will bring him to an untimely End in despight of all his Friend and indeed none must or can hinder it ☞ Annotations upon this miraculous support to the Emperour from above the Poet Claudiam wrote those Verses though no Christian O Nimium dilecte Deo cui Militat Aether Et conjourati veniunt ad clasfica venti Englished thus O Gods belov'd whom power Aereal And winds come arm'd to help when thou dost call Sure thou art much belov'd of God to whom the ayr and winds bring ayd against thine Enemies or come in with ayd c. These Verses are variously cited by several Authors See August de civit Dei l. 5. c. 26. with L. vives Comment Alsted Theol. Cat. pag. 732. Simps Hist. Cent. 4. p. 67. Ap. In the end of these before-named and their violent deaths Observe what may be expected by such but the usual End of Traytors Tyrants and Vsurpers and what mercy should be shewed unto them more then to those Husbandmen who conspired together saying This is the Heir come let us kill him and let us seize on his Inheritance that shall be ours and thereby we shall be rich Mat. 21.33 Mark 12.1 Luke 20.9 But how long did they hold and enjoy the Inheritance and what was the end and final event of this Conspiracy c. the Lord of the Vineyard came ere long and miserably destroyed those wicked men and did let out his Vineyard to others This must be the End of wicked and Blood-guilty men Have we had none such in this Nation within these twenty Years and could they think that it was so often written in vain that the spoylers of others must be spoyled themselves Esay 33.1 Eze. 39.10 Habak 2.8 and they that take the Sword in unjust Quarrels and wit hout a just Calling according to the Ordinance of God shall perish with the Sword saith our Saviour Mat. 26.52 yet Peter drew his Sword in a very good Cause one would think Causes of War had need to be well examined before Men fight spoyl and kill else there will be a retaliation of such things Jer. 25.14 God will Recompence men herein and with what measure men meet to others it shall be measured to them again Mat. 7.2 For he that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity or be led by others he that killeth with the Sword must be killed with the Sword In the mean time here is work for the prayers the patience and the Faith of the Saints Rev. 13.10 ☞ These things may encourage us to be unwearied in prayer For faith patience and prayers work wonderfully still as in former Ages on the Churches behalf and have we not lately had experience of it For do we not think that prayers had not the most powerful Efficacy in the great Alteration who God in much mercy hath made in our Land in May last An. Dom. 1660. Yea and that besides and beyond any other military Force in reducing the King Charles the Second so many Years banished and the Ancient Government of the Kingdom so long and so miserably oppressed and spoiled by cruel and wicked Usurpers and that contrary to the cursed intentions of so many and beyond the very hopes and expectations of all men in so strange a way Quest And why did God do this but to verifie and justifie his manifold promises to Kingdomes and Nations in that case so frequently Sol. All which you may sum up in that short Sentence of the Psalmist Psa 34.6 with the variation of one word This poor Nation cryed and the Lord heard and saved or delivered us out of all our troubles Sit Deo Gloria Thus you have had the Uses of Reproof to sundry persons and of Exhortation with divers Motives to perswade us thereto To these I shall subjoyn some Advertisements and Directions concerning Prayer and so conclude this Subject and close up this Text. I. You know what prayer is viz. A making known of our Requests to God in every thing by Supplication c. conjoyn'd with Thanksgiving Phil. 4.6 And this may be done Mentally or Vocally by Ejaculatory Expressions or studied Petitions upon a sudden or at a set-time privately or publickly as the present necessity occasion or opportunity of the Affair doth require and will permit II. Who must pray I answer All persons out of duty to God the Great Creator and bountifull Benefactor of all things of men in a special manner Psalm 8. Acts 14.17 Hypocrites within and Infidels without the bosome of the Church all may and must pray thus out of duty and sometimes they may perform it successefully as Ahab 1 Kings 21.27 Those Marriners in a storm Jonah 1.5 though Heathens and the Ninevites Jonah 3.8 But the Elect of God pray only effectually and to purpose and of these all that are truly godly do in a most special manner apply themselves to this Duty and that because he best knows that this is a Service due to the Lord who is Paramount the chief Lord from whom we hold all things he is acquainted with the duty and receives the Spirit of Adoption to help him therein Rom. 8. And he is qualified for it both in his person and Graces 1. In his person he is not in the state trade and bondage of sin for God hears not such Joh. 9. But he is Righteous c. and to such is the promise made Psalm 34.15 2. In Graces and that in his Understanding Will and Affections In the understanding with knowledge faith to believe that God is and that he is a Rewarder c. Heb. 11.6 that our persons are accepted through Christ and that out Suits are welcome to God through him In the will and affections with a right posture upon the right Object viz. God not upon sin Psalm 101.3 For if we regard iniquity in our hearts he will not hear us Psalm 66.18 Sincerity desiring Bonum sub Ratione Boni Grace because it is Grace to such is that Promise Psalm 145.18 Zeal must be in our will and affections and that in a right proportion This Sacrifice must have some Fire such prayers are effectual James 5. Not if cold or dead These and all such persons so qualified of whatsoever sex age state or condition c. may and must pray privately according to their owne proper station place and Imployment c. But for publick prayers in Church they only must perform them which are lawfully and publickly called to church-Church-Employment as Timothy was by Paul c. Act. 6.4 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Thus there may be an intrusion upon publick work whether prayer or preaching or administring the Sacraments c. The publick Minister is the mouth of the people to God in prayer of God to the people in preaching III. To whom must we pray Answ To God He only is to be worshipped with our holy prayers Deut. 6.13 Mat. 4.10 This is an Homage only due to him God claimes it as his peculiar prerorative
PANOPLIA Or the whole ARMOUR OF GOD Explained and applyed for the Conduct and Comfort of a CHRISTIAN in all his Tryals and Tentations AS ALSO The Dying Preachers LEGACY in several Sermons being the last Labours of the Reverend Author in the course of his Ministry TOGETHER With certain seasonable Considerations proving the Lawfulness and Expediency of a set Form of Lyturgy in the Church All prepared for the Press by the Reverend Authour before his decease and now made publick for the Common Good By RICHARD VENNER late Rector of St Maries in Warwick 2 Cor. 10.4 For the Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds c. LONDON Printed by T. Ratcliffe for John Durham and are to be sold at the Rofe and Crown in St Paul's Church-yard MDCLXII TO THE Right Honourable Right Worshipful and others his Worthy Parishioners and diligent frequenters of the Ordinances of God of the Parish-Church in St. Maryes in Warwick together with the whole Body of the said Burrough Grace Mercy and Peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ his dear Son IT was never want of good Will that hindered me from appearing to you in Print before this time that after my Decease you might have a more visible remembrance of the Truths you have been taught by me and which I hope you have received and practised to your own Everlasting Comfort but other Indigencies or Shortness of Means and the like and the Incessant Exigencies of so great a place have prevented me thus doing until now you know that about a year and six moneths since it pleased God to visit me with very sharp sickness yet continuing me with strength for the discarge of my Place I bethought my self upon what fit Text I should pitch whence I might express my Last Farewell to so worthy an Auditory And by Gods Providence lighting upon this the Apostles Farewell to his beloved Thessalonians I was resolved to speak something of this to you In the perusal of which My Labours you will find variety of matter suitable with the Text and with these times There may be some will find more then they look for And others I am sure will find those things which will be very welcome to them I hope all will be candidly accepted for I am sure it was so intended and delivered But howsoever preaching takes with men yet your dying Pastor had always an eye to what might please God in the practise of his Ministry I do now leave this with you as the last Legacy of my Love nor could it be with greater affection and greater desire of your good and growth in grace If it had been from the hands of more eminent Worthies in the Church Elegances of Speech and Complements in serious things suit not with sick beds and dying groans Whatsoever this small piece be I leave it to you from the deepest bowels of my dearest love to you in the Lord Jesus and the good Lord crown this with my other labours and seal them upon you to your Eternal Good Your faithful Pastour and Servant in the Service of the Lord Jesus RICHARD VENNER Memorandum A Speech made in St. Maries Church in Warwick the second day of September 1660. for the satisfaction of the Congregation there assembled upon my beginning to Read the Book of Common-Prayer again publickly in the Church after sixteen years discontinuance BEloved Before we begin Prayers let me preadvise you of some things Sudden Changes in the Church or State have often been attended with sad consequences and events Many have been the sad changes and wofull alterations of which we of this Nation have had miserable experience for these eighteen years last past Amongst which after the most execrable murther of the late Kings Majesty of blessed memory and with him the abolition and extirpation of Kingly Government to the utter undoing of the whole Nation both Church and State as much as in them lay and the irrecoverable and irreparable ruine of them both I say after such a nefandum scelus a wickednesse not to be named amongst Christians There have befallen two other things which do much reflect upon the Church which are 1. The extirpation of Episcopacy and 2. The expulsion of the Liturgy or form of Common-Prayer or Gods publick Worship and Service and of divine Administrations 1. For the first viz. Episcopaay It is I think sufficiently proved and may therefore be easily granted that there is ground enough in the Gospel and the practice of the Primitive and succeeding Ages for the continuance of Evangelical Paternal Primitive Episcopacy in the Church to the end of the World so long as the Lord Jesus is the chief Bishop of our souls 1 Pet. 2.25 See King Charles Answer to Alex. Henderson and to our English Divines at the Isle of Weight See also Bish Bilson Bish Hall Yet this Government must down Root and Branch without either conviction or tryal or any consideration of Primitive practice and all this only to satisfie the ambition and avarice of some men who did eagerly desire and greedily gape after the Bishops Authority and Estates Which Government thus overthrown we have been left without any Government in the Church ever since Septemb. 1. 1642. just eighteen yeares compleat this day to the great distraction and confusion both of this Church and Nation But I shall say no more of Episcopacy at this time of which much might be said but I leave it to the wisdome of the King and Parliament to settle such a Government as shall be most conducible to the Churches welfare faxit Deus Episcopacy being thus rooted out yet the mischief of these men is not ended 2. The next thing which must be expulsed and quite excluded in the Church is the Liturgy or form of Gods publick worship divine Service and Administrations commonly called the Book of Common-Prayer c. And neverthelesse that Set-forms of Prayer c. have good authority from the Word of God 1. God Commanded a set-form of blessing the people Num. 6.23 2. And David appointed set-psalmes for several occasions as the Titles of them do shew Psalm 92.3 And Joel a set-form of prayers for a solemn Fast Joel 2.17 4. Yea and Christ himself that commands us to pray after such a manner and prescribes us a Rule of prayer Mat. 6.9 even he commands us to use the set-forms of words by him prescribed Luke 11.2 Thus you have divine Authority enough for a set-form of Prayer yet add 5. Of all prayers premeditated prayers are the best Eccl. 5.1 and of such those allowed by publick Authority are to be preferred before those which are to be uttered by any private Spirit 6. Besides all the Churches in the Christian World in the first and best times had their set-forms of Liturgy many of which are extant in the writings of the Fathers 7. And yet more Let our Liturgy be compared with the Liturgies
