ECCLESIA GEMENS: OR, Two Discourses On the mournful State of the Church, with a Prospect of her Dawning Glory.  
Exhibited in a View of two Scriptures, representing her as a Myrtle-Grove in a deep Bottom, and as a knot of Lilies among Thorns.  Psal. 68.13. 
Though ye have lain among the Pots, yet shall ye be as the Wings of a Dove covered with Silver, and her Feathers with yellow Gold.  
LONDON, Printed for John Hancock, at the three Bibles in Popes-head Alley in Cornhill. 1677.   

To the Holy Church of Christ lately walking in Communion with Mr. J.C. and now with D. J.O. before whom these exercises were handled, and to whom they are now humbly presented by  
Theirs in the Fellowship of the Gospel. S. L.   


1673. April. 6.  THE VISION OF THE MYRTLEGROVE.  Zach. 1.8. 
I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red Horse, and he stood among the Myrtle-trees that were in the bottom, and behind him there were red Horses, speckled, and white.  
THIS is a Comfortable Vision to the Church in a low and dark condition: For, upon her Humiliation by the Prophet's Sermon of Repentance, v. 6. The Captain of the Lords Hosts appears in order to deliverance.  
The Captivity was in part returned, but the Temple, whose Foundation though laid, yet the Progress of its building interrupted, lay still in a ruinous state, and the City itself unwalled and in a mournful plight, 
Ps. 137.2.  and many of the people not hitherto come forth of Babylon: Their Harps hung yet upon the willows; but now they are to be taken down to be employed in Songs of Zion, with Myrtle Crowns of Festival Joy upon their Heads.  
It suits with our estate since the return of our Fathers from Spiritual Babylon. For as yet the pure Temple-worship mourns in the dust, and the City of New Jerusalem lies in rubbish.  
In this Prophetical Vision observe:  
1. The Time, v. 7. The second year of Darius Hystaspes, 519 years before the Birth of our Lord, on the 24th Day of the 11th Month Sebat, answering to part of January, and more particularly, the Prophet saw this Vision in the Night.  
By Night.] 1. To show the darkness and difficulty of the Vision. 2. That it was a time of affliction to the Church. 3. That Christ the Captain of the Church appeared but darkly to the Fathers of old.  
2. The Place of the Vision, in a Bottom, Bamezulah, in profundo, which the Chald. Paraphrase turns 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Babylon, 
Jer. 51.13.  which lay in a low Champion plain by the great River Euphrates in the Land of Chaldea, and was noted, if I remember right, for fertility in this fragrant Shrub of Myrtle. 
Com. in Plin. l. 15. c. 29.  Edessa in Mesopotamia had its name from Myrtles; and however, Parthia was famous for it, which was a neighbouring Province.  
3dly. The Objects presented in the Vision which are three.  
A Captain upon a red Horse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Equitans, or ascendens, about to get up; as the LXX. express it, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, ready to ascend upon his Horse, who is no other than that same Captain which appeared to Joshuah when entering upon his Wars against the Canaanites. 
Jos. 5.14.  I shall not determine with Alapide, that the [Sus Adam,] the red horse notes his Humanity; I dare not be so bold, but rather, as a Captain getting up on his horse of blood, in order to the slaughter of his Enemies.  
A Grove of Myrtle Trees in the midst whereof stood this valiant Captain of the Lords Hosts, ready to get up, or being ascended, makes a stand till the time of his going forth against Babylon: For though Babylon were taken by Cyrus before this Vision, yet there passed 4 years after this Exhibition to the Prophet, even just at the finishing of the Temple in the 6th. 
Herodot. l. 3. p. 323. Usser. annal.  of Darius, when that Golden City was woefully sacked, the Walls pulled down, and the Gates demolished, and 3000 of her most noble Citizens staked or crucified, and after a while Babel was totally laid in ruins by Xerxes.  
Behind this glorious Captain were placed in Martial Array, 3 sorts of horses, or 3 Troops or Regiments of various coloured horses, Red, Speckled, and White.  
By the Myrtle Grove is meant the Church of God; by the bottom, Babylon: By the Captain, Jesus Christ the Son of God: By the Red Horse, his design of War against Babylon: The 3 sorts of Horses behind him, first Red, noting bloody wars against the Church's Enemies. 2d. The speckled, signifying various Providences; sometimes the Church victorious, and othertimes in an afflicted state under the Antiochian Princes. 3d. White Horses, representing the Church in the end completely victorious and triumphant: All the Church's troubles shall end in victory; and these Horses that attend upon Christ, go forth from among the Myrtle Trees, that is, the Angels who encamp about tho Church, are sometimes sent abroad upon expeditions against her Enemies, arming and influencing of Nations one against another, to subdue those who have impugned the Church, 
Is. 51.11.  and to execute the vengeance of the Temple.  
This Vision is given by God to the Prophet on purpose to encourage his People in going on with Temple-work, having form the heart of Darius, to give forth another Edict besides that of Cyrus, to finish the stately structure of his Temple. Having thus touched upon the Scope of the Prophecy, let's descend to some Instructions from it. There be 3 Spring-heads from whence the streams of the observations may flow full pleasantly.  
1. From the Time and Place.  
2. The Myrtle Trees.  
3. The Captain and his Forces.  
1. The Time: It was by Night, an obscure and dark Season. The Place was a deep Valley or Bottom; and both are fit Emblems of the troubles and afflictions of the Church.  
The Church of God after begun deliverances, 
Obs. 1.  may continue for a season under dark, doubtful, and afflictive Providences. Israel, after they were come out of Egypt, wandered 40 years in a howling Wilderness, and were exercised with 7 years' Wars in Canaan, before they were settled under Vines and Figtrees in that Land flowing with Milk and Honey.  
Again, When Judah came out of Babylon, from the first of Cyrus, till Nehemiahs' coming from Shusham to build Jerusalem's Walls in the 20th. 
536. 454. 82.  year of Artaxerxes Longimanus, 
Usser. annals.  there intervened fourscore and two years: And in the later days, after the 1290 years are fully expired, there must be a flux of 45 years from the first deliverance till the complete state of the blessed times of the Church. 
Dan. 12.11, 12.  I need not insert any other particular instances, 'tis the wise method of Divine Providence,  
To hue down and cut off those stubborn Spirits which hanker after Egypt, and long for the Fleshpots, the Garlic and Onions of their old state of bondage. They smell rank and unsavoury before God, that like the old murmuring Israelites, dare to call Egypt by the Title of the Land of Canaan; crying to Moses, 
Numb. 16.13.  Thou hast brought us out of a Land flowing with Milk and Honey, to kill us in the Wilderness.  
Gradually to prepare his faithful people, who like Caleb and Joshua follow the Lord fully, for those blessed and glorious Enjoyments: As the horrid Rocks and Mountains of Pindus set off the pleasant verdure of the Thessalian Tempe: So did the Arabian Deserts, the parching Droughts, the fiery Serpents, and the Swords of Bashan superadd a varnishing lustre to Canaan the glory of all Lands. 
Ezek, 20.6, 15.   
To manage the ruin and extirpation of the Church's Enemies by degrees; 
Deut. 7.22.  not all at once, lest the beasts of the field increase too numerous. To give his Enemies some time and space of repentance, and to leave them without Apology; and that the Church's hands be not too full of labour and travel. But first Amaleck must have a blow from Joshua, 
Exod. 17.10.  and taste of the sharpness of his glittering Sword; then the King of Arad (a City 4 mile's south of Malliattha or Amalek according to Jerom) must bow down their neck under his victorious foot; 
Numb. 21.1.  then the Pools of Heshbon must be dried up, and the Iron Bed of Og must be drawn in triumph; and lastly, Median with her 5 Princes, and Balaam with his Enchanted Altars must flame in sacrifice to Divine Vengeance, before they pass over Jordan to conquer and enjoy the Land of Promise. 
Obs. 2.   
In the next place we may observe, that though the Church be overshadowed with a dark night, and sit silently upon the ground in a deep bottom, as represented on the reverse of Vespasian's Coin weeping under a Palmtree; yet here she is brought to erect her countenance with a smiling and joyful aspect into the Myrtle Grove, and Christ her Lord and Husband present with her: All dark, but the bright Face of Christ illustrating the Face of the Prophet with a clear Vision, and the Face of the Spouse with some radiations of joy. Though the State of the Church be dark, yet the Vision is bright; God's work goes on though it be by night. Though the Church might not as yet see the Prophet, yet she enjoys her Captain; and though his help be invisible, yet 'tis certain. Though the Church think of little but continuing darkness, and a long and stormy time of trouble, like a January night, in which Month this Vision appeared, yet morning will come: Phosphorus, the Morning Star will shine, and the Sun will shortly gild the Eastern Mountains with his glorious Beams. The Babylonian Enemies think they shall always detain the captive Church in their Dungeon bottoms, but the shining Ruler of the Day will not sail to appear in that his glorious Epiphany, 
Psa. 104.20.  and chase all the wild Beasts of the Night into dismal holes and caverns. This Vision comes by night, when the Church little dreams of deliverance. and less discerns the approach of her Heavenborn Captain. Watchman, what, 
Isa. 21.12, 9,  of the night? Behold here cometh a Chariot of Men, a couple of Horsemen: Babylon is fallen, is fallen; go up, O Elam, besiege, O Media. Though the Church lie prostrate in a deep Valley. yet 'tis a Valley of Vision: Though she cry out in the Valley of Anchor, 
Hos. 2.15.  yet God will give her both Vineyards and Myrtle Groves from thence. The Church shall be both fruitful and fragrant in the midst of couchant Valleys at the foot of the proud and lofty Mountains of the World. The Church never sighs out her sorrows in so dark a night, but a new Moon may appear with a little light and some brightening Visions of mercy. Some Prophets to comfort, some Prince's hearts awakening towards her rescue, who, like Darius, shall shortly put foot in stirrup against her bloody enemies. Neither is there any particular Member of the Church in so dark and blustering a Tempest, 
Job 35.10. Ps. 139.12.  but may find some Songs in the night. He to whom the night shineth as the day by the lustre of his omniscient eye, beholds his darling Spouse in the profoundest bottoms of tribulation, and sends his Prophets with Glorious Visions to erect and illustrate their gloomy and dejected Spirits.  
