forewritten observe God hath his Books and Registers wherein the persons behaviors and eternal estates of all men are recorded At the Day of Judgment these Books shall be opened Rev. 20. 12. Therefore it should be our care to be able to read that our names are written in the Book of Life then which there cannot be a greater priviledg Luk. 10. 20. And it presseth Caution all that we do standeth upon record our speeches Mal. 3. 16 17. our thoughts 1 Cor. 4. 5. our actions Jerem. 17. 1. Again observe That in all those things which appertain to the Judgment of sinners God doth nothing rashly but proceedeth by foresight and pre-ordination Again No man ever perverted the Truths of God but to his own loss They were ordained to this judgment that is that by their sins they should come to such a ruine We play with opinions but do not consider that damnation is the end of them The way of truth is the way of life but error tendeth to death These things might be observed but I shall rather pitch upon two Points one particular and restrained to the scope of the Context the other general as being taken from the consideration of the expressions in their full latitude The first is That Heresies and Errors do not fall out by chance but according to the certain pre-ordination and foreknowledg of God There are two Reasons for it Nothing can come to pass without his Will and Nothing can come to pass against his Will 1. Not without his Will If a Sparrow cannot fall to the ground without our heavenly Father Mat. 10. 39. that is cannot be taken and slain without the Will of God then certainly nothing can be imagined which God did not foresee or which he could not have hindred There is nothing so small but the Lord taketh cognizance of it nothing so evil but he turneth it to good Exempt any thing from Providence and you weaken that respect which is due from the creatures to God If Satan may do what he will and God only be a looker on then the Devil-worship of the Heathens would seem more rational 't was their custom first to appease the angry gods lest they should hurt them and then to invoke the propitious Upon this doctrine we might fear the Devil and carnal men though God be propitious for many things are done whether he will or no. 2. Not against his Will for then God should make a creature too hard for himself Things may be against his revealed Will for that is a Rule to try the creatures but not against his secret Will for that would make God impotent and weak Things that are most against his revealed Will yet fall under the ordination of his secret Will and whilest men break Commandments they fulfil Decrees His revealed Wiâ—l sheweth what should be done his secret Will what will be done Briefly the concurrence of God in and about the errors of men may be conceived in these things 1. He denyeth grace and light which might direct and sanctifie He is debtor to no man and may do with his own according to â—iâ— good pleasure Mat. 20. 15. He is not bound to give grace to all and therefore 't is no prejudice to his goodness to pass by some 2. He leaveth difficulty enough in the Word that men who will not be satisfied may be hardened Mark 4. 11 12. All these things are spoken in Parables that seeing they might see and not perceive that is for a punishment of their wilful blindness and hardness Corrupt nature stumbles in Gods plainest ways the Word is clear enough to them that have a mind to understand it and yet difficult enough to them that have a mind to harden themselves into a prejudice Non periclitor dicere saith Tertullian ipsas Scripturas ita dispositas esse us materiam subministrarâ—nt haeretius So the Lord himself saith Jer. 6. 21. Behold I will lay stumbling blocks before this people that is suffer them to stumble at their own prejudices 3. God leaveth them to follow the course of their own hearts he doth not incline and compel their wils or infuse evil to them onely suffereth them to follow the carnal bent and corrupt ambition of their own hearts Hosea 4. 17. let him alone 1 King 22. 22. Go forth and do so Psal 31. 12. I gave them up to their own counsels he hindreth not their wickedness Yea permiteth it that so his wise counsels may take place 4. God ordereth it for good thereby bringing great advantage to his own name Exod. 9. 16. For this cause have I raised thee up to shew in thee my power great shakings and tumults discover much of God to the world the Devil picketh out the most polished shafts in all the quiver of mankind and yet still the Lord maintaineth the Lot of his Inheritance Yea God doth not onely advance his Name and discover the glory of his providence in protecting the Church notwithstanding Satans factors and the abettors of his cause and kingdom But also causes the truths that are questioned to shine the more brightly as being more strongly vindicated and asserted as a Torch shineth the brighter when ' its waved with the wind such times put men the more upon the study and love of truth doctrines not being taken up upon trust but sound conviction besides errour being permitted manifests the approved 1 Cor. 11. 19. as a quick smart wind severeth the solid grain from the chaff and 't is a means to ingage our dependance upon God for knowledge and instruction Christs Prophetical Office would lye idle and useless were not the chains of consent sometimes broken and the language divided some saying one thing some another as the difference between the Jews and the Samaritans about the place of worship maketh the woman to go to Christ for satisfaction John 4. 20. Once more Gods permission of errour conduceth to the just ruin of his enemies Offences must be but wo be to that man by whom they come Mat. 18. 6. 7. So 1 Sam. 2. 25. Elyes Sons would not harken to the voyce of their Father because the Lord had a minde to slay them By their own voluntary sins God bringeth them to their just ruine and condemnation God lets them alone to wanton and play away their own salvation if they will turn Seekers Familists Ranters Atheists Let them alone Vses The Point may be applyed many ways 1. Here is comfort to those that regard the affairs of Sion all the confusion and troubles that are in the Church are ordered by a wise God he will bring some good issue out of them some glory to his Name wherein the Saints rejoyce as much as in their own welfare some good to the Church Observe hast not thou been more confirmed in the truth ingaged to a more frequent recourse to Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Hast thou not seen more of Gods Providence
11. 21 Briars and Thorns may be intricated and infolded one within another but when a devouring flame cometh amongst them they do not hinder but increase the burning Universal evils are above mans punishment but not Gods there is no safety in following a multitude to do evil So that nothing will serve as a fit screen to interpose between wrath and you but only Christ Thirdly I observe that in all these instances there was some preceding mercy more or less The Angels had the dignity of their Nature the Israelites had the Testimony of Gods presence and were delivered out of Egypt the Sodomites had Eternal Blessings and the preaching of Lot Gen 19. 9. It 's Gods usual course to give a people a taste of his mercy ere he diâ—cover the power of his anger Judgment is his last work there is some mercy abused before it cometh which doth abundantly clear God in the judgements that come upon the sons of men Their ruine may be sad but never undeserved God hath not left himsâ—lf without a witness but we are lest without â—xcuse Fourthly Once more I observe that in all these Instances God had still a care to put a distinction between the just and the unjust the race of â—srael was not destroyed but only them that believed not The good Angels were preserved the bad only fell from their first estate Sodom perished in the flames but Lot escaped when the multitude is so corrupt that we know not how they shall be punished and the rest preserved let us think of these instances let us refer it to God he knoweth c. 2 Pet 2. 