him who readeth or heareth them Motives truely he is unworthy to have any more spoken to him but before I can hope to perswade men I must begin with God who onely can perswade the heart O thou great Captain of the host of Israel who hast the key of David that openeth and none can shut and shutteth and none can open be graciously pleased to exercise thy great power and infinite mercy in working upon the hearts both of the writer and reader of this treatise to answer this thy call that of wild olives by nature we may be graffed into Jesus Christ and may become trees of righteousness the planting of the Lord that thou mayst be glorified in us and by us and we with thee Alas Lord what can a weak mans words availe where the word of the â—â—ving God is rejected The arguments â—re full of power but the hearts of the â—hildren of men are full of obstinacy â—nless thou raisest the dead and creaâ—est clean hearts no good can be done â—end therefore thine irresistible Spirit â—o convince and convert us give new â—yes and new eares and renew a right â—pirit within us then shall we heare â—nd see and run to joyne ourselves who have formerly beene sons of the â—â—ranger to the Lord and to thy people â—hou who gatherest the out casts of Isâ—ael remember thy promise to gather â—thers to thee besides those that are alâ—eady gathered Save us O Lord our â—od and gather us from among the â—eathen to give thanks unto thy holy â—ame and to triumph in thy praise Isa 56.7 8. â—sal 106.47 Now if after prayer to God teares â—ould move you whose good is here â—â—tended they should not be wanting beseech you by the teares and preciâ—s blood of Iesus Christ to grant me is desire not for any thing from you 〈◊〉 my self but for the salvation of your own soules that you lay these things deeply to heart Is it nothing to you to have lived so long without Christ being aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world Eph. 2.12 Dare you continue in this estate sincâ— you know not how little time you havâ— to live before you goe hence and be nâ— more seen Is not God a portion wortâ— having is not his love worth imbracing feare you not the torments oâ— Hell doe you not value the joyes anâ— glory of Heaven Return a candid anâ— sober Answer to these Questions whicâ— God himselfe and not I propounâ— unto you Say in good earnest to him Lord enable us and we will becomâ— true Israelites and then I assure you 〈◊〉 his name and in the word of trutâ— God will be your God and the Goâ— of your seed he will love you freeâ— unto the end the second death shaâ— have no power over you feare not is your Fathers good pleasure to giâ— you the Kingdome Luke 12.32 whâ— shall I say of the blessed spirit of gracâ— he stands at the door of your hearts and knocks if you will hear his voyce and open the door he will come into you and sup with you and you with him Revel 3.20 And judge righteous judgment whether is it better to walk in that double Aegyptian darknesse of errors and manners or to be children of light 1 Thess 5.5 whether is it more eligible to be dead in trespasses and sin or to heare the voyce of the Son of God and live the life of grace here and the life of glory hereafter John 5.25 Whether is it safer to be the friends of God or his cursed enimes to have fellowship with God or devils yea to be Gods sons and daughters or children of the devill for you must needs be either of the former or the latter sort of these I call Heaven and Earth to record this day that I have set before you life and death blessing and cursing therefore choose life that you and your seed may live Deut. 30.19 Thus shall you be free indeed free from all evill and free to all good spiritual and eternal for Jerusalem which is above is free which is the mother of all true believers Gal. 4.26 what vast summs of money doe some forego to purchase freedome in some great City as the chiefe Captain did to be made free in Rome Acts. 22.28 But all the money in the world will not purchase any freedome in this City the spiritual Jerusalem you must either be born in Sion or you can never be free here againe men may confer political freedome as king Saul promised to make his house free in Israel who should kill Goliath 1 Sam. 17.25 but none can confer this spiritual freedome but the Son the great King of Heaven John 8.36 Lastly if the Queen of Sheba pronounced Solomons men happy and twice happy for standing continually in his presence and hearing his wisedome 2 Chron. 9.7 how much more happy is it for us to draw nigh to God Psalm 73.28 Herein the children of Israel surmount all people in the world besides for they onely are neere to him Psalm 148.14 and as dear as the Apples of his own Eye Zachary 2.8 And as they are neer and dear to him so is he nigh to them to hear them when they call Psalm 145.18 and to save them in all times of their distresse Psalm 85.9 Israel of old gloried in this priviledge Deut. 4.7 what Nation is there so great that hath God so nigh unto them as the Lord our God is to us in all things which we call upon him for and were it now impossible for us to have him as neere to us as he was to them our case were miserable but blessed be God as he hath commanded us to draw nigh to him so he hath promised to draw nigh to us also Jam. 4.8 But of all others shall we be most miserable if we would not obey this his Command of drawing nigh to him that he may fulfill his promise and draw nigh to us for they that say to him now depart from us shall heare him say to them at the last day Depart from me ye accursed into everlasting fire Sect. 12 For the Lords sake therefore remove all impediments that hinder you from becomming Israelites indeed Impediments What these lets and remoraes are I shal briefly lay down O! that you could as soon overcome them These impediments are either external or within your selves 1 Their smal number The 1. externall Let is the paucity or fewnesse of their number But doe not you know that ordinary stones are more rife than orient Pearls and is not a precious stone the more valueable and excellent by how much the more rare it is These are the Lords Jewels whereas all other are but like lumber in the house Mal. 3.17 They shall be mine saith the Lord of Hostes who best knoweth the true value of the children of men in that day when I make up my Jewels and
murtherers and our Prayers were that the righteous God would teach their hands to war and their fingers to fight what other language he used I have in writing attested by the hands of good witnesses A third man was a civilian who had been unhappily intercepted from going beyond sea to be bred a Jesuite yet retained his Jesuitical principles These with some others ejusdem furfuris with their revived oath ex-officio imprisoned some and banished or drove to flight others to the number of fourteen in one week some whereof might be truely called The Horsmen and Chariots of your Israel who stood day and night in the gap for you being able peaceable and diligent ministers of the Gospel besides many others who were driven away by this tempest After this a new project of far more dangerous Consequence was promoted by a faction in the army siding with the Irish party to wit a cursed Cessation was hatched to be made with the Irish rebels when we were masters in the field and our army was maintained mostly by the spoiles which they dayly recovered from the enemy who had formerly made a prey of all the estates of the English throughout the land excepting some few cityes and castles which stood out upon their owne defence and could onely preserve such goods as they had within the walls in most places The very mention of this designe was odious to all the remnant of our English nation who utterly abhorred the thought of ever shaking hands with such a barbarous generation of men or rather incarnate devils who had robbed them of all burnt their dwellings murthered their wives children and kinsfolk after they had exercised upon them all imaginable cruelties as full well you know And all that had but half an eye foresaw what the issue of this would be as afterwards the event manifested even a deadly snare to our side now were our brave soldiers left to starve in their garrisons many of them punished with death by their owne disaffected officers upon the least complaint of any of their inhumane perfidious enemies whilest they were free to kill rob and spoile at pleasure without controule and hereby had they opportunityes of recruiting themselves with fresh men and ammunition for a new war when the cessation should be expired now were foure of our best friends privy counsellors clapt up in the Castle of Dublin for opposing the Cessation when all the rebels who had been committed having beene taken prisoners by our army in the open field were released and some of them dubbed forsooth for their good service and more of our Ministers were driven to follow their brethren to shift for their lives and safety by flight