Church ought to have Elders I. REAS. Because if the directions in the holy Scripture should not be aswell gathered and drawne by just consequence from Promises Threatnings and Examples as from Doctrines and Precepts then it would follow that sundry portions of the Scriptures could not be applied for common instruction which yet is a principall end of all Scripture See Rom. 15.4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope 1. Corinth 10.11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come II. REAS. Because such directions as are implied by good consequence in the holy Scriptures by way of Promise Threatning or Example may be said to be the exposition or intimation of some commandements the which are not directly expressed As namely the observatiō of the Lords day or first day of the weeke instead of the seventh day or Sabbath of the old Testament Revel 1.10 Act. 20.7 1. Corinth 16.2 The baptising of womē aswell as men Act. 16.15 c. For our Saviour Christ after his Resurrection before his Ascention spake unto his Apostles of things perteining to the kingdome of God as it is written Act. 1.3 So that doubtlesse things practised by them afterwards which are mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles were observed by vertue of such his direction And whereas it is said 1. Iohn 3.4 Sinne is the transgression of the law The meaning seemeth to be extended thus farre that the law is transgressed not only in sinning against expresse precepts but also against implied commandements in any of the forementioned waies of Promises Threatnings or Examples recorded in the Scriptures I. OBSERVAT. The ten commandements being exceeding broad Psal 119.96 cannot be interpreted according to their just latitude unlesse their exposition be extended unto Promises Threatnings Examples c. throughout the Scriptures implying the true and full meaning of them in sundry particulars As is most evidently to be seene in the affirmative part understoode of the second and third commandements of the first table II. OBSERVAT. The Examples registred in the holy Scriptures may be said to be imitable or that ought to be imitated against which no just exception can be takē nor any good reason given why they should not belong apperteine unto all the people of God indefinitely aswell as to them themselves which have so walked and practised True it is God did some things which men cannot imitate neither is it lawfull for any to seeke to enterprise Christ likewise being God the Messias did such things which Christians neither may attempt nor can effect The Patriarchs Prophets Jews Apostles Evangelists did some things as Patriarchs as Prophets as Jews as Apostles as Evangelists wherein it is not lawfull to imitate them Magistrates Ministers Parents Masters c. have done and may doe some things which their inferiours subjected to them may not doe But in some other things God and Christ and the Patriarchs and the Prophets and the Jews and the Apostles and the Evangelists and the Magistrates Ministers Parents and Masters may ought to be followed being of generall or of speciall concernment for all or severall sorts of persons See Ephes 5.1 1. Corinth 11.1 Iames 5.10 Hebr. 6. 11 12. 12.1 Philip. 3.17 Iosh 24.15 VI. PROPOSITION One important direction and speciall concernment which God requireth in the holy Scripture is That his people shall worship and serve him in some religious performances every day in the whole course of their naturall lives PROOF Zachary the father of John the Baptist filled with the holy Ghost in his prophetical song thus expresseth this lesson Luk. 1.74.75 That we being delivered out of the hands of our enimies might serve him without feare In holinesse righteousnesse before him all the daies of our life And thus indeed the godly Israelites were wont to approve themselves as the Apostle Paul testifieth on their behalfe occasionally Act. 26.7 Vnto which promise our twelve tribes instantly serving God day night hope to come I. REAS. Because every day through Gods most wise dispensatiō government doth serve the Lord in its kinde ministring cause and occasion unto his people to serve him daily See this in Psal 19.2 Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night shewed knowledge II. REAS. Because God is the same every day unchangeable in his power in his will in his justice and in his mercy and other his divine attributes See Malac. 