CHRIST's Intercession. (1) to CHRIST's Kingly Office.

CHRIST's Intercession. (1)

ROM. 8.34.

Who also maketh Intercession for us.

WHen Aaron entred into the Holy Place, his Bells gave a Sound; so Christ having entred into Heaven, his Intercession makes a melodious sound in the Ears of God. Christ, though he be exalted to Glory, hath not laid aside his Bowels of Compassion, but is still mindful of his Body Mystical; as Ioseph was mindful of his Father and Brethren, when he was exalted to the Court. Who also maketh Intercession for us. —To Intercede is to make Request in the behalf of another. Christ is the great Master of Requests in Heaven; Christus est Catholicus Patris Sacerdos, Tertul.

Quest. What are the Qualifications of our Intercessor?

Resp. 1. He is holy, Hebr. 7.26. For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, undefiled, separate from sinners. Christ knew no sin, 2 Cor. 5.21. he knew sin in the weight, not in the act. It was requisite that he who was to do away the sins of others, should himself be without sin. Holiness is one of the precious Stones which shines on the Breast-Plate of our High Priest.

2. He is faithful, Hebr. 2.17. It behoved him to be like unto his brethren, that he might be a faithful High Priest. Moses was faithful as a Servant, Christ as a Son, Hebr. 3.5. he doth not forget any Cause he hath to plead, nor doth he use any deceit in pleading. An ordinary Attorney may either leave out some word which might make for the Client, or put in a word against him, having receiv'd a Fee on both sides; but Christ is true to the Cause he pleads; we may leave our Matters with him, we may trust our Lives and Souls in his hand.

3. He never dies. The Priests under the Law, while their Office lived, they themselves died, Hebr. 7.23. They were not suffered to continue by reason of death: but Christ ever lives to make Intercession, Hebr. 7.25. He hath no Succession in his Priesthood.

Quest. Who Christ intercedes for?

Resp. Not for all promiscuously, Iohn 17.9. but for the Elect. The efficacy of Christ's Prayer reacheth no further then the efficacy of his Blood; but his Blood was shed only for the Elect, therefore his Prayers only reach them. The High Priest went into the Sanctuary with the Names only of the Twelve Tribes upon his Breast; so Christ goes into Heaven only with the Names of the Elect upon his Breast. Christ interceeds for the weakest Believers, Iohn 17.20. and for all the sins of Believers. In the Law there were some sins the High Priest was neither to offer Sacrifice for, nor yet to offer Prayer, Numb. 15.30. The Soul that doth ought presumptuously shall be cut off. The Priest might offer up Prayer for sins of Ignorance, but not of Presumption: but Christ's Intercession extends to all the sins of the Elect. Of what a bloody colour was David's sin, yet it did not exclude Christ's Intercession.

Quest. What doth Christ in the Work of Intercession?

Resp. Three things.

1. He presents the Merit of his Blood to his Father, and in the Virtue of that

Price paid, pleads for Mercy. The High Priest was herein a lively Type of Christ; Aaron was to do four things: 1. Kill the Beast; 2. to enter with the Blood into the Holy of Holies; 3. to sprinkle the Mercy Seat with the Blood; 4. to kindle the Incense, and with the smoak of it cause a Cloud to arise over the Mercy Seat, and so the Atonement was made, Lev. 16.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. Christ our High Priest did exactly answer to this Type; He was offered up in Sacrifice, that Answers to the Priests killing the Bullock: And Christ is gone up into Heaven, that Answers to to the Priests going into the Holy of Holies: And he spreads his Blood before his Father, that Answers to the Priests sprinkling the Blood upon the Mercy Seat. And he prays to his Father, that for his Blood sake he would be propitious to Sinners, that Answers to the Cloud of Incense going up: And through his Intercession God is pacified, that Answers to the Priests making Atonement.

2. Christ by his Intercession answers all Bills of Indictment brought in against the Elect. Believers do what they can; Sin, and then Satan accuseth them to God, and Conscience accuseth them to themselves, now, Christ by his Intercession answers all these Accusations, Rom. 8.33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect? it is Christ who makes Intercession for us. When Aesculus was accused for some Impiety, his Brother stood up for him, and shewed the Magistrates how he had lost his hand in the Service of the State, and so obtained his pardon. Thus when Satan accuseth the Saints, or the Justice of God lays any thing to their charge, Christ shews his own wounds, and by Virtue of his bloody Sufferings, he answers all the Demands and Challenges of the Law, and counter-works Satan's Accusations.