some for preaching and praying against the Treaty as in duty and conscience they thought themselves bound to doe others for feare lest they should be destroyed if it tooke effect Thus were we like Levi divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel But since my departing from you I have beene exceedingly desirous to returne to you insomuch as I once advanced as for as Nesson towards you and thence was turned back how ever I am still mindfull of you in my Prayers on all occasions sympathizing with you in your straits and dangers have I condoled with you and joyfull have I been and still am at your deliverances and enjoyments of mercies as at the present to heare of your welfare that the Lord hath placed over you a prudent well principled and religious governour in chiefe and others subordinate magistrates men of Courage fearing God hating covetuousness that the Lord hath stored you with able conscionable orthodox divines And in testimony of my thankfulness I send unto you since I may not come over to you my self this small tract haveing thoughts of preparing a larger treatise for you upon a subject which I made entrance upon while I was among you entitled The way of salvation which may therefore more properly be layed claime unto by you as this present Treatise more peculiarly belongeth to my now parishioners of East Greenwich among whom most of the contents hereof have been published in diverse sermons in the pulpit though here much contracted and in other particulars enlarged And now to you do they come from the Presse my loving Christian friends and neighbours of East Greenwich and no lesse beloved for the helpe of your memories and for a permanent testimony of my thankfulness for all your loving kindness from the first day of my coming among you till his present time which I shall never be forgetful of viz. how unanimously you made choice of me between six and seven yeares agoe to be your Minister three Lords dayes together meeting for the confirmation of your choice and for contriving the best way for my better encouragement and subsistence among you and continuing your reall affection for the far greatest part of you till this day towards me and I trust that your love is of the right kind which will not decrease but encrease more and more till death put a period to our lives I shall not deteine you long in this praeludium as I have done my remote friends because you have me dayly with you upon all occasions to speak unto you viva voce Onely thus much I cannot but signify to you in as publike a manner as I could devise that I am yours and most unfainedly do I desire and accordingly by the Lords assistance I shall endeavour the spiritual and eternal welfare both of you and yours in striving to remove all the hinderances thereof and in faithfully revealing to you all the whole counsell of God that I may be kept cleare from the blood of precious souls and so save my self and them that heare me for for none other end do I desire to live among you and for this I humbly and earnestly implore your dayly Prayers to God for me To whom I commit you and to the word of his grace which is able to save your soules In whom I remaine Your humble servant for the good of your souls for which the Lord of life died FAITHFVLL TEATE Books Lately Printed for George Sawbridge at the signe of the Bible on Ludgate-hill THe power of Godlinesse both Doctrinally and Practically handled whereunto is annexed distinct treatises 1. Of the Affections 2. Of the Spirituall Combate 3. Of the Government of the Tongue 4. Of Prayer together with 5. An Exposition upon the Lords Prayers By that late eminent Divine Mr John Ball. And published by Mr Simeon Ashe Predestination defended against Post-destination being an answer to Mr Thomas Pierce his correct Copy concerning Gods Decree especially of Reprobation by Mr Will Barlee The Saints Communion with God and Gods communion with them in Ordinances by Mr. William Strong A Learned exposition of the Books of Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job and Psalms By Mr John Trap. The Preachers Tripartite in three Bookes 1. To raise Devotion in Divine Meditations upon Psal 25. 2. To Administer Comfort
themselves the titles of God and Christ or have given out that they are so one with Christ that they can sin no more then Christ can sinne To whom Luther some others being too bold with those hyperbocall expressions of Nazianzen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 have given too much occasion 7. They and they onely have Christan liberty 7 Liberty of grace in this life and of glory in the life to come called the glorious liberty of the sons of God Rom. 8.21 St. Paul was caught up into Paradise and admitted to see the glory thereof but not permitted to utter what he had heard and seen for it is as easie to containe the Sea in an Egge-shel as to relate heaven's happiness 2 Cor. 12.4 Hither is our Lord Jesus gone before to prepare many Mansions for believers and he will bring them all thither when he hath throughly prepared them for the same Iohn 14.2 Whereas all unbelievers the fearfull the lyers and workers of iniquity shall in no wise enter in thither but have their part in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death Rev. 21.8.27 Lessius de justiciâ p. 600. Christiana libertas à quintuplici servitute nos solvit 1. peccati 2. diaboli 3. legis c. 2. The liberty of Grace is either privative or positive 1. They are freed 1. From evil 1. By meanes and their justification they have freedom 1. From the bondage of the devill Col. 1.13 Who were before taken captive by him at his will 2 Tim. 2.26 2 From sin Rom. 6.22 both in regard of the guilt of it Rom. 8.33 who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect since Christ dyed for their sins yea rather is risen againe who is even at the right hand of God to make intercession for them v. 34. and also in regard of the dominion of sin For to such the Apostle saith Sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the Law but under grace Rom. 6.14 As also in regard of the fruits of sin both in the world to come they are freed from eternal condemnation Rom. 8.1 There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit The reason followeth v 2. For the Law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made them free from the law of sin and death v 2. As also in this life they are delivered from the terrors of death under which others are in bondage all their life time Heb. 2.15 Secondly from the evil of afflictions not from the afflictions themselves for it is good for them to be afflicted Psalm 119.71 But to them the Lord turneth the evill of their troubles to good Genesis 50.20 3. They are freed from the law 1. from the intolerable yoke of the Ceremonial Law Acts. 15.10 and 2. in part from the Morall Law in four regards 1. of the curse which it denounceth again all that continue not in all that is written in that Law Gal. 3.10 11. which Christ hath freed us from by being made a curse for us 2. They are exempted from seeking justification by the works of the Law Rom. 3.20 21 22. who are justified freely by his grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ v 24.3 from the exact obedience which the Law requireth to be performed in their own persons for justification and the obtaining of eternall life for Christ is become the end of the Law for righteonsnesse to every one that believeth Rom. 10.4 5. and through him God accepteth the will for the deed 2 Cor. 8.12 4. From the irritation of the Law which by reason of the corruption that is in man by nature hath a provoking power in it so that when the law commands obedience and threatneth the disobedient he groweth more outragious in evil then before Spumeus et fervens et abobice fortior ibit as a river dammed-up swels and overflows the Banks according to that of the Apostle The Law entred that the offence might abound Rom. 5.20 But these persons of whom we discourse are of a more excellent spirit who delight in the law of God after the inward man Rom. 7.22 and the love of God rendreth his Commandements not grievous to them 1 John 5.3 Fourthly they are delivered from the evil of evils the immense and direfull wrath of God by Jesus Christ 1 Thess 1.10 which shall come inevitably and irrecoverably upon all the Children of disobedience Col. 3.6 and burn to the lower Hell Lastly they shall be delivered from death and the grave for Death is the last Enemy that shall be destroyed 1 Cor. 15.26 And though die they must yet the sting of death which is sin is pulled out and they shall be raised from their graves in the great day of the resurrection Hos 13.14 so that they may sing Hosea's Pauls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 O Death where is thy sting O Grave where is thy victory thanks be to God who hath given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 15.55.57 2. The positive part of their liberty