3.6 I am the Lord I change not Hebr. 13.8 Iesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever Lament 3.22 23. His cōpassions faile not They are new every morning And therefore his people ought every day in their measure to walke answerably for so they shall walke worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing Col. 1.10 III. REAS. Because Mans short life is reckoned by daies See Job 14.1 Man the is borne of a woman is of few daies This is foure times in one sentence mentioned by the Patriarch Iacob Gen. 47.9 Iacob said unto Pharaoh The daies of the yeeres of my pilgrimage an◠an hundred and thirty yeeres few and evill have the daies of the yeeres of my life beene and have not attained unto the daies of the yeeres of the life of my fathers in the daies of their pilgrimage Moreover no man knoweth whether he shall live till to morrow James 4.14 Nor yet what a day may bring forth Prov. 27.1 And therefore it greatly behooveth to redeeme the time Ephes 5.16 for otherwise we may be surprised by the comming of the Lord in a day when we looke not for him and in an houre that we are not ware of Math. 24.50 OBSERVAT. In the old Testament God instituted and ordained that a daily sacrifice should be offered unto him See Exod. 29.36 38. Thou shalt offer every day day by day continually This his ordinance seemeth to signify to teach his people in all ages that no day should goe over their heads without performance of some religious service unto him like as they doe day by day continually expect and seeke daily bread at his hands Math. 6.11 Luk. 11.3 VII PROPOSITION The observing and sanctifying of the Lords day wholly in religious exercises publickly privately by vertue of the fourth commandement of the morall Law viz. Exo. 20.4 Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy doeth not exempt or free the people of God from spending some time in religious exercises every day of the weeke besides according to that which hath beene declared in the sixt Proposition PROOF David a man after Gods owne heart 1. Sam. 13.14 that conscionably observed the Sabbath day as appeareth Psa 9◠1 Title A Psalme or song for the Sabbath day c. was conscionable also of daily service Psal 61.8 I will sing prayse unto thy Name for ever
one and the other joyning together in duty See Judg. 4.8 9. 2 Chron. 30.15 XXXVII PROPOSITION If the Governour of the family be froward and refractary and neither will observe nor allow nor permit the exercise and practise of religious duties in the presence of the whole family joyntly and together Then the severall members of the family that feare God ought to redeem some times thereto apart bâ— themselves with as good conveniency as possibly they can PROOF Queene Esther albeit she coâ—â— not expect that King Ahashuerus woâ—â— allow openly in his house a setting upon 〈◊〉 religious exercise of prayer and fasting according to occasion but rather that 〈◊〉 would be wholly averse thereunto yet 〈◊〉 resolved that she would not be wantiâ—â— therein in her owne particular nor wheâ— she had any power See Esth 4.16 I 〈◊〉 and my maidens will fast c. Good Obadâ—â— the servant of King Ahab in another case considering what was meet to be done 〈◊〉 the evill times in which he lived approve himselfe as became him notwithstanding Ahab the King and Jezebel the Queen were averse and contrary minded Sâ—â— 1 King 18.13 Prudent Abigail the wife 〈◊〉 Nabal did in another case as became he although her husband was a froward aâ—â— foolish profane man even a sonne of Beliâ—â— as it appeareth 1 Sam. 25.23 24 25 26 c. I. REAS. Because every one ought to a prove his owne waies to God See Gal. 6.4 Let every one prove his owne works c. Foâ— there is a possibility for Christians that are discreet and zealous to walke as becommeth Saints even in wicked families There were Saints in that tyrannous persecuting Emperour Nero his house See Philip. 4.22 II. REAS. Because it may come to passe through Gods abundant mercy and gracious dispensation that the whole family may fare better for their sakes who doe behave and demeane themselves therein religiously walking in all the waies of God Even as the Lord blessed the house of Potiphar the Egyptian for pious Joseph his sake See Gen. 39.5 OBSERV It need not seeme strange that the reasonable service of God as it is styled Rom. 12.1 doeth sometimes meet with opposition from unreasonable wicked men fith all men have not faith as it is implied 2 Thess 3.2 But yet in such cases the worke of God ought to be put forward notwithstanding See this Act. 4.19 20. chap. 5.20 21. XXXVIII PROPOSITION Every member of a Christian family who feareth God notwithstanding his partaking and joyning in the family-exercises both morning and evening every day ought to performe some religious duty unto God daily iâ— secret and alone as occasion offereth and opportunity will moâ—â— conveniently permit so to doe PROOF This is implied in the direction given by our Saviour Christ Math. 6. â—â— When thou prayest enter into thy closet c. thaâ— is to say When thou prayest privately aâ—â— doest not joyne with others in prayer thâ— enter into thy closet or take some secrâ—â— place thereunto c. And answerable here unto was Christs owne practise redeeming some time to private prayer See Mark 1. vers 35. I. REAS. Because every Christian maâ— ought to doe something himselfe for the stirring up of the gift of God that is in him 2 Timoth. 