PROPOSITION I.

Satan is the ADVERSARY and Enemy. He is the Original, the Fountain of malice, the Insti­gator of all Contrariety, Malignity and Enmity; It is to be observed, this Title is here given to the Devil in our Text, and Context, on account of the Malicious Opposition, he made to Joshua as a Type of Christ, and representative of the People, for it is noted by Criticks the Hebrew word Satan signifies the most Universal Opposition both in words and deeds; & is a Radical Noun, derived from the Verb, which is in the close of the foregoing verse, rendred Resist, Oppose, or With­stand. Hence it is read frequently, Adversa­ry, importing the same with the Greek. Word 'ANTIDIXOS, used I Pet. 5. 8. which signi­fies not barely Adversary, but Adversary in Cause, S uit or Action; The Scope then of this Proposition is couched under the Name or Epithet here given to the Devil, which is SATAN, the Adversary, or ARCH-ENEMY: And this Title is given him, in two eminent cases, by our Saviour himself, as in the Para­ble of the good Seed and Tares; Mat. 13.28. An Enemy hath done this, which our Lord himself declares, verse 39. in Opening the Pa­rable, is the Devil. Again, Luk. 10. 19. Over all the Power of the Enemy, which is Interpre­ted [Page 11] of the Devil, or Unclean Spirits, Vers. 20. In this Rejoyce not that the S pirits are subject to you, but rather &c.

In a word, what was foretold concerning Ishmael, is in the most absolute sense true of him, Gen. 16. 12 His Hand is against every Man, and every Mans Hand is (or should be) against him. Such an Universal and Implacable Adversary and Enemy is this S atan. But to Instance briefly in the Objects of his Enmity

1. First He is Gods Enemy. He sets himself a­gainst the Infinite and Eternal GOD, All Satans designes and Operations; do strike and level, at the very being of God; he would dethrone and Un-God him, if it were possible. He fell from Gods favour at first, by rebellion, and hence by his righteous Judgement, was doomed to continue, under the power of irreconcilable enmity, against him for ever. He is an Enemy to all the Divine Attri­butes, and most glorious Persons in all their holy designs and operations. To all the Divine Attri­butes, Negative, Positive, Relative, and Endea­vours by Blasphemous denying them to Eclipse the glory of them; he was a lyar in and from the beginning, against the Truth and Holyness of GOD; Gen. 3. 1. Yea hath GOD said &c. He puts them, upon scrupling the truth of the threatning and in the fourth verse; down right denies it, ye shall not surely by &c. Herein also he reflected upon the Holyness of God, [Page 12] by which he was engaged in that threatning, to advance his own glory; viz. The glory of his justice, by punishing mans transgression with Dy­ing the Death as is denounced, Gen. 2. 17. Thou shalt surely dy, or dy the Death.

Thus the Unclean lying satan, set himself against these Essential, and Inseperable Attributes, of the Blessed God: and in the same manner, doth he Eclipse the rest, so far as he is permitted to do it. Again, he is an Enemy to all the most glori­ous Persons in the God-Head; FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST, in their Joynt Determina­tions, and Eternal Decrees, concerning the Re­demption, and Salvation of sinners; by and under the Mediator; and he is an Enemy to them in their Distinct Operations, in a way of Ef­ficiency, for the promoting that which is Holy, and Just, and Good. To GOD the FATHER in Managing his Eternal Purposes of Grace, to Sinners by and in the New Covenant, and ma­nifesting his Electing Love unto them, which is Primarily and properly ascribed to him, 2 Thes. 2. 13. As also, Ephes. 1. 3, 4, 5. Of these Pur­poses, Designs and Resolutions, Satan mightily opposeth the Execution: As in this Instance of Joshua; GOD the FATHER, had a De­cree of Mercy to him, and to his Covenant People Represented by him; Satan stands in Opposition to that Gracious Resolution. He is an Enemy to GOD the SON, to God made [Page 13] Man, and the more, because he was Made Flesh, and shewed such Favour to Mankind, as to Tabernacle among them; John 1. 14. And indeed, this Humiliation of the SON of GOD being made Man gave Satan advantage to shew and exercise his Enmity against him, (i. e.) as he was the Seed of the Woman, for as he was the SON of GOD, he could not any way come at him, being God over all Blessed for ever, Rom. 9. 5. But when once Incarnate, and become an Inhabitant of this Lower World, where Satan Ranges to and fro continually; then he Spits his Venemcus Malice against him, To cut him off by Herods bloody Decree, Mat. 2. 16. To Overthrow his Obedience, and draw him to Sin; Mat. 4. to 11. To Destroy­him, by stirring up Judas to Betray him in­to the Hands of his Enemies, Luk. 22. 3. Satan Entred into Judas, &c. Again, he is the Ene­my of the HOLY GHOST, as he is the Spi­rit of Grace, Heb. 10. 29. The Spirit of Truth John 14. 17. The Spirit of Holiness, or Holy Spirit, Eph. 4. [...]0. And his being so called, im­ports the Holiness of his Nature, and Operati­ons, in opposition to the Unclean Spirit, and his Operations. Hence Annanias is said to Lye against the HOLY GHOST, or Spirit of Truth, Acts 5. 3. And indeed, this Unclean Spirit, or Grand Fomenter of Spiritual Wicked­ness, is over doing all he can, to Oppose and [Page 14] do Despight unto the Holy Spirit of Grace, Heb. 10. 29. By stirring up men to Resist him Acts 7. 51. Thus Satan is an Enemy to GOD CREATOR, to GOD-REDEEMER, to GOD SANCTIFIER, in all their Operations, and Designs of Grace.