3. Christ by his Intercession calls for an Acquittance; Lord, let the sinner be absolved from guilt; and in this sence Christ is called an Advocate, 1 Iohn 2.1. He requires that the Sinner be set free in the Court. An Advocate differs much from an Orator; an Orator useth Rhetorick to perswade and entreat the Judge to shew Mercy to another: but an Advocate tells the Judge what is Law: thus Christ appears in Heaven as an Advocate, he represents what is Law. When God's Justice opens the Debt-Book, Christ opens the Law-Book: Lord, saith he, thou art a just God, and will not be pacified without Blood, lo here, the Blood is shed, therefore in Justice give me a Discharge for these distressed Creatures. 'Tis equal that the Law being satisfied, the Sinner should be acquitted. And upon Christ's Plea, God sets his hand to the Sinner's Pardon.

Quest. In what manner Christ interceeds?

Answ. 1. Freely; he pleads our Cause in Heaven, and takes no Fee. An ordinary Lawyer will have his Fee, and sometimes a Bribe too; but Christ is not Mercenary: How many Causes doth he plead every day in Heaven, and will take nothing. As Christ laid down his Life freely, Iohn 10.15, 18. so he interceeds freely.

2. Feelingly; He is sensible of our condition as his own; Hebr. 4.15. We have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmity. As a tender hearted Mother would plead with a Judge for a Child ready to be condemned; O how would her Bowels work, how would her Tears trickle down, what weeping Rhetorick would she use to the Judge for Mercy. Thus the Lord Jesus is full of Sympathy and Tenderness, Hebr. 2.17. that he might be a merciful High Priest. Though he hath left his Passion, yet not his Compassion. An ordinary Lawyer is not affected with the Cause he pleads, nor doth he care which way it goes. It is Profit makes him plead, not Affection. But Christ interceeds feelingly; and that which makes him interceed with Affection, is, it is his own Cause which he pleads. He hath shed his Blood to purchase Life and Salvation for the Elect, and if they should not be saved, he would lose his purchase.

3. Efficaciously. It is a prevailing Intercession. Christ never lost any Cause he pleaded, he was never Non-suited. Christ's Intercession must needs be effectual, if you consider,

(1.) The Excellency of his Person; if the Prayer of a Saint be so prevalent with God: Moses's Prayer did bind God's hands, Exod. 32.10. Let me alone: and Iacob as a Prince prevailed with God, Gen. 32.28. and Eliah did by Prayer open and shut Heaven, Iam. 5.17. Then what is Christ's Prayer? He is the Son of God, the Son in whom he is well pleased, Matth. 3.17. What will not a Father grant his Son? Iohn 11.42. I know that thou always hearest me. If God could forget, that Christ were a Priest, yet he cannot forget that he is a Son.

(2.) Christ prays for nothing but what his Father hath a mind to grant. There is but One Will between Christ and his Father: Christ prays, Sanctifie them through

thy Truth; and this is the will of God, even your sanctification, 1 Thess. 4.3. so then, if Christ prays for nothing, but what God the Father hath a mind to grant, then he is like to speed.

(3.) Christ prays for nothing but what he hath power to give. What he prays for as he is Man, that he hath power to give as he is God, Iohn 17.24. Father, I will—Father, there he prays as Man; I will, there he gives as God. This is a great comfort to a Believer, when his Prayer is weak, and he can hardly pray for himself, Christs Prayer in Heaven is mighty and powerful▪ Though God may refuse Prayer as it comes from us, yet not as it comes from Christ.

4. Christ's Intercession is always ready at hand. The People of God have sins of daily incursion; and besides these, sometimes they lapse into great sins, and God is provoked, and his Justice is ready to break forth upon them; but Christ's Intercession is ready at hand, he daily makes up the Breaches between God and them; he presents the Merit of his Blood to his Father to pacifie him. When the Wrath of God began to break out upon Israel, Aaron presently step'd in with his Censer, and offered Incense, and so the Plague was staid, Numb. 16.47. so no sooner doth a Child of God offend, and God begins to be angry, but immediately Christ steps in and intercedes; Father, it is my Child hath offended, though he hath forgotten his Duty, thou hast not lost thy Bowels: O pity him, and let thy Anger be turned away from him. Christ's Intercession is ready at hand, and upon the least failings of the Godly, he stands up and makes Request for them in Heaven.

Quest. What are the Fruits of Christ's Intercession?

