between them and others Upon them he shall send strong delusion but you hath he chosen to Salvation through the belief of the Truth Those whom God hath chosen he separates from the World of the ungodly or the corrupt heap of mankind and consecrateth them unto himself So that Election is not a taking all but some and passing by others 1 Joh. 5.19 We are of God and the whole World lyeth in wickedness A choice implyeth a setting apart some for Objects of his Grace and Instruments of his Glory in the World Psal. 4.3 And the number is certain for their Names are said to be written in the Rolls and Records of Heaven when others are not written Luk. 10.20 Rejoyce not that the Spirits are subject unto you but rather rejoyce because your Names are written in Heaven Phil. 4.3 Whose Names are written in the Book of Life And others are said not to be written Rev. 17.1 And they that dwell on the Earth shall wonder whose Names were not written in the Book of Life from the Foundation of the World And Rev. 20.15 And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire Namely those that perish by these Delusions 3. It is set forth by the Antiquity of it from the Beginning Ephes. 1.4 He hath chosen us in him before the Foundation of the World And Matth. 25.34 Come ye Blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the Foundation of the World Namely as they belonged to his choice Election Love in God is of an old stâ—nding even from all Eternity his thoughts and purposes of Love were towards us a long time before they were discovered Surely the Ancientness of his Love should beget an honourable esteem of it in our Hearts For who are we that the Thoughts of God should be taken up about us so long ago And what is from everlasting is to everlasting Psal. 103.17 For what is from Eternity is to Eternity and dependeth not upon â—he accidents of Time 4. By the means of its accomplishment Two are mentioned one on God's part the other on ours The Sanctification of the Spirit and the belief of the Truth Where note 1. That God's Decree is both of Ends and Means For all his Purposes are executed by fit Means He that hath chosen us to Salvation hath also chosen us to be Holy and to believe the Truth And without the Means the End cannot be obtained For without Faith and Holiness no grown Person shall see God or escape Condemnation As to Faith it is clear John 3.36 He that believeth not the Wrath of God abideth on him And Holiness is indispensibly necessary Heb. 12.14 Without Holiness no Man shall see the Lord. God had assured Paul Acts 27.22 That there should be no loss of any Man's Life amongst them except of the Ship and afterward Vers. 31. Paul telleth them Except these abide in the Ship ye cannot be saved How could the assurance given to Paul from God and Paul's caution to the Mariners stand together Doth the Purpose of God depend upon the will and actions of Men I answerâ— Not as a cause from whence it receiveth its force and strength but as a means appointed also by God to the execution of his Decree For by the same Decree God appointeth the Event what he will do and the Means by which he will have it to be done and the Lord revealing by his Word this Conjunction of End and Means there is a necessity of Duty lying upon Man to use these Means and not to expect the End without them God intended to save all in the Ship and yet the Mariners must abide in the Ship And therefore what God hath joyned together let no Man separate If we separate these things God doth not change his Counsel but we subvert his Order to our own destruction The Scripture maketh it a grievous Sin a tempting of God to expect the End without the use of Means In vain is the Cavil then of those who would impeach the Doctrine of God's free and unchangeable Will concerning the salvation of the Eleâ—t upon the pretence that it taketh away the Duty of Man and the necessity of our Faith and Obedience No God executeth his Decree by the proper Means And wretcheâ— is their inference who say If I be elected I shall be saved no Salvation can be obtained but by the Sanctification of the Spirit and the belief of the Truth And worse is their confidence who profess assurance of their Election and yet walk after the Flesh No till a Man purge himself from Youthful Lusts he is not a Vessel of Honour sanctified and set apart for God 2 Tim. 2.21 And in vain do we hope to go to Heaven till we take the way that leadeth thither Devils have been cast out thence for Unholiness and therefore unholy Men shall never be taken in there 2. That these things are not causes of Election but fruits of Election and Means of execution of God's Decree about our Salvation Sanctification is not a Cause but a subordinate End or Means Ephes. 1.4 He hath chosen us to be holy not because we are holy but that we might be holy So 1 Pet. 1.2 Elect according to the fore-knowledg of God through the sanctification of the Spirit unto Obedience Not elected for it but through it When God had all Mankind in his prospect and view he freely chose out some to be sanctified and saved We come to the possession of it through Sanctification that is by it as a Means So for the other Faith is a fruit of Election not a foreseen Cause Acts 2.47 The Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved None cometh to the Church but those whom God draweth and they are actually added to the Church by a profession of Faith and such as should be saved were as many as were ordained to Salvation Acts 13.48 And as many as were ordained to Eternal Life believed The whole City were met together to hear but as many as were ordained to Eternal Life believed It is not said as â—any as believed were ordained to Eternal Life but the contrary Faith is not the cause of Election but Election is the cause of Faith 3. That being the necessary Fruits they are also evidences of our Election All that are Sanctified by the Spirit and believe the Truth belong to the Election of God Election it self is a secret in God's Bosom and is only manifested to us by the Effects and what are the necessary Effects but Sanctification by the Spirit and a sound belief of the Gospel 1. The Sanctification of the Spirit is not only an external Dedication to God but an internal and real Change Some aâ—e externally dedicated and may trample under foot the Blood of the Covenant whereby they are sanctified Heb. 10.29 Of how much sorer Punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son
