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
God looked upon with an eye of extraordinary compassion above others Deut. 7.6 2. Before this it was unlawfull for a Jew to keep company with or come unto one of another nation Act. 10.28 3. The Apostle Paul calleth this mercy to us a great mystery Rom. 11.25 whereof he could not make mention without great admiration of Gods singular goodnesse towards us Rom. 16.25 26. 4. The prophecies which St. Paul alledgeth for the proof of the truth hereof call upon us for our joy and thankfulness Rom. 15.9 10 11. Rejoyce ye Gentiles with his people And again Praise the Lord all ye Gentiles and laud him all ye people and the Apostle sheweth there that it was the end which God aimed at in granting this favour to us that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy as it is written for this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles and sing unto thy name 5. The godly Jewes were exceeding thankfull for their election and exaltation above all others and excited one another to render praise for it Psal 135.3.4 Praise ye the Lord for the Lord is good sing praises unto his name for it is pleasant for the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himselfe and Israel for his peculiar treasure And shall we be unthankfull now since he hath written upon their posterity Loammi ye are not my people and I will not be your God Hos 1.9 and in their room he hath made us a chosen generation a royall priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people that we should shew forth the praises of him who hath called us out of darknesse into his marvellous light which in time past were not a people but are now the people of God which had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy 1 Pet. 2.9 10. What great cause of joy did this administer to the beleeving Gentiles at their first hearing of it Act. 13.48 6. St. Paul held it a gift of the grace of God given him that he should be made a minister of the Gentiles to preach among them the unsearchable riches of Christ Eph. 3.7 8. being glad to be our servant 7. This mystery that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body and partakers of the promise in Christ by the Gospel in other ages was not made manifest to the sons of men so fully for the believers before could not be altogether ignorant of a thing so often prophesied of as it is now revealed unto his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit Eph. 3.5 and by them to his Saints Col. 1.26.27 8. This mysterious mercy was after Christs ascension first revealed to Peter by vision from heaven whereby God taught him not to call any man common or uncleane Act. 10.11 whereupon he conformed his demeannour towards the Gentiles accordingly and went immediately and preached the Gospel to * Lorinus in Act. 10.1 ait Cornelius Italus fuisse videtur quia centurio cohort is Italicae Bozius existinart eum è nobilissimâ Corneliorum Romanâ familiâ fuisse Cornelius and his company saying Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons but in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted of him Act. 10.28.35 whereas before this he thought it utterly unlawfull to have conversed with them as he there declareth 9. As Moses had foretold the rebellious Jewes that he would move them to jealousie with those which are not a people I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation Deut. 32.21 which the Apostle applieth to this various manner of Gods dispensation of his grace to the sons of men Rom. 10.19 so it fell out upon this occasion Act. 13.45 when the Jews saw the multitudes gathered together to hear the Apostles doctrine they were filled with envy and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul contradicting and blaspheming Acts. 13.45 But Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said It was necessary that the word of God should first have beene spoken to you but seeing ye put it from you and judg your selves unworthy of everlasting life lo we turne to the Gentiles for so hath the Lord commanded us saying I have set thee to be a light to the Gentiles that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the Earth and when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternal life beleeved v. 46.47.48 whence note that if our happiness provoke the Iewes to jealousy and envy their envy ought to provoke us to the greater gratitude and readiness to receive the grace of God rejected by them and brought to us 10. The blessed angels rejoyce on our behalf to see the prophecies and promises of conversion fulfilled in us 1. Tim. 3.16 1 Peter 1.12 and have not we much more cause to rejoyce and magnify the Lord for his goodness and truth towards ourselves Indeed this honour and prerogative is ever to be granted to the Iewes above all nations of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came Rom. 9.5 to be God's first