Cloud andFire,- types ofC%ráft, abide the brightnefieof' Chrifi, when abright cloud fha- dowed them in his trAnrfigoration. For as no mancan endure to fee the Senn in his brightneífe and ftrength, but in and through acloud hee may : ío noman canbe- hold the glorious Majeftie ofGod,and live. Hence hath bee pleafed to let us behold him herenot inhis ovine 'glory, but inhis Chrift ; in whomhis excellent Majefty is vailcd and covered with our humanity. This is his mercy, that we feenowas weemay, as in a glaffeor mir- rout; preT, aring us to a farther mercy, then whichno mercy g: eth farther, nar}ìç1y to fee himas wee would, and face to face whenwith our frailty and corruption all clouds and vaïles fhall be removed. .7. His juflicc againft (inners; whole milery it ìs, that w here is alwaves a cloud betweene God and them. A cloud of ignôrance that hinders them trotn the knowledge ofGod and holy things ; they fee no true light : A cloud ofdarkneffe and mifery that fullers them not to enjoy one fpark offound comfort or confolation : A thick cloud of lofts and lìns, which binders the paffage of their prayers. They may truelÿufe that (peach of the Church, Lam. 3.44 Thou haft covered thy felfe with a cloud , that our prayer fhoald not paffe through. As this cloud was;mcanes of greatenmercy to Ifrael ; fo was it ofextrememífery anddeftruáion to the Egyptians. V. Is Chrift this Pillar ofCloud and fire ? Then we muff follow Chrift our guide. The Saints in earth are as Ifrael in their pilgrimage marching out.of .,Egy.pt'intq the promifed land. Godofhis mercie affords us as bee did them, a comfortable cloud to lead us through to Ca- naan. Wee muff depend on this Pillar: For light ofin- ftruaion againft the blindneffeof our minds : For light of confolation in forrows and terr- tars of heart, thatwe may raywith the Church, t?Tic.7. 8. When I,{hall fit in darknefle the Lord is my light : For fpirituall 1-eatand warmth ; Peeing this Pillar oncly cankindle true love of God, Matt. i7.f16. Follow Chrift as :a wide.
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