keep your ground the ground of Truth 1 Tim 3.15 For Nothing is more pernicious or dangerous in an Army then Ataxy and flinching or falling off from our Fellow-Souldiers or our places 3. Stand vigilantly and watchfully as Sentinels Be not secure but remember that of the Apostle Be sober 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. Be vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a roaring Lyon walketh about seeking whom he may devour 1. Thus far the Exhortation proceeds viz. to the fourteenth verse 2. Then you have an enumeration of the several parts of this compleat Armour in the five next verses viz. Ver. 14 15 16 17 18. which are either 1. Defensive Or 2. Offensive 1. Defensive viz. 1. A Belt or Girdle 2. A Breast-plate 3. Shooes 4. A Shield and 5. An Helmet 2. Offensive viz. 1. A Sword 2. Prayer Both which may be styled both defensive of us and offensive to the Enemy Of these I shall speak particularly if God will hereafter at present I am upon the Exhortation This Exhortation in the three former Verses is briefly repeated sum'd up and Epitomized in this thirteenth Verse and doth in the main strength of it affords us this DOCT. The Best of Men well grounded in the Truth most Eminent in Grace Or 1. The Church of God in her best condition when very well eastblished and throughly instructed in the Truth c. 2. Had great need of christian strength and courage in the Lord. 3. And of a compleat spiritual armour 4. To avoid and withstand resist strenuously and over come victoriously 5. The Manifold wiles And. 6. Mighty oppositions and assaults 7. Of powerful adversaries and enemies that are against her on every side 8. Environing and invading her every way 1. Within 2. And without 9. And especially in the evil day of Tribulation and Temptation 10. And That she may be able to stand and hold her own ground Stand fast in the Faith and hold firm to the Truth and so to become and remain victorious in the end This general point doth contain the strength of the whole Exhortation and doth reach every particular of the Doctrine before named and the proof and reasons of this point will be appliable to each particular 1. The Church in her best condition when well instructed c. For then 1. When the Field was sown with wheat then came the envious man and sowed Tares Mat. 13.24 to 31. among the Wheat i.e. Not in the world abroad but in the Church of God Vt periret dominica messis 2. When the Churches were planted and well instructed by the Apostle St. Paul in Rome Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi c. 3. So also these seven famous Churches in Asia mentioned Rev. 2 3. Chap. how fast did Hereticks and Seducers start up and step in to trouble them and how doth he complain of them from time to time Rom. 16.17 18. 4. The like befel in Germany saith Zanchius in Epist p. 659. of which they had daily and woful experience 5. Is it not so in England now after 100. years establishment and instruction and upwards in K. Ed. 6. and Q. Elizabeths time what a multitude of Tares have been sown preached and printed and what a multitude of Errours Heresies and strange Opinions have sprung up and prospered in these sad times of Toleration Do but mark how apt this Field of the Church is to be sown and over-run with Tares For thus hath it befallen 1. Rome once so famous Rom. 1.7 8. for their Faith c. Is it not become Apostatical Antichristian and Damnable in their Doctrines 2. Those other Churches so much honoured with the other Epistles of our Apostle Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi Thessalonica c. Are they not a Den of Dragons the seat of the Turk 3. Those famous seven Churches of Asia brought to the liek pass which are so remembred Rev. 2. 3. Chap. 4. Germany once so sound in Doctrine is it not brought to Misery and Desolation almost upon the like account 5. England once the Glory of the Islands in the Earth for Religion c. what a Labyrinth and Confusion of Troubles Errours and evil Opinions do overflow Her and do threaten the like Ruine and Desolation to us 2. The Church in this Conflict had need to be strong and 1. Of a good courage and not to dread nor be dismayed 1. As David instructed Solomon his Son 1 Chron 22.13 2. As Moses yea and God himself instructed Joshua formerly Deut. 31.7 8. Joshua 1.6 7 9. Great atchievements must have great strength and courage to bring them to Accomplishment We are apt to be dismaid dicouraged and terrified at difficulties and had need therefore to rouze up our spirits