followeth As they are and shall be free from all evill so they are set free to good as 1. to righteousnesse to serve the Lord in newnesse of spirit and not in oldnesse of the letter Romans 7.6 2. To their use all things are sanctified by the word and prayer 1 Tim. 4 5. which to others are unclean Tit. 1.15 To the pure all things are pure but to them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure but even their minds and consciences is defiled 3. They are free to the communion of Saints fellow heires and of the same body and partakers of the same promises in Christ by the Gospel Eph. 3.6 4ly By Christ they have bold access to the throne of grace to aske what they will if it be agreeable to Gods will with confidence in him of obtaining their suits at all times 1 Joh. 5.14 What is said of Luther may be affirmed of them also I sle potuit quod voluit for to them it is promised Aske and have 8 Peace 8. The peace of God which passeth all understanding doth keep their hearts and mindes through Iesus Christ Phil. 4.7 whereas there is no peace saith God to the wicked Isa 57.21 To this peace with God and their owne consciences we must add peace with the creatures even with the stones and beasts of the field Job 5.23 and both these spring from their reconciliation with God 9. Joy 9. From all these immunities ariseth joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1.8 which none can ever take from them Jo. 16.22 for it shall be everlasting Isa 51.11 whereas all others joyes besides are neither solid nor durable For though wicked men may glory in appearance yet that joy never proceedeth from the heart 2 Cor. 5.12 and it is
world Answ Appreciative they receive that which is an hundred times of more worth then all that they lose And for a fuller Answer I refer you to the learned and ancient father Jerom in loc tom 9. who first layeth downe the exposition of some millenaries on these words and refuteth the same and then gives us his owne judgment on them Ex occasione hujus sententiae quidam introducunt mille annos post resurrectionem dicentes tunc nobis centuplum omnium rerum quas dimisimus et vitam aeternam esse reddendam Quòd si in caeteris digna sit promissio in uxoribus appareat turpitudo ut qui unam pro Domino dimiserit centum recipiat in futuro Sensus igitur iste est Qui carnalia pro Sa vatore dimiserit spiritualia recipiet quae comparatione et merito suî quasi parvo numero centenarius numerus comparetur Or to raise up bitter persecutions against them for feare whereof many durst not joyne themseves to the Apostles Act. 5.13 and others who receive the seed of the word as it were into stony places hearing and anon receiving it with joy yet not having root in themselves endure for a while but afterwards when tribulation and persecution ariseth because of the word by and by they are offended Mat 13.20.21 For prevention hereof consider that ere long the case shall be altered that God shall recompense tribulation to them that trouble you and if you be of the seed of the Iews as Zeresh said to Haman of Mordecai they shall not prevaile against you but surely fall before you Esth 6.13 and the same righteous God who hath already pronounced them blessed who are persecuted for righteousnesse sake withall affirming that theirs is the kingdom of heaven Mat. 12.10 will both enable you to endure stedfast to the end and in the end give you rest with Christ 2 Thess 1.7 for if we suffer with him we shall be also glorified together Therefore reckon with the Apostle that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us Rom. 8.17.18 Sect. 13 4. Satan will ever be sure to stand up against Israel as he did in Davids time 4 Impediment Satan when he provoked him to number the people 1 Chron. 21.1 His grand and constant designe ever hath been estill is and will be to keep soules from entring into this fold of Iesus Christ 1. By raising up odious reports of the holy way as well as of the professors of it that none may seek after it as when Paul spake with the chief of the Iewes at Rome and told them that for the hope of Israel he was bound with that chain which was then upon him they answered him As concerning this sect we know that every where it is spoken against Act. 28.20 21. 2ly By keeping to the utmost of his power the true preachers of the Gospel from declaring and making known to the churches the excellency of this way even the beauty of holinesse as he hindred Paul from coming to the Thessalonians though he endeavoured it with great desire 1 Thess 2.17.18 3ly By raising up false teachers and fitting and furnishing them with all possible dexterity to raise up disaffection in the hearts of all sorts against the truth and such as publish the same 2 Thess 2.9.10 4. By blinding the mindes of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine unto them 2 Cor. 4.4 5. If by all his wiles he cannot hinder the preaching hearing and believing of the Gospell then his next plot will be to turne them who began to run well from the right path into error and sinfull courses so when Paul had espoused the Corinthians to one husband that he might present them as a chast virgin to Christ he feared lest by any meanes as the serpent beguiled Eve thorow his subtilty so their mindes should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ 2 Cor. 11.2 3. 6ly If he can effect none of these projects then he will strive to hinder them from their speedy and comfortable proceeding in the Christian race by raising up his instruments to do them all possible mischief and dammage as he imployed 1. the Sabeans to take away Jobs oxen as they were plowing and his asses feeding beside them and to kill his servants with the edge of the sword suffering onely one to be a messenger to acquaint him with the sad tydings thereof Job 1.14 15. 2ly By causing a great fire to fall from heaven to burne up and consume his servants and his sheep in another place v. 16. 3ly By sending three bands of the Caldeans who fell upon the camels and carried them away and slew others of his servants with the edge of the sword v. 17. 4ly By raising up a great wind from the wilderness which smote the four corners of the house wherein his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine so that it fell upon them and killed them all at once v. 19. 5ly By smiting Jobs body with sore boyls and diseases from the sole of his foote unto his crown Job 2.7 6ly by instigating his wife who should have been his chiefest comfort to become his bitterest crosse to perswade him to forgoe his integrity to curse God and die v. 9. 7ly when he thought his bed should comfort him and his couch should ease his complaint by scaring him with dreames and terrifying him through visions so that he chose death rather then life Job 7.13.14 8 by his three friends who became miserable comforters to him and endeavoured to bereave him of his sincerity the onely support of his spirit yet left him yet in all these fierce encounters the Lord strengthened him to hold out and ye have seen the end of the Lord that he is pityfull and of tender mercy Jam. 5.11 In like manner doth the Spirit encourage the angel of the church in Smyrna to whom he writeth thus Feare none of the things which thou shalt suffâ—r Behold the devill shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation tenne dayes be thou faithfull unto death and I will give thee the Crown of life Rev. 2.10 See here the devil himselfe was to be the jayler for he should cast not all but some of them into Prison yet could he not have this power till it was given from above Gods end was not to destroy but to try them the time how long the persecution was to last is limitted to tenne dayes not so long as the devil pleased and therefore he assureth them they had no cause to feare but adviseth them to be faâ—thfull unto death and then promiseth to give them a crown of life 7. Satan is termed the accuser of the brethren because he accuseth them before our God day and night Rev. 12 10. seeking by this meanes to