Suplication and Prayer both which may be styled both offensive and defensive also For with the Word and prayer we do not only 1. Wound our enemy But 2. Defend our selves also against the crafty Wiles and violent Assaluts of our spiritual Adversaries ☞ 1. With this Sword the word of God our Saviour wounded the Devil and cut to pieces the Snares as well as repelled the violence of his various Temptations Mat 4.1 to 12. 2. And with this The manifold Errours Heresies and evil Opinions of all Ages have been refuted and ouerthrown 3. And with this the Reigning and Domineering Transgressions of many a sinner have been beaten down and slaughtered and as it hath been a sharp edged sword to cut down such things Ap. So it hath been as effectual to protect and preserve the servants of God from the danger of them all ☞ The like may be said of Prayer Both for 1. The Destruction of the Enemies of the Church temporal or spiritual 2. And for the procuring of Peace and Safety to the Church in several Exigents in all Ages 3. And all this strength courage and compleat Armour must be rouzed up and put on that she may be able to stand 4. To withstand and 5. Resist the Craftiness Wiles and Deceits 6. Mighty Assaults and also the Violence Rage and Fury 7. Of so powerful an Enemy as the Devil is 8. In both his Wiles to ensnare and Assaults to subdue and to stand holding fast the Truth and to gain the Victory and 9. So to remain in the Evil day 1. Affliction and Tribulation which befal all in the day of this Life 2. Temptation when Satan is let loose to tempt and try the most 3. Persecution by Antichrist Tyrants and Hereticks in several ages who have been instigated by Satan 1. To make Havock of the Church as Saul did Acts 9.1 2. Yea 2. To Infect Afflict and if it might totally to extinguish the Church and people of God that Israel might be as Psalm 83.4 forgotten Thus you have had the point opened and proved to you in the several branches and parts of it and each Part and Explination carries sufficient reason in it further to confirm the Doctrine and which Reasons are suited to every particular and may thus briefly be sum'd up Because REAS. 1. The Church in the best condition is very obvious to be sown with Tares of Seducers ☞ And had great need therefore to keep strict Watch to prevent this envious Adversary 2. The Church at the best is but very weak in her own strength and what member of the Church is not sensible of this ☞ Had she not need then to look up to the Lord for Aid and divine Assistance because without him she can do nothing of her self 3. The Armour is strengthening Armour it doth not only cover and defend but also infuseth Courage into the Soldier and enables him to fight 4. That she may Stand For how can Nakedness withstand an armed man 5. The Wiles of the Devil are very many and he acteth by divers Instruments For he is subtil 2 Cor. 11.3 and hath snares depths 1. Seeming Friends as Psalm 55.12 13 14. It was not an Enemy 2. Domestick Servants as Judas Psalm 41.9 John 3.18 cited by Christ 3. False Brethren as 2 Cor. 11.26 that will insinuate to know Gal. 2.4 their mind and then betray them How usual hath this been 4. By transforming himself as Satan doth into an Angel of 2 Cor. 11.12 13 14 15. light Either 1. By assuming a lightsome body like an Angel of Light Or 2. By suggesting such things as seem to savour of piety zeal and holiness Mat. 4. Ap. So his Ministers deceitful workers do By a fair outside c. and 2. By excellent pretences of zeal piety c. 6. Because Satans assaults and temptations are very violent and impetuous as it appeared by their prevalency over David Solomon Sampson Ap. If such Champions fell consider then what may befal us 7. Satan his army adherents and instruments are even innumerable and exceeding powerful like those Nimrod like Anshehashem 1. Before and after Noahs Flood Giants Gen. 6.4 10.8 9 10. 2. Like Anakims and Zamzumims Deut. 2.10 11 20. Tall Giants Noah and Aaron in Jehoshaphats 2 Chro. 20. Ethiopians and Lubians in Asahs time 2 Chron. 14.9.3 and Assyrrians in Hezekias 2 Chron. 32 and mighty potent as being 1. The Angel of the bottomless pit Revel 9. to 12. 2. The great Dragon the old Serpent called the Devil and Satan Rev. 12.9 3. The roaring Lion 1 Pet. 5.8 4. Prince of the power of the air Ephes 2.2 5. And King of Locusts Rev. 9.11 To name no more besides the Title given him in the verse before in the Text all which do argue an irresihable strength if we have not the aid of a powerful hand to help us against him 8. Because he doth invade and storm us with such snares attempts c. Both 1. Within us by inflaming Concupiscence and acting to do evil in our best services and in secret evil Lusts as well as 2. Without storming us with temptations to wickedness 9. Because all this he doth mostly in the evil day 1. Of tribulation affliction sickness and death Ap. And what work he makes then the diligent Visitors of sick beds and dying persons c. can well speak by woful experience Or 2. Of Temptation when he is let loose upon doubtful or despaiful souls For he hath his snares and depths 1 Tim. 3.7 2 Tim. 2.26 Rev. 2.24 10. Because if we stand not but either 1. desert our fellow-Soldiers Or 2. Yield our ground Or 3. Neglect our watch and lay down our resolution we are utterly undone we loose the day and our glory as Revolters have done These Uses are enlarged after Uses are suited to the several branches of the Doctrines and are of 1. Inform 2. Reproof 3. Exhort 4. Comfort USE I. 1. Informs how watchful and careful should the Leaders and Teachers of the Church be against those that sow Tares Cockle and Darnel against all Errours and Heresies repugnant to the Truth as the Primitive Churches were in their general Councels of Nice c. 2. Reproves the faults of them that neglect this as too many do Gallio-like not caring what Errours do arise so that they may sit at ease as the Romans and other Sects that leave no help either to prevent or extirpate Errours 3. Exhorts us to do our duty herein for how frequently is Vigilancy commanded and commended 4. And comforteth us if we do it This first Use is from the first branch or particular of the Doctrine USE II. The second Use is from the second Branch 1. Informs us that we are weak and do stand in great need of the aid of the Lord to help us 2. Blames us for not seeking it but for seeking after and resting upon other or Evil things that cannot stead or profit us 3. Perswades us to do it as the Church
Gilead where the best Balm is to be had and do use many Medicines yet we shall still remain incurable and irrecoverable 2. As it befel Babylon also Jer. 8.9 So that though we do howl and take Balm for this pain and would fain heal these things yet we cannot be healed 2. And I know we have the Scriptures the Oracles of God which are the best Balsam in the world to close and cure these wounds if we would admit them to be the Judge of our Controversies and that they were rightly applyed and made use of See Camerons Judge of Controversie 1. Melancthon that mirrour of Germany for learning and Moderation of spirit in his Time did mightily endeavour to unite the Romish and the reformed Churches 2. And Grotius a man of great learning and eminent in parts hath since of late industriously laboured in the same work to name no more for that work 3. Some others have endeavoured an Argreement betwixt the Sectaries of these times and the truly Orthodox Protestant Ministers and people of the Church of England Yet all endeavours in these cases have hitherto proved fruitless and in vain And no marvel For as Jehu said to Joram 2 Kings 9.22 what peace can there be whilest the Whoredoms of Jezabel and her Witchcrafts are so many Whilest men are still so obstinate and pertinacious in erroneous ways and opinions Yet no doubt there is a way left for healing and there might be a cure if all persons on each side would but patiently submit and yield to such things as are to be added or abated for the union of the whole the good cementing of the stones of our Christian Building till we all become an holy Temple in the Lord Ephes 2.20 21 22. Where you see our Foundation must be the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone and accordingly Ap. 1. If Rome would be content to part with her Idolatry Superstition and manifold Innovations 2. If all Sects would lay aside their unjustifiable Separation their censorious spirits and self-conceited opinions and let all be tried by the infallible Touch-stone of the Word of God then without doubt we might quickly meet and agree together But whilest all persist in their perverse opinions and vehement Animosities one against another There can be no peace amongst us But now if at last by any good means this blessed peace might be effected and that all the professed Christians in the world both of the East and West Churches were rightly reformed according to this rule of the Word and made suitable with the foundation Jesus Christ so that we were all become like those primitive Christians Acts 2.46 and 4.32 Of one heart and one soul of one mind and of the same Judgement 4. How joyfully then and with what abundant comfort which this fourth Branch of this 1. Use leads us to consider might we sing that Psalm 133. Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity c. This would be an oyl of Perfume and the dew of fruitfulness and blessing 2. How happily then should we live together as the Houshold of Faith the Communion of Saints in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace till we all become perfect in Jesus Christ and attain unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Ephes 4.3 13. 1. In the ripeness and perfection of Christs Mystical Body which shall be by 1. The Addition of all the Members And 2. The perfection of all graces in them when they shall be joyned to Christ their Head in the world to come and should All come to Mount Sion the City of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem and an innumerable company of Angels Heb. 12.22 c. And shall be set down with Christ in his Throne according to his own gracious promise to his servants Rev. 3.24 And shall Reign with him for ever and ever Rev. 22.4 5. Note That 1. Antichrist began betime 2 Thes 2.7 2. Novatus Anno 250. 3. Donatus circa An. 320. 4 Anabaptists Anno 1520. 5. Brownists Anno 1580. 6. Independents yesterday As for the Quarrel betwixt Episcopacy and Presbitery I could never see other cause then in the Animosities of men which if laid aside the difference might soon be decided and the Controversie ended For I could never find but that 1. Episcopacy is a Presbytery elevated and advanced And 2. Presbytery rightly managed is an Episcopacy regulated Nor could I ever approve the total rejecting of the names Bishop and Episcopacy they being so often used in the New Testament and the name Bishop so honoured by our Saviour that He himself is styled the great chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls Heb. 13.20 1 Pet. 2.25 Thus you have heard the point and proof thereof with Reasons suited to the ten particulars contained therein We are upon Use and you have heard the first Use answerable to the first particular which hath 1. Inform'd us How great care should be taken of this Field Vine House the Church of God that it be not wrong'd by any Enemy 2. Exhorted us to consider the charge often imposed upon us to that end Act. 20 28 to 33. And how praise worthy the Primitive Fathers the Orthodox party in after-after-ages and the Reformed Churches of Christendome have been and are for thus doing 3. Reproved as very faulty all such as neglect this care of prevention or hinder the Church of the means of recovery out of Errours and Heresies if the Church should be sick of such Maladies as often Thus do 1. Papists 2. Antient Schismaticks and Hereticks as Novatians Donatists 3. Modern Separatists whether Anabaptists Brownists or Independents All which do agree in the three forenamed particulars viz. 1. Schism 2. Uncertainty or Obstinacy in unjustifiable Tenets And 3. Independency and Uncontroulableness 4. Comforted us If these great differences could be reconciled ☞ To the former three you may add a fourth Parallel betwixt Papists and Independents or the Papacy and Independency viz. Their Antichristianism which we do not fix upon the forehead of this or that particular Pope or Papist but upon the Papacy that status Papatus in which is involved the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Mystery of Iniquity that Antichrist who in pretence is most for but in practise most against the Lord Jesus Christ according to the signification of the preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies For or Against Ap. And who in a special manner doth act his Antichristianism in opposition to the power of Magistracy and Ministry in the right Office and Use Power and Efficacy of the same to do good 1. What they say against the Civil Power over the Church is evident 2. And for the Ministry though they may seem to advance it in external pomp great Honours plentiful provisions c. yet they have overthrown the right office best Use powerful Efficacy of it for the conversion of souls by 1.
