Funerall on the 28. of December 1608. The second The Perseuerance of the Saints Preached on the 29. day of Ianuarie 1608. By T. W. Minister of the Word LONDON Printed by Tho. S. for Thomas Man dwelling in Pater-noster Row at the signe of the Talbot 1609. THE FIRST SERMON called The Practise of the Saints preached at a Funerall on the 28. of December 1608. The Text. Rom. 6. Verse 12. Let not sinne raigne therefore in your mortall body that yee should obey it in the lusts thereof THE holy and blessed Apostle Saint Paul in the eleuen former verses of this Chapter had taught that such as be iustified by faith in the blood of Christ were partakars also of the Spirit of Christ vnto their sanctification whereby they were freed not from the corruption yet from the tyranny and dominion of sin euen as iustification had freed them from the guilt and condemnation of sinne wherevpon he concludeth that sithens the gift and grace of righteousnesse in the forgiuenesse of sinne is accompanyed with a new grace of holinesse vnto amendment of life therefore the doctrine of free iustification doth giue no libertie to liue licentiously in sinne How can they which are dead to sinne liue yet therein Verse 2. then in the 3.4 and 5. Verses our sanctification is declared both by the seuerall parts thereof as also by the cause and testimonie of it The parts are three first death of sinne secondly buriall of sinne which is the progresse of mortification thirdly newnesse of life The cause is a vertue or power deriued and conueyed into the members of Christ from his death to the beating downe and keeping vnder the strength of sinne and also from his Resurrection to the quickning and raising them vp in their vnderstandings and wils vnto the study and loue of Godlines all which hee setteth forth by an excellent similitude of grafting or planting Verse 5. like as the grift translated from an old stocke to a new liueth groweth and fructifieth by the iuyce and vigour which it draweth from the stocke into which it is set so it is with the elect being taken out of the old rotten stock of Adam and thence planted into that noble stocke Christ Iesus they participate of his Spirit by vertue whereof applying the death and Resurrection of Christ vnto them they receiue power against corruption to keepe it downe and subdue it as also to loue and doe in some measure the will of God and of all this their Baptisme is no idle and naked but an effectuall pledge and testimony the water sanctified by the word as also the dipping or sprinkling the childe with water according to Christs ordinance and commandement and the comming out of the water being a powerfull instrument of the holy Spirit not onely to represent and seale the grace of the couenant but also to effect in all the elect their neerer and straighter coniunction with Christ in his death and resurrection both for iustification and sanctification After this from the sixt Verse to our Text this communion of beleeuers with Christ is proued and amplified by comparison of contraries and equals and at this twelfth Verse he falleth vnto exhortation which he deduceth out of and buildeth vpon the former doctrine as appeareth by the illatiue particle therefore let not sinne raigne which is as much as if hee should say seeing the members of Christ are vouchsafed this mercy to haue fellowship with Christs death to the killing and destruction of sinne in them by little and little euen as his crucified body dyed and languished by little vpon the Crosse also with his resurrection that as Christ being dead raised vp now dyeth no more but liueth for euer to God likewise we may perpetually liue the life of grace till wee come to glory therefore in this knowledge of this great grace wee should endeauour all that is in vs to maister and subdue those remainders of corruption which still stick in our nature that sinne raigne not in vs as a king and as a Tyrant trample vpon vs and triumph ouer vs. In this Verse consider the exhortation it selfe and the explication the exhortation is to stirre vp all Christians to hinder the power and raigne of sinne in themselues let not sinne raigne in your mortall bodies The explication teacheth how this raigne and kingdome of sin is to be hindred namely by not obeying the lusts of sinne In the exhortation the words are first to be made plaine then the matter to be handled Let not sinne The word sinne in this place and through this whole Chapter doth signifie that naturall corruption called originall sinne which sticketh both to the reason and will and hath depraued and corrupted them both Eph. 2.23 This naturall corruption is here tearmed sinne not onely because it is the fruit and consequence of our first parents sinne as also the matter and cause of all other sinnes but moreouer because it keepeth the proper nature of sin euen in the regenerate The Papists in their Remish notes deny this and say that it is not properly a sinne nor forbidden by commandement till it raigne in vs and wee obey and follow the desires thereof Which their opinion appeareth to be false by these reasons first naturall concupiscence is repugnant to the law of God as it is written I had not knowne lust except the law had said Thou shalt not lust Rom. 7.7 But whatsoeuer is repugnant to the law is sinne as it is written the transgression of the Law is sinne 1. Iohn 3.4 Therefore naturall concupiscence is sinne Secondly naturall concupiscence rebelleth against the gouernment of the spirit in the minds of the regenerate There was saith Paul a Law in my members rebelling against the Law of my minde therefore it is sinne properly Thirdly it both commeth from sinne and begetteth all other sinnes and beareth the name of sinne therefore it is properly sinne according to that rule That which maketh such is more such Fourthly young children are knowne to dye which haue no other sinne but naturall concupiscence now death is the wages of that which is properly sinne therefore naturall concupiscence hath the proper nature of sinne and whereas some say it is not properly sinne because it is not voluntary this reason holdeth not but in actuall sinnes onely howbeit originall sinne in some sence may be auouched to be voluntary insomuch as Adam voluntarily and freely disobeyed the commandement and wee all sinned in him his sinne is ours by imputation as Christs merits and righteousnesse is ours by imputation Rom. 5.12 c. And whereas some of the Fathers say it is not sinne in the regenerate they must be vnderstood first that it is not accompted to them as a sin to whom all sins are forgiuen secondly that in them it is no raigning sinne but peccatum inhabitans a dwelling sinne Rom. 7.17 Now the word body by a
