to make a bad building These indeed were Christs chief Enemies and could not away with him persecuted him prefer'd Barabbas before him crucified him forbade his Disciples to preach in his name yea imprisoned and scourged them for so doing How came this to pass They had a strong conceit that the Messiah should be an earthly Potentate and that he should continue Moses his Law and Ordinances When therefore they saw the contrary they would none of him but for all they were so expert in the Law yet they fulfilled it to their own destruction in rejecting him that was the fulfilling of the Law and the Prophets See what a strong conceit and prejudicate opinion will do Now their rejecting of him was 1. To shew that God had purposed the Salvation of his Church and building of his kingdom by a way that the wise men of the world never dreamed of 2. That their malice might appear to their punishment and Gods power in resisting them 3. To shew that great men are not always the greatest maintainers of the Truth but miss the cushion oftentimes they be not always friends and furtherers of the Truth but often great lets and arch enemies thereunto Thus it hath been for the manifestation of Gods power who can do his will not onely without the help but against the might of great persons Thus was it in Ahabs time Thus in Jeremiahs Thus in our Saviors They that should have been the first and chiefest entertainers of him preaching to the people hated him excommunicated him and persecuted the people for believing in him so hath it been of long time and is at this day with the chief of Rome Oh they boast themselves to be the onely Church and all that vary from them to be Hereticks and that they have all the marks of a true Church Unity Universality Antiquity with a perpetual succession of Bishops from Peter when yet they are the Enemies of the true Church of God and have still so been a pack of erroneous and pestilent Doctrines they hold contrary to Christs Truth whose Church they persecute with fire and sword The Church never found greater Enemies nor any so great as they that profess themselves to be the Church of Christ. For their succession which they boast of from the Apostles it s very idle and makes no more for them then that Ahab was right owner of Naboths Vineyard because he came into the possession of it or that a Thief having kill'd the master of the house sits down at Table in his chair and eats of his meat Succession is of Doctrine or Person Succession of Doctrine is good Therefore that company that continues in the Doctrine of the Apostles and Fundamental Points thereof though some errors should be mingled and hath the Sacraments pure for the substance that company is a church of God though there be defects in maners for so Christ said of them that sate in Moses chair for though both Doctrine and maners be necessary in a good Pastor yet if he hold the Fundamental Points of Doctrine though he erre in life and maners we reject him not from being a Pastor But as for succession of Person and Place it s nothing For Place Where hath God ever in the New Testament tyed himself or his Church to any particular place or doth he not call it Universal as being in the parts of it spread into all places For Person as though Thieves may not succeed good men and Wolves faithful Pastors Therefore though they could prove that there hath been ever since Peter a continual succession of Bishops in Rome yet this would do them small pleasure but this their Personal succession they cannot prove they agree not among themselves who was first after Peter Again it was broken off sundry times when some of their Popes were condemned for Heresie when there were many Antipopes and in the days of Pope Joan unless they will say that these were true successors of the Apostles But say they could prove this yet what would it avail them seeing they are altogether degenerate from the purity of the Apostles doctrine and are become enemies and persecutors of the same They have overthrown the foundation and almost all the Fundamental Points of Religion and left nothing sound brought in errors and laden the Church with an infinite rabble of idle and most frivolous Ceremonies by their Doctrine overturning almost every Article of the Faith and thereby violating every Commandment of the Law and for the Sacraments they have altogether abolished one and turned it into a Sacrifice and blasphemous Idol and the other they have so besmeared with their filthy inventions that it s nothing like it self Not at all to speak of their filthy maners that besides all other sins are wholly sold to blood and murther as being not from above but from the Devil Who is a murtherer from the beginning we therefore conclude that they are none of the Church of God but a Synagogue of Satan They be the rightful successors of the Apostles that being rightly called do build upon their foundation teaching the purity of Doctrine and administring the Sacraments for substance sincerely whether they have had long succession or have but lately come to their places Thus we see that they which boast themselves to be the Converters of the world the onely Church are the deadliest enemies thereto they which would challenge to themselves to be the great Fathers and Builders of the Church have not onely not built themselves but as the Scribes and Pharisees that kept back the key of knowledge have been the greatest lets to the building whose case is the more fearful seeing they both may and ought and profess to do great matters yet are so far from doing that they altogether hinder 1. This serves to teach us not to stand upon great mens opinion or hang upon their mouth approving and disallowing upon their testimony or example We must herein look onely to the Word of God yet the common saying is Do you think that such great or learned men would say or do so and so if it were not good and right 2. To magnifie the power and wisdom of God that hath used to build his Kingdom and uphold it not onely without the help but against the wills of great men that rather fret then rejoyce thereat Builders They would be so called so reputed But what did they build Errors their own Traditions and humane Ceremonies for which they were very zealous being enemies to the true Building and Builders They are so called not because they were so but because they should have been so their place and office did so require These should have taught the Law and offered Sacrifice in memorial of Christ till his coming and being revealed they should have preached him the Foundation and built up the Church on him But they did quite contrary Hence note 1. That none will take
A GODLY FRUITFUL EXPOSITION Upon all the FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER BY That Pious and Eminent Preacher of the WORD of GOD JOHN ROGERS of Dedham in ESSEX JOHN 5. 39. Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testifie of me 2 PETER 1. 