The application of redemption

Hence it is, when our Saviour would have this work done, he prepares a workman fit for it, and furnisheth him with abilities, which might enable him to the discharge thereof; the work is great, and the service difficult, and therefore Elijah is fitted with a Spirit suitable with Power answerable unto that purpose for which he was appointed, an Instrument as we say for the nonce. John the Baptist he also inherits these abilities, and that Minister must be an Elijah, i. e. must have his Spirit and Power in proportion, if ever this great work of preparation followeth his hand with Comfort and Success; As it was in the Material, so also is it in the building of this spiritual temple, ¹in which the holy Ghost doth dwell: The Elect of God are like trees of righteousness, the Word is like the Axe, that must be lifted by a skilful and strong arm of a cunning Minister, who like a Spiritual Artificer must hew and square, and take off the knotty untowardness in the Soul before we can come to couch close and settle upon the Lord Christ as the Corner stone: Paul calls the Saints Gods husbandry, 1 Cor. 3. 9. A powerful humbling Ministry is like the Plough, to plough up the fallow ground, the ²thorny sensual hearts of sinful men to receive the immortal seed of the Word of Promise and the Spirit of Christ thereby.

Hence it is, when our Savior would have this work done, he prepares a workman fit for it, and furnisheth him with abilities, which might enable him to the discharge thereof; the work is great, and the service difficult, and therefore Elias is fitted with a Spirit suitable with Power answerable unto that purpose for which he was appointed, an Instrument as we say for the nonce. John the Baptist he also inherits these abilities, and that Minister must be an Elias, i. e. must have his Spirit and Power in proportion, if ever this great work of preparation followeth his hand with Comfort and Success; As it was in the Material, so also is it in the building of this spiritual temple, ¹in which the holy Ghost doth dwell: The Elect of God are like trees of righteousness, the Word is like the Ax, that must be lifted by a skilful and strong arm of a cunning Minister, who like a Spiritual Artificer must hew and square, and take off the knotty untowardnrss in the Soul before we can come to couch close and settle upon the Lord Christ as the Corner stone: Paul calls the Saints Gods husbandry,