to begin our right in the priviledges of the Gospel there are some conditions required for the beginning others for the continuing of our right now this is absolutely required for the continuing of our right both for present reconciliation with God and future Glory it is upon this condition if ye continue in the Faith 2. Let us inquire what is necessary to this constancy and establishment of mind that we may not be soon troubled and shaken partly that our minds may be inlightened to know the truth and our hearts renewed to believe and love the truth for without this there can never be any constancy of mind in Religion 1. A clear Conviction of the Truth or certainty of Knowledge a rooted assent or well grounded perswasion not some fluctuating opinion about it an half light maketh us very uncertain in our course James 1.3 A double-minded man is unstable in all his wayes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 First try all things 1 Thess. 5.20 then hold fast that which is good When men resolve upon Evidence or after due Examination the truth sticketh the closer and faster by them but when they take up things hand over head they have no firm Principles and therefore waver hither and thither as Vessels without Ballast are tossed with every wave 2 Pet. 3.16 17. Beware lest ye also being led away with the errour of the wicked fall from your own stedfastness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 substantial grounds within themselves they do not stand by the knowledge of others or the Faith of others and consent of others light chaff is carried about with every wind 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eph. 4.14 That ye henceforth be no more Children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of Doctrine they go through all parts of the compass sometimes this wind of error taketh them up sometimes that sometimes taking up one opinion then changing it for another this is the fruit of half-Convictions 2. The other oart of our Basis is a resolution to adhere to the Truth what likelihood is there that we should continue who are not so much as resolved so to do The heart must be established by Grace as well as the mind soundly convinced Heb. 13.9 Be not carried about with divers and strange Doctrines for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace as the Apostle speaketh of a purpose not to marry 1 Cor. 7.37 He that standeth stedfast in his own heart c. So here Acts 21.13 I am ready not to be bound only but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Iesus Christ A firm thorough resolution is requisite to fortify us against all changes in Religion otherwise we are but as Trees without a Root or an House without a Foundation Now this resolution of the Heart is by Faith and Love Faith Heb. 3.12 Take heed lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God Love 2 Thess. 2.10 They received not the love of the truth that they might be saved and for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they shall believe a lie We are not only rooted and grounded in Faith but rooted and grounded in Love Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love c. 3. The opposite to this is Levity and inconstancy of mind that soon quitteth truth without difficulty or without much hesitancy and resistance yields to the temptation The Scripture often taketh notice of this sudden imbracing of Error Gal. 1.6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another Gospel and in the Text soon shaken in mind credulity is a lightness in believing when we are like Reeds shaken with every wind Mat. 11.7 and have a faulty easiness ready to be carried away with every Doctrine which pretendeth to Truth The simple believeth every word Prov. 14.15 There is a readiness of mind which is good but it goeth on sufficient evidence so the wisdom that is from above is gentle and easy to be intreated James 3.17 and the Bereans were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Acts 17.11 They received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures whether these things were so or no but a readiness of mind differs from a weakness of mind or a lightness in believing upon slender and insufficient grounds they never received the truth with thorough Efficacy and are prone to Error 4. The Causes of this Levity and Inconstancy of mind are these 1. Want of solid rooting in the Truth they receive it hand over head as the stony ground forthwith sprang up Mat. 13.5 and 20. ver Anon they receive it with joy they do not so soon receive the word but they as soon quit it 2. Want of Mortification 2 Tim. 4.10 Demas hath forsaken us having loved this present World Lusts are uncertain fear of men favour of men carnal hopes will easily prevail 3. A certain readiness of mind which disposeth men to conform and comply with their Company as the Looking-Glass representeth every Face that