20 21. Knowing this first that no prophesie of the Scripture is of any private interpretation For the prophesie came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost LONDON Printed by JOHN FIELD and are to be sold by Peter Cole at the Sign of the Printing-Press in Cornhill near the Royal Exchange 1650. To the Reader THe Name alone of the Author of this Exposition and Commentary doth put a great price and value on it yea command thy reading and study of it It is the work of John Rogers Minister of Dedham in Essex written by his own hand Being dead he yet speaketh that is his Name is as a sweet savour poured forth and his praise amongst the Saints in all the Churches of Christ wheresoever he is spoken of this may be said of him That he was a burning and a shining light having a heart inflamed with love to Christ Truth and the Souls of men his words were as sparks of fire As his light directed his zeal so his zeal wrought with his light and made it powerful Animum non faciunt qui animum non habent Some Books are like a frosty day clear but dry and cold and leave the Reader in the same temper As in preaching so in writing also the stirring of the heart and affections should be endeavored as well as Information and such words be used and so set as may rather make a Sermon then a Tract and beget rather a love to the Matter as this Author endeavoreth then an opinion or an esteem of the VVriters abilities He was a Scribe indeed taught of God instructed and prepared for the Kingdom that is the Church of God having yea being a Treasure of things both new and old that is of all sorts of Doctrine and all ways of Application of them He was a Boanerges a Son of Thunder for the power and efficacy God gave unto his Ministry and a Barnabas a Son of Consolation too As the Thunder shaketh the Pillars of the Earth overthroweth the Rocky Mountains causeth the wilde and savage Beasts to fear and as the Lightning powerfully insinuates it self breaking the bones but not the flesh So was it the pleasure of the Lord to bring down by his Ministry the high and stout hearts of many rebellious ones and to lead them in subjection to his wil through Christ To throw down and to build up by him even as high as Heaven As the Scriptures give us the Genealogies of the Saints so many came out of Adam Abraham c. How numerous are the Children whom this Author hath had given him by God Many Families persons of all sorts and ranks in many Counties and Nations even so far as his sound went forth will and do acknowledge him to have begotten them to God and call him Blessed Reader read his VVorks and thou shalt know him work what thou readest on thy own heart that thou mayst be like unto him one of his children also which is the hearty desire of him who cannot but make this honorable mention of the Author and is May 1650. Desirous of thy good in Christ SIDRACH SIMPSON THE CONTENTS OF THIS EXPOSITION Page THe scope of this Epistle both general and particular with the several parts thereof and matter contained therein 1 CHAP. I. Verse 1 2. 1. THe sum and parts of the Preface 2 2. The several names of this Apostle and why so named ibid. 3. What names Parents are to give to their Children ibid. 4. Such as set forth Books ought to set their names thereto ibid. 5 Why some worthy men have not done thus 3 6. Wherein the Apostles differed from all other Ministers ibid. 7. A Minister must have an inward calling and an outward ibid. 8. Why our Apostle nameth his Apostleship 4 9. Repentance wipeth away our sins 5 10. Why the Jews were called strangers ibid. 11. Among them there were sundry believers ibid. 12. Gods Church here on earth is under persecution 6 13. Lawful to fly in the time of persecution 7 14. The large extent of the Church under the New Testament ibid. 15. The Apostles diligence and care in his charge ibid. 16. God hath chosen some to salvation 8 17. How we may know the election of others ibid. 18. Christians must so live as that even others may be perswaded they belong to God 9 19. Why God decreed to save some ibid. 20. The ends why we were elected 10 21. Sanctification the end of our Redemption ibid. 22. Christs obedience and sufferings the meritorious cause of our Salvation 11 23. Christs death is to be particularly apprehended by faith 12 24. A proof of the holy Trinity 13 25. Election the work thereof ibid. 26. Why Gods favor is to be sought ibid. 27. Ministers must labor that their people may be brought into Gods favor ibid. And may grow in grace 14 Verse 3. 1. THe sum and substance of the whole Epistle 14 2. Gods blessing man mans blessing man and mans blessing God 15 3. Gods mercies to be thought on and spoken of with admiration ibid. 4. We must not think or speak of God but with reverence 16 5. Why God is termed the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ibid. 6. Gods Son why termed Jesus Christ our Lord ibid. 7. What meant here by Hope 17 8. Assurance of Salvation comes not by nature 18 9. The means whereby God works Faith ibid. 10. Why termed a lively hope 19 11. Gods free favor the cause of all our good 20 12. Man could not be saved without abundant mercy ibid. 13. The means whereby we are begotten to this hope 22 14. Benefits arising from Christs Resurrection ibid. Verse 4. 1. THe Kingdom of Heaven why termed an inheritance 23 2. The happiness of Gods people in heaven abideth for ever 24 3. Why termed undefiled ibid. 4. The Kingdom of Heaven always one and the same ibid. 5. God hath appointed to glorifie his Saints in Heaven 27 6. The prevention of a conceit of the Jews and of an Objection 28 7. Gods Children shall not miss of Heaven 29 8. To be particularly assured of Heaven a special comfort ibid. Verse 5. 1. THe prevention of another doubt 30 2. Gods Children have many Enemies to hinder their salvation 31 3. Christians cannot stand of themselves 31 4. Gods almighty power is sufficient to uphold us against all our enemies 32 5. Gods people are kept through Faith 33 6. How Faith bringeth us to Salvation ibid. 7. Christians must not look here for outward prosperity 34 8. The fulness of our happiness not to be had here 35 9. The
confutation of an Error 36 Verse 6. 1. VVE must rejoyce in the assurance of our Salvation 37 2. Religion reforms mirth ibid. And moderates lawful mirth ibid. 3. Being assured of Heaven we must rejoyce even in our troubles 38 4. Gods children must here undergo many troubles 39 5. Afflictions are tryals 41 6. Here on earth heaviness and rejoycing may stand together 42 7. The godlies afflictions are short ibid. 8. Afflictions come by the wise disposing of Almighty God 43 Verse 7. 1. A Qualification of their troubles 43 2. Affliction tryeth whether we have Faith 44 3. How we may try our Faith ibid. 4. Affliction tryeth whether our Faith be more or less then we take it 45 5. Affliction serveth to purifie and encrease Faith ibid. 6. Faith more precious then gold 46 7. Faith will be crowned at the last day 47 8 Christ will come on the last day to judge the world 48 9. The godly shall be publiquely rewarded 49 Verse 8. 1. VVHereat Ministers should aim in commending their people 49 2. Through Faith we believe even things above the reach of our reason 50 3. True love the fruit of Faith 51 4. How to try both our Faith and Love 52 5. Faith must directly fasten it self on Christ Jesus 52 6. A proof of the Divinity of Christ 53 7. Joy a fruit of Faith ibid. 8. Why no true joy can proceed from our selves 54 9. The joy of believers is unspeakable and glorious ibid. Verse 9. 1. EVery man is in danger of utter destruction 55 2. The godly by Faith do even here enjoy Salvation ibid. 3. No pains too much to get Faith 56 4. Salvation not the end or reward of our works ibid. 5. We cannot merit Heaven 57 6. Believers shall have also the salvation of their bodies ibid. 7. What those are to look for that follow Christ 58 Verse 10. 1. NO point touching Salvation is to be taught or received but what 's grounded on the Word 59 2. The Prophets took great pains to know the mystery of our Salvation by Christ ibid. 3. The Prophets and old Fathers were saved by Christ as well as we 60 4. The Doctrine of the Gospel not new 61 5. The Prophets foretold of Christ 62 6. The Harmony between the Old and New Testament 62 7. Salvation why called Grace 63 8. The Prophets did partake of Salvation though they saw not Christ in the flesh ibid. Verse 11. 1. VVE must endeavor to know what 's profitable to be known ibid. 2. The Prophets searched into this great mystery through the direction of the Spirit ibid. 3. Gods Spirit the Author of the Old Testament 64 4. A proof of the Divinity of the Holy Ghost ibid. 5. The sufferings of Christ foretold in the Old Testament ibid. 6. Why it was needful that Christ should suffer for us 65 7. Three degrees of our Saviors Victory ibid. 8. Through afflictions we must come into glory 66 Verse 12. 