Resp. 1. Iustification. In Justification there is two things; 1. Guilt is remitted, 2. Righteousness is imputed, Ier. 23.6. The Lord our Righteousness. We are reputed not only Righteous, as the Angels, but as Christ, having his Robes put upon us, 2 Cor. 5.21. But whence is it that we are justified? 'Tis from Christ's Intercession, Rom. 8.33, 34. Lord, saith Christ, these are the Persons I have died for, look upon them as if they had not sinned, and repute them Righteous.

2d Fruit. The Unction of the Spirit, 1 Iohn 2.20. Ye have an Unction from the holy one. This Unction or Anointing is nothing else but the Work of Sanctification in the heart, whereby the Spirit makes us partake of the Divine Nature, 2 Pet. 1.4. Such as speak of the Philosophers Stone, suppose it to have such a Property that when it toucheth the Mettal, it turns it into Gold; such a Property hath the Spirit of God upon the Soul, when it toucheth the Soul, it puts into it a Divine Nature, it makes it to be holy, and to resemble God. This sanctifying work of the Spirit, is the fruit of Christ's Intercession, Iohn 7.39. The Holy Ghost was not yet given, because Iesus was not yet glorified. Christ being glorified and in Heaven, now ▪ he prays the Father▪ and the Father sends the Spirit, who pours out the holy Anointing upon the Elect.

3d Fruit. The Purification of our holy Things. It is Christ's work in Heaven, not only to present his own Prayers to his Father, but he prays over our Prayers again, Rev. 8.3. Another Angel came, having a golden Censer, and there was given to him much Incense, that he should offer it with the Prayers of all Saints upon the golden Altar. This Angel was Christ; he takes the golden Censer of his Merits, and puts our Prayers into this Censer, and with the Incense of his Intercession makes our Prayers go up as a sweet perfume in Heaven. It is observable, Lev. 16.16. Aaron shall make Atonement for the holy Place: this was Typical, to shew that our holy Duties need to have Atonement made for them. Our best Services, as they come from us, are mixed with Corruption, as Wine that tasts of the Cask, Isa. 64.6. they are filthy rags: But Christ purifies and sweetens these Services, mixing the sweet odours of his Intercession with them, and now God accepts and Crowns them. What would become of our Duties without an High Priest? Christ's Intercession doth, to our Prayers, as the Fan to the Chaff, it winnows it from the Corn; so Christ winnows out the Chaff which intermixeth with our Prayers.

4th Fruit. Access with boldness unto the Throne of Grace, Hebr. 4.16. We have a great High Priest that is passed into the Heavens, let us go. Come boldly to the Throne of Grace, we have a Friend at Court that speaks a good word for us, and is following our Cause in Heaven, therefore let this animate and encourage us in Prayer. We think it too much boldness; what? such Sinners as we to come for pardon, we shall be denied: this is a sinful modesty. Did we indeed come in our own Name in Prayer, it were presumption, but Christ intercedes for us in the forc[gap] and efficacy of his Blood, now, to be afraid to come to God in Prayer, is a dishonour to Christ's Intercession.

5th Fruit. The sending the Comforter, Iohn 14.16. I will pray the Father, and [gap]e will give you another Comforter. The Comfort of the Spirit is distinct from the Anointing; this Comfort is very sweet, sweeter than the Honey drops from the Comb; it is the Manna in the Golden Pot, it is Vinum in pectore; a drop of this heavenly Comfort, is enough to sweeten a Sea of worldly Sorrow. It is called arrhabo ▪ the earnest of the Spirit, 2 Cor. 1.22. an Earnest assures one of the whole Sum. The Spirit gives an Earnest of Heaven in our Hand, whence is this comforting work of the Spirit? Thank Christ's Intercession for it. I will pray the Father, and he shall send the Comforter.

6th Fruit. Perseverance in Grace, Iohn 17.11. Keep through thy own Name those which thou hast given me. It is not our prayer, or watchfulness, or grace that keeps us, but it is God's care and manu-tenancy, he holds us that we do not fall away; and, whence is it God preserves us? it is from Christ's Intercession, Father, keep them. That Prayer of Christ for Peter, is the Copy of his Prayer now in Heaven, Luke 22.32. I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. Peter's Faith did fail in some degree, when he denied Christ, but Christ prayed that it might not totally fail. The Saints persevere in believing, because Christ perseveres in praying.

7th Fruit. Absolution at the Day of Judgment. Christ shall judge the World, Iohn 5.22. God hath committed all Iudgment to the Son. Now sure, those that Christ hath so prayed for, he will Absolve when he sits upon the Bench of Judicature. Will Christ condemn those he prays for? Believers are his Spouse, will he condemn his Spouse?

