CHRIST IESVS the Lord is the Summe and Center of all divine revealed truth , neither is any thing to be preached unto men , as an object of their faith , or necessary element of their salvation , which doth not , some way or other , either meete in him , or refer unto him . All Truths , especially divine , are of a noble and pretious nature ; and therefore whatsoever mysteries of his Counsell God hath been pleased in his Word to reveale , the Church is bound in her ministerie to declare unto men . And Saint Paul professeth his faithfulnesse therein , Act. 20.27 . 1 Cor. 2.1 , 2. 2 Cor. 4.5 . 1 Cor. 4.1 , 2. Eph. 4.20 . T●tum Christiani nominis poud● & fruct●●s M●rs Christi . Tertull. 2 Cor. 3.6 , 14. Heb. 1.1 . I have not shunned to declare unto you all the Counsell of God . But yet all this Counsell ( which elsewhere he ca●s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the testimonie of God ) he gathers together into this one conclusion , I determined not to know any thing amongst you , that is , in my p●eaching unto you to make discovery of any other knowledge , as matter of consequence or faith , but onely of Iesus Christ , and him crucified . And therefore Preaching of the Word is called preaching of Christ , and Ministers of the Word , Ministers of Christ , and learning of the Word , Learning of Christ , because our Faith , our Workes , and our Worship ( which are the three essentiall elements of a Christian , the whole dutie of man , and the whole will of God ) have all their foundation , growth , end , and vertue only in and from Christ crucified . There is no fruit , weight , nor value in a Christian title , but only in and from the death of Christ .

The Word in generall is divided into the Old and New Testament , both which are the a a Quid est quod di●itur Testamentum vetus , nisi occultatio novi ? & quid aliud quod dicitur novum nisi veteris Revelatio . Aug. De Civ . Dei , l. 16· c. 26. hoc occultabatur in veteri Testamento pro temporum dispensatione justissima , quod revelatur in novo . Id. De pec . incrit . & remiss . l. 1. c. 11. Et tom ▪ 4. De Catech. rud cap. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Iustin. Ma●tyr . Mat. 5.17 . Mat. 7.12 . Luk. 16.16 , ●1 . Luk 9.28 . Hilar. ca● . 17. in Math. S. Ambr. li. 7. in Luc. Ioh. 1.17 . same in substance , though different in the manner of their dispensations , as Moses veild differ'd from himselfe unveild . Now that Christ is the substance of the whole New Testament , containing the Historie , Doctrine , and Prophesies of him in the administration of the latter ages of the Church , is very manifest to all . The old Scriptures are againe divided into the Law and Prophets ( for the historicall parts of them doe containe either typicall prefigurations of the Evangelicall Church , or inductions and exemplary demonstrations of the generall truth of Gods justice and promises , which are set forth by way of Doctrine and Precept in the Law and Prophets . ) Now Christ is the summe of both these , they waited upon him in his transfiguration , to note that in him they had their accomplishment . First , for the Law , hee is the substance of it , hee brought Grace to fulfill the exactions , and Truth to make good the prefigurations of the whole Law . The ceremoniall Law he fulfilled and abolished , the morall Law hee fulfilled and established ; that his obedience thereunto might be the ground of our righteousnesse , and his Spirit and grace therewith might bee the ground of our Obedience . And therefore it is called the Law of Christ . 2 For the Prophets , he is the Summe of them too , Gal. 6.2 . Act 10.43 . 1 Pet. 1.10.11 . Ioh. 5.39 . for to him they give all witnesse . He is the Author of their Prophesies , they spake by his Spirit ; and he is the object of their Prophesies , they spake of the grace and salvation which was to come by him . So that the whole Scriptures are nothing else but a Testimonie of Christ , and faith in him , of that absolute and universall necessitie which is laid upon all the world to beleeve in his name . It is not onely necessitas praecepti , 1 Ioh 3.23 . because wee are thereunto commanded , but necessitas medii too , because he is the onely Ladder betweene earth and heaven , the alone mediator betweene God and man , in him there is a finall and unabolishable covenant established , Act. 4.12 . and there is no name but his under heaven by which a man can be saved .

