Looking unto Jesus a view of the everlasting gospel, or, the souls eying of…

that makes them a Chamber of an Ox-stall, and carves him a Cratch to be his Cradle: Mary that sees with her eyes, and ponders all in her heart, how doth modest shame fac'dness change her colours so often as her imagination works? she must bear a Son: an Angel tells her, the Holy Ghost overshadows her, the days are accomplished, and she is delivered; each Circumstance is enough to abash a modest Virgin: But who will not wonder? a Maid believes, a Maid conceives, a Maid brings forth, and a Maid still remains: How might we descant on this Subject? but I shall contract my self, and reduce all wonders to this word, I am the Vine.¹

that makes them a Chamber of an Oxe-stall, and carves him a Cratch to be his Cradle: Mary that sees with her eyes, and ponders all in her heart, how doth modest shame fac'dness change her colours so often as her imagination works? she must bear a Son: an Angel tells her, the Holy Ghost overshadows her, the dayes are accomplished, and she is delivered; each Circumstance is enough to abash a modest Virgin: But who will not wonder? a Maid believes, a Maid conceives, a Maid brings forth, and a Maid still remains: How might we descant on this Subject? but I shall contract my self, and reduce all wonders to this word, I am the Vine.¹

1. 1John 15.5.

It is a blessed Parable: in which, under the shadow of a Vine, Christ elegantly sets forth himself. Christ in many resemblances is a precious Vine; but why a Vine, rather than a Cedar, Oak, or some of the strongest, tallest trees? Many reasons are given: as, ⟨p. 134⟩1. Because of all Trees the Vine is the lowest: it grovels, as it were, on the ground. 2. Because of all Trees the Vine is weakest; hence they that have Vines, have also their Elms to support them, and hold them up. 3. Because of all Trees, the Vine hath the meanest Bark and outside: it is of little worth or reputation. 4. Because of all Trees,