The 2d. part of this verse contains the Vision of the Myrtle Grove in a deep bottom: Hence  
The Church of God in her lowest estate and darkest time is highly valued of God: Obs. It is his Pleasant Plant, his Garden, his Paradise, his Myrtle Grove, more delicious than those admired pendulous Gardens of Semiramis in Babylon. He planted these fragrant Shrubs: This sensible Plant, dedicated to his Love, he waters and watches it every moment. He always beholds it and beautifies it with his presence and walk: He shows it to his Prophets by Divine Moonlight, and sends them to tell his Church and People, how greatly he esteems and values it. Though the night be cloudy and stormy, and the Church hardly to be kenned by carnal eyes were they awake; yet he whose eyes are like a flame of fire, 
Rev. 1.14.  
Luke 2.9.  can make a sudden light to shine about his Shepherds and the Flocks of his Church by night, and turn their Fears into exquisite Joys, and teach them to tune their rural Pipes in consort with the Heavenly Host praising God, and so open the eyes of these Keepers of the Vines and Myrtles, that they shall behold the Captain of their Salvation in the midst of the Grove, with 3 Troops of Angels for their protection and comfort; not a Tree but a Horseman assigned it like the Palms in the Temple always interwoven with Cherubims.  
Q But why is the Church compared to a Myrtle Grove? Not to be over curious and nice; I shall only Spiritualise a few Notions about it.  
1. The Myrtle is but a mean, low shrub to note the humility of the Church and its Members: They have no aspiring thoughts like the proud ambitious Oaks of Bashan. They take up but little room in the World, and do not kill the Herbage by poisonous droppings or venomous shades. Learn of me, 
Mat. 11.29.  saith Christ, for I am meek and lowly, and you shall find rest to your Souls. Meekness to bear reproof, meekness to return mild and soft answers, meekness not to murmur against afflicting Providences, are the notes of a humble Myrtle. Of a meek Spirit like Moses, 
1 Pet. 3.4.  which is with God of a great price. Meekness and quietness go hand in hand: Meddlesome, touchy, and quarrelsome Spirits, are not led by the Spirit of God. There grow no Thorns upon these Balsam Plants which thrive in cool Valleys at the bottoms of lofty and barren Mountains— & amantes frigora Myrtos. Saints and gracious Persons are not so soon touched with direful Thunderbolts, nor inflamed by the lightning Flashes of rage and anger.  
2. The Myrtle is ever Green: Though low, yet always verdant. So lovely a Green, it tempts the eye with delight to spend contemplations upon it; and 'tis always green like that Godly Man whose Leaf never withers: 
Ps. 1.3.  No cold Winter strips them of their Holy profession. Hypocrites are Sunshine Professors, Summer Birds, Butterflies that come forth when the Church enjoys her May: But God's true Myrtles are green in January, the Month of this blessed Vision. The storm of Persecution may break their Boughs, but not destroy their greenness; they may stand in a deep Valley, the Church may be driven into holes, but still retains her native emerald greenness. As the Dove may be forced into a cloven of the Rock; but mourns and retains the voice of a Dove still. 
Songs 2.14.   
3. The Myrtle is eminent for Fragrancy. All is sweet and perfumed in a Myrtle. The Berries, Flowers, Leaves, all most fragrant. The Rose its Leaves are bitter, though the smell sweet; but here all's , and therefore by the Ancients dedicated unto Love. — Vitis Jaccho, formosae veneri Myrtus. etc. Whatever the Church yields, is eminent. The thoughts and discourses of Saints are like the fine white Flowers of the Myrtle, they are full of candour, and breath holiness in every Air, in every Region. The Life of Saints smells fragrantly, 
Songs 5.16.  like Christ his Mouth is most sweet: He is altogether, all over lovely.  
4. 
4. l. 1. c. 155.  The Fruit of the Myrtle is Medicinal: It is astrictive, says Dioscorides, and therefore good against spitting of Blood, and beneficial to the Stomach, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; Myrtle Wine is profitable against the bitings of the Spider Phalangium, and the stings of Scorpions. Gracious persons are of a healing nature to such as breathe forth cruelty against the Church, and whose Stomaches are full of poison and malignant venom: They are like the Trees of Paradise for the healing of the Nations wherein they dwell. 
Rev. 22.2.  A Child of God, much more a Church of Christ should be like a College of Physicians to a diseased World. Truly, what is this miserable forlorn World but a mere Hospital of crazy, wounded, and leprous persons. Here lie some with limbs broken in Satan's drudgery, others raging under intolerable pains, their very Nerves and Bones rotten through the Sins of youth, others full of Boils and putrifying Sores from lust and corruption, and all poisoned with the venom of Original Sin. O let Saints carry about the Balm of Gilead to cure the wounded of the Daughter of their People.  
5. The Vision exhibits these Trees in a cluster: It is a Myrtle Grove to show Communion. The Church is compared to a Flock of Sheep, to a Flight of Doves, to a Knot of Lilies, to a Grove of Myrtles. Saints love society, so it be a society of Saints. It was a custom of old among the Gentiles to dance in their Temples with Myrtle Crowns upon their Heads, to signify amity, love, 
Athen. Dipnos. l. 15. p. 676.  and delight in each other: How much more excellent shall be the Communion of Saints, when instead of the Thorns shall spring the Fir Trees, and instead of the Briar or Nettle of the Heathen, 
Is. 55.13.  shall arise the Myrtle for a Name to the Lord; 
60.13.  an everlasting Sign to beautify the Sanctuary of his Holiness, which shall never be cut up.  
1. Learn, 
Us. 1.  That Myrtles may grow in Babylon, nay in Groves, in Church communion, though in a low and secret Valley by the waters of Babylon, till they are transplanted to Canaan. Captive Myrtles shall be Crowns of Glory in the Temple above. Saints may for a season be, and thrive in a naughty world, in a hostile Country, and preserved from the foot of violence: Saints may sing Psalms in Caesar's Household, and be chief saluted by an holy Apostle. 
Phil. 4.22.  The Lily may be sheltered by Thorns, and the myrtle environed by a sharp Babylonian Quickset: Our Lord prays the Father not to take his Church out of the World, 
Joh. 17.15. Acts 2.40.  but to defend them from the evil of it, and save them from the untoward generation wherein they live. Were it not for his Myrtles in this Valley of Tears, God would soon send up his Axe upon the Oaks of Bashan, and lift up his Hammer upon Babylon. They must propagate and increase for a season, till the time that Babylon's ripe for vengeance, and the second Solomon's Garden in Zion measured out into Beds, 
Songs 6.2.  made delectable with Walks, 
4.15.  and watered with Streams from Lebanon, and every way fitted by culture for the reception of sweet-scented Myrtles, to be Plants of renown in the Glorious State of the Church which hastens towards us. 
Ezek. 34.29.   
Us. 2 2. The Churches dark and low estate moves the Divine bowels to mercy. Now comes a Prophet into the Valley, and a Vision meets him for the Church's Joy in the 2d. of Darius. This great Prince strengthens the former Edict of Cyrus in despite of Samaritan hatred; 
Ezr. 6.1, 14.  and so do the following Princes, notwithstanding Tobiahs' Alliance to the Highpriest Eliashib. 
Neh. 13.4.  It's the God of Israel who melts and bends the hearts of Princes, and makes them flexible towards his Church; that the prostrate Vine may begin to climb up and be supported by the Elm of Magistracy. He turns their hearts to hate his People for a season for their correction, 
Ps. 105.25. Ps. 106.46.  and then reputes according to the multitude of his mercies, and makes them to be pitied of all those that carried them captives. He puts it into the hearts of the 10 Kings to fulfil his Will, and to agree, 
Rev. 17.17.  and give their Kingdom to the Beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled, and then he remembers his Holy Covenant.  
3. Us. 3 To encourage his People to go on with Temple-work. Shall the heart of Darius be enlarged towards the dust and rubbish of Zion, and and shall not Zachary prophecy, and Zerubabel build, 
Zech. 3.5.  and Joshua minister with a fair Mitre upon his Head, and all the People shout for joy, crying, Grace, grace, to the Glory of the 2d. Temple, which was far greater than the former, 
Hag. 2.9.  because the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts brought peace into it.  
Us. 4 4. It's good to abide in communion with the Church of God; to be but a Berry, a Flower, a Leave of the Myrtle Tree is a great honour: Let Saints keep close to this fragrant Garden. God smells a savour of rest in such Assemblies. Every Church is a Tree, and all the Trees make God's Myrtle Grove in the Earth: For as they have their fragrancy, so they enjoy whole Regiments of tutelary Angels for their defence; yea Christ himself delights to be no where else, and to be seen among them as a Captain, getting up on his Red Horse against their Enemies. They may come out with their Swords and Hatchets, their Axes and Acts of Hostility, but shall never be able to cut up the Myrtle Grove of the Church, that has so glorious a Captain to own it for his Garden and descend it. 
Is. 4.5.  Upon all the Glory shall be a defence. 
Gen. 3.24.  It's like the Ancient Eden guarded by Cherubims with flaming Swords, turning every way to keep the Path of the Trees of Life. Let Saints persist in sertility and fragrancy, and Christ will ever make himself visible with troops of Angels in the midst and round about his Fragrant Grove.  
I pass on now to the 3d. Particular, The Vision of the Captain and his Forces.  
He that's called a Man in the Text riding on a red Horse, holds conference with the Prophet, and the Prophet styles him his Lord, v. 9 and the Angel of the Lord, v. 11.  
Prophets and Angels hold heavenly communion, but especially the Angel of the covenant. Now, that this Person is the Lord Jesus Christ, the same who was with Moses in the Bush at Horeb in the Wilderness, 
Acts 7.38.  may appear;  
1. By his superiority over Angels. 
Jos. 5.14.  The Captain of the Lords Hosts, brandishing his Sword before Joshua near Jericho, was now with his Sword girt upon his Thigh, 
Ps. 45.3.  like a Prince of Might, ascending the Red Horse of War: He who is Head over all Principalities and Powers to his Church. 
Eph. 1.22.   
2. By his Intercession for the Church, v 12. He is the great Mediator; we never observe Ordinary Angels praying to God for the Church in the Sacred Page: Though often praising him, to teach that none ought to interpose in that glorious Office of Christ.  