1. THe Anabaptists confuted ibid. 2. The Covenant of Grace one and the same throughout all ages 67 3. The Author Matter Form and End thereof ibid. 4. The difference about the measure given and persons to whom ibid. 5. Why God sent his Son no sooner ibid. 6. Why theirs was called the time of the Law and ours of the Gospel 68 7. God not to be charged with inconstancy 68 8. The same Gospel which was preached by the Prophets was also preached by the Apostles 69 9. The Apostles have left a perfect direction for all things needful for our Salvation 70 10. Why the Angels desire to see the perfection of the Salvation of Gods Church ibid. Verse 13. 1. DOctrine and Exhortation must be joyned together ibid. 2. The corrupt conceits of the Jews about Salvation 72 3. The corrupt conceits of Christians about it 73 4. The best prize it not as they should ibid. 5. What sobriety is and of sobriety about meat and drink ibid. 6. Sobriety about Apparel Recreation and Profits 74 7. What Faith is with the parts thereof 76 8. What it is to trust perfectly ibid. 9. Salvation a most special grace 78 10. What we are to expect by Christ 79 11. Salvation is not of our own procuring or seeking ibid. 12. The Gospel lays open Christ Jesus unto us 80 Verse 14. 1. THe two parts of Sanctification 81 2. Obedience and Sanctification follow faith ibid. 3. God calls for obedience 82 4. We must obey in all things that are commanded be the Commandment never so strange or unpleasing 83 5. The strict obedience of the Jesuits to their Superiors ibid. 6. We must obey without consulting with flesh and blood whosoever or whatsoever be against it voluntarily and constantly 84 7. What may stir us up unto obedience 86 8. Two parts of obedience ibid. 9. We must forsake evil before we can do good 87 10. Ignorance is the cause and root of a bad life ibid. 11. Why being so well instructed they were termed ignorant 88 12. All knowledge without the knowledge of Christ is nothing ibid. 13. Knowledge without Reformation is but ignorance ibid. 14. Such as have attained knowledge must not live as they did before 89 Verse 15 16. 1. HOliness must be added to abstinence from sin 90 2. This duty needful to be urged ibid. 3. Christians must be holy 91 Holy in all maner of conversation 92 4. God is holy 93 5. A twofold calling 94 6. The parts of the inward calling ibid. 7. The fruits thereof with the marks negative and affirmative 95 8. Why the Apostle doth so earnestly exhort unto Holiness 96 9. Ministers must prove their Doctrine by Gods Word 97 10. Obedience is to be yielded to those Doctrines which are proved by the Word 98 11. Gods word the rule of all truth 99 12. The use of the Apocrypha Books with the respect which is to be given thereto 100 13. Christians must be ready in the Scriptures ibid. 14. The more the Lord bestows on any the more he expects from them 102 15. The Popish Doctrine of Free-will hath no ground from this place 103 16. Nor is it against the married estate ibid. Verse 17. 1. VVHy we ought here to pass our time in fear 104 2. Three kindes of fear Natural Slavish Filial of which the last is often enjoyned 105 3. Whence it proceedeth with the benefits and marks thereof and opposites thereunto 106 4. Means to attain unto the fear of God 107 5. God requires our whole time for his service 108 6. Christians here in this world are but sojourners 111 7. The first reason of the fore-going Exhortation 113 8. Such as call God Father must walk in fear and obedience as Sons 114 9. What the name Father implyeth ibid. 10. The second reason of the foregoing Exhortation 115 11. How God doth and will judge of mens actions in this life at death and on the day of Judgement 116 12. The person of man how taken ibid. 13. Four things required to the being of a
resemble God their Father who being holy requires that his children should so be even holy as he is holy whence may be noted That for the building up of Gods Church Doctrine and Exhortation must be joyned together Thus our Savior preached thus also the Apostles as the one must inform the judgement so the other pull on the affections which are as much or more corrupted then the understanding part wherby Knowledge Conscience and Practice may go together Knowledge without Zeal is blockishness as Zeal without knowledge rashness but better less Knowledge and more Zeal then more Knowledge and less Zeal or care of obedience Doctrine without Exhortation is to set a dull Horse in the way and not spur him on Exhortation without Doctrine is to spur a Horse forwards before he be put into the way the one is the Foundation the other the Building both which must go together Ministers that would go to work indeed must go with their tools use both Doctrine and Exhortation as he that would cleave a knotty Log must both use Beetle and Wedges the one without the other would be to no purpose We must be like careful Messengers not delivering barely our Masters message but earnestly entreating on his behalf We must not bear the ayr as it were multiplying words yea good words without a ground Neither must we deliver sound Doctrine strongly proved so leaving it but urge and apply it Practice being the life of all and people being unapt to make particular Application yea it is the principal part of our Ministery to draw on the will and to perswade and work upon the affections for want of which many finde but small fruit in their Ministery for people are grown to that pass that it is not the excellency and weight of the matter that will move which for the most part proves but a sound with the most if it be not whetted by some enforcement of Exhortation People also must not onely be willing but glad of this kinde of teaching suffering as the Apostle speaks the word of Exhortation but too too many had rather have general Doctrine then be called upon to Practice and examination In this Verse our Apostle Exhorts to stedfastness in Faith and to relie and trust on the Salvation to the hope whereof they had been called by the revelation of Jesus Christ even the Gospel of Christ and therefore to remove from them all such impediments as might hinder the same Those were of two sorts 1. Such as were in the understanding part implied in the first part of the Verse And 2. Such as were in their affections implied in the latter Gird up the loyns of your minde A borrowed speech from those that wore long garments which when they went any journey or were to stir about any thing they were wont to gird up lest they might be troubled or hindred thereby The meaning is this As men do thus gird and truss up their clothes lest they should be hindred in their work or journey so shake off all that may hinder you in going your Spiritual journey to Heaven and doing the work of the Lord. By the loyns of the minde we are to understand all lets in the understanding part namely all corrupt opinions about Salvation contrary to the Word Those must be reformed else can we not trust perfectly or hope to the end The Jews wanted not theirs nor we ours for the Jews 1. They looked for earthly promotion by Christ as a Potentate of the world This could not but much hinder them from trusting in him for Salvation This they must gather up if they would profit by him knowing that he is made of God unto them not ease riches c. but Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 2. They did still stick much to Moses his Law and Circumcision This also hindred them from resting wholly and onely upon Christ for Salvation This also they must tuck up acknowledging Salvation to be by him alone 3. They prized not Salvation at so high a rate as they should and this also was no small let unto Salvation For our selves How many corrupt conceits be in peoples heads that hinder them from Faith As some think that they be no great offenders and hope to be saved by good prayers good meaning civil life c. Others that it s no such hard matter to be saved but if that men call to God for mercy they shall do as well at the last as they that make all the stir These conceits be as it were the strong Castle of carnal People whereinto being once got all that we can say proves unable to beat them out Others hope to be saved by Christ who yet live in their sins Others think that if they should Repent and go to Sermons they should never be merry again Now these