chosen that there is none like him among all the people 1 Sam. 10.24 Why These are they whom Christ hath washed in his blood and made Kings and priests to God his father Rev. 1.5 6. These are his favourites Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem Jer. 5.1 and see now and know saith the Lord by Ieremiah and seek through the broad places thereof if you can find a man if there be any that executeth judgment that seeketh the truth and I will pardon it 2. Do not we deeme men eminent for wisdom worthy to be viewed and reviewed How far came the Queen of Sheba to see Solomon upon this account Our Saviovr informeth us Luk. 11.31 even from the utmost parts of the earth Now wisdome maketh the faces of these whom we speak of to shine Eccl. 8.1 as Stephen's did when all that sat in the council looking stedfastly on him saw his face Act. 6.15 as if it had been the face of an Angel And wisdom and truth it self termeth all these children of wisedom Mat. 11.19 and of them may be truely affirmed that which we read of Job the eare that heareth them cannot but blesse them Job 29.11 and the eye that sees them cannot but give witness to them Job 29.11 3ly what flocking together is there to behold great conquerors yea how desirable are their very statues and pictures to such as by distance of place are debarred from the sight of their persons It is recorded that the king of Sodom yea and Melchizedek king of Salem went both out to meet Abraham after the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and of the kings that were with him Genes 14.17 18. Behold I present unto your view such as scripture language styleth more then conquerors Rom. 8.37 Such are all true beleevers through Christ who loves them Fortior est qui se quà m qui fortissima vincit These resist the Devill and put him to flight Jam. 4.7.2 They subdue their own spirit which is a more signal victory then the taking of a strong city Pro. 16.32.3 Christ giveth them victory over death which hath vanquished the noblest conquerors of the world 1. Cor. 15.57.4 Strange and rare shews never want spectators The sacred Chronicle relateth and therefore it desreveth our observation that Solomons ships brought from Tarshish apes and peacocks for their rarity as well as ivorie gold and silver for their value 2 Chron. 9.21 But true converts are most rare New creatures in whom old things are passed away BEHOLD all things are become new Eph. 2.1 2 Cor. 5.17.2 They are raised from death to life you hath he quickned saith the Apostle to the Ephesians who were dead in trespasses and sins This is a more admirable work then the raising of Lazarus from the grave which notwithstanding drew a great concourse of people to Jesus who had raised him Joh. 12.9 Who came not for Jesus sake only but that they might see Lazarus also whom he had raised from the dead 5. Multitudes have ever used to gaze upon persons sumptuously apparrelled Luk. 7.25 what went you out saith our Saviour to the people into the wilderness to SEE a man cloathed in soft raiment BEHOLD they which are gorgeously apparrelled are in kings courts But St John Rev. 12 1. discovereth to us a greater matter of admiration There appeared saith he a great wonder in heaven a woman the Spouse of Christ whereof every true beleever is a member cloathed with the Sunne Oecumen in Apoc. cap. 33. Ecclesia Sole justitiae Christo stipata est the righteousness of Jesus Christ whom shee hath put on Gal. 3.27 for uxor fulget radiis mariti with the Moone under her feet that is worldly things which are mutable like the moone are by her little accounted of and upon her head is a crown of twelve starres the doctrine of the 12. Apostles whereon she is founded Revel 21.14 and this her raiment is like the Isralites garments in the wilderness which waxed not old Neh. 9.21 but groweth more and more glorious by wearing as faith encreaseth by exercise 6. Exquisite beauties have an attrative force over mens eyes and mindes When David espied from the roof of his house Bathsheba who was very beautifull to look upon washing her selfe he sent messengers to fetch her to him 2 Sam. 11.2 But lo here is an incomparable beauty as the Lord himselfe describeth it Ezec. 16.13 14. Thou wast exceeding beautifull saith hee to Israel and thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty for it was PERFECT through my comlinesse which I had put upon thee These are indued with perfect beauty neither are they snowt-faire for the Proverb foras Helena intus Hecuba hath no room here but they are all glorious within Psalm 45.13 neither is this a decaying beauty like Naomies Ruth 1.20 who in a few yeares was metamorphosed into Marah as herself complaines nor yet is it like Ephraims glorious beauty which became like a fading flower Isa 28.1.4 neither doth that proverb take place here at all Isa 28.1.4 Fair in the cradle fowle in the saddle for this is a permanent yea an increasing beauty like the olive trees Hos 14.6 Jam. 2.3 Lo 7. Riches win respect among men Lo their riches are correspondent to their raiment and beauty It cannot be said of them which is too truly of some others averred that they have gold and silver on their backs and copper in their purses for they are a peculiar treasure unto the Lord above all people Exo. 19.5 and though they may be poor in the world yet are they heires of the kingdom of Heaven Jam. 2.5 yea all things here below are theirs as they are Christs Christ is Gods 1 Cor. 3.22.23 Esth 6.8 9. 8. Observance attendeth honour Their honour is equivalent to their riches 1. Chron. 4.9 Iabez was more honourable then his brethren the reason hereof is rendred vers 10. He called on the God of Israel God honoureth them Isa 43.4 Since thou wast precious in my sight saith he to Israe thou hast beene Honourable and I have loved thee In them dwelleth the spirit of God 1. Cor. 3.16 and can we find such a man as this is said king Pharoah of Joseph in whom the spi◠t of God is Genes 41.38 And by the Spirit of the Lord are they changed into the image of the Lord from glory to glory 2. Cor. 3.18 and for this cause the holy angels according to to their charge readily vouchsafe their attendance night and day upon them the least among them not excepted Mat. 18.10 Heb. 1.14 Mat. 18.10 The godly also who only among men know the true estimate of persons make high account of them In whose eyes a vile person be he never so highly advanced in the world is contemned but they honour all that feare the Lord Psal 15.4 Lastly Christ himself is the glory of his people Israel Luk. 2.32 Sect. 3 Use
life be so deare that as the devil could say all that a man hath will he give for his life Iob 2.4 how much dearer is spiritual life And how can you once imagin that you have either this spiritual lâ—ght or life in you if you have no care to shew forth the praises of him who hath called yâ—u out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Peâ— 2.9 where we have another of the true Israelites high priviledges spâ—cifiâ—d 3. Vocation effectuall vocation whâ—reby they are called to be Saints and to have fellowship with Jâ—su Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 2.9 for which Gâ—d who is fâ—ithfull by whom they aâ—e called and will also confirme them unto the end that they may be blameless in the day of the Lord esus Christ can never sufficiently be admired â—nd adored v. 8. Eternity wil be filled with praises for this with other mercies How unspeakable a praerogative is our â—doption 4 Adoption who may say with the prodigal that we are not worthy to be called his sons or daughters Luk. 15.19 yet as many as receive him to them he giveth this right or prerogative to become the sons of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 even to them who believe on his name Joh. 1.12 5 Faith And for this end to them it is given to believe Phil. 1.29 For should God give Christ and not give us faith to receive him Christ would profit us nothing faith is termed precious 2 Pet. 1.1 yea the very trial of faith is more precious then that of gold that perisheth though it be tryed with fire 1 Pet. 1.7 How precious then is faith it selfe whereby we lay hold on and have an interest in all the exceeding great and precious promises of the Gospel that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust 2 Pet. 1.4 Now suppose a beleever be poor in the world yet is he rich in faith and an heir of the kingdom which God hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2.5 1 Wrought Rom. 10.15 For this end again God furnisheth and sendeth his messengers whose very feet are beautifull to his chosen with the fulnesse of the blessings of the Gospel of Christ Rom. 15.29 to beget faith in their hearts For Faith commeth by hearing and hearing by the word of God verse 17. verse 17. And although other persons may hear the same word yet to them it is but a savour of death to death even to as many as perish whilst it is a savour of life unto life to them that are saved 2 Cor. 2.16 2. 