1.6 sith he is to live by his owâ—â— faith Hab. 2.4 and must have his joy iâ— himselfe alone and not in another Gal. 6.4 See 1 Cor. 11.28 Let a man examine himselfe c. II. REAS. Because every member of the family may have some particular cases or speciall occasions of their owne which peradventure either are not knowne or else it may be are not meet to be mentioned by him that uttereth the requests and supplications of the family for so it seemeth it was in Hannah her case sith it had not beene convenient that Elkanah her husband in the presence of Peninnah and the rest of the family should have uttered her petition at that time Neither did Eli the priest understand or know what her condition was See 1 Sam. 1.10 c. OBSERV A performance of religious duties by particular persons in secret and apart Zach. 12.12 13 14. tendeth notably to good evidence and comfortable assurance which requireth speciall diligence to be given unto it 2 Pet. 1.10 of the trueth and sincerity of their hearts and that there is no guile nor hypocrisie in their spirits as it is intimated in our Saviour Christ his directions and encouragements unto secret prayer and fasting c. See Math. 6.6 18. XXXIX PROPOSITION Albeit morning and evening every day being the fittest seasons for the performance of family-duties as hath beene already shewed ought therefore to be observed as likewise some tiâ—â— ought to be redeemed to a privaâ—â— course yet upon extraordinarâ— occasions and as opportuniâ—â— serveth thereunto Christian families or persons may yea anâ— ought to exercise themselves iâ— prayer and in the word anâ— other Spirituall duties severaâ— times on a day and somtime whole daies together PROOF Thus David professeth of himselfe See Psa 55.17 Evening and morning 〈◊〉 noone will I pray and cry aloud and he shall heaâ—â— my voice Psal 119.164 Seven times a day 〈◊〉 I prayse thee because of thy righteous judgment Daniel the Prophet a man greatly beloved did thus approve himselfe on the extraordinary occasions of evill times See Dan. 6.10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed he went into his house and his windowes being open in his chambeâ— toward Jerusalem he kneeled upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God as he did aforetime And when he understood by reading in the booke of the Prophet Jeremiah the number of the yeeres determined touching the desolations of Jerusalem he prayed a whole day continuing therein even to the evening See Dan. 9.2 3 21. I. REAS. Because extraordinary causes and occasions doe require and call for extraordinary services of prayer and exercise in the word See Isaia 22.1 12. when there was a burden of the valley of vision In that day the Lord called to sutable demeaning of themselves And thus the godly brethren have beene wont to order their course See Act. 12.5 When Peter was kept in prison Prayer was made of the Church unto God without ceasing for him II. REAS. Because otherwise God will have a controversy with his people sith it is some sleighting contempt controlement of his infinite wisdome and other his divine attributes according to his diverse manner of working when a proportioned and answerable deportment is not observed For so the Lord God professeth himselfe Isaia 22.14 Surely this inquity of unsutable walking shall not be purged till ye dye saith the Lord of hosts OBSERV The people of God ought to be are in their measure zealously affected Tit. 2.14 Revel 3.19 John 2.17 2 Cor. 7.11 that is to say such whose affections and pâ—â—tises are enlarged and increased according just objects and occasions
Isa 58.13 Calling the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and honouring him not doing their owne waies nor finding their owne pleasure nor speaking their owne words c. True it is the generality both of the Ministers People in England have conceited too meanly and unbeseemingly of the Lords day as is palpably argued by the common neglect and contempt of preaching and by the unwarrantable liberties given and taken on that day Yea there have beene found some in England like those of (q) Act. 6.9 the Synagogue of Libertines that coÌ„tradicted the blessed martyr StepheÌ„ who have imployed both their witts tongues pennes to plead against the necessary and strict keeping holy the Sabbath day But albeit the more number-some and greater sort doe (r) Hos 11.12 compasse God about with lyes deceit yet the better more pious people doe rule with God and are faithfull with the Saints being heartily (Å¿) Ezek. 9.4 greived for the abominations done in the midst of the land on the Sabbath day Secondly the sincere respects of the people of God in England to Lectures appeare both by their great (t) 2 Sam. 24.24 costs to uphold and establish them where maintenance hath beene wanting otherwise and likewise by the fulnesse of the assemblies not only in London and greater cities but also in other parts of the countrey where they are used Oh how my spirits are revived and cheered and my heart (v) Psal 122.1 2. comforted within me when I call to minde the great concourse of well-affected Christians in severall parts of Lancashire and Cheshire where sometimes I had my station who have resorted to Lectures and monethly exercises