A90263:85
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.
Many Attempts have been to set up light in this House, and not from Christ. Some would kindle their Traditions or the Doctrine of this House: Some their Prudentials for the Government of it: Some their Ceremonials for the Worship of it: All Candles in the Sun. Shall men think to compass themselves with sparks, and walk in the light of the fire which themselves have kindled, in the face of the Sun of Righteousness? shall not such men lie down in sorrow? Beloved, take heed of such ignes fatui, foolish misguiding fires.
Many Attempts have been to set up light in this House, and not from Christ. Some would kindle their Traditions or the Doctrine of this House: Some their Prudentials for the Government of it: Some their Ceremonials for the Worship of it: All Candles in the Sun. Shall men think to compasle themselves with sparks, and walk in the light of the fire which themselves have kindled, in the face of the Sun of Righteousnes? shall not such men ly down in sorrow? Beloved, take heed of such ignes fatui, foolish misguiding fires.
2. By way of Real Communication, He is the true light which lighteneth every man, Joh. 1. 9. Every one that hath any spiritual light really communicated to him, hath it from Christ. It is part of his work to recover sight to the blind, Luke 4. 18. And therefore he adviseth the Church of Laodicea to come to him for eye salve, that she might see, Revel. 3. 18. At his coming, Zion shines forth, Isa 60. 1. because his light ariseth upon her, v. 2. The former Doctrinal Teaching of it self w•ll not suffice. That light may shine in darkness, and the darkness not comprehend it, Joh. 1. 5. All the light: the Sun can give, will not make a blind man see. There must be a visive faculty within, as well as light without: The Stones of this building are by Nature all blind yea darkened, yea darkness it self. If the Lord Christ do not by the mighty efficacy of his spirit create a visive Power within them, as well as reveal the will of his Father to them, they will never spiritually discern the things of God. The natural man discerneth not the things of God, nor indeed can do,