N01905:63
A vision in the temple. The Lord of Hosts, adored; and the King of Glory proclaimed; on a day of prayer kept (May 10. 1721) at the opening of the New Brick Meeting House in the north part of Boston, by the ministers of the city, with the Society which built it, & this day swarmed into it. / By Cotton Mather, D.D. and F.R.S. ; [Two lines from Isaiah]
Boston: printed for Robert Starkey. And sold, 1721
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.
Here are three PROPOSITIONS. viz. 1. The Churches of Christ are compared to Candlesticks. 2. To Candlesticks of Gold. 3. The Lord Jesus walks in the midst of them.
Prop. 1. The Churches of Christ are compared to Candlesticks. Their being compared to Candlesticks, may probably be in allusion to the Seven Lamps or Lights, that were in the Golden Candlestick in the Tabernacle of old. That Golden Candlestick had seven Lamps to give light, Exod. 25.37. Numb. 8.2. The Churches of Christ may be compared to Candlesticks.
1. From their receiving of Light. If we consider a Candlestick, as to the substance and matter of which it is made; it has no enlightening quality or efficacy, but 'tis, adapted or fitted ⟨p. 6⟩to receive Light, to receive a lighted Candle that is put into it: it has no light but what it receives. So all the true Churches, the true Followers of Christ, they receive light from him. As future Glory is called the Inheritance of the Saints in light, (Col. 1.12.) So the Saints themselves while here on Earth, are called the Children of light; they are enlightened ones. 1 Thes. 5.5. Ye are all the children of the light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. And from whence have the Saints and Churches of Christ their light, their knowledge and understanding in Spiritual Divine Things? Why, they have it from Christ himself! He is the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, Joh. 1.9. Christ is the bright and morning Star, Rev. 22.16. The Day spring from on high, Luke 1.7, 8. the Sun of Righteousness, Mal. 4.2. He is the great Enlightener of the World, none teacheth like him. He makes known saving truths to his people, delivering them from that darkness, blindness, ignorance that was in ⟨p. 7⟩them. Eph. 5.8. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are light in the Lord; walk as Children of light. The Lord Jesus gives, or communicates Light to his People.
1. From their receiving of Light. If we consider a Candlestick, as to the substance and matter of which it is made; it has no inlightning quality or efficacy, but 'tis, adapted or fitted ⟨p. 6⟩to receive Light, to receive a lighted Candle that is put into it: it has no light but what it receives. So all the true Churches, the true Followers of Christ, they receive light from him. As future Glory is called the Inheritance of the Saints in light, (Col. 1.12.) So the Saints themselves while here on Earth, are called the Children of light; they are inlightened ones. 1 Thes. 5.5. Ye are all the children of the light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. And from whence have the Saints and Churches of Christ their light, their knowledge and understanding in Spiritual Divine Things? Why, they have it from Christ himself! He is the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, Joh. 1.9. Christ is the bright and morning Star, Rev. 22.16. The Day spring from on high, Luke 1.7, 8. the Sun of Righteousness, Mal. 4.2. He is the great Inlightener of the World, none teacheth like him. He makes known saving truths to his people, delivering them from that darkness, blindness, ignorance that was in ⟨p. 7⟩them. Eph. 5.8. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are light in the Lord; walk as Children of light. The Lord Jesus gives, or communicates Light to his People.
1. By His written word. Of Old, God at Sundry times and in divers manners, made known his mind and will. Heb. 1.1. but the revelations of his will concerning the Saving of Sinners, are now committed to Writing; and are contained in that Book, which by way of eminency is called the Bible, and Holy Scriptures. The Holy Scriptures are compared to a Light, and Lamp, Psal. 119.105. To a Light shining in a Dark place. 2. Pet. 1.19· Those who live in this dark World, if they Believe, Profess, Practise as the Bible teaches and directs them; they shall be Saved forever. For the Holy Scriptures are able to make wise to Salvation through' Faith in Christ Jesus 2. Tim. 3.15. Well, the Scriptures as they testify of, or concerning Christ, Joh. 5.39. So they are the word of Christ. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Col. 3.16. All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God; the Spirit of God, ⟨p. 8⟩of Jesus Christ, Infallibly guided those who wrote the Scriptures, to show men the way to Heaven. It's therefore a great and distinguishing favour, to have Gods Oracles, his Word, Statutes, Judgements committed unto us. Psal. 147.19, 20. Rom. 3.2. to have this gracious method taken, for the guiding our feet in the way of peace.