as (x) Isa 60.8 doves fly to their windows going from strength to strength many miles round about till they appeared before God in the assembly of Saints Such their course seemed to be a reall experimentall commentary on the 84 Psalme True it is there hath beene speciall opposition against Lectures in England I tremble to mention it through the absurd unreasonablenesse of some seeking (y) 2 Thess 3.2 to hinder the free course of the Gospell But such their (z) 2 Tim. 3 8 9. folly and madnesse in resisting the trueth is made manifest to all men Thirdly the respective performance of religious family-duties by the people of God in England crowneth their keeping of the Sabbath and attendance on Lectures sith thereby it is demonstrated that their (a) Deut. 6.6 7. Christian profession is to purpose turning words into works and attaining a power of godlinesse aswell as the forme of it True it is that some professing themselves to be the people of God notwithstanding that family-duties are (b) Hos 8.12 of the great things of the law yet doe count them as a strange thing Not unlike those ignorant baptized (c) Act. 19.2 disciples at Ephesus who being asked whether they had received the holy Ghost since they had beleeved said They had not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost But (d) Hebr. 13.22 I beseech such to suffer the words of instruction and exhortation in the discourse ensuing True it is also there are some (e) Gen. 21.9 Gal. 4.29 scoffing Ismaels and (f) 2 Sam. 6.16 20. giering Micals who doe despise in their hearts and persecute what in them lieth the families that call upon Gods Name for their performance of family-duties But let such know that godly families are not wont to be daunted by (g) Hebr. 11.36 the tryall of cruell mockings as being resolved in their measure with David to be (h) 2 Sam. 6.22 yet more vile then thus if this be to be vile and with Joshua that however it may seeme evill to others to serve the Lord Yet (i) Josh 24.15 as for them their houses they will serve the Lord. Now forasmuch as many of the Lords approved workmeÌ„ have taken in hand to set forth their well studied labours to defend and promote the religious observation oâ— the Lords day and to justify and encourage effectuall preaching and fruitfull hearing of the word It seemed good to me also knowing that I am (k) Philip. 1.17 set for the cause of the Gospel to put forth my slender talent in composing an Essay touching the necessity nature and manner of performance of religious family-duties if so I may give an (l) Math. 25.19 Hebr. 13.17 Luk. 16.2 Neh. 13.22 account of my stewardship with joy and be spared according to the greatnesse of Gods tender mercies when I shal be summoned to a reckoning in that day And this I have attempted the rather (m) Psal 122.8 for my brethren companions sakes whose spiritual good and prosperity I unfeignedly desire and seeke after partly to stirre up and helpe forward the sincere and zealous devotions of such as desire to (n) Psal 10.2 walke within their houses with a perfect heart partly likewise to provoke such as are of greater abilities to contribute our of their (o) Math. 13.52 old and new store into our Lords treasury who standeth (p) Mark 12.41 to behold and observe and will graciously accept and commend the liberality of offerers be the gift never so meane It is undoubtedly (q) Math. 25.22.23 well done of Gods good and faithfull servants the godly-zealous preachers in England that in their sermons and treatises they doe most seriously call for and frequently inculcate an exercise and practise of religious family-duties but yet me thinks it may seeme to be some upbraiding of the reformed times that there is no peculiar treatise bestowed on this subject at least that I have either seene or ever heard of The blessing of God (r) Ephes 3.14 15. the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named and (Å¿) Jerem. 31.1 the God of all the families of the English Israel goe along graciously with this poore and weake endeavour for the glory of his great Name and the spirituall welfare of my most endeared countreâ— men Even so prayeth his Lord unworthy servant and humble pâ—â—titioner at the throne of grace THOMAS PAGE A Series or order of the severall Propositions in the ensuing Demonstration 1. IT is a grand concernment to know and beleeve that the Lord is God 2. Such as know and beleeve that the Lord is God ought to worship and serve him 3. God ought to be worshipped and served according to his owne appointment 4. The word of God is the rule of the worship and service which God hath appointed 5. The rule directed in the Word is not only expressed in doctrinall precepts but also is implied in the promises threatnings and examples 6. One cheife direction is that God be served every day in some religious exercises 7. A religious sanctifying of the Sabbath day doeth not exempt any from religious duties on the working daies 8. The