In consideration of all which , & for that I haue formerly discovered the Insufficiency of any either inward , or outward principle of mans happinesse , save only the Life of Christ , I have chosen to speake vpon this Psalme , and out of it to discover those wayes , whereby the Life of Christ is dispenced & administred towards his Church . For this Psalme is one of the cleerest and most compendious prophesies of the Person and Offices of Christ in the whole Old Testament , and so full of fundamentall truth , that I shall not shunne to call it Symbolum Davidicum , the Prophet Davids Creed . And indeed there are very few , if any , of the Articles of that Creed , which we all generally professe , which are not either plainely expressed , or by most evident implication couched in this little modell . First , the Doctrine of the Trinitie is in the first words ; The Lord said unto my Lord . There is Iehovah the Father , and My Lord , the Sonne , and the sanctification or consecration of him , which was by the Holy Ghost ; by whose fulnesse he was anointed unto the Offices of King and Priest , for so our Saviour himselfe expounds this word Said , by the sealing & sanctification of him to his office , Ioh. 10.34 , 35 , 36. Then wee have the Incarnation of Christ , in the word , My Lord , together with his dignitie and honor above David ( as our Savior himselfe expounds it , Matth. 22.42.45 . ) Mine , that is , my Sonne by descent and genealogie after the flesh , and yet my Lord too , in regard of a higher sonship . We have also the S●fferings of Christ , in that he was consecrated a Priest , v. 4. to offer up himselfe once for all , and so to drinke of the brooke in the way . Wee have his Eluctation and conquest over all his enemies , and sufferings , his resurrection , he shall lift up his head , his Ascension and Intercession , sit thou on my right hand . And in that is comprised his Descent into Hell by S. Pauls way of arguing , That he ascended , what is it but that hee descended first into the lower parts of the earth ? Eph. 4.9 . Wee have a Holy Catholick Church , gathered together by the Scepter of his Kingdome , and holding in the parts thereof a blessed , and beautifull Communion of Saints , The Lord shall send forth the Rod of thy strength out of Sion ; Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies . Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power in the beauties of holinesse , from the wombe of the morning , thou hast the dew of thy youth . Wee have the last Iudgment , for all his enemies must bee put under his feete , ( which is the Apostles argument to prove the end of all things , 1 Cor. 15.25 . ) and there is the day of his wrath , wherein he shall accomplish that judgment over the heathen , and that victorie over the Kings of the earth , ( who take counsell and bandie themselves against him , ) which he doth here in his word beginne . We have the Remission of sinnes , comprised in his Priesthood , for hee was to offer Sacrifice for the remission of sinnes , and to put away sinne by the Sacrifice of himselfe , Eph. 1.7 . He. 9.26 . Wee have the Resurrection of the Bodie , because he must subdue all his enemies under his feete , and the last enemie to bee subdued is death , as the Apostle argues out of this Psalme , 1 Cor. 15.25 , 26. And lastly , wee haue life everlasting , in the everlasting merit and vertue of his Priesthood , Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek , and in his sitting at the right hand of God , whither he is gone as our forerunner , and to prepare a place for us , Heb. 6.20 . Ioh. 14.2 . and therefore the Apostle from his sitting there , and living ever inferreth the perfection and certaintie of our salvation , Rom. 6.8.11 . Rom. 8.17 . Eph. 2.6 . Col. 3.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. 1 Cor. 15.49 . Phil. 3.20 , 21. 1 Thess. 4.14 . Heb. 7 , 25. 1 Ioh. 3.2 .