and Separatist are nearest the Truth and most reducible to the Right For both which my hearty prayers to God are that he will add and abate to and from either of them whatsoever is wanting or superfluous that they may Brotherly conjoyn with the rest of the Church of God and may help to make up that holy happy harmony as may be for the honour of God the true peace and unity of the Church the everlasting salvation and abundant consolation of their owne and many other mens souls who will rejoyce to behold this good and pleasant prospect or thing that Brethren do well together in Unity Psal 133.1 Endeavouring to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of peace and that upon the Apostles grounds Ephes 4.3 to 7. Obj. But if any should now object and say You have discovered so many Fanaticks i.e. men that walk after their own Fancies and vain imaginations c. As that where will you find the truly Catholick Christian the sound well-grounded and Orthodox Protestants as we call them by a latter but not so proper a Title Answ I answer that neverthelesse all that hath been spoken yet as in the great and terrible time of persecution in Ahab and Jezabels time God had a Reserve of seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed their knees to Baal nor kissed him with their mouthes 1 Kin. 19.18 So I doubt not but God hath a Reserve of seventy times seven thousand in the Christian Reformed Churches that have not thus wildly wandred after their own inventions I. I could give you in a golden Roll of those Renowned Kings Recorded in the holy History to eternal Memory and of many other Christian Emperours Kings and Princes out of other Histories and experimentally till this very day in other Countreys and in our own Nation to his Majesty that now is whom God long preserve that have been and are Men and Women famous in their generations that are Foundations and Pillars to the Church of God the Nursing-fathers and Mothers the Amplyfiers and Establishers of Mount Zion Gods holy Hill Esay 49.23 c. that are and shall be glorious to all after-Ages and succeeding Generations till the end of the World when time shall be no more II. I could give you in a Catalogue of other Worthies of a second Rank Princes and Noblemen Statesmen and Courtiers that have been great Friends to the Prophets and Favourers of the people of God in the worst of times when the true Worshippers of God durst not appear because of persecution as well as in better Times when the Storme was over 1. Such were Obadiah in Ahabs Court who bid one hundred of the good Prophets by fifty in a Cave from Jezabels fury when she cut them off and there he fed them and supplyed them with Necessaries How few would do so in such a dangerous time 1 Kings 18.4 2. And what a man was Mordecai in Ahasuerus Court who studiously sought the welfare peace and prosperity of all the Jewes the people of God He improved his honour to this end a Renowned Pattern for all Noblemen Esther 10.3 3. Jeremiah the Prophet a man so tost in his time with troubles and perpetually persecuted yet he found some friends at Court viz. Ahikam the Son of Shaphan that had been one of good King Josiahs Princes and Counsellors and others of the Princes perhaps by his means Jer. 26.16.24 and also Ebedmelech the Aethiopian Jer. 38.7 to 14. who saved his life more then once in the Reigns of Jehojakim and unhappy Zedekiah 4. Not to trouble you with many instances the Church found some friends in cruel Herod's and cursed Nero's Courts and in the time of those ten terrible persecutions in the primitive times though but a few for fear c. 5. Luther and his Associates and Followers found many friends amongst the Princes of Germany the first Protestants 6. And the like upon search may be found in England in our Marian days Ap. All which Friends of the Prophets Pastors and people of God in such dangerous times you may be sure were neither Atheists Sensualists Timists or Fanaticks but the Noble Worthies of those Times who did improve their Dignity Authority and opportunities to preserve countenance and encourage the servants of God and not to discouroge and dash them quite as many in these times do III. I could give you in a long Albe or Record of many eminent Bishops Pastors and Doctors of the Church that have been resolute Champions of the Truth undaunted Adversaries of Antichrist the papacy and Errours thereof great encouragers of faithfull Preachers Zealous promoters of the power of godlinesse and prudent preservers of the peace of the Church by a due observance of such well-composed Forms of divine Service and other Rites established as are conducible thereto Some of which have washed their Robes in the blood of the Lamb and shall be cloathed in white with palms in their hands and all these shall walk with Christ in white for they are worthy Revel 3.4 5 c. And I could present you with a black Roll of Bishops that were ready for the black Rod of divine indignation c. being acted by Abaddon the Prince of Darkness the enemy of Mankind to the ruine and destruction of the Church and peoof God as much as in them did lye I know personal Faults are ill transferr'd to the Offices yet good Offices suffer for such ill managers of them I am well acquainted with the Name Office and practice of Bishops both Historically and Experimentally and I may know a Bishops Office as well as he knowes mine and if they be right as they ought to be they are Eminent lights and pillars of the Church but if otherwise they are most pernicious subverters and destroyers of it as too many have been Thus the Church in general this Church and Nation in particular have had Kings and Princes Noblemen and Statesmen Bishops and Doctors that have been luminaria mundi Lights of the World Stars of the greatest Magnitude Men most excellent and famous in their several Ages and Generations that were no Fanaticks IV. But no man can name or number the multitude of those faithfull and powerfull Pastors and Preachers of whom there is most use and by whom the Church receives the greatest benefit for most businesse is done by the light of lesser candles whilst Torches greater Lights are only for Festivals and Funenerals and Times of more Solemnity then others Neither can any man know how many true Converts like them Acts 2. and well grounded Christians like those of Antioch who were first so called Acts 11.26 There are in the Christian World who have rightly learned to fear God filially so as no to displease him sed contrà to honour the King and obey him in all things 1 Pet. 2.13 17. To reverence their faithfull Pastors and Teachers and to esteem them worthy of double honour 2 Tim. 5.17 To have
we have heard 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arcana verba quae non licet homini loqui Arias Mont Secret or Unknown or unspeakable words which is not lawfull or possible for man to utter Not lawfull for us to say because our speech would be untrue and Christians must not utter and speak untruths Not possible for as Solomon makes enquiry after Women Prov. 31.10 So may we after men and say who can find a vertuous man so qualified with Grace and good works as is before specified Ans It is almost impossible to sinde such a man and therefore impossible to utter it 2 Cor. 12.4 So few are the Jobs and Nathaniels of our Times In the general we may say of this encreasing and abounding as the Poet of Astraea Terras Astraea reliquit These things in a manner have forsaken the Earth And instead of these How wanting are we in the good works towards God our selves and others as is above specified And how wicked are we in producing and abounding in the contrary growing worse worse and multiplying bad works and fruits daily I. To the first of these viz. How wanting we are in good works we may easily give a short but yet a very full account with Salomon Eccl. 1.15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight and that which is wanting cannot be numbered For as for that little measure of Grace we have and those few good Works which we do if we do but consider how crooked perverse tortuous or writhed they be from the straitnesse uprightness excellency which should be in them they are as nothing But if we consider how much Grace and how many good Works are wanting we may well say with a learned Interpreter Infinita desiderantur in quibus pietas probitas versatur we are infinitely wanting both in Grace and good Works For our Graces how few are they and those few how defective if you should take a view of particulars Faith c. And gor our good works how defective are we to God in our Invocation of God whither by prayers or oaths c. or giving of thanks by approbation admiration and a right Estimation of his Works who doth consider these things confessing him vel voce vel Martyrio like them Joh. 12.42 in a right use observation of his holy Rites and Times his holy Word and Sacraments and Sabbaths Do we not rather run Byas and backward in those things then to perform them devoutly as we should To our selves how defective are we in the exercise of our Graces Vertues Parts and Abilities whatsoever they be We rather suffer them to Rust and become unprofitable like him Mat. 25.29 And to others how wanting are we in particulars named viz. In our Humanity Civility Christian charity with the happy fruits thereof viz. Liberality giving Counsel and Comfort Amity Sympathy and readinesse to do good In the exercise of that common Justice Righteousness and Equity which we do owe to all in all our Affaires Actions and Dealings both privately and publickly of all which we may say Where are they are they not lost And lastly In the restraint and moderation of our inordinate and unruly passions affections and motions of mind which do arise from pride anger evil concupiscence and unlawfull desires which are so apt to boyl up in our sinfull Souls to the prejudice of others yea and to our selves also whilst we feed cherish and pursue them Should we pursue these particulars as before-named it were an endlesse work to innumerate our Wants for that which is wanting cannot be numbred Eccles 1.15 2. Now for the second particular if we consider how wicked we be in producing and abounding in bad Works and Fruits we have reason to abhor our selves and to repent in dust and ashes Job 42.6 for how apt are we to produce the works of the flesh Gal. 5.19 adultery fornication c. the unfruitful works of darkness Eph. 5.11 dead works that have the Lineament but not the life of good Works or sins which expose us to death the works of the Devil which Christ came to destroy 1 John 3.8 So like are we to the barren Fig-tree in our emptiness Luke 13.6 Or to the bad Vine in our Fulnesse Esay 5.24 for our Fruits are degenerated Jer. 2.21 as Israel was into the nature of a strange Vine and producing wild grapes Esay 5. so that our Vine is as that of Sodom and our Fields as of Gomorrah Our grapes are of Gall and our Clusters bitter Our wine is the poyson of Dragons and the cruel venom of Asps Deut. 32.32 33. which may too fitly be applied to us yea we are very apt to produce such works as may fitly be compared to all sorts of vilest Fruits Such are our unsavoury fruits of luxury lust and uncleannesse bitter fruits of envy and strife James 3.14 Some distastfull fruit of anger and passion James 1.20 Insipid and indigested fruits of Gluttony Drunkennesse and fulnesse of Bread and all intemperance Cold destructive fruit of sloth and idleness in the love of God practise of good works Prov. 10.4 5 c. poverty shame and beggery are the cold fruits of a slothfull person Corrosive ill relish't fruit of cruelty covetousness and oppression which corrupt the tast of our Souls so that we cannot well rellish but disgust the tast of spiritual things Hard high-grown fruit of pride and disdain the Fruits of Mount Gilboa without Rain or dew of any divine Grace in them 2 Sam. 1.21 Such are proud persons Rotten worm-eaten fruit of vitious Manners which expose us to the dunghill or the Swines-trough Luke 15.15 16. and provoke the worm that shall never dye Esay 66.24 Mark 9.14 46 48. to live in us to torment and consume us for ever like them Revel 20.10 Ap. So forwardly are we to abound in such Fruits and Works as end in Destruction and so unapt to those good works to which we are created redeemed and sanctified and which have the Encouragements and Motives of the conscience of well-doing which is ever attended with abundant comfort in Life and Death and for ever as E contra The clearing of our Faith and implantation into Christ the acceptance of God before whom we must appear 2 Cor. 5.10 The eternal Reward promised to well-doing Mat. 25.21 23 34. This is a lamentation and shall be for a Lamentation Ezek. 19.14 Thus from this first Use of Lamentation for our being so wanting in good and abounding in bad Works 2. I proceed to the use of Reprehension which is To all such as are at so little cost and pains to get Grace and so little care to abound in good works whilst they are unwearied in the pursuit of other things and here we may justly blame men of several Ages 1 How many young Children the Infantry of the Church are rude and unruly as being never taught and instructed in the Principles of Religion the great fault of Parents Whereas young Timothy
keep your ground the ground of Truth 1 Tim 3.15 For Nothing is more pernicious or dangerous in an Army then Ataxy and flinching or falling off from our Fellow-Souldiers or our places 3. Stand vigilantly and watchfully as Sentinels Be not secure but remember that of the Apostle Be sober 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. Be vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a roaring Lyon walketh about seeking whom he may devour 1. Thus far the Exhortation proceeds viz. to the fourteenth verse 2. Then you have an enumeration of the several parts of this compleat Armour in the five next verses viz. Ver. 14 15 16 17 18. which are either 1. Defensive Or 2. Offensive 1. Defensive viz. 1. A Belt or Girdle 2. A Breast-plate 3. Shooes 4. A Shield and 5. An Helmet 2. Offensive viz. 1. A Sword 2. Prayer Both which may be styled both defensive of us and offensive to the Enemy Of these I shall speak particularly if God will hereafter at present I am upon the Exhortation This Exhortation in the three former Verses is briefly repeated sum'd up and Epitomized in this thirteenth Verse and doth in the main strength of it affords us this DOCT. The Best of Men well grounded in the Truth most Eminent in Grace Or 1. The Church of God in her best condition when very well eastblished and throughly instructed in the Truth c. 2. Had great need of christian strength and courage in the Lord. 3. And of a compleat spiritual armour 4. To avoid and withstand resist strenuously and over come victoriously 5. The Manifold wiles And. 6. Mighty oppositions and assaults 7. Of powerful adversaries and enemies that are against her on every side 8. Environing and invading her every way 1. Within 2. And without 9. And especially in the evil day of Tribulation and Temptation 10. And That she may be able to stand and hold her own ground Stand fast in the Faith and hold firm to the Truth and so to become and remain victorious in the end This general point doth contain the strength of the whole Exhortation and doth reach every particular of the Doctrine before named and the proof and reasons of this point will be appliable to each particular 1. The Church in her best condition when well instructed c. For then 1. When the Field was sown with wheat then came the envious man and sowed Tares Mat. 13.24 to 31. among the Wheat i.e. Not in the world abroad but in the Church of God Vt periret dominica messis 2. When the Churches were planted and well instructed by the Apostle St. Paul in Rome Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi c. 3. So also these seven famous Churches in Asia mentioned Rev. 2 3. Chap. how fast did Hereticks and Seducers start up and step in to trouble them and how doth he complain of them from time to time Rom. 16.17 18. 4. The like befel in Germany saith Zanchius in Epist p. 659. of which they had daily and woful experience 5. Is it not so in England now after 100. years establishment and instruction and upwards in K. Ed. 6. and Q. Elizabeths time what a multitude of Tares have been sown preached and printed and what a multitude of Errours Heresies and strange Opinions have sprung up and prospered in these sad times of Toleration Do but mark how apt this Field of the Church is to be sown and over-run with Tares For thus hath it befallen 1. Rome once so famous Rom. 1.7 8. for their Faith c. Is it not become Apostatical Antichristian and Damnable in their Doctrines 2. Those other Churches so much honoured with the other Epistles of our Apostle Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi Thessalonica c. Are they not a Den of Dragons the seat of the Turk 3. Those famous seven Churches of Asia brought to the liek pass which are so remembred Rev. 2. 3. Chap. 4. Germany once so sound in Doctrine is it not brought to Misery and Desolation almost upon the like account 5. England once the Glory of the Islands in the Earth for Religion c. what a Labyrinth and Confusion of Troubles Errours and evil Opinions do overflow Her and do threaten the like Ruine and Desolation to us 2. The Church in this Conflict had need to be strong and 1. Of a good courage and not to dread nor be dismayed 1. As David instructed Solomon his Son 1 Chron 22.13 2. As Moses yea and God himself instructed Joshua formerly Deut. 31.7 8. Joshua 1.6 7 9. Great atchievements must have great strength and courage to bring them to Accomplishment We are apt to be dismaid dicouraged and terrified at difficulties and had need therefore to rouze up our spirits the more as those Instructions both Affirmative and Negative to Joshua and to Solomon do import viz. To be strong and not to fear or be dismayed 2. Yet this strength and courage must be in the Lord and in the power of his Might As the Apostle speaks Phil 4.1.3 I can do all things through Christ c. And 1 John 5.4 5. This is the victory that overcometh the world even our Faith viz. whereby 1. We lay hold on Christ and apply his victory to us He hath overcome the world John 16.33 And given us victory 1 Cor. 15.57 And 2. Get strength from Him to go on in this spirtual warfare till we have fully overcome all Satans Temptations Rom. 16.20 The God of Peace shall bruise or tread down Satan under your feet saith St. Paul Even the Devil whom you are to resist stedfast in the Faith 1 Pet. 5.8 9. Ap. And thus by Faith you shall be Conquerors 1. Thus Christ in whom we believe is the principal Agent or Efficient And 2. Faith the instrumental cause of this victory For those Saints and Martys of old overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb i.e. by the vertue thereof not by any worldly power or strength and by the word of their testimony i.e. by bearing witness to the Truth which is called The Testimony of Jesus Rev. 12.10 11 17. because Christ was the Object of their Confession Constancy and Martyrdome 1. Thus whilest others Goliah like strengthen themselves in the Arm of flesh 2. The strength of the Godly is in the Lord and in the power of his Might as Davids was in that great encounter with the Gyant 1 Sam. 17.4 5 6 7 42 45. Although with a Gyant of nine foot in height and so armed yet David the Youth remained the Conquerour over this mighty Monster so do the Saints over Satan by this assistance and the Church at the best state had need of strength c. So also 3. She hath need of compleat spiritual Armour Armour of Proof that will not fail nor deceive Her such is the Armour prescribed in the Text v. 14. to 19. Which also is 1. Defensive viz. 1. A Girdle 2. A Breast-plate 3. Shooes 4. Shield And 5. An Helmet 2. Offensive viz. 1. A Sword 2.
