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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A96143	The judgement set, and the bookes opened. Religion tried whether it be of God or of men. The Lord cometh to visit his own, for the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God. To separate the sheep from the goats. and the precious from the vile. And to discover the blasphemy of those that say, they are apostles, teachers, alive, rich, Jewes, but are found lyars. Deceivers. Dead. Poore, blind, naked. The synagogue of Satan. In severall sermons at Alhallows Lumbard-street, by John Webster, a servant of Christ and his church.	Webster, John, 1610-1682.	1654 (1654)	Wing W1210; Thomason E805_13; ESTC R207390	257,953	337

lead him and bring him unto salvation but this is the condemnation Joh. 3.19 that light is come into the world and men love darkness rather then light because their deeds are evil I make no question but are all here pretend at least to be seekers of God Now enter into thy owne heart and tell me what is the end of all thy Religious actions are they not done for this purpose that thereby thou mayest gain and get a good opinion to and of thy self that thou hast served God in a way he commands and when thou hast done thinkest thou now art accepted is this thinkest thou the free-will offering that is in Jesus Christ wherein we serve him not as Slaves or as Servants but as Sons Sons that are begotten out of love and out of love serve him without fear all the dayes of our life Now I say Luk. 1.74 when thy Religious actions are onely made use of to hide over thy sin and to get a good opinion of thy selfe this is not the work of the spirit of God this is not a drawing to God but from God this is a drawing into thy selfe to depend on flesh and to feed on the dead ashes of thy own heart Esa 44.20 and not to know that there is a lye in thy right hand But now if thou didst but see thy owne sinne and thy owne evil heart thou wouldest not dare to speak of God but with much trembling but know if thou speak of him or of Divine things thou speakest as vainely and as dissemblingly as wickedly and hast nothing of Divine nature more then another then the world of men for all thy many words and large professions thou wilt not say We see for then thy sin remaineth But if thou goest out mourning and weeping over thine owne misery and over thy cursed heart to thee I say the Lord will draw thee and lead thee in the everlasting power so that thy own carnal heart and all the power of hell shall not be able to keep thee from Christ but thou shalt understand and find that it is the power of the Father onely that draws every man unto Christ And he will cause thy captivity to return as the streams in the South Psal 126.4.6 and thou shalt find that he that goeth forth weeping shall doubtlesse come againe with rejoycing bringing his sheaves with him that so thou mayest rejoyce and magnifie him alone utterly renouncing thy selfe and all the power of man as having no hand in His Almighty work THE CLOUD taken off the TABERNACLE that the ISRAEL of God might journey Preached at Alhallows Lumbard-street EXOD. 40.36 37 38. And when the Cloud was taken up from over the Tabernacle then the Children of Israel went onward in all their journeys But if the Cloud were not taken up then they journeyed not until the day it was taken up For the Cloud of the Lord was upon the Tabernacle by day and the fire was on it by night in the sight of all the House of Israel throughout all their journeyes THis Book out of which we have taken these words is called EXODUS that is the Book of the go●ng out or the Book of the goings forth for it shews the manner of the going forth of the children of Israel out of Egypt being brought out thence by a strong and mighty hand But Beloved if we look on the things contained in this Book of the goings forth or going out onely as an History of the Jewes going out of that Land of Egypt wherein they were inslaved in their cruel bondage we fall farre short of what the Holy Ghost intends For their going out is the type and representation of all the people of God in all generations and of their going forth from under the bondage of spiritual Pharach and out of the Kingdome of Darknesse When Moses as you may see had obeyed the command of God he shewing him the form of the Tabernacle and Moses setting up all things therein according to the pattern then 't is said Heb. 8.5 Ver. 34.35 in the preceding verses when Moses had finished the work then a cloud covered the Tent of the Congregation and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle so that Moses was not able to enter in for the glory thereof Which Tabernacle was alwayes to be carried before the children of Israel and if the cloud was not taken up from off the Tabernacle then they journeyed not but sate still but if it was taken up then they were to arise and goe on upon their journey this rule they must observe and this