looketh on it so they are very changeable and unstable as water as Zedekiah Jer. 38.5 The King is not he that can say you nay soon turned this way and that way 4. Want of a thorough inclination to God so that they are right for a while or in some things yet they are not universally true to his interest 1 Kings 2.28 Joab turned after Adonijah though he turned not after Absolom Hos. 7.8 Ephraim is a Cake not turned 5. Want of Holiness and living up to the truths we know 1 Tim 3.9 Holding the mystery of Faith in a pure Conscience Choice Liquors are best kept in a clean Vessel men provoke God to desert them and leave them to a vertiginous Spirit 6. Libertinism men think they may run from one Sect of Christians to another as the wind of interest bloweth if they were to turn to Ethnicism Turcism or Judaism they would die rather than change theâ—r Religion but they think the differences among Christians are not of such moment as to venture any thing upon that account Every truth is precious and must be owned in its Season and it is damnable in it self to do any thing against Conscience and he that giveth way to a small temptation will entertain a greater As a Man that hangeth over a Precipice when he lets go his hold will sink further and further till he come to the bottom therefore it is good to be faithful in a little Vse Let us take heed of this evil credulity and lightness 1. Till Christians get a setled and sound Judgment they never have peace within themselves for fears and scruples arise in the dark and those that live in error are full of perplexities and have not that tranquilâ—ity of Spirit which They have who are fully perswaded in their own
In differences between God and Baal Christ and Antichrist few are valiant for the truth Ier. 9.3 And they bend their tongue like their bow for lies but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth for they proceed from evil to evil and they know not me saith the Lord. Contend earnestly Jude 3. It was needful for me to write unto you and to exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the Faith which was once delivered unto the Saints Again 2. There are many sensualists unclean and carnal Gospellers to these God oweth a Judgment Usually the Gospel is removed and given to a Nation that will bring forth the fruits thereof They that use the truth only or principally for their own turns hate to be reformed God will reckon with them Psal. 50.16 17. But unto the wicked God saith What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes or that thou shouldst take my Covenant into thy mouth seeing thou hatest instruction and castest my words behind thee 2. Vse shews you indeed that you love the Gospel Carentia remedii is a grievous misery or else Christ had not come as a great Blessing Neglectus remedii is a grievous sin to be lazy in a matter of such moment Those that never set their hearts to obey the truth Crassa negligentia dolus est There should be constant purpose endeavour striving and not cease striving till we in some measure prevail rejectio or contemptio remedii if we put away the word of God from us Acts 13.46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said it was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you but seeing ye puâ— it from you and judge your selves unworthy of everlasting life loe we turn to the Gentiles God will be gone if not from the Land from thy Soul This is the most hainous iniquity of all Heb. 10.28 29. He that despised Moses his Law died without mercy under two or three witnesses of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified aâ— unholy thing and hath done despight unto the Spirit of grace So Esau's despising his Birthright Heb. 12.15 Lest there be any Fornicator or prophane person as Esau who for one morsel of meat sold his Birthright for ye know how that afterwards when he would have inherited the Blessing he was rejected for he found no place of repentance though he sought it carefully with â—ears SERMON IX 2 Thess. 2.11 12. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should believe a lie That they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness WE have considered the sin of those seduced by Antichrist now the Judgment It is twofold 1. Delusion in this World verse 11. 2. Damnation in the next verse 12. 1. Delusion in this World where take notice of three things 1. The Author of it God shall send it 2. The degree or nature of the punishment strong delusion 3. The issue of it that they should believe a lie 2. Their punishment in the next World That they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness where take notice 1. Of the terribleness of it it is no less than everlasting damnation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. The Justice and Equity of it They believed not the truth but had pleasure in righteousness 1. I begin with their Judgment in this World For this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should believe a lie Doct. That by Gods just Judgment there is an infatuation upon the Followers and Abettors of Antichrist that they swallow the grossest errors to their own destruction To clear this I shall speak 1. To the Author 2. The degree or kind of the punishment 3. The effect and issue 1. As to the Author 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Here a difficulty ariseth For God is not and cannot be the Author of sin He that is essentially good cannot be the cause of evil And he that is Vltor peccati the avenger of sin cannot be Author peccati the Author of it If he should cause man to sin how will his punishment of it be just I Answ. As it is a sin God hath no hand in it but as it is a