The Gofpel of the Two Brazen Pillars in the Temple, 363 t. As to God and Chrifl. Thefe Pillars fpeak the fupport of the Ghurch of God, by the purpofe of as Will ; and by his AlmightyPower. Our Faith bands upon thefe two Pillars ; thefe two do fupport the Church, and the Churches Faith. t. The faithful purpofe of God, and good pleafure of his Will. Makin he will eftablifh, here is the refolved purpofe of his Will and Love, Heb. to. 23. He is faithful who bathpromifed. This includes, (r.) His Purpofe, (2.) His purpofe of Love, (3 ) His Promife, (y:.) His un- changeable Faithfulnefs in all. Thou fay'it, I am unworthy. True, but if the Lord will fave, and will have Mercy, who can refill as Will f His purpofe is unchangeable and immoveable as Brats ; he will have Mercy on whom he will have Mercy. a. The Power of Cbrift, his Almighty Power ; this is the other Pil- lar, Boyaz, in him is Power -I Pet. t. 5. kept.by the Power ofGod through Faith unto Salvation. Thou fay'it, Alm! I am weak, I can do nothing. But therefore depend, and rest, and stay thy felf upon this Almighty Power, which is able to do above what we are able to ask or think ; as Abraham, Rom. 4. 20, 21. who wasftrong in Faith, being perfuaded that he was able to perform what he had promifed. This is of fpecial life in Difficulties, when Difficulties and Impoilii- bilities do appear. Can the Lord pardon fuch Sins, heal fuch Back- ¡tidings ? Yes, in him is Power. Take both thefe together: Loveand good Will without Power is but lame to help us : Power without Love and good Will is but deaf to hear ns ; but both put together is a Support firm enough, and fafe enough for Faith to reit upon; yea, if thou doubt of the one, improve the other, Matti). 8, 2. If thou wilt tbou canfi : Here be both thefe Pillars; but he could not lean upon the one, hedoubted of God's Will ; but thereforehe relies upon the other, thou canfl ; and Chrift accepts this Faith of his; and therefore faith, l'er.3. I will be thou clean: So do thou, lean and reft upon both thefe Pillars; yea, upon either of both and thou art fafe enough. Ifthou art not af- fured of his Purpofe ; yet then rest and ftay thy felf upon his Power. 2. Confider them in reference to the whole Church ; here is fhadowed forth the impregnable fafety of the Church : The Gates of Hell ¡hall not prevail againff it, Mat. r6. 18. 3, Particular Saints are compared to Pillars in the Hoare of God, Rev: 3 t 2. efpecially Minifters, Gal; 2. 9--7er, r. i8. I will make thee an Iron Pillar, and Wall of Brafs ; therefore it is in vain to oppofe them and contend with them, A a 3 2. There
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