was to be their Leader and their Guide in all their journyings Thus it is in the History and this is the Letter now if there were no more in it then so what advantage is it to us but onely to deduct and raise some moral observations and directions which every carnal man may do and be never the nearer the meaning of the Scriptures or to eat of the tree of life and of the Hidden Manna or knowing the mind of God and having no more we have but the Letter that kills Gen. 3.3 and is no other but the eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil whereof God hath commanded ADAM that is whole ADAM all Mankind not to eat thereof For to think that that eternal infinite and most spiritual and divine wisdom should have no greater depth nor no farther wisdom to imploy it self in then in relating Histories of an outward Tabernacle and of silken blew and purple curtains and of the Pot of Manna and of outward sacrifices and washings what depth of wisdom answerable to that infinite wisdom in the Almighty Jehovah were this in him To tell of Solomons State 2 Chro. 9. and his Throne and his Majesty of his Gold and Silver and of the magnificent stately Temple that he builded of the workmanship and great cost and the like what were all this if there were not more in it then the Letter and what every man by his study and reason and learning can finde out but without all question there is that Mystery and depth of wisdom and knowledge hid and covered in all these things which none can find or know with all their utmost endeavours unlesse we be anoynted with that holy anoynting which teacheth all things 1 Joh. 2.27 Mat. 19.11 neither can we ever know them except they be given us from above that so these things may be spoken out onely by that divine teaching in us And for that History for which this Book is called Exodus that we are now upon the Book of the goings forth without all question and to be briefe Satan in us is that true Pharaoh which keeps the true Israel in bondage which is here held forth by that external Pharaoh for what is that Pharaoh to us except we find in our selves all those things acted and done And Egypt there to us is no other thing

8. Matth. 15.14 and say they have heard the word of the Lord and they have seen a vision when the Lord hath not spoken by them and they have seen nothing If the blind lead the blind both shall fall into the pit for he that comes out and saith that he can discover the Tabernacle or that any can remove the cloud from the Tabernacle but the Lord himselfe he is a blasphemer and a lyer But I know they will object and say Obj. 2 Indeed if we consider men naturally in their sinfull condition they are ignorant in the things of God and are even as the Heathens but we have the Scriptures given to us and they contain the mind of God And having this help we by our wits and learning and industry are able to know the mind of God for we know and understand the Hebrew and Greek and Syriack Languages Truly Answ if it were so that they did so it were well but that very word to which they appeale in the very Letter of it witnesses against them for the word witnesses that it is a sealed book Esay 29.11 12. Rev. 5.3 1 Cor. 12.3 2 Cor. 3.6 Luk. 8.10 Mark 4.11 Matth. 11.15 Mark 4.9 Luke 8.8 Luke 24.45 whether delivered to the learned or unlearned and none is found worthy to open it but the Lamb the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah and that none can so much as say Iesus is the Lord but by the Holy ghost and again that the letter kils but the spirit gives life and to you it must be given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom or you cannot know them and when Christ spake with a lively and audible voyce and spake and preacht so as never man did yet said he very often he that hath eares to heare let him heare and so t is said of the Disciples that Christ opened their understandings when he was risen again although he himselfe had taught them the same things before his death yet t is said Luke 24.45 then opened he their understandings that they might know the Scriptures that it behoved him according as it was written in the Prophets and Psalms to suffer and rise again the third day So that hence it is clear there is not any wisdom learning or knowledge in the world that can unseale this book for though it be the declaration of the mind of God through those Saints and Apostles by whom it was written yet never can any man read the mind of God in it but by the same spirit that taught it and unless the same Spirit that raised up Iesus Christ from the dead doe quicken us Rom. 8.11 2 Cor. 6.14 Although the learnedest men in the world open it it will not raise up our mortall bodies nor be any savour unto life Now from hence let but the world judge who are the BLASPHEMERS and what is blasphemy if this be not We say none can truly teach the spirits of men but God himself and none can come to the Father but by the Sonne and he to whom the Sonne will reveale him And they say Matth. 