and such like must be reformed finding these lets we must gird up our loyns and remove them Nay even Gods good servants that are truly humbled in conscience for sin and â—it to believe hungring after Christ more then all the world as desirous to turn to him yet are held off by some false conceits O they be unworthy that God should forgive them Therefore he will not their sins be too many and too great and O if they could sorrow as deeply as some and serve God as well then they would hope c. and O they have so many corruptions and such a rebellious heart as they know God will not forgive any such whereas it is not that will hinder so as our hearts be unfeignedly bent to strive against our corruptions and serve the Lord in truth Neither do the very best prize so highly this Salvation as they ought we weigh not what God hath done for us in Christ This is the reason why we walk not more thankfully joyfully and zealously let us gird up these loyns rid our selves of these impediments up and be sound of these points and whatsoever thought would hinder us from resting on Christ Jesus for Salvation let us cast it from us as the blinde man did his cloke when he went to Christ. Be sober Sobriety is a vertue that keeps us not only from things unlawful but moderates us in the use of things lawful that we exceed not our bounds therein These may be referred to two heads Profits and Pleasures which we are most subject to abuse and are therefore dehorted from them For the former which is Pleasure thereto may be referred meat drink apparel recreation c. All which we must use soberly to the glory of the giver our own good and the good also of others 1. For our meat and drink we must neither be excessive nor over curious as Dives that fared deliciously every day making his belly his God we must eat to live and thereby be more fit for duty 2. For our apparel we must not
so great names to themselves as those carnal minded men who do least good of all nay rather do hurt Yet will these ever challenge most to themselves as the Popish Priests I warrant you ascribe more to themselves then the most faithful Pastors and so do a number of lazy Ministers at this day 2. That such have been ever greatest enemies to faithful Builders which have challenged to themselves the name of Builders being indeed nothing less The Churches enemies are often in her bosom and godly Ministers as Micaiah Jeremiah the Apostles have lightly no greater enemies then those of their own coat and calling so the Popish rabble hate all good Protestant but especially godly and painful Preachers The Jews had no greater enemies then they that seemed desirous to help them in building 3. That its the duty of Gods Ministers to be Builders of Gods Church so they are stiled they are also called Laborers and Workers We must build by all means with both hands Doctrine and Conversation All must be done to Edification and not to Destruction in the Church all must be done for nothing against the truth We must build by preaching Christ the Foundation and build thereon not Wood Hay Stubble false Doctrine but Gold Silver Precious Stones answerable to the nobleness of the Foundation We must daily edifie by Preaching dividing the word aright which was signified by that Urim and Thâ—mmim written on Aarons breast light of Doctrine and integrity of Life we must keep the Faith even soundness of Doctrine in a good Conscience 1. This rebukes those that build with neither hand but rather destroy like the foolish woman in the Proverbs Thus the Papists who be woful Builders They overturn sound Doctrine and build trash of their own devising as if one would come to an house to build and would put up the groundsels and rear up a house of leaves sticks and boughs so do they Toys and Ceremonies So also those that would build with one hand live honestly but Preach not These be willing guides but know not a step of the way A man cannot be an honest man in that calling that is not an honest Preacher His goodness must appear in his particular calling A Minister ought not only to be a Sheep in the Fold but a Pastor of the Flock not only a stone in the Building but a Builder So those that build by Preaching but pull down by Life O pitiful people and O dreadful answer that such have to make which have undertaken to Build and yet pull down The curse will light on such No Minister can do this as he ought Who is sufficient for these things O le ts labor to Build worthily 2. There 's comfort to them that unfeignedly strive to build both ways As it s a special work they do to help up the Lords Spiritual Temple so their reward shall be great in the Kingdom of Heaven O happy is he that layeth but one stone into the building and holds in the rest Oh it s the greatest honor in the world other men deal about mens bodies or goods we about their souls others build houses for men what though for Kings we a Spiritual house for God himself who would not be encouraged hereby against whatsoever discouragements this world their 's especially which should most encourage us gives us 3. We must pray to God to furnish and send out many wise and able Builders into his Church that may be workmen that need not be ashamed that may lay the Foundation well and build answerably thereupon The Lord send such into his Church But though Ministers be chiefly Builders of the Church yet we are to know that every man also must be a Builder and help the work forward both of himself by working the things that are publikely delivered on himself in private and by other private means as also one of another by Admonition Exhortation Consolation example of Life and Prayer For we are not born for our selves only but to help to save as many as possibly we can Every man must put his hand about this work Being converted we are to help forward the conversion of others As formerly we drew others to vanity so must we now draw them to grace But alas great is the Impiety and carelesness of the times this way Impiety How few seek to build up but rather to destroy by their vile example yea by reproaches discouragements and logs laid in the way of any that would come forward and desire to do better then they have done O how few helpers do Gods poor servants finde There 's none so simple but hath somewhat whereby to discourage and hinder them yea oftentimes even Husbands and Wives prove lets and discouragements to each other O these wicked scatterers from Christ That will neither enter into the Kingdom of Heaven themselves nor serve God nor suffer them that would If they that win men to God shall shine in Heaven what shall become of the enemies of Christs Kingdom which do daily turn men from God he will be fearfully revenged on them These be like Devils that turn'd our first Parents out of the way Herein I may yet go more particularly thus 1. By example they destroy altogether 2. For admonition for any thing amiss they are rather content thereat and if men did otherwise these would not like it so well If any of Gods servants do amiss their admonition is to blaze it abroad in hatred of their persons and profession 3. For consolation if any be afflicted they can say little to it but I pray be of good comfort nay haply utter much idle talk If any be humbled for sin either they give it out that they are mad and that through running to Sermons or at the furthest bid them be merry put away melancholly thoughts ride abroad to their Friends Drink Play c. Miserable comforters in-indeed 4. For Exhortation to them that be going on well they do quite contrary though they loved them never so well before now they hate revile and discourage them all they can Yea the carelesness even of those that profess Religion is to be lamented It s a very lamentable thing to see how every one casts off the care of others as though it concern'd them not who admonisheth comforteth exhorteth c. And for example is it not grievous that some that make great profession of Religion yet walk so loosly or have so foul things fall from them as that in stead of edifying the godly are wounded the weak daunted the wicked hardened in their courses against goodness nay occasioned to speak ill of the Gospel and Profession and professors thereof Such have lived to an ill pass it had been better they had been taken away at the best if ever there were any soundness in them These had need
