A90263:106
The branch of the Lord, the beauty of ZionThe branch of the Lord, the beauty of Sion
The branch of the Lord, the beauty of Zion: or, The glory of the Church, in it's relation unto Christ· Opened in two sermons; one preached at Berwick, the other at Edinburgh. By John Owen, minister of the Gospel.The branch of the Lord, the beauty of Sion: or, The glory of the Church, in it's relation unto Christ· Opened in two sermons; one preached at Berwick, the other at Edinburgh. By John Owen, minister of the Gospel.
Edinburgh: printed by Evan Tyler, 1650
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
3. Jesus Christ is the great Watchman or Keeper of this House. There are indeed other Watchmen, and that of God's own appointment for the use of this House. Son of man, I have set thee a Watchman, Ezek. 2. 11. I have set Watchmen upon thy walls, Isa 61. 6, 7. which in a special manner are the Pastors of the Churches, they watch, Heb. 13. 17. As the Priests and Levites heretofore kept the watch of the Lord: It cannot be denied, but that many who have taken upon them to be these Watchmen, have watched only for their own advantage, have been very dogs, yea dumb dogs, the very worst of dogs, Isa. 66. 10. yea they have been, and oftentimes are under various pretences, great smiters and wounders of the Spouse of Christ, Cant 5. but yet were they never so good and true to their Trusts, they were never able all to watch and keep this House, had it not another Watchman. Except the Lord keep the City, these Watchmen watch in vain, Psal. 127. 1. He that keepeth ⟨p. 31⟩Israel, who doth neither slumber nor sleep, must keep this House, or it will be destroyed. Christ then is that Holy One, and that WATCHER that came down from Heaven, and commanded to cut down the tree and the branches, Dan. 4. 13, 14. Nebuchadnezzar and his great power, for meddling with this House.
3. Jesus Christ is the great Watchman or Keeper of this House. There are indeed other Watchmen, and that of God's own appointment for the use of this House. Son of man, I have set thee a Watchman, Ezek. 2. 11. I have set Watchmen upon thy walls, Isa 61. 6, 7. which in a speciall manner are the Pastors of the Churches, they watch, Heb. 13. 17. As the Priests and Levits heretofore kept the watch of the Lord: It cannot be denyed, but that many who have taken upon them to be these Watchmen, have watched onely for their own advantage, have been very dogs, yea dumb dogs, the very worst of dogs,