otherwise cannot be brought to passe An instance hereof is rendred by our Savioâ— Christ in the case of some possession by tâ—â— Devill See Mark 9.29 This kinde can 〈◊〉 forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting OBSERV A putting on sackcloth 〈◊〉 ashes a renting of clothes a falling dowâ— to the ground on the face c. used by soâ—â— in their fastings were such customes 〈◊〉 fashions as some people in some countreâ—â— in former ages did many times use to 〈◊〉 presse their greife by but were no way peculiar to Gods worship nor yet appropriated thereunto See 2 King 5.7 8. chaâ— 11.14 And therefore Christians in thâ—â— daies of the Gospel are in no sort boundâ— the use thereof who yet are bound to exâ—â—cise fasting and prayer according to ocâ—â—sion sith it is a divine ordinance aswell 〈◊〉 the new Testament as it was for the old XLII PROPOSITION Religious fasting being such aâ— excellent and quickning helpe 〈◊〉 devotion as hath beene decâ—â—red in the former Proposition may and ought therefore to bâ— exercised by godly families and sometimes with their assistant as hath beene shewed likewise formerly according to the extraordinary causes and occasions â—hat doe move call thereunto PROOF Queene Esther as is seemeth was very well instructed and grounded in the â—nowledge of this practicall point of docâ—rine as appeareth by her prudent and religious direction and charge she gave to her â—ncle Mordecai touching the same See Esther 4.16 Goe gather together all the Jews that are present in Shusan and fast yee for me and neither eate nor drinke three daies night or day I also and my maidens will fast likewise and so I will goe in unto the King which is not according to the law and if I perish I perish I. REAS. Because if heavy judgments overflowing calamities doe invade and take hold on a nation countrey or family â—hrough a generall neglect of being seriously humbled and seeking the Lord as being â—he meanes of preventing or removing the â—aid judgments and calamities yet notwithstanding godly Christians that doe walke in their families religiously mournfull as becommeth them shall have the mourners mark set on their foreheads consequently shall prevaile for the sparing of their famâ—â—â— and friends or at least for their owne deâ—â—verance See Ezek. 9.4 And the Lâ—â—â— said unto him Goe through the midâ—â—â— of the citie through the midst of Jerâ—â—â—lem and set a marke upon the forehâ—â—â— of the men that sigh that cry for all 〈◊〉 abominations that are done in the 〈◊〉 thereof This may be seene in a few inâ—â—â—â—ces of some blessed effects of such coâ—â—â—â— I. Noah walking with God in evill timeâ— he and his family was saved from perishâ—â—â— in the universall deluge Gen. 7.1 〈◊〉 II. Lot with his was spared in that feaâ—â—â— destruction of Sodome 2 Pet. 2.7 8. throâ—â—â— the intercession of his friend Abraham 〈◊〉 Gen. 19.29 III. Baruch walking mouâ—â—â— fully had his life given him for a prey inâ—â—â— places where he should come Jerem. 4â— â—â— II. REAS. Because if families professâ—â—â— godlinesse doe not humble themselves 〈◊〉 the sinnes of the times and for judgmeâ—â—â— which are the fruit of sinnes then they 〈◊〉 in great danger to partake of the puniâ—â—ments and to receive of the plagues wheâ— with transgressors are wont to be scourgeâ— as may appeare at large Amos 6.1 2 3 â— 5 6. Woe to them that are at ease in Zion c. 〈◊〉 they are not greived for the affliction of Ioseâ—â— that is to say Such in the Church as 〈◊〉 â—â—t to heart so as to walke mournfully â—e sinnes of the Church and miseries overâ—king it shal be exposed to woe and judgâ—ent OBSERV It seemeth to be more then â—obable that there were so many Jews in â—â—usan See Esther 9.15 as could not â—â—semble or gather together in any one place â—ccording to Esthers appointment Esth 4. 〈◊〉 6. specially considering the danger that in â—â—l likelihoode might have ensued at that â—â—me matters standing as they then did But â—ther their meeting was private in some â—onvenient houses or families where least â—otice might be taken of them and yet that â—â—ere were competent numbers assembled â—â—gether both to excite and also to assist one â—â—other in that weighty and serious exercise â—â—f religious fasting and humiliation XLIII PROPOSITION Extraordinary causes and occasions of more solemne seeking of God by prayer and fasting and of being more seriously humbled before him are either I. When â—ome notorious wickednesse and grosse sinne is committed in the land or family II. Or when soâ—â— fearfull and greivous judgment 〈◊〉 imminent and ready to surpriseâ— III. Or when some heavy calamity is already inflicted and executed IV. Or when some important and weighty affaires aâ—â— to be taken in hand and goâ—â— about V. Or when some choyâ—â— and speciall blessings are desired 〈◊〉 and sought after PROOF I. The notorious and odioâ—â— sinne of the Jews in making strange manâ—ges after their returne from the Baby lâ—nish captivity was a cause and occasionâ— Ezra his approved solemne humiliation 〈◊〉 he himselfe professeth Ezra 9.3 5 â— When I heard this thing I rent my gâ—â—ment and my mantle c. I fell on 〈◊〉 knees and spread out my hands unto thâ— Lord my God And said O my God 〈◊〉 am ashamed c. II. The good King Jehoshapat saw speciall cause of an extraordinary seeking thâ— Lord by prayer and fasting when he heaâ—â— of certaine potent enimies that were conâ—â—derate and came against Judah See 2 Chron. 