2 Workeing in them This Grace of Faith being once wrought in their souls it purifieth the heart and this speaks of them blessed for Blessed are the pure in heart saith our blessed Savour for they shal see God Math. 5.8 Faith also is attended with all the traine of saving graces as Vertue Knowledge Temperance Patience Godlynesse Brotherly-kindnesse and Charity 2 Pet. 1.6 7. and it brings forth in them all the fruits of righteousnesse which are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God Phil. 1.11 and to the exceeding great benefit of others even to their conversion and salvation as is prophesied of them Esai 19.24 25. In that day shall Israel be the third with Aegypt and with Assyria even a blessing in â—he middle of the Land Whom the Lords of hosts shall blesse saying Bâ—essed be Aegypt my people and Assyria the work of my hands and Israel mâ—ne inheritance They are blessed of God and become blessings to others round about them not to some few in a corner or two but in the middle of the Land O the blessednesse of these persons as the Hâ—brew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 imports 6 Reconciliation Tâ—ey only are reconciled to God by Jesuâ— Csirist who were before as all others are still alienâ—ted and enemies in their minds by wicked works C lâ—ss 1.20 What a change is here By nâ—ture they were châ—ldren of wrath even as others Eph. 2 3 But now of enemies they are made the friends of Gâ—d yea his favourites as our Saviour declareth John 15.15 Hâ—nceforth I call you not servants * Theodosi s accounted it a fâ—r gre ter honour to â—erve Christ then o be Empe or of the whole world though that wâ—re an high honour for to serve God is to reigne for the servant knoweth not what his master doth bâ—t I have called you friends for all things that I have heard of my father I have made known to you They are as neer and dear to him as children to their Parents the beloved spouse to the husband and members to the head To him they are united and made one with the Father by him John 17.21 Iohn 17.21 with whom as also with the spirit of grace they have communion as St. John asserteth 1 Iohn 1.3 Truely our fellowship is with the Father and with his son Jesus Christ and St. Paul maketh mention of their communion with the holy Ghost 2 Cor. 13 14 They are of Christs flesh of his bones Eph. 5.30 they are one spirit 1 Cor. 6.17 partakers of the divine Nature 2 Pet. 1.4 Whereas all others have fellowship with devils and the unfruitfull works of darknesse 1 Cor. 10 20. Eph. 5.11 and not with God for what communion can light have with darknesse or unrighteousnesse with righteousnesse or Belial with Christ or an infidel with him that believeth 2 Cor. 6.14 15. They may perhaps think and say they have but if we walk in darkness and say we have fellowship with him we lye and doe not the truth 1 Iohn 1.6 But ere we pass from this part of the Saints preheminence a few things are necessary to be advertised for prevention of mistakes which some have made of most dangerous consequence 1. Whereas it is said by our Saviour that they who believe on him are one with the Father as he is John 17.21 Here we must know that the particle as denoteth a quality not an equality for Christ is one with his Father immediately but we by meanes of Christ this union being wrought by the Spirit Eph. 4.4 2 We are not in the same kind or degree nor in so high and glorious a manner one with the father as he for in Christ the human nature is united to the divine yet the union is not naturall but supernaturall and mysticall Againe the persons of believers are united to Christ yet is not that a personal or essential union as Christ with his Father is Lastly we must distinguish between 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rightly attributed to Jesus Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the divine Nature whereof all are partakers who have the Image of God renewed in them consisting in wisedome holiness and true righteousnesse If these things had been duly known and weighed by some they would never have blasphemously usurped to
lusts Iude. 18. manifest themselves to be rather Pagans then Christians indeed as Peter was discovered to be a Galilean for his speech bewrayed him Mat. 26.73 And suppose a guilded Hypocrite may have his tongue tipt with Scripture expressions and holy discourses yet if he be well observed at other times he will be found to speak ordinarily the language of Aâ—hdod and to trip and faulter in his most affected and best discourses As many Ephramites were detected to be what they were by the men of Gilead in pronouncing Sibboleth for Shibboleth for they could not frame to pronounce it right Iudg. 12.6 2. What may they thinke of themselves if they had any spiritual judgement who think or say words are but wind little regarding what the Judge of quick and dead hath fore-warned us of that men shall give account of every idle word which they speak in the day of judgement Mal. 12.36 Thirdly where shall they appeare that reproach and laugh them to scorn and shun their company whose tongues use knowledge aright as Solomon saith every wise man doth Prov. 15.2 If any do but once make mention of the Lords righteousnesse reprove sin or exhort to reformation of life or use any savory passages tending to the souls good they have done with them as too precise for their societie and jeere at them as ridiculous persons or tremble as Felix trembled when Paul reasoned of righteousnesse temperance and judgement to come but would give no further audience Acts. 24 25. Fourthly wo unto them who never call themselves to an account for preventing frothy obscene or noysome language nor yet for the omission of seasonable and holy conferences being far unlike to the Prophet Isaiah who cryeth out to God Wo is me for I am undone because I am a man of uncleane lips and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips Chap. 6.5 Sect. 5 Chara ∣ cter 6 As the Carpenter or Mason is known by his Rule or Plummet so are they who are born in Sion distinguished from all the Sons and Daughters of Babel Gods holy word is the rule by which they square all their principles and practises as the Apostle sheweth us Gal. 6.16 As many as walk according to this rule peace be upon them and mercy and upon the Israel of God Now it is well known that a Rule is very usefull for builders for the discerning of that which is straight from that which is crooked that there may be a symmetry and just proportion between the severall parts of his edifice This rule of the word must 1. be known by us 2. we must have it ever in readinesse 3. It is to be applyed to every doctrine of faith embraced by us and to all your imaginations affections and works that we may all walke by the same Rule Phil 3.16 Application But alas how little do many think of any such rule from one end of the day to the other nay from one end of the week or year to another how few of us know it and how doe most persons cast it behind their backs Do you when you awake every morning consider what affairs you are to goe about the ensuing day doe you contrive as architects use to doe that your undertakings may all be good for the matter and right for manner and ends thereof that all your works may be wrought in God that they may be carried on in faith and obedience to the glory of God then you build upon the Rock and your labours shall be accepted of God and rewarded by him But if you reject the word of God what wisedome is in you Jer. 8.9 God will bring upon you the fruit of your thoughts and doings Jer. 6.19 and in fine reject you as he did Saul for this very cause from being King 1 Sam. 15.26 Chara ∣ cter 7 He is a Jew as the Apostle saith which is one inwardly in the spirit whose praise is not of men but God Rom. 2. 29. He will neither forbear doing good or be drawn to evil for the applause of men or for fear of reproach * 2 Cor. 6.8 he can pass through good report and bad report both willingly and cheerfully knowing well that they are happy who are reproached for the name of Christ Luke 6.22 Quest How doth God praise his people Answ in his word he preferreth them before all others giving them this suffrage The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour Prov. 12. 26 Secondly in advancing them by his all ruling providence above others even many times in this life as he avouched Israel to be his peculiar people according to his promise and made them high above all nations in praise in name in honour Deut. 26.18 19. Thirdly by the approbation and commendation of the godly whose judgement is to be preferred before thousands of other men's as Jonathan pleaded for David against his father Saul 1 Sam. 10.4 Fourthly In their owne consciences by his spirit bearing witnesse to them that they are such as God approveth of in which sense the spirit of glory is affirmed to rest upon them Pet. 4.14 Fifthly in the consciences and confessions of wicked men sometimes even their worst enemies as Saul justified David whose life he had long sought acknowledging to him Thou art more righteous then I 1 Samuel 24.17 Sixthly by clearing up their innocencie from obloquies and slanders in this life and bringing forth their righteousnesse as the light Psalm 37.6 Seventhly in reviving their credits and estimations in the world after their bodies have been long dead and rotten So the Prophets who had been slaine by the Fathers had Tombes built them and their sepulchers garnished by their children worse than their Ancestors who justified the Prophets and condemned their own Fathers saying If we had been in the dayes of our Eathers we would not have been partakers with them in the bloud of the Prophets Mat. 23.29 30. yet even these men afterwards put to death the prince of Prophets Jesus Christ Eighthly at the last day in proclaming their innocency before God Angels and men when that one word Euge well done faithfull and good servant will countervaile all the calumnies and aspersions that ever were cast upon them in this world Mat. 25.21.23 Ob. But great men speak evil of me Ans So did they of David Psalm 119.23 Princes also saith he did sit and speak against me but thy servant did meditate on thy Statutes Where the word also imports that others did the like as else where he complains to God in prayer Let the lying lips be put to silence which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous Psalm 31.18 In this case there is need of the Patience and faith of the Saints Rev. 10. But doe as David did goe to God by prayer and keep close to his testimonies and mark as James speaketh of Job the end which God made with David and certainly in due time he