Christ and his Apostles in time of prayer bestowing spirituall graces and of admitting church-officers Mat. 19.13 Act. 8.6 13.1 Tim. 5.24 Qu. What was the end of this Ceremonie An. To declare that such persons were offered to God as had hands laid on them Qu. What is meant in this text by laying on of hands An. The ministery of the Church and the whole order of Church-gouernment by a Metonomie of the signe Qu. How many kindes of Ministers be there An. Fiue kinds of those which serue for the instruction of the Church Eph. 4.7 Apostles Euangelists Prophets Teachers and Pastors Qu. Wherein did the Apostles differ from other Ministers An. In foure things first in the manner of their calling which they had mediately by Christ himselfe Gal. 1.1 Secondly largenes of their commission Mat. 28.19 Mar. 16.15 Thirdly measure of graces Act. 2.1.2.3 Fourthly singular assistance of the spirit to keepe them from errour in this doctrine Iohn 16.1 Qu. What were the Euangelists An. Certaine Ministers ioyned with the Apostles as companions of their labours in planting the Gospell and constituting Churches such were Timothy and Titus Qu. What were the Prophets An. They were men of meruailous wisdome and dexteritie in expounding the Prophesies concerning Christ also some of them had the gift of fore-telling things to come as Agabus Act. 12. Act. 21.10 this gift being imparted there to some women as Act. 21.9 Qu. Were these three sorts of Ministers to be continued An. No longer then till the foundation of the Christian Church were laid then to cease vnlesse God doe extraordinarily raise vp some in the ruines of the Church as it is thought Luther was Qu. What be the other two sorts of Ministers An. Pastors and Teachers these be ordinary and perpetuall till the comming of Christ. Qu. How many things are to be considered about Pastors A. First their Calling secondly Qualities thirdly Work fourthly persons toward whom fiftly their presence with their flocks sixtly the dutie of the flocks towards them Qu. What be the parts of their Calling An. Two first Election secondly Ordination 1. Tim. 3.10 Act. 14.23 they ordayned Ministers by election Qu. What be the qualities of a good Pastor An. Three first integritie of life Secondly competent knowledge of the Scriptures Thirdly aptnes to teach and to vtter their knowledge ablenes to conuince the gain-sayer Qu. What is the worke of the Pastor An. First feeding which containes instruction and ruling as shepheards both feed and rule their flocks secondly Prayer thirdly ministration of the Sacraments Act. 6.2.3 Q. Who be the persons towards whom this work is to be done An. The flock of God a companie of men professing the true God and his worship Act. 20.28 1. Pet. 5.2 Qu. Must euery Pastor feed all the flock of God An. Not so but euery Pastor his seuerall portion partly for the good of the flocke and partly to auoide confusion lastly because of the commandment 1. Pet. 5.2.3 Act. 20.28 The flocke whereof the holy Ghost hath made you the ouerseers Qu. Must a Pastor dwell with his flocke An. Yea for else he cannot preach so profitably to the consciences except he be acquainted with their manners secondly nor keepe hospitalitie 1 Tim. 3.2 thirdly nor be an example to his flock 1 Pet. 5.2 fourthly nor keepe out the Wolfe Act. 20.29 Fiftly nor performe priuate duties of aduertisement admonition and comfort Act. 20.20 Qu. What be the duties of the flocke toward their Pastor An. These three first reuerent loue secondly obedient submission He. 13.17 Thirdly thankfulnes in a competent and chearefull maintenance 1. Thes. 5.12 Gal. 6.6 Qu. Wherefore are the people to loue their Pastors An. First for their gifts sake secondly for their office sake thirdly for their worke sake 1. Thes. 5.1.2 Qu. But Ministers are men why should the people submit to and obey them An. Not as they are men but as they are the Seruants of Christ they are to be obeyed Qu. Why would not God teach men in his owne person An. First to beare with our weaknesse Exod. 20.19.20 secondly the better to try our obedience Qu. For what reasons are people to submit themselues to the ministers of the word An. First because they are ouer-seers secondly they watch for our soules thirdly they must giue an account Fourthly if the people be obedient it will cause the Ministers to be more chearefull in their labours Heb. 13.17 Q What other reasons may moue and perswade this submission An. First the ready obedience of the people to their doctrine turnes to the credit of their Teacher secondly to the honour of their heauenly Father and of their holy profession and their disobedience will turne to the contrarie lastly to their owne destruction Act. 3.23 Qu. How proue you that the people were bound to mainetaine their Pastor An. God commands it Gal. 6 reason requires it 1. Cor. 9â—7 8.9.10.11.12 Examples of the godly doe incite vs to it Luke 8.3 Phil. 4.18 Qu. But the people grutch the Minister his dutie and vse much fraud and guile in paying their Tithes An. It is against all conscience and reason so to doe Qu. Why so An. Besides gods expresse precept the Minister soweth better things then he reapes 1. Cor. 9 11. Qu. What is the vse of all this An. To direct the people to maintaine their Teachers not of custome or because of law but vpon conscience to God willingly and vprightly Of the Resurrection Qu. WHerefore is this the next fundamentall point An. Because when the Ministry ceaseth the Resurrection begins Qu. Doth not the Resurrection argue that men doe first fal by death An. It doth so and truth it is that it is appointed for men once to dye Heb. 9.29 Qu. What be the causes of death An. First Gods decree pronounced it in Genesis 3. Dust thou art and to dust thou shalt returne Secondly mans sinne The wages of sinne is death Rom. 6.23 These two causes bewray the necessitie of dying Qu. Shall all men dye An. All are subiect to death and mortalitie but yet many shal be found aliue at the comming of Christ whose sodain change shall be instead of a death to them Qu. But seeing Christ dyed for beleeuers wherefore shall the faithfull die A. 1 To obey Gods ordinance 2 Because otherwise they cannot be gathered vnto god to be with him in his kingdom Qu. What difference is there betweene the death of the wicked and the Godly An. Very great euen as there is great difference between the wicked and the godly in and at their death Q. Shew vs both these things first in their death what difference An. Death vnto the one is a curse and stipend of sin Rom. 6.23 vnto the other the curse is remoued and death is become to them an aduantage blessing they are blessed in their death Secondly death to the wicked is