9. I come now to the words in which you have a preface and the first instance of Gods judgement which was on the unbelieving Israelites In the Preface you may take notice of his purpose I will put you in remembrance his insinuation though ye once knew this I begin with the first part his purpose I will put you in remembrance from thence obâ—erve That it is a great part of a Ministers duty to be a Remembrancer We are remembrancers in a double sense 1. From the people to God to put God in mind of his peoples wants so 't is said Isa 62. 7. Ye that are tâ—e Lord's remembrancers Christ is the Churchâ—s advocate but we are the Churches Solicitors to represent the sâ—d condition of the Church to God 2. From God to the people and so we are to put them in mind of the being of God the riches of his grace the necessity of obedience the preciousness of their souls the many dangers that lye in their way to Heaven c. These are standing dishes at Christs Table That this is a great part of our Office appeareth by those places 1 Tim. 4. 6. Iâ— thou put the Brethren in remembrance of these things thou shalt be a good Minister of Jesus Christ And Paul speaking of his Apostleship saith Rom. 15. 15. As one that putteth you in remembrance through the grace given to me See 2 Tim. 2. 14. Tit. 3. 1. 2 Pet. 1. 12. 13 14. 2 Pet. 3. 1. So there are two Psalmes that bear that Title A Psalme of David to bring to remembrance Psal 38 and Psal 70. The great use of Sacraments is to put us in remembrance of Christ 1 Cor. 11. 24. Yea one great employment of the Spirit is to bring things to our remembrance Ioh. 14. 26. all which intimateth 1. Our forgetfulness and incogitancy Truths formerly understood are soon forgotten or not duly considered and kept in the view of conscience 2. The benefit of a good memory A bad memory is the cause of all mischief but a lively remembrance of truths keepeth the mind in a good frame 3. That however it be with natural yet spiritual knowledge is a reminiscence or reviving the seeds infused in the New Creation 4. That a Minister dischargeth his duty when he teacheth his people things vulgar and already known as well as those which are rare and less known if he be but a remembrancer t is enough we are to bring forth things both new and old we count him a wanton prodigal that only furnisheth his Table with rarities neglecting wholesome meats because they are usual 5. The necessity â—f a standing Ministry if not to instruct yet to keep things in remembrance because the most necessary truths are few and soon learned men presently begin to think they know as much as can be taught them and so neglect Ordinances whereas one great use of the Ministry is to keep truths fresh and savory in the thoughts and memory the Heathens â—oon lost the knowledge of God because they were without a publike Monitor that might keep this knowledge still on foot the sound of the Trumpet infuseth a new courage so doth every Sermon beget new affections though we knew the Truths delivered before Coals will die without continual blowing so will graces languish without often warnings and admonitions The next thing in the Preface is the Insinuation though ye once knew this That word once needeth to be explained his meaning is not that formerly they had known but now forgotten it neither is once to be referred to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as if the sense were I will once put you in remembrance but by once is meant once for all that is ye have certainly and irrecoverably received this as a Truth This clause will yeild us these Notes 1. That it is the duty of every Christian to be acquainted with the Scriptures the Apostle presumeth it of these Christians to whom he wrote Now this is necessary in regard of our selves that we may know the solid grounds of our own comfort every man would look over his charter Search the Scriptures for in them ye think to have eternal life John 5. 39. Particular and distinct Scriptures are a great advantage in temptations Sic scriptum est is Christ's own argument against Sathan Matth. 4. No Christians so unsetled in point of comfort or opinion as those that are unskilful in the word Heb 5. 14. In regard of others 't is necessary that we may discharge our duty to them Let the word dâ—â—â—ll in you richly teachiâ—g and admonishing one another c. Col. 3. 16. None but full vessels will run over Ignorant Christians are barren and sapless in discourse Private Christians must be full of knowledge not only to have knowledge enough to bring themselves to heaven but to admonish others see Rom. 15. 14. Well then do not put off this care to others as if it were proper only to Scholers and men of a publike calling this is every mans work that hath a soul to be saved 't is popish ignorance to be contented with an implicite belief you may best trust your own eyes when the Sun shineth every man openeth his windows to let it in we busie our selves in other books why not in the Word Austin was pleased with Tully's Hirtensius but he cast
Apostle had charged the Seducers against whom he wrote with opposition of Magistracy and contemptuous speaking against those lights which God had set in the Church he now cometh to aggravate their effrontery and impudence by the carriage of Michael the Arch-Angel towards the Divel In the Comparison there is an Argument a majori ad minus from the greater to the lesse which is evidently seen in all the circumstances of the Text. 1. In the persons contending Michael the Arch-Angel with the Divel If Michael so Excellent in nature so high in Office contending with Sathan an impure Spirit already judged by God used such modesty and awe who are they sorry Creatures that dare despise persons invested with the Dignity and Height of Magistracy 2. There is an aggravation from the Cause when he disputed with him abâ—ut the body of Moses a matter just and in which the mind of God was clearly known and dare they spâ—ak evil of things they know not that is in matters so far above their reach to take upon them to ensure and determine 3. There is an aggravation taken from the disposition of the Angel he durst not bring against him a railing accusation His holiness would not permit him to deal with the Divel in an undâ—cent and injuriâ—us manner But these rashly belch out their reproaches and curses against Superiours without any fear 4. In the manner of speech the Lord rebuke thee The whole judgement of the cause is referred to God but these Gnâ—sticks take upon them as if the whole judgement of Things Persons and Actions were left in their hands as our modern Quakers take upon them to curse and to pronounce dreadful judgements upon Gods most holy Servants according to their own pleasures The sum of the whole is this if an Angel that is great in power durst not bring against the worst Creatures in the very heat of contention about a good cause any undue language and reproach certainly 't is an horrible impudence in men to speak contemptuously yea in a cursing and blaspheming manner of those whom God hath advanced to Superiority in Church or Common-wealth This is the sum of the words but because this Scripture is difficult before I come to the Observations I shall premise some explicatory Questions Quest 1 Whence had the Apostle this story the Scriptures making no mentiâ—n of it Answ 1. The substance of it is in Scripture we read Deut. 34. 6. that the body of Moses was secretly buried by the Lord but now for the circumstances of it he might receive them by divine Revelation which are here Authorised and made Scipture and indeed 't is usual with the Pen-Men of holy Writ to adde such circumstances as were not mentioned in the place where the History was first recorded as in Exodus we read of the opposition of the Magicians to Moses but their names are mentioned 2 Tim. 3. 8. As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses The whole story of their contest with him is in the Talmud and in Apuleiâ—s and other Histories we read that these were famous Magitiâ—ns So Psal 105 18. we read that Josephs fâ—et were hurt in Fetters and he was layed in Iron which in the story in Genesis appeareth not so Moses quaking Heb. 12. 21. and the following of the Water of the Rock 1 Cor. 10. 