the more as those Instructions both Affirmative and Negative to Joshua and to Solomon do import viz. To be strong and not to fear or be dismayed 2. Yet this strength and courage must be in the Lord and in the power of his Might As the Apostle speaks Phil 4.1.3 I can do all things through Christ c. And 1 John 5.4 5. This is the victory that overcometh the world even our Faith viz. whereby 1. We lay hold on Christ and apply his victory to us He hath overcome the world John 16.33 And given us victory 1 Cor. 15.57 And 2. Get strength from Him to go on in this spirtual warfare till we have fully overcome all Satans Temptations Rom. 16.20 The God of Peace shall bruise or tread down Satan under your feet saith St. Paul Even the Devil whom you are to resist stedfast in the Faith 1 Pet. 5.8 9. Ap. And thus by Faith you shall be Conquerors 1. Thus Christ in whom we believe is the principal Agent or Efficient And 2. Faith the instrumental cause of this victory For those Saints and Martys of old overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb i.e. by the vertue thereof not by any worldly power or strength and by the word of their testimony i.e. by bearing witness to the Truth which is called The Testimony of Jesus Rev. 12.10 11 17. because Christ was the Object of their Confession Constancy and Martyrdome 1. Thus whilest others Goliah like strengthen themselves in the Arm of flesh 2. The strength of the Godly is in the Lord and in the power of his Might as Davids was in that great encounter with the Gyant 1 Sam. 17.4 5 6 7 42 45. Although with a Gyant of nine foot in height and so armed yet David the Youth remained the Conquerour over this mighty Monster so do the Saints over Satan by this assistance and the Church at the best state had need of strength c. So also 3. She hath need of compleat spiritual Armour Armour of Proof that will not fail nor deceive Her such is the Armour prescribed in the Text v. 14. to 19. Which also is 1. Defensive viz. 1. A Girdle 2. A Breast-plate 3. Shooes 4. Shield And 5. An Helmet 2. Offensive viz. 1. A Sword 2.
and people of God have always done in former times 4. And this would be our comfort in the end USE III. The third Use is from the third particular of the Doctrine and it 1 Informs us what need we have of this Panoply of Armour 2. It blames us for not taking up and putting on the same but we choose rather to be naked amognst our enemies 3. It exhorts us to gird up our loins and to put on the Lord Jesus and This Armour of God 4. And comforteth us if we do it for then we need not fear though a thousand enemies did beset and environ us USE IV. The next Use is from the 4 5 6 7 and 8. particulars of the Doctrine 1. Informs us what need we have of 1. Serpentine Wisdeme against so many Wiles and Mysteries of Iniquity 2. And more then Sampsons strength to withstand such violent and strong assaults and temptations 3. Of Elishaes Army of Angels to help us to subdue such infernal power and Diabolical Adversaries Spiritual Wickednesses acting thus 1. Within us by evil Concupiscence and natural Corruptions as Rom. 7.2 Without us by Devils and wicked men of all sorts ranks and qualities 2. Blames us for not studying this Wisdome but rather delightin in folly 3. It perswades us to get all these viz. This 1. Wisdome 2. Strength and 3. Army In those ways which God himself hath prescribed to us 4. It will be our comfort if we do so USE V. The fifth Use is from the ninth particular and 1. Informs us of an evil Day 2. Blames us for putting it off far 3. Exhorts to prepare for it 1. Informs us 1. What to give for this field of Truth Mat. 13. which is the Churches Patrimony Riches and Crown And 2. How to love and prize the Communion of Saints 2. Blames us for being far from this in that we are so apt to be seduced and easie to entertain uncharitable thoughts of our brethren and friends 3. Perswades us to amend what is amiss in these respects 4. And comforteth us in so doing This is the tenth particular Thus you have heard the point observed from the thirteenth verse which is comprehensive of all the counsel in the three former verses 10 11 12. DOCT. Viz. That 1. The Church of God in her best condition 2. Had need to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his Might 3. And to be compleatly armed as it is here prescribed 4. That she may be able to stand withstand and stand i. e. To stand couragiously to withstand and resist strenuously and yet again to â—stand remain and overcome victoriously 