by conference with the soule in particular Cases of Conscience 3. To establish Truth and Peace in severall Sermons against the present Heresies and Schisms By R. Mossom Preacher of Gods word lately at St. Peter Pauls-Wharfe London An excellent piece of Philosophy commonly Called the Morals of Plutarch Translated out of Greek into Eng By Philemon Holland Dr in Physick A Medicinall Dispensatory containing the whole body of Physick Together with a most perfect and absolute Pharmacopaea or Apothecaries Shop with a usefull Physicall Dictionary Composed by the Illustrious Renodaeus chiefe Physitian to the Monarch of France And now englished and revised by Rich. Tomlins of London Apothecary Londinopolis An Historicall Discourse or Perlustration of the Cityes of London and Westminster by Ja Howell Esquire Of Government and Obedience as they stand Directed and Determined by Scripture and Reason In 4. Bookes by John Hall An exact abridgment of Publick Acts and Ordinances of Parliament made from the yeare 1640 to 1656. by William Hugle of Graies Inne Esquire A True ISRAELITE Pourtraied for our IMITATION The first Part. Joh. 1.47 Behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no guile Sect. 1. THE coherence of these words Nathanael for ever renowned by the recommendation of our blessed and heart-searching Saviour is the subject of our present discourse For our more orderly proceeding let us reflect upon the 43 verse where Jesus found and called Philip to follow him Immediately after verse 45. Philip found Nathanael and a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys in Joan. Hom. 20. inviteth him to come see Him of whom Moses and the Prophets wrote namely the true Messias Nathanael had some scruple and prejudice against him at the first as his question importeth ver 46. Can there come any good thing out of Nazareth Yet is he afterwards perswaded by Philip to come and see him Whence observe That it is the desire and endeavour of true Believers to bring others to Jesus Christ As Andrew brought Simon b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hom. 19. his brother with him verse 41. For such is their zeal to the glory of Christ from whom they themselves have received so much soul-good that they would have all others if they possibly could to glorifie God by believing on him It was the prayer of the Church of old for all Nations that yet knew him not were yet unborn Psal 67.3 5. Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee where their ardency to obtaine appeareth by the repetition of their suit 2. Such is their charity to others that they would have all to be partakers of the benefit as well as themselves yea though they be their enemies 1 Cor. 9.22 as St. Paul became all things to all men that by all meanes he might save some and I would to God said he to Agrippa that not onely thou Act. 26.29 but also all that heare me this day were such as I am except these bonds yet many of those were his mortall enemies 3. Such is the fulness of grace in the Lord Jesus that there is sufficient for all comers Joh. 1.16 It is other wise in earthly riches none can impart to another though his owne store be never so great 2 King 20.12.17 but he will have lesse himselfe as Hezekiah shewing his treasures to the king of Babylons messensengers was thereby deprived of them but the communication of our spiritual treasures to others bringeth an encrease hereof to ourselves as Paul was edified by the faith of the Romans which himself had planted Rom. 1.12 Observe secondly in Nathanael's querie that there ever will be demurrs obstacles to hinder our coming to Christ But 3ly in Philips prevailing with him to come and see and in Christs satisfying of him being come that he was the true messias the son of God observe with me again that nothing shal hinder Gods elect from coming off fully to Jesus Christ in Gods time Joh. 6.37 all that the father giveth me saith our Lord shall come to me Sect. 2 § 2. And now by Philips meanes Nathanael being brought neer to Jesus comes to be considered the conference which passed between them at the first sight our Lord who knew him from all eternity doth give him an high encomium Behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no guile Where we have 1. an Adverb of demonstration 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Behold secondly Nathanaels description laid downe 1 by way of assertion an Israelite indeed 2. by way of negation In whom is no guile In both together is implied a maine argument why Nathanael was to be respected because he was an Isâ—alite indeed in whom was no guile Intus in ctu Pers satyr Doct. From the demonstrative particle behold considering from whose mouth this charge proceeds we collect That an Isralâ—te indeed is a most worthy sight one to be wel viewed and known most exactly Behold behold them saith God Isa 41.27 He is the best sight in this inferior world since our Lord Jesus left it himself To Jesus Christ indeed primarily the eyes of all nations are directed and this sight alone if it be right will bring salvation to the beholders Isa 45.22 Looke unto me saith the Lord and be ye saved all the ends of the earth To him John Baptist his immediate forerunner pointed again and againe v. 29. Behold