born Exod. 4.22 and to them was the Gospel first sent Act. 13.46 But since some of them are broken off through unbelief we must be graffed in amongst them before we can partake with them of the root and fatness of the olive tree yet this now is our happiness though we be a wild olive tree by nature we may be graffed in and partake of the root and fatness of the true olive And since nothing without us can hinder us oh let not impenitency and unbelief within debar us from it Sect. 11 Vse 4 Use So I passe on to a word of exhortation Of exhortation 1 Branch 1. to all in general to labour above all things without delay by faith and regeneration to become denizons of the city of the living God the heavenly Ierusalem Heb. 12.22 As many of the Persians became Iewes when they saw how great things God had done for his people Esth 8.17 and Zacheus by receiving Christ into his heart as well as into his house was made a son of Abraham Luk. 19.9 It is not much materiall to determine whether Zacheus was a Iew by lineall descent or no this matter being controverted by interpreters Chrysostom and diverse others after him conceiving that * Bonavent in Luc. Filius erat non carne sed fide Stella in loc Alie nigena imitatione morum factus est filius Zacheus was by his originall a Gentile and now by conversion became a son of Abraham * Chemnit Harmon c. 137. Chemnitius thought otherwise and let it be granted that he was a Iew by Descent yet certain it is he was no true Israelite before now that is he was not the child of God adopted by special grace before his conversion For all are not Israel which are of Israel Rom. 9.6 If the Israelites priviledges formerly laid down in my arguments cannot prevail with
NATHANAEL OR An Israelite Indeed Lively portraied and evidently proved to be an object most worthy both of our Admiration and Imitation His Priviledges and Characters are also layd down Together with a Discovery of the sinfulness and miserie of all Hypocrites and strangers from the Common-wealth of Israel In that day shall Israel be a blessing in the midst of the Land whom the Lord of hosts shall blesse saying Blessed be Israel mine inheritance Isa 19.24 25. Haec lege fac itidem tuque beatus eris By Faithfull Teate D. D. Preacher of the Gospel in East Greenwich in Kent LONDON Printed for George Sanbridge at the Bible on Ludgate-Hill 1657. To all my Worthy and welbeloved friends in the Lord and for some yeares Auditors in the City of Dublin both Magistrates and People And to all my deare and much respected Parishioners of East Greenwich in KENT Dearely beloved THe true Israelite you know is a stranger in the world marvel not therefore that he cometh unto you in a mean dresse yet being glorious within and bearing the lively image of God upon him he doubteth not to find acceptance with you his brethren and with all true Christians As for any other he needs not care what they either think or say I begin with you the inhabitants of the city of Dublin in Ireland Excuse me for not nominating any since your number is so great as by your voluntary subscriptions for my employment and maintenance amongst you in a booke yet kept by me may appeare that if I should name some and should pretermit others and misplace any not knowing after so long absence and at so great distance what alterations time hath wrought among you I might give some offence I believe I shall never forget your great and constant affection towards me since my first coming among you how cordially you embraced my person how readily and gladly you received the Gospel wherof I was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God giâ—en unto me for your sakes while I was with you how freely and plentifully you contributed towards my maintenance and since my removal from you by the clandestine practices of some who then seemed to stand for the English interest but since have beene discovered to be worse enemies within than any without could be how mindful you have been of me and still are as all that come hither from you do certify I cannot and hope you will not forget how many dayes of humiliation even once a weeke for two yeares space we kept together in publike during the time of our sad distresses when our onely weapons were prayers and teares when your city was environed round by hostile forces and in no lesse danger by reason of intestine foes when our enemies were furnished with dayly supplies of choise Commanders and Armes from forrein parts by popish adherents and in the meane time all help except from Heaven only which was thereby rendred more signal was denied us by the obstruction of long continued contrary winds out of England and by implacable dissentions which in that juncture of time was far worse falling out in the bowels of our native country from whence under God we could only expect reliefe what flockings were there then dayly by all sorts to the Courts of Gods house as of doves