1 2. Those things might be received by Tradition or Divine Inspiration or were extant in some known Book and Record then in use Origen quoteth a Book 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 about the assumption of Moses for this History some remainders of which are in the Books of the Jews unto this day Capellus I remember repeateth a long tale out of the Book called Rabbah or the mystical Expositions of the Pentateuch concerning the alteration between Michael and Samuel or the Arch-Angel and the Divel about the body or rather soul of Moses And how God to save it from Samuel sucked out his Soul from the Body by a kisse but the story is so fabulous that I shall not repeat it see Cappelli Spicelug in locum pag. 128 129. Quest 2. Is this a real History or an Allusiâ—n Answ 2. There are three opinions about this 1. One is that 't is a figurative expression of Gods care for his Church and they that go this way by the body of Moses understand either the whole body of the Levitical worship or else the community of Israel represented in Joshua the High Priest who stood before the Angel of the Lord Zech. 3. 1 2. and Sathan at his right hand ready to resist him and the Lord said unto the Lord the Lord rebuke thee the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thâ—e In Joshua the Lâ—vitical worship newly restored is figured and the Angel of the Lord before whom he stood is Christ the Judge Advocate and Defender of the Church and the Lord that is the Lord Christ called the Angel before puts forth the efficacy of his mediation against this malicious opposition of Sathan So some accommodate this Text to the sense of that place and the main reason is because of the form here used The Lord rebuke thee this sense is argute but not so solid Junius who first propounded it seemeth to distrust it the reason is of no force for the same form might be used on divers occasions and my reasons against it are because these expressions are Typical and Visional now to make a Type of a Type especially in the New Testament which usually explaineth the difficulties of the Old seemeth irrational and though by Michael Christ may be intended yet the change from Joshua to Moses is too much forced 2. Others conceive that 't is not an History but a Talmudâ—ck fiction and Parable and that Jude in citing it doth not approve the story as true but onely urgeth it upon them for their instruction who were mightily pleased with these kind of Fables as the Fathers against the Heathens did often make use of their own stories and fictions concerning their gods such condescentions are frequent But against this opinion it seemeth to be urged here by way of down right assertion not as an argument ad homines and by Peter on the like occasion 2 Pâ—t 2. 11. Whereas Angels that are greater in might and power bring not a railing accusation against them before the Lord. I say he doth not try it as a Jewish Fable but as a real argument taken from the nature of the holy Angels 3. There is another opinion That it is a real History namely that the Devil was earnest to discover the place of Moses grave and to take up his body again wherein he was resisted by Michael some principal and chiefe Angel and his attempts made fruitlesse by this holy and modest addresse to God The Lord rebuke thee Quest 3. The next question is who is meant by Michael the Arch-Angel Answ 3. Michael is the name of his Person and Arch Angel of his office Michael signifieth he is
A Practical Commentary OR AN EXPOSITION WITH NOTES On the Epistle of JUDE Delivered for the most part In sundry weekly Lectures at Stoke-Newington in Middlesex By THOMAS MANTON B. D. and Minister of Covent Garden LONDON Printed by J. M. for Luke Fawn and are to be sold at his Shop at the sign of the Parrot in Pauls Church-yard 1658. TO THE Religious and Honourable LADY LETITIA POPHAM Wife to Colonel ALEXANDER POPHAM MADAM `_TIS a lovely Conjunction when Goodness and Greatness meet together Persons of Estate and Respect in the world have more temptations and hinderances than others but greater obligations to own God the great Landlord of the world expecteth a Rent from every Country-Cottage but a large Revenue from great Houses Now usually it falleth out so that they that hold the greatest Farms pay the least Rent never is the Lord more neglected and dishonoured then in great mens Houses in the very face of all his bounty if Religion chance to get in there it is soon worn out again though vices live long in a family and run in a blood from father to son yet 't is a rare case to see strictness of Religion carryed on for three or four descents 't was the honour of Abrahams house that from Father to Son for a long while they were Heirs of the same Promise Heb. 11. 9 but where is there such a succession to be found in the houses of our Gentry The Father perchance professeth godliness for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith the Apostle not many noble c. there are a few he doth not say there are none and a carnal son cometh and turneth all out of doors as if he were ashamed of his Fathers God The Causes of this mischief may be supposed to be these 1. Plenty ill-governed disposeth to vice and sin as a rank soil is apt to breed weeds 2. Brave Spirits as the world counteth them think strictness inglorious and the power of Religion a base thing that taketh off from their Grandure and Esteem a loose owning of Christianity is honourable since the Kings of the earth have counted it one of the fairest flowers of their Crowns to be stiled the Catholick King the most Christian King the Defender of the Faith c. But a true submission to the power of it is made a scorn as being contrary to that liberty of fashions vanity of complement and some Gentile customes which in a fond compliance with the humour of the age they are loth to part with 't were a rude zeal to deny them honest civilities but certain Customes and Modes there are inconsistent with the severity of Religion which rather then men will part with they will even break with God himself 3. The Marriage of children into carnal families wherein they consult rather with the greatness of their House then the continuing of Christs interest in their line and Posterity how careful are they that they should match in their own rank for blood Estate should they not be as careful for Religion also but even good people give a suspicion sometimes that they do not beleeve what they do profess That this is the ready way to undo all that hath been set on foot for God is evident by Scripture and Experience in Scripture we read of Jehoram who is said to walk in the way of the Kings of Israel for the Daughter of Ahab was his wife 2 King 8. 18. and in Ecclesiastical History of Valens the Emperour who by marrying with an Arian Lady was himself ensnared in that wicked opinion All this is spoken Madam to quicken you to the greater care in your Relations that you may settle a standing interest for Jesus Christ so hopefully already begun in your House and Family it will not be pleasing to you that I should publish upon the house top what God hath done for you or enabled you to do for him Go on still and be faithful there are few that I know in the world who have more cause to honour God then you have That I have inscribed this Commentary to your name will not seem strange to those that know my great obligations to your Self and your worthy Husband and your interest in that beloved place and people among whom I have had so many sweet opportunities of enjoying and I hope of glorifying God and from whom I should never have removed but upon those weighty causes and considerations which did even rend me from them and though I am now transplanted and owe very much service and respect elsewhere yet that Noble Lord that gave me the Call will allow me full time and leave to pay my old debts that afterward I may be the more in a capacity publickly to express my gratitude to himself If any should be so foolish as to object the unsuiteableness of Dedicating a Comment on the Scripture to one of your Sex as it seemeth some did to Jerom I shall not plead that two of the Books of Scripture are named from Women Ruth and Esther that an Epistle which maketh up a part of the Canon in inscribed to an Elect Lady that if this be a fault others have faulted in like kinde before me but onely that this is a practicall Commentary and surely in matters of practise which is every Christians Common interest your Sex hath a full share though your course of life be more private and confined yet you have your service the Scriptures speak of the womans gaining upon the husband 1 Pet. 3. 