2. Satan is the GRAND Enemy of all mankind He is full of Enmity, against the Woman and all her Seed, as Eve was the Mother of all living; Gen. 3. 15. And I will put enmity betwixt thee and the woman &c.

Now Enmity, denotes a principle of Irreconcilable Hatred, an Innate C ontrariety; which vents it self in all manner of Endeavour, to prevent the good, and promote the hurt, ruine and destruction of the Object. This Enmity of Satan, appears in the Names given him in Scripture, relating to man, as the Object of his Malice; He is called THE A ccuser, even of the Brethren, Rev 12 10. THE Tempter, Mat. 4. 3. The Devourer 1 Pet. 5. 8. The Destroyer, hence the Easters Antichrist, is so named in two Languages, A­baddon in the Hebrew; and Apollyon in the Greek Rev. 9. 11. because he acts in his horrible De­structions and Devastations of People and Kingdoms as the inspired Instrument substitute and representative of Satan the Grand Destroy­er. It appears also, by Allusions made in the Sa­cred Pages, to Creatures that are a dread to man He is called a Serpent, Gen. 3. 13. T he Old Serpent [Page 15] Rev. 20. 2. A Dragon, Rev. 12. 13. A I you, I Pet. 5. 8. Now put all these three together, that Satan hath the subtilty of the Serpent, the malice of the Dragon, and strength of the Li­on, and suppose all these to be improved to the utmost vigour, of Angelical Activity; and we must believe him to be a most Formidable Enemy. He as such, did set upon, and was too hard for our First Parents, striking at the Stock and Root of all Mankind, in order to the certain confusion of the whole Progeny and Posterity: which Hellish Design had undoubtedly succeeded to full effect, had not the promise of the MESSIAH been Revealed to Lost Man, to lay hold of for his Restoring to a State of Reconciliation, and consequently to Eternal Salvation. The Sum is, Satan being doomed to the Chains of Eternal Darkness, for his Treason against his Creator, and Spight against Man, his Fellow-Creature; swells with cursed Enmity, against the children of men, yea, and the adopted children of GOD, so long as they are in this world; & being a spiri­tual Enemy, he is the more formidable, because an UNEQUAL match, for poor mortal flesh: For though by his fall, he lost his Angelical Holyness, yet he did not loose his Angelical nature, so that his Enmity must needs be Exceeding fierce. and Pene­trateing, and although his Powers are much deba­sed, from what they were in his State of integrity, yet do they vastly exceed, the most Elevated Powers [Page 16] of-any meer mortal whatsoever. But

Particularly here; First, He is the Enemy of the SOULS of men. And indeed, this is that he drives at, in all his designs, and operations, and to catch devour and destroy SOULS; Hence when he draws wretched mortals, to Contract with him; He bargains with them, that after the time of his service to them, he will have their Souls, viz Intending to Torment them for ever.

He is a S pirit, and hence strikes at the Spiritual part the most Excellent (Constituent) part of man. Primarily disturbing, and Interrupting, the Animal and Vital Spirits, he maliciously O­perates upon, the more Common Powers of the Soul, by strange and frightful Representations to the Fancy, or Imagination, and by violent, Tor­tures of the body, often threatning to extinguish life; as hath been observed, in those that are afflicted amongst us. And not only so, but he vents his malice, in Diabolical Operations, on the more sublime and distinguishing faculties, of the Rational Soul, raising Mists of Darkness, and ig­norance, in the Understanding. Ephes. 4. 18. 2 Cor. 4. 4: Stirring up, the innate Rebellion of the will, though he cannot force it unto sin. In­troducing Universal Ataxy, and inordinacy, in the Passions, both Love and Hatred, the Cardinat or Radical affections, with all other that accompany or flow from them; Hence we read of Hating God, who ought above all to be loved; Rom. 1. 30. [Page 17] And loving the world (i e) the Pleasures, Treasures, and Honours thereof, in such a degree as is inconsistent, with the love of the chief good; I John 2. 15. James 4. 4. And although it must be acknowledged, that there is a Corrupt Prin­ciple in Fallen Man; yet it is Satan, that frequent­ly moves it unto act, and all he intends there­by is the Captivating the whole Soul, and by consequence the Whole Man, to Disobedience of the Command of GOD; that by his Holy, and Righteous Judgment, his Wrath might be Revealed to the utmost, against the Souls and Bodies of Impenitent Sinners, Cursing them to Everlasting Burnings, Prepared for the Devil and his Angels, Mat. 25. 41. And thus he would destroy all Souls, did not Divine Grace pre­vent.

Secondly, Satan is the ENEMY of the BO­DIES of Men. The Soul being the better part, is the principal object of his Malice, but together with that (as an Instrument by which it Exerteth its Powers in the State of Union) the Body is often sorely afflicted by him, when he cannot obtain leave to go any further. And here

1. Sometimes he brings Distress upon the Bodies of Men, by malignant Operations in, and Diabolical Impressions on, the Spirituous Principle or Vehicle of life & Motion. This we have set before us in the case of the Possessed, Mark. 9. 18. and [Page 18] wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him, and be foameth, and gnasheth with his Teeth, &c, Now although Actual Possessions, were most frequent and observable, while our SAVIOUR was on the Earth, and it seems to be so much permitted in that time, that the Eternal Power and GODHEAD, of the Lord Jesus might appear, in the subduing Satan, and Sup­pressing his Tyranny, over the Souls and Bo­dies of the Children of Men: Yet there are certainly some Lower Operations of Satan, (whereof there are sundry Examples among us) which the Bodies of Men and Women, are liable unto. And whosoever, hath carefully ob­served these things, must needs be Convinced, that the Motions of the Persons Afflicted, both as to the Manner, and as to the violence of them, are the meer effects of Diabolical Malice and Operations, and that it cannot ra­tionally be imagined, to proceed from any other cause whatsoever.