to their windowes in such abundance that diverse knowing men have been heard to say that they hardly ever saw so great a concourse the number and quality of the persons considered in all their lives in any other parts of the world And how often have we seen God in the mount a present help in the time of trouble What blessed returns did the Lord continually make to our humble supplications even to admiration what great successe did the Lord then graciously give to the word of his grace in converting some in strengthening others and in comforting all How great violence did the kingdom of Heaven suffer among you so that God heard your voice and you heaâ— Gods voice and in the end he admâ—â—istred to us many causes of publike thanksgivings turning all our prayers into praises for his audience and our wonderfull deliverances We have seene five to chase an hundred and an hundred to put thousands to flight It would seeme incredible to many if one should relate to them but one half of that which the Lord hath done for us which we have seene and know to be most true we can subscribe a probatum est to the soveraigne vertue of fasting prayer whereby Israel-like we had power with God and with men and prevailed Genes 32.28 But now Satan envying at our prosperity and having great wrath because he knew his time was but short found out new stratagems advantagious for his destructive ends First now was a new court of delegates erected by arbitrary power among you in the room of the high Commission formerly by authority dejected but this was the same with the former and far worse the name only being altered and rightly was it termed by some a spanish inquisition by others the Abomination of desolation The men authorized to be Judges in this delicate Court were such as professed themselves to stand for the interest of the Irish rebells one of them boldly affirming in the pulpit in your hearing and mine as by diverse sufficient witnesses can be proved that These Warrs are for us Bishops which Maxime had beene formerly divulged among the people but more secretly Whereupon Dr Beadle Bish of Kilmore a most worthy and learned man in a vehement indignation against the same when he first heard thereof burst out into this expression If we B ps be the cause of this horrible tempest let them take us and with Jonah cast us all over board Another of the inquisitors being an Irish man by birth in the same pulpit excused the discontented gentlemen meaning the rebels his countrimen disswading the Soldiers from vigorous prosecution of them and the Judges from condemning such of them as had beene taken prisoners in open hostility unless two or three witnesses should first depose that to their knowledge the said prisoners had before in cold blood committed things worthy of death whereas we all know that those bloody Canibals murthered man woman child except here one and there another escaped by Gods extraordinary preservation as one of Jobs servants escaped from the Caldeans and another from the sword of the Sabaeans onely to bring the sad tydings to their Master of what had been done to the rest of his servants and to his cattell At the same time did this merciful Orator directing his words to me who then sate before him with his fore-finger pointing at me condemne all bloody preaching and praying against them who he said were Christians and admonished me and all others from using the like for future time whereas our Preaching was to animate the soldiers Couragiously to prosecute so just a warre against such unparalleld
chosen that there is none like him among all the people 1 Sam. 10.24 Why These are they whom Christ hath washed in his blood and made Kings and priests to God his father Rev. 1.5 6. These are his favourites Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem Jer. 5.1 and see now and know saith the Lord by Ieremiah and seek through the broad places thereof if you can find a man if there be any that executeth judgment that seeketh the truth and I will pardon it 2. Do not we deeme men eminent for wisdom worthy to be viewed and reviewed How far came the Queen of Sheba to see Solomon upon this account Our Saviovr informeth us Luk. 11.31 even from the utmost parts of the earth Now wisdome maketh the faces of these whom we speak of to shine Eccl. 8.1 as Stephen's did when all that sat in the council looking stedfastly on him saw his face Act. 6.15 as if it had been the face of an Angel And wisdom and truth it self termeth all these children of wisedom Mat. 11.19 and of them may be truely affirmed that which we read of Job the eare that heareth them cannot but blesse them Job 29.11 and the eye that sees them cannot but give witness to them Job 29.11 3ly what flocking together is there to behold great conquerors yea how desirable are their very statues and pictures to such as by distance of place are debarred from the sight of their persons It is recorded that the