1. seasoning the children Pro. 31. 1. 2 Tim. 1. 5. incourraging the servants in a way of Godliness especially of their own Sex 't is said Esther 4. 16. I also and my maidens will fast likewise these maidens were either Jews and then it sheweth what servants should be taken into a nearer attendance such as savour of Religion see Psal 101. 6. or else which is more probable such as she had instructed in the true Religion for these maidens were appointed her by the Eunuch and were before instructed in Court-fashions Esther 2. 9. but that did not satisfie she taketh time to instruct them in the knowledge of the true God and it seemeth in her apartment had many oppertunities of religious commerce with them in the Worship of God Madam how far you practise these duties it is not necessary that I should tell the world persevere with cheerfulness and in due time you shall reap if you faint not the good Lord shed abroad the Comforts and Graces of his Spirit more abundantly into your heart which is the unfeigned desire of him who is Madam Your most Obliged and respectively Observant Tho Manton The Epistle to the READER Good Reader THe people of God have ever been exercised with two sorts of Enemies Persecutors and Sectaries 't is hard to say which is worst when the Christian Church began first to look forth in the world there were adverse powers without
maker of all things without himself And to these four Notions or principles are suited the four preceps of the first Table in the first we have Gods unity in the second Gods Invisible Nature and therefore Images are forebidden upon that ground Deut. 4. 12. In the third the knowledge of humane affairs even of mens thoughts and that 's the foundation of an oath for the third Commandment doth principally forbid perjury and in an Oath God is invoked as a witness chiefly of the heart in which his Omnisciency is acknowledged and appealed to as a Judge and Avenger in which his Justice and Power is acknowledged the next principle that God is Creator and Governour of all things is established by the forth Commandment for the Sabath at first was instituted for that purpose to keep up the memorial of the Creation in the world Now out of these speculaâ—ive notions practicals flow of their own accord c. that God is alone to be worshiped obeyed honoured trusted and as far as we set up other confidences or are ignorant of his excellency or deny God his worship and service or serve him after an unworthy manner superstitiously carelesly hypocritically or have gross opinions of his Essence or exclude the dominion of his Providence or cease to invocate his name so far we are guilty of ungodlyness More Distinctly and closely yet let me note that God is to be acknowledged as 1. The first cause 2. The chiefest good 3. As the supream Truth and Authority 4. As the last end God is to be honoured as the first cause that giveth being to all things and hath his being from none and so if we do not trust in him or can trust any creature rather then God our Estates rather then God or do not observe him in his Providence the effects of his Mercy Justice and Power or do not acknowledge his Dominion in all events and sanctifie the things which we use by asking his leave and blessing in prayer we are guilty of ungodlyness Again God is to be acknowledged as the chiefest good and therefore if we do not know him often think of him delight in communion with him fear to offend him care to please him this neglect and contempt of God is ungodgodlyness Again God is to be acknowledged as the Supream truth and Authority and therefore if we are not moved with his promises threats Counsels as the Gentiles were moved with the Oracles of their Gods as Gods people of old when that dispensation was in use with a voyce from Heaven and do not submit to him reverence him in Worship subject our hearts and lives to his Lawes 't is ungodliness once more God is the last end and therefore if in all acts Spiritual Moral Natural even those of the lightest consequence we do not ayme at Gods glory Still 't is ungodliness In this Method I shall endeavour to open this argument And 1. Let us consider God as the first cause and under that consideration 1. Ignorance is a branch of ungodliness I name it first because 't is the cause of all disorder in worship or conversation the Apostle saith 3. Epist John 11. He that doth evil hath not seen God right thoughts of God are the fuel which maintaineth the fire of Religion which otherwise would soon decay and be extinguished now generally people are ignorant of God they know him as men born blind do fire they can tell there is such a thing as fire because it warmeth them but what it is they cannot tell So the whole world and conscience proclaimeth there is a God the blindest man may see that but they know little or nothing of his Essence as he hath revealed himself in his word The Athenians had an Altar and the Inscription was to the unknown God and so do most Christians go on in a track of customary worship and so worship an Idol rather then God so Christ telleth the Samaritans John 4. 22. Ye worship ye know not what 'T is usual with men in a dark and blind superstition to conform to the worship of their place not considering why or whom it is they worship gross ignorance is a signe of no grace for God hath no childe so little but he knoweth his Father Jer. 31. 34. They shall all know me from the last to the greatest some have better education then others greater helps and advantages of parts and Instruction but they all have a necessary knowledge of God Again gross ignorance is a pledge of future judgement 2 Thes 1. 7. God will come in flaming fire to render vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the Gospel many poor ignorant creatures are harmless they do no wrong Oh but they know not God and that 's wrong enough God will avenge it to be ignorant of God that made them is a matter of sadder consequence then you are aware by those that know not God in this place is meant Pagans for 't is contradistinct to those that obey noâ— the Gospel but if there be vengeance for Pagans who have no other Apostles sent to them but those natural Apostles of Sun Moon and Stars and have no other Books wherein to study God but Showrs of raine and fruitful seasons if there be vengeance for them because they did not see and own a first cause what is there for those that shut their eyes against the light of the Gospel surely to be ignorant now is a greater sin then we think of 2. When we do not depend upon him 't is ungodlyness trust and dependance is the ground of all commerce between us and God and the greatest homage and respect which we yield to the Creator and first cause now when men trust any creature rather then God their estates rather then God they rob him of his peculiar Honour That there is such a sin appeareth by that Job 31. 34. If I had made gold my hope or said to the fine gold thou art my confidence If I rejoyced because my wealth is great and my hand had gotten much c. Job to vindicate himself from Hypocricie reckoneth up the usual sins of Hypocrites amongst the rest this is one to make gold our confidence men are apt to think it the staff of their lives and the stay of their posterity and so their trust being intercepted their hearts are diverted from God 't is an usual sin though little thought of the great danger of riches is by trusting in them Mark 10. 23 24. When men are intrenched within an estate they think they are safe secured against what ever shall happen and so God is layd aside let a man be intrenched within a promise and yet he is full of fears and doubts but wealth breedeth security therefore coveteousness is called Idolatry Eph. 5. 3. and the covetous man an Idolater Col. 3. 5. not so much because of his love of money as his trust in money the glutton loveth his belly