an entrance to eternal death the suburbs of hel the beginning of endles misery through sin wheras death to the godly is an entrance to eternall life the porch and gate to heauen a beginning of neuer ending blisse and glory through Christ. Q. Now what difference is there between themselues their death An. Exceeding great the wicked in their death are either blockish or impatient and ful of despair impenitent comfortlesse the godly though with great difference amongst themselues yet all doe give vp their spirit in faith of the promise vnder hope of glory and with repentance for their sins for they all dye in the Lord. Reu. 14.13 and fall a sleep in Christ. 1. Thes. 4.14 Qu. What comforts haue the godly against the force of death An. Though they feare it and ought so to do being a dissolution of nature and a iudgement of god yet the feare of it is moderated and tempered with comforts especially from the hope of an happy glorious resurrection 1 Thes. 4.18 Qu. What is the efficient cause of our resurrection An. Euen God himselfe for Scriptures teach that it is a work of diuine power Acts. 26.8 Qu. What is the outward meanes of the Resurrection A. The voice and word of Christ Ioh. 5.28 1 The. 4.16 Qu. Whereof shall the Resurrection be An. Not of our soules but of our bodyes for they fall into the ground 1. Cor. 15. throughout Qu. Shall the same bodies rise againe An. Yea the same in substance but of another qualitie This corruption shall put on incorruption 1 Cor. 15. Qu. With what qualities shall our bodies arise A. 1. With incorruption 2. Power honor 1. Cor. 15.42 Qu. What doth this teach vs An. Seeing our bodies shall rise to such glory wee may not apply them to the base seruice of sinne Qu. What is the comfort we may reape hereof An. Very much both for the death of our friends and for our own departure because we shall return again into better case as a man that puts off rags to cloth himself with a robe Qu. By whose meanes shall the Resurrection be An. By the meanes and ministerie of Angels who shall gather the Elect from the foure windes Qu. What is the end of the Resurrection A. The neerest end in respect of men is their shame or glory Dan. 12.2 the vtmost end in respect of Christ is the manifestation of his mercy iustice to the glory of his name Qu. Now tell vs the vse we are to make of this doctrine of the Resurrection An. First it is a bridle to stay from sin to remember that euill doers shall rise to their condemnation Secondly it is a spur to godlinesse Act. 24.15.16 Thirdly it moues to constancy to know that we shall reape a full reward if we continue in godlines Heb. 11.35 Fourthly it ministreth comfort against death seeing our bodies shall returne againe in far better condition 1. Thes. 4.18 Of the generall and last Iudgement Qu. WHy is the doctrine of eternall Iudgement the last Article in the Catechisme A. Because Iudgement is the period winding vp of al. Qu. How is the word Iudgement vsed in the Scripture An. Eyther for gouerning generally Ioh. 5.22 or for one speciall act of gouerning namely for the iudgeing of the world at the last day Heb. 6.3 2. Tim. 4.1 Eccles. 12.14 Qu. How doe ye proue there shall be such a Iudgement A. By the temporal Iudgements of God the earthly Iudgements of men which are shadowes and fore-runners of the other Secondly by the testimonie of our consciences which tremble at secret sin at hearing of the iudgement day and by reason because otherwise God were not iust nor omnipotent seeing many liue euilly which yet escape punishment here Thirdly by plain texts of scriptures Eccl. 12.14 Dan. 7. Mat. 19. Act. 17.31 Mat. 25.32.33.34 Re. 20.12 Qu. What vse may be made of this point An. It serueth to teach the godly patience seeing their troubles shall determine in ioy and blisse 2 Thes. 1.4.5.6 secondly it terrifieth the wicked whose pleasure shall end in paine Luke 16.25 thirdly it warnes all men to repent and turne from sinne Act. 17.30.31 Qu. What is the generall Iudgement A. It is a solemne diuine action wherin God shal render to euery man his due according as he hath done Rom. 2.6 Q. What is the vse of this that God shal iudge euery man An. It should cause vs to forbeare to iudge our neighbours Rom. 14.10.11 Qu. May not Christians iudge at all An. First not except we haue a calling secondly not rashly Mat. 7.1.2 thirdly not to determine of the finall estate of any man Rom. 14.4.10 Qu. But is not euery man iudged at the time of his death A. True yet the generall Iudgement must be first to cleare the truth of the Scriptures which foretell it secondly to manifest the iustice of God before all men thirdly to encrease the glory of the Elect and shame of the reprobate Qu. Which be the parts of Iudgement An. Two first laying open all things thence it is called a day of reuelation Rom. 2.5 Secondly giuing sentence vpon all things and persons Mat. 25. Come ye blessed goe ye cursed Qu. How shall this laying open of all things be An. By the Bookes of mens consciences Reu. 20.12 Qu. What doth this warne vs of An. To keepe our bookes faire and cleane Qu. How may this be done An. First if we beleeue in the death of Christ secondly if we wipe our bookes with the spunge of daily repentance Qu. Shall not secret things come to light An. Yes verely euen the most secret thoughts of our hearts and most close actions of our life shall be opened 1. Cor. 4.5 Qu. What doth this put vs in minde of An. To auoide euen secret sinnes and to purge our hearts from euill desires Qu. What is the sentence An. It is that whereby it shall be awarded euery man whereto he may and must stand Qu. How shall it proceed An. According to workes because they beare witnesse of euery man whether he haue true faith or not Mat. 25. Rom. 2.6 Reu. 20.12 Qu. What doth this teach vs An. To labour for a working faith such a faith as worketh by loue Gal. 4.6 Qu. Who shall be the Iudge A. Christ Iesus as he is God man 〈…〉 Qu. What is the vse of this thing An. First a comfort to the faithfull that their Redeemer shall iudge them Secondly a discomfort for the wicked to haue him their Iudge in whom they haue not beleeued yea whom they haue pierced with their sins Reu. 1.7 Qu. After what manner shall the Iudge come A. Gloriously and terribly because the presence of God shall appeare Mat. 24. and 25. Reuel 1.7 Qu. What vse are we to make of this An. First toward our selues that we be found in peace secondly toward others that they may be awaked out of sinne