3. By his Dictates to the Prophet. He speaks not of himself, when he declares the Angelical Functions of visiting the State of the Church and of the whole Earth. But these (says the Captain, v. 10.) pointing to the 3 Troops of Holy Angels behind him; these are they whom the Lord hath sent to visit the Church in her scattered estate through the several Provinces of the Earth under the Dominion of Babylon.  
4. By his Inspiration of Prophecy in a way of command, when he had received a comfortable answer from the Lord to his Prayer for the Church: Cry thou, Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion; that is, for the City and Temple, for the Politic and Ecclesiastic Estate of his People with great jealousy, v. 14.  
Next, we are to consider him as a Rider upon a Red Horse. A Horse in Eastern Hieroglyphics and Visions, was an Emblem of War, of Victory, and Triumph: A Red Horse, of Blood shed in War in order to conquest; 
Is. 63.4.  to note that Christ goes with a Spirit of vengeance against his Church's Adversaries, and returns with Garments died red from Bozrah, 
Is. 63.1.  all sprinkled and dashed with the Blood of the Slain. Nay, 
Rev. 14.20.  sometimes he rides his Horses up to the Bridles in Blood in the Valley of Hadadrimmon.  
Then come in view his Satellites, or the Generous Troops under his Imperial Standard. Red Horses, speckled, and white, representing the Holy Angels, multitudes of them marshaled in battle-array for various Expeditions, with the Triumphant issue of all their Wars on behalf of the Church. That Horses and Chariots are Symbols of Angels, may be observed from other Scriptures; as, 2 Kin. 2.11. and 6.17. and Hab. 3.8. etc. The Chariots of God are 20000, 
Ps. 68.17.  even thousands of Angels; and not to mention the allusions hereto in other Authors, only that in Suidas at present.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: 
Suid. p. 1271.  The Vision of White Horses is an appearance of Angels. I shall come to an observation.  
Obs. That Christ doth frequently appear to his Church in her distress under a warlike posture: He is head of Angels for protection to his Myrtle Garden. One Angel might have sufficed had God seen good, but for more abundant comfort he marshals whole Squadrons and Legions of Spiritual light Horsemen for their Service. Above all, let's take notice of some excellencies in this Captain General of the Cherubims that is now upon march for the Salvation of his Church.  
1. He is a praying Captain, and mighty prevalent with God; like a Prince with God, like a Priest upon his Throne; 
Zech. 6.13.  both Prince and Priest on horseback. He never prays but is answered, and he ever prays before he goes forth upon expeditions as he does in this Vision, v. 13. and therefore in righteousness he judgeth and maketh war. It's said of old, 
Rev. 19.11.  Nulla fides pietasque viris qui castra sequuntur. No faith or loyalty in the field. But behold, here's one with a double-edged Sword in his Mouth, a fervent prayer to make his Sword victorious. 
Judg. 7.18.  We have here the Sword of the Lord as well as of Gideon; a Sword from behind the Ephod, none like it; it hath cut down many a Philistine. The Sword of God is the Sword of Christ: Prayer whets the Sword and courage brandishes it. In his Majesty he rides on prosperously, 
Ps. 45.4.  and baths it in the hearts of his Enemies.  
2. A Captain wise for conduct: The council of peace is between his Helmet and Mitre. 
Zach. 6.13.  He is a Kingly and Royal Captain in order to the execution of his Priestly and Prophetical Office. He fights not for warsake but for peace: He hates them that delight in war and spin out long Sieges for large Wages. His End is to set Peace in the Earth, an Universal Peace as long as the Sun and Moon endure. 
Is. 2.4.  He designs to bring all the Swords and Spears of his Warriors to the Smith's Forge, and to fashion them into Scythes and Ploughshares, into Sickles and pruning-hooks. 
Ps. 72.7.  In his days shall the Righteous flourish, and abundance of peace 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 usq, ad non lunam; till there be Moon no more. Yea, no less wise in management of his Armies for this glorious Design: Insomuch, that Angels who excel in wisdom, disdain not to march at his command, and wheel about at the clangor of his Trumpet. There's no mutiny in all Heaven's Army. Alexander's Soldiers when they were in the Indies among the Oritae, 
Curt. & Arian.  would march no further though to finish the world's Conquest and dip their feet in the Eastern Ocean: But here is an unwearied Army that march up and down through the whole Earth at his command. 
v. 11.  Angels are his Creatures, delighting to do his Will. The Inhabitants of Petra in Sogdiana built upon an inaccessible Rock, jeered Alexander, 
Curt. l. 7. c. 11.  and asked him whether his Soldiers had wings: But behold here are winged Soldiers riding upon winged Horses that can fly into Cities at their Pleasure. Such a Captain wages war on behalf of his Church. This is he, 
Exod. 14.14, 25.  who fought from Heaven against the Egyptians and Pharach in the Red Sea. He taught Joshua to lie in ambush against Ai. 
Josh. 8.2.  He instructed Gideon to astonish the Midianites by Lamps and Pitchers into a panic fear. 
Jud. 7.16.  It's he, who comes from Edom, with garments died red from Bozrah, glorious in his bloody apparel, 
Is. 63.1.  and marching in the greatness of his Strength. This is the David, who guides all according to the integrity of his heart, 
Ps. 78.72.  and by the skillfulness of his hands.  
3. A Captain successful and victorihus: He shall subdue the people under him. 
Ps. 45.5.  Successfulness in a Captain is a mark of Honour stamped upon him by God, to signify that such should be used. Such a character was imprinted upon Joshua: The Lord thy God is with thee whither soever thou goest. 
Jos. 1.9.  Though the Church hath sometimes been oppressed for a while, yet Christ never went forth attended with his Angelical Troops, but his Sword returned fat with the blood of the slain. We need not range into the Annals of Ancient times; for even since the Incarnation, this Prince of Israel, this Michael, one like unto God hath fixed his Trophies with mighty honour upon the tops of the highest Mountains. In what triumphant Chariots did he ride up to the Capitol in the days of Constantine at the subduing of the Pagan persecuting Roman Empire: 
Rev. 12.7.  What Songs of deliverance filled the Church in the times of Theodosius the great. He will perform the like and greater achievements against Papal Rome. 
Rev. 17.14.  For the Lamb shall overcome them who is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings.  
4. He is a Captain of numerous Angels, that excel in strength. He leads those thundering Legions into field, who love the Church, and desight in employment as ministering Spirits for the heirs of Salvation. 
Heb. 1.14.  These Angels converse among the Myrtle Trees, as well as their glorious Captain, and go forth for intelligence, and spy out the secretest counsels of the Adversaries: So that if strength, number, policy, intelgence and success can make an Army happy, the Saints and the Church are blessed. Nay, they are such as no dint or force of their enemies can touch or wound them: they fight invisibly: they need no scaling Ladders to climb and assault the Cities of their Enemies; they can either fly over or pierce through their strongest Walls and set the Church at rest, whensosoever infinite Wisdom shall think meet.  
Us. 1 Woe to the Church's Enemies, who think they gird on their Armour against men like themselves; 'tis a grand mistake. The mighty Angels are drawn up in Battalions against them. When Julian was shot by a casual Arrow; it's reported that he fling his blood into the Air against Christ, appearing to him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and accused him of his slaughter: 
Sozomen l. 6. c. 2. p. 366. Theodoret. l. 3. c. 20. Cassendor. Trip. Hist. l. 6. c. 47. Niceph. l. 10. c. 35.  Others say, that he cried out with scoff and blasphemy, Thou hast overcome me O Galilean, thou hast overcome me. But whether Christ himself, or an Angel by his ordination, as others report, it altars the case but little, since we are sure it was like the Arrow ordained against Ahab, it hit by the assignation and conduct of Heaven; or as Sozomen phrases 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, he was slain by God, and received the due reward of his infamous taunt against our blessed Lord. For when he was marching against the Persians, he sorely threatened the Christians that the Carpenter's Son should not avail them. 
Soz. ibid.  To which a Prophetical person smartly replied, that he was preparing a Coffin for Julian, and he was buried with scorn in the Suburbs of Tarsus, by a rabble piping and dancing, and exclaiming, 
Jud. 8.  O great fool, where are now thy Prophecies? God and his Christ have overcome thee: So let all thine enemies perish O Lord. The great God hath all the Hosts in Heaven and Earth at his back: Various sorts and offices of Angels, some red, others speckled and white, alluding to the diversities of Colours in the Standards of Armies, to know their Leaders, and to keep rank and order. Aelian hath writ his Tactics, and Polyaenus his Stratagems, but no Methods or Policies like these of the Angelical Army, 
Ezek. 17.20. & 32.3.  who lie in ambush behind the Myrtle Trees, and spread their Nets over the Heads of the ten-horned Beast of Babylon.  
Us. 2 Let not the Church be troubled, if sometimes the Speckled Horses appear, though various administrations interweave the Church's comforts. April will pass, and a durable Summer follow: What gins with red, goes on with speckled, and ends in white. The Combat is bloody at first, but always successful, and shall be crowned with victory. The Church is like the Roman Empire, whereof the Historian said, Pugnâ victi sed nunquam bello: A Battle may sometimes go off dubious but never overcome in a war. The Church's Myrtles shall never be cut down so long as an Angel can keep the field, he will protect them. So long as the Captain of the Lords Hosts wears his Myrtle Crown, 
Corona Myrtea.  he'll lead his Church in pleasant measures in the Wilderness of Shur, and teach them to sing the triumphal Song of Moses and the Lamb on the brink of the Red Sea, 
Exod. 15.22.  while the Egyptian Carcases dance upon the waters in regular order to the Church's Sonnets.  
Us. 3 Let this exercise the faith of Saints: Though they sit heavy in a dark night, yet morning will come: Though the Church mourn in a gloomy bottom, yet atlength she shall be advanced on the top of the highest Mountains. Us. 2.2. Though wicked enemies compass them round for a while: yet the Host of Angels within them shall break through and put all the Armies of the Aliens to flight. The fourth watch of the night though the darkest, yet 'tis nearest the morning, and the deepest place of the Valley is next to the foot of the Mountain for ascent.  
Let this Vision comfort the Church that God is pleased to send Prophets to manifest the issue of all their troubles. They shall not only be delivered in due time, but they shall know it beforehand to assuage their sorrows, and to heighten their expectations of deliverance. Though the Vision be given by night, yet he shines upon the head of his Zachary, 
Amos 3.7.  and does nothing but what he reveals to his Servants the Prophets; and we must inquire from them not only our duty in a night of darkness, but our comfort also in the Valley of affliction. Let's remember to keep to the society of Myrtles, if we would enjoy the presence of Christ, the protection of Angels, the visions of Prophets, and final victory over the Church's Enemies.  