20.2 3. Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat saying There commeth a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria and behold they be in Hazazon-Tamar which is Engedi And Jehoshaphat feared and set himselfe to seeke the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah c. III. God complaineth of the Israelites againe and againe sundry times that he haâ—ing executed judgment after judgment â—pon them even famine drought mildew wormes pestilence sword fire c. yet they were not deeply humbled See Amos 4.6 8 9 10 11. Yet ye have not returned to me saith the Lord. IV. Upon occasion of weighty affaires there is ground for such course as these instances doe shew First Ezra going from Babylon to Jerusalem to reedify the Temple which was an important businesse proclaimed a fast See Ezra 8.21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river Ahava that we â—ight afflict our selves before our God to seeke of â—im a right way for us and for our little ones and for all our substance Secondly when the great worke of the ministery was to be specially gone about See Act. 13.2 3. The holy Ghost â—aid Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the worke whereunto I have called them And 〈◊〉 they had fasted and prayed and laid their hâ—â—â— on them they sent them away V. Gracious hannah the wife of Elâ—â—nah in the want of a speciall blessing whâ—â— she much desired even a sonne it
of the publick ordinances viz. A preparation in private before the publick ordinances be taken in hand and prayer conference and meditation after the publick ordinances are ended touching the same conduce much to a good successe thereof This is in part implied in Hezekiah the King his prayer and its successe in the behalfe of the people of the Jews at the celebration of the Passeover 2 Chron. 30.18 19 20. But Hezekiah prayed for them saying The good Lord pardon every one That prepareth his heart to seeke God the Lord God of his fathers though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the Sanctuary And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah and healed the people See also for after-course what is recorded Act. 13.42 Now when the congregation was broken up many of the Jews and religious Proselytes followed Paul Barnabas who speaking to them perswaded them to continue in the grace of God c. OBSERV Such as having conversed with God in the religious use of his publick ordinances on the Sabbath day in the assemblies doe goe forth after cares and riches and pleasures of this life assoone as the assemblies are dismissed they cannot bring forth fruit unto perfection as is to be seene in the state of that sort of unfruitfull hearers of the word who are by our Saviour Christ resembled unto the thorny ground Luk. 8.14 And that which fell among thornes are they which when they have heard goe forth and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life and bring no fruit to perfection XLVIII PROPOSITION All due caution and circumspection ought to be used by the people of God for the declining and avoiding of vaine and sinister walking in the performances of religious duties whether in the congregation or family or in secret whether the services be ordinary or extraordinary PROOF Such caveat is given by our Saviour Christ touching prayer and fasting is appliable likewise unto other religious services See Math. 6.5 And when thou prayest thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the Synagogues in the corner of the streets that they may be seene of men c. And ibid. vers 16. Moreover when ye fast be not as the hypocrites of a sad countenance for they disfigure their faces that they may appeare unto men to fast I. REAS. Because the Lord is a God that searcheth the heart and taketh exact knowledge of the waies of his people and will reward them accordingly as they walke in singlenesse and sincerity of heart and integrity of conversation See Jerem. 