Synechdoche of the part for the whole is taken here for the whole man as the soule which is but one part of man is sometimes put for the whole person as in that saying of Ezek. 18. The soule that sinneth shall dye and where Paul saith Let euery soule be subiect Rom. 13. so on the other side the body is here put for the whole man which appeareth by this reason euen for that our sinnes doe principally raigne in the soule as it is written From within euen from the heart commeth adulterie murder debate c. The body being but the executioner to fulfill the deuises and desires of the soule yet for good reasons the Apostle vseth here the word Body rather then soule first because in the propagation of sin it is conueyed by the body into the soule according to that of Iob how can one draw a cleane thing out of vncleane seede Secondly because howsoeuer the first motion of sin comes from the soule yet it is perfected by the body which executeth that euill which the minde hath conceiued the will embraced Thirdly hauing before spoken of the crucifying of Christ which was touching his body he willingly retayneth this tearme of body both here and in the sixt verse The meaning then is this let not corruption or naturall concupiscence raigne in your selues but keepe downe the power of it both in your soules and bodyes Now for the word raigne it signifieth here an absolute rule in commanding without resistance and opposition such as kings haue in a kingdome where the people are subdued vnder them and doe freely execute and doe their will and pleasure Thus the Apostle himselfe expoundeth it in the next part of this verse where it is said That ye should obey it in the lusts thereof whereof the meaning is that then sinne raigneth when that which sinne lusteth willeth or commandeth is readily obeyed done without controulement The Apostle likeneth sinne to a Monarch or Emperour whose lusts are lawes and commands the yeelding whereunto by ready obedience is the suffering of sinne to play the Rex There are foure steps whereby sinne climeth into his throne that it may raigne in a man The first is ignorance of the commandements which shew and reueale sinne when any doe not know what is displeasing to God and what will please him eyther because they are not taught ot care not to learne or if they haue some knowledge of the law it is confused and without application of the former it is true which is commonly said the blinde eate many a flye and of the latter that is verrified As good neuer a whit as neuer the better The second step is distrust of heart or vnbeliefe when God is not belieued and credited in his word of threatning and promises and in respect of these two blindnes of mind and incredulitie the kingdome of sinne is called a kingdom of darknesse sinne may doe any thing where Gods word is distrusted Let faith of the word be shaken out of the heart then looke what sinne will commaund it is presently done whereof there is lamentable experience in the fall of our first parents when they were once won to this but to doubt of Gods threatning ye know what followed they became vassals to sinne and Sathan The third step is custome in sinne whereby the sense of sinne is lost Physitions say that diseases not lookt to in the beginning doe afterwards in time grow incurable and desperate Phylosophers teach that custome is another nature and that of many actions there ariseth an habit and Deuines affirme that by often practise of sinne the very feeling of sinne is taken away when men are blinded by ignorance and vnbeliefe and withall hardned by custome of sinne it will be as easie for sinne to lead such whither it will as it was for Elisha to lead the armie of the Aramites whither hee thought good being stricken with blindnesse 2 King 6.19 The fourth step is securitie whereby the danger of sinne is neyther feared nor suspected as in such men who haue made a league with death and a couenant with hell and when it commeth to this then is sinne in the roofe and at the height for such as once waxe secure in sinne and though they sin often and grieuously yet are they without all feare of Gods threatnings and iudgements presuming and bearing themselues bold vpon his goodnesse and lenitie they will excuse sinne in themselues and defend sinne in others they neyther in themselues resist sinne nor can abide others to reprooue their sinne but hate them rather yea and appoint praises and reward to sinners as Rom. 1.31 they sinne and fauour such as doe it Thus wee see what it is for sinne to raigne in our bodyes and how it commeth to his kingdome And here this is first of all to be noted that the Apostle saith not let not sinne be in you but let it not raigne in you for it is impossible that sin should not at all be in vs for besides the testimonie of euery mans conscience against himselfe accusing him of sinne and the manifold iudgements of God against all sorts of sinners in this life wee haue the Scriptures in very many places affirming that none can be without sinne in this world our blessednesse standing not in being voide of all sinne but in hauing our sinnes forgiuen vs Psal. 32.1 and hee being the best man not that hath no sinne but the fewest sinnes This exhortation then is like to that prayer of the Prophet Dauid in the 19. Psalme Lord deliuer me from presumptuous sinnes let them not raigne ouer me Also like to that other prayer of his in the 119. Psalme Let not sinne get dominion ouer me And to that petition in the Lords Prayer which is not Lord tempt vs not but Lord lead vs not into temptation that is giue vs not vp to be carryed away as captiues to sin and Sathan So here we are exhorted not to cleare and quit our selues from sinne but that we suffer it not to raigne ouer vs to hold vs as vassals subiect to his beck It may be thought that this exhortaion is superfluous because in the regenerate sinne cannot raigne and in the vnregenerate it cannot but raigne The answere hereunto is first generally that the whole word of God is inspired from aboue and is profitable to teach c. 2. Tim. 3.16 and secondly for this exhortation a part of the word it is behouefull for all sorts of men for touching the vnregenerate which yet are vnder the power of sinne if they be not elect this and such like exhortations will take from them all excuse so as they shall be vnable to alledge for themselues that they were not called vpon to resist sinne and for such vnregenerate as be of the elect this exhortation will serue to prouoke them to abstaine from the outward act and work of sinne which is in their