11.27 the way to understand the Scriptures is to get learning and the tongues and to reform their lives to get into this or that fellowship I say this sharply reproves them that say they can open it with the WOODDEN and fleshly key of carnall wisdom and humane learning for we have shewed how there is a cloud upon the tabernacle to this day that none can remove but only God Himselfe not onely in regard of men but of Saints for though a Saint be brought to see into the Tabernacle and to behold the glory of the Lord yet when God pleaseth a cloud shall interpose it selfe that this Tabernacle shall be hid and covered again and again nay it shall be in hiding and opening continually unto the soule * Mark this for the glory of the Tabernacle would not be made out were there not a cloud to make it out by the strength of the Lord would not be made out were there not weaknesse to make it out by the light of the Lord would not be made out were there not darknesse to make it out by and therefore there is a cloud on the tabernacle and t is the Lord only that removes it that they may goe on in all their Journeys and when he doth it not they must sit still and he doth it for this very end that the glory of God may be more made out and that the soule of man might more fully more gloriously and more welcomly enjoy those discoveries Light cannot be made out in light and wisdom in wisdome but light in darkness and wisdom in folly and strength in weakness and fullness in emptiness and riches by poverty and grace by sin Alsufficiency by insufficiency and nothingness and even things that are high in things that are low one deep calls unto another the DEEPNESSE of that glory and FVLLNESS that is in God calls upon that DEEPNESSE and EMPTINESSE and nothingness that is in and upon the poor Creature and this is that Cloud that is still covering and removing from over the Tabernacle that the Glory of the Lord may be made out in and by that cloud that we may know and behold that glory that was hid from us and that we may know how pretious it is by the cloud that with-holds and covers it from us And again that we may know light is not in mans hand as Peter said Master let us be here and build three Tabernacles c. So I say Luk. 9.33 it is that man may not build a Tabernacle of his own least he should say he was Master of it and would think to give and carry the light where he pleased but with a Christian it is otherwise ordered that he might walk in darkness Esa 50.10 and stay himself upon his God so that the condition of a true Christian is not like the men of the world with their light for they are the Orderers and Masters of it But it may indeed be said of your ordinary formal Christians that they have a light never goes out in regard of their forms of Church-Government so that their candle is always burning and they are Masters of their own light and if it be out they can light it again and recover it by their own pains and industry but it is not so with those that truly fear God For when the light appears then they walk and journy but when their light appears not then they must stand still for they dare not go nor stir till the glory of the Lord appears and leads them and that the Lord Himselfe goes before them Further if this Cloud be removed onely by the hand of the Lord then I say First it shews plainly the vanity pride folly and uselessness of mens labouring to remove it in their taking upon them that which belongs to God and First I say it discovers

his wayes past finding out For who hath known the mind of the Lord or who hath been his Counsellour Or who hath first given to him and it shall be recompensed unto him again For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for ever Amen Seeing him to be so high and so rich and so full and so perfect that He is so full of glory and Majesty and yet to stoop so low to debase and disrobe himselfe to make himself so poor so low so much nothing to redeem and recover MEE Oh how great is this Freedom which is wrought by him alone without any seeking or desire of mine nay till he descended to finde me out I never knew my own misery nay when he did appear and condescended so low to deliver me I was not willing to be delivered but opposed him and fought against him and hated him and used all the devices and shifts I could invent to avoid this deliverance and to remain still in bondage and sided with the Devil as my friend and lookt upon him as an Enemy and a Devil and a Tormentor Herein was love indeed that HE should thus far overcome himselfe to become nothing and lesse then nothing for me who am really so and that he who is so infinitly rich ful and blessed in himself should shew so much love patience long-sufferings and bear so many affronts and indignities from such a miserable forlorn creature as man is and would never leave me till he had perswaded and overcome me Oh! herein was love indeed transcendent love incomparable