and the gratifications of the Appetite yet he doth not trust in his belly cheer he thinketh not to be protected by it and therefore though he rob God of his love yet he doth not as the covetous rob God of his trust we are all apt to make such an Idol of the creature poor men if they had wealth this were enough to make them happy and therefore they trust in those which have it which is Idolatry upon Idolatry whence 't is said Psal 62. 9. Men of low degree are vanity and men of high degree a lye to appeareance men of low degree are nothing but men of high degree are wont to be trusted in and therefore a lye because by a righteous judgement of God they disappoint our trust But chiefly is this secret Idolatry incident to the rich though they do not pray to their wealth or offer sacrifice but use it as familiarly as any other thing yet if it intercept their trust they are guilty of Idolatry many that smile at the vanity Gentiles that worshipped stocks and stones and Idols of gold and silver do worse themselves though more spiritually whilest they build their happiness and security upon their estates it may be they do not say to their riches ye shall deliver me or to their gold thou art my confidence they do not use such gross language for covetous men may speak as basely of wealth as another man they may say I know 't is but refined earth c. but their hearts make it their only refuge and stay and their inward thoughts is that they and their children cannot be happy without it which is a great sin a setting up another God for by this means is their heart withdrawn from the true God to the world and kept from good works least they part with that which is the staff and stay of their lives 3. When we do not observe his Providence the blinde world sets up an Idol called chance and doth not acknowledge God at the other end of causes as swaying all things by his Wisdome and Power 1. In afflictions they think they come by chance and ill luck 1 Sam. 6. 9. and Isa 26. 11 As if instruments and second causes did all and the Lord were an Idle spectatour and looker on and had no hand in all that befalleth us Job better The Lord giveth the Lord taketh he doth not look onely to the Chaldâ—an the Sabâ—an the Thief but the Lord in all afflictions we should look beyond the creature and not complain of ill fortune and chance or stars or constellations or any thing on this sidâ— God 2. In mercies 't is ungodliness when we do not see God in all our mercies wicked men receive blessings and never look up they live upon God every moment they have life and breath and motion and hourly maintenance from him and yet God is not in all their thoughts as swine ravine upon the Acorns and never look up to the Oak from whence they fall so they look no higher then the next hand but Gods children may be compared to Chickns that sip and look upwards The Lord complaineth of Israel Hos 2. 8. She did not know that I gave her corn and wine and oylâ— and silver and gold there cannot be a greater signe of an ungodly spirit then this unthankful profaneness this is that which God expecteth from reasonable creatures by way of homage that we should own him as Author of al the good which we enjoy other creatures live upon God but they are not capable of knowing the first cause as we are Idolatry and Atheism had never crept into the world if men had considered who it was that gave them fruitfull seasons and showres of rain and filled their hearts with food and gladnesse Acts 14 16 17. And surely nothing feedeth piety and maintaineth a constant awe of God so much as thinking of God every time we eat and drink and enjoy any new mercy from him but alasse usually we forget God when he remembreth us most he is never so much dishonoured as in eating and drinking and in the plentifull enjoyment of outward comforts 4. Another part of ungodlinesse is when we doe not acknowledge his dominion over all events sanctifying the things we use and undertake by asking his leave and blessing 'T is robbery to use goods without the owners leave so to use any creature food or physick without sanctifying it by the Word and Prayer that is knowing our liberty and right from the Word of promise and asking God leave and blessing in prayer or to go about any businesse or journey or fixing our abode without inquiring at the Oracle all this is ungodlinesse 'T is our duty still to consult with God Ye ought to say if the Lord will c. Jam. 4. 15. 'T is a peece of religious manners we forget to bid our selves Good speed when we do not acknowledge the dominion of God in all these cases Prov. 3. 5. In all thy wayes acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths Gods children dare not resolve upon any course til they have first consulted with God Secondly God will be acknowledged as the chiefest good and so we are guilty of ungodlinesse 1. If we doe not often think of him if we did not want hearts we cannot want objects to put us in mind of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he is not far from every one of us Acts 17. 27. But though God be not far from us yet we are far from God he that is every where is seldom found in our hearts We are not so near to our selves as God is near to us who can keep his breath in his body for a minute if God were not there He is within us and round about us in the effects of his power and goodnesse but we are at too great a distance from him in our mind and affections How many trifles occupy our minds but the Lord can seldome find any room there God is not in all their thoughts Psal 10. 3. Yea when thoughts of God rush into our minds they are like unwelcome ghuests we wish to be rid of them wicked men abhorre their own thoughts of God because the more they think of God the more they tremble as the divels doe therefore the Apostle saith They like not to retain God in their knowledge Rom. 1. This is far from the temper of Gods children David saith Psal 104. 34. My meditation of him shall be sweet 'T is the spiritual feast and entertainment of a gracious soul to think of God none deserveth our thoughts more than he and we cannot put them to better use He thought of us before the world was and stil great is the multitude of his thoughts to us ward therefore 't is vile ingratitude not to think of him again when we hate a person we cannot endure to look upon him and the hatred of the mind is shewed by the aversation and turning away of the
great judgements if great sins come between as after their deliverance out of Aegypt they were destroyed for Vnbelief This may be proved from Christ's advice to the man cured on the Sabbath dâ—y John 5. 14. Thou art made whole sin no more lest a worse thing come unto thâ—e There is the mercy the duty thence inferred and the judgmâ—nt that doth avenge the quarrel of the abused mercy Often it cometh to pass that many mens preservation is but a reservation to a worse thing to a greater judgement So see Joshua 24. 20. He will turn again and do you hurt after he hath done you good So Isa 63. 10. He bâ—re them in the arms of his Providence but they rebelled and vexed his spirit and he was turned to be their enemy None usually have greater judgements then such as formerly have had sweet experience of mercy Why There is no hatred so great as that which ariseth out of the corruption of love Disappointed love abused love groweth outragious When Amnon hated Tamar 't is said The hatred wherewith he hated her was greater then the love where with he loved her As 't is thus with men such a proportionable severity we may observe in the Dispensations of God after a taste of his mercies Joshua 23. 15. It shall come to pass as all good things are come upon you which the Lord your God promised you so the Lord shall bring all evil things upon you until he hath destroyed you when ye have transgressed the Covenant of the Lord your God No evils like those evils which come after mercy No sins are so great as those sins which are committed against mercies there is not only filthiness in them but unkindness Psal 106. 