hauing taken a mortall wound by the vertue of Christ crucified Rom. 6.6 Therefore quite your selues like men be strong in the Lord in the power of his might and let not sinne raigne ouer you Thirdly call yee to minde when ye were the seruants of sinne how yee endeauoured to doe the will of sinne then taking part with your lusts against Christ and setting your selues with might and maine tooth and nayle as wee say against the kingdome of grace giuing your members as weapons of iniquitie to commit iniquitie is it not equall and most reasonable that being now freed by grace from the tyrannie of sinne and become the seruants of Christ yee should with all your might endeauour to hinder and pull downe the kingdome of sinne in others especially in your selues and with great care and labour striue to please and serue your new Lord giuing your members that is the faculties of your soule organs of your bodies as weapons of righteousnesse to holinesse Were it not a great shame now ye are brought vnto such a king as Christ so glorious in himselfe to you so gratious which hath done such things for you already as to quit you from the guilt of sinne by remission from the dominion of sinne by mortification and from whom ye expect such and so great things in heauen were it not a great fault and reproach to be lesse willing and diligent in performing his will then yee were to execute the lusts of sin whiles ye were vnder it Moreouer what a matter were it if being deliuered from such a tyrant as sin is whose bondage is a thousand times worse then the bondage of Aegypt which was bodily and temporary this being spirituall and tending to eternall ruine if ye should suffer it againe to vsurpe and get an hand ouer you for lacke of resistance What prisoner ransomed from slauery of Turke or other would be so vnthankfull to his ransomer or so harmefull to himselfe as to returne backward to his former cruell Lord and let it be farre from you which are by Christ drawne out of the hands and power of sinne once to looke backe againe but now yee are free from sinne and become the seruants of righteousnesse encourage your selues to depart more and more from the damnable workes of sin to doe the honourable workes of righteousnesse and so much the rather seeing of sinne and the seruice thereof no other fruit but shame no other end but death to be reaped and expected Therefore as ye couet to auoide confusion of conscience and shame of face and to be free from that death that knoweth no end see ye depart from the seruice of sinful affections which haue no other haruest but shame and destruction applying your selues by doing that which is righteous to serue Christ the fruit of whose seruice is sweet and precious and the end happy and glorious for yee shall haue your fruit in holinesse and your end euerlasting life Let it yet be further wayed that yee cannot suffer sin to raigne and beare swing in you but yee shall loose the protection of God the Father whose eye is onely vpon the righteous which fight against sinne to care for and protect them against their enimies and euils as for sinners which liue in the seruice and practise of sinne God heareth them not that is hee neglecteth them in their necessities and dangers yea though they call vpon him yet hee denyeth them his protection and succour and what a matter this is may partly be conceyued by those who are out of the protection of their temporall Kings such are exposed so innumeble inconueniences and mischiefes better not to liue at all then not to liue vnder the Kings protection Euen so the sinner that serueth sin as his king hee loosing the protection of the King of heauen lyeth open to the malice of Sathan euery moment to be deuoured and destroyed of that roaring Lyon And adde hereunto that by seruing sinne we loose all the merits of Christ the Sonne for when the Apostle writeth to Titus 2.11 that Christ hath redeemed vs from all iniquitie and telleth vs that this is the end and purchase of his passion that we should be zealous of good works and Peter likewise that Christ bare our sinnes in his body that wee should dye to sinne and liue in righteousnesse hence it plainely appeareth that whosoeuer licentiously cherishing their sinfull lusts and abandoning the care of a godly life doe serue sinne they voyde themselues as much as in them is of the vertue and power of his death and of all the merits of his passion both touching iustification and sanctification And as this is no small thing so yet consider further that whatsoeuer they be that through not striuing against sinne shall subiect themselues vnto the raigne and power of it they depriue themselues of the comfortable working of the spirit for where the good motions of his grace are repelled and sin followed there the spirit is grieued and quenched euen as water cast vpon fire slaketh and putteth it out and as a guest is driuen from that Inne where hee is not regarded but basely intreated so the spirit will not there abide where the lusts of sinne are intertained and his owne inspirations reiected Vnto all these former reasons ioyne these considerations that if ye should start from Christ to goe after your lusts and put the bridle againe into the hands of sinne yee shall breake and violate first your vow and promise made vnto God in your Baptisme and afterwards renued in the Lords Supper and better were it neuer to haue made vow then not to keepe it also ye make your selues vnfit to doe any good eyther to God or men nay yee defile all your actions both naturall ciuill and religious all which become vncleane and odious to God if your selues be vncleane through sinne for as in the Law holy flesh was polluted by touching a person polluted with any ceremonial vncleannesse so whatsoeuer commeth from a person spiritually polluted whose minde and conscience is vncleane it is all hatefull to God and abhominable But we are entred into an Ocean of matter which would quickly ouer-flow the bancke of a Sermon if wee should not obserue some meane therfore to leaue the further search of reasons scattered euery where in this present Chapter else where in Scripture let vs attend now to the reasons couched in this present text which are but two the former reason is contained in the particle Therefore which implieth thus much that sithens Christ hath put in vs his grace of sanctification to crucifie our sinfull nature as hee had taught before therefore let vs not be wanting to our selues to whom Christ hath not beene wanting if he hath already broken the yoke and strength of sinne by his death now it is pulled downe let vs keepe it downe and neuer suffer it to arise and get head againe When