The last Use should be for inquiry after the end of the Vision when the white horses of victory and triumph shall appear to the Church: 
Us. 5. Add.  As he said to the man clothed in linen, 
Dan. 12.6.  How long shall it be to the end of these wonders! Or as that Saint enquired of the Palmoni or the wonderful Numberer, How long shall it be that the Sanctuary and the Host shall be trodden under foot? And he said unto him, 
8.14.  2300 days, then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed.  
Let's count then from the burning of the City and Temple of Jerusalem by Nabuchadnezzar in the 19th. 
2 K. 25.8. Jer. 52.12. Usser. 2300 588 1712.  year of his Reign, which was concurrent with the 588th. vulgar year before the Nativity of our blessed Lord: From which time, if we reckon 2300 years, it leads us by the hand to the common year of our Lord 1712. About which time the pure Worship which hath been opposed and confused ever since the ruin of Solomon's Temple, it's very likely may be restored to an Evangelical Glory, and the abominations of desolation removed out of the way. I know what is said about the literal fulfilling of this Text, under Antiochus, and the mystical in the days of Julian; but I take it to be a more comprehensive Oracle, not to be here amply discussed. As for Julian's time, when the Jews attempted to rebuild the Temple by his Edict in scorn to our Saviour's Prophecy in the year 363, when Julian was 4th time Consul with Salustius Promotus. We find no account of any Sacrifice then offered, for they were but clearing the Rubbish. How then can this be an Epoch from the taking away that Sacrifice which was not then offered; no, nor since the days of Titus. Besides Julian did this in a mock-savour to the Jews, and stood not with an Army in the Holy Place or City, for he came no nearer than about Antioch in his march to Persia; and therefore this can be no root of numeration in this case.  
Another gracious manifestation of the time is in the 12th. Chapter, which must be understood of the taking away Evangelical Worship for the time, 
Dan. 12.7.  times and a half mentioned, v. 7. are disertly and distinctly applied to the duration of the ten-horned beast, 
7.25.  
Rev. 11.2.3.  in the 7th Chapter; and is coincident with 1260 days in John, 
〈◊〉 13.5.  or the 42 months of their trampling down the Holy City, detaining the Woman in the Wilderness and the Witnesses in sackcloth. But in as much that Daniel adds 30 days to the 1260, it may be suggested that he reflects upon the Restitution of Israel and their conversion to offer up spiritual Sacrifice, which may be performed some short time after the resurrection of the Estate of the Church in the West. So than if the Ten-horned Beast risen in the Ruins of the Roman Empire: It's but considering when that City was taken, and the Imperial State demolished and finished, 
1290 410 1700  and connex the 1260 or 1293; and the blessed times will appear to the comfort and joy of the Church.  
Rome was first taken by Alaricus A. 410.  
A second time by Gensericus, A. 455.  
The third by Odoacer, A. 476. When having taken Rome, deposed Augustulus. 
Paul. Diacon in add. ad Eutrop l. 16. p. 155.  Paulus Diaconus subjoins, Ita Romanorum apud Romam Imperium toto terrarum orbe venerabile & Augustalis illa sublimitas, quae ab Augusto quondam Octaviano erecta est, cum hoc Augustulo periit. Thus the Empire of the Romans at Rome, venerable through the whole World, and that imperial dignity which risen in Augustus, perished in Augustulus.  
Blessed is he that readeth and they that he are the words of this Prophecy, 
Rev. 1.3.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sometimes signifies Astronomical Observations. We ought to be more curious and diligent in calculating the motions of Scripture-times than the most accurate Observer of Eclipses and other Heavenly Configurations which are of great use in Scripture Chronology. 
Ps. 89.36, 37.  The Throne of this 2d. David is more established than the Sun or the Moon before him, and as a faithful Witness in Heaven. Behold, he cometh quickly, 
Rev. 22 7.  blessed is he that keepeth the say of the Prophecy of this Book.  
Obj. But some may say, What comfort is this to us, who it may be, are never like to see these glorious times; let us make our calling and election sure, that we may enter into the Eternal Joy of our Lord.  
A I answer: Of all things in the World let's first make sure of our own Salvation, and clear our evidences to eternal life, 
2 Pet. 1.11.  that we may have abundant entrance into the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour. And then, let the prosperity of Zion lie warm at our hearts. All the Holy men of old took great delight in beholding the Church's Glory, though but in the Glass of Vision; 
Ps. 102.14.  Nay they took pleasure in her stones and favoured the dust thereof: For when the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. 
16.  This shall be written for the Generation to come and the people that shall be created, 
18.  shall praise the Lord. The times of refreshing shall come, and the restitution of all things whereof God hath spoken by the mouth of all his Holy Prophets since the world began; 
Acts 3.21.  
2 Pet. 3.2.  and we ought to be mindful of the words spoken before by the holy Prophets and Apostles concerning the promise of his coming; looking for, and hastening to the coming of the day of God, 
13.  when there shall be a new Heaven and a new Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness, 
15.  testifying that Holy Paul hath spoken of these things in his Epistles: 
Rom. 8.21.  When the Creature itself (distinct from Saints, v. 23.) shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God. Shall the great God think it meet in his heavenly wisdom and goodness to the Church to foretell by all his Holy Prophets and Apostles these glorious times? Shall the Son of God receive this discovery from the Father and signify it to his Angel, and send it by his Angel to his Servant John his beloved Disciple. What a magnificent apparatus is here from God the Father to the Son, from his Son to the Angel, and from the Angel to John! Such as is before no Book of Holy Scripture besides, and this upon the Lord's Day to an Apostle in the Spirits ecstasy, 
v. 10.  and to a bosom Apostle in tribulation, and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ. Nay, what a Majestical Scene is laid down in the 4th. Chapter, which is wholly spent in preparation for these Visions of things to come. A door opened in Heaven, and a voice like a Trumpet, and a glorious Throne appearing, and a Person upon it in visage like the various-coloured Jasper and the incarnate Sardine, and the Rainbow of the Covenant like the green Emerald round about the Throne, And shall minute, silly, mortal worms make light of these things, and despise to study the splendid radiant Prophecies let down from Heaven as a token of God's love to his Church; It becomes not any, who profess themselves the Servants of the most high God. 
Dun. 19.2.  Are they wiser than Daniel, 
Ezek. 28.8.  who understood the number of the years by Books, and set himself to prayer about it. Yea, 
Zach. 1.12.  the Angel of the Covenant urges the number of the years in prayer, 
Rev. 13.18.  and the Spirit of God sets it down for a point of wisdom to count the number of the Beast. To what end? but for the consolation of the Church when they know by the mouth of his holy Prophets that her warfare is accomplished; 
Is. 40.2.  
41.25.  and that God would in due time raise up one from the North, 
Cyrus.  and the rising of the Sun. Behold, behold I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings It's a great reviving to the hearts of Saints who are affectionately inclined to the good and welfare of Zion, to hear that God will bring down his proud enemies, 
Is. 62.7.  and shortly make Yerusalem the praise and joy of the whole Earth; and though themselves should not survive to see all the goodness that God will show to his people; yet like good old Simeon will sing to take the young beginnings of this Salvation in their Arms.  
David, 
1 Chr. 28.3.  though forbidden to build the Temple, yet prepared for it with all his might and set his affection upon it, 
29.2, 3 9  and rejoiced with great joy. 
Deut. 3.25.  Moses, though he could not obtain to see the good Land beyond Jordan, that goodly Mountain, even Lebanon and that pleasant Valley of Damascus, which lies between the two Lebanons from West to East about 40 miles in length, the sweetest and goodliest Valley that ever the Sun shined upon: As a learned Traveller told me, who was a late eye witness of its beauty; yet holy Moses enjoyed great pleasure in taking but a prospect of it before he died from the top of Pisgah. 
34.1.   
Beloved Daniel pronounceth him blessed, 
Dan. 12.12.  that waiteth and cometh to these happy times, and receives a promise of standing in this Lot of his inheritance in the end of the days: And lastly, blessed John prophesying of the New Jerusalem, 
Rev. 21.21, 24.  and of the saved Nations which shall walk in the light thereof, and of the Kings of the Earth bringing their glory and honour into it, declares them blessed that do his Commandments, and thereby have right to the Tree of Life, 
22.14.  and to enter through the Gates into the City.  
To end, What though several have erred in the Computation of Times, this does no way invalidate the dignity of Scripture Oracles, nor the certainty of their distinctly timed issue; but should stir up others to compare Scriptures more accurately, to search the Ancient Histories more curiously, to discern what providences have writ their comment upon those parts of prophecy already fulfilled, to be diligent in the computation of Eclipses and other appearances of the heavenly bodies. which are the only true fixers of Chronology, without which all calculations in this nature will prove lame and insignificant, to consider the nature of Scripture years which may somewhat differ from the Julian, But above all, to pray ardently for the Spirits conduct, since the Apostle conjoins the quenching of the Spirit to the despising of prophecy, 
1 Thes. 5.19, 20.  and know assuredly, 
Hab. 2.3.  That the Vision is for a fixed, an appointed time, and he that shall come will come and will not tarry, and the benign Dews shall sweetly descend upon the Mountains of Zion, 
Mic. 5.7.  which tarrieth not (for man's time) nor waiteth for the Sons of Men.   


1673. Jul. 20.  The Second DISCOURSE ABOUT THE LILLY among THORNS.  Songs 2.2. 
HERE we have Christ's own Pencil drawing the beautiful Face of his Spouse from the Glass of his own Countenance, with this difference, 
v. 1.  Christ is a Lily among the Roses of Sharon, the Church a Lily among the Thorns in the Valley of weeping: Christ, the Lily in Glory, the Church in Grace: Christ in Paradise, the Church in a Wilderness. And 'tis no small part of his Lilly-like meekness, to own his Church in her thorny estate, and describe her by his own beauty. She is perfect through the comeliness that he puts upon her. 
Ezek. 16.14.  The Church's Moon shines by the Rays of the Sun of Righteousness reflected upon her,  
In the words observe:  
1. The nature and feature of the Church set forth by Lilies.  
2. The situation of this beautiful Plant: 'Tis among Thorns.  
3. Christ's tender affection to his Church while set among the Thorns: She is the love of Christ.  
4. The compassion of Christ employed in this his own Description. He himself takes kind notice, how his beloved Spouse is encompassed and endangered by Thorns and Briars.  