be done in a Spiritual maner They cannot tell what they would have A. Alas poor people they would fain hear all is well and peace that they might make an easie matter of being a Christian and go to Heaven with ease Therefore they cannot endure to be put out of their Byas especially being Ancient and having all this while thought their case good and withal having been somewhat civil now to be told all is out of the way and nothing as it should be and to hear such duties required and to be done in such a Spiritual maner and that it will not serve to huddle them over as they have been wont O this is such a disquieting that they cannot away therewith therefore they count Preaching harsh But better begin again then still go wrong and perish If any hath gone out of his way half the day for want of asking and at Noon one tell him he is out of the way will he say Nay seeing I have gone so far I will not go back now but go on Or though it be more grief will he not rather return then go further out and so never come to his Journeys end he were else mad Our case is such and it is best to be told of it and herein Ministers should deal faithfully laying this as the Foundation of all their Doctrine that in themselves men be utterly lost thereupon denouncing Judgement whereby they may be brought to seek mercy They must herein follow those which have gone before them the Prophets our Savior himself and his Apostles As they must take heed they break not the bruised Reed nor quench the smoaking Flax so they must not give Childrens bread to Dogs We must not give Pearls to Swine and lavish out the mercies of God to Proud Prophane Impenitent persons First the Law must Arrest mens Consciences and they must be rowsed up by it else they will never seek unto Christ for pardon It is necessary we should thus Preach that we may be free from mens blood and that their ignorance or slackness in repenting be not imputed to our coldness in reproving such as more like or approve others wil one day curse the day that ever they heard such sweet-tongued flatterers or unskilful dawbers and they shall finde most favor at the last that deal most plainly Howsoever thus we shall please God and keep a good conscience Neither must thou stumble at those many marks and signs that they lay down whereby to try Faith Love Repentance Sincerity and the like for Gold fears not the Touchstone And they that hear grievous things in the Word if they would tarry by it should hear as comfortable and joyful whereof in time they might have their part but they must taste of the bitter ere they come to the sweet Such as are otherwise would be as it were lulled asleep even to their final destruction If any shun and say we would bring them to desperation they nor we shall not need fear that people be not so easily moved if Preaching humble them we fear not but it will also comfort them Holy desperation I would we could help men to but there 's more fear of desperation and horror for not believing and regarding the threatnings of Gods Word 8. Some stumble at plain Preaching If there were any witty conceits or Eloquence of words or plenty of Quotations of Writers and that in divers Tongues or ancient Stories c. I could like it well will some such say which now I do not A. They that have itching ears to hear the painted words of mans wisdom rather then the plain evidence of the Word of God and seek to delight their mindes rather then edifie their conscience if ever they receive any good it s of Gods exceeding mercy not the course they take These be commonly such as get something into their heads to talk of but yet live licentiously and at large and hence it is that they love such Preaching as is fair and far off rather then that which comes home to search their Conscience and sift them like a sieve But whatsoever they would have Gods Ministers must learn to distribute the Word as becometh the Word and to give that which is most wholesom and profitable for the peoples Souls They must Preach Christ Crucified in a Crucified Phrase The foolishness of Preaching God hath Sanctified It s better to speak five words with understanding which may convince the Judgement and Conscience as it may search the heart and so edifie the Soul in true godliness then Five thousand to no edifying but to fill the brain onely It s the true learned Preaching that open the Scriptures soundly and gather Doctrines naturally to confirm them strongly and apply them wisely and in all this to be so plain as that which is in the Teacher may be conveyed into the Hearer It s true Learning to make another Learn that 's Preaching which may pierce the Heart we may not deal Huckster-like with the Word as men do with their Wares rather to beguile then profit the buyer How little do most conceive when we speak the plainest Assuredly for the plainest Preaching people ought to be most thankful 9. Some take offence at us and our assemblies and refuse to joyn with us publikely and privately because they say our Church is not rightly governed our Ministers be not true Ministers and that there be many foul abuses among us and that we are no Church of God but an Antichristian company c. A. These are they that be too wise and over just that either would imagine a company more pure then is to be looked for on earth or condemn the Church of God to be none because of some wants and blemishes But That company that hath the Doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles soundly preached in all substantial Points and the Sacraments for substance according to Christs institution is a true Church of God though there be blemishes therein If it overturn the foundation it is none as if one want a head heart liver he is no man but a carkase who though he have scars and moles in his face yet having the other parts nay though he should want a leg or an arm yet he is a man Christ never forsook the Synagogues of the Jews though they were greatly corrupted and both Doctrine and life was foully faulty Sometimes two High Priests in one year sometimes others of other Tribes then of Levi came to the place by corruption yet seeing they held the foundation Christ forsook them not Again That Ministry which God hath used to convert many thousand souls is not Antichristian Ye are the seals of mine Apostleship We think a great deal more charitably of them then they do of us as that holding the foundation of Religion they may be saved And though we know that numbers of them be proud and idle persons and such as look not much to govern