said he the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world and to Andrew and another Disciple v. 36. looking upon Jesus as he walked he said Behold the lamb of God next to Christ comes in the true Isralite to be beheld by us Such a one was Nathanael whom our Lord doth here in ligitate For 1. God taketh so great delight in the sight of such as his eyes are never off them Job 36.7 He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous It is not any mans countenance nor the heighth of his stature or outward appearance that the Lord regardeth or would have others to be taken with but he looketh on the heart 1. Sam. 16.7 To this man will I looke saith the Lord even to him that is poore and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my word Isa 66.2 Secondly to the same object are the eyes of the holy angels bent we are made saith the Apostle a spectacle to angels and men 1. Cor. 4.9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. 3. In imitation of God and his blessed angels good men how great soever have their eyes upon them Psal 101 6. Mine eyes said king David shal be on the faithful in the land and not without cause for in these persons we may find a confluence of all attractives of the eyes of our minds imaginable For 1. We account great personages Kings Princes and their well deserving favourits worthy of our aspect and respect when Samuel had anointed Saul according to the Lords commandment See ye him said he to the people whom the Lord hath
sinking I might give Jonah for an instance Ch. 1.4 but his sleep was corporal theirs is altogether spirituall the marriners awakened him they continue sleeping and will not be so easily awakened he repented God give them also repentance to life A 7th Let is inconstancy 7. Inconstancy proceeding from hypocrisie and ending in apostacy Orpah attended her mother in law as well as Ruth when she came from the countrey of Moab to returne to the land of Judah but she was perswaded by her mothers words to go back to hâ—r owne countrey * Pellicanus Ruth adhaesit socrui futura una ex ma tribus è quibus mundi salus proditura erat whereas Ruth continued stedfastly minded to cleave to Naomi till death should part them saying to her Thy people shall be my people and thy God my God Ruth 1 16. and great was her reward in the end 8. Many are kept from becoming true Israelites by selfe delusion thinking but falsely that they are converted have repented doe believe and shall be â—aved and what need they to do any more Thus the five foolish virgins â—he proud Pharisee and many hypocrits â—ondly imagine their case is good their â—aith is sound and their hearts are cleane when as indeed they deceive their own soules Jam. 1.21 Diverse other inward impediments there are but these chiefly must be removed the mind must be rightly informed the judgment must be rectified prejudice must be laid aside and true faith attained and often examined and for these ends let the word of God be hidden in the heart the greatnes of Gods majesty his presence justice and truth the incertainty of our lives and the strictness of the impartial Judg before whom we must all appeare be considered of and let profanes spiritual sloth together with levity and inconstancy of Spirit and all delusion be avoided lest any of us faile of the grace of God Heb. 12.15 or come short of the promise of entring into his rest Heb. 4.1 and I cannot pretermit how seriously and frequently the same Apostle doth caution us to take heed of deceiving our selves or being deceived by others charging us all once that no man deceive himselfe 2 Cor. 3.18 Twice that no man deceive us Eph. 5.6 againe that no man deceive us by any meanes 2 Thess 2.3 Thrice that we be not deceived either by ourselves or others 1 Cor. 6.9.15.33 Gal. 6 7. hereby warning all 1. that we are apt to be deceived in spirituall matters 2. that this is the most dangerous deceit of all others 3. That therefore we should continually looke well to ourselves that we be not over-reached in matters pertaining to eternity Sect. 15 2. Branch of the exhortation followeth 2. Branch of the extation having thus dispatched the former part of mine advice to all in general I now descend to certaine sorts of men and 1. To begin with Magistrates called heires of restraint Judg. 18.7 I earnestly entreat them to become Israelites indeed to rule with God and to be faithfull with the Saints Hos 11.12 to execute judgment and justice without partiality or delay to judg the cause of the poore and needy for then it shall go well with them and the common wealth under them Jerem. 22 15.16 yea not onely subjects at home but forreiners abroad shall have great cause to blesse God for them as the Queen of Sheba blessed God for king Solomon and pronounced â—is people happy Her words to Solomon run thus Happy are thy men and blessed be the Lord thy God which delighted in thee to set thee on the throne because the Lord loved Israel for ever therefore made he thee king to do judgment and justice 1 King 10 9. 