2. But also to infuse Courage and strength into the Souldier and enable him to fight valiantly strenuously and victoriously And who would not be so armed This made the Worthies of old Heb 11.34 To become so valiant in fight c. and to overcome all Miseries 1. Job 2. David 3. Daniel c. all acted with this Armour invinceably 4. The Church must have all this that she may be able to stand and withstand c. Great atchievement had need of Courage Strength and Armour and we are too apt to be discouraged and terrified with difficulties and frailty c. Reas Because Nakedness cannot stand before armed strength 1. For Instance 1. Upon Israels Idolatry the people were naked Exod. 32.2 21 25. i.e. without the arms of Gods protection 2. Upon Achans trespass Israel the Church flyes runs Josh 7.8 and turn their backs c. See verse 11 12 13. And no marvel for thereupon the Lord went not with them Ergo they could not stand against their enemies Such cast away this Armour disarm themselves and how can they stand against such potent adversaries 5. Against the Wiles of the Devil and that because Reas 1. These are very many and who can know them He hath his snares 1 Tim. 3.7 2 Tim. 2.26 i.e. Heretical Doctrines and vitious provocations Annot and 2. Depths Revel 2.24 as of Jezabel c. which teach and seduce to fornication uncleanness c. and who can discover or search into the bottom of them 2. Besides he hath various instruments 1. Seeming friends Psalm 55.12 13 14. It was not an enemy 2. Domestick Servants Psalm 41.9 John 13.11 as Judas 3. False brethren 2 Cron. 11.26 Gal. 2.4 usually in former times 4. And can transform himself and his Ministers into an Angel of Light 2 Cor. 11.13 14 15. Either by 1. such a shape or 2. Pretending piety Mat 4. So his Ministers By a 1. Fair out-side of carriage and 2. Specious pretences of piety c. 6. And the mighty opportunities assalts and temptations of Satan Reas Now because Satans assaults are so strong violent and impetuous as appears by their prevalency at some time over 1. Sampson by a Delilah 2. David in matter of Vriah and of numbring the people 3. Solomon to an infamous Polygamy and Idolatry 4. Yea and St. Peter that resolute Apostle as to make him deny his Master 5. And others for the faults of the Saints in all ages do evidence this We had need therefore to be very well provided for if at some times and in some cases he hath foiled such Champions and Worthies as are above named Have not we that are so weak great cause to mistrust our selves and carefully to provide that we be not vanquished by him All this provision the Church had need to be furnished with against the the Wiles and Assaults of 7. Many and such potent enemies as Satan his Army Adherents and Instruments are For as God Angels and Stars and Abrahams Off-spring are said to be innumerable as many other things also are said to be So may we also say of Evils Devils with David Psalm 40.12 that they are innumerable as the name Legion doth import Like the Philistines huge Army against Israel which were as the sand on the sea shore in multitude 1 Sam. 13.5 And they that are to encounter with such a company had need to be well provided 1. Those mighty Giants Aushehashem of the old world Gen 6.4 before the flood 2. Those Nimrod-like Hunters the Builders of Babel after the flood Gen. 10.8 9 10. 3. Those Anakims and Zamzummims those Giant-wicked men Deut. 2.10 11 20. as their names import as tall in Evil as in stature 4. And those mighty Armies of 1. Ethiopians and Lubims in Asahs time 2 Chron. 14.9 2. Moabites and Ammonites in Jehoshaphats time 2 Chron. 20.3 And of Assyrrians in Hezekias time 2 Chron. 32. and all of them so furiously bent against the people of God to destroy them are yet as nothing in comparison of Satans huge Army against the Israel the Church of God to devoure and destroy them all And as the Devils name may well be called Legion because they are many Mark 5.9 15. Luke 8.30 So also is he mighty strong and exceeding powerful and is therefore styled by divers names which import as much viz. The 1. God of this world 2 Cor. 4.4 i.e. of Unbelievers which lye in wickedness 1 John 5.19 2. And Prince of the same John 12.31 and 14.30 and 16.11 and of the power of the Air Ephes 2.2 Because 1. Of his power over and efficacy upen wicked men he being the spirit that worketh in the children of disobedience Ephes 2.2 and 2. The observance and obedience which they do so readily perform to him again and 3 Tyranny which he exerciseth upon the godly to the utmost so far as God doth permit and lengthen his chain of false Doctrine viz. the Devil and Mahomet in his Alcaran introduced sinners and Sects to devour Religion 3. Angel of the bottomless pit 4. King of Locusts Rev. 9.11 5. Great Dragon the old serpent called the Devil and Satan in the Heathen Roman Emperors the Seducer of our first Parents Accuser of the brethren and the Adversary of Gods Church Rev. 12.9 6. Roaring Lion continually seeking whom he may devour 1 Pet. 5 8 9. Pope or Turk or any other instrument or means imaginable to devour and destroy the people of God All which to add no more Names besides the titles given him in the verse before the Text viz. Principallities powers c. do argue an irresistable strength which none can prevail against except he be aided by the powerful omnipotent hand of God And further the Church had need to be thus provided because he doth invade and storm 1. Within us by 1. Inflaming Concupiscence and 2. Secret evil lusts which he doth light or kindle by that tinder and 3. Acting in our best Services and Duties to pervert them to evil by withdrawing our mind See James 11.3 14 15. For the Lust conceives the Will consents to and delights in which produceth acts and deeds nay Who can enumerate the actings and operations of the evil Spirit even within us to our exceeding great prejudice and hindrance in good 2. Without us a thousand ways by objects allurements and violent temptations By the wicked of the world whose scoffs and discouragements whose oppositions and persecutions do clearly evidence that he leaves no means unattempted whereby to ruine us By both these ways doth Satan work mightily 1. He kindleth the first fire of concupiscence and corruption in Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit Gen. 3.1.4 5 6. 2. And he it is that stirreth up the wicked to persecute the Saints of God Dau. 7.21.25 as Babylon Antiochus Antichrist did in their times yea he is ever ready to act both these Enemies viz. 1. Lust within and 2. The world without as to effect our sin shame and destruction ☞
2. The Breakers down of the fence of this Vineyard and the wild beasts that devour this Vine 3. And the thief that enters this House For when either the Husbandman Vinedresser or House-keeper are asleep how soon may the Field the Vine or House be surprized and Tare-sown wasted or entred by an Enemy 2. Exhortation For how often are we exhorted hereunto to Vigilancy and Industry for the prevention of all Errours Heresies and dangerous opinious repugnant to the Truth Rom. 16.17 I beseech you mark them which cause Divisions and Offences contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned and avoid them for they that are c. and so frequently in the Epistles And that charge of the Apostle at his Farewell is never to be forgotten Acts 20.28 to 33. Take heed to your selves and to all the flock c. And for instance 1. And how praise worthy were the primitive Churches that took such care by their great grave and general Councels to prevent the growing and overspreading of those Tares that began to spring in their Times Those four first general Gounsels especially at Nice against the Heresie of Arius and other Errours Anno 330. circiter 2. Constantinople against Macedonians who denied the Holy Spirit to be consubstantial with the Father and the Son An. 380. 3. Ephesus against Nestorius that held two persons in Christ Anno 431. 4. Chalcedon against Autyches and Dioscorus Bishop of Alexandria who blasphemously affirmed the two Natures in Christ to be confounded and become but one nature after the union of the humane with the divine nature Anno 451. To which four Councels the Reformed Churches do adhere 2. The like care did the Orthodox party take from time to time by Councels and Synodes General National and Provincial to crush if it might be Errour in the bud and prevent it of taking Root and growth 3. The like godly care have all the Reformed Churches of Christendome taken viz. 1. England 2. France 3. Helvetia 4. Bohemia 5. Belgia 6. Augusta and 7. Saxony in the harmony of their Confessions and in Articles of Religion as also by Counsels and Synodes National and Provincial 1. To preserve Union and Peace amongst the Churches 2. And to prevent Schism Faction and Divisions which are the very Nurseries of Errours and Heresies to the great disquiet and trouble and as much as in them is to the utter undoing and ruine of the Church and the overthrow of her Doctrine Peace Unity and Concord 1. Of the Rule upon which she is founded 2. Yea and of her Piety Unity Peace and Concord which are the Materials wherewith this House is raised and cemented fast together 3. Reproof How justly doth this third Use serve to reprove the faults of all those Leaders Teachers Doctors and Pastors of the Church especially that are negligent in this case and Gallio-like in another case Acts 28.17 1. Care not what Errours invade the Church and seduce the Children and Members of the same 2. Or hinder and not admit of such means whereby the maladies of a Church may be either prevented or cured so that they may sit at ease and enjoy Immunity and Liberty without controul And the first we shall take take to task for this fault are the I. Romanists or those of the Church of Rome statu quo in the state it now standeth and that for three things especially viz. 1. Separation 2. Vncertainty of or obstinacy in their Doctrine or Tenents as now it is with them 3. Their Independency and uncontrouableness admitting no means of redress The 1. Began or entred them The 2. Enlarges them And the 3. Confirms them and makes them obstinate and incorrigible in Erronr 1. They entred with Schismatical contentions Excommunication and Separation from the Eastern Churches about divers things in which they manifested great Pride and Arrogancy all tending to Schism and Division as the Celebration of Easter c. 2. In their progress they made a further Separation from the Truth in divers particulars which are evidently known and strenuously as well as voluminously refuted by many Worthies From all which Worthies they always separated and departed Ap. So that nevertheless they do charge the crime of Schism and Heresie upon the Reformed Churches yet the truth is that these never separated from them in what they were right when the Apostle left them till forced thereunto but only from their newly introduced Errors and Heresies which in porgress of time produced an incompatability of peace and Communion with Rome If they held to the orthodox faith and right Doctrine of the Antients they must proclaim no peace with Rome ☞ So as that the charge of Heresie and Schism fixed and charged by them upon us is clearly and really found upon themselves II. Touching the uncertainty of their Doctrine and Tenets and their obstinacy in the same it is evident and clear that when they once laid aside the Scriptures and made the Popes Decrees or Decretals of equal Authority with the Seriptures the word of God 1. Their Tenets are marvellously varied and altered 2. And they are still obvious to more variations and changes neither can they be otherwise whilest they do ascribe a power to the Pope to add at his pleasure to their unwritten Traditions which must as inviolably be observed as the commands of God and therefore it is no wonder that they do obstinately persist and continue in the same III. Touching their Independency it is clearly manifest that the Pope and the Clergy maintain themselves to be free from yea and above the controule of any Authority whether Civil or Ecclesiastical Ap. And therefore they did not only 1 Resist the pious and grave admonitions of the antient Fathers of the Eastern Churches and others of former times 2. But since they would never endure the tryal of an Oecumenick or general Councel though they have been often called upon to that end 3. Much less of any inferior Synode or other Councel or any part of the Reformed Churches in all their advertisements tending thereunto So that by this means they prevent all ways imaginable by which they may be reformed of the manifold Maladies and Errors that are crept in amongst them which now can no more be conceal'd than Gray hairs in the head and the oyl in the hand of a man Hos 7.9 2. The second sort of persons jnstly blame-worthy for preventing a Church of the means of recovery out of Errours and Heresies and hindering the Church of helps in that case are the antient Separatists of former times which are guilty of 1. Schism 2. Heresie And herein to let pass all those abominable Heresies of divers recorded by the Antients Epiphanus Augustinus Ambros c. I shall only look upon the two Sects of the fairest of them and that began with the greatest pretence of piety and zeal of Gods glory viz. 1. Novatians and 2. Donatists 1. Novatians took their name of their Leaders which were 1. Novatus A