Use 1. Branch 1. See here the Constancy of Christ's Love to the Elect. He did not only die for them, but intercedes for them in Heaven: when Christ hath done dying, he hath not done loving; he is now at work in Heaven for the Saints; he carries their names on his breast, and will never leave praying till that Prayer be granted, Iohn 17.24. Father, I will that those whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.

Branch 2. See whence it is that the Prayers of the Saints are so powerful with God. Iacob, as an Angel, prevailed with God; Moses's Prayer tied God's hands; Precibus suis tanquam vinculis ligatum tenuit Deum; Let me alone, Exod. 32.10. Whence is this? It is Christ's Prayer in Heaven makes the Saints Prayers so available. Christ's Divine Nature is the Altar on which he offers up our Prayers, and so they prevail. Prayer, as it comes from the Saints, is but weak and languid; but when the Arrow of a Saint's Prayer is put into the Bow of Christ's Intercession, now it pierceth the Throne of Grace.

CHRIST's Intercession. (2)

Branch 3. It shows where a Christian must chiefly fix his Eye when he comes to prayer, viz. on Christ's Intercession. We are to look up to the Mercy-seat, but to hope for Mercy through Christ's Intercession. We read Levit. 6. That Aaron made the Atonement as well by the Incense as the Bloud. We must look to the Cloud of Incense, viz. the Intercession of Christ. Christian, Look up to thy Advocate, one that God can deny nothing to: A word from Christ's Mouth is more then if all the Angels in Heaven were interceding for thee. If a Man had a Suit depending in the Court of Chancery, and had a skilful Lawyer to plead, this would much encourage him. Christ is now at the Court appearing for us, Heb. 9.24. and he hath great Potency in Heaven; this should much encourage us to look up to him, and hope for Audience in Prayer. We might indeed be afraid to present our Petitions, if we had not Christ to deliver them.

Branch 4. The sad Condition of an Unbeliever, he hath none in Heaven to speak a word for him, Joh. 17.9. I pray not for the world. As good be shut out of Heaven, as be shut out of Christ's Prayer. Christ pleads for the Saints, as Queen Esther did for the Iews, when they should have been destroyed, Let my people be given me at my request, Esth. 7.3. When the Devil shows the Blackness of their Sins, Christ shows the Redness of his Wounds. But how sad is the Condition of that Man Christ will not pray for? Nay, that he will pray against? As Queen Esther petitioned against Haman, and then his Face was covered, Esth. 7.6. and he was led away to Execution. 'Tis sad when the Law shall be against the Sinner, and Conscience, and Judge, and no Friend to speak a word for him: There's no way then but Jaylor take the Prisoner.

Branch 5. If Christ makes Intercession, then we have nothing to do with other Intercessors. The Church of Rome distinguisheth between Mediators of Redemption and Intercession, and say, The Angels do not redeem us, but intercede for us, and pray to them. But Christ only can intercede for us Ex Officio. God hath consecrated him an High-Priest, Heb. 5.6. Thou art a priest for ever. Christ intercedes

Vi pretii, in the Vertue of his Bloud, he pleads his Merits to his Father; the Angels have no Merits to bring to God, therefore can be no Intercessors for us: Whoever is our Advocate, must be our Propitiation to pacifie God, 1 Joh. 2.1. We have an advocate with the Father. Verse 2. And he is our propitiation. The Angels cannot be our Propitiation, ergo, not our Advocates.

2. Use of Tryal: How shall we know that Christ intercedes for us? They have little ground to think Christ prays for them, who never pray for themselves. Well, but how shall we know?

Resp. 1. If Christ be praying for us, then his Spirit is praying in us, Gal. 4.6. He hath sent forth his spirit into your heart, crying, Abba Father. And, Rom. 8.26. the Spirit helps us with Sighs and Groans; not only with Gifts but Groans. We need not climb up into the Firmament to see if the Sun be there, we may see the Beauty of it upon the Earth: so we need not go up into Heaven to see if Christ be there interceding for us; let us look into our Hearts, if they are quickned and inflamed in Prayer, and we can cry, Abba Father, by this interceding of the Spirit within us, we may know Christ is interceding above for us.

Resp. 2. If we are given to Christ, then he intercedes for us, Joh. 17.9. I pray for them whom thou hast given me. 'Tis one thing for Christ to be given to us, another for us to be given to Christ.