1. By His written word. Of Old, God at Sundry times and in divers manners, made known his mind and will. Heb. 1.1. but the revelations of his will concerning the Saving of Sinners, are now committed to Writing; and are contained in that Book, which by way of eminency is called the Bible, and Holy Scriptures. The Holy Scriptures are compared to a Light, and Lamp,
2. By his Ministers Preaching his Word. All true Ministers of the Gospel, are the Ministers of Christ. Stewards of the mysteries of God. 1. Cor. 4.1. they are Christ's Gift for the good of men, Eph. 4.11, 12. they are his Ambassadors, 2. Cor. 5.20. they go on his Errand, are to declare his mind by preaching his Word. 2 Tim. 4.2. Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, rebuke, reprove, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. When Ministers faithfully preach the Word, the Word of God; when they teach, exhort, rebuke, comfort, agreeably to the Holy Scriptures; then by them Christ is giving and communicating Light to those under their Ministration.
3. By his Holy Spirit. The third Person in the ever blessed Trinity, is the Spirit of the Father and of the Son. All that shall be Saved, are efficaciously Enlightened and renewed by this Spirit of Christ. They are not only taught Externally by the Word, but Internally by the Spirit of Christ To them it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven (that is, in a Saving manner) but to others it is not given, Matt 13.11. Christ not only taught his Disciples by word of mouth, or by Speaking to them, but he also opened their understandings to understand the Scriptures, Luk. 24.45. All true believers, are Internally & efficaciously taught by the Spirit of Christ, so as savingly to understand Divine revealed Truths; when Paul Preached, the Lord opened Lydia's Heart rightly to entertain his Doctrine, Act. 16.16. There was Christs Minister teaching Externally, and his Spirit teaching Internally. Hence all true Saints, are said to walk after the Spirit, and to be led by the Spirit, Rom. 8.1, 14. As the Churches of Christ may be compared to Candle-Candlestick, ⟨p. 10⟩for their receiving of Light. So they may,
3. By his Holy Spirit. The third Person in the ever blessed Trinity, is the Spirit of the Father and of the Son. All that shall be Saved, are efficaciously Inlightned and renewed by this Spirit of Christ. They are not only taught Externally by the Word, but Internally by the Spirit of Christ To them it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven (that is, in a Saving manner) but to others it is not given, Matt 13.11. Christ not only taught his Disciples by word of mouth, or by Speaking to them, but he also opened their understandings to understand the Scriptures, Luk. 24.45. All true beleivers, are Internally & efficaciously taught by the Spirit of Christ, so as savingly to understand Divine revealed Truths; when Paul Preached, the Lord opened Lydia's Heart rightly to entertain his Doctrine, Act. 16.16. There was Christs Minister teaching Externally, and his Spirit teaching Internally. Hence all true Saints, are said to walk after the Spirit, and to be led by the Spirit,
2. For their holding or retaining it. A person may take a lighted Candle in his Hand, and soon put it away again; but when it's put into a Candlestick, the design commonly is, that it should there abide and continue giving Light. Well, as the Churches of Christ receive light from him, so they should retain it, hold it fast; They should Buy the Truth and Sell it not, also Wisdom, and Instruction and Understanding, Prov. 23.23. They should get as much Spiritual light and knowledge as they can; and keep it as a most precious Treasure▪ Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me in Faith and Love, which is in Christ Jesus, 2 Tim. 1.13. They should not be Children tossed to and fro by every wind of Doctrine, Eph. 4.•4. Be not carried about with divers and strange Doctrines, Heb. 13.9. The Apostle Paul directed, that Ministers should hold fast the faithful word as they had been taught, (that they might the better teach others to do so too) Tit. 1.•. ⟨p. 11⟩He himself •d so, and said, 2 Tim. 4.7▪ I have kept the Faith. It was part of the commendation given by Christ to the Angel of the Church in Pergamus, Rev. 2.13. Thou holdest fast my Name, and hast not denied my Faith. Rev. 3.3. Remember therefore how thou hast received, and heard, and hold fast. The Churches of Christ, should retain, hold fast, all those Truths and Doctrines which are contained in the Holy Scriptures; they should not set them go, should not corrupt them, should not change them for Errors, and Heresies; nor suffer them to be depraved by mixtures thereof if they can help it.