There be some, (as Brightman and Cotton) who reduce this Song to a Prophecy, and the Chaldee Paraphrast refers this staff of the Song to the time of captivity; I suppose he means that of Babylon. I shall not discuss those Prophetical Notions on this Song of Songs; nor be very solicitous about the sort of Lily here assumed for the Metaphor. Whether the Tulip of Persia, to which Solomon is resembled, 
Mat. 6.29.  when in all his glory; or whether that, now called the Lily of the Valleys, which bears that curious lovely Flower growing among Woods and Thickets.  
Neither shall I enlarge my Discourse upon this Lilly-Valley, by drawing Parallels between it and the Church as to its beauty, tenderness, lowliness, purity, candour or sragrancy; its gratefulness to the Nerves and Medicinal Virtue for affections of the Head, its sudden growth and blossoming in the Spring time of the year. But leave all these for subjects to pious meditations, and repair to the 2d. branch of the Text, scil. The state or position of the Church of Christ among Thorns. By Thorns are meant the Daughters, so says the Spirit. And as there are two sorts of Daughters, 
Gen. 6.4. Song. 2.7.  the Daughters of Men and the Daughters of Jerusalem, Q. it may be demanded what Daughters are set forth by the Thorns in the Text?  
A I answer, That since the Daughters of Jerusalem were the outward Professors in the Jewish Church, who might possibly at first be signinified by Weeds in the Garden. But when once they became Persecutors, I suppose that they are not incongruously compared to the Brambles of the Desert. For surely as Bernard glances, 
Bern. in Cor.  she is mala filia quae pungit Ecclesiam, an untoward Daughter that scratches the Church. Yet, since the Wilderness is the proper and native Seat of Brambles; this Text may possibly reflect upon the Lily of the Gentile Church. But 'tis safer to take in the whole Spouse of Christ, and show, That both Heathens and formal Professors are very offensive and uncomfortable Associates to the Church of Christ.  
That the Lord Jesus hath most tender love to his Church, Obs. while vexed and disquieted by the Tribulations of this World. Great love to them as Lilies, but yerning bowels as in the midst of Thorns.  

This Point divides itself into two Parts.  
The state of the Church in this World.  
The love of Christ to her in this State.  
I shall endeavour to treat of the first under 6 Propositions.  
There's a vast disparity between a Lily and a Thorn. 
Prop. 1.  Thorns are the natural Daughters of the World; or at best, but carnal Professors with the Masque of Religion. The Lily is a true Saint, 
v. 1.  an Off-set from the Root of Christ. He forms his holy Nature in the Church, and then calls her by his own name of a spotless innocent Lilly. He turns a Bramble into a Lily by omnipotent grace, and then loves it with a spotless, endless delight. A Child of God may remember his Bramble nature with holy shame and humble thankfulness, and labour to lead a spiritual, meek, and heavenly life, like a Lily of Christ's regenerating.  
This Lily, it pleases divine love and wisdom to plant in the midst of a thorny prickly world: 'Tis Christ himself hath set it, and therefore sees and watches it in this perilous state. His Wisdom thought meet to set it, and his love delights to guard it. Brambles suck away the nitrous juice of the earth, to form their pungent prickles, that Lilies may draw more wholesome balsam.  
Saints grow the more gracious by the vicinity of scratching Briars, and holy Men should meekly bear their station, since 'tis the will of Christ.  
It's great discomfort to a Saint that's very gracious, to live in a vexing World, But his tribulation worketh patience under sorrows, experience of divine Protection, and hope of glory, 
Ro. 5.4. Ps. 120.5.  and therefore glories in it, Woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech, and live in the black Tents of Kedar, but joys in hope that the Badger-skins of Kedar, shall one day be changed into the Purple Curtains of Solomon. 
Songs 1.5.  The Church both must and may have some society with thorny persons with sour tempers, as well as sinful natures, not only originally wicked but of sharp and contentious spirits.  
A sweet temper mixed with holiness makes grace more beautiful, especially when planted in the midst of thorns. Who would expect such a beautiful Lily as Abigail by the sides of a Churlish Nabal, or a meek David near a taunting Michol? Thorns are the more uncomely, and the Lilies much more .  
Q Q. But how shall a Saint behave himself among such rugged and piercing spirits?  
A A. 1. With holy caution, when thorns be so near, remember how soon they may prick, Saints must take heed of passive offence: Not to take it unkindly, as well as not to provoke.  
Briars are touchy things and act their nature, let them alone to the Juniper Coals of Magistrates, 
Ps. 120.4.  or fire from Heaven as they live unfruitful and undesired, so they usually die unlamented: No man is any farther troubled at a Dog when he snarls or bites, then to avoid his currish temper, who expects from an Ass but rude braying; from a Horse but surly kicks; from a Swine, but mire and grunting; or from Thorns, but scratches. Stand out of their way as much as possible, and let such beasts by't and fight and scratch together, 
Ps. 16.3.  let thy delight be among the excellent that are in the earth. The law of kindness governs the tongue and the law of meekness the heart of a Saint. 
Pro. 31.26. 1 Pet. 3.4.   
2. Gracious persons should behave themselves inoffensively, as there is beauty, so there's smoothness and lenity in a Lilly. There's no less mercy than majesty in the nature of holiness. A Child of God dares not do that to a wicked man which he suffers from him. A Saint must shine with a winning conversation to the froward: 
1 Pet. 2.23. and 3.1.  If possible, anoint their sharp prickles with the oil of a soft answer, that when they enter, this may convey a healing drop into the wound. It's said of the Viper, that with his needle-teeths he drops from his head a yellow poisonous liquor dipped in rage, that inflames the wound, let's pour in some Balm of Gilead, into the gauls and gashes of venomous spirits; 
Ecc. 10.4.  for healing apologies [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] comforts and sweetens against great offences.  
3. Patiently, knowing that thorns never scratch the Church but as they are moved and waved by the wind of divine providence. This is a Saints comfort though such crooked thorns may rend the tender flower of his body, yet cannot hurt his root. 
Hose. 14.5.  Though he grow like a small lowly Lily, yet his roots are like the Cedars of Lebanon. Ye never saw a Bramble scratching up the root of a Lily; as he knows it not, so he cannot. A Saints faith in and union to Christ remains inviolable. Nay, many times, the pulling off his visible flowers, makes this root the stronger.  
O happy Church! O happy Saint! 
Ezek. 38.10.  No enemy can think a malicious thought, but 'tis foreseen, conducted and often returned upon their own heads by an invisible power. Be patiented, 
Ps. 37.13.  he sees that their day is coming who has appointed it. When the light of Israel shall be for a fire, 
Is. 10.17.  and his holy one for a flame, and it shall burn and devour the thorns and briers in one day.  
The Church is among thorns as an emblem of its Persecutions, ungodly men are always (in promptu) ready for mischief, though not (in aectu) continually vexing the Church of Christ: every wicked man has a Bramble in his heart, and sometimes hangs out at his mouth in bitter taunts. 
Gal. 4.29.  The Son of the Bond woman will persecute him that is born after the Spirit. The Nightingale sings with a thorn at her breast by night, though she sees it not always, yet may sometimes feel it▪ Its vain for the Church to promise self-security in a Land of Scorpions. Let the wind blow from any corner either of Paganism or Heresy: the storms will impetuously clash the thorns upon the Lilies, and the Church's sides receive many a gash. She hath been often taught wisdom from the Briars and Thorns of the Wilderness. 
Jud. 8.16.  But here our thorns are the malapert daughters of Jerusalem. Such as grow in Gardens are the worst, because the ranker soil breeds the strongest prickles. The sharpest Persecutions pierce the Church from the daughters of formal Jerusalem; 
Gal. 4.25.  as may appear by the Jewish, Arian, and Popish Tyrannies over the Spouse of Christ. Mark an Apostate Julian, that scoffs and taunts most bitterly against the Church, according to that old saying, Omnis apostata osor sui ordinis. Every Apostate hates the party from which they declined, and become of all Persecutors the most cruel and barbarous. Thorns that are nighest by education, produce the sharpest trials, as the Psalmist Prophesied in the Person of Christ, 
Ps. 41.9.  My familiar friend hath lift up his heel against me, 
Zac. 13.6.  with which the Prophet accords, These are the wounds received in the house of my friends, 
Song. 1.6.  My Mother's Children are angry with me. The sweetest wine makes the sharpest Vinegar. The nearest Relations the most bitter conflicts, who ought to yield the most tender embraces. Bernard observes they had not God to 
Bern, ib.  their Father, but the Devil, though they boasted of their formal Mother. A cruel Mother that milks out poison and spits venom in the face of her Children, pretends the honey of peace and discipline, and mixes the gall of pride, and flings out firebrands.  
4. This Song presents but one Lily among many thorns, my dove says Christ, my undefiled is but one, there's but one Spouse, one Bride of Christ.  
1. One to show the paucity of true Believers, as to the multitude of ungodly persons, hypocrites and sormal Professors. Briars multiply vastly, the vory tops of Brambles will shoot down and take root in the neighbouring mould. The heads and hearts of the wicked run in the earth to a vast extent, but a Lily never. Feracious and fruitful is the nature of sin and sinners. How many Families filled with unholy persons, scarce a Lily to be sound. How few true Saints in City or Country: As the Prophet speaks of the Berries of an Olive-tree, one of a City or two of a Tribe to come to Zion. 
Is. 17.6. Jer. 3.14.   
2. One to show their unity, one root, though many flowors. The Church delights in oneness of heart and society. Unity and verity cling together, falsity and division are very numerous. The wicked seldom agree but in tearing and defacing the Church, Pilate and Herod join hands against Christ, and mark what a crew of enemies unite and confederate against the Church, 
Ps. 83.5, 6.  else there's little union among the wicked, because pride (the principle of division) compass them like a chain, 
Ps. 73.6.  and therefore violence as a garment. Their enmity to the Church drags them into some temporary union as with an iron Chain. The Popish Synagogue brags of their general union: 'Tis but a Spanish brag. For one of their Cardinal's numbers above three hundred differences of opinion in the Romish Church, 
Bp. Hall peace of Rome. Lond. 1603.  and one of their Casuists confesses near threescore differences in the point of Confession, and many more might be added of Popes and Counsels and Friaries one against another. But the true Church hath an admirable union, one Lord, one saith, one baptism, Jerusalem is a City compact together, and at unity within herself. Though outward Professors have some variance, yet in the grand sundamental of sree grace and salvation by faith alone the confessions of the Reformed Churches rejoice in a sweet harmony, as to lesser points, Oh that it were as it ought to be and shall be in the glorious times that are a coming.  