7. They provoked him at the Sea even at the red Sea Mark 't is ingeminated for the more vehemency that at the Sea even at the red Sea where they had seen the miracles of the Lord and had experirience of his glorious deliverance that there they durst break out against God See the contrary in Judges 2. 7. Certainly the more restraints the greater the offence when we sin not only against the laws of God but the loves of God c. Well then 1 It informeth us that there may be danger after deliverance there are strange changes in providence Man in his best estate is altogether vanity Psal 39. When you are at your best as the Sun at the highest there may be a Declension 2. 'T is a warning to those that enjoy mercies Sin no more lest a worse thing come unto you The next judgement will be more violent There are some special sins which you should beware of even those which testifie our unthankfulness after the receipt of mercies As 1. Forgetting the vows of our Misery Jacob voweth Gen. 28. 22. but he forgets his vow and what followed Horrible disorders and confusions in his Family Dinah deflowred Reuben goeth into his Fathers Bed a murder committed upon the Sichemites under a pretence of Religion and then Jacob remembreth his Vow We promise much when we want deliverance and when we have it God is neglected but he will not put it up so by sad and disastrous accidents he puts us in mind of our old promises 2. When you kiss your own hand bless your dragge ascribe it to your merit and power Habb 1. 16. Deut. 9. 4. for these things are our mercies blasted 3. When we grow proud self confident If you were never so high God will bring you low enough 't is a great skill to know how to abound She remembred not her last end therefore she came down wonderfully Lam. 1. 4. when we forget the changes and mutations to which all outward things are obnoxious God will give us an experience of them 4. When you continue in your sins the judgement is but gone cum animo revertendi to come again in a worse manner See Psal 106. 43. 2. The next observation is taken from the cause of their destruction intimated in those words that believed not Many were the peoples sins in the wilderness murmuring fornication rebellion c. But the Apostle comprehendeth all under this they believed not Vnbelief is charged upon them as the root of all their miscarriages elsewhere as Numb 14. 11. and Deut. 1. 32. Whence observe That unbelief bringeth destruction or is the cause of all the evil which we do or suffer In handling this point I shall open 1. The hainousness of Vnbelief 2. The Nature of it 3. The Cure of it 1. The hainousness of the sin that we will consider in general or more particularly The general considerations are these 1. No sin doth dishonour God so much as unbelief doth 't is an interpretative blasphemy a calling into question of his mercy power justice but especially of his truth 1 John 5. 10. He that believeth not God hath made him a lyar You judge him a person not fit to be credited the giving of the lye is accounted the greatest injury and disgrace amongst men for truth is the ground of commerce and humane society So that to say a man is a lyar is as much as to say a man is unfit to keep company with men But especially is this a great injury to God because he standeth more upon his word then upon any other part of his name Psal 138. 2. He hath magnifyed his word above all his Name We have more experience of God in making good his word then in any other thing As faith honoureth God so doth unbelief dishonour him what God doth to the creature that doth faith to God God justifieth sanctifieth glorifieth the creature and faith is said to justifie God Luke 7. 29. To justifie is to acquit from accusation So doth faith acquit Gods truth in the word from all the jealousies which the carnal world and our carnal hearts do cast upon him Faith is said to sanctifie God Numb 20. 12. To sanctifie is to set a part from common use and God is sanctified when we set God aloof above all ordinary and common causes and can believe that he will make good his word when the course of all things seems to contradict it Faith is said to glorifie God Rom. 4. 20. We glorifie him declaratively when we give him all that excellency which the word giveth him Now because unbelief accuseth God limiteth him to the course of second causes and denyeth him his glory therefore is it so hainous and hateful to God 2. 'T is a sin against which God hath declared most of his displeasure Search the Annals surveigh all the monuments of time see if ever God spared an Unbeliever Hence in the wilderness the Apostle saith they were destroyed for Vnbelief Many were their sins in the Wilderness Murmurings Lustings Idolatry but the main reason of their punishment was they believed not look to their final excision and cutting off why was it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for unbelief were they broken off Rom. 11.
am in the right way 't is Gods cause Answ Passion is blind and cannot judge James 1. 20. The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God the wrong way may be usually descryed by the excesses and violences of those that are engaged in it if we be in the right extremities and furies of passion are not lawful our religious affections may over-set us when Religion which should limit us is made a party to engage them 't is hard to keep bounds a stone the higher the place from whence it falleth giveth the more dangerous blow so the higher the matter about which we contend usually our Anger falleth with the more violence and is the more unmortified because of the pretence of zeal if the erring parties offend through ignorance remember a bone out of joint must be setled again with a gentle hand Gal. 6. 1. Are they opposite stubborn in meekness instruct those that oppose themselves 2 Tim. 2. 25. when their absurd opposing is apt to tempt us to rage passion and reproch we must contain our selves the hasty Disciples knew not what spirit they were of Do they provoke revile wrong us first Answ The railing and ill dealing of another doth not dissolve the bond of our duty to God to return injury for injury is but to act over their sin 't was bad in them and t is worse in us for he that sinneth by example sinneth doubly as having had experience of the odiousness of it in another Qui malum imitatur bonus esse non potest revenge and injury differ only in order of time the one is first the other second in the fault and 't was no excuse to Adam that he was not first in the transgression Christianity teacheth us a rare way of overcoming injuries not only by patience but doing good to those that wrong us Rom. 12. 17. and 1 Pet. 3. 9. render not reviling for reviling but contrarywise blessing we have for our pattern Christ who being reviled reviled not again 1 Pet. 2. 23. and herein he was imitated by his Disciples 1 Cor. 4. 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being defamed we intreat a Motto which I would have prefixed to all rejoynders or replies to a virulent opposition Calvins modesty concerning Luther is notable Etiamâ—i me diabolum vocarit eum tamen insignem Dei serâ—um agnoscam Though he should call me Devil yet God forbid but I should account him an eminent servant of Christ 'T was once an Argument for the truth of our Religion that the Scriptures contained a Doctrine that could not be of men as forbidding revenge which is so sweet to nature and commanding us to do good to them that hate us But shall I suffer my self and in me the cause of Christ to be trampled upon Answ You are allowed a modest vindication of the truth and your own innocency Prov. 26. 4 5. Answer not a fool according to his folly least thou be like him Answer a fool according to his folly least he be wise in his own conceit You will say here is hot and cold in one breath I answer Solomon speaketh of a scoffing railing fool and the meaning is do not imitate him in his foolish passion this were to be evil because he is so and 't is against reason that because I am sensible of undecent carriage in him therefore I should allow it in my self but yet Answer him that is to the purpose and with solid reason beat down his presumption and ignorance with a meek but a strong reply such as may check his pride but not imitate his folly 'T is observable when 't was said to Christ John 8. 