2ly Might this counsel from God be accepted of counsellors and attournies with Nathanael to wash their hearts and hands dayly from guile they should not need any regulation by others for they would be a law to themselves neither should they have any cause to feare either levelling or antinomian aspersions or designes for a good conscience would be a brasen wall to them and God the righteous Judge would plead their cause better than they can their clients or their own Then would none of them take with both hands nor receive bribes which is a sin inseparable from hypocrysie Job 15.34 and blindeth the eyes of the wise Exo. 23.8 and maketh the tongue mercenary either to keepe silence when they ought to speak or to speak when they should be silent They would never desert any righteous cause Isa 1. 17. but keep themselves far from every false matter as the great Law giver requireth Exo. 23.7 3ly Though I take not upon me to teach them who are called to be teachers of Gods people yet give me leave to exhort you as brethren first to become true Christians yourselves and then to improve all your skill and strength to draw all those who belong to your charge into this blessed society Let your exhortations be without guile and as you are allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel even so speak not as pleasing men but God who tryeth your hearts 1 Thess 2.3.4 Then shall you teach transgressours Gods wayes and sinners shall be converted unto him Thus shall a numerous and blessed off spring be raised up to God as of old the Lord restifieth of Levi The law of truth was in his mouth and iniquity was not found in his lips he walked with me in peace and equity and did turne many away from iniquity Mal. 1.6 Then also will the Lord soone wipe away all disgrace and obloquie from your persons and function which hath been too long cast upon you and it for neglect hereof as the Lord admonisheth the priests Mal. 2.9 Saying to them therefore have I made you contemptible and base before the people according as you have not kept my wayes but have beene partial in the law 4ly From ministers I passe to students in the universities the hope of their succession to perswade them with blessed Paul * 2 Cor. 1.12 Theophyl enarrat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to prefer both in their studies and practice simplicity and godly sincerity before fleshly wisdom and sophistry which will afford unto themselves cause of solid and permanent joy and ascertain both our Church and state of future felicity 5ly I desire also merchants tradesmen to find time freed from the hurry of their affaires to learne to write after this copy of Jacobs plaine dealing not to abuse the buyers simplicity nor to make too much use of his necessity And suppose their gaines be not so great as formerly they were yet they may be sure a greater blessing shall accompany what they honestly get and make that * Dimidium plus toto little to do them and their 's more good then a farr greater store of treasure unjustly gathered together can do others Herein if they dare not credit me I commend to them Gods
who are indeed comely yet withal are black whilest they remain here below Cant. 1.5 He can discern their blackness but not their comeliness if there be any infirmities or deformity in the Saints the world can soone espie the same and discover them to others as C ham looked on his fathers nakedness when he lay drunk in his tent and told his brethren without Genes 9.22 Here the wicked be as quicksighted as Lâ—nceus to behold a mote in the best mans eye Mat. 7.3 and may fitly be compared to bats and owles that can see better in the dark then in the light or secondly the carnal man beholdeth the godly with an evil eye as of scorne and contempt as Michael Sauls daughter saw David leaping and dancing before the Lord and despised him in her heart 2 Sam. 6.16 or with an eye of envy and hatred as Saul eyed David 1. Sam. 18.9 Vse 4 Yet here the Saints may find matter of exceeding great consolation though the perverse world censure and unjustly condemn them and not only so but they be loathsome also in their own sight for their iniquities Ezek. 36.31 for the Lords eyes are ever upon them for good and his eares open to their cry Psal 34.15 yea though their dearest friends who loved them best while they were alive yet when they are dead can hardly brook to look on them as when Sarah was dead Abraham bought a burying place of the sons of Heth to bury his dead out of his sight Genes 23 4. yet precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints Psal 116.15 yea and he will make them to be had in honour of all that have any spiritual discerning for many things for which the injudicious worlding condemneth them as David assureth Mâ—chal who had despised him in her heart and rated him for dancing before the arke that he should be had in honour for that very cause of the handmaids of Israel 2 Sam. 6.22 and this their glory shal be like to the morning light Pro. 4.18 that shineth more and more until the perfect day even till Christ shal come to be glorified in his Saints 2 Thes 1.10 For they are already the sons of God and it doth not yet appeare what they shal be but this is most certaine that when he shall appeare they shal be like him and shal see him as he is 1 Jâ—h 3.2 And then shall all that ever hated them and vilified them see it and be ashamed and be grieved and gnash with their teeth and melt away Ps 112.10 Vse 5 This serveth for a strong