17. â— I the Lord search the heart I try the reines 〈◊〉 to give every man according to his waies and â—â—cording to the fruit of his doings Revel 2. â— All the Churches shall know that I am he 〈◊〉 searcheth the reines and hearts c. II. REAS. Because such cautelous â—â—wary sincere walking doeth tend much the stopping of the mouthes of absurd aâ—versaries and to a restraining of their fâ—â—â— who are apt to traduce and persecute tâ—â— good waies of the people of God See Pâ—oâ—â— 16.7 When a mans waies please the Lord 〈◊〉 maketh even his enimies to be at peace with his See also 1 Pet. 3.15 16. But sanctify the Lâ—â—â— God in your hearts and be ready alwaies to gâ—â—â— an answer to every one that asketh you a reason the hope that is in you with meeknesse and fâ—â—â— Having a good conscience that whereas they spâ—â—â— evill of you as of evill doers they may be asheâ—â— which falsly accuse your good conversation in Chrâ—â—â— OBSERV Hypocrites may gaine theâ— ward of popular applause and reputation upon a vaine and sinister course in religiâ—â— held by them See Math. 6.2 5 16 c. 2 King 10.15 16. But such are not acceptâ—â— of God See 2 Corinth 10.18 For not 〈◊〉 that commendeth himselfe is approved but what the Lord commendeth XLIX PROPOSITION Speciall care and regard ought â—â—kewise to be had that religious duties and services be performed â—y the people of God both in an holy and spirituall manner and â—lso in a due order according to â—he Lords owne direction and commandement PROOF For so our blessed Saviour informed and taught the woman of Samaria See John 4.23 But the houre commeth and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in trueth for the Father seeketh such to worship him Yea and our Lord and Saviour Christ did thus approve himselfe by walking according to Gods commandement See John 14.31 And as the Father gave me commandement even so doe I. I. REAS. Because the Lord God unto whom religious duties and services ought to be tendred is of a spirituall nature and therefore must be served spiritually and in an holy manner proportioned unto such his incomprehensible essence See John 4. vers 24. God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in trueth 2 Cor. 3. â— The Lord is a Spirit c. II. REAS. Because God hath been wâ—â— severely to punish such as have beene nâ—â—gent and carelesse to worship and serve 〈◊〉 after the due order as King David by occâ—sion acknowledgeth and maketh mentiâ—â—â— 1 Chron. 15.13 The Lord our God made a bâ—â—â—â—â— upon us for that we sought him not after the 〈◊〉 order And this is also declared by the â—postle Paul touching some of the Churâ—â— of Corinth in regard of their comming 〈◊〉 the Sacrament in an undue way 1 Cor. 11 3â— For this cause many are weake and sickly amâ—â—â— you and many sleepe See vers 27 28 29. OBSERV A holy and spirituall manâ—â—â— and due order of religious performances 〈◊〉 consisteth in such qualifications and dispoâ—â—tions as these following viz. I. Understanding or distinct knowledgâ— in the religious service in hand 1 Coriâ—â—â—â— 14.14 15. For if I pray in an unknowne tongâ—â— my spirit prayeth but my understanding is 〈◊〉 fruitfull What is it then I will pray with thâ— spirit and will pray with understanding also 〈◊〉 will sing with the spirit and will sing with the understanding also II. Conscience of God to sway unto and in every religious duty as may be gathered from the Lords expostulation Zach. 7.5 When ye fasted and mourned in the â—â—ft and seventh moneth even those seventy yeeres â—â—d yee at all fast unto me even to me III. Sincerity or trueth in performing â—hereof See Josh 24.14 Feare the Lord and â—â—rve him in sincerity and trueth IV. Faith on God through Christ See Mark 11.24 Whatsoever things ye desire when â—â—e pray beleeve that yee receive c. See also Hebr. 11.6 V. Hope or waiting for the accomplishment of the promises Psal 130.5 I waite â—or the Lord my soule doeth waite and in his word â—oe I hope VI. Willingnesse or cheerfulnesse in the service See what is particularly said touching works of charity as being generally â—ppliable in the case in hand 2 Corinth 9.7 Every man according as he purposeth in his
Chorazin woe unto thee Bethsaida for if the mighty works which were done in you had beene done in Tyre and Zidon they would have repented long agoe in sackcloth and ashes OBSERV It was the high commendation of Mary given unto her by our Saviour Christ that she redeemed time unto the one thing needfull when Martha did cumber her selfe about much serving and was troubled about many things See Luk. 10.42 But one thing is needfull And Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her LIV. PROPOSITION Those families likewise are 〈◊〉 together faulty and inexcusable who doe walke contrary and doâ— oppose and withstand the gooâ— waies of God walked in by hâ—â— people according to the rules 〈◊〉 Gods word PROOF The Apostle Paul describeth 〈◊〉 complaineth of such persons 2 Timoth. 3. â—â— Now as Iannes and Iambres withstood Mâ—â—â— so doe these also resist the trueth men of corâ—â—â—â— mindes reprobate concerning the faith I. REAS. Because God will walke coâ—trary to them as doe walke contrary uâ—â—â— him See Levit. 