48 49. Thou art a Samaritan and hast a Devil he answered not a word to the personal reproch but where his Commission was touched to that he replyeth saying I have not a Devil but I honour my Father 't is but weakness of mind or strength of passion to regard personal invectives In short we may answer but not with harsh and contumelious language Secondly Here is a Direction to publick persons and those that can handle the Pen of the Writer Passion is apt to teint our Religious defences but check it Michael durst not bring a railing accusation leave all unhandsomeness of prosecution to them that defend an evil cause The servant of God must be gentle and patient 2 Tim. 2. 24. Opprobrious Language doth but darken a just quarrel and contention But you will say may we not reprove the sins of men and that somewhat sharply I Answer yea 't is lawful as appeareth both by the practice of the Prophets and Angels yea of Christ himself and also by the precepts of the word Paul saith Tit. 1. 7. That a Bishop must not be selfwilled and soon angry and yet he biddeth him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to rebuke some gainsayers sharply there is a great deal of difference between railing and a reproof a Sermon without some warmth and keenness in it is but like a Cold oration men that speak from their brain will speak coldly because they only declaim against things for fashions sake without any sense or touch upon their hearts an affectionate pleading for Christ is like strong-water whereas a formal narration is but like River water without any strength and vigor They that love Christ will be zealous for his Truths and Ordinances and zeal cannot deliver it self without some smartness and earnestness but a cold indifferency is more â—ame and â—lat But then this must be done with great caution you had need look to your spirits Partly because Satan loveth to corrupt a Religious affection Partly because in these businesses God is not only engaged but our selves and many times the savour of the main River is lost when 't is mingled with other streams too too often do we begin in the spirit and end in the flesh The Cautions which I shall give respect 1. The Object or Cause 2. The Persons 3. Manner 4. Principle 5. End 1. The Cause must be regarded that it be real and weighty weighty it must be 't is prepostreovs to be all of a fire about questionable truths and matters of a less regard the flaming Sword was set about Paradice And real it must be the sin we reproove must be manifest and the faults we charge apparent Mat. 5. 22. If any be angry with his brother without a cause c. otherwise Christ and his Apostles called Racha Mat. 23. 17. O fools and blind and Luk. 24. 15. O fools and slow of heart to beleeve c. and Gal. 3. 3. Oh foolish Galatians and James 2. 20. O vain man c. but in all these cases there was a cause false and rash imputations are but railing zeal being a fierce and strong passion you must not let it fly upon the throat of any thing but what is certainly evil 2. The Persons must be considered weak sinners are to be distinguished from the malicious and the tractable from the
17 18 19. Well then this life is never exempted from care either to get grace or to keep it we need to be watchful and diligent to the very last man is a changeable creature and Sathan is restless either he continueth the old suite or altereth the course of temptations 't is his subtilety in that he doth not always play the same game a man may stand one brunt and fail in another Joab turned after Adonijah though not after Absolon 1 Kings 2. 28. every new condition bringeth new snares Ephraim is a cake not turned Hosea 7. 8. A man may be well baked of one side and yet quite dough of another the children of God prosperous differ from the children of God afflicted Phil. 4. 12. we had need to learn how to walk up hill and down hill that we may keep with God upon all grounds again corruptions may be disguised a man may withstand open enemies and yet fail by the insinuations of those that have a shew of goodness the young Prophet withstood the King stoutly but yet was perverted by the insinuations of the old Prophet 1 Kings 13. 4. with nineteenth verse Meletius a Sufferer under Pagans but went over to the Arrians Again where there seemeth to be least danger there is most cause of fear Lot that was chast in Sodom miscarried in the mountains where there were none but his own family Conscience that is now tender may be strangely deaded and layed by for a time Who would have thought that he whose heart smote him for cutting off the lap of Sauls garment should afterward fall into uncleanness and blood and lye asleep in it for a long time Confidence is sure to be dismounted Peter is a sad instance he told his Master if all men deny thee yet not I and he meant as he spoke he ventureth on a band of men with a rusty blade followeth Christ into the high Priests Hall who more secure than Peter but all this confidence failed though it met but with a weak tryal the soft words of a Damsels question such feathers are we when the bâ—ast of a temptation is let loose upon us Upon all these considerations now let us make it our care to keep what graces we have gotten which will never be done without watchfulness and diligence to quicken you further to it 1. Unless you keep it all is in vain if so be it be in vain Gal. 3. 4. 't is in vain as to the final reward 't is not in vain as to the increase of punishment you will lose all your cost you have been at for Christ Ezek 18. 24. John 2. â—p 8. your watchings strivings prayings sufferings come to nothing the Nazarite was to begin all anew if the dayes of his separation were defiled Numb 6. 12. nay 't is not in vain as to punishment 2 Pet. 2. 20. 21 22. 2. To lose any degrees of grace is a great loss 't is the most precious gift 2 Pet. 1. 1. conduceth to the highest ends eternal happiness fitteth us for communion with God all the world cannot repair this loss or purchase a supply for us we are to be accountable for degrees as well as for the grace it self they that had five talents reckoned for five a Factor that giveth an account only for a part of the estate received is not accounted faithful we may not be intrusted with so much again a man that hath faln may recover his peace and joy but in a lower degree a Prodigal that hath once broken is not trusted with a like stock again a man after a great disease may never come to the same degree and pitch of health so Christians may not recover that largeness of Spirit after their foul falls and fulness of inward strength and comfort 3. Those that have made profession of Love to God and yet afterwards break with him bring an ill report upon the Lord as if he were an ill Master I am perswaded that the Divel in policy lets many men alone for a while to make a strict profession and seem to be full of zeal and holiness that they may afterwards do Religion a mischief whilest they act for God though they do some things excellently Sathan never troubleth them he is at truce with them till they have gotten a name for the profession of Godliness and strictness of conversation and when once they have gotten a name their fall will be more scandalous more ignominious to themselves and disgraceful to Religion verily this is a common experience we see many forward hot and carried out with great impulsions of zeal and all this while Sathan lets them alone he knoweth how mutable men are and how soon they begin to tire in the ways of God therefore lets them alone till they have run themselves out of breath that afterward by a more notable defection they may shame themselves and harden others If Judas will be a Disciple he lets him alone if Simon Magus will be baptized and Nicholas bear Office in the Church he lets them alone he knoweth the best are mutable that many take up their Religion out of interest that men are soon weary of their own scrupulousness and rigid observances that they first make Conscience of all things and then of nothing and therefore he lets them go on without any notable defect or failing to fly some youthful lusts to renounce some interests till they have gotten credit enough to discredit Religion see 2 Tim. 2. 