Father the most precious merits of Christ his Sonne the comforts and graces of his holy Spirit are of any price or esteeme with you as you would be found faithfull in your vowes and promise keeping and to haue the works of your callings and liues blessed accepted of God as you are resolued that you are mortall must shortly dye when your strife of sin must end as you would haue peace in your death and the crowne of lawfull striuers after your death then look to it that in no wise you suffer sinne to raigne but for your selues against the lust 〈…〉 you all the helpe of all these good means priuate and publike that haue been spoken of giuing your selues to meditate in the word day and night praying in the spirit humbling your selues by religious fasting louing brotherly fellowship being watchfull against the occasions of sinne and ouer your owne senses and submitting your selues to the holy ministerie in euery part thereof labouring what yee may to doe all these things with lowlinesse vprightnesse and continuance and if at any time ye fall by being obedient vnto the lusts of sin rise againe by renued repentance and then as sure as God raigneth in heauen sinne shall not raigne in you but grace shall raigne in you whiles ye abide in this pilgrimage and the dayes of your mortalitie being ended ye shall raigne in eternall glory with Christ to whom be thanks and praise now and for euermore Amen THE SECOND SERmon called The Perseuerance of the Saints Preached on the 29. of Ianuarie 1608. Psalme 15. Verse 7. Hee that doth these things shall neuer be remoued THis short sentence is the conclusion of the whole Psalme and containeth both the substance of the Psalme Hee that doth these things and a gratious promise annexed shall neuer be remoued First vnto the substance of the Psalme belongeth a question and an answere the question is propounded in the first Verse O Lord who shall dwell in thy Tabernacle that is to say O Lord whereas there be many that resort vnto thy Tabernacle to worship thee certifie me who they are which be thy true worshippers whom thou wilt account to be members of thy Church militant in earth and triumphant in heauen This is the greatest question in all diuinitie for though there be other questions of deeper search yet of all other this question is of greatest vse and consequence The reason that caused Dauid to moue this question was this hee marked many to frequent the Temple to worship which yet proued but hypocrites therefore very worthily he enquired of God the iudge of the heart by what tokens his sound worshippers and seruants might be knowne Secondly the answere beginneth at the second Verse which containeth a full description of true worshippers by three essentiall vnseparable notes to wit first Integritie secondly Innocencie thirdly Veritie vnto which three graces are referred all the particular duties in the Verses following Now in this seuenth Verse hee concludeth and the effect of his conclusion is thus much as if hee should haue sayd Whosoeuer hee be that embraceth vprightnesse innocency and truth hee is the true worshipper of God so stedfastly rooted in the Church here vpon earth as when the course of this present life is ended hee shall remaine for euer a Citizen in heauen He that doth these things shall neuer be moued The doctrines which arise from this Verse are two the formost is this The blessed estate of the true worshippers of God is certaine and vnchangeable from which they shall neuer be remoued the second doctrine is who be these true worshippers and how to be knowne The first doctrine is built vpon many vndoubted grounds the first ground is from the Authoritie of Scripture expresly affirming this truth in many places Psal. 1.6 The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked shall perish Psalme 37.24 Though the righteous fall hee shall not be cast off for the Lord puts vnder his hand Also Psalme 125. Hee that trusts in the Lord shall be like mount Sion that cannot be remoued Also Salomon saith in his Prouerbs The hope of the righteous shall not perish And to be short in the 54. of Isaiah the Lord hath sworne to his people by an oath that with euerlasting loue hee hath embraced them Wee see in these Scriptures that God hath passed for the stablenesse of his people not his single word onely but his promise which is his double word and if this be not strong enough it hath pleased him for more surety to adde his oath a three-fold corde which cannot be broken The second ground is Gods free election vpon which the firme stedfastnesse of the faithfull is grounded as vpon a sure rocke and mountaine of brasse◠which causeth our Sauiour Christ to say that it was not possible for the Elect to be deceiued Mat. 24. True it is that in some things the elect may be deceiued and for some time but to be deceiued vniuersally and for euer that is not possible And in the 8. to the Romanes Paul respecting the constancie of Gods election auoucheth of the predestinate that they must be glorified Rom. 8.30 Moreouer in the 2. Tim. 2.19 hauing spoken of Hymineus and Phyletus which themselues denyed the faith and destroyed the faith of others by saying the Resurrection is past the Apostle fearing least some beleeuers of weake mindes should be troubled to heare two such pillers of the Church to be shaken hee doth comfort them with this perswasion that their owne standing is firme because of Gods election which for the assurance and certaintie of it is there likened to a foundation and a seale two such things then which amongst men there is no stronger The foundation saith he of God is sure hauing his seale the Lord knoweth who are his The third ground is the free and vnchangeable couenant that God hath stricke with his elect touching grace and saluation by Christ. The tenour whereof is to be found in Ieremie 32.38.39 40. verses And I will make an euerlasting couenant with them that I will neuer turne away from them to doe them good but I will put my feare into their hearts that they shall not depart from me saith the Lord. These are the words of the couenant from which obserue two things the first is that hee cals it an euerlasting couenant which teacheth that it is not made for houres dayes weeks moneths yeares or any tearme of time but for all eternitie The second is the meanes how this couenant becomes euerlasting because it is euery way sure and constant both on Gods part who neuer altereth his good will towards his chosen people and on his peoples part who haue their hearts so seasoned with his feare as they can neuer haue a will to depart from him This third ground from the couenant is further strengthened with the consideration of gods infinit power and