3. On the account of their holding forth of light. Our Saviour said Matt. 5.15. Neither do men light a Candle and put it under a bushel, but on a Candlestick; and it giveth light to all that are in the House. As the Churches receive light from Christ, even the revealed truths of God; So they should hold them forth by professing them, Endeavouring ⟨p. 12⟩that others also may understand them. With the mouth confession is made. Rom. 10.10. they should confess Christ and his truths before men. 1. Tim. 3.15. The Church of the living God, the Pillar and ground of the truth. Edicts or Proclamations, are some times fastened on Posts and Pillars, that they may be read by those that pass by; Churches should be as ready to exhibit light, even the knowledge of the things of God, This they should do.
3. On the account of their holding forth of light. Our Saviour said Matt. 5.15. Neither do men light a Candle and put it under a •ushel, but on a Candlestick; and it giveth light to all that are in the House. As the Churches receive light from Christ, even the revealed truths of God; So they should hold them forth by professing them, Indeavouring ⟨p. 12⟩that others also may understand them. With the mouth confession is made. Rom. 10.10. they should confess Christ and his truths before men. 1. Tim. 3.15. The Church of the living God, the Pillar and ground of the truth. Edicts or Procalmations, are some times fastned on Posts and Pillars, that they may be read by those that pass by; Churches should be as ready to exhibite light, even the knowledge of the things of God, This they should do.
1. By their Ministers (whom they have chosen) Preaching the truth• of Christ. These things command and teach. 1 Tim. 4.11. Ministers should be faithful men, able to teach others. 2 Tim. 2.2. And they should teach or preach the Word, viz. of Christ, as was said but now. 2. Timo. 4 2. Ministers in Churches are called Stars, Rev. 1.20. They should Shine, should be burning and shining lights; they should Enlighten others. Matt. 5.14. Ye are the light of the World, a City set on an Hill, cannot be hid.
1. By their Ministers (whom they have chosen) Preaching the truth• of Christ. These things command and teach. 1 Tim. 4.11. Ministers should be faithful men, able to teach others. 2 Tim. 2.2. And they should teach or preach the Word, viz. of Christ, as was said but now. 2. Timo. 4 2. Ministers in Churches are called Stars, Rev. 1.20. They should Shine, should be burning and shining lights; they should Inlighten others. Matt. 5.14. Ye are the light of the World, a City set on an Hill, cannot be hid.
2. In their Conversation. They should ⟨p. 13⟩exhibit light to others in the Examples they set before them, even in conforming their behaviour to the Word of Christ which is a light. Phil. 2.15, 16. that ye may be blameless and harmless, the Sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life, Mat. 5.16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glori•e your Father which is in heaven, 1 Pet. 2.12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. The Churches of Christ should shine in good works, in all holy conversation and godliness.
2. In their Conversation. They should ⟨p. 13⟩exhibit light to others in the Examples they set before them, even in conforming their behaviour to the Word of Christ which is a light. Phil. 2.15, 16. that ye may be blameless and harmless, the Sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life, Mat. 5.16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glori•e your Father which is in heaven, 1 Pet. 2.12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorifie God in the day of visitation. The Churches of Christ should shine in good works, in all holy conversation and godliness.