2. Sometimes by Moving and Exasperating the Corrupt Particles of the Blood, & vitiated Humours of the Body, be doth (by God's Permission) Smite the Bodies of Men, with Grievous, Pes­tilential and Loathsome Diseases; Of this JOB was a special Instance, Job 2. 7. S o S atan went and smote Job with sore Boiles, &c. It is not expressed, what Disease it was, with which the Devil smote Job; but certainly it Seized [Page 19] him, with the utmost degree of Malignity and Loathsomeness, that natural causes, under the influence of Diabolical Malice, could pro­duce; and we may rationally conceive that never any man, had that Disease or those Boiles (as Job had them) who out-lived the Tormenting Pains, and Malignity thereof. Nei­ther can we deny, but that Satan may (by Divine Permission) spread the Contagious At­tomes of Epidemical Diseases, in the Aiery Re­gion (the Territory assigned to him) who is Prince of the Power of the Air, Eph. 2. 2) And make them Penetrate, so as to render them the more Afflictive and Destructive to the Bo­dies of such as are Infected by them. This he did by Permission (not only for Tryal as in Jobs case) but also for the Punishment of Sinners; hence we read of his being employ­ed sometimes by the Great God, as the Executioner of his just Revenges, in the De­struction of his and his People Enemies; and thus he was among the Egyptians when the Lord plagued them, Psal. 78. 49, 50. By sending Evil Angels among them. He spared not their Souls from Death, but gave them over to the Pe­stilence. Besides, I may not insist here, How Satan by wicked men his Instruments brings outward Calamities, Sorrows, Pains and Punish­ments on the Bodies even of the Children of God; of whom as the Apostle declares the [Page 20] World was not worthy, Heb. 11. 37, 38. They Wandred in Sheep-skins and Goat-skins, in Dent and Caves of the Earth, &c. by reason of the malicious Persecutions of wicked Tyrants, the Instruments of Satan, and who doubtless were hurried on by his Instigations. And surely what is said concerning Casting into Prison, is likewise true of other Afflictions, as Scourgings, or any Corporal Punishments for Righteous­ness sake. That though men are the Actors, yet it is the Devil, that shall Cast some into Prison, Rev. 2. 10. He is the principal Instiga­tor, in all such Designs for the hurting the Bodies of men, when not permitted to pro­ceed further, being willing to do all the mis­chief that he can, when he cannot do so much as he would: But

Thirdly, Satan vents, his Malice against the very LIVES of men, to cut them off and destroy them. He is the Prince of Death, that hath the Power of Death, Heb. 2. 14. He is the DESTROYER of all Life, both Spiritual and Corporal. All his Designs against the Souls and Bodies of men, terminate here, even in the Weakening or Extinguishing of Life, and when he touches the life of the Body, he aims at the Life of the Soul: He it was that stirred up Cain, to Commit the first Murder in the World, when he slew Abcl his Brother, for [Page 21] which he is said to be of the Wicked One I Joh. 3. 12. (i. e.) Acting from the same prin­ciple of Enmity: as if he were his very Spawn and Ofspring. He it was that Raised a 'wind, that smote the House where Jobs Sons and Daughters were, and slew them all, Job 1. 19. having permission so to do, verse 12. This same Adversary it was, that stirred up David to Number the People, that so by displea­sing GOD, 70000 men might be cut off by the Pestilence; I Chron. 21. 1. 2 Sam. 24. 15. This Design against the Lives of Men, the GRAND Destroyer hath been carrying on, from the beginning, by stirring up Wars, Tu­mults, Insurrections, Commotions and Confusions, amongst People, Nations and Kingdoms, by which means multitudes of multitudes have fal­len in the valley of Destruction, and gone down to the Congregation of the Dead; the Devil hath begotten Pride, Pride hath Created Wars, and Wars promoted Slaughter, and De­structions; so that it is the true Mark and Character of Satans Kingdom, that it is Esta­blished, Supported, and Propogated by Malice, Enmity, Wars, Blood, Slaughter, and Destruction of Mankind.

PROPOSITION II.

That Satan makes it his business to improve [Page 22] all Opportunities and Advantages, to Exercise his Malice upon the Children of Men. He is an indefatigable, as well as an implacable Enemy: Thus he was willing to represent himself, as appears by his answer given to the GREAT GOD, when he inquired of him, Job 2. 2. Whence comest thou? Satan said from going to and fro in the earth, &c. (i. e.) Traversing the Earth, to spie out what mischief he could do, against the Inhabitants thereof. This is the Argument used by the Apostle P eter, I Pet. 5. 8. Be sober, (i. e.) be in a Holy Frame, to Attend all Duty; Be vigilant, (i. e.) be careful to avoid all that Sin which might be­tray you, Because your Adversary the Devil goes about as a Roaring Lion, seeking whom he may Devour; here note we his strength, a Ly­on; his Malice, a Roaring Lion; his Industry, he goes about; his End and Design seeking whom he may devour: and he exerts his malice, either (1) Immediately, or (2) Medi­ately; Of each of these briefly.