Presbyter of Carthage Anno 250. 2. Novatianus a Presbyter of Rome who became his Partner in errour at the same time ☞ Novatus was a man of a Contentious spirit and assisted by his Partner he disquied two then famous Churches viz. Rome and Carthage by a rigid sentence against such as had fallen through infirmity in the times of persecution and had denied the Faith though after they desired to be received to the Church For he taught 1. That there was no place of repentance left for such and therefore such should never be admitted again into the fellowship of the Church although they express manifest signs of true Repentance Hereupon they separated from the Orthodoz party who were otherwise perswaded And here began their Sehism 2. They were called Cathari because they boasted themselves to be purer then others in life and manners whereas our Purity only is that our sins are forgiven and we are purged in the fountain of Christs blood and sanctified by his word and spirit John 15.3 1 John 1.7 3. Yet this Errour continued the longer because it crept in under pretence of 1. Zeal to the glory of God and 2. Of Detestation of sin Beware of such Errours as enter with the fairest pretences 1. Nevertheless this Errour it was against the Scriptures evidently 2. And it produced dangerous effects for it advanced Satans kingdom by driving divers into despair 4. And it was condemned by the second African counsel under Cyprian Bishop of Carthage the President thereof And by the second Synode at Rome under Cornelius the Bishop there See Eusebius Alsted and Simpson of the Church Page 37.421 422. c. ☞ And nevertheless these did not multiply their Errours yet this Errour was a capital and dangerous one and made way to others and was obstinately persisted in to a great Schism and dangerous admitting no reclaim or amendment such was their Independency Though in other things they consented with the Orthodox ☞ Hence they were condemned by some of Schism only by others of Heresie So Schismaticks they were at the best 1. It is great Wisdom to suppress Errours betimes which Cyprian and Cornelius endeavoured by their Colleagues Synodes and Counsels 2. Authors of Schism are hinderers of reviving the Union of the Church 3. Inveterates Schisms often Turn to Heresies 4. We should beware of such as perturb the unity of the Church under the pretence of piety and zeal 5. And that Invent-Remedies for the Churches Maladies which are worse then the Disease as the Novatians did by their opinion Ap. For though weakness is to be pitied yet a devilish Rigor pitying none that have fallen through infirmity is a lesson that hath no allowance in the book of God Thus the Novatians err 1. in Schism 2. Obstinacy in errour 3. Independency 2. The Donatists took their name of one Donatus born about seven years after Arrius in the time of Constantine Afterwards he was a Bishop in Numidia and proved to to be a great Disturber of the Churches in Africa for 1. He hatch'd a bitter hatred though causless against Cecilianus Bishop of Carthage whose cause was often heard 2. But always the Donatists succumbed or failed in proof 3. In the end because they could not accomplish their designs against Cecilianus they became enraged and 1. Made a Schism falling off from the unity of the Church Ap. What will not Spleen do by way of Revenge if disappointed Thus being become a Schismatick next he turns Heretick and taught divers strange Doctrines introductive of more viz. 1. That only was a true Church which was spotless and without sin and that the Catholick Church was only in that corner of Africa with them 2. That the efficacy of the Sacrament did depend upon him that did administer it and thereupon that Baptism was not available except some of their sect were present and did administer it 3. That all that came into them must be rebaptized which they did practise upon people though they had been baptized before by the Orthodox This introduced Anabaptism 4. They placed Religion in austerity of Life and Homicide for they were very cruel Alstead Chron. pag. 385. 5. That the Son was inferiour to the Father and the Holy Ghost to the Son saith Eusebius so they made a Disparity in the Trinity 6. They condemned Cecilianus though his innocency was often tried and himself acquitted by many Judges and yet they had many Favourers as any such shall have and friends and were called by divers names thereupon as Parmeniani Rogatistae Cirtenses and Maximianistae 3. But they were learnedly confuted by Optatus Bish of 1. Melevitanum in Africk as to their two first Tenets Simp. p. 292. 2. And by St. Augustine mightily 3. And they were condemned by several Synodes at Carthage for divers years together viz. ab Anno 403. usque ad Annum 310.4 Yet they continued very obstinate and did refuse to stand to the determination of either Synod or Councel So obstinate were they in their Errours and Heresies Afterwards 1. They became cruel Persecuters of the Orthodox and Catholick Christians about the year 404. Alsted Chron. p. p. 335 2. In the end they were divided into sundry factions and so were rent and torn to pieces Alsted Chron. p. 385. Ap. As it doth often befal to such persons in the like cases Thus the Donatists also were 1. Schismaticks then Hereticks 2. Uncertain and obstinate in their errours And 3. Independent In the former Presidents of Romanists c. you perceive that 1. Schism doth begin and enter men into Errour and Heresie 2. Strangeness and uncertainty of Doctrine doth continue and enlarge them therein specially if men be obstinate in them 3. Independency and uncontroulableness doth confirm and harden men in errour and makes them obstinate and incorrigible as it did the Romanists Novatians and Donatists before named whom no confutation councel or course could reclaim 3. Now the third sort of persons that hinder the Church of the means of Recovery out of Errours and Heresies c. are the ☞ Separatists of latter times which are therein blame-worthy by what Names or Titles soever they be called whether 1. Anabaptists 2. Brownists or 3. Independents or are known by any other title whatsoever Quakers c. ☞ Herein let me premise this that none mistake me as if 1. I had any prejudice to any mans person or that I aim to do wrong to any man it is far from me 2. I have learned to own and prize the least appearance of Grace and Piety and the smallest measure of the gifts of God in any persons whatsoever 3. It is not any man but the Way that is in question 4. And I thought my self bound in conscience for the faithful discharge of my Duty to give you warning of such ways as I cannot but deem to be dangerous and prejudicial to the Vnity and Peace of the Church of God as the fore-mentioned Errours of Rome and Africa were and thereby obstructing
all abominations Mat. 12.34 35. and 15.18 19 20. For an evil man out of the heart c. and out of it evil Thoughts Murthers Adulteries Fornications Thefts False witness Blasphemies c. do arise and spring and upon these grounds we are so frequently called upon to 1. Wash and clense our heart Jer. 4.14 James 4.8 else as Pilate for they are very foul as Proverbs 20 9. Who can say I am pure c. 2. Circumcise our hearts Deut. 10.16 Jer 4.4 Rom. 2.24 For they are uncircumcised Jer 9 26. in heart and life 3. And to have one or a single heart which God hath promised to give us Jer. 32 29. 1 For our hearts are apt to be divided from God and good to Baal Seditions Factions Regicide c. to the ruine of the Nation 2 Kings 15.10 14 25 30. 2. To become double Psalm 12.2 and James 1.8 and 4.8.3 Yea manifold for there are many devices in a mans heart Pro 19.21 that are naught and come to nought but the device and counsel of the Lord shall stand This is that viz. this Corruption of the heart with its manifold evil fruits against which David prayes Psalm 19.12 Lord clense thou me from secret errours and faults Minnistaroth ab occultis Arias Mont. And St. Paul groans Rom. 7.23 O wretched man that I am c. ☞ And all these Corruptions of our own hearts within us are Satans principal Engines which he maketh use of to the ruine and destruction of our souls and selves For the discovery of which and to do it as it should be done were to undertake an Indian voyage which would require many years rather then hours and the Relation of which would fill many volumns rather then the scantling of a few Sermons ☞ I shall therefore at present wave this work of so large extent having given you this tast that you carry in your bosomes the greatest enemy about you viz. The corruption of your own hearts and this warning That you should be very jealous mistrustful and watchful over your own hearts which are apt to be imployed to delude and deceive you to your own destruction and this Watchfulness be sure to perform in all places upon all occasions viz. In your Solitariness Company Business with men Duties towards God in either our hearing praying communicating meditating acting c. Dealings with Satan wrestling with his Temptations c. 1. Always bring your hearts with all the Ebullitions out-goings and motions of the same to the Touch-stone of Gods Word 2. Entertain always a sense of Gods presence and expose all to the search of his All-seeeing eye as David did Isalm 139.23 24. Search me O God and know my heart try me c. 3. And learn of the Apostle and with him exercise your selves to keep a good conscience towards God and men in all things Acts 23.1 and 24.18 and that always constantly and continually Reas For he that is of a good heart or Conscience as the Genevah may well have a joyful heart as our translation hath it hath a continual Feast Prov. 15.15 i.e. Much joy within 2. Yea he that hath this hath a heaven in his heart though he be of never so despicable a condition mean and contemptible in the world Contra. And he that hath not this hath a hell in his heart though he hath at present his heaven upon earth and be in never so successful and prosperous a condition his power and prevalency shall down to the Pit The second Branch of this use doth inform us how heedful we should be against the Motions of the world and the occasions of sin without us These lye abroad 1. against the motions of the world whether in the way of Seduction or Destruction I. For Seduction How usual a thing is it for sinners to entice one another to Evil which Solomon suggesteth to us Prov. 1.10 11 19. where he instanceth in a pack of Thieves and of men greedy of gain ver 9. and violent men that entice their Neighbour into a way that is not good Prov. 16.29 viz. either to undo him or to make him joyn with them to undo others ut c. 1.10 to 20. So to Uncleanness Exod. 22.16 So did the Prophet Jeremy Jer. 20.10 To draw something from him whereby they might over-reach him and so be the better enabled to do him mischief Ap. We cannot be ignorant of such practises in our times So also to Idolatry Deut. 13. per totum ver 1 6 12 13 c. peruse it Ap. Men are very apt to allure entice perswade one another to evil to every sin their corrupt hearts are inclined but how few will perswade one another to Good as they did Isa 2.3 5. To learn the ways c. and to walk in the light of the Lord. And they Hos 6.1 invited to Repentance Come let us c. This David was glad of Psalm 122.1 2. I was glad when they said so for any other either graces or duties It is very rare to find men that do animate one another to good as they did in such an Apostatizing time Mal. 3.16 Then they spake c. II. For Destruction It is our Saviours counsel Mat. 10.17 To beware of men that are like Wolves Vers 16. Blood-thirsty Persecuters None are so mischiefvous as men Psalm 124. per totum The Monopoly of mischievous devices is in men Force and Fraud 2. And for the Occasions of sin which also are without us Beware of them come not too near the bank of the river the edge of this precipice lest you fall down into it Evil Company administer occasions and occasions do quickly produce sin Peter was foiled by the company he was with Mar. 4.66 to 72. And David by an occasion committed Adultery with Bathsheba 2 Sam. 11.2 c. And so Satan doth always thus war against us and storm us both within and without by Corruptions Temptations So especially he is apt to do it in the evil day for so saith the Text and this is the ninth particular of the point hence the Fifth Vse which informs us that there is an Evil day approaching even upon the best that be the choicest Saints when these enemies of their souls before named will be most active and improve their greatest strength to do them hurt upon the advantage of such an evil day Now Days are said to be evil in respect of divers things viz. of I. Afflictions Tribulations Perils and Dangers Old age Infirmities Sickness and Death to which we are subject and which are obvious to us all the time of our Life II. And more especially Persecutions in respect to the time of Satans being let loose by Antichrist cruel Tyrants and perverse Hereticks to persecute afflict and vex the Church of God by seeking and endeavouring with all their might 1. To seduce and pervert the Church with Errours and Heresies as it hath befallen in all Ages 2. Or Else if they cannot prevail to do so and
make a diligent preparation to become Preachers 1 Tim. 4.13 14 15 16. Give attendance to reading c. 4. And that they must enter upon this Work of Preaching when they are lawfully called thereunto Heb. 5.4 No man taketh this honour to himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron i.e. No man else ought to take it but he that is called ☞ And this Calling is conjoyn'd with as warrantable a sending as Rom. 10.15 How shall they preach except they be sent i.e. lawfully ordained thereunto as our Saviour said or spake to his Disciples John 20.21 22 23. where you have a very formal yea the true original form of Ordination of the Apostles to their Office Ap. Thus Calling and Sending must go together and Ministers must be called and also sent i. e. Called by the necessity of the Church which is the call of God and sent by Episcopal men Elders and Overseers of the Churches the lawful successors of Christ and his Apostles who are best able to judge of the Abilities Fitness and Qualifications of such as are to be the Ministers and Pastors of the Churches I shall not trouble you with a Concio ad Clerum or a Visitation-Sermon I do not think needful or so useful for you as some other advice And I am perswaded no advised discreet person amongst you that doth consider the great and weighty charge imposed upon the Prophets and Preachers of Gods Word both in the Old and New Testament The Names Titles and honourable comparisons bestowed upon them in Scripture to the number of an hundred and upwards all importing the necessity of them as of Light Salt Pillars for the House or Seers to be Guides to lead the blind The Vigilancy Industry Pains Labor and Diligence which must be undergone by them as of Watchmen Husbandmen as well as the Dignity due to them proportionably to their work I say you that do consider this cannot but be convinced of the great preparation that a Minister had need to have to undergo perform and discharge such a function well as it ought to be But my work and aim is according to the duty of my place and what this Text doth necessarily injoyn me to do is in this usurping age to give you a stay to prevent you from being misled by giving you a little light into this now usual Question Quest Whether every gifted brother or sister as some say that is able to may not take upon him the pastoral Function or Office of a Minister to the full and in all things Answ To which I must needs return a Negative out of Ephes 4.11 to 16. 