love My Friends you that talk so much of Jesus Christ and are very zealous for him outwardly as one would think none more And all you that keep such a stir about your Forms and Fellowships and Orders and Washings c. except you have found Jesus Christ thus acting in you in vaine do you pretend to him for you doe but draw nigh him with your lips but your hearts are removed for from him This is the word of the Lord concerning you Esa 1.10 c. Hear ye the word of the Lord ye Rulers of Sodom and give ear to the Law of our God ye people of Gomorrah Why Sodom and Gomorrah He speakes to Judah and Jerusalem in the first vers But because they were no other to him but were as prophane as Sodom and Gomorrah for all their Sacrifices Sabbaths Prayers New Moons c. Esa 1.11 12 13 14 15. To what purpose is the multitude of your Sacrifices unto me saith the Lord I am full of the burnt-offerings of Rams and the fat of fed beasts and I delight not in the blood of Bullocks or of Rams or of he-Goats When ye come to appear before me who hath required this at your hand to tread my courts Bring no more vain Oblations Incense is an abomination unto me the New Moons and Sabbaths the calling of assemblies I cannot away with it is iniquity even the solemn meeting Your New Moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth they are a trouble unto me I am weary to bear them And when ye spread forth your hands I will hide mine eyes from you yea when ye make many prayers I wll not hear your hands are full of Blood c. Nay and I dare be bold to say if Jesus Christ should but come to you to convince you of your bondage and deliverance you would hate him spit at him crucifie him with as much Malignity as ever the Jews did For in truth the whole world in all their Religion and Forms love not Jesus Christ nor aym at him nor worship him but love and seek themselves and certainly this is THAT LIGHT which shall break forth in these latter days of the world to strip unmask and discover all the Religion OF MAN In this Sermon was that Testimony given to Dr. Everards Sermons which is placed at the end of this Book A RESPONSION To certaine pretended Arguments against my Book called The Saints Guide I Find a Book lately published called The Modern Statesman by one who subscribes his name by two letters G. W Esquire it may be the man is Armiger for I will not controvert what I know not but I am sure he is not very morigerous nor manifests much either of generosity or civility for his usual appellations are Fellow Wretch Caitiffe Jesuite and the like which I am sure are Epithites in a Gentleman as he would be thought otherwise he would not have written the word Esquire at length and not in figures that all Civil men will account to be Contra bonos more 's and yet the man ranks himselfe not only in a Moral but Christian account but how justly let all men and Christians judge This man pretends to answer to some Objections against Learning in a Book of mine entitled The Saints Guide in his 15. chap. pag. 109. And first mark his mistakes in the contents of his Chapter For he saith it is an answer to some Objections in my book Against Learning now in my book there is The clear definition of Learning and the division also a plain position laid down and five arguments to make good the several branches thereof and afterwards two Objections answered and sure this is something more if the man understand his own terms then some Objections barely and no more yet the man is so wise that he dare not meddle with the Position nor any one of the single Arguments but only snatcheth at one of my Queries and fixeth on a hint in my first solution A bold Adversary that bites behinde but dares not grapple face to face Secondly there is nothing at all in my Book spoken or argued against Learning under a general term or acceptation but with limitation and yet this man makes his Arguments against me as though I had opposed learning simpliciter when all that I say is but secundum quid But doubtlesse the man will prove A great Logician he begins so learnedly Thirdly there is nothing in my Book spoken against Humane learning neither in any general way but under a precise respect and punctual restriction as it cannot per se ex propriâ naturâ understand nor apprehend the Mystery of the Gospel nor any way of its own nature be advantagious unto it and this it holdeth out not in an abstract notion but in a concrete Consideration yet the man as Lucian saith of fortune and folly like a mad blind person laies about him not caring nor seeing where he smites or wounds and answers as though I had argued against Learning in general which how false is evidently manifest thus the man hath made a Giant of straw and will now Combat with him when he hath done doubtlesse here will be good game ecce Don Quixot and his Wind-Mils The man seems a great Zealot for that which he imaginarily accounts Learning and I could wish he were a fit Champion but alas impar congressus Achilli