1. Immediately and directly, Operating in, and upon the object by his own power and influence. And indeed his Angelical Activity is such, as doth render him capable to Operate far beyond Humane Power of Resistance, without any Instrument whatsoever, whensoever [Page 23] he hath obtained the Divine Permission, and this he doth

1. Sometimes by sudden injections, or sugges­tions working upon the corrupt principle, or Original Depravity that is in man. Thus Satan is said to have filled the hearts of Annanias to Lye against the Holy Ghost, Acts 5. 3,

2. Sometimes by false Representations to the Eyes, or only to the minds of men, concerning things delightful to the Senses: Of this kind was the Representation of the Kingdomes of the World to our LORD Jesus Christ, Mat. 4. 8. Some think it was in a Vision, or Illu­sion, some by pointing at the four quarters and in words relating the glory thereof; Doctor Taylor judgeth the Devil offered the Images, and Representations of them all, sensibly and actually, in a strange manner, making their Images appear to his Senses, and not by vision or illusion, which did not so well agree to the perfection of Christ's mind. But Christ did in­deed, see the Images and most glorious Repre­sentations of the World and the Kingdoms thereof. And the better to perswade him, that he saw the things indeed, he set him on an exceeding High Mountain; I do the rather con­ceive this to be the manner, because men by art can Represent to the Senses in a Glass, the [Page 24] Lively Image of a person or thing, and Satan certainly can do it much more; and besides, it seems hardly safe to believe, that the Devil was capable, to impose upon the pure and sinless imagination of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, by any Illusion whatsoever.

3. Sometimes by Entring into, and Possessing the Souls of the Man; bringing him unto full Submission, and entire Resignation to his Hellish Designs; that it is Totally Enslaved him to his Authority and direction. In this manner he Captivates the whole Soul in all its faculties by seven Spirits (i. e.) Fullness of Devils, Luk. 11. 26. And this may be, in those that are not Bodily Possessed, and indeed is in a sort, in all Unregenerate SINNERS, as 2 Timothy 2 26. Who are taken Captive by him at his Will; The Greek Word there used, signifies to Hunt and Catch alive. The man with all his Facul­ties and Powers, are at the Devils Beck; and Devoted to his Service.

Secondly, Mediately by imploying some of man­king or other creatures, and he frequently useth other persons or things, that his Designs may be the more undiscernable. Thus he used the Serpent in the first Temptation, Gen. 3. 1. Now when he useth Mankind, he seemeth to [Page 25] bring in what he intends, in a way of Familiar Converse with us Mortals, that he may not be suspected at the bottome of all. Hence he Con­tracts and Indents with Witches and Wizzards, that they shall be the Instruments by whom he may more secretly Affect, and Afflict the Bodies and Minds of others, and if he can prevail, upon those that make a Visible Profession, it may be the better Covert to his Diabolical Enterprizes: And may the more readily pervert others to Consent­ing unto his subjection. Thus in Tempters to any Wickedness, but in reference to the present occasion, especially in Witches, Sorcerers, Divi­ners, &c. So far as we can look into those Hellish Mysteries, and guess at the Administration of that Kingdom of Darkness [...] may learn that Witches make Witches, by perswading one the other to Subscribe to a Book, or Articles, &c. And the Devil, having them in this subjection, by their Consent, he will use their Bodies and Minds, Shapes and Representations, to Affright and Afflict others, at his pleasure, for the Propa­gation of his Infernal Kingdom, and accomplish­ing his Devised Mischiefs, to the Souls, Bodies and Lives of the Children of men; yea, and of the Children of GOD too, so far as per­mitted and is possible.

PROPOSITION III.

The Covenant People of God, and those that would Devote themselves intirely to his Service, are the special objects of SATANS Rage and Fury.

He is the malicious Enemy of the Church of God, and of every Member thereof; and that on account of the Kingdom of Christ that is established, and the Ordinances of the LORD JESUS that are celebrated there; and the benefits that acrue to the Souls of men, by those blessed Institutions, for the Translating of them, from the Power of Satan unto the Sub­jection of the Lord Jesus Christ; the Redeemer of his People, and Head of his Church; hence when the Church is Resembled to a Woman, for Beauty of Holy Profession, clothed with the Sun, (i. e.) adorned with all Sanctifying Gifts and Saving Graces of the Spirit of GOD, shining with utmost brightness, of the Faith and Order of the Gospel, Rev. 12. 1. To a Woman, for Tenderness and Weakness. Yea, & to a Woman, for Fruitfulness, being with Child and ready to be Delivered, verse 2. Then do we find, the Implacable Adversary of Mankind Re­presented by a Great-Red-Dragon, verse 3. (i. e.) most formidable, both for his Power, a Great Dragon, and for his venomous Rage and Fu­ry, [Page 27] A Red Dragon; and he is set forth, pou­ting, out his Malice against her, in a fearful manner, by a Flood out of his mouth, verse 15. And here we may note two things.

First, That the more solemnly, and Person or People are Devoted to God, and thence do shine with Lustre of Holiness, both of Heart and Life, the more vehemently doth he oppose, malign, and Persecute them. That which makes him so ma­licious against the Children of GOD, is his ac­cursed Contrariety, to the Image of GOD that is on them, and the Principle of Holiness that is in them. So that the more Beauty of Holi­ness, they hold forth in their Conversation, the more violently, and outragiously doth he Op­pose them: A special Instance of this, we have in Job, concerning whom the Searcher of Hearts, did (before his afflictions) give this Te­stimony, that he feared God, and eschewed evil, Job 1. 8. Upon the notice whereof, Satan set him­self against him, to interrupt him in, and divert him from, that Sincerity and Universallity of Obe­dience, by obtaining permission to bring Crosses and Afflictions upon him, in his Estate and Chil­dren chap. And finding him to be constant in his Resolution, to Serve GOD Uprightly, accor­ding to the Testimnoy of GOD himself, chap. 2, 3. He pleads for a farther Permission, against his Person, chap. 2. 5. And in the management of [Page 28] his Designs, he did Transform himself into an An­gel of Light, as the Apostle saith, 2 Cor. 11. 14. (i. e.) pretend to as much Holiness in outward appearance, as the best; hence when the Sons of GOD, viz. the Angles, the Eldest Sons of GOD by Creation, came, to present themselves before the Lord, (i. e.) to pay their Homage unto, and to receive the Commands of their Soveraign LORD, Satan came also among them, Job. 1. 6. Thus also by Seducers, and False Teachers; 2 Cor. 11. 13. be insinuates into the Society of the Adopted Children of GOD in their most Solemn Aproach­es to him, in Sacred Ordinances; endeavouring to look so like the true Saints, and Ministers of Christ, that if it were possible, he would deceive the very Elect, Mat. 24. 24. by his subtilty; for it is certain, he never works more like the Prince of Darkness, than when he looks moss like an angel of Light, and when he most pretends to Holiness, he then doth most secretly, and by con­sequence most surely undermine it, and those that most Excel in the Exercise thereof.