king of Sodom yea and Melchizedek king of Salem went both out to meet Abraham after the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and of the kings that were with him Genes 14.17 18. Behold I present unto your view such as scripture language styleth more then conquerors Rom. 8.37 Such are all true beleevers through Christ who loves them Fortior est qui se quà m qui fortissima vincit These resist the Devill and put him to flight Jam. 4.7.2 They subdue their own spirit which is a more signal victory then the taking of a strong city Pro. 16.32.3 Christ giveth them victory over death which hath vanquished the noblest conquerors of the world 1. Cor. 15.57.4 Strange and rare shews never want spectators The sacred Chronicle relateth and therefore it desreveth our observation that Solomons ships brought from Tarshish apes and peacocks for their rarity as well as ivorie gold and silver for their value 2 Chron. 9.21 But true converts are most rare New creatures in whom old things are passed away BEHOLD all things are become new Eph. 2.1 2 Cor. 5.17.2 They are raised from death to life you hath he quickned saith the Apostle to the Ephesians who were dead in trespasses and sins This is a more admirable work then the raising of Lazarus from the grave which notwithstanding drew a great concourse of people to Jesus who had raised him Joh. 12.9 Who came not for Jesus sake only but that they might see Lazarus also whom he had raised from the dead 5. Multitudes have ever used to gaze upon persons sumptuously apparrelled Luk. 7.25 what went you out saith our Saviour to the people into the wilderness to SEE a man cloathed in soft raiment BEHOLD they which are gorgeously apparrelled are in kings courts But St John Rev. 12 1. discovereth to us a greater matter of admiration There appeared saith he a great wonder in heaven a woman the Spouse of Christ whereof every true beleever is a member cloathed with the Sunne Oecumen in Apoc. cap. 33. Ecclesia Sole justitiae Christo stipata est the righteousness of Jesus Christ whom shee hath put on Gal. 3.27 for uxor fulget radiis mariti with the Moone under her feet that is worldly things which are mutable like the moone are by her little accounted of and upon her head is a crown of twelve starres the doctrine of the 12. Apostles whereon she is founded Revel 21.14 and this her raiment is like the Isralites garments in the wilderness which waxed not old Neh. 9.21 but groweth more and more glorious by wearing as faith encreaseth by exercise 6. Exquisite beauties have an attrative force over mens eyes and mindes When David espied from the roof of his house Bathsheba who was very beautifull to look upon washing her selfe he sent messengers to fetch her to him 2 Sam. 11.2 But lo here is an incomparable beauty as the Lord himselfe describeth it Ezec. 16.13 14. Thou wast exceeding beautifull saith hee to Israel and thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty for it was PERFECT through my comlinesse which I had put upon thee These are indued with perfect beauty neither are they snowt-faire for the Proverb foras Helena intus Hecuba hath no room here but they are all glorious within Psalm 45.13 neither is this a decaying beauty like Naomies Ruth 1.20 who in a few yeares was metamorphosed into Marah as herself complaines nor yet is it like Ephraims glorious beauty which became like a fading flower Isa 28.1.4 neither doth that proverb take place here at all Isa 28.1.4 Fair in the cradle fowle in the saddle for this is a permanent yea an increasing beauty like the olive trees Hos 14.6 Jam. 2.3 Lo 7. Riches win respect among men Lo their riches are correspondent to their raiment and beauty It cannot be said of them which is too truly of some others averred that they have gold and silver on their backs and copper in their purses for they are a peculiar treasure unto the Lord above all people Exo. 19.5 and though they may be poor in the world yet are they heires of the kingdom of Heaven Jam. 2.5 yea all things here below are theirs as they are Christs Christ is Gods 1 Cor. 3.22.23 Esth 6.8 9. 8. Observance attendeth honour Their honour is equivalent to their riches 1. Chron. 4.9 Iabez was more honourable then his brethren the reason hereof is rendred vers 10. He called on the God of Israel God honoureth them Isa 43.4 Since thou wast precious in my sight saith he to Israe thou hast beene Honourable and I have loved thee In them dwelleth the spirit of God 1. Cor. 3.16 and can we find such a man as this is said king Pharoah of Joseph in whom the spi◠t of God is Genes 41.38 And by the Spirit of the Lord are they changed into the image of the Lord from glory to glory 2. Cor. 3.18 and for this cause the holy angels according to to their charge readily vouchsafe their attendance night and day upon them the least among them not excepted Mat. 18.10 Heb. 1.14 Mat. 18.10 The godly also who only among men know the true estimate of persons make high account of them In whose eyes a vile person be he never so highly advanced in the world is contemned but they honour all that feare the Lord Psal 15.4 Lastly Christ himself is the glory of his people Israel Luk. 2.32 Sect. 3 Use
