of his love is this 1 And fliould not this make the~under-governors oC the church very tender^ and take head of ruling with rigour, and.to be aware of what rulers they fet over her? 2* See hence what a happy government and adminidration believers, the faints of God, are under, viz. the government of the child bom, and the fon given to us, whofe name is the Wonderful J Counfellor^ &c. The queen of Sheba, in the plajce now cited, i Kings x. 9. when fhe faw the glory of Solomon^ Vol. U. C and

tS Tie Gov^ratncni upon Chrtjf s Jbo^lAtf* and the wirdom of his admin iiiration, her fpirit fails her; and^ ver. 8. Ibe cries out, ** Happy are thy men^ happy are thtfe thy fervants which (land continually before thee> and that hear thy wifdono." But *^ behold a greater th^n Solomon is here.** I^lo** mon, and all his wifdom and glory, was but a faint type of the glory and wifdom of the Lord Jefus Chrift, and the glo-> ry of his perfon and adminiflration; and therefore upon iar better ground we may fay of the fubjecls of Chris's kingdom, as Mofes did of IfraeJ^ Deut. xxxiii. 29. ^< Happy art thou^ O Ifrael: who is like unto thee, O people faved by. the JU>rd^ the (hield of thy help, and who is the fword of thy exceUen* ^y. 3. See hence the mifery of a wicked unbelieving world, who will not have htm to rule over them, on whofi^ fiiouidcra the government is laid, but break his bands, and caft away his cords from them; why, he that fits in heaven fhajl laugh at their impotent attempts againfl: the governmenc of his Scm^ and he hath authorifed him to break all that will not bow to his government; ^^ Thou (halt break tliera as with a rod of iron, thou (halt da(h them ii) pieces Uke a pottet^s veflel/' Even the great potentates, who wili not (loop unto him, he <will cut them off*; for ^' he cuts 6ff the fpirit of princes, and is terrible to th^ kings of the earth, and ftrikes them through vH the day of his wrath," Sec. 4. Is it fo that the government is laid upon his (houlders i Then fee the nullity of all aAs, laws, and conftitutipns, that do not bear the (lamp of Chrid, and that are not confiftent with the hws and orders he has left for the government of his church. They cannot mifs to be null, becaufe Zion's King never touched them with his fceptre, they want a foundation in the word of Gdd; and unlefs afls and laws are founded there, they have no foundation at all, becau(e there is no church-authority but what is derived from him. 5. See hence that they run a very dangerous rlik who da injury to bis fubjecls, or (Irip them of any of the rights, pri^ vileges, or immunities he has granted them, and purchafcd for them with the price of his bipod. Among other privileges which 2ion'^ King hath allowed his fobjeSs, this' is none of the lead, that they ihould have the choice of thdr paftorsi for which caufe he hath required them to try the fpiiits and gifts miniilers are endowed with, whether they be calculate for the edification of their fouls, 1 John iv* i. It is a com nr>and not given unto heritors and elders only, but even to little children, young men and fathers *, ^^ Beloved (fays he), believe not every fpirir, but try the fpirxts," viz. of minifters and preachers^ ^ whether they are of God ^ and the rca(bn he gives

fie Government upon Chrijf s Jbonldtr^ l^ jRi^cs 18 rcmarkabic, in the clofc of the verfc, " Bccaufc many falfe prophet8 are gone abroad into the world." And in a fuicablenefs to this trying of the fpirits of the prophets, wc find, A£ls vi. that it was ** the multitude of difciples," that by cxpfcfs order are commanded to choofe out from among them men full of the Holy Ghoft and wifdom." The apoftles, the extraordinary officers in the church, and who, one would think, were the mod competent judges of men full of the Holy Ghoft and wifdom; yet they would not take that power upon them, which is now lodged in heritors and elders* I fear, the partiality (hown in our public afts, in preferring the great, the noble, the rich man with the gay clothing, before the poor of this world, whom generally God hath chofcn, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, lay a foundation for a controverfy between God and this nation, which will not foon be at an end. Chrifl's little ones are but little regarded now* a-days } but they who maltreat them, to gratify the grcatefl: upon earth, will fmart for it in the ifTue. It is an awful word tittered by him upon whofe flioulders the go\'smment is laid, Matt, xriii. 6. 7. *• But whofo (hall ofFcnd one of thefe Httle ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a milUftone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the fea. Wo unto the world becaufd of ofiences: for it miift needs be that oflfenccs come: but wo to that man by whom the offence cometh." 6. If the government be upon his (houldcrs, then hence I infer, that they have a hard talk to manage^ who attempt to juftle him out of his government, and take it upon their own ihoulders. ' ^ejf. Who are thefe? I anfwer, ifll Papifts, who fet up the nian of fin to be the head of the church, calling him Chrifl's vicar. He is Anti* chrift, whom Chrift will deftroy with the breath of his mouthy and the btightnefs of his coming. ' . 2rf/p, Prelatifts, who fet up archbiflibps,' and' tliocefaii bilhops, in the church of Chrilt \ officers whom Chrift never ordained in his kingdom, or never were warranted by his word. We read of no officer under th^'Ncw'TeftamAirfupcrior to a prcfbytet;: and therefore archbiffiopsand^ bilhops have no warrant in the word, and 'can be iione'of the officer^ of Chrilt's kingdom. ' ^dfy, Eraflians; who take the government off Chrift*s (houldcrs, and lay it upon the civil magillrtate, putting it in his power to fcalt the government of the church of Chri(t into what rfit^lild nndfalhion p rr.oft ng-eeablc unto his worldly jtilerdf."^- ^Wiiat ab aftoiit -is it ^ne unto the Sow of God, to have