26.23 24 c. If yâ—â— will not be reformed but will walke coâ—trary unto me Then will I also walke coâ—trary unto you and will punish you 〈◊〉 seven times for your sinnes c. II. REAS. Because they shall have â—â—thing to plead for themselves in the day 〈◊〉 the Lords wrath but shall remaine speecâ— lesse as it fared with the man in the parabâ—â— who came to the wedding without a neâ—ding garment Math. 22.12 Neither shâ—â—â— any Advocate be found that will pleade 〈◊〉 them See 1 Sam. 2.25 If one man sinne against another the Iudge shall judge him but if a man sinne against the Lord who shall intreat for him OBSERV Such persons may be said to walke contrary and to withstand the good waies of God walked in by his people I. Either who plot consult or take counsell against the people of God to doe them hurt because of their sincere religious courses See Psal 83.3 They have taken counsell against thy people and consulted against thy hidden ones II. Or observe and watch the people of God in their walking to get an advantage some way to ensnare and intangle them as the Scribes and Pharises did our Saviour Christ See Luk. 20.20 And they watched him and sent forth spies which should faine themselves just men that they might take hold of his words that so they might deliver him to the power and authority of the Governour III. Or who contradict and oppose such wholesome trueths as the people of God doe hold professe according to godlinesse See Acts 17. vers 18. Then certaine Philosophers of the Epicureans and of the Stoicks encountred him And some said What will this babler say othersome He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods because he preached unto the Jesus and the resurrection IV. Or who discourage and greive thâ— people of God by lies as the Lord himseâ—â— by the Prophet Ezekiel complaineth Sâ—â— Ezek. 13.22 Because with lies yee have made the heart of the righteous saâ—â— whom I have not made sad and strengthned the hands of the wicked that 〈◊〉 should not returne from his wicked 〈◊〉 by promising him life c. V. Or who deride and scorne the people of God by mockings and contemptuous behaviour See this complained of Psal 11 vers 4. Our soule is exceedingly filled with 〈◊〉 scorning of those that are at ease and with the â—â—tempt of the proud VI. Or who traduce and falsly accuse the good waies of God Either 1. of hardnesse as if intollerable and not to be endured Sâ— John 6.60 This is an hard saying 〈◊〉 can heare it Or 2. of over strictnesse as 〈◊〉 prejudiciall to liberty as is implied Psal 〈◊〉 vers 3. Let us breake their bands asunder and 〈◊〉 away their coards from us Or 3. of unprofitablenesse as if no way beneficiall See Maâ—â— 3.14 Yee have said It is vaine to serve God 〈◊〉 what profit is it that we have kept his ordinances Or 4. of melancholious pensivnesse as 〈◊〉 void of joy and comfort as it is implied Eccles 7.4 The heart of fooles is in the house of mirth Or 5. of occasion and cause of trouble as if therefore unsufferable See John 11.48 If wee let him thus alone all men will beleeve on him and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation VII Or who slander and falsly accuse the good servants of God Either 1. of idlenesse in their particular callings when they are imployed in the service of God See Exod. 5.17 Pharoah said Yee are idle yee are idle therefore yee say Let us goe and doe service to the Lord. Or 2. of indiscretion and preposterous zeale bringing shame and disgrace So Mical censured her husband King David See 2 Sam. 6.20 How glorious was the King of Israel to day who uncovered himselfe to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants c. Or 3. of madnesse as if they were out of their witts See Act. 26.24 Festus said with a loud voice Paul thou art beside thy selfe much learning doeth make thee mad Or 4. of pride and singularity as if they were wholly transported thereby Thus Korah Dathan and Abiram charged Moses and Aaron Numb 16.3 Saying yee take too much upon you seeing all the congregation are holy every one of them and the Lord is among them wherefore then lift you up your selves above the congregation of the Lord Or 5. of hypocrisy as if they wâ—â—â— not such indeed as they doe professe theâ— selves to be and are in shew This was thâ— which Jobs three friends did many tiâ—â— charge him withall as may be seene at largâ— throughout the booke of Job Or 6. of fâ—tiousnesse turbulency in the places wheâ— they dwell Thus were the blessed disciple of Christ accused See Act. 16.20 Tâ—â— brought them to the Magistrates saying Tâ—â— men being Iews doe exceedingly trouble our ciâ—â— cap. 17.6 These that have turned the wâ—â—â— up-side-downe c. Or 7. of contempt of aâ—thority as if they regarded not magistracy and the laws of Princes See Act. 17.7 These all doe contrary to the decrees 〈◊〉 Cesar Dan. 6.13 Then answere they said before the King That Danie which is of the captivity of the children of Judah regardeth not thee O King nor the decree that thou hast signed bâ—â— maketh his petition three times a day VIII Or who threaten to inflict punishments on the people of God that so theâ— may discourage them if possibly they could doe it See Act. 4.21 So when they had further threatned them they let them goe finding nothing how they might punish them because 〈◊〉 the people c. IX Or who doe persecute and inflict punishments on them in severall kinds viz. in their goods liberties and bodies See Act. 8.3 As for Saul he made havocke of the Church entring into every house and haling men and women committed them to prison See also 2 Cor. 11.23 24