God An. That whereby he administreth all things according to his decree Qu. What be the parts of it An. Preseruation whereby he preserueth and vpholdeth euery particular thing and creature so long as pleaseth him 1. Tim. 4.10 Heb. 1.2.3 Secondly Rule whereby as Lord of heauen and earth he ordereth and disposeth euery thing most mightily wisely and iustly to his owne glory and good of his Church Eph. 1.11 Rom. 11.36 Qu. How doth he preserue and rule the world An. Eyther by meanes or vvithout or against meanes Qu. What followes hereof An. That the Lord God the fountaine of nature is not tyed to the Law of nature meanes are rather in respect of vs then of God who worketh as hee will euen contrary to meanes Qu. What vse is to be made of this doctrine of Gods gouerning all things An. First it teacheth contentment in euery estate in aduersitie to be patient in prosperitie to be thankfull Psal. 39.9 Secondly also it teacheth in all necessities and dangers to seeke to God by prayer Act. 4.24 Lastly because hee preserues and rules by meanes therefore wee are not to neglect them least wee tempt God Mat. 4.7 nor to trust in them least we deny God this was the fault of king Asa who trusted in the Physition Qu. What learne ye hereby that God worketh against means An. We learne this that when meanes are wanting or be against vs yet we ought still to trust in God for helpe as Danyel and Sydrach c. Qu. Amongest all the workes of diuine gouernment which is chiefest An. The worke of Redemption Qu. Doth it excell the worke of our Creation An. Yes sundry wayes first in Creation God brought something out of nothing in our Redemption he brought life out of death and saued them which were worse then nothing Rom. 5.6.7.8 Secondly the world was created with a word he said Let it be light and it was light Gen. 1.4 But redeemed with most horrible sorrowes and paines Mat. 27. throughout Thirdly in creation God made known his power and wisdome Rom. 1.20 in Redemption hee manifested his iustice and mercy Fourthly in creation God made man for our redemption God was made man Gal. 4.4 Lastly by our creation we are sonnes of God but by Redemption members of Christ and hee is of heauen Qu. From what things are we redeemed An. From sinne Sathan hell and eternall death and restored to righteousnesse Gods fauour and a greater happinesse than we lost in Adam Qu. In what respect is our happinesse by Redemption greater than our happinesse by Creation An. This was after a sort earthly and changeable that is constant and heauenly Qu. What things are we to know concerning our Redemption An. Three things first the person of our Redeemer Secondly his office Thirdly his benefits Qu. What doe yee beleeue touching the person of our Redeemer Ans. That hee is God and man in one person Rom. 1.4.5.6 Qu. Was God turned into man An. No verily but man was assumed vnto God Heb. 2.16 God tooke in to the fellowship of person mans nature Qu. Are these natures of God and man in Christ so ioyned as they remaine distinct and vnconfounded An. These two natures with their properties and actions though they be vnited in one person of our blessed Sauiour yet they abide vnconfounded so as the God-head is not the man-hood nor on the contrary Also the man-hood is not eternall infinite almightie c. nor the God-head is not mortall finite subiect to hunger or thirst The God-head did not speake walke obey suffer death the man-hood did not cast out diuels or doe other Miracles or support it selfe in suffering or giue merit to his obedience but in the worke of our Redemption each nature did that which is proper to it their properties and actions concurring to effect the glorious deliuerance of the Elect. Qu. How is this vnion wrought An. By the incredible operation and infinite vertue of the holy Ghost Luke 1.35 Qu. Was this vnion necessary for our Redemption An. Yes most necessary for Christ our Redeemer as God onely could not be subiect to the Law to fulfill it nor to be beare the punishment of our offending against it and as man onely he could not haue made the obedience of his life and suffering of miseries at his death meritorious for our saluation Secondly as God onely hee could not haue dyed and as man onely he could not haue ouercome death Lastly as God onely hee could not haue made a satisfaction for that by iustice must be made in the same nature which offended and as man onely he could not haue applyed it to vs and made it effectuall in vs for this is the worke of the spirit which hee giues vnto vs as hee is God Qu. Is this vnion of two natures in one person inseparable An. It is inseparable and perpetuall or else the couenant of mercy and life betweene God and vs could not be euerlasting hereof called in Hebrews an eternal high priest and said to haue purchased eternall redemption Qu. Why so An. Because our Redeemer was not onely once to dye for the taking away of sinnes but for euer to appeare in the sight of God for vs. Heb. 9.24 to make intercession for sinners Qu. What is the office of our Redeemer An. His office is to be a mediator of reconcilement betweene God and man 1 Tim. 2.4 Qu. Is he not called Christ in respect of his office An Hee is so and it is as much as Gods annoynted to shew that his Father did consecrate him to the office of a mediator and did furnish him with all meete gifts Ioh. 6.27 Act. 10.38 Qu. What be the parts of his Mediatorship An. Three first Prophetship whereby hee declareth God his Father and his counsell touching mans saluation Iohn 1.18 Secondly his Priesthood whereby hee workes the matter and merit of our Redemption first in his holy conception secondly in his innocent and righteous life thirdly in the oblation of himselfe vpon the Crosse at his death Heb. 9.28 Thirdly his kingdome whereby he doth effect all this in vs. Luke 1.32.33 and apply it to vs. Qu. How doth he apply to vs the effects of his Prophet-ship and Priest-hood An. First by the inward operation of his spirit whereby as he hardens the reprobate so he enlightneth and draweth the Elect. Secondly by an outward diuine pollicie whereby he ruleth his Church till the last and great iudgement Qu. Rehearse the benefits of our Redeemer An. The benefits are innumerable euery one more worth then a world signified in his name Iesus Qu. Which is the first An. Incorporation whereby wee are ingrafted into him to become one with him Eph. 5.30 Qu. Which is the second An. Reconciliation whereby we are deliuered from the wrath of God and restored more perfectly into his fauour 2. Cor. 5.19 Col. 1.20