ao The Government upon ChriJPs Jhoulder, have any mortal man declared head in all cafes, not only ciyH but eclefiadical? This was an ufurpation upon the crown of Chrift under fome former reigns, which I am afraid is never yet cleanly abrogated or aboli(hed to this day. ^hlyj Thefe potentates, who take upon them to tolerate any doftrines or any worfhip inconfiilent with the doctrine, worfhip, or government Chrlil hath e(labli(hed in hi& kingdom. ^thly^ Thefe profeffcd Pre{byterians, who under that difguife exercife a lordly prelacy and dominion over the church of Chrid, in thrufting in men upon congregations without^ and contrary to, the free choice their King has allowed them.. I fear there (hall be a fad reckoning ere all be done, for the violent rapes which are committed, upon the fpoufe of Chrifl: up and down the land. Chrifl myftical ia wounded in thehoufe of his profefH^d friends; and it will be a wondev* if there be not wounds for wounds, before the fcene be ended* For, 7. If the government be upon Chrid's (houlder, then hence I infer, that all odds will be even, and that Chrift will render tribulation, to thofe that trouble, vex, and harafs his poor people, in their fpiritual rights and privileges. He will arife for the fighing of the poor, and the cries of the needy; and O when he doth arife, the vengeance of his temple will fall heavy upon the heads of thofe who fpoil iL I conclude with an ufe of Confolation to the poor people of God; particularly to thofe that are fpoiled of their liberties and privileges^ as Chriftians; for though they be forfaken of them whofe bufinefs it is to take the greateft care of them, yet they are not forfaken of their God; and our commiifion leads us particularly " to ptejm;h the gofpcl to the poor, to comfort them that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for afhes> and the, oil of joy for mourning.'' We are to " ftrengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees/' There are thelc few grounds of confolation 1 offer you in your prefent circu alliances. As^ . . I. Tour God does not (land as an unconcerned fpeflator of the injuries ^at ate done you at this day; no, he is obfer* ving, and refents thei fpoil that is commitcd upon you.. .You may read fon this a challenge, and an awful challenge given on their behalf, If. iii. 12—15. ** ^^ ^^^ "^Y People, children are their oppreflbrs, and women rule over them: O my pedple, they which lead thee, caufe thee to err and iiefiroy the way of thy paths. The Lord ftandeth up to plead,' and ftaudeth to judge the people. The Lord will ciitcr into judgement 'With the anqcnts of his people^, and thcfiriaces th^reofii! f or ■ y<^