Secondly, That the more eminent Service, or Office any person is employed IN, or called to the discharge OF, for the glory of GGD, and the good of his Church, the more violently doth Satan resist, with­stand or oppose him.

In this Context, we have Jeshua who was Or­dained to be the High-priest of GOD, a Repre­sentative [Page 29] of the whole People, whose Office it was, to Offer Sacrifice for their sins, and to Enter into the Holy-place once a year, with the Blood of Atonement, Exod. 30. 10. (being therein al­so a Type of Christ, the Great High-Priest of his People) He stood before the Angel, or Messen­ger of the Covenant of the LORD to attend his Duty, and discharge his Office; and presently the Devil or [...] stands up no accuse, and Satan, or the Withstander to resist him; yea, such was the Subtilty, Impudence and Enmity of the Old Serpent, called the Devil and Satan, (all engaged against our Lord Jesus Christ, the Antitype of Joshua,) that no sooner, was he explicitely Or­dained, to the work he came into the World for, Mat. 3. 17. but immediately Satan sets upon him to hinder him, and (if it had been possible) to make void the whole Design, Mat. 4. 1. to the 11 Thus also we find Paul, the Apostle or our Lord Jesus Christ, (who was so Laborious, and inde­fatigable, in the Work of the Gospel, I Cor. 15. 10. complaining of Satans putting Impediments or Discouragements in his way of coming to the Thessalonians, I Thes. 2. [...]18. Wherefore we would have come unto you (even I Paul) once and again, but Satan hindred as: partly by Persecutions, raised against him, and the Lying in wait of the Jews, mentioned, Acts 20. 19. and again, chap. 23. 16. as a Discouragement to him, partly by Raising Troubles in other Churches, and thereby [Page 30] finding Paul other business, as an Impediment to his Serving them. Thus Satan still is, and will be, the Opposer of the Faithful and Fer­vent Officers of the Church, to the end of the World; and so I pass to the next Proposition.

PROPOSITION IV.

That in all Satans Malicious Designs, and Opera­tions, he is absolutely Bounded and Limited, by the Power and Pleasure of the Great and Ever­lasting GOD, the LORD JEHOVAH.

That is the Title given to God the Father in our Text, and although many times parti­cularly applyed to GOD the FATHER, yet is comprehensive of all the Persons in the God-head, and especially, relating to the Exe­cution of the Eternal Purposes of Grace, and Good Will to the Elect, for Opera Trinta [...]s ad Extra, sunt indivisa & indistincta. Polan. syn. Here then are two of the Persons in the E­ver Blessed Trinity, mentioned, each under the Title of JEHOVAH in the Hebrew; whereby we are confirmed in the Doctrine of the Tri­nity; By JEHOVAH, the LORD the SON, making use of the Soveraign Name and Au­thority, of Jehovah the FATHER, The Lord Rebuke thee O Satan, the Lord that hath Chosen Jerusalem Rebnke thee. [Page 31] Now Election, is Primarily ascribed, to the E­ternal purpose, and Soveraign Pleasure, of GOD the Father In concurrence with GOD the Son & GOD the Holy Ghost, These Glorious Divine Per­sons, Coequal, Coessential, and Coeternal do hold Satan, in the chain of their absolute power and soveraignty being able at their pleasure, with a word of rebuke, to remand and restrain, yea total­ly to vanquish and suppress him, in his most out­ragious efforts of malice, against the Children of men, or servants of the MOST HIGH GOD. This is presented to us in that Expression used, in our Text, The LORD REBUKE thee the Hebrew world GAGNAR used here, signifies to rebuke, not only in word but in Deed; Cum potestate Objurgare, to re­buke with power, so as totally to subdue, and sup­press, thus it is used, Ps. 9: 6. Thou hast rebuked the heathen, (i. e.) suppressed their power, and rage, even to their utter destruction, as in the next words, thou hast destroyed the wicked, and put out their name for ever, the words then, The Lord Rebuke thee, Import.

First Authority of Office, to reprove and rebuke, Titus is directed, Ch1 13. Rebuke them sharply (i: e) by vertue of thing Office Power and Au­thority thus their Lord and master, Rebuked the Heat and Rashness of his Disciples, Luke 9. 54,55 But he turned and rebuked them and said ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

Secondly Rebukeing imports, putting to shame, in [Page 32] sense of weakness in argueing, or disputeing; Jude; 9.— brought not raileing accusation; but made the Grand Railer. ashamed by saying the LORD Rebuke thee, or confound thee in thy Ar­gument.