The Summe then of the whole Psalme , ( without any curious or artificiall Analysis , wherein every man according to his owne conceite and method will varie from other ) is this ; The Ordination of Christ unto his Kingdome , together with the dignitie , and vertue thereof , v. 1. The Scepter or Instrument of that Kingly power , v. 2. The strength and successe of both , in recovering , maugre all the malice of enemies , a Kingdome of willing subjects , and those in multitudes unto himselfe , v. 2 , 3. The Consecration of him unto that everlasting Priesthood , by the vertue & merit whereof he purchased this Kingdome to himselfe , v. 4. The Conquest over all his strongest , and most numerous adversaries , v. 5 , 6. The proofe of all , and the way of effecting it , in his sufferings and exaltation . Hee shall gather a Church , and hee shall confound his enemies , because for that end he hath finished , & broken through all the sufferings which hee was to drinke of , and hath lifted up his head againe .

Vers. 1. The Lord said unto my Lord , Sit thou at my right hand , untill I make thine enemies thy footstoole .

Here the Holy Ghost beginnes with the Kingdome of Christ , which hee describeth and magnifieth ; ● By his unction and obsignation thereunto , The Word or Decree of his Father . The Lord said . 2 By the Greatnesse of his person in himselfe , and yet neernesse in bloud and nature unto us . My Lord . 3 By the Glorie , power , and heavenlinesse of this his Kingdome , for in the administration thereof he sitteth at the right hand of his Father . Sit thou at my right hand . 4 By the Continuance and Victories thereof . Vntill I make thy foes thy footstoole .

The Lord said . Some read it , certainly or assuredly said , by reason of the affinity which the originall word hath with Amen ( from which it differs onely in the transposition of the same radicall letters . ) Which would afford this observation by the way ; That all which Gods saies of or to his Sonne is very faithfull & true . For which cause the Gospell is by speciall Emphasis called , The Word of Truth , Eph. 1.13 . and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , A faithfull saying , worthy of all acceptation , 1 Tim. 1.15 . Or most worthy to be beleeved , and embraced . ( For so the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , being applied unto the Gospell , signifie , Ioh. 1.12 . Ioh. 3.33 . Act. 17.11 . Being opposite unto 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Act. 13.46 . )

But the principall thing here to bee noted is , The Decree , appointment , Sanctification , and sealing of Christ unto his Regall Office . For the Word of God in the Scripture signifies his Blessing , Power , P●easure , Ordination . Man liveth not by bread alone but by every word which proceedeth out of the mouth of God , Matth. 4.4 . That is , by that command which the creatures have received from God to nourish by , that Benediction and Sanctification which maketh every Creature of God good unto us , 1 Tim. 4.5 . Gods saying is ever doing something , his words are operative , and carry an unction and authoritie along with them .

Whence we may note , That Christs Kingdome belongs to him not by usurpation ; intrusion , or violence , but legally , by order , decree , investiture from his Father . All Kings raigne by Gods providence , but not alwayes by his approbation . They have set up Kings but not by mee ; they have made Princes , and I knew it not , Amos 8.4 . Tertull. Apolog. Ca● . 30. & ad Sc●pulam , cap. 5. Dan. 7.14 . Matth. 11.27 . Ioh. 17.2 . But Christ is a King both by the providence , and by the Good will and immediate Consecration of his Father . He loveth him & hath given all things into his hand , Ioh. 3.35 . He judgeth no man , but hath committed all judgment to his Sonne , Ioh. 5.22 . That is , hath entrusted him with the oeconomie and actuall administration of that power in the Church , which originally belonged unto himselfe . He hath made him to be Lord and Christ , Act. 2.36 . Hee hath ordained him to bee Iudge of quicke and dead , Act. 10.42 . Hee hath appointed him over his owne house , Heb. 3.2.6 . He hath crowned him & put all things in subjection under his feete , Heb. 2.7 , 8. Hee hath highly exalted him , and given him a name above every name , Phil. 2.9 . Therefore hee calleth him My King , set up by him upon his owne holy hill , and that in the vertue of a solemne decree , Psal. 2.6 , 7.