7%# Govimmem upon ChriJFs Jlnulitt. 2 i ye have eat^n up the vineyard ^ tke fpoil of the poor is in your houfes. What mean -ye that ye b^^rat my people to pieces, and gri/id the faces of the poor ? fiith the Lord God of hofts." 2. Know for your comfort, that God hath founded Zion. This 18 a topic of confolation, which is panicularly prcfented unto the poor of his people, and accordingly to He told by the meflengers of the nations. If. xiv. 32. *^ What (h.iil one then anfwer the meflengers of the nation ?" (viz when they arc inquiring about the ftate and circumstances of GodV Ifracl, in a dark and drumbly day like this). The anfwer is> ** That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people fhall truft in it;'* i. e. Let it be proclaimed to the world, that he who laid the foundation of Zion, will build her up ; and when he doth fo, he will appear in his glory, and his poor prople, however at under, (hall trull in it as an unfhake n truth, that he who founded ZioOi wiU take care of her, and of thofe who efpoufe her caufe, . 3. Know that he who hath the government upon his fhoulder, rules in the midft of his enemies^ and has fo much of the art of government, that he botli can and will bring good out of evil, advantage to his poor people out of things tending to their hurt and prejudice. JacoVs fons confpire again ft the life of their, brother, they fell, him into the hands of, the Ifbmaelitifli merchants;. they in all thi3 had no other view but to fatisfy their luft of revenge ; however God meant it for good as was proved by the event. 4. Know that the moft dark and cloudy-Uke difpenfations towards the church and people of God, are in the event found to have, been pregiiant with love and inercy ; he who hath the government upon his (boulders turns them fo about, as they are made to underftand his loving^-iindoefs in all thefe things. 5. Know ifor your comfort, that he on whofe Mulders the goveriunentis laid^hath power to provide you with honeft ip'ir nifters,notwithftandingof all the bars that lie in the wayof your being comfortabty provided ; yea, his power is caft into a promife, that you may ^j£|L f^aith upon it. If. xxx. 20. 2i. *' And though the Lord give you the bread of adverfity, and the water of affliction^ yet (hall not thy .teachers be removed into a comer any more^.:but thine eyes (hall fee thy teachei^: and thine ears (hall hear a word behind thee, faying, This ji th^ wayi walkye in il^.when ye turn to. the Tight hand,, aft4; wjien ye turn to the* leftp'* , J^er* ui. i6'M/yi.will give'jrOif-.paftor^ according to mine heartjVj^ich. (hairfced'you with knofwledgc ai34*iuiderfta9ding.y .Our.gre^l Governgi; luitJi.ib^ ftara in his Tight

ii Tie Government upn ^hrj^f'flJKmlJef, right handy and he calls them forth by'i^anfi^ : and thereford ** be not afraid, only believe.** But now, to (hut up this difcourfe, I (hall, i. Tell you fomtf of the fecrets of Chrijl's government. 2. Offer a few advices to the Lord*8 people. * Firfl, A few fecrets of Chrill's government with refpe£k to his people in this world. As, 1. Tiiat his public management in providencei feems many times to interfere with his promife; as in the cafe of Abraham his being commanded to facrifice his ton, the promife made of the kingdom to David, .&c. ' 2. Hh afts of government have a light as well as a dark fide. *' No affliftion for the prefent is joyous, but grievous; but afterwards it yieldeth tile J>eaceaWc fruits of Hghteoufnefs.** 3. There k a pleafant regularity in all his government, however per^)lexed it may appear unto us; and wheri the wotk 13 done, fceiTuty will anfc out df it, m out o(^thc chaos arofe ft beautiful world. . . . , * ' ' :\" ■ 4. Ifi his' adminiftrations he hath I6ng fetches, 'which we are not able to difcover, orfee to the end of at firft inftanc6'; it is only fome links, attd hot the full chain of providence^ that lies pptn to us. God muft have his own fime to finilh hid work.;'' '" " • ■ 5.Hls'adrfiiniftrSftJo1is;many times take very furpriCng turfts; as when Ifrael was brougjht to the borders of Canaan; and they expeftlng immediately to enter upon the pbileffioh of the promifed land,, and yet ar? fent back to tneafurc the hills of the wildtrmeft for the fpace" of forty years. When the dcfijgns of his admitiiftrati()tl fcem to be brought to the birth, fome new • bccurreh'ce maycaft tip, which to our view feems to rentier all aboni^e. ■ . ; • -6. Thdfe afts of his govemhient, which" feem^to us to portend utter rpin to the church and his kingdom in the woiiJ^^ ire Btfrid t&ht the tery means fbr'theif defiveTancc aiki outgate.-. No ftep of providence fo much hfaftened jofepfh's prefetment, asthat of his 1)eiiig caft into prifon, and lavd under fetters of iron. IfraeFs pinch at the Rcd'fia wi^ the time of the Lord^fe appearing for their delivcty, ind tht rulji of Pharac^ and his hoft. ;,,...; Secondty^ I conclude with a few* advices to 'the fubjefls bf Ziw, efpecially in this day of tfbttbic, iand treading ^ 1. Keep the eyes of faith fij^d dn him wRo holds the hekn; nd beJitevt^ w^th ixi aflured faith,' that'** thfe Lord -doth reign -ftS: ^er, eWcflf thy God, Cy {JibnJ untb all -geiWrtefc^ ai)S.-^ ■^'^1!?%at^ighi5^ i^ ** Imiis^nue!, God withtWr^^Vot - •^- ■ ' a