Quest. How know you that?

Resp. 3. If thou art a Believer, then thou art one given to Christ, and he prays for thee. Faith is an Act of Recumbency, we do [gap], rest on Christ, as the Stones in the Building rest upon the Corner-stone. Faith throws itself into Christ's Arms; it saith, Christ is my Priest, his Bloud is my Sacrifice, his Divine Nature is my Altar, and here I rest. This Faith is seen by the Effects of it, a refining Work and a resigning Work; it purifies the Heart, there is the refining Work; it makes a Deed of Gift to Christ, it gives up its Use, its Love to him, 1 Cor. 6.19. There is the resigning Work of Faith. These that believe are given to Christ, and have a part in his Prayer, Joh. 17.20. Nor do I pray for these alone, but for all them that shall believe on me.

3. Use of Exhortation. Branch 1. It stirs us up to several Duties, 1. If Christ appears for us in Heaven, then we must appear for him upon Earth: Christ is not ashamed to carry our Names on his Breast, and shall we be ashamed of his Truth? Doth he plead our Cause, and shall not we stand up in his Cause? What a mighty Argument is this to stand up for the Honour of Christ in Times of Apostacy; Christ is interceding for us. Doth he present our Names in Heaven, and shall not we profess his Name on Earth?

Branch 2. If Christ lays out all his Interest for us at the Throne of Grace, we must lay out all our Interest for him: Phil. 1.20. That Christ may be magnified. Trade your Talents for Christ's Glory, there's no Man but hath some Talent to trade, one parts another Estate; Oh trade for Christ's Glory! spend and be spent for him. Let your Head study for Christ, your Hands work for Christ, your Tongue speak for him: If Christ be an Advocate for us in Heaven, we must be Factors for him on Earth; every one in his Sphere must act vigorously for Christ.

Branch 3. Believe in this glorious Intercession of Christ! that he now intercedes for us, and that for his sake God will accept us. In the Text, Who maketh Intercession for us. If we believe not, we dishonour Christ's Intercession. If a poor Sinner may not go to Christ as his High-Priest, believing in his Intercession, then are we Christians in a worse Condition under the Gospel, then the Iews were under the Law: they when they had sinn'd had their High-Priest to make Atonement, and shall not we have our High-Priest? Is not Christ our Aaron, who presents his Bloud and Incense before the Mercy-seat? O look up by Faith to Christ's Intercession! Christ did not only pray for his Disciples and Apostles, but for the weakest Believer.

Branch 4. Love your Intercessor, 1 Cor. 16.22. If any man love not the Lord Iesus Christ, let him be Anathama. Kindness invites Love; had you a Friend at Court, who when you were questioned for Delinquency or Debt, should plead with the Judge for you, and bring you off your Troubles, would not you love that Friend? So it is here; how oft doth Satan put in his Bills against us in the Court, now Christ is at the Judge's hand, he sits at his Father's right hand ever to plead for us, and to make our Peace with God: O how should our Hearts be fired with Love to Christ! Love him with a sincere and superlative Love, above Estate, Relations; Bern. Plusquam tua, tuos; and our Fire of Love should be as the Fire on the Altar, never to go out, Lev. 6.13.

4. Use of Comfort to Believers: Christ is at work for you in Heaven, he makes Intercession for you. Oh but I am afraid Christ doth not intercede for me?

Quest. I am a Sinner; who doth Christ intercede for?

Resp. Isa. 53.12. He made intercession for the transgressors. Did Christ open his sides for thee, and will he not open his mouth to plead for thee?

Quest. But I have offended my High-Priest by distrusting his Bloud, abusing his Love, grieving his Spirit, and will he ever pray for me?

Resp. Which of us may not say so? But, Christian, dost thou mourn for Unbelief? be not discouraged, thou maist have a part in Christ's Prayer: Numb. 16. The congregation murmured against Aaron; yet though they had sinn'd against their High-Priest, Verse 46. Aaron run in with his censer, and stood between the dead and the living. If so much Bowels in Aaron who was but a Type of Christ, how much more Bowels is in Christ, who will pray for them who have sinn'd against their High-Priest? Did not he pray for them that crucified him, Father forgive them?

Quest. But I am unworthy, what am I that Christ should intercede for me?

Resp. The Work of Christ's Intercession is a Work of Free-grace; Christ's praying for us is from his pitying of us. Christ looks not at our Worthiness, but our Wants.

Quest. But I am followed with sad Temptations?