5. The Manifold Wiles 6. And Mighty Oppositions and Assaults 7. Of so many and such potent Adversaries as are here specified in four Titles who do so environ invade and storm Her by acting and ensnaring 1. Within and 2. Without her 9. And especially in the evil day of 1. Our life by Afflictions Tribulations and Persecutions Or 2. Satans loosing by his furious Temptations to try her to the utmost and sift her as wheat 10. And that yet She may Stand fast and firm to the truth hold her ground and remain victorious in the end and for ever Or more briefly thus DOCT. 1. The Church of God at the best 2. Had need to be strong in the Lord. 3. And compleatly armed 4. That she may be able to stand and withstand 5. The manifold Wiles 6. And Mighty Assaults 7. Of so many and such potent Enemies 8. As do invade and storm Her 1. Within and 2. Without 9. And especially in the Evil day 10. And that yet she may stand and remain victorious 1. The proof of this point both by 1. Scripture and 2. Reason 2. And the Uses of it according to the proof of it have been in all suited to the several Branches and particulars of the Doctrine ☞ And because the proof of each particular of this point by Scripture or Instance doth carry the strength of a reason along with it I shall therefore conjoyn them both together and thus brieflâ— sum them up in these ensuing Pages 1. The Church of God in her beâ—â— condition why so Reas Because then when the Field is sown with Wheat the Enemy is most apt to sow Tares if we sleep Mat. 13.24 c. i. e. Not in the world but in the Church Vt periret dominica Messis and for instance Do but see and consider what is befallen 1. Rome once so famous for their Faith Rom. 1.7 8. Now apostatical antichristian abominable and damnable in her Doctrines 2. Those Churches planted and instructed by St. Paul in Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi c. 3. Those famous seven Churches of Asia in Rev. 2. and 3. Cap. 1. Ephesus 2. Smyrna 3. Pergamus 4. Thyatira 5. Sardis 6. Philadelphia 7. Laodicea 1. All over-sown with Errours by Seducers and false Teachers which the Apostles complain of in all their Epistles 2. Now all overflown with the Turk and become a den of Dragons 4. Those Churches of Germany the like befel them saith Zanchius Now how miserable 5. And ours of England how over-runne with Tares in these sad times of Toleration 2. The Church had need to be strong in the Lord c. and not to dread as 1. Moses and 2. The Lord himself intreated Joshua 1 Chron. 22.13 and 3. David his son Solomon Deut. 31.7 8. Josh 1.6 Reas Because the Church is but weak and can do nothing of her self without his aid What can the 1. House do to prevent its being broken into if the Householder sleep 2. The Field to prevent the sowing of Tares if the Owner or Keeper sleep 3. Or the Vine do if the hedge be pluckt up Isa 5. Ap. So what can the people do to prevent Errours if the Pastors sleep that are the Seeds-men of the Field the Vine-dressers of the Church What could the Church do in Asa Jehoshaphat and Hezekia's times without the Lord against such Armies of Ethiopians Ammonnites Assyrians Ap. But in this 1. The Church prevailed then viz. By the help of the Lord. 2. And David brought down the Giant 1 Sam. 17. the Impar congressus 3. And by Faith in Christ who did overcome John 16.13 And gives the victory 1 Cor. 15.57 the Church overcome the world 1 John 5.4 5. the Devil 1 Pet. 5 8 9. all Evil Rev. 12.10 11 17. 3. The Church had need to be compleatly armed with spiritual Armour of proof 1. Christ Rom. 13.14 2. The Armour of Light 3. The Panoply of the Text. Put Christ on as 1 Cor. 1.30 For he is Wisdom c. as 1. Apparrel in Wisdome Sanctification 2. Armour in his Righteousness Redemption for safety Rom. 13.12 Arma invictissima because of Light within the 1. Cause 2. Nature 3. Effects of it Of these see my Notes on Rom. 23.12 Reas Because This Armour is of vertue and efficacy 1. Not only to cover and defend us from 1. Gods Displeasure 2. Satans Malice