And (Thirdly) it imports Checking and put­ting to silence. Luk. 19. 39. Master Rebuke thy Disciples (i. e.) put them to silence, Thus it be­longs to the Soveraignty, of the blessed Jehovah, One God in Three Persons with authority to Re­buke Satan, to Shame him in his accusations, and to Silence his clamours, against the servants of God. And that will appear, if we consider three things,

(First) The Great God the Eternal Jehovah, did at first Create him by his Power, He made him in a Glorious state of Happiness, and perfect­ion of Holyness, in the beginning of time; when the innumerable company of Angels were made in and with the highest heavens, to do his pleasure Ps. 103. 20. 21. And although, the Apostate Angels, that fell by rebellion are reserved in Chains &c. Jude ver. 6. Yet our Saviour tells the De­vil Math. 4. 10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God &c. Therein not only testifying his own Son like subjection to God his Father, and steadfast, resolution, to exalt his glory, against all manner of temptations, but also thereby, put­ting [Page 33] Satan in mind, that even He & all other crea­tures, are bound to worship GOD, their Soveraign Lord and Maker and thence that the Devil ought to worship the Lord Jesus who was Truly and Es­sentially God his Creator. For surely he is even the Devils God by Creation, in which he was made a glorious Angel, but he made himself by transgression an horrible Devil.

(Secondly) The Soveraign Power, of the Great God to rebuke Satan, appears, In that he doth manage and over-rule, all his motions and Operations, to serve his own most Holy Ends, and to advance his own glory in the winding up. Angelical natures are ve­ry active, and as the blessed Angels, are very dili­gent in serving, and glorifying, GOD, and mini­string for the good of the heirs of salvation, Hebr. 1. 14. So the cursed Devils, are full of subtile con­trivance, malicious designs, and Diabolical opera­tions, for the dishonour of GOD, the ruine of Mankind, and injuring the Heirs of Promise, to the uttermost of their Permission and A­bility.

But what the wise man saith, wisely and truely concerning the Devices of man, is every way true of the Designs of Satan, Prov: 19: 21. There are many devices in a mans heart, but the Counsel of the Lord it shall stand, (i. e.) totally to defeat the accomplishment of them, [Page 34] or to over-rule the issues, effects and consequen­ces of them to his own Glory. Thus the GREAT GOD, doth many times out-do Satans Politicks, and over-shootes him in his own how, making that which he designed, as meanes to Prevent the good of the Church, appear to be a most proper medium to pro­mote the benefit thereof, according to his Blessed will and Counsel, who can say concerning his own most Holy Design; and be as good as his word, in despight of Men and Divels, Isa. 46: 10. My counsel shall stand, And I will do all my pleasure. This will appear, if we consi­der the pernicious designs, and malicious methods of Satan, in order to the Crucifixion of Our LORD JESUS, and the end he aimed at in his being cut off; and how in a stupendious manner; all was over-ruled, to accomplish Gods Eternal Purposes, in the Salvation of this Elect.

(Briefly then, The Devil finding nothing in him) (as our Saviour saith, John. 14. 30.) On which to fix any temptation, whereby he might stain him in his Holyness; or pervert him from his Obedience; but was totally overcome, and rou­ted, in a Single conflict, with the Captaion of our Salvation, Math: 4: 1, to, 11. He is resolved to prosecute another design, even the taking away his bodily life, in order whereunto He entred unto Judas, Named Iscariot one of the Twelve. Luk. 22. 3. [Page 35] Who presently went and set himself to take opportunity, to betray him, Ver. 6. Then Satan stirred up, the Envy of the people, to deli­ver him to the Judgment, Math. 27. 18. Brought in Two false Witnesses against him; Math. 26. 60. Moved Herod, and Pontius Pilate Gentiles, to con­demn him, and therein gratify the wicked people. of Israel, that were gathered together, Acts 4. 27. And (to compleat the Diabolical Tragedy) Instigated the people, with wicked hands to Crucify him. Acts. 2. 23. And after his Buryal, they endeavour to prevent his Rising again, or removal out of the Sepulcher (as they pretended) by setting a guard about it, rolling a great stone upon it, and sealing it to make it unalterable; Math. 27. 66. &c.

SATAN then had thus far gained the Point, & prevailed in his Hellish designs, against the life of the Man-CHRIST-JESUS; yet in all this process he had neither broken the Chaine by which the GREAT GOD holds him, nor could he (in, the least) overstraine one linke thereof; nor yet deviate one inch from the methods determined, and traced out, by the Purpose of the Eternal God in any one step or intreague, of this whole af­faire: but in spight of all the Malice, Power, and Policy, of EARTH and HELL, it came to pass in every particular passage thereof, As the Hand of GOD disposed, in the Course of his Provi­dence: According as his Counsel fore-determined should be done, Acts. 4: 27. 28. As also, Acts. 2. 23. [Page 36] Hitherto we may observe, how Satans - plot and project, seemed to be agreeable, (though a­gainst his will,) to the purpose, and Eternal Coun­sel of the blessed GOD: but in the ends and issues proposed, Behold how vastly (even Toto Coelo) they differ! For instance, Satans Design herein was to cut off the hopes of the sons of men, as to Redemption and Salvation by the Man-Christ-Jesus, 1. Tim 2: 5 That so the benefits of the New-Co­venant, of which he was the ONE, and onely MEDIATOR, might utterly faile, and poor mi­serable man, might again fall, Fearfully, Fatally, and Irecoverably, into the hands of the LIVING GOD, Heb: 10, 31. And by the Infinite weight, of his vindictive Justice be crushed down to the Nethermost Hell: But on the other hand, GODS designs was far otherwise, even by the Deep Humiliation, and death of the Man Christ on the Cross, to produce such Effects as these, Namely that Man's Redemption, might be wrought out and Finished, Iohn 19, 30. Peace made by the blood of his Cross, betwixt an offended God, and sinful man. Ephes: 2, 14, 16, Sinners Redeemed from the Curse of the Law, by Christ's being made a Curse for them, Gal. 3: 13: And be made heirs of the blessing, ver. 14 A number of lost Soules, bought with a price from the Bondage of Satan, and Power of Sin, to be Instruments of Glorifying God, in their Bodies and Spirits which are Gods. 1 Cor. 6. 20. [Page 37] In a word; that the Eternal Power and God­Head of the LORD JESUS, ( the Blessed S eed of the Woman, according to his Humane Na­ture) might appear in a fatal wounding and Bruising the head of the Old S erpent, Gen. 3. 15. And a final Destruction of Death, and him that had the Power of Death, that is the Devil, Heb. 2. 14. And no less Eminent, is the Soveraign Wisdom and Power of God, in Over-ruling this Tragical Scene of Diabolical Malice, in the glorious Consequences thereof, viz. Loosing the Pains of Death, by which it was impossible, the LORD JESUS should be held, Acts 2. 24. Raising him from the Dead, verse 32. That having Conquered Death, Hell, and Satan; and Spoiled Principalities and Pow­ers, openly T riumphing over them, Col. 2. 16. He might appear to be the Author of Eternal Salvation, to all them that obey him, Heb. 5 [...] And having humbled himself to death, even the Death of the Cross, Phil. 2. 8. Might by GOD the FATHER, be highly Exalted, verse 11. And ascending on high, might Lead Captivity Captive, Psal. 68. 18. Ephes. 4. 8. And set down at the Right-hand of the Majesty on High, Col. 3. 1. For above all Principalities and Powers, Ephes. 1. 21. Expecting, until all his Enemies be made his Foot-stool, Heb. 10. 13. Until the day be come; in which he shall appear, in Power and great Glory, Mat. 24. 30. To Judge the Quick and the [Page 38] Dead, at his Appearance and his Kingdom, 2 Tim 4 [...] T hus T hus; did the Ever Blessed God, Over-rule the Grand Project of the Old Ser­pent against the Saviour, and Salvation of his Elect, bringing his mischievous Devices, upon his own pate, to his utter amazement and Confu­sion for ever. And since the Salvation of us All, is so much concerned therein, this may excuse my so free and large dilating upon Description thereof. Thus is S atan under the limitations of Gods Soveraignty in all his O­perations which yet farther appears.