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
will wipe off all dirt cast upon your faces also I deny not but praise is desirable among all Application And whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue and if there be any praise these things are to be thought on Phil. 4 8. for a good name is rather to be chosen then great riches Prov. 22.1 But they that love the praise of men more then the praise of God or will not be content with the honour that commeth from God alone But receive honour one of another neither doe nor can believe John 5.44 Obj. How then doth the same evangelist avouch that many of the chiefe rulers believed on Christ but because of the Pharisees they did not confesse him lest they should be put out of the Synagogue for they loved the praise of men more then the praise of God John 12.42 43. are they not here said for all this to believe How then can you affirme that such persons neither do nor can believe A. What I affirm Christ hath taught and therefore we must distinguish of faith they believed the truth but not truly as * Illa non est vera legitima fides doctrinam credere simpliciter esse veram non autem penitùs se illi subjicere Calvin Non fuit vera viva fiides haec enim à confessione non separatur Brentius in Ioh. 12 Non habuerunt veram fidem sed fictitiam quae cum non constiterit adversus insultum Pharisaeorum multò minus constare poterit adversus insultum Sathanae Bucer and others conclude out of the comparing of these places together True faith they had not because they did not wholly submit themselves to Christ and his truth True and lively faith saith Calvin is not seperated from confession for with the heart man believeth to righteousnesse and with mouth confession is made unto salvation Rom. 10.10 For albeit it is likely saith he that they were not altogether dumb yet because their confession was not ingenuous or free enough the Evangelist-absolutely denieth that they professed their faith Wherefore let no man flatter himselfe who in any part concealeth and dissembleth his faith lest he should incurre the Odium or hatred of men For albeit the name of Christ be odious that fear is not excusable which compelleth us to decline in the least manner from his confession If any therefore preserve their reputations with whatsoever dependeth thereupon as worldly profit and safety before Iesus Christ and his truth they are not worthy of Him but they and their credit shall perish together as 1. all such whosoever they be as comply with evil times embrace heterodox tenets and side with factions swerving from the right rule of Gods word either for feare of losse or hope of preferment and 2. all such as dare not own the cause of Christ nor joyne with the true professors thereof in time of persecution and danger or basely forbeare holy duties and religious performances for the same causes for all these are but mongrel Christians as appeareth by the parable of the sower where they are compared to stony ground for though they heare the word and anone with joy receive it yet have they not root in themselves but when persecution ariseth because of the word by and by they are offended Mat. 13.20.21 where we meet twice with by and by suddenly they receive the word and as suddenly they start aside and recede from it How many such are there in our dayes as there have bin in former ages as they that were then eye-witnesses informe us * Lessius in Joan 12. Hodie multi affirmant in persecutione licere abnegare doctrinam Evangeli et occultare sententiam suam si modò corde servetur fides Many faith one of them at this day affirme that one may deny the doctrine of the Gospel in time of persecution and conceale their opinions if so be faith be retained in the heart This well considered would bring back into the right way all such Demasses as have fallen away and preserve others from backsliding Chara ∣ cter 8 A true Israelite loveth them who appertaine to the same city and are of the same family as all true believers are Eph. 2.19 And hereby we know saith the beloved Disciple that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren he that loveth not his brother abideth in death 1 Joh. 3.14 For every one that loveth him that begot loveth him that is begotten of him 1 Joh. 5.1 and how can we love the head Christ if we love not His members also But this love must not be in word nor in tongue onely but in deed and in truth and then thereby we shall know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before God 1 Joh. 3.19 True Christian love is like to the planet called Stella Veneris which attendeth the Sunne of righteousness and appeareth first and last in the soul