3. One, to show what concerns the Church in general, is applicable to every member. Each promise and privilege is universal and yet peculiar, to teach Believers that are in Covenant to lay hold on every promise, as if made to them alone. 
Rom. 23, 24.  Abraham's promise is thine, for it was not written for his sake alone but for us also if we believe. What was said to Joshua, was said to thee, he will never leave thee nor forsake thee. 
Heb. 13.5. Tit. 1.4. Judas 3. Heb. 11.40.  It's common faith and common salvation, that they without us should not be made perfect. The Church is a Dove that brings an Olive-branch to every Noah, within the Ark of Christ; the love of Christ is general to all, and singular to each individual member. Each Saint hath an equal title to his love and all spiritual joys as the whole.  
The Lily is not only encumbered with thorns but grows amongst them. 'Tis not a dead flower cropped and fling there, but thrives and flourishes though hedged and hemmed with thorns. It sends forth a gracious smell among noisome briers, when planted there by Christ. Oh learn to adorn Religion in a barren soil amidst troublous enemies, that's the glory of a Saint, to be a Joseph, a Moses in the midst of Egypt, an Obadiah at Samaria, a Nehemiah in Shushan, 
Luke 8.3.  a Joanna in Herod's Court, In a thorny family among sharp relations, in a prickly Land to scent like Heaven. To retain growing innocency and tender-hearted-lenity in a crooked and perverse Nation. To beautify and sweeten the dunghill World. 
Phil. 21.15.  To lustrate a wild Common full of briers by the purity of holiness. To pray for such as prick their sides, to do good to such as hate and spitefully scratch them, a spirit of God and a spirit of glory rests upon them, to be filled with the good will of him that dwelled and shined in the briar of Horeb: This is to be like our heavenly Father. 'Tis no great praise to be quiet in a Hermitage, and to fly like a Dove from Kedar, but in the midst of business, relations and troubles, then shines the grace of a Saint.  
6. The Church's Lily often receives protection from the thorns about them. The same hand planted both thorns and lilies. The lily within, and the thorns for protection about it. The Briars often twist and twine themselves into an arbour to descend the Church. Saul and the Philistines encountering together gave escape to David. Julian and the Persians delivered the primitive Christians. The Sadduces and Pharisees conflict rescued Paul into the hands of Lysias. 
Acts 23.7.  The Church often grows safely under the entangled counsels of infatuated Achitophel's, and subtle haman's.  
While they perplex and involve each other, 
Ps. 2.16.  they become ensnared by the works of their own hands, and the Church sings Higgaion Selah. The state of Geneva is compared to a bone that 3 sturdy Mastiffs stand by and snarl one at another, but dare not touch it. The Motto upon the Church's briers, may well be that of Scotland's thistles, ne impune lacessant: God fences his lilies about by the thorns of carnal Professors, as well as the tall Brambles of Bashan, the open and violent Pagan enemies. The multitudes of Formalists in and about the Church a wise God turns both to shadow and shelter; to shadow from the scorching Sun that would whither it, and to shelter it from the foot of Beasts, the foot of pride and violence that might tread it down. They are always good subjects, useful and painful and faithful in their stations. Joseph's srugal prudence got him favour in the eye of Pharaoh. Mordecai's trustiness to the life of Ahasuerus raised him to honour, and Daniel's sagacity and expertness in affairs, was a notable step to his personal honour, his further advancement in the rising Persian Court, and a return for the Church of God out of Babylon.  
Let's descend to apply, the Use is twofold, to the thorns and lilies.  
Use 1 1. To the Thorns in some particulars.  
1. Remember your vile original, what are you? but the cursed sruit of the fall, whose bramble natures breed unkind and pricking spirits. God planted no thorns in Paradise. The state of innocency knew no such crooked tempers. 
Ecc. 7.29.  He created man upright, but he sought out many inventions.  
2. To the Thorns among Lilies.  
Most of the World's briers grow without any lilies among them▪ They live among Nettles, Hemlock and Henbane and other poisonous Plants, stinging, and tearing, and choking one another, 
Tit. 3.3.  living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another, but remember you that have Lilies among you; their humility, fragrancy, lenity, purity should provoke you to holy emulation. They live peaceably by you, scratch them not. Happy thorns, did you know it; God would soon fold you up into bundles and deliver you to the surnace of his wrath, were it not for his Chosen among you, 
Mat. 13.30.  Suffer them a while, let the Briars grow till the Harvest, says our Lord, Then shall his Angels gather out of his Kingdom, 
v. 41.  all things that offend and them which do iniquity and cast them into a furnace of fire; there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  
3. Let wicked persecuting thorns consider their end. 
Heb. 6.8.  That earth that beareth thorns and briers is rejected and is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burnt. Unserviceable, unprofitable wretches cumber the ground, suck away the juice from God's Plants, unfit for building, and injurious, that which their prickly venom heat and infest the hands that touch them. Take heed of persecuting the meek and humble Lilies. There's no one sin more criminal and provoking in the sight of God. He ordains his arrows against the Persecutors and dooms them to eternal fire. 
Ps. 7.13.  When once persons fall to that sin, 
Ps. 58.9.  God maketh way and room for his wrath. Before the pots can feel the thorns etc. a dark place but sharp against God's enemies: Arias and Glassius translate it, antequam spinae intelligant rhamnum, etc. Before the Thorns apprehend a Bramble, an elegant metaphor from the growth of rational creatures. Before the young tender thorns shall arise to the capacity of a great bramble to do more mischief. The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the plural masculine signifies thorns, and the Targum glosses the Text thus, while they are tender and green,: 
Isa. 54.13. Eccl. 7.8.  while in their youth and vigour, as Husbandmen cut down thorns before they grow rampant, so will the Lord tear off wicked Persecutors with the whirlwind and burn them with the fire of his wrath before they grow old, withered and dry, while yet in the sap and strength, while they are lively and flourishing. The design of the Psalmist expresses the wrath of God against his enemies before they shall finish their purposes to bring utter destruction to the Congregation of the just.  
Use 2 To the Lilies themselves.  
1. Resemble your heavenly pattern. Take heed of morosity, you never found a thorn in the root, leaf or flower of a lily, but what was thrust in by a Briar, it agrees not to the meek and gentle nature of holiness. Pride and imperiousness of spirit is contrary to the humility of a Lily, stiffness and perverseness are unsuitable to the flexible temper of that lovely plant. Drooping and desponding unbecomes the erect and brisk aspect of its flower. Saints should labour to joy in the Lord always. Study for such innocency, mildness, winning, ingenious tempers, and candour of spirit as may silence the ignorance of foolish men, that by holy and heavenly frames of heart and life they may convince the briers that tear them of their fiery, unrighteous sharpness. Saints must show a better spirit dwelling in them, than the world knows off, sweet thoughts issuing into courteous and affable words; smelling fragrantly of heaven's influence, and the dews of Zion moistening their lovely hearts with a conversation so amiable as may glorify their heavenborn race that all about them may delight to come within them, to taste of their delicious spirits as if they dwelled in a garden of Pomegranates. 
Song 4.13.   
A Lily is a tractable Plant, a briar is of a sullen, churlish, rough, Nabal-like spirit. Wicked men's tempers are commonly like nettles and thorns thrust away that cannot be taken with hands, 
2 Sam. 23.6.7.  he that touches them must be fenced with iron, and the staff of a spear, and they shall be utterly burnt with fire in the same place, not to be handled without hedgers gloves, without guards and fences, but so must not Saints, yet, take heed of offences even to the Sons of Belial. A Lily will not cannot hurt a thorn. You never heard a Sheep barking, at a Dog, or saw a Dove fly after a Bird of Prey. A Saint must not be of a sturdy, dogged, proud, rapacious insolent and revengeful temper, but commit themselves to God, For Vengeance is mine saith the Lord, 
Rom. 12.9.  I'll repay it.  
Q Q. But may not a Saint sometimes use the prick of reproof?  
A A. When the necessity of their calling, station and relation requires it, 'tis their duty. 
Leu. 19.17.  They must in no no wise hate their Brother in their heart, but show their love by rebuking him, and not suffer sin upon him. But, 
Pro. 15.12.  if he be a scorner he'll never love his reprover, neither will he go unto the wise, but sight and quarrel and backbite most venomously. 
Pro. 9.7.  He that reproveth a scorner gets shame and blots and hatred. Therefore remember the sphere of thy station and go no further. Thorns are always scratching and censuring Saints for reproof though bound in duty, and though never so mild, wherefore let the Lilies whiteness, purity and humility be a silent standing reproof against their neighbouring briers.  
2. Do you belong to this heavenly Plant? are you like to Christ? are ye his lilies indeed? [Let's try] can you bear their prickly thorns with meekness of patience. A good nature is seen more in bearing and passing by injuries that might provoke a nettling temper, then in bestowing of benefits. Will ye pretend to a lily and cant bear a prick in your good name for Christ, nor a thorn in your liberty for the Gospel sake, nor a scratch in your purses for pure worship and the honourable name of the great Lily of the Valleys, what conformity bear we to Christ? The Head of the Church was girt and gored with a Crown of thorns for us, and must not the Church's Sides expect the like, Delicatus es Christiane etc. said Jerome, thou art too dainty, that must be Crowned with roses here and glory hereafter: what, swim in a River of oil, into the river of Paradise; no, no! Canaanites will be thorns in your sides till ye come to that Canaan above. Deceive not yourselves, scandals at the Cross make formalists stumble into Apostasy. A great Roman Emperor tried his Courtiers and State Officers by Proclamation, who would renounce Christianity, to prove their constancy, and such who for flattery or sear fled back from the truth, he turned out of their places, telling them, that such who were false to their Saviour, would never be true to their Emperor. Our great Lord and King of the Church sometimes tries whether we will suffer thorns in our comforts, rather than in our consciences. Turning times are trying times.  