Paul and Barnabaâ— arose dissention and Paul complaineth That when he would do good evil was present But for gross things that are reported of godly Ministers usually upon tryal they have proved lyes raised of Malice and not deserved by them And shall the whole calling of Ministers be blemished because some be bad And though it were as they say that Ministers were like Cooks that prepare good meat for others and taste not of it themselves yet the Word is good and it may be profitable to others as Gods Ordinance which is appointed for the Salvation of his people the blessing whereof dependeth not upon the Ministers good life but Gods blessing Noah was saved in the Ark whereof the makers were in likelihood drowned It was our Saviors direction that the people should be ruled by the Doctrine of the Scribes and Pharisees sitting in Moses chair that is preaching his Doctrine though they were not to do after their works And though Ministers know the will of God yet let it offend none that they straight do it not for knowledge is one thing and sanctification another which two are often severed 2. Some say There be contentions among the Ministers themselves and they cannot agree in points What then shall we do I le see them agreed ere I le regard any of them A. It s not to be wondred at if there be differences in some things for here the best know but in part and there still remains scales to be rub'd off and God doth not reveal all his will in all points at once but by degrees and in time and if any would tarry to be Religious till all men jumped in all Points they should never be Religious but perish and will this serve mens turns But what contentions and differences are there between the Ministers of the Church of England True its pity there should be any and we should desire God to cause his truth to break out and to remove the occasions of strife and till they can agree about those few things to proceed by one rule in peace But what differences are they not about the Essential points of Religion or matters of necessity to Salvation but of matters besides the main namely The Government of the Châ—rch or rather the persons by whom and the maner how the same is to be govern'd about which indeed there 's diversity of opinions So about Ceremonies which are not of the Essence of Salvation neither doth the Kingdom of God stand in them So that as the Church is a true Church that is governed either way so may they of each and both opinions yet be the servants of God and be saved both holding the foundation though differently building thereon If therefore they shall agree in all Fundamental Points and all things necessary to Salvation as in the Doctrine of their own Misery Christ Faith Repentance and the like though they leave the other till God shall further reveal they shall do well enough and its more seemly for Christians to minde the Doctrine of Faith Sanctification Love c. then to busie themselves about the Government of the Church The Devil calls them from things most needful to other things less needful more uncertain and dangerous If because of some smaller points of difference they shall shake off all Religion what answer shall they make What if Clothiers should all agree in the main points of Cloth-making till they came to the maner of making up and to the Tillers and herein they should differ should any need stumble hereat and say I le be no Clothier they cannot agree among themselves Why they may be good Clothiers though they differ in this and that of both fashions Let a yong man then go and practice as far as they agree and when they come to the winding up do as he is perswaded best and he shall be Clothier good enough 3. Others say The Minister speaks too fast or too slow or stands too long c. A. Most is his own pains They have thought longer time but short at Cards Tables Feasts Plays and do still Two or three hours at a Feast for the body and as much at play yea an whole day from one sport to another as a Fly from one box to another is usual with most 4. He is rich and then he must needs be covetous or else poor and then contemptible A. Men will finde a very poor excuse rather then none at all so was Christ contemned of his Countrey men But can any Minister so walk but that some which have no love to Religion and to be reformed will cavil against him to colour over their contempt Could John Baptist But he had a Devil Could our Savior Christ No he was a Winebibber a companion of Publicans and Sinners Against Professors of the Word and their Profession of Religion there be that take offence 1. Some say There 's but a small number of these Professors that be so precise most be not so and such as are usually are of the meanest not of the greatest and wisest men of whom but a few are carried after these Preachers to run after Sermons or be so precise in themselves and their families and a contemptible company they be hated of all for the most part A. 1. For their number its small if they be compared with the multitude but by themselves a worthy company and being such a small number it s an Argument that they are approved of God and walk in that way which leadeth to Heaven And hath not this been always told That the way to Heaven is strait and few finde it and so on the contrary The greatest number have ever been deceived and joyned in evil most cryed against Christ Crucifie him for one Elias one Micaiah there were Four hundred Priests of Baal 2. For their baseness that 's not always true though the Church consisteth most of them that are mean yet God hath had and will have of all sorts not excepting the greatest as David Solomon Asa Jehosaphat Hezekiah Ahikam and before them the Patriarchs Job and others So hath not our own Land wanted worthy men of the greatest place as there are at this hour many right godly Noblemen Knights and others of great state and place If this will draw them to the love of Religion there be not such wanting though their number be not the greatest For not many mighty are called And its hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God from whom for the most part heavenly things are hid and by whom God will not uphold his Kingdom but by mean ones that the glory may be his The poor he hath chosen 3. For their contemptibleness they are not the worse but the better to be liked for the Devil and wicked men will ever hate that which is good They did so by the Prophets our Savior and his Apostles and will do so by their followers let
thy goods for how have many by yielding to the Word saved hundreds and thousands this way that they began to waste and others do How do many bring untimely death upon themselves by wretched courses How many do the gallows catch in a year how many stab'd and dye fearfully which might have lived long if they would have been ruled Innumerable sorrows do men bring upon themselves for want of obedience to God and his Word which that would save them from At least if thou wilt not obey throughly and in all things yet come into some civil order and course so shalt thou at least if thou beest not saved yet have the less torment in Hell 2. Civil persons which disobey both commandments of the Gospel do neither believe nor repent and for the Law they do some duties to men but of the first Table make small Conscience nay they have no skill neither savor of the spiritual maner of performing duties What talk they of giving every man his due when they give God no part of his as they should or of keeping promise with men if they shall break their vow with God 3. Ignorant persons of all kindes as the Heathens that worship they know not what and Papists that toil themselves about their will-worship how good soever their meaning may be yet they do not that which God commands yea numbers among ourselves that either have or might have the means but neglecting them pull in their heads 4. Hypocrites that obey in some things yea some in many and go far yet either never digged deep and laid a foundation sure or retain the love of some sin 3. This may be for instruction to us all especially that profess the fear of God that throughout our whole course and in all our conversation we cast this with our selves not what our profit or our pleasure or our minde saith but what the Word of God saith This becometh Christians and will bring comfort and will prove the surest way at long run we must not following our own reason and conceits cast off and disobey the Word we think it may be better thus and thus or hope it s no great matter or that it s but once O take heed This cost Saul dear He would go offer Sacrifice He said he was bold so he was indeed as we many times But take heed of being bold with the Word and taking leave of sin though but for once Thou knowest not what that once may cost thee To Travel on the Lords day hath many fair pretences but what evils hath ensued thereby So Usury is a hasty way to get gain but fair and soft goes far What if we get much and put it in a bottomless purse and God blow on it and melt it One man gets slowly in his Office and Trade because he dares not lye Dissemble break the Sabbath Others care for nothing and they grow rich apace with the one it holds and his Children enjoy it and he dyeth with Peace and