will wipe off all dirt cast upon your faces also I deny not but praise is desirable among all Application And whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue and if there be any praise these things are to be thought on Phil. 4 8. for a good name is rather to be chosen then great riches Prov. 22.1 But they that love the praise of men more then the praise of God or will not be content with the honour that commeth from God alone But receive honour one of another neither doe nor can believe John 5.44 Obj. How then doth the same evangelist avouch that many of the chiefe rulers believed on Christ but because of the Pharisees they did not confesse him lest they should be put out of the Synagogue for they loved the praise of men more then the praise of God John 12.42 43. are they not here said for all this to believe How then can you affirme that such persons neither do nor can believe A. What I affirm Christ hath taught and therefore we must distinguish of faith they believed the truth but not truly as * Illa non est vera legitima fides doctrinam credere simpliciter esse veram non autem penitùs se illi subjicere Calvin Non fuit vera viva fiides haec enim à confessione non separatur Brentius in Ioh. 12 Non habuerunt veram fidem sed fictitiam quae cum non constiterit adversus insultum Pharisaeorum multò minus constare poterit adversus insultum Sathanae Bucer and others conclude out of the comparing of these places together True faith they had not because they did not wholly submit themselves to Christ and his truth True and lively faith saith Calvin is not seperated from confession for with the heart man believeth to righteousnesse and with mouth confession is made unto salvation Rom. 10.10 For albeit it is likely saith he that they were not altogether dumb yet because their confession was not ingenuous or free enough the Evangelist-absolutely denieth that they professed their faith Wherefore let no man flatter himselfe who in any part concealeth and dissembleth his faith lest he should incurre the Odium or hatred of men For albeit the name of Christ be odious that fear is not excusable which compelleth us to decline in the least manner from his confession If any therefore preserve their reputations with whatsoever dependeth thereupon as worldly profit and safety before Iesus Christ and his truth they are not worthy of Him but they and their credit shall perish together as 1. all such whosoever they be as comply with evil times embrace heterodox tenets and side with factions swerving from the right rule of Gods word either for feare of losse or hope of preferment and 2. all such as dare not own the cause of Christ nor joyne with the true professors thereof in time of persecution and danger or basely forbeare holy duties and religious performances for the same causes for all these are but mongrel Christians as appeareth by the parable of the sower where they are compared to stony ground for though they heare the word and anone with joy receive it yet have they not root in themselves but when persecution ariseth because of the word by and by they are offended Mat. 13.20.21 where we meet twice with by and by suddenly they receive the word and as suddenly they start aside and recede from it How many such are there in our dayes as there have bin in former ages as they that were then eye-witnesses informe us * Lessius in Joan 12. Hodie multi affirmant in persecutione licere abnegare doctrinam Evangeli et occultare sententiam suam si modò corde servetur fides Many faith one of them at this day affirme that one may deny the doctrine of the Gospel in time of persecution and conceale their opinions if so be faith be retained in the heart This well considered would bring back into the right way all such Demasses as have fallen away and preserve others from backsliding Chara ∣ cter 8 A true Israelite loveth them who appertaine to the same city and are of the same family as all true believers are Eph. 2.19 And hereby we know saith the beloved Disciple that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren he that loveth not his brother abideth in death 1 Joh. 3.14 For every one that loveth him that begot loveth him that is begotten of him 1 Joh. 5.1 and how can we love the head Christ if we love not His members also But this love must not be in word nor in tongue onely but in deed and in truth and then thereby we shall know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before God 1 Joh. 3.19 True Christian love is like to the planet called Stella Veneris which attendeth the Sunne of righteousness and appeareth first and last in the soul among all the planets of graces in an Israelite indeed and shineth brightest in the night of temptation when faith and other graces like the rest of the stars are many times so clouded and obscured that we cannot discerne them in our selves Quest But how may we know that our Love of the brethren is sincere A 1. If it proceed from faith for faith worketh by love Gal. 5.6 and assureth us of Gods love to our owne souls and this maketh us to love one another as Christ hath loved us Eph. 5.2 2 If it extend to all the Saints the poor as well as rich Philem 5. to such as never yet shewed us outward kindness as wel as to them who have been beneficial to us 3. If it be real and operative in affoarding them seasonable and necessary relief according to our ability then God will not be unrighteous to forget our work and labour of love which hath been shewed towards his name in administring to the Saints Heb. 6.10 4. If it be constant yea increasing every day more and more 1 Thess 4.10 5 If it be chiefly set upon the good of the souls of men and women that they may prosper 6 If we can forbeare and for give them pray for them and sympathize with them in their several conditions and delight in their society above others These will be cleare evidences of the soundness of our affection to them which will evidence to us againe that we are of the fold of the great shepheard and little flock for whom he hath prepared the kingdom On the contrary they who hate the righteous as Esau did blessed Iacob Application Genes 27.41 who * Gregor moral l 25 c. 9. Si ergo tantâ poenâ mulctatur qui non dedisse convinci tur quâ poenâ feriendus est qui redarguitur abstulisse aliena rob and spoile them instead of feeding and clothing them who traduce revile curse and despise them separating them out of their society discover themselves to be
sweare even under the Gospel for to those times the Apostle applyed that Text Rom. 14.11 and St. Paul used oaths for confirmation of his doctrine sometimes Rom. 9.1 Gal. 1.20 Obj. But doth not Christ forbid us to sweare at all Mat. 5.24 Ans Christ forbids all swearing by creatures which the Pharisees Lyra since them held to be no sin which is also condemned James 5.12 Above all things swear not neither by heaven nor earth but if you must needs sweare let it be by the God of truth Isa 65.16 1. They that sweaâ—e by any but God are unlike to Iacob in practice 2. So are all common and rash swearers who take the name of God in vaine and may be sure he will not hold them guiltlesse 3 for oaths the Land mourneth Jer. 23.10 how much more cause have they to mourn who make the earth to mourne 4 All that swear by the name of God without due reverence to his sacred Majesty are distinguished from the righteous and ranged among the wicked Eccles 9.1 2. As is the good saith the Preacher so is the sinner and he that sweareth as he that feareth an oath The good man feareth even when he sweareth what he knoweth to be truth 5 He therefore that sweareth falsely is on the dark side of the cloud and the flying Roul full of curses shall find him out and shall remaine in the midst of his house who sweareth falsely by the name of the Lord and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof Zach. 5.2 3. Yet there is hope in Israel concerning this if the party offending repent of his sinne with Peter speedily and seriously Levit. 