3. In their Discipline. An holy Discipline should be upheld in the Churches of Christ, they should put difference between the clean and unclean▪ Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them, Eph. 5.11. If any man obey not our word by this Epistle, note that man, ⟨p. 14⟩and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed, 2 Thes. 3.14. It was the commendation of the Angel of the Church of Ephesus, Rev. 2.2. Thou canst not bear them that are evil. Our Saviour with a Scourge of small cords, drove several out of the Temple, who practised disorderly there, John 2.17. Therefore put away from among your selves that wicked person, 1 Cor. 5.13. See also Rom. 16.17. 1 Cor. 5.11. A man that is an heretic, after the first & second admonition reject, Tit. 3.20. Those in Churches, that are heretical, or scandalous in life, if they won't be reclaimed by proper means used with them, should be Excommunicated, Mat. 18.17. Again,
3. In their Discipline. An holy Discipline should be upheld in the Churches of Christ, they should put difference between the clean and unclean▪ Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them, Eph. 5.11. If any man obey not our word by this Epistle, note that man, ⟨p. 14⟩
4. Candlesticks are removable things, they may be taken from one place and set in an other•, So the Church-state and Privileges of this or that particular People or Society, may possibly be taken from them. Rev. 2 5. Repent and do thy first works, or else I will come unto the quickly, and will remove thy Candlestick out of it's place, except thou Repent. q. e. Repent and reform, else ⟨p. 15⟩I will soon unchurch you, you shall cease from being in a Church-state, and having the Privileges thereof. Those who wickedly pervert and abuse their Church-state & Privileges, are in danger of losing them. What said our Lord to the Jews, Matt. 21.41 The Kingdom of Heaven shall be taken from you, and given to a Nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. Abused mercies are often withdrawn▪ those lifted as it were to Heaven in Privileges, may be as Remarkably cast down and punished for abusing them.
4. Candlesticks are removable things, they may be taken from one place and set in an other•, So the Church-state and Priviledges of this or that partiuclar People or Societie, may possibly be taken from them. Rev. 2 5. Repent and do thy first works, or else I will come unto the quickly, and will remove thy Candlestick out of it's place, except thou Repent. q. e. Repent and reform, else ⟨p. 15⟩I will soon unchurch you, you shall cease from being in a Church-state, and having the Priviledges thereof. Those who wickedly pervert and abuse their Church-state & Priviledges, are in danger of loseing them. What said our Lord to the Jews, Matt. 21.41 The Kingdom of Heaven shall be taken from you, and given to a Nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. Abused mercies are often withdrawn▪ those lifted as it were to Heaven in Priviledges, may be as Remarkably cast down and punished for abusing them.
Having thus showed in a few hints, that Churches may be compared to Candlesticks. We proceed to▪
Having thus shewed in a few hints, that Churches may be compared to Candlesticks. We proceed to▪
Prop. 2. They are compared to Candlesticks of Gold; they are, or should be, Golden Candlesticks. Their being compared to Gold, may note their purity & preciousness 1. Their purity. The Candlestick in the Tabernacle, was called the pure Candlestick, Le. 24.4. It was made of pure Gold, Exo 25.31· It was Gold that had no base alloy or mixture in it. So, the Churches of Christ should be pure. They should be pure in their Doctrine, their Faith; believing, professing, ⟨p. 16⟩& (by their Ministers) teaching agreeably to the Holy Scriptures. They should not teach for doctrines the commandments of men. Mat 15.4. nor corrupt the Word of God, 2 Cor. 2.17. They should be pure in their Worship; Worshipping of God in spirit and in truth, John 4.24. and making Gods Word their Rule, even in the whole external part of Worship. They should as far as possible, do all things according to the Pattern in the Mount. They should carefully avoid Humane Inventions, and Impositions in the Worship of God. If men lift up their tool on Gods Altar, in fashioning of it, they pollute it, Exo. 20.25. Churches should keep close to Scripture rule, Lev. 18.4. Ye shall do my Judgments and keep mine Ordinances, to walk therein, I am the Lord your God. Jer. 11.4. Obey my voice and do them, according to all that I command you; so shall ye be my people, and I will be▪ your God. We should walk in all the Ordinances and commandments of the Lord blameless, Luke 1.6. bu• our fear toward him, should not be taught by the precepts of men, Isa. 20.13. In worshipping ⟨p. 17⟩of God the holy Scriptures are a sufficient Rule, they ought not to add to it, nor detract from it; they should to the law and to the testimony as the Rule,