1 Cor. 12.28 29 30. God hath set some in the Church Apostles Prophets Teachers c. So in that other place God gave some Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors and Teachers c. And for this be pleased to take the abridgement of some Reasons of a Reverend Divine Dr. Featly now with God Reas I. The distinction which God hath made between Priests and People Numb 18.20 The Lord said Thou shalt have no Inheritance c. Hos 4.4 9. Strive with the Priest like Priest like People Mal. 2.7 The Priests lips should keep knowledge Neither is this distinction to be abolished as that any person gifted to pray and interpret Scripture may take upon them to expound preach and dip or baptize at their pleasure For that distinction was founded in the Law of Nature before the Levitical Law For Indians Turks Heathen Romanes Brittains and Galls had their Clergy Brackmans Muftees Flamins and Druides amongst them to teach them We read of Priests in Egypt Canaan and Midian before the Law Gen. 47.22 Exod. 2.16 And of Melchizedeck eminently Gen. 14.18 In the New Testament Christ gave Commission to the Apostles and their Successors Mat. 28.19 John 20.22 Go ye therefore The Apostle distinguisheth evidently betwixt Pastors and People Acts 20.28 Gal. 6.6 Heb. 13.17 Ap. So that all are not Overseers Teachers Rulers and Watchmen over souls II. Reas Because God hath severely punished men for usurping in this case 1. Korah c. Numb 16.31 2. Uzza 2 Sam. 6.7 1 Chron. 15.13 3. King Vzziah 2 Chron. 26.21 And though they might have other faults yet God smote them especially for this See and consider the several places cited at large ☞ 1. Korah was ambitious 2. Vzzah was presumptuous 3. And King Uzziah was proud and impetuous 2 Chron. 26.16 19. And these ill qualities did put them on to do so Ap. Is it not so with us Their ends might affright and be a Terrour to all that imitate and do the like III. All Priests and Ministers must be called thereunto Heb. 5.4 1 Tim. 4.14 This doth not attend every man and this call is either inward which enableth Or Outward which authorizeth to the Function and this is either extraordinary which is not now to be expected or Ordinary by the imposition of hands and this we must stick to For no other was heard of or at least approved of in the Christian Church for these sixteen hundred years or thereabout And if there were no lawful Calling nor Pastors feeding and governing the Church all that time the visible Church will be almost invisible And to say that this is an Antichristian Rite is injurious and we desire them to shew us a more warrantable Christian form None then may prophesie or preach except he be sent Jer. 14.14 and 27.15 Rom. 10.15 We know no ordinary way but this for so many years but these Fanatique Sectaries have no call inward or outward whatsoever they do conceit of themselves But with them are many Cistern-cocks without Cisterns full of water ready to pour out before any thing be poured into them More ready to speak than to hear and to teach what they never learned Ap. Thus the unlearned lead the like the blind lead the blind as Bernard and before him Jerom complained and though they can make a shift to discourse an hour or two by some Crutches yet they want Tongues to interpret Grammer to expound Rhetorick to perswade Logick to divide and Philosophy and School-Divinity to decide any Controversie Nor may they plead Inspirations and miraculous gifts for these have ceased Object But they will plead the Prophesie Joel 2.28 which is fulfilled under the Gospel Answ But there the Prophet speaks not of any ordinary successive personal power to open the kingdom of Heaven but of an extraordinary meaâ—ure of enlightning graces and gifts of Tongues and Miracles as are mentioned Acts 2.15 16 17. So St. Peter expounds it Ap. Which I think they cannot reasonably pretend unto Object 2. And for those places Col. 3.16 1. Pet. 4.10 Where all are commanded to teach instruct and edifie one another Answ 1. It is granted that all as they are able and according to their Calling are to instruct and do good to others as full Fountains Clouds and Ears of Corn freely impart their Waters Grains But that therefore all
art now hungry which doth not befall to God nor the son of God But I will grant that thou art so Then turn these stones into bread for God can change the nature of things at his own pleasure But if thou canst not do this thou art neither God nor the Son of God 1. Mark how the devil strikes at the Deity of Christ and at our Faith by raising such a doubt Answ But mark now the Answer and Resistance of Christ to this Temptation 1. He doth not say I am God and so drive him away 2. But he takes up the sword of the spirit Deut. 8.3 and therewith drives him away for having granted that Bread and bodily food is the usual remedy against hunger Yet saith our Saviour There is no necessity for me to do so For if I be the Son of God know thou That God is not bound to support by bread only as Nature is and men are by the ordinary way of provision Ap. But he hath many other ways and means to sustain and nourish us withall Though here be no bread yet know it is not Bread only or other ordinary food that doth nourish any man but by Gods appointment of it to that end and blessing upon it Besides God can support and supply us miraculously He can nourish us without any food or put the vertue of food into other things and can make poyson to be both meat and medicine Mark 16.18 and Ergo Vpon him will I wait saith Christ and so let us do also Exit Satan he hath done with this shape and this Temptation 2. The Devil acts the part of a seeming Saint a devout Zelot He will go next to the holy City and try what he can do there He taketh up Christ and carrieth him as Gods Spirit did Philip Acts 8.39 He caught him away Doct. Mark what the Devil can do if God permit he can carry away wicked men quick into hell And wonder not that Christ suffered the Devil to carry him who suffered his Instruments to crucifie him When he had brought Christ thither he sets him upon a Pinacle of the Temple a place as fit as dangerous to serve his turn to tempt our Saviour The City the Temple all here minded men of piety of the true worship of God and here the Devil will turn Deceiver and because Christ had foil'd him with Scripture before he will cite Scripture too and perswade Christ to leap down upon the Reason alledged in Psalm Psal 91.11 12. Doct. Note 1. We must take heed of Temptations in the Church in holy places and duties in great Assemblies as well as in the Wildernesse The Devil did not cast Christ down but bid him cast himself down Doct. Note 2. The Devil may tempt and perswade to evil he cannot compel Hoc tantum pertinet quod egit in principio Seducere c. Iraeneus The Devil cites Scripture but withal he adds and concealeth at his pleasure viz. Cast thy self down and to keep thee in all thy ways misinterpreteth and misapplieth averteth all as impious Hereticks his Disciples do Mendacium abscondens per Scripturam quod faciunt omnes Haeretici saith Irenaeus Note 3. That no Temptation of Satan is more pernicious and dangerous than that which is coloured with misapplied Scripture and shew of sanctity But beware the Devil and his Ministers when they are like Angels of Light 2 Cor. 11.14 15. Ap. Thus the Devil perswaded Christ to tempt God hoping to find him either to be an Imposter if he received hurt by the fall or the Son of God by preserving himself in the fall Answ But mark how Christ with the same Weapon this Sword foils him again by producing a general prohibition that concerneth all men Deut. 6.16 Ye shall not tempt the Lord q. d. It becomes none to tempt God much less him whom I know and thou doubtest to be the Son of God ☞ And then is God tempted when ordinary means are neglected besides and against the Counsel and Warrant of Almighty God Ap. And so should I do if neglecting the stairs by which I may descend with safety I should Sponte non jussus a Patre solum aâ—te provocatus praecipitem me dare vellem freely at thy provocation without my Fathers command cast my self down head-long Exit Satan the second time 3. He acts the part of a mighty Monarch and will try what great gifts will do and they use to do much Deut. 16.19 1. He takes him up into an exceeding high mountain a fit place for ostentation and to take the prospect and view of many excellent Things 2. There he shews him all the kingdomes of the world and the glory of them i.e. The Excellency Riches Splendor Beauty and whatsoever is admirable in them and these he presents to Christs senâ—es by Vision at least else he could not do it 3. All these he impudently claims as his own and in his power to dispose of promiseth to give them all to Christ 4. His only demand was Prostratus adora me do but fall down and worship me and all shall be thine Ap. A dangerous tentation and made up of lies and mischief how thâ—nk you would such a Promise have prevailed with many a Worldling Doct. Note That the glory of the world is a choice bait of the devil to catch and ensnare mens souls But mark how Christ doth answer this his most abominable presumption 1. To his Person 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Abi Satana Get thee hence Satan be gone blasphemous Devil This he spake with such Authority that he durst stay no longer 2. Then to his Temptation he takes up the same Weapon the Sword of the Spirit as before and out of those Scriptures Deut. 6.13 and 10.12 20. and 13.4 which Christ citeth thus Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Thou thinkest that if I do not worship thee then I am the Son of God but if I do then thou knowest I am not the Son of God Be gone Devil and know you that it is an universal Precept and Command upon every Creature To give divine honour unto God their Creator Ap. Thus the Devil by a threefold Temptation tryes to know who Christ is whether the Son of God or not and when all is done he is forc'd to be gone as wise as he came to him without any satisfaction Thus did he do by Christ viz. He did act as a friend in the wilderness or divine in the Temple a mighty Monarch in the world with great promises but prevailed not Ap. And if he did thus by our Saviour what will he not do by us he will try all his wiles and shapes Hence is the great difficulty of our right using welâ—ing arming this weapon well against him For sometimes he acteth as the Prince of Darkness then as the red Dragon as an Angel of light one while he tempteth to desparation then to presumption now he frights with Terrours the
very apt to be misapprehended by some sinister Eares I am clearly for a Liturgie or form of Gods publick worship or Service as singularly useful to the Order Unity and Peace of the Church a great help to the weak both Ministers and others and a meanes to prevent many inconveniencies which will befall through the want of it as schism faction c. And in this I am sure I have all the Christian Churches in the World Greek and Latine Eastern and Western and that in the Primitive the first and best times on my side Jac. Armach Besides much Scripture Authority cited by Armach Neverthelesse my esteem of a Liturgie or form of Gods publick worship and service be as I have spoken Yet in answer to the Question propounded I would be alwayes understood with this Caution viz. That I would have none Rest or Rely upon any form of publick worship devised by men as all-sufficient either to the discharge of a Ministers duty or to the salvation of a particular Christians soul 1. For to speak first to the latter of these It is impossible for any particular form to reach all the necessities Corruptions Temptations wants Weaknesses Infirmities Defects and particular Occurrences incident to men There will ever be occasion to observe that Precept of our Saviour Mat. 6.6 Enter into thy closet c Christ himself made use of other prayers upon occasion He prayed all night and in several places Luke 6.12 Let our Addresses to God be secret and private for secret sins and sorrows of soul and God that doth hear in secret will reward us openly Mat. 6.6 ☞ In a word Let not a publick form exclude or extinguish our private Devotions nor let our private Devotions justle out the publick Form causing us to neglect or contemn it as Fanaticks do Let both go hand in hand frequent the publick Form devoutly and use private prayers seriously and be we thankful to God for his good Spirit that doth assist us with Grace to make use of both as helps to the heavenly Jerusalem 2 As for the former touching the discharge of a Ministers duty if that be not sufficiently done by this Answ I blush to hear any Minister talk so nor did I ever think him fit for the Ministry that did so Publick forms are to be used for Order Unity c. but this is not all not col Ha. Adam of the man or Minister ☞ For besides this we have a word not to be dispensed with Ezek. 3.17 Hear the word at my mouth c. A great Command John 21.13 16 17. Feed my sheep serious advice trebled 1 Cor. 8.16 Wo unto me c. A severe aprrehension 2 Tim. 4.1 2. I charge ye c. A dreadful Charge it is to omit all other places that enforce this I could never think that these and such as these places could ever be answer'd with the bare observation of any Form of Gods publick worship divine Service or Administration Ap. If any of my own profession dare appear before the great Tribunal at that great and terrible Day of the Lord upon this account I must professe to you all I dare not so appear nor durst I ever be so presumptuous The good Lord pardon our defects and strengthen us to his own work for who is sufficient for these things 2 Cor. 3.16 Thus if the Agent or Preacher be too dull in his place 3. Now this Reproof is against such Preachers as are diverted to a wrong way of winning souls which is when Ministers think to prevaile by rigour storms and continual Thunder rather then Lenity the still voyce when God appeared to Elijah 1 King 19.11 to 29. it was not in the whirl-wind nor earthquake nor Fire which yet were useful for preparation paration