6.5 If he that hath found that which was lost and lyeth concerning it and sweareth falsely restore that which he hath deceitfully gotten in the principall shal add a fifth part more thereto give it to whom it appertaineth shall bring his trespasse offering unto the Lord the Priest Jesus Christ shall make an atonement for him before the Lord and it shall be forgiven him vers 5 6. Instance 10 Israel was very mindfull of his mortality reputing himselfe a Pilgrim and stranger in the world as may be easily gathered from his answer to Pharaoh demanding of him how old he was Gen. 47.9 The dayes of the yeeres of my Pilgrimage are 130 years few and evill have the yeers of my life been I have not obtained unto the dayes of the years of the life of my fathers in the dayes of their pilgrimage out of which speech of his the Apostle gathereth that he sought a better countrey even Heavenly According to this our president let us account our selves strangers and sojourners with God as all our fathers were so did holy David Psalm 39.12 and let the Apostle's loving obtestation sink deep into our hearts 1 Pet. 2.11 Dearely beloved I beseech you as strangers and Pilgrims abstaine from fleshly lusts which war against the soule and since we have no continuing place here let us lay a good foundation for eternity 1 Tim. 6 19. But alas how few are there who write after this copy many put the evil day far from them Amos. 6.3 and so live as if they should live here for ever and not see corruption Psal 49.9 yea the very thoughts of death make too many more profane and dissolute who say to themselves and others Let us eat and drink for to morrow we shall dye Isa 22.13 little minding that after death comes judgment Heb. 9.27 Instance 11 11. Israel is an exemplar to Christian souldiers he was valiant in fight Genes 47.22 with his sword and with his bow he took a portion out of the hand of the Amorite which he gave to his son Joseph above his brethren yet in times of peace none more harmless quiet and patient in suffering injuries then he As Hamor and Shechem confessed of him and his sons These men are peaceable with us Genes 34.21 and to avoid the fury of Esau his brother for quietness sake he fled into the countrey of Syria Hos 12.12 And when Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah and he heard of it He held his peace Genes 34.5 which declareth that he had great power over his owne Spirit But when his two sons Simeon and Levi had without his privity slaine the Shechemites for deflouring their sister how did he abhor their bloody fact and condemne them for it v. 30. Jacob said to Simeon and Levi Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the Land yea till his dying day he could not forget it for when he blessed his sons a litle before his death coming to these two in their order he calleth them Genesis 49.5 6 7 brethren in evil and detesteth with an execration their horrid crime saying The instruments of cruelty are in their habitations O my soule come not thou into their secret unto their assembly mine honour be not thou united for in their anger they slew a man and in their selfe will they digged down a wall Cursed be their anger for it was fierce and their wrath for it was cruel Againe let us view Jacobs admirable meekness and patience when Laban his father in law put blear-eyed Leah into his bed instead of beautifull Rachel for whom he had served seven yeares all that he sayd to him was this What is this thou hast done to me did not I serve with thee for Rachel wherefore then hast thou beguiled me here neither railing nor cursing proceeded from him and when at his departure Laban of whom he had deserved exceeding wel pursued him as a thiefe he was provoked to wrath and chod with Laban yet he brake not out into any passionate distempers but mildly expostulateth the matter with him yea after the unjust man had changed his wages dearly-earned ten times he committed the matter to God They therefore 1. who can beare no indignities or injuries nor will part from their right in the least sort for peace and concords sake contrary to the Christians rule which injoyneth us that if it be possible as much as in us lyeth we should live peaceably with all men Rom. 12.18 but 2ly upon small provocations break out into bitter maledictions sclanders and railings as Micah's mother when her eleven hundred shekels of silver were taken from her brake out into cursings though it were her owne son who had taken them Judg. 17.2 or 3ly who upon any occasion small or great study and endeavour revenge and so take Gods office out of his hand as the Apostle teacheth Rom. 12.19 Dearly beloved avenge not your selves but rather give place unto wrath for it is written vengeance is mine I will repay saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemie hunger feed him and if he thirst give him drink 4ly Such as are so far from taking wrong that they do wrong to others like some of the Corinthians sharply taxed by the Apostle 1. Cor. 6.8 5ly Above all they
Having in the former v. layd down that it is life eternal to know the true God aright he closeth his Epistle Little children keep your selves f om Idols Amen Keep your selves not onely from the adoration of them but from the Idols themselves the making the having the keepin of them is condemned as Tertullian expoundeth these words keep your selves from Idols that is not onely from their service which he calleth Idolatry but from a Ab ipsâ effigie eorum indignum enim ut Imago Dei vivi imago idoli mortui siat Lactan. l. 2. c. 19. Non est dubium quin religio nulla sit ubicunque simulacrum est the very Image of them Lactantius also affirmeth that there is no Religion wheresoever any Image is Add b Ephih epist and Joan episcop Hierosoll to these the practice of Epiphanius who tore in peeces the Picture of Christ painted in a cloth hanging up in a Church at Anablath against the Authority of Scripture 7. Jacob loved his wife Rachel most intirely Gen. 29 30. So are all husbands commanded to love their wives as Christ loved his Church and gave himselfe for it Eph. 5.25 and he is so far from being a true Israelite that he is no man who hateth his own flesh verse 29. as they do who in stead of nourishing and cherishing their wives are bitter and churlish to them as St. Paul's phrase is Col. 3.19 By flesh understand the wife in this place so saith God at the first institution of marriage a man shall leave his Father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they two shall be one flesh Gen 2.24 Yet notwithstanding Jacobs great love to Rachel when she grew impetuous through envy to her Sister and male contentednesse for want of children and brake out into distempered offensive words to God saying to him Give me children or else I dye Jacobs anger was kindled against her and he sharply rebuked her saying Am I in Gods stead who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb Gen. 30.1 2. So let not the love of the persons of our dearest friends so far blind our eyes or stop our mouths as to make us connive at their faults or to spare to reprehend them for the same for then should we turne to be their enemies Levit. 19.17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart saith God thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour and not suffer sin upon him The like may be truly affirmed of withholding due correction from our children when they deserve it Prov. 13.24 He that spareth his rod hateth his Son but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes 8. As Jacob was most carefull for the soules of his wives and children so was he not improvident for their outward estates and comfortable subsistance in this present life no lesse do his words to Laban import Gen. 30.30 Thou knowest how I have served thee all the while since my first comming Now when shall I provide for mine owne house also Usually very nature teacheth men to be provident for their posterity for Children saith the Apostle use not to lay up for the Parents but the Parents for the Children 2 Cor. 12.14 But it is Grace not nature which teacheth us here how to keep within the right bounds of moderation that we lay not up Curses for our Children in the roome of blessings as all wicked and unjust dealers do who get riches to lay them up for their Children but God layeth up their iniquity for their off-spring Job 21.19 Some there are in these last and perilous dayes who being without naturall affection as was long since foretold 2 Tim. 3.3 do run into the contrary extreame and take no more care of their wives and Children then the Ostrich doth of her eggs which she leaveth on the earth and forgetteth that the foot may crush them or that that the wild beasts may break them and she is hardned against her young-ones as though they were not hers Job 39.14 15.19 This Ostrich is an embleme of a debosht spendthrift who wasteth his time and meanes in riot and revelling in whoring gaming surfitting and drunkennesse like the Prodigal Luke 15.13 nothing regarding what becommeth of wife or Children nay he is worse then the Prodigal for we read not that he had