2. For their holding or retaining it. A person may take a lighted Candle in his Hand, and soon put it away again; but when it's put into a Candlestick, the design commonly is, that it should there abide and continue giving Light. Well, as the Churches of Christ receive light from him, so they should retain it, hold it fast; They should Buy the Truth and Sell it not, also Wisdom, and Instruction and Ʋnderstanding, Prov. 23.23. They should get as much Spiritual light and knowledge as they can; and keep it as a most precious Treasure▪ Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me in Faith and Love, which is in Christ Jesus, 2 Tim. 1.13. They should not be Children tossed to and fro by every wind of Doctrine, Eph. 4.•4. Be not carried about with divers and strange Doctrines, Heb. 13.9. The Apostle Paul directed, that Ministers should hold fast the faithful word as they had been taught, (that they might the better teach others to do so too) Tit. 1.•. ⟨p. 11⟩He himself •d so, and said, 2 Tim. 4.7▪ I have kept the Faith. It was part of the commendation given by Christ to the Angel of the Church in Pergamus, Rev. 2.13. Thou holdest fast my Name, and hast not denied my Faith. Rev. 3.3. Remember therefore how thou hast received, and heard, and hold fast. The Churches of Christ, should retain, hold fast, all those Truths and Doctrines which are contained in the Holy Scriptures; they should not set them go, should not corrupt them, should not change them for Errors, and Heresies; nor suffer them to be depraved by mixtures thereof if they can help it. Act. 16.5. So were the Churches established in the Faith. Again, Churches may be compared to Candlesticks,
Prop. 2. They are compared to Candlesticks of Gold; they are, or should be, Golden Candlesticks. Their being compar'd to Gold, may note their purity & preciousness 1. Their purity. The Candlestick in the Tabernacle, was called the pure Candlestick, Le. 24.4. It was made of pure Gold, Exo 25.31· It was Gold that had no base alloy or mixture in it. So, the Churches of Christ should be pure. They should be pure in their Doctrine, their Faith; believing, professing, ⟨p. 16⟩& (by their Ministers) teaching agreeably to the Holy Scriptures. They should not teach for doctrines the commandments of men. Mat 15.4. nor corrupt the Word of God, 2 Cor. 2.17. They should be pure in their Worship; Worshiping of God in spirit and in truth, John 4.24. and making Gods Word their Rule, even in the whole external part of Worship. They should as far as possible, do all things according to the Pattern in the Mount. They should carefully avoid Humane Inventions, and Impositions in the Worship of God. If men lift up their tool on Gods Altar, in fashioning of it, they pollute it, Exo. 20.25. Churches should keep close to Scrip•ure rule, Lev. 18.4. Ye shall do my Judgments and keep mine Ordinances, to walk therein, I am the Lord your God. Jer. 11.4. Obey my voice and do them, according to all that I command you; so shall ye be my people, and I will be▪ your God. We should walk in all the Ordinances and commandments of the Lord blameless, Luke 1.6. bu• our fear toward him, should not be taught by the precepts of men, Isa. 20.13. In worshipping ⟨p. 17⟩of God the holy Scriptures are a sufficient Rule, they ought not to add to it, nor detract from it; they should to the law and to the testimony as the Rule, Isa. 8.20 All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for rep•oof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God ma• be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. 3.16 They should be pure in their Conversation; having clean hands, pure hearts, cleansing themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7.1. As he who hath called them is holy, so they should be holy in all manner of conversation, 1 Pet. 1.15. They should be pure also in their Discipline, as was hinted before. Candlesticks oft contract that filth, or those spots, which should be rubb'd off and done away.