Credit but the other dyeth with disgrace and a guilty Conscience and God scatters that he hath for God will take pity of the honest labors of men and give of the fruit thereof to their Posterity but no pity of that which was got with the price of his glory Hereby many a man loseth soul and all So many a man seeth not into some one thing who is otherwise good and so haply is too hard to his workfolks will make bold now and then with the Sabbath c. though his soul be faved yet God sets the print of his hand on him in some outward affliction Body Goods Children and the like Whereunto also they were appointed The Reason how it comes about that seeing Christ is the way of Salvation and the Word the means to bring men to Faith in Christ that yet to some they prove a rock of offence and turn to their destruction it s because God in his unchangeable and eternal purpose hath so decreed This to let pass other interpretations by the consent of the soundest is the plain meaning of the words and I come not to tell you what men say but what I am perswaded God saith As he hath ordained some to Salvation so hath he some to stumble and come to destruction which are the two parts of Predestination This is that most holy and just decree of God whereby he hath in himself eternally and unchangeably determined of the final estate of all mankinde and every particular in the same whatsoever falls out is by his decree and not aâ— adventure He doth all according to the counsel of his own will The means of effecting this are the creation of man in innocency and the fall of Adam which was also of him decreed It hath these two parts Election and Reprobation for though it be put sometimes for the one onely as for Election yet is it common to both This Doctrine will appear both lawful and meet to be taught upon these grounds 1. Whatsoever is written is written for our learning and the whole Scripture is profitable to teach c. whereof this is a part 2. This is a part of Gods counsel the whole whereof ought to be taught 3. It s of very great use to the people of God their strong Bulwark to flie unto and strengthen them against all Satans assaults even the unchangeableness of Gods counsel 4. The holy Apostles have Preached the same plainly to mixt Churches in most of their Epistles 5. Many Errors have been broached about this Doctrine by Satan and men of corrupt judgement whereof the Translator of Mr. Perkins his Treatise speaketh in his Epistle But it s offensive and many take hurt hereby casting off all care and saying If I be elect I shall be saved let me do as I list and if I be appointed to damnation I cannot be saved do what I can What if some take hurt by this Doctrine shall it not therefore be Preached What Doctrine almost can be taught but mans vile nature and heart will take occasion by it of ill as of Gods mercy whereupon men wax bold and secure shall not the Doctrine of Gods mercy be taught so of Christian liberty which was the reason of those preventions which the Apostles used so of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith onely yea Christ himself is a stumbling stone and rock of offence Shall he therefore not be Preached It s not the fault of the Doctrine but their own wicked corruption and Satans malice that turn holy and wholesom things to hurt as a cholerick stomack doth good meat into ill juyce and the Spiders gather poyson from the same flowers from which the Bees gather honey Do we therefore wish there were no flowers Shall the Childrens bread be kept from them because some unruly Servants will riot and abuse it Shall the use of a Knife or a Sword
ready to run to the Alehouse to play on the Lords-day to be Gusters Swearers unclean Persons Usurers what not O we ought to bewail the state of the Land in this behalf Such with Eli's Sons make the people loath the Sacrifice of God They pollute the holy things of God what answer shall they be able and to make even out of their own mouthes they shall be condemned as who having often preached others yet have hated to be reformed 2. For People 1. If Ministers must give good example then must people imitate and follow the same for even to this end also are Ministers enjoyned to live well our Savior saith Learn of me c. the Apostle Paul Be ye followers of me c. But 2. There be some that will either be catching at somewhat to keep themselves in their old course or if they can finde no just ground then will they say he is an honest man indeed and there is all but for following his example they minde no such matter some again will bear with themselves in pride vanity ignorance why what we be no Ministers therefore need not be so holy we are beholding to them that they think we should be holy but so must they too else wo unto them especially after so long teaching Some will be prying into a good Ministers life and if they can see or hear by any that he hath any infirmity which yet haply is not so they judge amiss thereof nay though it be his burthen and he labors against it yet this shall be sufficient for some proud prophane men to set light by all his Ministery which is approved and powerful to many others and by all the rest of his godly conversation what do these think to have a Minister perfect without infirmity none ever was Elias as St. James saith was a man subject to the like infirmities that we are Paul and Barnabas also were stired up the one against the other Samuel Eli the rest were not with out their own frailties Some Ministers are a little too fine some a little too worldly others somewhat too quick and hasty c. But will this discharge people from regarding and profiting by their Ministery and example This is not spoken that any Minister should bear with himself in any weakness but for them that hereupon think they may cast off the regard of him and his Ministery saying What are they or what is he he is a man and hath infirmities as well as others But as Noah condemned the world by making the Ark so shall their Doctrine you if ye amend not thereby If you be so sharp sighted that you can spy what infirmity is in your Minister then look you follow all the other good things you observe in him and shun that but they will do thus with a Minister yet will nourish many gross things in themselves Oh if Ministers were like the Angels perfect and could do miracles and heal their sick and live as Moses did forty days continually without meat then they would like well of them but seeing they must have maintenance and can do nothing but Preach to them and Pray for them and go before them in a good example and have infirmities they make no reckoning of them but such shew themselves carnal and foolish even such Ministers must be such as must save us and no other Verse 4. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away THe last Reason taken from the commodity and happy event and rich reward that will be to all that shall thus faithfully discharge their duties wherein the Apostle doth like the Devil with our Savior Christ though to a better yea contrary and leaves the Reason from profit till the last as likely to be of most force And when the chief Shepherd shall appear Jesus Christ is meant by the chief Shepherd He is that good Shepherd the Shepherd of Shepherds the great Shepherd of his people we be Shepherds also but inferior to him He is worthily so called 1. Because the sheep be his not ours he is the owner of them and they cost him full dearly for us we are but set to tend and feed them 2. He appoints us under him and gives us gifts to feed and direct them He sets us on work 3. It s he that gathers and keeps the sheep and heals them we indeed use the means but it s he that gives the blessing we cannot change a goat into a sheep nor force one home from straying but he perswades their hearts he gives the encrease 4. It s he to whom we must give our account and who pays us our wages for as for the present maintenance we have it s not answerable to the work we do the world think it too much but Christ will pay us after another fashion 5. He is