Thirdly, In that God will Judge and S en­tence him at last, unto Eternal Punishment. Sa­tan is now but Gods Instrument, as all other Creatures are; and it is the Property of an Instrument, to be absolutely subservient to the Pleasure of the principal Agent, or Efficient; when therefore the GREAT GOD hath used him for a while, to Serve his own most Ho­ly Designs, in the world, by the trying of his People, and the Judicial Blinding, and harden­ing of obstinate and impenitent Sinners unto their Eternal Destruction: When the day is come, in which he hath Appointed to Judge the World by Jesus Christ, Acts 17. 31. Then shall that Old Serpent, called the Devil and Satan, be Judged, Sentenced, and Confined to those Everlasting T orments Prepared for him, and together with him, for all such miserable, [Page 39] accursed Souls as have here been Deluded, and Ensnared by him. As appears by that dread­ful Definitive Sentence, that shall then be Pronounced, by the GREAT KING, in the day of his wrath, and Revelation of his Power Mat 25:41. Go ye Cursed into Everlasting burn­ings Prepared for the Devil and his Angels. If therefore GOD Created him; Over-rules all his Operations; And shall at last Judge him to Eter­nal Destruction; then it will follow, he is alwayes absolutely bounded, and limited, by the same Sove­raignty of GOD, which sets bounds to the Sea permitting if so far, Hitherto shalt thou go, and pro­hibiting it from going any farther, and here shall thy proud Waves be stayed, Iob 48: 11. The like limitations Satan had, in his permission concerning Job, as in Chap. 1. 12. & 2:6. And he could in no degree, exceed the li­mits of Gods Power and Pleasure, notwith­standing all his Malicious Inclinations there­unto.

V. PROPOSITION.

That Whensoever, God hath declared a person or people, to be in Covenant with him, as the Objects of his special mercy and favour, he will assuredly and shortly, suppress the malice of Satan, however vi­olently engaged against them.

[Page 40] To Explaine this Proposition, we may consider the Arguments used in the Text, to Re­press Satan's importunity and Magnify God's Mercy, which are Twofold,

First; God's Free-Love, set on them from Eter­nity, in that expression, T he LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem. &c.

Secondly HIS particular favour, in delivering Joshua and them, from the Babylonish Captivity. Is not this a Brand pluckt out of the Fire? Of each of these a few words.

First; God free love from Eternity, placed on his Covenant people. The Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem &c. God at the first, chose the seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to be a people to himself, above all the nations of the earth, Psal. 105. 6. And avouched them to be His peculiar people, Deut. 26. 16. He chose the land of Judea, to be the place of their abode, and there he chose the City Je­rusalem, or the vision of peace, as the name signi­fies, in which his people might enjoy peace and quietness; after their travels, toils and troubles in the wilderness, where the Thrones of Judgment were established, Psal. 122. 5. Where also the Temple was builded, & the Worship and Ordinances of GOD, Celebrated, and the tokens of Gods presence were placed. So that audience, and acceptance of prayers; might be expected, when offered towards this City and House, I Kings 8. 44. Hence by a Metonymis of the City, put for [Page 41] the inhabitants, it notes the people of Jerusalem, and by a Senecdoche of the part for the whole, implies that whole people which was in Cove­nant with GOD in those days, which did also figuratively represent, the Evangelical Church, the Heavenly Jerusalem, Heb. 12. 22. Now Choo­sing is an act of freedom and Liberty in God; and a Testimony of Love and Mercy, to such as are chosen; By which he is inclined to help them in Misery.