But wee must here distinguish betweene Regnum naturale , Christs naturall Kingdom which belongeth unto him as God coessentiall , and coeternall with his Father : and Regnum oeconomicum , his Dispensatory Kingdom , as he is Christ the Mediator , which was his , not by Nature , but by Donation and unction from his Father , that hee might be the Head of his Church , a Prince of Peace & a King of Righteousnesse unto his people . In which respect he had conferr'd upon him all such meete qualifications as might fit him for the dispensation of this Kingdome . 1 God prepared him a Bodie , or a Humane nature , Heb. 10.5 . and by the grace of personall and Hypostatica●l union caused the Godhead to dwell Bodily in him , Col. 2.9 . 2 He anointed him with a fulnesse of his Spirit ; not such a fulnesse as Iohn Baptist and Stephen had , Luk. 1.15 . Act. 7.55 . which was still 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the fulnesse of a measure or vessel , a fulnesse for themselves only , Eph. 4.7 . 1 Cor. 12.11 . Rom. 1● . 3 . But a fulnesse without measure , like the fulnesse of light in the Sun , or water in the Sea , which hath an unsearchable sufficiency and redundancie for the whole Church , Ioh. 3.34 . Eph. 3.8 . Mal. 4.2 . So that as hee was furnished with all Spirituall Endowments of Wisedome , judgment , power , love , holinesse , for the dispensation of his owne Office , Esai . 11.2.61.1 . So from his fulnesse did there runne over a share and portion of all his graces unto his Church , Ioh. 1.16 . Col. 2.19 . 3 He did by a solemne and publike promulgation proclaime the Kingdome of Christ unto the Church , and declare the decree , in that heavenly voice which came unto him from the excellent glorie , This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased , heare yee him , Psal. 2.7 . Matth. 3.17.17.5 . 2 Pet. 1.17 . 4 Hee hath given him a Scepter of Righteousnesse , & hath put a sword in his mouth and a rodde of iron in his hand , made him a Preacher and an Apostle , to reveale the secrets of his bosome , and to testifie the things which hee hath seen and heard , Heb. 1.8 . Revel. 1.16.2.16 . Psal. 2.9 . Esai . 16.1 . Heb. 3.1 . Ioh. 1.18 . Ioh. 3.11 , 12.32 , 34. 5 Hee hath honoured him with many Ambassadors , and servants to negotiate the affaires of his Kingdome , some Apostles , and some Prophets , and some Evangelists , and some Pastors and teachers , for the perfecting of the Saints , for the worke of the Ministerie , and for the Edifying of his Bodie , 2 Cor. 5.20 . Eph. 4.11 , 12. 6 Hee hath given him the soules and consciences of men even to the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession , and for the territories of his Kingdome , Psal. 2.8 . Ioh. 17.6 . 7 Hee hath given him a power concerning the Lawes of his Church . A power to make Lawes , the Law of Faith , ( as S. Paul cals it , Rom. 3.27 . ) Mark . 16.15 , 16. A power to expound Lawes , as the morall Law , Matt. 5. A power to abrogate Lawes , as the Law of Ordinances , Col. 2.14 . 8 Hee hath given him a power of judging and condemning enemies , Ioh. 5.27 . Luk. 19.27 . Lastly , hee hath given him a power of remitting sinnes , and sealing pardons , which is a roiall prerogative , Matth. 9.6 . Ioh. 20.23 . And these things belong unto him as hee is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as well Man as God , Ioh. 5.27 . For the workes of Christs mediation were of two sorts . Opera ministerii , workes of service , and ministerie , for he tooke upon himselfe the forme of a servant , and was a Minister of the Circumcision , Phil. 2.8 . Rom. 15.8 . and Opera Potestatis , workes of Authoritie and government in the Church . All power is given unto me in heaven and earth , Matth. 28.18 .