punishment of sin God hath to do in it To clear this to you consider 1. He that is the supreme Lord and Governour of his Creatures is also their Judge For Legislation and Judgment belong to the same Authority And therefore God is called sometimes our King and sometimes oâ—r Judge Gen. 18.25 Shall not the Iudge of all the earth do right Rom. 5.6 Is God unâ—ighteous how then shall he judge the World That is his Office and Prerogative 2. Gods way of judging for the present is either external or internal As for instance there are two acts of Judicature Reward and Punishment In rewarding Gods external Government is seen in dispensing outward Blessings to his people as the fruit of their obedience Micah 2.7 Do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly His promises speak good and as fulfilled do good yield protection maintenance and such a measure of outward prosperity as supporteth and maintaineth them during their service David owned Gods dealing with him in this sort Psal. 119.56 This I had because I kept thy Precepts So as to his internal Government in giving them peace of Conscience and Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14.17 For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost Pro. 3.17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace These are the internal rewards of obedience And so also God often rewardeth grace with grace As Isa. 58.13 14. If thoâ— turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thy own ways nor finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words Then shalt thou delight thy self in the Lord and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth and feed thee with the heritage of Iacob thy Father for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Psal. 31.24 Be of good Courage and he shall strengthen your heart all ye that hope in the Lord. Proficiency in the same grace is a reward of the several acts and exercise of it So in punishing sometimes he useth the way of external Government by the terribâ—e Judgments exercised upon men for the breach of his Law Rom. 1.18 For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness Heb. 2.2 Every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward
we had plenty of Victuals and were well and saw no evil But since we have left off burning incense to the Queen of Heaven we have wanted all things and have been consumed by the Sword and the Famine Such sottish obstinacy is there in men that doat upon their own invented Superstitious and Idolatrous Services Custom Antiquity practice of their Ancestors the Authority and usage of their great ones their Rulers the generality of observance This is their knot of Arguments by which they confirm themselves just as the Papists plead for their Superstitions at this day and to make the Mess more compleat they add the plenty and prosperity they enjoyed what a merry World it was before the new Gospel came in when they had nothing but Mass and Mattins And all the Calamities that have faln out they impute not to their own sins but to the Gospel Now when a people are thus obstinate and measure Religion not by reasons of Conscience but the interests of the Belly it is a sign that they are under the power of delusion and error hath more efficacy with such corrupt minds than the truth 3. The Causes of it shew the efficacy of error 1. The sinning of their learned to keep out all instructions allowing the vulgar only Prayers in a strange tongue and the Scriptures in no tongue and teaching them implicitely to believe as the Church believeth When the Lord permitteth such guides to order the affairs of his Church his great Judgment of occecation and obduration is upon them Jer. 5.31 The Prophets prophesie falsely and the Priests bear rule by their means and my people love to have it so 2. When gain interests and ambition move them thereunto As those Masters in the Acts exclaim against Paul and Silas when they saw their hope of gain was gone Acts 16.19 20 21. These men do exceedingly trouble the City And Demetrius Acts 18.25 Ye know by this craft we have our wealth This is a tender point to touch interest and when once it cometh to this they will proceed in their foâ—ly and defend one falshood with another for the great Idol of the World is gain or love of money 1 Tim. 6.10 For the love of money is the root of all evil which while some coveted after they have erred from the Faith It were an happiness if such kind of Arguments did only prevail with us to embrace a Religion that might convince others that it was Religion it self that we loved That our interest did not keep others from their duty and that we could embrace a Religion for the goodness of it even to our own loss 3. Another cause is pride of themselves and prejudice against others lest they should seem to be in an error and wrong and to learn of a few Novellists shall they teach them No rather they will remain ignorant still Alas it is not easy to strike Saâ—â— and submit to the teaching of those whom they hate Therefore men continue those first prejudices they have imbibed and will rather live and die in their errors than give God glory by a submission to truth Such a proud opinion and conceit have they of their own Learning and Knowledge This cause also conduceth to make the resolution more strong pre-ingagement in a contrary way It is disgraceful to change men think it is taken notice of as a great wonder Acts 6.7 That a great Company of the Priests were obedient to the Faith But such wonder are not wrought every day they of all men are most pertinacious but God can of stones raise up Children to Abraham Now would to God these causes of error were only