over all the flock in all places and countreys we onely are over handfuls and parcels of this great flock which yet are called flocks but nothing to the whole 1. This condemneth that notable usurpation of the Pope of Rome who arrogateth unto himself that he is the chief Pastor and Arch-Shepherd over all the Church But there is no other chief one but Christ on Earth who is present with his Church to the worlds end A Shepherd a devouring wolf he is that destroys all souls A Feeder he poysons the people by the dung-hill dirt of false Doctrine and his own Traditions he feeds all for the Devil but brings none to Christ to be sure 2. It teacheth us that are Ministers to look to our Calling by the chief Shepherd whether besides the outward allowance of men we have received a competency of skill and gifts to manage the business we are set about the gaining of the peoples souls as also to crave his direction and blessing upon our labors and so to use our people as for whom and every of them we must make an account to their owner our Master we must not starve them or half starve them be cruel unto them buy sell chop or change them away as if they were our own when as we are but Servants This is little believed or regarded 3. For people if they want a Shepherd and be scattered they must crave one of the chief Shepherd yea generally that he would furnish many and send them abroad among the lost and forlorn sheep They must also submit themselves to their Ministery and Government as to those that be set over them by Christ knowing that if they despise them they despise their Master and if they be not won by their Ministery they despise the voice of Christ Jesus himself Ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away Here 's the reward of faithful Ministers They shall attain a state of happiness which God hath provided for his in Heaven it s not to be
22. 20. Simile Ioh. 3. 15 16. Faith must directly fasten it self on Christ Iesus A proof of the Divinity of Christ. Ier. 17. 5. Ioh. 1. 1. Mat. 9. 2. and 8. 26. Luke 1. 41. Mat. 27. 54. 1 Tim. 3. 16. Simile Ioy a fruit of Faith Prov. 18. 14. Psal. 4. 7. Rom. 15. 13. Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. Why no true joy can proceed from our selves Psal. 19. 12. Numb 6. 13. The joy of belivers is unspeakable 1 Cor. 2. 9. Their joy also is a glorious joy Psal. 103. 1. Psal. 116. 12. Luke 1. 47. Use. Phil. 3. 19. Every man is danger of utter destruction Acts 4. 12. Use. Mat. 16. 26. The godly by faith do even here enjoy salvation 2 Cor. 3. 18. 2 Cor. 1. 22. Eph 1. 13 14. Ioh. 3. 36. See also Ioh. 5. 24. Rom 8. 23. Eph. 2. 5 6. Heb. 12. 22 23 Use. No pains too much to get faith Use. Eph. 2. 8. Salvation not the end or reward of our Works See Mr. Greenham pag. 754. We cannot inherit heaven Rom. 8. 18. Luke 17. 10. 1 Sam. 18. 23. Believers shall have also the Salvation of their bodies Use. 1 Cor. 1. 30. What those are to look for that follow Christ. See Mat. 8. 19. Ioh. 6. 26. No point touching salvation is to be taught or received but what 's grounded on the Word 2 Tim. 3. 16. Use 1. Isa. 8. 20. Mat. 18. 20. Use 2. Luke 24. 27. Acts 18. 28. Use 3. Ioh. 5. 39. Acts 17. 11. Gal. 1. 8 9. The Prophets took great pains to know the mystery of our salvation by Christ. Dan. 9. 3. Ioh. 17. 3. Phil. 3. 8. 1 Cor. 2. 2. Use. The Prophets and old Fathers were saved by Christ as well as we Acts 4. 12. 15. 8. Heb. 13. 8. Use. 1. Psal. 147. 19. 19. 7 23 Rom. 3. 2. Zech. 7. 12. Levit. 26. 12. Psal. 33. 12. Mat. 22. 23. Mat. 8. 11. Heb. 11. 13. Gen. 47. 9. Heb. 11. 15. Iob. 19. 25. Luke 16. 23. Obj. Sol. 2 Cor. 5. 7. Use 2. Acts 15. 10. Mat. 19. 20. See Rom. 3. 30. The Doctrine of the Gospel not new Rom. 1. 2. 3. 21. Heb. 9. 12. 1 Ioh. 1. 7. Rev. 13. 8. Use. The Prophets foretold of Christ. The harmony between the Old and New-Testament Act. 18. 28. Luke 24. Use 1. Ioh. 5. 46 47. Use 2. Salvation why called Grace Ioh. 3. 16. Eph. 2. 4. Use 1. Use 2. The Prophets did partake of Salvation though they saw not Christ in the flesh Heb. 11. 13. Luke 2. 25. Luke 10. 24. We must endeavor to know what 's profitable to be known Prov. 2. 3 4. Use. The prophets searched into this great mystery through the direction of the Spirit Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. Gods Spirit the Author of the Old Testament 2 Pet. 1. 21. Use. Simile A proof of the Divinity of the Holy Ghost 2 Tim. 3. 16. The sufferings of Christ foretold in the old Testament Luke 24. 26. Use. â— Phil. 2. 8 9. Luke 24. 21. Why it was needful that Christ should suffer for us Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. Use 4. 1 Cor. 15. 14 17. Three degrees of our Saviors victory Iohn 14. 3. and 17. 24. Through afflictions we also must come into glory Act. 14. 22. Rom. 8. 17. 2 Tim. 2. 12. 1 Pet. 5. 10. Heb. 12. 3. Use 1. Mat. 5. 12. Acts 5. 41. Use 2. The Anabaptists confuted The Covenant of Grace one and the same throughout all ages The Author Matter Form and End thereof The difference about the measure given and persons to whom Ioel 2. 28. Why God sent his Son no sooner Gal. 4. 4. Luke 22. 20. Why theirs was called the time of the Law and ours of the Gospel God not to be charged with inconstancy Simil. Use. Luke 2. 25. Psa. 119. 127. Iob 23. 12. See Heb. 6. 7. The same Gospel which was preach'd by the Prophets was also preached by the Apostles Use. Heb. 2. 1 2 3. Acts 13. 4â—â— See 1 Pet. 4. 17. Heb. 2. 1 2. 2 Thess. 1. 8. The Apostles have left a perfect direction for all things needful for our Salvation Use 1. Use 2. Exod. 37. 8. Eph. 3. 10. Why the Angels desire to see the perfection of the salvation of Gods Church See Rom. 8 19. See 1 Ioh. 3. 2. 1 Cor. 13. 9. 10 11 12. Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. Doctrine and Exhortation must be joyned together Mat. 6. 7. Rom. 12. 1 Tim. 4. 1â— Heb. 2. 1. 4. 1. 12. 1. Use. 1 Thess. 4. 1. Use. Heb. 13. 22. Exod. 12. 11. Luke 12. 35. Ier. 1. 17. The corrupt conceits of the Iews about Salvation 1 Cor. 1. 30. The corrupt conceits of Christians about it The best prize it not as they should Mark 10. 49 50. What sobriety is Luke 21. 34. 1 Iohn 2. 15. 1 Cor. 10. 31. Sobriety about meat and drink About apparel 1 Tim. 2. 9. 1 Pet. 3. About recreation Use 1. Eccle. 2. 2. Iam. 4. 9. Use 2. Use 3. About profits See Mat. 6. 24. 1 Tim. 6. 6. Heb. 13. 5. Iam 44. 1 Iohn 2. 15 Use 1. Hab. 2. 6 9 12. Ier. 17. 11. 1 Thess. 4. 6. Use 2. Luke 16. 14. See 1 Tim. 6. 9. and note the place Use 3. Mat. 16. 26. Heb. 12. 1. Simil. Mat. 6. 33. Mr. Esty on the place What Faith is with the parts thereof Iohn 3. 16. Rom. 15. 3. Heb. 11. 17. Iohn 6. 40. Mar. 1. 15. 1 Iohn 5. 10. How they were to trust See Downham Christ. War Heb. 10. 22. Rom. 4. 21. Iam. 1. 6. Use 1. Iohn 13. 1. Phil. 1. 6. Ier. 32. 40. Use 2. Object Sol. Object Sol. Object Sol. Object Sol. Heb. 11. 17. Obj. Sol. Use 3. Iohn 15. 10. Simile Salvation a most special grace Eph. 1. 5. Ioh. 3. 16. Iames 1. 18. Use 1. Rom. 11. 6. Gal. 1. 7. Use 2. Use 3. What we are to expect by Christ. Iohn 18. 36. 2 Tim. 3. 12. Use. Salvation is not of our own procuring or seeking Ezek. 16. 6. Eph. 2. 5. Acts 2. 16. Luke 19. Rev. 3. 20. Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. Rom. 5. 8 9 10. Gen. 32. 10 11. Use 4. Object Sol. The Gospel lays open Christ Iesus unto us Phil. 3. 8. Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. 1 Thess. 5. 12 13. Rom. 10. 15. 2 Pet. 1. 5. The two parts of Sanctification Obedience and Sanctification follow Faith Simile Heb. 11. 8. Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. Eph 5. 6. Col. 3. 6. God calls for obedience Ier. 7. 23. Iam. 1. 22. 1 Sam. 15. 22. Deut. 5. 29. See Isa. 38. 3. Iohn 14. 15 21. Mat. 7. 24 25. Iohn 10. 27. We must obey in all things Psal. 119. 6. Luke 1. 6. Lev. 10. 2. Which are commanded Ier. 7. 31. Be the commandment never so strange or unpleasing The strict obedience of the Iesuits to their Superiors Simile Mat. 21. 30. Without consu1lting with flesh blood 2 King 5. 11. Whosoever or whatsoever be against it See