Dauid had smitten Goliah to the ground hee presently runne vpon him drew out his sword and beheaded him likewise Christ hauing subdued vnto vs our sinne by his vertue let vs doe our part fall vpon it take it by the throate stifle and choake it neuer leaue it till wee haue driuen out the breath of sinne It was the fault of the Israelites that God hauing put them in possession of a good land and destroyed many of the inhabitants daunting the rest they by their negligence and cowardise did not prosecute these good beginnings but suffering the Cananites to liue amongst them they proued thornes in their sides and prickes in their eyes euen so it will come passe if you foreslow the continuall mortifying of sinne which Christ hath already conquered in you and disarmed if ye make way and giue place to remayning lusts and euill affections they will proue tedious and perillous therefore let not sinne raigne Finally this must encourage vs to flye the seruice of sinne and mightily to striue against it because our bodyes being mortall that is subiect to mortalitie and death the strife against sinne will quickly be at an end And surely this may encourage any good Christian to resist sinne seriously to consider that we are mortall here where sinne doth assault vs and that there wee shall be immortall where wee shall be free from sinne as wee would not be mortall then when sinne shall not hurt vs so we would not be immortall here where we are subiect to sinne Let this meditation then helpe vs against the lusts of sinne that wee are not like to wrestle long with it for our yeares may lack moneths our moneths may lacke weekes our weekes may lacke dayes our dayes may lacke houres our houres may lacke minutes Doe wee not know by Scripture that death stealeth vpon vs as trauaile vpon a woman or as a theefe in the night which giueth no warning and experience sheweth the truth of this plentifully Hee in the Gospell that boasted of store for many yeares was threatned to haue his soule taken from him that night two in London dyed sodainely as they walked in the streets also one found dead in the fields at Allington who went well out of his house at Douer likewise one dyed in his sleep who went well to bed in the citie of Canterbury one well and abroad at eight of the clock and dead by tenâ— and euen in this Church one fell downe dead betweene the great gate and the porch the Kings court is not free from such examples of suddaine death Now seeing that that which falleth to any one may fall to euery one it is wisedome for all men to make a short account and so much the more to labour mortification of sinne by how much this mortalitie is certaine and the time vncertaine and yet such dulnesse is in vs that wee are so far from thinking of the sodainnesse of our death and shortnes of life as that wee seldome remember that wee shall dye wherein our forgetfulnesse is more blame worthy because euery thing serueth to put vs in mind that our bodyes which we beare about vs are mortall for euen on our table wee haue monuments of death for we eate not the creatures till they be dead our garments are eyther the skins or excrements of dead beasts we often follow the dead corps to the graue and wee often walke ouer their bodyes and in this place especially men that vse to walke here shall do well to remember that they tread vpon the dead and others shortly must tread vpon them Moreouer wee in this Citie haue almost euery day death roung in our eares the deadly knell telling vs that dust we are and to dust we must goe Lastly our nightly sleepe being to vs a shadow and resemblance of death yet for all this men liue as if they were immortall drowned in worldly pleasures and carnall delights because they doe not seriously remember their last end which if it were carefully thought vpon it would mightely preuaile to keepe men from doing amisse causing them to imitate that good seruant in the Gospell who knowing his maister would come yet not knowing at what houre in the night hee girded his loynes and kept his lampe burning that hee might be found ready when his maister should come wherof we haue a good example in this Gentlewoman our sister to whom as it pleased God in the weaknesse of body to giue her a remembrance of her mortalitie and end before it came so shee receiued grace to make true vse for dying to sinne and liuing to God shee spent her time during her sicknesse as I haue beene credibly certified in reading praier and good meditations and at her end as my selfe was a witnesse she applyed the sentences and promises of Scripture to her owne soules comfort praying with the Church Lord Iesus come quickly come quickly And with Dauid professing that as the Hart panted after the riuers of water so her soule longed after God and laying hold on Christs promises that shee should be satisfied because shee mourned for her sinnes assuring her heart according to that that was pronounced to Paul that howsoeuer she was weake yet the grace of Christ should be sufficient for her and that by the power of his might shee should ouercome and finde death to be her aduantage Thus continuing in holy motions and good speeches till her soule remouing from her earthly tabernacle was receiued into the heauenly inheritance as we may trust there to raigne with Christ for euer Thus farre of the exhortation not to suffer sinne to raigne the first part of our Text. That yee should obey it in the lusts thereof THese words contain the second part of our Text which is the explication declaring to vs how this may be brought to passe namely by withdrawing obedience from the lusts thereof Where first of all there be two words to be interpreted Lusts and Obedience Lust of sinne Lust is that stirring of our naturall corruption egging and soliciting vs against the will and Law of God or the first motion of our sinfull corrupt nature for it is here distinguished from sinne to shew that here lust is not the roote but the fruit Whereas he speaketh in the plurall number not lust but lusts it is because the motions or desires of our depraued nature are of sundry kindes some are the will of the minde so called Eph. 2.3 as errours heresies false opinions wicked conceits euill imaginations corrupt reasonings wicked counsels deuises and thoughts eyther against God or men or our selues some are the will of the flesh thus tearmed in the former place Ephes. 2.3 whereby is meant all the euill affections which be in our vnreasonable part in our will appetite and senses as anger pride couetousnesse enuy reuenge contention and such like And 2. Cor. 7.1 these lusts are deuided into lusts of the flesh and the spirit where flesh