found in the Antichristian Estate They are every where buâ— these cause strong delusion 3. The issue and effect that they should believe a lie two things must be explained 1. The object 2. The Act. 1. The object a lie that is either 1. false Doctrines 1 Tim. 4.2 Speaking lies in Hypocrisie When palpable errors are taken for truths A man given over by God to delusion will swallow the grossest errors and fâ—ctions and that in matters dangerous and destructive to Salvation False Doctrines are often called a lie in Scripture as opposite to the truth And yet such things are received by those from whose parts the World would expect better things 2. False Miracles in their Legends a man would wonder any should have the face to obtrude such ridiculous stories and scandalous to Religion upon the World 3. False Calumnies against those Instruments whom God employed in the reformation Popery is a Religion supported by lies as that Calvin was a Sodomite and burnt in the shoulder at Noyon for that crime and the Popish Deaâ— and Chapter of that place have published his Vindicate That Luther was an Incarnate Devil begotten by an Incubus I should weary you to rake in this Dunghil but I must close it with the general observation that Antichristians will lie some among them call them pious frauds but they are Diabolical Forgeries 2. The Act is that they are given up to believe a lie This must be applied to their erroneous Doctrines as common to them all To their false Miracles and Calumnies not to the Inventers but to the seduced who swallow these things All that oppose the truth do not go apparently against Conscience but being given up to the efficacy of error they may believe that false Religion wherein they live Let us open the Term believe What is it to believe a thing you may know â—y the opposites Now opposite to Faith there is first doubtfulness when men halt between two opinions 1 Kings 18.21 If the Lord bâ— God follow him but if Baal then follow him This doubtfulness proceedeth from want of bringing the Case to a Tryal and thorow Hearing 2. Conjecture Acts 26.28 Almost perswaded Almost thou perswadest me to be a Christian. 3. Opinion Matth. 13.14 Hath not root in himself but dureth for a while c. 4. Firm perswasion They will censure nothing for if of truth Joh. 6.69 We believe and are sure c. if of error Acts 26.9 I verily thought with my self that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Iesus of Nazareth 5. Resolved adherence if to the truth that is called receiving the truth in the love of it If to error it is seen in mens obstinacy and zeal suffering in it 1 Kings 18.28 Cutting themselves with Knives and Lances till blood gushed out Suffering for it For a man may give his body to be burned for an error a man may sacrifice a strong body to a stubborn mind 1 Cor. 13.3 Though I give my body to be burned and have not Charity it profiteth nothing And persecuting the contrary Joh. 16.2 They shall put you out of the Synagogues yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth God service To apply this Marry that live within the Kingdom of Antichrist some are doubtful some almost perswaded soâ—e
espouse the common prevailing opinions others adhere to them with much false zeal and superstition These are those who are given up to believe a lie Vses 1. Information 1. To shew us the reason why so many learned men are Captivated by Antichrist and live yet in the Popish Religion for this is a great scruple to many The answer is ready The Lord hath suffered them to be deluded by him whose coming is after the working of Sathan in all power c. Rev. 17.2 The inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the Wine of her Fornication It is an intoxication the errors of that State are plausibly defended and supported by Worldly Interests There is the Witchery of Worldly allurements and the intoxicating Wine of errors defended and owned within their bounds and places of their education and abode So that men have seemed to lose their understandings and not have that advisedness which well becomes a man possibly they may have doubts and checks of Conscience but the name of the Church charmeth them and Worldly magnificence strangely inveagleth them They may know that the Religion professed by Protestants is sincere holy and saving but being allured by Licentiousness or intangled by Covetousness or puffed up with Pride are loth to change or are vanquished and astonished with fear of death and other inconveniencies or it may be do not use that advised and serious deliberation which a matter of Salvation requireth Four causes may be given 1. Self-Confidence God will shew the folly of those that depend on the strength of their own wit Pro. 3. 5 6. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understandings In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths And therefore will bring to nought the wisdom of the wise and destroy the understanding of the prudent when it is lifted up against the Interests of Christs Kingdom 1 Cor. 1.19 2. Prejudice The Priests and Scribes could readily tell that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem when Herod sent to consult them Matth. 2.4 5 6. yet who more obstinate against him that was born there They expected a temporal Messias and therefore could not see what they saw What was apparent to Children was a riddle to the Rabbies So they expect some open Enemy of the Church to attacque it by power and force little dreaming of a Bishop c. 3. Pride many of the Jewish Church believed in Christ but they did not profess him lest they should be put out of the Synagogue Ioh. 11.42 43. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God They loved not an hated opinion Many may fear the Pope to be Antichrist but Pride and Interest will not let them submit to a change 4. The Judgment of God is the great cause that men do not or will not know Antichrist God hath not given them eyes to see as Christ was not received in Ierusalem the things of their peace were hid from their Eyes Luk. 19.42 He beheld the City and wept over it saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy peace but now they are hid from thine eyes 2. It sheweth us that the prevalency of this wicked one should be no blemish to providence for the permission of him is one of Gods dreadful providentiaâ— dispensations That it should have such success it raiseth Atheistical thoughts in weak spirits yea it is an offence to the Godly as it is a prejudice to the Truth but God hereby will shew us 1. That there are deceits and errors as well as truth in the World much of choice not chance and lest we should think this an antiquated dispensation to try the professors of the Gospel who lived in the midst of Pagans it cometh nearer to us But he that condemneth all Religion on this account judgeth one â—an for anothers crime which is unjust doth as foolishly as he that thinketh there is no trâ—e money because there are some counterfeit pieces 2. That God in concomitancy with the Gospel will discover his dreadful Justice as well as his wonderful mercy by it that we may tremble whilst we admire grace 3. That it is a great evil to be deceivers or active promoters of delusions and it will not wholly excuse us that we are deceived Matth. 15.14 4. What need all serious Christians have to pray to God not to be led into temptation Alas what would become of us if left to our selves in an hour of temptation 5. Let us fear to sleight the grace offered Among other threatnings God threatneth to smite his people with blindness Deut. 18.28 The Lord shall smite thee with madness and blindness and astonishment of heart 6. What a ready way to destruction it is to measure Religion by Worldly Interests This bred Antichrist kept him up in the World and blindeth hiâ— seduced Proselytes to this day 2. Vse Is caution to take heed of spiritual blindness and infatuation that this Judgment fall not upon us That God leave us not to our own lusts hearts and Counsels without check and restraint It may in part befal Gods people what shall we do to avoid it 1. Take heed of sinning against light either by sins of omission or commission Jam. 4.17 To him that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is sin They will find it to be sin in the sad effects 2. Take heed of Hypocrisie in the profession of the truth God oweth the Hypocrites an ill turn and seemeth to be ingaged to discover him before the Congregation Pro. 26.26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole Congregation and usually it is by giving him up to some licentious practice or strong delusion by which he breaketh the neck of his profession 3. Take heed of Pride and carnal Self-sufficiency God may leave his people to dangerous falls when they make their bosom their Oracle and think to carry all by the strength of their own understanding 2 Chro. 32.31 God left him to try him that hâ— might know all that was in his heart It is good to consult with God continually 4. Take heed of following the rabble Joh. 4.20 Our father 's worshipped in this Mountain and ye say that in Ierusalem is the place where men ought to worship c. But learn to see by your own eyes That you may have sure evidence you are in Gods way Pro. 24.13 14. SERMON X. 2 Thess. 2.12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness 2. THeir punishment in the other World Where first the terribleness of it 2. The righteousness and Justice of it 1. The terribleness that they all might be damned That is filling up the measure of their obduration they may at length fall into just condemnation 2. The Justice and Equity of it which is two ways expressed 1.
of the love of the Truth rather than because you are out of the reach of the temptation However it is a great mercy that God keepeth off the Temptation till we are better setled in Religion 2. That the Election of God giveth a People great advantages against Errors especially against the impostures of Antichrist for when he speaketh of the sad estate of those who are seduced by the Man of Sin he presently addeth but we are bound to give thanks to God for you for he hath chosen you to Salvation You will say the Thessalonians received the Gospel before these corruptions were brought into the Church but though Antichrist was not then in being and this corrupt Christianity not then set a foot yet there were some preparations for it The mystery of iniquity already worketh and they were preserved from the taint of it by the Election of God for either God suffereth not the Elect to be deceived in momentous points or sooner or later he reduceth them the purpose of God according to Election must stand Rom. 9.11 Rom. 11.7 The Election hath obtained and the rest were blinded So 2 Tim. 2.18 19. They have overthrown the faith of some nevertheless the Foundation of the Lord standeth sure Still the Elect of God escape the seduction and especially Antichristian Error Rev. 13.8 The dwellers upon Earth shall worship him whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life 3. How careful we should be to support the Hearts of God's People when we speak of his terrible Judgments on the wicked This was the practice of the Apostles every where as when the Author to the Hebrews had spoken of the dreadful estate of Apostates whose end is to be burned Heb. 6.9 But we are perswaded better things of you