Resp. But though Satan tempts, Christ prays, and Satan shall be vanquished: tho' thou maist loose a single Battel, yet not the Victory. Christ prays that thy Faith fail not; therefore Christian say, Why art thou cast down, O my Soul? Christ intercedes, 'tis Man that sins, 'tis God that prays: The Greek word for Advocate, [gap], Comforter. This is a Soveraign Comfort, Christ makes Intercession.

CHRIST's Kingly Office.

Quest. XVI. HOw doth Christ execute the Office of a King?

Resp. In subduing us to himself, and in restraining and conquering his and our Enemies.

Now of CHRIST's Regal Office, Revel. 19.16. And he hath on his vesture, and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.

Jesus Christ is of mighty Renown, he is a King; he hath a Kingly Title, High and mighty, Isa. 57.15. 2. He hath his Insignia Regalia, his Ensigns of Royalty, Corona est insigne Regiae potestatis; His Crown, Rev. 6.2. His Sword, Psal. 45.3. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh. His Scepter, Heb. 1.8. A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. 3. His Escotcheon, or Coat-Armour, he gives the Lyon in his Arms, Rev. 5.5. The lion of the tribe of Iudah. And he is, the Text saith, [gap], King of Kings. He hath a Preheminence of all other Kings, he is call'd the Prince of the Kings of the Earth, Rev. 1.5. [gap]—He must needs be so, for by him Kings reign, Prov. 8.15. They hold their Crowns by immediate Tenure from this Great King. Christ infinitely out-vyes all others Princes, he hath the highest Throne, the largest Dominions, and the longest Possession, Heb. 1.8. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. Christ hath many Heirs, but no Successors. Well may he be called King of Kings, for he hath an Unlimited Power; other Kings their Power is limited, but Christ's Power is unlimited, Psal. 135.6. Whatsoever he pleased, that did he in heaven and earth, and in the seas. Christ's Power is as large as his Will. The Angels take the Oath of Allegiance to him, Heb. 1.6. Let all the angels of God worship him.

Quest. How Christ comes to be King?

Resp. Not by Usurpation, but Legally: Christ holds his Crown by immediate Tenure from Heaven. God the Father hath decreed him to be King, Psal. 2.5, 6. I have set my king upon my holy hill; I will declare the decree. God hath anointed and sealed him to his Regal Office, Joh. 6.27. Him hath God the Father sealed. God hath set the Crown upon his Head.

Quest. In what sence is Christ King?

Resp. Two ways, 1. In reference to his People. And, 2. In reference to his Enemies.

1. In reference to his People: 1. To govern them, it was prophesied of Christ before he was born, Matth. 2.6. And thou Bethlehem art not the least among the princes of Iudah, for out of thee shall come a governour that shall rule my people Israel. 'Tis a vain thing for a King to have a Crown on his Head, unless he have a Scepter in his Hand to rule.

Quest. Where doth Christ Rule?

Resp. His Kingdom is Spiritual: he rules in the Hearts of Men. He sets up his Throne where no other King doth, he rules the Will and Affections, His Power binds the Conscience: he subdues Mens Lusts, Mic. 7.19. He will subdue our iniquities.

Quest. What doth Christ rule by?

Resp. By Law, and by Love: 1. He rules by Law. 'Tis one of the Iura Regalia, the Flowers of the Crown, to Enact Laws, Christ as King makes Laws, and by his Laws he Rules: The Law of Faith, Believe in the Lord Iesus; the Law of Sanctity, 1 Pet. 1.15. Be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Many would admit Christ to be their Advocate to plead for them, but not their King to rule them.

2. He rules by Love: He is a King full of Mercy and Clemency; as he hath a Scepter in his Hand, so an Olive-branch of Peace in his Mouth. Though he be the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah for Majesty, yet the Lamb of God for Meekness. His Regal Rod hath Honey at the end of it. He sheds abroad his Love into the Hearts of his Subjects; he rules them with Promises as well as Precepts. This makes all his Subjects become Volunteers; they are willing to pay their Allegiance to him, Psal. 110.3. Thy people shall be a willing people; Plur. Gnam nedabot.