Secondly HIS particular favour, in delivering Joshua and them, from the Babylonish Captivity is not this a brand &c. Where GOD hath begun to shew special favour, he will compleat it, in op­position to Earth and Hell. As he said so the Lords people find it, God is not a man that he should lye, Numbers 23. 19. ( i. e.) as to his promise, nor that he should fail in his Providence, to car­ry on those works, in which he hath made such blessed beginnings, is not this a brand pluckt out &c. ( i. e.) with an holy pitty rescued, when all on a light fire, now CHRIST is brought in, using this argument in his Intercession for his peo­ple, who in imitation of him may also use it for themselves, and it seems thus to be framed ( qs.d.) KNOW O S atan, GOD the FATHER, hath begun to own Joshua and the People, in their de­liverance in part, and that may encourage them to expect all that remains, for the LORD will [Page 42] perfect what concerns them, and will not forsake the works of his own hands, because his mercies endure for ever, Psal. 138. 8. The force of a gument then, for clearing the Proposition lyes in these two assertions.

First, GOD in choosing of and covenanting with a Person or People, doth engage all his Glorious Attributes, for their good as the mat­ter doth require. When he Declareth he will be their GOD, all his Sufficiency and Efficien­cy, is for them, ( i. e.) to the utmost of what he hath Engaged by Covenant: hence his Ne­gative, Positive, and Relative Attributes, do Recommend his as a proper Object of Faith, for Present help to his People in time of Trouble, Psal. 46. 1. So that humble Reminding him of his Covenant, doth in its own Nature prevail with him to exert His Wisdom, Power, Good­ness, Truth and Faithfulness, &c. in a propor­tionable degree, to Relieve the Distressed, as their occasion doth or may require: For He Remembered his Covenant, and Repented according to the multitude of his Mercies, Psal. 106.45.

Secondly, Where GOD hath given some Ex­perience of his Mercy, it is to be used as argu­ment to prevail with Him, for what we may fur­ther stand in need of. Thus in the Text, Je­shua is as a brand pluckt out of the Fire, and therefore may depend on it, to be Established in the Priesthood, and owned accordingly. Thus [Page 43] then the scope of the Proposition is cleared up, viz. When God hath taken a person or people into Covenant, and shewed them spe­cial Favour, The Gates of Hell (as our Saviour saith, Mat. 16. 18.) shall never prevail against them. Lastly,

PROPOSITION VI.

The Great GOD, doth manage all his Designs of Mercy to his People, under the Gospel Dispensati­on, in and through the Mediator, The very Te­nure of the Gospel Covenant, is such; and the Termes thereof, are so Methodized, as to introduce a necessity of depending on a Me­diator. The whole Transaction of the Gospel Covenant, betwixt the GREAT GOD, and Fallen Man, is by the Mediator; hence it is on better Termes, than the Covenant of Works, H eb. 8. 6. Under the New Covenant, all Ad­dresses to God, are by the Mediator, Heb. 4. 15, 16. and all Communications of Grace from God, are by the Mediator, Joh. 1. 16. Here than three things are briefly to be con­sidered.

First, JESUS CHRIST is appointed, according to the method of the Covenant of Grace, to be the Only Mediator betwixt God and Man, I Tim. 2. 5. For there is ONE GOD, and ONE MEDI­ATOR, betwixt GOD and Man, the Man Christ-Jesus. [Page 44] And He is, the Mediator of the New Covenant, Heb. 12. 24. To his Mediatorial Of­fice, is to be referred; His Intercession with GOD the FATHER, for all Good to his Elect; which he ever Liveth to Discharge, Heb. 7.25. By Him our Prayers Ascend to GOD, Heb. 4. 14. By Him all Answers of Grace from GOD Descend to us. Hence he promiseth, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father is my Name, he will give it, Joh. 16. 23.

Secondly, In the Management of this Of­fice, He is invested with Kingly Power. He is a KING for Dignity, Psal. 2.6. A KING for Authority of Government: KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS, Rev. 19. 16. A King for Judgment, All Judgment is Committed unto Him, John 5. 22. And it shall finally be Ma­naged by him, Mat. 25. 34. & 41.

Thirdly, It is one special Administration of CHRISTS Mediatorial Kingdom, to Oppose, Suppress, and Destroy, the Kingdom and Power of Satan, that Grand Enemy of the Souls, and Salvation of men. Betwixt CHRISTS Kingdom, and Satans Kingdom, there is a direct Con­trariety and Opposition: Now Contraries do mutually endeavour to Overcome each other, and bring them to nought. Hence when CHRISTS Kingdom goes up, S atans must go down; On this special Errand, our Saviour is said to come into the World: For this [Page 45] the S on of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the D evil, 1 John 3. 8. He was Incarnate, not only to Oppose his most secret Insinuations and Temptations; but to Over power his most violent motions, and hostile Invasions, when he ruffles in the Titles of the God of this World; 2 Cor.4.4. And the Prince of this World, who is by CHRIST [...] of his Dignity, and Cast out of all his Power and Dominion, which he had over the Children of men, John 12. 31. The reason is, by CHRIST'S Execution of His Kingly Office in Heaven, Satans Power is S up­pressed, and the Prince of this World is judged, John 16. 8. ( i. e.) Condemned to Lose all his Authority, that His Kingdom may be no more; such then was and is the Divine Au­thority and Power of CHRIST-MEDIATOR; that he could have Rebuked, and totally Vanquished Satan by his own Power, Who is over all God blessed for ever, Rom. 9. 5. But was pleased rather, to Magnify his Mediato­rial Capacity, presenting it to us, as a blessed Rule to direct us in our Addresses to GOD; The Name and Merits of the LORD JE­SUS, being so acceptable with the FATHER, because every way corresponding with his Designs of Grace to the Souls of men Re­vealed in the Gospel.

[Page 46] The APPLICATION of this Doctrine to our selves remains now to be Atten­ded.