invitation to all to become true Israelites if they do but consider that the eyes of the Lord run to and fro through the earth to shew himselfe strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16.9 and that he will give them favour and respect not only in the eyes of good men such as David was but of moral though carnal persons as he made Joseph a servant to finde grace in Potiphars sight and afterwards of the keeper of the prison when he was his prisoner Genes 39.4.21 whereas on the other side all wicked persons are lothsome in God's eyes Psal 34.15 The face of the Lord is against them that do evil to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth for as he hath promised that they who honour him shal be honoured so he hath threatned that they who despise him shall be leightly esteemed 1 Sam. 2.30 for which end he sets Nigrum Theta an ignominious asterisk upon them as he did upon Doeg Psal 52.7 Lo this the man that made not the Lord his strength but trusted in the abundance of his riches and strengthened himself in his wickedness neither can the godly abide the sight of them He that worketh deceit saith David Psal 101.7 shal not dwel in my house he that telleth lies shal not tarry in my sight much lesse shal he reside in Heaven or tarry in Gods sight but be extruded from his presence for ever and from the glory of his power and be made an abhorring to all flesh 2 Thes 1.9 Isa 66.24 O then let this prevaile with you to enter into this honourable society your selves and to draw others with you into this happy and glorious estate then shall ye shine as the stars of the firmament for ever and ever Dan. 12.3 Vse 6 What a cogent argument should this be to enforce the Saints to look wel to themselves their inward thoughts and affections their words and actions since so many eyes are upon them even of God angels and men Oh! Mat. 5.16 let your lights deare christians so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven and pray continually with David Lead me O Lord Psa 5.8 in thy righteousness because of mine observers Vse 7 Use 7. How great cause have all they who are Israelites indeed to love the Lord Jesus Christ and to bless God for him For by his meanes are we advanced to all this excellency who when he found us in a most lothsome plight naked and in our blood none eye pittying us said unto us live Ezek. 16.5 6. And for that end he became man and was * Nazianz orat 1. in pascha Christus servi formam accepit ut nos libertatem accipiamus contemptus est ut gloriâ afficiat c. content to be emptied that we might be filled to fast that we might feast to be vilified that we might be dignified to be impoverished that we might be enriched to take shame to himself that hee might clothe us with honour and glory to be without forme and comeliness * Bern. de passione Domini c. 16. nostrâ charitate devinctus ad tempus corponis nostri deformitatem accepit for a time Isa 53.3 that we might be beautified for ever Behold our Lord Iesus I pray you in that dresse wherein Pilate presented him to his implacable enemies crowned with thorns and wearing purple in derision and all besmeared with his owne blood saying to them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 behold the man thinking by that ruthfull sight to have pacified their immense fury but to little purpose for they were the more enraged against him Now let us behold him and let Pilates counsel rejected by those bloody persecuters be acceptable to us that our love may thereby be enflamed towards him for it was for our sakes brethren that he was so pointed at by Pilate Behold the Man John 19.5 John 19.5 that it might be said of us behold Israelites indeed and happy art thou O Israel who is like unto thee O people saved by the Lord the shield of thy help and the sword of thy excellency Deut. 33.29 The Second Part. Sect. 1. HItherto I have held forth the flag or streamer to invite you all to take a right survay of the true Israelite
lusts Iude. 18. manifest themselves to be rather Pagans then Christians indeed as Peter was discovered to be a Galilean for his speech bewrayed him Mat. 26.73 And suppose a guilded Hypocrite may have his tongue tipt with Scripture expressions and holy discourses yet if he be well observed at other times he will be found to speak ordinarily the language of Aâ—hdod and to trip and faulter in his most affected and best discourses As many Ephramites were detected to be what they were by the men of Gilead in pronouncing Sibboleth for Shibboleth for they could not frame to pronounce it right Iudg. 12.6 2. What may they thinke of themselves if they had any spiritual judgement who think or say words are but wind little regarding what the Judge of quick and dead hath fore-warned us of that men shall give account of every idle word which they speak in the day of judgement Mal. 12.36 Thirdly where shall they appeare that reproach and laugh them to scorn and shun their company whose tongues use knowledge aright as Solomon saith every wise man doth Prov. 15.2 If any do but once make mention of the Lords righteousnesse reprove sin or exhort to reformation of life or use any savory passages tending to the souls good they have done with them as too precise for their societie and jeere at them as