and things that accompany Salvation though we thus speak he did not condemn them all as Apostates nor would not discourage them by that terrible Threatning So again after another terrible passage Heb. 10.39 But we are not of them that draw back to perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the Soul Once more when another Apostle had spoken of the Sin unto death which is not to be prayed for he presently addeth 1 Joh. 5.18 19. Whosoever is born of God sinneth not but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself and that wicked one toucheth him not And we know that we are of God and the whole World lieth in wickedness Zuinglius saith Bone Christiane hâ—â—c nihil ad te c. Good Christian this is not thy portion when he had flashed the terrours of the Lord in the face of Sinners The reasons of this are partly with respect to the Saints who sometimes out of weakness and infirmity and sometimes out of tenderness of Conscience are apt to be startled electorum corda semper ad se sollicite pudeant Gregor We deserve such dreadful Judgments and therefore fear them partly with respect to our selves that we may rightly divide the Word of Truth 2 Tim. 2.15 Study to shew thy self approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of Truth Give every one his portion not make their hearts sad whom God would not make sad and therefore they are much to blame who in reproving Sinners stab a Saint at the Heart and take the doctrine but for a colour to make a perverse application The Apostle here useth more tenderness God shall send them strong delusion But we are bound always to give thanks for you Brethren beloved of the Lord because the Lord hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth In the words are two things 1. An acknowledgment of this obligation to give thanks for them But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you Brethren c. 2. The matter or particular cause of his thanksgiving because the Lord hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation c. First There are 1. the Titles he giveth Brethren and Beloved of the Lord they were not only beloved of the Apostle but the Lord himself both with an antecedent Love bestowing Grace upon them and also a consequent Love they believing in his Name living according to his Precepts suffering for the Truth 2. His obligation to bless God in their behalf we are bound to give thanks to God always for you There is first giving thanks which sheweth his esteem of the blessing 2. Always which sâ—eweth how deeply he was affected with it 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 We are bound he acknowledgeth a Debt and bond of Duty we must not only give thanks to God for our own Election but the Election of others Out of the law of Brotherly Love we loving them as our own Souls respect to the Gloâ—y of God which is promoted by the Salvation of others as well as our selves 2. The matter of the thanksgiving their Election to Salvation which is two ways amplified 1. By the Antiquity of it from the beginning that is from everlasting for so it is taken sometimes as Joh. 1.1 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God That is before the first point of time before God began to create all things 2. From the means of its accomplishment two are mentioned one on God's paâ—t the sanctification of the Spirit The other on ours the belief of the Truth From the whole observe Doct. That the great matter of our thanksgiving to God is his eternal Election of us whether for our selves or others This is that which leaveth a Debt or an indispensible Obligation always to bless and praise his Name In pursuing this Point I shall first consider how Election is here set forth 2. Give you the reasons why this is the great matter of thanksgiving 1. How it is here set forth 1. By the rise of it which is the meer love of God for he calleth these Brethren â—eloved of tâ—e Lord. And that the only original cause and motive of Election is God's Love and Grace this is asserted in other Scriptures As for instance in the Types of Election and Reprobation Rom. 9.13 Iacob have I loved and Esau hâ—ve I hated God's respect to Iacob above Esau is ascribed to his love So to the posterity of Iacob whom he distinguished from other Nations Deut. 7.7 8. The Lord did not set his love upon you and choose you because ye were more in number than any People for ye were the fewest of all People but because the Lord loved you And still the Lord's Election is an Election of Grace There is no antecedent worthiness in the People whom he chooseth 2 Tim. 1.9 not according to our Works but according to his own Purpose and Grace which was given in Christ Iesus before the World began Now Grace is nothing but the Love of God working freely and of its own Inclination 2. The Act it self he hath chosen you making a distinction