3. Pray for the dews of heavenly grace to fall like Orient Pearls upon your lilies. No matter what briers among us, so heavens influences shower down upon us. What need we beso much concerned for a scratch, if a Balsam drop from Heaven presently cure it? 
Ps. 94, 19  If multitudes of thoughts ramble and tumble within us, let divine comforts delight our souls: a rare word in the Hebrew taken from the solaces, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  dance, dandlings, sing of tender Mothers to their froward and sretful Children. If thou canst find and feel God to be in Covenant with thee, and taking thee in arms and cherishing thee on the knees of his affection like a Father, what matter what the scullions in the Kitchen, and wicked men the rods of his wrath, the Hangmen and Executioners of Divine Judgements in the earth, be they never so great, speak and twit against thee thou knowest thy Father's love is solid and permanent, though by an affliction he chide for a fault, yet his heart is with thee, 
Joh. 14.3.17.24.  he'll never leave thee till he bring thee to himself, and to the high inheritance. Let all the Devils in Hell fling their ragged firebrands at thee, make but a tush of it in the name of the Father of mercies, they can't hurt thee. Pray for the gentle Zephyrus, the sweet breathe of God's Spirit to flow down and invigorate your Beds of Spices. 
Song 4.16.   
4. Care not what the World counts, If God pronounce you to be his Lilies. Labour to be more eminently what God styles you, for what he loves you, and for what the World hates you: 
John 15.18.  If the World hate you, says our Lord, ye know that it hated me before it hated you, If ye were of the World, the World would love its own, but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the World hateth you. In his heavenly prayer our Lord also addresseth thus to the Father; 
John 17.14.  I have given them thy word and the World hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Disgrace from the world, let it arm you from going back, and let holy emulation edge you forward. Love not the world, nor the things of this world, the childish fashion, the apish attire, the vain pomp and glistering gewgaws, the tickling and soul-alienating pleasures of this transient and perishing life. Be solid and serious persons, let your affections be risen with Christ to the pleasures and treasures that are above. 
Col. 3.1.   
5. Take heed of the thorns within, more than them without. While your soul tabernacles in flesh, it dwells in a Thicket of thorns, scarce sees Heaven but through Crannies. Paul had this thorn, 
2 Cor. 12.7.  a thorn given, but it bore roses at last, His sufferings incensed him to fight the good fight of faith the more courageously.  
O the piercing thorns of temptation that annoy the choicest Saints! he mourns more intensely for the thorns at his heart, than those at his feet. He cuts down the former, but they grow again, Hinc ille lachrymae, hence his continual spring of tears; the others without him he tramples down valiantly. Worldly cares, fiery trials, dark desertions that touch his heart, these exercise his saith and patience. But O the fearful Bramble of Original lust, a bramble like the Oaks in Bashan as big as the Waste of his soul. Here he lays on with the axe of Repentance every day, and makes the Chips to fly, till death help him to fetch the kill stroke upon all his deadly enemies. He sweats and pants till he gets the Victory.  
6. Be very solicitous to keep yourselves from the thorns without. To live holy, and ward off wicked men's blows with all prudence consistent with confession of truth and the name of Christ, 
Col. 4.5.  walk in wisdom toward them that are without; let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with Salt. If your salt be unsavoury, wherewith (says our Lord) shall it be seasoned. A violent calcining fire takes away much of the grateful savour of salt. Take heed of fiery trials that are to try them that dwell upon the earth; If ye draw back, 
Heb. 10.38.  my soul (saith God) shall have no pleasure in you, a dreadful saying, 
Hosea 8.8.  to be like Israel's vessel wherein there's no pleasure. 
Hieronym. in loc.  Immundum vas seu inutile etc. quo ad projicienda stercora uti sobemus. a vessel made for the requisites of nature to be filled with things unseemly: let Saints study to be holy and useful and likewise to be careful and watchful against the tinctures and temptations of a profane World. A Saint must always carry about him a dovelike heart and sometimes use the nimble sparkling eye of the Serpent to guard his dovelike innocency. Spina poena est, thorns will be afflictive. To live near them and not to be hurt is the fruit of divine grace and power, but 'tis usually connext with our use of holy wisdom towards them. Persecutions are oftentimes chastisements for sin, and preparations for glory. Though a fruit of the fall, yet they become medicinal to a Saint; his troubles being his comforts. Boisterous winds hurry a Ship to its haven. Dangerous diseases often ferment the blood into a purity for more prosperous health. The poison of sin mingles the potion of repentance. 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 evipera.  Andromachus' Treacle composed of a Viper cures its venom. The flesh of a Scorpion applied to the place affected, healed Olearius of his pain and torment. 
Olear. Travels p. 195  A Saints inward bitings from Satan are cured by the Dragon's blood slain by the Spear of Christ. 
Wendelin de nilo C. 16. G. §. 11.  It's said that Crocodile's tears pierce the skull of man, I am sure that a Saints penitent tears dissolve the head and all the inventions of Satan. To end; a gracious soul may gather the flowers of assurance from the sharp prickles of temptation and persecution. He sucks much honey of the thorns that molest and afflict him.  
7. Associate with heavenly Lilies. All the World besides are but thorns. The common Daughters of Jerusalem are lilies in show, but have thorns in heart, and sometimes grow out from the midst of their seeming flowers. They'll prick sometimes as peevishly and perversely as open wicked men, and as the Daughters of Babylon. What delight can a Saint take in their vain converse, their pride and worldliness? Many strange Professors start up now adays that bear the leaves of their godly Fathers but not their fruit, they go for Daughters of Zion, but are haughty, 
Is 3.16.  walk with stretched forth necks, and wanton eyes, mincing or tripping nicely as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet. Crepitantibus Calceis & Crepidis insistentes, 
A Lap.  With their flappes and slaps proclaiming their levity and folly, but their hearts are little worth, 
Pro. 10.20.  and their tongues like Serpent's forked with enmity, and sharp like crooked thorns against the ways of holiness, 
Song 6.2.  let's departed from them and go with our Beloved into the Gardens, to the beds of Spices to feed in the Gardens and to gather Lilies, where Christ has his sets and knots of Lilies, has pure and holy worshipping Churches, there let's assemble, though briers be near, yet Christ is nigher.  
8. Long for Heaven. Send up the fragrant odours of your prayers into Paradise where no bleak wind, no chilling showers, no piercing thorns shall trouble more. Let these Wilderness-prickles sharpen thy pace towards Heaven, 
Eph. 6.15.  being well shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, yet leap nimbly through them and hasten from them. Cry out of the Valley, the Settims, the sharp Bushes in the Plains of Moab, and pant for Lebanon where thy Lily shall be planted under the true Vine and the Tree of Life; where thorns in duties, relations, enjoyments shall make thy spirit to bleed no more. Where thorns from Devils and a wicked World shall affront and gash no more, where thorns from our own hearts or others tongues shall wound no more, whether from the Daughters of Gath, or Jerusalem, 
2 Sam. 1.20.  from outrageous wickedness, or perverse formalisme shall touch or prick or punish the Church no more.  
O pray for that Sabbath of rest, that Jubilee of joy, when from all thy labours, sorrows and tears thou shalt rest in the bosom of eternal love, when the furrows made by the torrent of tears in thy hollow cheeks shall be filled up by the Balm of Gilead, when all thy wounds and scars shall be bathed into smoothness and beautifully healed in those rivers of pleasure that flow at the right hand of him that sits upon the Throne, for evermore.  
I should come now to the Second branch of the Doctrine to set forth the love of Christ to his Church and each holy Soul while sighing and groaning among the thorns of this Valley of Anchor. 
Add.  whereof briefly and close.  
1. He forms holy sighs and groans in thy Spirit by his Spirit. He sends his dove into our hearts, 
Ezek. 36.27.  and then we mourn like doves in the clefts of the rock of Ages. He puts his spirit within us, and then hearkens to the groan of his own Spirit, 
Rom. 8.27. Song 2.14.  O my dove, let me hear thy voice, why? because thy Countenance is comely: Non placet vox, si displiceat facies, 
Bern.  our face is comely in the beauty of his righteousness, and therefore our voice is pleasant through the melody of his Spirit.  
2. Christ sighs with thee. He mingles the tears of his Cross with the tears of thy crucifiing afflictions. In all their affliction he is afflicted. 
Is. 63.9.  The thorn never pricks the sides of the Church, 
Zach 2.8.  but it touches the apple of his eye. Is this lily parched with the Sun? Cor Christi aestuat, the heart of Christ is affected with holy sympathy. Is it blasted with East-winds? he comforts and relieves it by sweet Western Gales of his Spirit. Is it spotted and stained with dirt struck up by the foot of Beasts? he washes it clean in his own laver, our very hairs are numbered, 
Ps. 56.8.  our tears bottled, our desires known, our steps and wander are measured, our groans are not hid from him, our members are written in his Book that not a bone is broken but he sets them again.  
3. Christ appears graciously in time of distress; he came into the Church when the doors were shut for fear of the Jews, and breathed his peace upon them. He was with the Church in the Wilderness, he visited the lilies in the thorny bush, and conducted them & planted them in the Land of Canaan. It was his hortus pensilis & ambulatorius, he delighted in his walking Garden through the howling Deserts of Arabia, the Type and Emblem of his Gospel Church in all her scatter and thirsty marches, and will never forsake them till like conquering Joshua he bring them to their appointed rest. Neither is there any of the least of his beloved ones but he will vouchsafe a gracious ear to their petitions, 
Is. 40.41.63.9.4.  and carry them in his bosom as all the days of old.  
He delivers frequently, incessantly, perseveringly, he loves them to the end. 
Is. 43.3.  He gave Egypt for their Ransom, Aethiopia and Seba for them, This is matter of argument in our prayer thou hast delivered this people out of Egypt until now. 