2. Christ is a King to defend his People, as Christ hath a Scepter to rule them, so a Shield to defend them, Psal. 3.3. Thou O Lord art a shield for me. When Antiochus did rage furiously against the Iews, he took away the Vessels of the Lord's House, set up an Idol in the Temple; then this Great King, call'd Michael, did stand up for them to defend them, Dan. 12.1. Christ preserves his Church as a Spark in the Ocean, as a Flock of Sheep among Wolves. That the Sea should be higher then the Earth, and yet not drown it, is a Wonder: so that the Wicked should be so much higher than the Church in Power, and not devour it, is because Christ hath this Inscription on his Vesture and his Thigh, King of Kings: Ps. 124.2. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side; they had swallowed us up. They say Lions are Insomnes, they have little or no sleep; 'tis true of the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah, he never slumbers nor sleeps, but watcheth over his Church to defend it: Isa. 27.2, 3. Sing ye unto her a vineyard of red wine; I the Lord do keep it least any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. If the Enemies destroy the Church, it must be at a time when it is neither Night nor Day, for Christ keeps it Day and Night. Christ is said to carry his Church as the Eagle her young Ones upon her Wings, Exod. 19.4. The Arrow must first hit the Eagle before it can hurt the young Ones, and shoot through her Wings: the Enemies must first strike through Christ, before they can destroy his Church. Let the Wind and Storms be up, and the Church almost covered with Waves, yet Christ, is in the Ship of the Church, and so long there's no danger of Shipwrack. Nor will Christ only defend his Church as he is King, but deliver it, 2 Tim. 4.17. He delivered me out of the mouth of the lion; viz. Nero. 2. Chr. 11.14. The Lord saved them by a great deliverance. Sometimes Christ is said to command Deliverance, Psal. 44.4. Sometimes to create Deliverance, Isa. 65.18. Christ as a King commands Deliverance, and as a God creates it. And deliverance shall come in his time: Isa. 60.22. I the LORD will hasten it in his time.

Quest. When is the time that this King will deliver his People?

Resp. When the Hearts of his People are humblest, when their Prayers are ferventest, when their Faith is strongest, when their Forces are weakest, when their Enemies are highest; now is the usual time that Christ puts forth his Kingly Power in their Deliverance, Isa. 33.2, 8, 9.

3. Christ is a King to Reward his People, there's nothing lost by serving this King, 1. He Rewards his Subjects in this Life: 1. He gives them Inward Peace and Joy; a Bunch of Grapes by the way; and oftentimes Riches and Honour. Godliness hath the promise of this life, 1 Tim. 4.8. These are as it were the Saints Vails; but besides, the great Reward is to come, An eternal weight of Glory, 2 Cor. 4.17. Christ makes all his Subjects Kings, Rev. 2.10. I'll give thee a crown of life. This Crown will be full of Jewels, and it will never fade, 1 Pet. 5.5.

2. Christ is a King in reference to his Enemies, in subduing and conquering them: He pulls down their Pride, befools their Policy, restrains their Malice. That Stone cut out of the Mountains without Hands, which smote the Image, Dan. 2.34. was

was an Emblem, saith Austin, of Christ's Monarchical Power, conquering and triumphing over his Enemies. Christ will make his Enemies his Footstool, Psal. 110.1 He can destroy them with ease, 2 Chron. 14.11. It is nothing for thee Lord to help. He can do it with weak means, without means. He can make the Enemies destroy themselves; he set the Persians against the Grecians: and 2 Chron. 20.23. the Children of Ammon helped to destroy one another. Thus Christ is King in vanquishing the Enemies of his Church.

This is a great ground of Comfort to the Church of God in the midst of all the Combinations of the Enemy, Christ is King, and he can not only bound the Enemies power, but break it. The Church hath more with her then against her, she hath Emanuel on her side, even that Great King to whom all Knees must bend.

Christ is called a Man of War, Exod. 15.3. he understands all the Policies of Chivalry; he is described with seven Eyes, and seven Horns, Rev. 5.6. The seven Eyes are to discern the Conspiracies of his Enemies, and the seven Horns are to push and vex his Enemies.

Christ is described with a Crown and a Bow, Rev. 6.2. He that sat on the white Horse had a Bow, and a Crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquering and to conquer. A Crown is an Ensign of his Kingly Office, and the Bow is to shoot his Enemies to Death.