among all the planets of graces in an Israelite indeed and shineth brightest in the night of temptation when faith and other graces like the rest of the stars are many times so clouded and obscured that we cannot discerne them in our selves Quest But how may we know that our Love of the brethren is sincere A 1. If it proceed from faith for faith worketh by love Gal. 5.6 and assureth us of Gods love to our owne souls and this maketh us to love one another as Christ hath loved us Eph. 5.2 2 If it extend to all the Saints the poor as well as rich Philem 5. to such as never yet shewed us outward kindness as wel as to them who have been beneficial to us 3. If it be real and operative in affoarding them seasonable and necessary relief according to our ability then God will not be unrighteous to forget our work and labour of love which hath been shewed towards his name in administring to the Saints Heb. 6.10 4. If it be constant yea increasing every day more and more 1 Thess 4.10 5 If it be chiefly set upon the good of the souls of men and women that they may prosper 6 If we can forbeare and for give them pray for them and sympathize with them in their several conditions and delight in their society above others These will be cleare evidences of the soundness of our affection to them which will evidence to us againe that we are of the fold of the great shepheard and little flock for whom he hath prepared the kingdom On the contrary they who hate the righteous as Esau did blessed Iacob Application Genes 27.41 who * Gregor moral l 25 c. 9. Si ergo tantâ poenâ mulctatur qui non dedisse convinci tur quâ poenâ feriendus est qui redarguitur abstulisse aliena rob and spoile them instead of feeding and clothing them who traduce revile curse and despise them separating them out of their society discover themselves to be
Instance 6 6. Israel is called pater votorum the Father of vowes because he is the first that ever we read of in Scripture who made any religious vow Gen. 28.20 Jacob vowed a vow saying if God will be with me and will keep me in the way that I goe and will give me bread to eate and rayment to put on so that I come againe to my Fathers house in peace then shall the Lord be my God v. 21. and this stone which I have set for a pillar shall be Gods house and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee v. 22. The vow consisteth 1. of prayer for Gods presence protection and maintenance and a prosperous returne 2. of a promise that God shall be his God to worship him internally in spirit and externally in that place to build God an house and to give him the tenth of all his increase And accordingly he performed his vow Gen. 35.1.3 In like manner are we called upon to vow unto the Lord and to performe Psalm 76.11 But alas how little do most mind their vow in Baptism and many make vowes but pay not * Bernar. Epist 2. Justè exigitur ad solvendum qui non cogitur ad vovendum whereas it were better that is lesse evill not to vow then to vow and not to pay Eccles 5.5 Sect. 8 Instance 7 Seventhly in the same words Jacob seeketh not great things for himselfe all he desireth is bread to eat and rayment to put on to teach us that lesson which St. Paul deduceth hence 1 Tim. 6.8 Having food and rayment let us be therewith content many better then we who have not had so much have been better content The great Apostle of the Gentiles gives us his patern as well as his precept heâ—ein Phil. 4.11 where he proclaimeth to the Churches not by way of boasting but for our imitation that he had learned in whatsoever state he was therwith to be content If the Lord shall not give us estates suitable to our minds let us bring our minds to our estates and say The wise and loving God knoweth better than we what condition is fittest for us who hath taught us to aske for our dayly bread that is all things necessary and no more for this is the readiest way to have more bestowed on us as Jacob afterwards attained to exceeding great riches who passed over Jordan at the first with his staffe onely at his return back became two bonds Gen. 32.10 How great need have we all to beware and take heed of pride and covetuousnesse lest they discard us from among true Israelites either of which will never suffer the heart to be contented 1. The proud man meaning the Caldean keepeth not at home within his own bounds but enlargeth his desire as Hell and is as death and cannot be satisfied Habak 2.5 2. He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver nor he that loveth abundance with increase Ec. 5.10 For this end 1. Let us pray the Lord with David Psalm 119.36 to incline our hearts to his Testimonies and not to covetuousnesse Among the rest of Gods precepts let us well study the tenth Commandement wherein covetuousnesse is condemned and the contrary contentednesse is enjoyned 2. Think not that this Dropsie will be cured by increasing wealth but purge out the noxious humours