ridiculous persons or tremble as Felix trembled when Paul reasoned of righteousnesse temperance and judgement to come but would give no further audience Acts. 24 25. Fourthly wo unto them who never call themselves to an account for preventing frothy obscene or noysome language nor yet for the omission of seasonable and holy conferences being far unlike to the Prophet Isaiah who cryeth out to God Wo is me for I am undone because I am a man of uncleane lips and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips Chap. 6.5 Sect. 5 Chara ∣ cter 6 As the Carpenter or Mason is known by his Rule or Plummet so are they who are born in Sion distinguished from all the Sons and Daughters of Babel Gods holy word is the rule by which they square all their principles and practises as the Apostle sheweth us Gal. 6.16 As many as walk according to this rule peace be upon them and mercy and upon the Israel of God Now it is well known that a Rule is very usefull for builders for the discerning of that which is straight from that which is crooked that there may be a symmetry and just proportion between the severall parts of his edifice This rule of the word must 1. be known by us 2. we must have it ever in readinesse 3. It is to be applyed to every doctrine of faith embraced by us and to all your imaginations affections and works that we may all walke by the same Rule Phil 3.16 Application But alas how little do many think of any such rule from one end of the day to the other nay from one end of the week or year to another how few of us know it and how doe most persons cast it behind their backs Do you when you awake every morning consider what affairs you are to goe about the ensuing day doe you contrive as architects use to doe that your undertakings may all be good for the matter and right for manner and ends thereof that all your works may be wrought in God that they may be carried on in faith and obedience to the glory of God then you build upon the Rock and your labours shall be accepted of God and rewarded by him But if you reject the word of God what wisedome is in you Jer. 8.9 God will bring upon you the fruit of your thoughts and doings Jer. 6.19 and in fine reject you as he did Saul for this very cause from being King 1 Sam. 15.26 Chara ∣ cter 7 He is a Jew as the Apostle saith which is one inwardly in the spirit whose praise is not of men but God Rom. 2. 29. He will neither forbear doing good or be drawn to evil for the applause of men or for fear of reproach * 2 Cor. 6.8 he can pass through good report and bad report both willingly and cheerfully knowing well that they are happy who are reproached for the name of Christ Luke 6.22 Quest How doth God praise his people Answ in his word he preferreth them before all others giving them this suffrage The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour Prov. 12. 26 Secondly in advancing them by his all ruling providence above others even many times in this life as he avouched Israel to be his peculiar people according to his promise and made them high above all nations in praise in name in honour Deut. 26.18 19. Thirdly by the approbation and commendation of the godly whose judgement is to be preferred before thousands of other men's as Jonathan pleaded for David against his father Saul 1 Sam. 10.4 Fourthly In their owne consciences by his spirit bearing witnesse to them that they are such as God approveth of in which sense the spirit of glory is affirmed to rest upon them Pet. 4.14 Fifthly in the consciences and confessions of wicked men sometimes even their worst enemies as Saul justified David whose life he had long sought acknowledging to him Thou art more righteous then I 1 Samuel 24.17 Sixthly by clearing up their innocencie from obloquies and slanders in this life and bringing forth their righteousnesse as the light Psalm 37.6 Seventhly in reviving their credits and estimations in the world after their bodies have been long dead and rotten So the Prophets who had been slaine by the Fathers had Tombes built them and their sepulchers garnished by their children worse than their Ancestors who justified the Prophets and condemned their own Fathers saying If we had been in the dayes of our Eathers we would not have been partakers with them in the bloud of the Prophets Mat. 23.29 30. yet even these men afterwards put to death the prince of Prophets Jesus Christ Eighthly at the last day in proclaming their innocency before God Angels and men when that one word Euge well done faithfull and good servant will countervaile all the calumnies and aspersions that ever were cast upon them in this world Mat. 25.21.23 Ob. But great men speak evil of me Ans So did they of David Psalm 119.23 Princes also saith he did sit and speak against me but thy servant did meditate on thy Statutes Where the word also imports that others did the like as else where he complains to God in prayer Let the lying lips be put to silence which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous Psalm 31.18 In this case there is need of the Patience and faith of the Saints Rev. 10. But doe as David did goe to God by prayer and keep close to his testimonies and mark as James speaketh of Job the end which God made with David and certainly in due time he