Christ is describ'd with a Vesture dip'd in Blood, Rev. 19.13. He hath a golden Scepter to Rule his People, but an Iron Rod to break his Enemies. Rev. 17.12, 14. The ten Horns thou sawest are ten Kings, these shall make War with the Lamb, but the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is King of Kings. The Enemies may set up their Standard, but Christ will set up his Trophies at last. Rev. 14.18, 19. And the Angel gathered the Vine of the Earth, and cast it into the great Wine-press of the Wrath of God, and the Wine-press was trodden, and blood came out of the Wine-press. The Enemies of Christ shall be but as so many Clusters of ripe Grapes to be cast into the great Wine-Press of the Wrath of God, and to be trodden by Christ till their Bloud comes out. Christ will at last come off Victor, and all his Enemies shall be put under his Feet: Gaudeo quod Christus dominus est, alioqui desperassem, said Miconius in an Epistle to Calvin. I am glad Christ Reigns, else I should have despaired.—

Use 1. Branch 1. See hence it is no Disparagement to serve Christ, he is a King, and its no Dishonour to be employed in a King's Service. Some are apt to reproach the Saints for their Piety, they serve the Lord Christ, he who hath this Inscription upon his Vesture, KING of KINGS. Theodosius thought it a greater Honour to be a Servant of CHRIST, then the Head of an Empire. Servire est Regnare—Christ's Servants are call'd Vessels of Honour, 2 Tim. 2.21. And a Royal Nation, 1 Pet. 2.9. Serving of Christ Ennobles us with Dignity: 'Tis a greater Honour to serve Christ, then to have Kings serve us.

Branch 2. If Christ be King, it informs us, that all Matters of Fact must one day be brought before him. Christ hath Ius vitae & necis, the Power of Life and Death in his hand, Joh. 5.22. The Father hath committed all judgment to the Son. He who once hung upon the Cross, shall sit upon the Bench of Judicature: Kings must come before him to be judged; they who once sat upon the Throne, must appear at the Bar. God hath committed all Judgment to the Son, and Christ's is the highest Court of Judicature: if this King once condemns Men, there is no Appeal to any other Court.

Branch 3. See whither we are to go when we are foiled by Corruption, go to Christ, he is King, desire him by his Kingly Power, to subdue thy Corruptions, to bind these Kings with Chains, Psal. 149.8. We are apt to say of our Sins, These sons of Zerviah will be too strong for us; we shall never overcome this Pride and Infidelity: Aye, but go to Christ, he is King, though our Lusts are too strong for us, yet not for Christ to conquer: he can by his Spirit break the Power of Sin. Ioshua when he had conquered five Kings, caus'd his Servants to set their Feet on the Necks of those Kings; so Christ can and will set his Feet on the Necks of our Lusts.

2. Use of Caution: Is Christ King of Kings? Let all Great Ones take heed how they imploy their Power against Christ: Christ gives them their Power, and if this Power shall be made use of for the suppressing of his Kingdom and Ordinances, their account will be heavy. God hath laid the Key of Government upon Christ's shoulders, Isa. 9.7. and to go to oppose Christ in his Kingly Office, it is as if the Thorns should set themselves in Battalia against the Fire, or a Child fight with an Archangel. Christ's Sword on his Thigh is able to avenge all his Quarrels: It

is not good to stir a Lion; Let not Men provoke the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, whose Eyes are as a Lamp of fire, and the Rocks are thrown down by him, Nahum 1.6. He shall cut off the spirit of Princes, Psal. 76.12.

Use 3. If Christ be a great King, submit to him. Say not as those Iews, We have no King but Caesar, no King but our Lusts. This is to choose the Bramble to rule over you, and out of the Bramble will come forth a fire, Iudg. 9. Submit to Christ willingly; all the Devils in Hell submit to Christ, but 'tis against their will, they are his Slaves, Not his Subjects. Submit cheerfully to Christ's Person and his Laws. Many would have Christ their Saviour, but not their Prince; such as will not have Christ to be their King to rule them, shall never have his Blood to save them. Obey all Christ's Princely Commands; if he commands Love, Humility, Good Works, be as the Needle which points which way soever the Load-stone draws.

Branch 2. Let such admire God's Free-grace, who were once under the Power and Tyranny of Satan, and now Christ hath made them of Slaves, to become the Subjects of his Kingdom. Christ did not need Subjects, he hath Legions of Angels ministring to him; but in his Love, he hath honoured you, to make you his Subjects. O! how long was it e're Christ could prevail with you to come under his Banner? How much opposition did he meet with, e're you would wear this Prince's Colours? but at last Omnipotent Grace overcame you. When Peter was sleeping between two Souldiers, an Angel came and beat off his Chains, Acts 12.7. So when thou wert sleeping in the Devil's Arms, that Christ should by his Spirit smite thy heart, and cause the Chains of Sin to fall off, and make thee a Subject of his Kingdom: O admire Free-grace! Thou who art a Subject of Christ, art sure to Reign with Christ for ever.