c. but in the still voyce which gave Gods direction for the anointing of Hazael Jehu and Elisha to revenge Gods Quarrel against Idolatry and to rectifie things so far amisse But though this still voyce be for the most part the most prevalent and this mild way of winning Souls be most usual and useful Yet this must not exclude the sharpnesse and severity of a Preacher upon just occasion there is a time and place for Boanerges Mar. 3.17 to Thunder and the Apostles Rod 1 Cor. 4.21 is as to Children better then Bread in some cases Or a Barnabas to comfort the Prophets did so of old they spared no persons no crimes Eze. 21.25 You prophane And our Saviour took his time to tell the Jewes that they were of their Father the Devil John 8.44 and the Apostle calls them foolish Galatians when they were so soon bewitched not to obey the Truth c. Gal. 3.1 Ap. These things are useful to prepare the way of the Lord the terrours of Mount Sinai prepared them to receive the Law and the wind c. at Horeb the Prophet for the still Voyce 1 Kin. 19.11 and the Law is our School-master to bring us to Christ Gal. 3.24 25. Obstinate Offendors must have answerable Rebukes men are of different tempers some like Nettles must be handled hard others like bryers gently But yet as the Lord in Judgment doth remember mercy so must Love be mixt with all this But then these preparations being thus made the still Voyce behind us gives us the encouragement Esay 30.21 saying This is the way walk in it c. Lenit as apostolici spiritus obsecrationibus magis agit quam rigidis jussis Paraeus Gasp Olevianus Haec ratio docendi mazime convenit Ministris Dei ne pro imperio dictatorie rigide postulent quod praecipient lenitate precibus facilius obtinent ab Auditoribus 1. Apostolical Lenity doth act more by kind Intreaties then by rigid Commands and Ministers that teach thus do not so much imperiously and magisterially dictate as ministerially and friendly Request by which they do soonest gain upon their Hearers Paroeus Olevianus Acts Monum Fox Vol. 3. p. 146. It is Recorded that there was such an austere gravity and severity imprinted in the Countenance and discourse of that Renowned Martyr Mr. Hooper Bishop of Worcester and Gloucester even to the terrour of the Spectators that it was sometimes wished that it might have been a little more popular and familiar then let Lenity and Gravity be mixt to win the Souls of all ☞ And a Teacher must take heed of being quarrelsom for trifles too much seeking himself and the like and must so behave himself that he may say truly with the Apostle 2 Cor. 12.13 14. I seek not yours but you and the people may assent thereunto having nothing to say to the contrary and then they are like to be successeful Thus much for the Reproof of the Agents or Teachers when they are either too dull or diverted amisse 2. The next Branch of this use of Reproof is against all such Patients or Hearers as are either too hard or disaffected 1. They are hard that will admit no
people do 2 Cor. 4.18 But only after the things obvious to sense The things of this world as worldly minded men only do These are so far from being new Creatures and walking in newness of life that they disdain to be Changelings are acted by the old Adam in all things he hath dominion over them and are as ignorant of a new birth as Nichodemus was John 3.3 4. Who asketh a strange question c. so simple was he And as for the ways of good men they abhor and scorn them as ways too precise and strict for them to walk in 3. Such as walk in the way of the people after the manner of men that are not guided by the Spirit of God but by their own corrupt reason and affection Now Isa 8.11 1 Cor. 3.3 We are not to walk in the way of the people But mark how the Lord warned the Prophet there to avoid this viz. By a strong hand i. e. by such a forcible ingestion or motion of his spirit as made a strong impression upon the Prophet to yield obedience and by such a hand as was able to confirm him in his resolution and to strengthen him to effect and perform it the same hand no donbt warned the Martyrs and Confessors of God Ap. Thus was the Prophet charged Not to walk in the way of the people Neither may any of us follow a multitude to do evil Exod. 23.2 For they that sin with the multitude shall perish with the multitude as those of the old world and the men of Sodom did True it is Examples have a great influence upon many Scilicet in Vulgus manatant exempla Regentum Regis ad exemplū totus componitur orbis And in this case the examples of great men are very prevalent In the Holy History as wel as in others we read how people usually followed the pattern of the Princes as when David Jehoshaphat Hezekiah Josiah c. reigned the people did well lived godly but when Rehoboam forsook the Law of the Lord All Israel went with him 2 Cro. 12.1 and when Jeroboam advanced Idolatry He caused all Israel to sin 1 Kin. 14. which is fourteen times repeated to his everlasting infamy The very natural infirmities of Princes have been imitated a Mole Wart Wen or Wry-neck c. Much more their moral qualities whether good or bad the Drunken Gor-bellied Emperours made the whole Empire so England hath had experience of these things for how did the people follow after in King Hen. 8. King Edward 6. Q. Mary Queen Elizabeth's times To do as the most do is the safest course with many though not the best This is a great yet usual disease in these times Those that imitate the greatest and run along with the most think themselves safest and past peradventure for any danger That Principle of some Noblemen of this Nation of old Factus sum ex salice non ex quercu whom Powlet Martyr of Winchester Mill. p. 969. is very appliable to multitudes of this time They wear Religion as many do their Apparrel to turn and shift and lay aside as they think best for their own security and advancement in the world Ap. But how safe this course is in the sight of God and how pleasing to him I leave to all wise men to judge Had the Prophets Apostles and holy Martyrs done so they had never bee renowned to After-Ages as they are Religion is no longer Religion then whilest it doth bind us to God and to his Rule not to mens example The dispensation is general It is better to obey God then man Acts 4.19.5.29 if it once come to the point If Gods Laws and mens cross one another it s no Question in that case who is to be obeyed As our King whom God long preserve hath excellently expressed in his Declaration A Matchless piece Beloved For the Rule of your Religion pitch upon the Holy Canonical Scriptures as you heard worthily of late on Tuesday by Mr. Dingly of Haseley And for examples pitch upon the best Christ is the unparalled pattern of all others and many Renowned Men there are which are Imitators of him and do you follow them as they follow Christ as the Apostle perswades 1 Cor. 11.1 You must not ask and then depend upon Pope or Emperor the Civil State or Ecclesiastical what Religion you should be of The Turks depend most upon the Emperours and Rome upon the Pope yet both far wide of the way to please God It is not what the Church or State say simply but you must enquire of the Oracles of God by which all Kings and Kingdoms all the Churches in the world are to be framed ordered and governed and so follow them ☞ And when the ways of Princes please the Lord And that they become nursing Fathers to the Church Isa 49.23 as it is now with us blessed be God how great is the blessing of such a Kingdom or Nation and how do the faithful people rejoyce therein When we have such as now how much do we owe unto them viz. To honour them in our hearts and to have a reverend esteem of their persons and authority Sure Davids carriage to Saul and Daniels to Nebuchadnezzar and Bathsheba and Nathans to David may be fi◠Presidents for our practise in this particular 1 King 1.23 31. ☞ Non tamnere Divos is as good Rule in Policy as in Divinity See Exod. 22.28 Eccles 10.20 2. To obey them in all lawful things as the Israelites to Joshua Josh 1.16 17. Davids servants him 2 Sam. 15.15 The Centurions Soldiers him Mat 8.9 Else the Exception lies Acts 5.29 3. Love them which makes duty easie and acceptable to God and man 4. To imitate them in good as the Israelites did Joshua and that good King Josiah in their generations Josh 24.15 2 Chron. 34.33 Here that of Solomon takes place Prov. 24.21 Meddle not with them c. Follow not a multitude as many did Korah in his conspiracy and perished with him Numb 16. And so they followed Absolom in his Rebellion But he being destroyed the people were scattered from him and vanished to nothing 2 Sam. 15.12 and 18. Ergo Let us fear God and honour the King as 1 Pet. 2.17 4. Those persons do not please God in their walk and way Who do walk after their own devices and after the imaginations of their own hearts Jer. 18.12 These are said to walk in their own Councels Psalm 81.12 And in their own ways Acts 14.16 Their own idle fantasies in the ways and imagination of the heart Eccles 11.9 Jer. 13.10 To walk in lyes Jer. 23.14 In pride Dan. 4.37 Isa 3.16 After the eyes Job 31.7 viz. To covet others goods After vanity Jer. 2.5 i.e. Idols which are Devils or nothing And after ungodly lusts Jude 18. The corrupt motions of the flesh In all which They walk after things that profit not Jer. 2.8 For Idols and Vanity and Sin can never do us any good no
was taught and knew the Holy Scriptures from his very Infancy by which he became wise unto Salvation a man of God perfect throughly furnished unto all good works 2 Tim. 1.5 c. Whose parents are an Exemplary pattern to all Parents in the World though they be little imitated in our Times 2. Young men who though they have rich opportunities and much means to get Grace strong abilities and activities to apprehend remember and do what they have learned and do know Yet for want of due consideration that they are under uncertainties both of Life and the means of Grace For they may die in their strength and the means may be removed and that Temptations may so prevail and lie so heavy upon them that they cannot grow yet they take no care to get this strength that they may overcome the Devil 3. Old men in whom though the outward man decayes and the Soul must flit shortly from this Cottage of clay Yet they take no care with the Apostle 2 Cor. 4.16 that thaugh the outward man perish yet the inward man might be renewed day by day by the spirit of God in spiritual strength as Esay 40.31 Nor do they strive to close with good works as Dorcas did Acts 9.39 The Apostle and Evangelist 1 John 2.12 13 14. writes with more comfort sure where he ingeminates his Writings to Christians of all Ages whether little Children Fathers Young men or new Converts experienced Christians or Resolute Professors of good standing in any of these Ages and Conditions the Evangelist speaks to them twice a piece with joy 1. To little children because their sins are forgiven and because they have known the Father It is a most happy thing when Children or Babes which either in Age or Religion are thus washed spiritually from sin as it befell those new Converts Acts 10.43 And when so well instructed as to know God their Father betime and to give him Honour as Children and new Converts do 2. To fathers because they have known him that he is from the beginning i. e. Old men have been long acquainted with Christ and have the Knowledge of him in a greater measure then other Christians and happy are gray hairs found so in a long-continued experimental knowledge of God and of Christ Prov. 16.31 3. To young men because they are strong and the Word of God abideth in them and they have overcome the wicked one When spiritual strength is joyned to bodily strength and the Word of God dwels and abides in young men to Rule them And that their greatest Conquests are over the Devil who is the most powerfull and spightfull Adversary then such a sanctified Youth is truly Victorious and Glorious 1 John 2.12 13 14. But surely the Apostles times were better then ours For generally Many remain weak or sick or dead nevertheless the means of life health is afforded Weak that they remain Babes in Christ still 1 Cor. 3.1 2. and must be fed accordingly Heb. 5.12 when they might have been Teachers for the time they had enjoyed the means of Knowledge Sick That they grow worse and worse like evil men and Seducers 2 Tim. 3.13 Like Ephesus they have lost their first Love Rev. 2.4 Or as Laodocea are grown luke-warm Rev. 3.14 16. with Israelites they first love then loath Manna Num. 21.5 or with Galatians begin in the spirit end in the flesh Gal. 3.3 The Pharisees were Nipt with the least persecution John 12.42 43. so are these These leave Orthodox Truths for Heterodox Opinions 2 Tim. 4.4 And forsake the old and good way for new paths of their own invention and making 1. This is the case and sin of Many not considering that in Grace and doing good there is no Solstitium or retrograde Motion For non progredi est regredi qui non prosicit Deficit Qui nihil acquirit non nihil perdit Here 's no standing still He that goes not forward goes backward and he that gains not loseth all This is their sin 2. And for punishment what can be expected lesse then the removeal of the Candlestick except we Repent and do the first works Revel 2.5 See Eze. 11. 12. Chap. of Gods departing And the Burning threatned against that Ground which receives the shine and drinks in the Rain of Heaven but beareth nothing but Thornes and Bryars Heb. 6.8 3. Dead yea stark dead in sin They are so wicked so that we cannot say as Christ said to that Nobleman whose Son was sick at Capernaum Thy Son liveth John 4.46.50 But as Gehazi to Elisha 2 Kings 4.31 the Child is not awaked Or as Davids Servants to him 2 Sam. 12.19 the Child is dead ☞ In this case what can we do but have recourse to Christ and pray saying Arise O Christ and he say to us as to Lazarus John 11.43 Come forth Or as Eph. 5.14 Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light Ap. Then if the Lord shall arise upon us with his Glory as Esay 60.1 2. and Command as Cant. 4.16 Awake O North-wind and come thou South and blow upon my Garden that the Spices may flow out then shall we awake rise out of our Graves and begin to spring then shall we become like a watered Garden or a Field that the Lord hath blessed Or the Trees of the Garden of God Or the Cedars of Lebanon that he hath planted Yea we shall be able to invite our Saviour as Cant. 4.16 Let my Beloved come into his Garden and eat his pleasant fruits Thus much for the second Use of Reproof III. Use of Exhortation doth perswade 1. Great men 2. All men 1. Great men of Eminency Dignity and Authority Such are Eminent Trees in the Garden of God in Paradise Ezek. 31.8 9. more excellent then others as being more tall in statute Eminent in their Estates other accomplishments 2. Strong in power to over-awe and command others by the Dignity and Authority conferred upon them Therefore it behoves them to be most Eminent in Grace and abundant in good Works that they may be like the Trees in Gods House those Palm-trees and Cedars psalm 92.12 13 14. which are firmly rooted sound and imputrible straight and upright Ornaments in their places c. So should such men be Rooted and grounded in the truth as Trees of stature must be and not like Pilate who inquired what is Truth Joh. 18.38 Sound and uncorrupt imputrible in their practise as Cedars are Straight and upright in all their proceedings as some choise Trees are in their growth not writhed and crooked Ornaments to the Church of God as the Palms trees were to the Temple Pillars in Gods house a shelter a support to his place as the strongest trees are in great buildings Abundant in good fruits and works like the best fruit-trees and that in the faithful administration of their places to the publick good and in their acts of piety mercy and