Numb. 14.19.  And what if we be not fit for mercy, he is always fit to show it when heavenly wisdom judges meet. The times of the Church are in the hands of a Father who consults his own bowels and the expediency of his own glory. In that day when the design and decrees of mercy, unite in accomplishment, he can form the hearts of men and fashion them upon the wheel of Providence. Let none despond because the Church is not prepared for approaching deliverance. The Prophets are full of this encouragement that in such a day he will power out another spirit, and make all things fall in joint and to hit the mark of his appointment. The time is hastening and at the doors, that the Lord will power out clean water upon his Sanctuary he will do a new thing on the earth, now it shall spring forth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nunc germinabit, 
Is. 43.19.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a manifest allusion with that of Zachary, 
Zech. 3.8.6.12.  I will bring forth my Servant, [Zemach] the BRANCH, called by Luke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Branch from on High: when the Beasts of the field, the Dragons and Owls of the Gentile Wilderness shall honour me Then shall Zion bud forth and great shall be the glory of her Children, from the North, and from the West, 
Is. 49.12.  and those from the Land of Sinim. Which some as Arias and others, understand of China, but more likely of Sin or Pelusium by a trope for the Land of Egypt, Sin being the great fortress at the entrance of Egypt, and South of the Land of Canaan.  
5. He is sore displeased with the Heathen that are at ease. 
Zech. 1.15.  When Gods a little displeased, they leap like Lions from Bashan upon the Church. 
Is. 47.6.37.29.  When God is wroth with his People for their unholiness and defilements, they show no mercy. But God will put a Hook in their nose, and lead them back like beasts into the Land of Slaughter, for Sacrifices in the Temples of their own Gods. Heathen briers may flourish and spread their twins far and near, but when once they molest his Church they are nigh to burning. Pompey prospered not after he stumbled in the Temple of Jerusalem. Many and fatal instances occur in History of God's vindictive Justice upon his enemies, when once they laid hands upon the precious things of Zion. Discite justitiam moniti, etc. learn to beware of Herod's destiny, smote by an Angel in the midst of all his glory.  
6. These Thorns never prick and vex the Church but by his permission and guidance, and when he hath performed his work upon Mount Zion, 
Is. 13.12.  he will punish the fruit of their stout hearts, and the glory of their high looks. When the People of Zion are meek and humble than they shall arise out of obscurity, and shake of their dust and Kings shall come to the glory of Zions' rising, 
Is. 60.3. Bern.  humiliatio parit humilitatem, Sanctified humiliation brings advancing humility. All their thorns shall be consecrated into sweet briers, and all their pricking vexations shall prove medicinal, like potions made of the Carduus bendictus, the blessed thistle. The troubles of the Church both for time and measure are guided by her wise ad holy Husband, who hath charged the tossing waves of the Sea, hitherto shall ye come and no further.  
7. He praises his Church and sets off her beauty by the uncomeliness of the adjoining thorns. She is black but comely, scratched but beautiful. A Dove begrimed among the Pots but a Dove still. 
Song. 2.10.  Arise my Dove, my love, my fair one, 
Song 1.5.  my joy, come away. The Tents of Kedar set a lustre upon the Curtains of Solomon. A Jacob in Laban's Family, a Joseph in Pharaoh's, an Obadiah in Ahab's, gives a perfume to the place they dwell in. there's a wall of fire between the lilies and the thorns, 
Zach. 2.4.  to cherish the lilies and to consume the thorns. There's a black side of the Cloud to dannt the Egyptians, but a bright side to enlighten and comfort Israel.  
Let not the Church be discouraged for Christ owns and loves her in the midst of deformities, 
Inser. 1.  imbecilities and conflicts. Though sometimes weak and a little heady and conceited, 'tis his beloved Spouse still, whom he intends to form and beautify for himself. A tender father pities his sick and weakly Child, most of all. A gracious Husband compassionates his sickly Spouse especially if sick of love, His left hand is under her head, 
Song 2.6.  and his right hand doth embrace her. A little pettishness and frowardness does not alienate his heart from her, if right in the main; his generous love winks at many things and pardons all. Though the Moon have her spots, the Sun distains not to shine upon her, and though a Saint may have some foolishness, 
Ps. 69.5.14.  yet God delivers him from draggling in the mire, and suffers him not to sink  
Uprightness may consist with many imperfections. 
Infer. 2.  God takes his measures by sincerity and not infirmity, that's a Saint's joy. He considers our tentations and knows our frame and remembers that we are but dust. 
Ps. 103 14  Some frowardness and frettings in the midst of integrity, nay a spark of grace is highly regarded though at first struck from Heaven into an ocean of corruption within us, its kindling and will be flaming. We have our coolings and our warmths, some beauty though some deformities, and the heart is all with God, if the bent and tenor of the spirit be towards him, only take heed lest our weaknesses should eclipse his praise, despond our spirits in holy duties, and indulging of touchy flashes should habituate into fierceness, and thereby become envious at our betters in grace, and at last droop and sink into an uncomfortable frame of spirit, and then censure and backbite others that faithfully and meekly reprove us for our folly, and would restore us to a heavenly frame and communion with God.  
Be sensible and meek under every trial. 
Infer. 3.  Let crosses crucify the flesh within thee, and let every affliction mortify the body of sin and death, and still remember thou art Christ's Lily, though distressed by manifold thorns. Keep in the royal highway to Heaven between fainting and confidence. He that faints, 
Prov. 24.10.  the strength of his faith is small. Nourish faith by Promises, they are the milk and honey of the Land of Canaan. Keep always some of these precious cordials in the bottles of memory, & be ware also of too much confidence & selfconceit Qui se sibi magistrum constituit stulto se discipulum subdit, 
Bern. Epist. 87.  a self taught person has a fool to his Master.  
The Church as far transcends the World as a pure unspotted Lily outshines a crew of intricate thorns upon a cragged rock, 
Inser. 4.  or as a garden of roses in Sharon is more pleasant than the cursed Mountains of Gilboa, unpassable by briers and brambles.  
Puniceis humilis quantum saliunca rosetis.  

As sragrant roses prickly thorns excel  
Brambles and Myrtles yield no parallel.   
Is. 55.13.  
Let none value true Saints by external grandeur, but their virtues and graces, humility sweetness, peacefulness and innocency. Many Professors are esteemed for riches and titles, for gold rings and gaudy : 
James 2.3.  Sat here at my right hand, make room for a Silken Vest and fine toys upon an empty head and a barren heart. Oh how our estimates stick in the mire! whom do you most prize and admire, a poor sheepskin Saint that stands his ground in Persecution, 
Heb. 11.37.  or a proud Peacock that yelps at a Storm. Are ye not carnal and judges of evil thoughts, 
James 2.4.  Since it appears not now what it is to be a true Son of God, but at that day it will be revealed, when we shall see him as he is. 
1 John 3.2. Infer. 5.   
Let none stand amazed at the pageantry of false Churches, nor value the Whore of Rome because of her bravery. 
Rev. 18.16.  She's decked with Pearls and precious stones, but smells strong of Egypt. All the Perfumes of Arabia can't hid or choke her stink. 'Tis not Lateran Music will consecrate her Masses into audience, nor her incense procure access to the Throne of Grace, 
Amos 5.22.  I will not smell says the Lord in your Solemn Assemblies. Take away the noise of your Songs, the melody of your Viols, let judgement run down as waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. I shall end with Bernard to Eugenius, the 4th. 
* Bern. de consid. l. 1. f. 238.  Plena est ambitiosis ecclesia, non est jam quod exhorreat in studiis & molitionibus ambitionis, non plus quam spelunca latronum in spoliis viatorum. The Church (of Rome) is stuffed with ambitious persons, they tremble no more in the studious endeavours after ambitious designs, than a den of Robbers at dividing the spoils of innocent travellers. and then tells him to his face among other smart but serious reflections upon his Lordliness, [
† id. l. 3 f. 240.  praesis ut prosis, etc. ut dispenses, non imperes etc. Nullum tibi venenum nullum gladium plus formido, quam libidinem dominandi] govern to edification, act like a Servant, and Steward, not an Emperor, I dread no poison, no assassinate more fatal to you, than the lust of domination.  
Be not offended at the Church of Christ because of her mean and troublesome State. 
Inser. 6.  What if the King of Zion come meek and lowly, riding upon an Ass, 
Zech 9.9.  or his holy Apostles walking on foot for the Conversion of Nations through the World, what if the showers of Heaven shall upon the cheeks of the lovely, lowly Lily, and she sit weeping among the briers, must true religion and pure worship be never courted but when the Sun shines? The way to Canaan lay through stones and rocks, 
Deut. 8.15  amidst Lions and Tigers, among Scorpions and fiery flying Serpents; true genuine Israel must through all, and never be appalled, dismayed or dare to face about to Egypt, of which the Lord hath said ye shall return that way no more, 
Deut. 17.16.  If we startle at the briers about the lilies, & flinch for a few prickles we are not worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven. 
Mat. 10.37.  The troubles are but momentany, the glory eternal. They may hurt the flesh, but cannot hinder the flight of the soul into the bosom of Abraham. Let not the Church's afflictions obstruct your associating to her company which is passing under the conduct of her 2d Joshua, 
Heb. 4.8.9.  into everlasting rest. Judge not her beauty, 'tis under a mask, and though besmeared by the soil of her malignant enemies, she is all glorious within. 'Tis our ignorance of the Church's beauty. A comely face must not be disingeniously wiped by a malicious tongue, till the dust and spots be washed off and its aspect clarified, nor a sweet temper dropped upon because of calumnies, before converse does open it. 'Tis want of holiness in most, and true love to it, 
1 John 2.10.  that causes stumbling at the holy ways of God.  
Resign yourselves into his sweet and strong tuition, 
Inser. 7.  who can incline the worst of brambles to be a fence and security to his lilies; and the sharper and stronger they are, the more offensive to the Church's enemies. 
Is. 46.11.  Cyrus' a ravenous Bird from East God called to feast upon the sacrifice of his wrath in the Land of Chaldea, to root up the briers of Babylon, which had so greatly vexed and abused his beloved people. All Histories yield notable instances of divine severity against barbarous persecutors when once they stretch out their hands against the Church, they are quickly withered. To what fearful issues the enraged and infatuated instruments of Satan in the 10 primitive Persecutions were reduced, Ecclesiastic and Civil story is very pregnant; let's endeavour with all sincerity and sedulity to lead lives unblameable and keep Conscience unspotted before God and man, and arm ourselves with holy resolutions against every sinful course wherein we would tremble to appear at the dreadful Judgement seat of Christ, and God, our gracious father will take care of his part to give us divine protection and preserve us to his heavenly Kingdom. What blessed lives might Christians live did they walk always as under the eye of an Omniscient God, and with what comfort might they resign their spirits at death into his hands, as of a faithful Creator, and merciful Redeemer, obtaining an abundant entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.   
FINIS.