within Quo plùs sunt potae plùs sitiuntur aquae Ovi and this distemper will be healed 3. Make Christ your portion with whom you are sure of all things Rom. 8.32 as St. Paul having nothing yet possessed all things 2. Cor. 6.10 Thus do and you shall find godlinesse with contentment to be better then the largest Patrimony here below Instance 8 Jacob is a mirrour of thankfulnesse both for privative and positive mercy for audience of prayer preservations spiritual and temporall as all along the story of his life you may read I will make an altar saith he to God who answered me in the day of my distresse and was with me in the way which I went Gen. 35.3 Of his children he saith to Esau These are the children which God hath graciously given to thy servant Gen. 33.5 And of his cattle God hath dealt gratiously with me I have enough v. 11. What Israel did all the house of Israel are required to do Psal 135.19 Blesse the Lord O house of Israel Others will not or cannot praise God aright when the Gentiles knew God they glorified him not as God neither were thankfull Rom. 1.21 Hypocrites may boast themselves of a false gift but in so doing are like clouds and wind without raine Prov. 25.14 The proud Pharisee could say God I thank thee that I am not as othermen are extortioners unjust adulterers or even as this publicane but went away as he came unjustified Luk. 18.11.14 Praise is comely for the righteous and for them alone Psal 33.1 Rejoyce in the Lord O ye righteous praise is comely for the upright 1. God hath blessed the house of Israel Psal 115.12 and they can blesse God who hath blessed them with all blessings in heavenly places in Christ But a person who is neither elected Ephes 1.3 nor redeemed nor justified nor sanctified cannot in truth blesse God either for his election redemption justification or sanctification or any other spiritual blessing before he knoweth in some sort these things belong to him 2. We must be in Christ and by him offer up spiritual sacrifices before we or our praises can be acceptable to God 1. Pet. 2.5 3 None else can praise God in faith and without faith it is impossible to please God Heb. 11.6.4 Their Instrument is in tune their heart is ready all the faculties of their soule are in right order Psalm 108.1 O God my heart is fixed I will sing give praise 5. they onely have skill to play upon this instrument Proverbs 10.32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable to God and men Instance 9 9. Jacob sware by the feare of his father Isaac Gen. 31.53 where by the the fear of Isaac is to be understood God himselfe as you see ve se 41. where he saith to Laban Except the God of Abraham and the fear of Isaac had been with me surely thou hadst sent me away now empty And hence we learne 1. that swearing is not altogether unlawfull but may be used as a part of Gods worship 2 he sware not ordinarily till he had a weighty cause 3 he sware by the Lord. 4 with fear and reverence as his forme of words expresse unlike to him in their judgement are such as hold it unlawfull under the Gospel to swear at all or in any case whatsoever as some in our dayes teach and the * Ioseph l. 2. De bello Iudaico c. 7. Essaeans of old who thought all oaths as bad as perjurie whereas * Isa 45.23 the Lord hath sworn by himself that unto him every tongue shal
who are so far transported with rage that in way of private revenge they commit the horrid sin of murther as Joab slew Amasa and Abner men more righteous then himselfe All these I say are farre from Jacobs spirit and consequently are none of his spirituall seed Sect. 9 Instance 12 12. Israel is a worthy pattern to all in oeconomical and family duties 1. He was a dutifull child to his parents he obeyed his father and mother his father when he was decrepiâ— by reason of old age and his motheâ— though the weaker sex Genes 28.7 and for this among other his vertues his father blessed him and his mother loved him intirely Yea God also blessed him who hath made many great promises to all obedient children Eph. 6.1 2 3. Children saith the Apostle obey your parents in the Lord for this is right Honour thy father and mother which is the first commandement with promise that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the Earth whereas God hath denounced grievous threats against stubborn and unruly children Pro 30.17 The eye that mocketh at his father and despiseth to obey his mother the ravens of the valley shall pick it out and the young eagles shall eat it the meaning is In cruce Corvos pascere Horat. he shall come to a shamefull end as the common proverb importeth 2. When Jacob was grown up to be marriageable he was not Esau-like his owne carver to choose where he lusted but submitted himself to be disposed oâ— in wedlock as his father and mother â—hought good Genes 28.1.2 Thou â—halt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan said his father Isaac to him Arise go to