have been of God 2 Cor. 1.4 as the Apostle did in time of his Troubles And the more we do in this kind to others the more ability we have to do so still He that faithfully useth the graces of God shall have them increased whereas in other things The more we spend the less we have till all be gone Money and Goods and Lands and great Estates may soon be spent by use or gift liberality or prodigality bounty or magnificence c. But here it is otherwise The more free and liberral any man is of his Graces in a right use of them The more his stock increases and the richer he is in a spiritual endowment the more he gives the more he gains till he be filled brim-full with the fulness of God in everlasting glory Thus much of the fourth help to proficiency viz. Exercisese 5. The last help to proficiency is guod society make use of it for a man either is or is like to be such an one as his Companions are A man is much bettered or worsed by company For the words of the wise are as nails and goads Eccles And do minister grace to the hearers Ephesians c. 4.29 E Contra the language of evil company is like an open Sepulchre and the poyson of Asps full of filthiness and deadly poyson so is the discourse of such full of blasphemies against God of Reproaches and railing at men not of their mind and as contagiously infectious as the poyson of Alps For which there is no remedy but cutting of Rom. 3.13 So here the only remedy is cutting off such company from us or such dangerous tongues in our Saviours sense Mat. 18.8 least being incurably infected we perishby the poyson of it Naturalists observe That the Stag or Hart and the Serpent the Wolves and Sheep cannot agree and Vines and Coleworths can never grow together and so it is with good men when mixt with ill company there can be no agreement e contra Vines and Olives the Fig-tree and Rue or Herb-grace planted at his root yea Lilies and Roses are much the more fragrant if Garlick be planted by them so wise and hot Christians will do And the Lizard loves a man so well that he preserves him from the Serpent so will a good companion do Bad acquaintance cannot be avoided But bad Familiars may Let this be our practise and prosper vid. Keck 1. Tom. p. 1388. c. Magir. p. 206 207. From this last particular in this verse you have heard the main end of all our preaching and your learning viz. That increasing in grace and abounding in good works is a Christians excellency as well as it is his duty This point hath been proved and confirmed to you at large The Uses were of Lamentation Reproof Exhortation Examination and Consolation The three first of these are dispatcht already The two last remains so that I am now upon the fourth viz. Of Examination Use 4. The fourth Use is of Examination which puts us upon the Trial whether we do increase and abound as we ought to do and for the better effecting of this tryal and our more certainty therein forasmuch as we are fallen upon the Scripture-allegory which doth often compare the faithful to the Trees of the garden of God as the Vires Palms and Cedars c. let me give you a tast of your tryal from some signs which do appear in Trees whether they do thrive and prosper or not which signs do arise from the Root Body Bark Branch Fruit and Stature of such Trees 1. The Root The Tree firmly rooted grows amain and prospers Oh that this were our case this is that which the Apostle prays for heartily and perswades to seriously Ephes 3.16 to 20. and Col. 2.6 7. viz. That they may be strengthned well rooted and firmly established in the faith able to comprehend c. So were most of the Martyrs and Professors of Jesus in all ages these could stand in a storm and abide terrible blasts Neither Persecuters nor Seducers could pluck them up by the roots Such were some of the Churches of Asia viz. Smyrna Thyatira and Philadelphia Rev. 2.8 18. 3.7 yet had they Persecutors Seducers c. To try what they could do This is the drist of the Ministry Ephes 4.13 to 17. That we may become perfect men no more children tossed to and fro and carried about c. But speaking the truth might grow up in Christ in all things Now that you may be sure that you are well rooted look what faith you have for Faith is a root which in a well grown Christian is very strong it sendeth forth its suckers to the Rivers The waters of life which bring in supply and do enable us to 1. Great obedience as in Abraham offering up Isaac Gen. 22. The rich in Faith are so in good works This Root yields abundance of good fruit The poor of this world that are rich in faith are chosen of God and Heirs of the kingdom promised by him Jam. 2.5 The rich in this world that have learned not to be high-minded nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God c. And to do good to be rich in good works These lay a good foundation for the time to come that they may lay hold on eternal life 1 Tim. 6.17 18 19. Poor Lazarus and rich Abraham both being rich in Faith do enjoy the same Glory with God this is a good root that sends up its branches and fruit as high as heaven this faith doth perform 2. Great Conquests over sin and great corruptions The Faith of Miracles could remove Mountains so can this For by faith we do resist the Devil 1 Pet. 5.8 9. And put him to flight Jam. 4.7 3. To stand against great discouragement as Job 13.15 Though he slay me yet will I trust in him and that woman of Canaan Mat. 15.22 to 29. Who by faith still waited upon Christ against the discouragement of his not being sent to such and terming her a Dog 4. And in great dangers A good man shall not be moved for ever nor be afraid of evil tidings His heart is fixed c. Psalm 112.6 7. And our Saviour adviseth viseth us John 14.1 2 3. Let not your hearts be troubled Why Mark their belief in God believe also in me and heavenly Mansions are prepared for you and you shall be with me Thus Faith is a blessed root the Tree so rooted shall prosper And concerning this we all had need to pray with him in the Go pel Mark 9.24 And that with tears saying Lord I believe help thou my unbelief thus Faith is the Christians root producing Obedience Courage Patience and Peserverance 2. Body Look upon the body of a Tree and Judge of its proficiency so upon the grace and strength of a Christian In a tree that is now become Timber fit to be a Pillar a principle beam in the building which was but a Twig c. In Corn
to effect it then to destroy and root out the Church and raze it down even to the foundation Isalm 137.7 That the name of it be no more in remembrance Psalm 83.4 Ap Both of these evil days the best of Gods people are subject to for none are exempt from Affliction or Persecution And in both these the Enemy will do his utmost to do them the greatest hurt that he can as he ever did formerly Exhor It behooves them therefore to prepare arm and streng then themselves against such an Evil day The first of these evil days we are sure will befal us and the last may we know not how soon Ergo 1. Be sure to hold fast the truth 2. And keep your Consciences clean it will stead you much in such a day 3 Walk uprightly deal justly like Samuel Dan. 6.4 And let your Conversation be in Heaven Phil. 3.20 Ap. What else think you did support all the Martyrs and Confessors of Jesus and made old Jacob and others dye comfortably Gen. 49.33 Consol There is a good day remains for them 1. Redemption Luke 21.25 26 28 31. Ephes 4.30 To which you are sealed 2. Salvation Isa 49.8.9 10. cited by the Apostle 2 Cor. 6.2.3 Making them up as Jewels or special Treasure Mal. 3.17 4. A day of Christ of his power and coming Phil. 1.10 and 2.16 Psalm 110.3 Acts 2.20 Rev. 16.15 and 22.12 But for wicked men who make covenant with death and hell the Rulers of Jerusalem Isa 28.14 15. which made lyes their Refuge made this Covenant and put the evil day far from them by thinking that the Judgements threatned will come Who knows when c. such a day will never come and therefore they do strengthen themselves in Violence Tyranny and Luxury Ezek. 12.11 27. Ames 6.3 to 8. Mark that place Isa 28.14 15 17 18 to 23. Hear ye Rulers ye scornful men that Shebna-like Isa 22.15 Scoff at the Threatings of the Prophets as supposing your selves secured against all occurrences whatsoever and bent to ensnare City or State as Pro. 29.8 and mock them like those Mockers 2 Pet. 3.3 4. That scoff at the coming of Christ You Rulers that abuse your power thus to domineer at your plaesure Jer. 26.13 14 15. As they did by the Prophet Jeremy You that deem your selves as safe and secure as if you had made a Covenant with death and hell and were at agreement with them 1. You can so comply with the deadly Enemies of Church and State 2. And suit so well with their Hellish practises and you have made Lies 3. Your Refuge and so hid your selves under falsehood that no overflowing scourge or judgement threatned by Preachers shall reach or come upon them You think you are armed against the worst of storms by your strength and wealth your Treasury Craft and wily devices by which you have unjustly and unwarrantably gotten them c. yet though by Robbery Oppression and Fraud you have unworthily enriched your selves and are advanced to this height of security yet Judgement shall be laid to the line and Righteousness to the Plummet i.e. An exact way of justice shall take place and you shall come to a strict account and examination and then all your snifts deceipts deep disguises and cunning projects your vain confidence and security as if by firm covenant and unchangable agreement shall be disanulled and wipt away as with an overflowing stream a lying Refuge like a Bed too short and Covering too narrow upon which a man cannot repose himself to take any quiet rest See the Annotations upon the place Isa 28.14 15 to 23. 2. And as for those that put the evil day far from them as Ezek. 12.2 22.7 28. thaâ— say Every Vision fails will never come And Amos 6.3 to the 8th You that put far the evil day and make violence come never yet they shall find a day will come to their cost and they shall know that God is not asleep ☞ For he seeth that their day is coming Psalm 37.12 13 14 15. A Day of Judgement a time when God will recompence them a woful day to wicked and unrighteous men Isa 5.18 19. Jer. 17.15 16. That say Let him come and hasten c. For then their 1. Sin shall be discovered 2. Conscience awakened 3. Confidence shall fly away and forsake them 4. Good mens prayers against them shall be answered 5. And the anger of God shall be kindled upon them of all which see my Notes upon Psalm 32.10 The thought of this may justly terrifie wicked men from the Unrighteousness and wickedness which is in their ways Thus from this point as I have shewed them the danger of Heresies Schisms and erroneous Opinions in the fiâ—st Use So also the danger of Unrighteousness and Wickedness in their Conversations What a woful day will ensue thereupon in this that you may avoid both these extreams to prevent destruction As we are warned to withstand these manifold wicked Enemies at all times and especially in the evil day so in the whole progress of this Warfare we are exhorted to stand I. Now Standing is a Gesture of 1. Attendance as of the Priests to Minister in the name of the Lord Deut. 18.5 7. 2. And as Solomons servants did before him 1 Kings 10.8 to hear his wisdom 3. And Daniel c. in King Nebuchadnezzars Palace Dan. 1.4 4. And Esther before Ahasuerus for the Jews Esth 5.2 5. The Israelites before Moses Exod. 18.13 for execution of Judgement Ap. And thus it is usually applyed to the worship and service of God 1. Prayer as Abraham did for Sodom Gen. 18.22 23 to 33 1 Kings 11.8.2 Praising Ezra and the people Neh. 8.4 5 6. Rev. 7.9 10. 3. Reading Christ himself stood up to read Luke 4.16 4. Preaching Acts 2.14 and 5.20 25. Peter and the Apostles did so 5. Hearing as Neh. 8.4 5 6. And they John 3.29 To hear the Bridegroom II. As well as of Expectance as Exo. 14.13 14. and 2 Chron. 20.17 Stand ye and see the salvation of the Lord. III. And it s a Gesture of Business with the activity and industry attending thereupon whether it be in 1. Serving Psalm 134.1 2. Resisting Deut 7.24 2 Kings 10.4 Luke 21.36 3. Enduring Job 8.15 Mat. 12.25 26. 4. And persevering and persisting Rom. 5.2 the grace in which we stand IV. As well of Idleness Mat. 20.6 Why stand ye here c. idle Ap. Now in the sence of the Text our Attendance and Activity and Victory are all implied in this Warfare so that as men are said to stand in any Business 1. Before it by preparation 2. In it by way of Exultation And 3. After it in the way of Exultation and Conquest So in this Warfare in reference to all these we should stand 1 Couragioufly and Valiantly in the Onset and Entrance with resolution 2. Vnanimously 3. Vigilantly and watchfully to see the enemy 4. Regularly every man in his rank and order Magistrate and