either wife or child againe he is worse then an infidel as the Scripture determineth 1 Tim. 5.8 If any provide not for his own and especially for those of his owne house he hath denyed the faith and is worse then an infidel Instance 13 Israels life we have seen to be well ordered in holynesse towards God and righteousness towards men let us now attend him to his deaths-bed and there shall we see his end to be like his life he dyed in the faith praying and blessing his sons Heb. 11.13.21 Perseverance in grace is the last and surest badge of a true Israelite which sets the Crown upon his head Revel 2.10 He that is faithfull til death shall receive a crown of life whereas they that begin in the spirit and end in the flesh who fall away with Demas for worldly profit 2 Tim. 4.10 or for fear of persecution shall loose their reward Prov. 14.14 The Apostate or backslider in heart shall be filled with his owne wayes It had beene better for such never to have known the way of righteousnesse then after he hath known it to turne from the holy Commandement delivered to him 2 Pet. 2.22 Sect. 10 Thus have I transcribed in this large use of information an authentick Copy of the true Israelite blessed is every one who writeth after it I have also for the greater perspicuity for contraries illustrate one the other laid down who they are that deviate and swerve from this holy standard 2Vse for terror Branch 1 By all this which hath been delivered to you and proved it will evidently appeare that there are but few yea very few Israelites indeed under Heaven Jer. 5.1 For runne through the City A Recaputulation yea through the world and see what swarms and multitudes there are of Ignorant persons yea grossely and wilfully ignorant men and women 2. of unbelievers and misbeleivers 3. Of impenitent wretches yea opposers of the doctrine of Repentance 4 Of such as make little conscience either of their thoughts or words 5 Of such as despise Gods word and hate Gods people 6 Of such as love the applause of men more then the praise of God alone 7 Of Hypocrites Lyers Jugling Equivocators base flatterers and deceivers 8 Of such as like Jehojakin swerve from the gracious examples of holy men Jer. 22.15 16 17. Or Ahaziah like follow the counsels and walke in the wayes of the wicked 2 Chron. 22.3.4 5. As 1 of such who choose rather to be the servants of sin and Satan then of God and righteousnesse 2 who are covenant breakers with God 3 proud and arrogant spirits 4 forsakers of God 5
incense Gods displeasure against them but Jesus Christ ever lives to make intercession to God for them therefore is he able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him Heb. 7.25 They need not care who is the accuser that have such an advocate to plead for them 8. He is alwaies prepared to hinder their prayers especially when they make intercession for Jerusalem as he did Joshua the high Priest standing before the Angel of the Lord for that end * Ministrantem Christo agentem typum ipsius in ecclesia Tremel Satan stood at his right hand to resist him Zach. 3.1 But the Lord said unto Satan the Lord rebuke thee O Satan even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee verse 2. 9. He dayly tempteth us to sin against God that thereby our peace with God and our own consciences might be interrupted so he buffeted Paul who upon that occasion betook himselfe thrice to prayer to God who answered him that his grace was sufficient for him his strength should be made perfect in weaknesse 2 Cor. 12.7 8 9. and when he desired to have the disciples to sift them as wheat Christ told Simon Simon I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not Luke 22.31 32. 10. When the devil hath drawn any soul into sin he will labour to drive them to desperation even after their repentance as if there were no possibility for such to obtaine pardon Thus he dealt with the incestuous Corinthian who had been swallowed up of overmuch griefe had not this Lord provided a remedy against the greatest of evils by Pauls second Epistle written to the Corinthians Chap. 1.7.11 wherein he requireth them to forgive and comfort him and againe he beseecheth them to confirme their love toward him verse 8. as he himselfe forgave him in the person of Christ adding a cogent reason for his and their so doing verse 11. lest Satan get an advantage over us for we are not ignorant of his devices Now Satan hath a double end in all his slye and hellish contrivances against the Saints not only to tire them out but also to make others to take up hard conceits of the yoak of Christ as an insupportable burden whereby he drives many to consult how they may break his bonds asunder and cast away his cords from them Psalm 2.2 Antidotes Against this impediment therefore I oppose these following Antidotes 1. Jesus Christ hath overcome the devil for he took our nature upon him that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the devil Heb. 2.14 and * Aug. de agone Christiano Hunc adversarium Dominus noster prior vicit ut etiam nos in illo permanentes vintamus per ipsum Christs victory is ours 2. He hath biddeth us to resist the devil and hath promised that he shall flee from us 1 John 4.7 3. He hath provided the whole Armour of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil Eph 6.12 4. He that is begotten of God keepeth himselfe and that wicked one toucheth him not 1 John 5.18 he cannot give him one blow 5. Neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come shall be able to seperate us from the love of God which is in Jesus Christ Nay in all these things we are more then conquerers through Christ that loved us Rom. 8.37 38. 6. The true believer is built upon the Rock against which the gates of hell cannot prevaile Matthew 16.18 7. As the evil angels infest us so God hath given charge to his holy angels to keep us in all our wayes to bear us up in their hands lest we dash our foot against a stone Psalm 91.10 And they according to this charge are all ministring spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heires of salvation Heb. 1.14 no lesse doth the devil himself confesse Math. 4.6 8. If this be not sufficient behold God himselfe is the keeper of Israel who neither slumbreth nor sleepeth Psalm 121.4 9. If ye fight not under Christs banner against this enemy according to your vow in Baptisme you are his Captives and he will torment you for ever but if you overcome him in this life the time will come when you shall be made judges of these wicked spirits which now annoy you know ye not saith the holy writ that the Saints shall judge Angels 1 Cor. 6.3 to wit in the day of the generall judgment What confusion will theis be to those proud spirits 10. The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly Rom. 16. 20. It shall certainly be so yea and that shortly too 5. 5. Impediment the world The world also will not be wanting to play her prizes against this our true Israelite 1. By raising up troubles against him as already hath been declared for Christ hath forespoken it but withall hath enjoyned him to be of good comfort Iohn 16.33 In the world you shall have tribulation but be of good comfort I have overcome the World 2. By her various and dangerous allurements of profit honour and pleasure First the world will bespeak all mankind as Saul did the Benjamites 1 Sam. 22.7 Hear now ye Benjamites will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and Vineyards and make you all Captains of hundreds and thousands so say the Hypocrites and wicked It is in vaine to serve the Lord and what profit is it that we have kept his Ordinance and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts As if they should say Here is sorrow but no gaine great cry but little wool But let us not hearken to this Enemy but to wisedome and she telleth you the truth Prov. 8.18 Riches and honour are with me yea durable riches and righteousnesse and godlynesse with contentment is great gaine 1 Tim. 6.6 Further this Delilah the world will set the snares of pleasures before our feet thereby to entangle us and betray us to our spiritual enemies thus was our mother Eve inveagled when she saw that the forbidden tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the Eye she did eat of the fruit thereof and gave also unto her Husband with her and he did eate Gen. 3.6 Here was delicious food as they thought before trial but they paid dearly for the sawce for for this fact were they driven out of Paradise verse 24. yet multitudes of their posterity by the like inticement are brought into a fools Paradise imagining the bread of deceit to be sweet till they find their mouths to be filled with gravell Prov. 9.17.20.17 And many there be who when they have heard the word are afterwards choaked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life and bring no fruit to perfection Luke 8.13 Any one of these baits are over-prevalent with us yet some are sooner caught with one some with