Padan Aram and â—ake thee a wife of the daughters of Laban thy mothers brother and he did so Add to this the testimony of St Paul 1. Cor. 7.38 where he saith the father is to give his virgin in marriage 3. Iacob was a diligent and faithfull servant twenty yeares together to Laban a fraudulent and churlish master as he pleadeth with him for himselfe at their parting Genes 31.38 I have beene with thee 20. yeares they ewes and thy shee goats have not cast their young and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten that which was torne of beasts I brought not unto thee I bare the losse of all that was stolen whether by day or night In the day the drought consumed me and the frost by night and my sleep departed from mine eyes v. 40. And he appealeth to the knowledge of Rachel and Leah Laban's daughters to whom he thus spake Genes 31.6 ye know that with all my power I have served your father With this precedent agreeth the Apostolicall precept Servants be subject to your masters with all feare not onely to the good and gentle but also to the froward 1. Pet. 2.18 not with eye-service as men pleasers but in singleness of heart fearing God and whatsoever ye do do it heartily as unto the Lord and not unto men knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ Coloss 3.22.23 This may let all idle false purloyning servant who like Onesimus before his conversions do their masters harme instead of good or who Ziba-like slander deceive those who retained and do maintaine them for better ends to know that they feare not God nor be the servants of Iesus Christ yet will he pay them their wages even the wages of sin eternal death unless with Onesimus they repent 4. He reformed and cleansed his household and all that were with him and brought them to the publike place of Gods worship Gen. 35.2 Bethel As David went with his traine to the house of God Psal 42.4 and Joshuah professed as for me and mine house we will serve the Lord Josh 24.15 But how many may be found in our times who absent themselves from the assemblies of God Saints Hebr. 10.25 even upon the Lords dayes though no necessary impediment either of sickness or other justifiable cause detaine them or if they come yet their children or servants are left to themselves to goe whither they will and to do what they please contrary to the expresse commandement of God which requires all masters with their children and servants and all within their gates to sanctifie the sabbath 5. He taught them before they came how to prepare themselves charging them to cleanse themselves and to change their garments Genes 35.2 that they might come with reverence into so great a presence for holiness becometh thine house O Lord for ever Psal 93.5 So the preacher instructeth us to keep our feet when we go to the house of God and be more ready to heare than to give the sacrifice of fooles Eccl. 5.1 whereas many consider not that they do evil when they lend God their bodily presence in his courts though they lay not aside malice and all guile and hypocrisies and envies and evill speakings as God commands 1 Pet. 2.1 and that is the reason why many joyne with others in praying and hearing and it profits them not neither are they accepted with God as Cain offered up sacrifice as well as Abel but God had respect to Abel and his sacrifice but to Cain and his sacrifice he had no respect Genes 4.4 5. 6. Among other sins Iacobs care was that they should put away their idols Genes 35.2 put away saith he the strange Gods that are among you and they gave unto him all the strange Gods which were in their hands and all their ear-rings which were in their eares and he hid them under an oake that they might never be found againe v. 4. In like sort the Lord enjoyneth his people to abolish all the reliques of idolatry Deut. 7.25 26. The graven images of their Gods shall ye burn with fire thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them nor take it unto thee lest thou be snared therein for it is an abomination to the Lord thy God neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thy house lest thou be a cursed thing like it but thou shalt utterly detest it and thou shalt utterly abhor it for it is a cursed thing O that this most strict charge were well regarded by all even such as are called protestants then would they quickly remove out of their houses and closets all popish pictures of Christ the Virgin Mary and other Saints and angels and sacrifice them to the flames before they be cast themselves into the lake of fire and brimstone Here let not any of them think that the sorry distinction of the Rhemists between the images and pictures of heathenish Gods and the true God and Christ Rhemish on 1 Iohn wil availe any thing Sect. 5 For the commandement runs Thou shalt not make to thy self the likeness of any thing in heaven above or the earth beneath And they are Christians to whom Saint John writeth 1 Joh. 5.21