18. Oh Christians if you are not moved with respect to God yet for your own cause after a blaze will you go one in a stench an house begun and not finished is an habitation for screech Owls but on the contrary what an honour is it to hold out to the last to be like MNason an old Disciple 4. The worst is past we have but a few years service more and we shall be happy for ever Your salvation is neerer then it was when you first beleeved Rom. 13. 11. a little more and you will land safe at the expected Haven if we have a rough passage 't is a short one What will you not watch with me one hour saith Christ to his Apostles the longest life is no more in comparison of eternity Enoch lived longer then most men do he lived 365. years Gen. 5. 22. but all that while he walked with God and is it so tedious to us co tell ouer a few summers and winters before we come to Heaven The next Point is more particular and express That of all graces Love needeth keeping Why 1. Because of all graces 't is most decaying Mat. 24. 12. Rev. 2. 4. Flame is soon spent graces that act most strongly require most influence as being most subject to abatemenâ— we sooner loose our affections then any thing else 2. Because love is a grace that we can ill spare 'tis the spring and rise of all duties to God Man 1. To God love is the first
usually bloody 402 403. See Seducers Error in judgement whether punishable by the Magistrate See Magistrate Reproofs of Error should be seasoned with love 482. Errors fall not out by chance but according to the certain pre ordination and fore knowledg of God 175 176 178 179. F FAction bringeth men to ruine 406. Faith to be contended for that duty opened and pressed with the causes incident discussed 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168. Faith of Christians an holy faith 505 506. Fear of Gods wrath its use 543 When 't is slavish and when not 544 Feasts should be seasoned with grace 411. Feeding what fear and caution to be used therin 412 413 414. Formality what and how known 42 43 44. Evils foretold are more comportable 488. G GRace restraining 44. Grace common how differenced from saving 44. 45 46. Grace of God how it may be abused 204 205 206 207 208 209. Reasons of this abuse 210 211. Kinds of it 211 212 213 214 215 216. Disswasives from it 216 217. Signs of it 218 219 220. Growth in Grace reasons perswading to it 118 119 120 121. Observations about it 122 123 124 125 126 Uses 127. Necessity of it 504 505. H HEll described 331 332. and 429 430 431. Hope the nature of it 526 527 528 529. the influence it hath on our perseverance in a state of grace 529 530 531. Uses of it 531 532. Means to get it 532 533. I THe Divel loves Idolatry 573 574 575 576. Dead bodies of the Saints abused to Idolatry 376 377 378. Judgements ancient are our warnings 241 242 243. and 406 407. The impartiality of Divine Judgements 243 244. They come on places for the peoples sake 324 325 326. Fellowship in evil bringeth on fellowship in Judgements 326 327. The day of Judgement is a great day 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321. The doctrine of it ancient 435 436. We should be mindful of it 436 437. The Process of that day described as to the conviction of sinners 441 442 443. The coming of Christ to Judgement must be looked for 525 526 'T is a joyful day to the godly 553 554. Saints Judge the world together with Christ 437 438. Infirmities and Iniquities differenced 444. K KEeping that grace we have received is our duty 514. What need there is of care and caution therein 515 516 517 518 c. L LAtter times evil 488 A Levelling humour no new thing 406 Life eternal 536 537. Love to God the nature of it 96 97 98. Reasons perswading to it 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114. Evidences of it 115 116 117. Decay of Love to God how easie and yet how dangerous 418 419. Whence it proceedeth what is decay of love to God 519 520 521. Preservatives against it 521 522 523. They that Love Christ look for his coming 523 524. Whether they always be in this frame 524 525. Love from Christians one to another 129 130 131 132 133. Lusts what they are 467 468. What 't is to walk after them 468 469. 489 490. This a note of unregeneracy 469 470. Disswasives from them 470 471 472 473 474. Directions about the suppression of them 474 475 476. M WHether the Magistrate may interpose in the case of Error and how far 350 351 352 353 354. Magistracy and Magistrates not to be despised 354 355. Magistrates duty about the truth 167 168. Mercy of God to sinners set forth 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82. Uses of â—â— 82 83 84 85. How we may wrong Mercy 86 87 88. Great Mereies abused bring great Judgements 251 252. Ministers should be temperate 410 411. Stars but not wandring stars 427 429 429. They are Remembrancers 245 246 247. Their Office ancient 434 435 c. Murmuring what it is 447 448. The kinds of it 448 449 450 451 452. The causes of it 453 454. The evil of it 454 455 456. Murmuring at the times taxed and stated with remedies against it 457 458 459 460 461 462. Murmuring in a private case with remedies against it 463 464 465. Particular remedies for particular cases 465 466 467. N NAtural men left to themselves grow to be more corrupt 397. P PEace of God what iâ— is 88 89 90 91 92 93. Uses of it 93 94 95 96. Of the Doctrine of Perseverance how Christ is concerned in it 52. Nature of it 53 54 55 56. The grounds of it 57 58 59. Uses of it 60 61 62 63 64 65. When to apply the comfort of it 65 66 67. Power of God to keep us a relief to the soul and how 547 548 549. Praying in the holy Ghost opened at large with Reasons and Uses 506 507 508 509 510. Pride in them of low degree is less tolerable 361 362 363. Proud men for advantage most fawning 478 479. Presentation of the Elect by Christ at the last day 549 550 551 552 Who are then faultless 552 553. R RAiling and Reproaches especially in controversies about Religion most culpable 384 385 386 387 388 389. Cautions about it 390 391 302. Reproofs managed with compassion 537 538. The difference to be observed in the dispencing Reproofs 538 539 540 541. When severiâ—y is to be used in them 542 543. Reprobation the dostrine of it asserted vindicated and applyed 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188. Repetition necessary 249 250. Remembrance of truths if seasonable a great help 482 483. Respect to persons a sin 479. Reward we may look to it 531. Retaliation Gods way of punishing 432. S SAints fittest to preserve propagate and defend the truth 155 156 157 158. Sanctification the nature of it 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34. Reasons why it should be looked after 35 36 37 38. The bad estate of the enemies of it 39 40. How God the Father is Interested in it 46 47 48 49 50 51 52. Salvation how common 137 138 139 140 141. Seducers their pretences 171 172 173. are like clouds without rain 415 416. Boaster 423 424 Unsetled and uncertain in their opinions 424 425. Restless 425. Turbulent 425 426. They bewray themselves by their affected expressions and uncouth expressions 477. Are apt to insinuate with great persons and men of power and interest 479 480. Admire them of their own party 680. Scriptures Providence of God about them in writing and preserving them from age to age 147 148 149 150 151. Use of it 152. The office of the Church about the Scriptures 152 153 154. The Scriptures a perpetual setled Rule our duty to be acquainted with the Scriptures 247 248. Truth of Scripture evidenced by accomplishment of prophesies 408 409. Scoffing a common sin in the latter times 488 489. a great sin 489. Sensuality tendeth to death and corruption 399 400. Sensual persons the spots and stain of Christianity 408 409. Sensuality maketh men secure 412 and impudent 413. Sensual persons have