no Cheats might be put upon them under any pretence therefore he saith Whether by Word or our Epistle that is by word of Mouth when present or by Epistle when absent And he saith not Epistles but Epistle as alluding to the former wrote unto them They were bound to yield to both alike credence and obedience for whether in speaking or writing the Apostolical Authority was the same To improve this Verse for your benefit I shall lay down several Propositions I. That what-ever assurance we have of God's preserving us in the Truth yet we are bouâ—d to use Diligence and Caution II. Our Diligence and Caution is to be employed about this That we may stand fast in the Faith of Christ and the Profession and Practice of Godliness III. That the Means of standing fast in the Faith of Christ and the Profession and Practice of Godliness is by holding the Traditions which were taught by the Holy Apostles IV. That while the Apostles were in being there were two ways of delivering the Truth by word of Mouth and Writing V. That now when they are long since gone to God and we cannot receive from them the Doctrine of Life by Word of Mouth We must stick to the Scriptures or written Word I. That what-ever assurance we have of God's preserving us in the Truth yet we are bound to use Diligence and Caution For the Apostle had said That God had chosen and called them to the belief of the Truth and yet saith Therefore Brethren Stand fast First Reason will tell us That when we intend an End we must use the Means otherwise the bare intention and desire would suffice And to the accomplishing of any effect we need no more than to will it And the Sluggard would be the wisest Man in the World who is full of wishings and wouldings though his hands refuse to labour but common experience sheweth that the End cannot be obtain'd without a diligent use of the means Prov. 13.4 The Soul of the Sluggard desireth and hath nothing but the Soul of the Diligent shall be made fat that is rewarded with the intended benefit Secondly The Business in hand is Whether God's Election Calling or Promise doth so secure the End to us as that we need not be so careful in the diligent use of Means Such a notion or conceit there may be in the Hearts of Men therefore â—et us attaque it a little by these Considerations 1. God's Decree is both of End and Means for all his Purposes are executed by fit Means He that hath chosen us to Salvation bringeth it about by the belief of the Truth and sanctification of the Spirit 2 Thess. 2.13 and without Faith and Holiness no Man shall see God and escape condemnation God had assured Paul That there should be no loss of any Mans Life among them except of the Ship Acts 27.22 And yet afterwards vers 31. Paul telleth them Except these abide in the Ship ye cannot be saved How could that Assurance given to Paul from God and Paul's Caution to the Mariners stand together Doth the Purpose of God depend upon the uncertain Will and Actions of Men I Answer Not as a Cause from whence it receiveth its force and strength but as a Means appointed also by God to the execution of his Decree For by the same Decree God Appointeth the Event what he will do and the Means by which he will have it to be done And the Lord revealing by his Word this conjunction of end and Means there is a necessity of Duty lying upon Man to use these Means and not to expect the End without them God intended to save all in the Ship and yet the Mariners must abide in the Ship therefore what God hath joined together let no man separate If we separate these things God doth not change his Counsel but we pervert his Order to our own Destruction 2. God that hath bidden us to believe his Promises hath forbidden us to tempt his Providence Mat. 4.7 Now we tempt God when we desire him to give an extraordinary proof of his care over us when ordinary Means will serve the turn or be useful to us 3. Though the Means seem to have no connexion with the End yet if God hath injoined them for that end we must use them As in the instance of Naaman God was resolved to cure him but Naaman must take his prescribed way though against his own fancy and conceit 2 King 5.10 Wash in Jordan seven times and thy flesh shall come again unto thee and thou shalt be clean compare vers 13. If the Prophet had bidden thee to do some great thing c. So Iohn 13.6 7. Peter must submit to be washed though he could not see the benefit of it So Iohn 9.6 7. The blind Man must submit to have his Eyes anointed with Clay and wash in the Pool of Siloam though the Clay seemed to put out his Eyes rather than cure them And the Pool could not wash away his blindness but means appointed by God must be used what-ever improbabilities are apprehended by us 4. That when God's Will is expresly declared concerning the Event yet he will have the means used As for instance 2 Kings 20.5 6 7. God was absolutely resolved to add fifteen years more to Hezekiah's Life yet he must take â— lump of Figs and lay iâ— on the Boil which plainly sheweth that no promise on God's part nor assurance on ours hindreth the use of means God will work by them not without them 5. In Spiritual Things assurance of the Event is an incouragement to Industry not a preâ—ence to Sloth 1 John 2.27 28. Ye shall abide in him and now little Children abide in him The promise of Perseverance doth incourage us to use endeavours that we may persevere and quicken Diligence rather than nourish Security or open a gap to carnal Liberty 1 Cor. 9.26 I run not as one that is uncertain We are the more earnest because we are assured the means shall not be uneffectual II. Prop. Our Duty is to stand fast in the Faith of Christ and profession of Godliness what-ever temptations we have to the contrary stand fast being a Military word it alludeth to a Souldier's keeping his Ground and is apposed to two things 1. A cowardly Flight 2. A treacherous Revolt 1. A cowardly Flight implyeth our being overcome in the evil Day by the many Afflictions that befal us for the Truths sake Ephes. 6.13 Wherefore take to you the whole Armour of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil Day that after ye have done all things ye may stand Their Temptation was the many troubles and persecutions that befel them called there the Evil Day Their defence lay in the whole Armour of God which is there made of six pieces The Girdle of Truth or Sincerity which is a strength to us as a Girdle to the Loins The Breast-plate of Righteousness or an holy iâ—clination and desire to perform