2. The Breakers down of the fence of this Vineyard and the wild beasts that devour this Vine 3. And the thief that enters this House For when either the Husbandman Vinedresser or House-keeper are asleep how soon may the Field the Vine or House be surprized and Tare-sown wasted or entred by an Enemy 2. Exhortation For how often are we exhorted hereunto to Vigilancy and Industry for the prevention of all Errours Heresies and dangerous opinious repugnant to the Truth Rom. 16.17 I beseech you mark them which cause Divisions and Offences contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned and avoid them for they that are c. and so frequently in the Epistles And that charge of the Apostle at his Farewell is never to be forgotten Acts 20.28 to 33. Take heed to your selves and to all the flock c. And for instance 1. And how praise worthy were the primitive Churches that took such care by their great grave and general Councels to prevent the growing and overspreading of those Tares that began to spring in their Times Those four first general Gounsels especially at Nice against the Heresie of Arius and other Errours Anno 330. circiter 2. Constantinople against Macedonians who denied the Holy Spirit to be consubstantial with the Father and the Son An. 380. 3. Ephesus against Nestorius that held two persons in Christ Anno 431. 4. Chalcedon against Autyches and Dioscorus Bishop of Alexandria who blasphemously affirmed the two Natures in Christ to be confounded and become but one nature after the union of the humane with the divine nature Anno 451. To which four Councels the Reformed Churches do adhere 2. The like care did the Orthodox party take from time to time by Councels and Synodes General National and Provincial to crush if it might be Errour in the bud and prevent it of taking Root and growth 3. The like godly care have all the Reformed Churches of Christendome taken viz. 1. England 2. France 3. Helvetia 4. Bohemia 5. Belgia 6. Augusta and 7. Saxony in the harmony of their Confessions and in Articles of Religion as also by Counsels and Synodes National and Provincial 1. To preserve Union and Peace amongst the Churches 2. And to prevent Schism Faction and Divisions which are the very Nurseries of Errours and Heresies to the great disquiet and trouble and as much as in them is to the utter undoing and ruine of the Church and the overthrow of her Doctrine Peace Unity and Concord 1. Of the Rule upon which she is founded 2. Yea and of her Piety Unity Peace and Concord which are the Materials wherewith this House is raised and cemented fast together 3. Reproof How justly doth this third Use serve to reprove the faults of all those Leaders Teachers Doctors and Pastors of the Church especially that are negligent in this case and Gallio-like in another case Acts 28.17 1. Care not what Errours invade the Church and seduce the Children and Members of the same 2. Or hinder and not admit of such means whereby the maladies of a Church may be either prevented or cured so that they may sit at ease and enjoy Immunity and Liberty without controul And the first we shall take take to task for this fault are the I. Romanists or those of the Church of Rome statu quo in the state it now standeth and that for three things especially viz. 1. Separation 2. Vncertainty of or obstinacy in their Doctrine or Tenents as now it is with them 3. Their Independency and uncontrouableness admitting no means of redress The 1. Began or entred them The 2. Enlarges them And the 3. Confirms them and makes them obstinate and incorrigible in Erronr 1. They entred with Schismatical contentions Excommunication and Separation from the Eastern Churches about divers things in which they manifested great Pride and Arrogancy all tending to Schism and Division as the Celebration of Easter c. 2. In their progress they made a further Separation from the Truth in divers particulars which are evidently known and strenuously as well as voluminously refuted by many Worthies From all which Worthies they always separated and departed Ap. So that nevertheless they do charge the crime of Schism and Heresie upon the Reformed Churches yet the truth is that these never separated from them in what they were right when the Apostle left them till forced thereunto but only from their newly introduced Errors and Heresies which in porgress of time produced an incompatability of peace and Communion with Rome If they held to the orthodox faith and right Doctrine of the Antients they must proclaim no peace with Rome ☞ So as that the charge of Heresie and Schism fixed and charged by them upon us is clearly and really found upon themselves II. Touching the uncertainty of their Doctrine and Tenets and their obstinacy in the same it is evident and clear that when they once laid aside the Scriptures and made the Popes Decrees or Decretals of equal Authority with the Seriptures the word of God 1. Their Tenets are marvellously varied and altered 2. And they are still obvious to more variations and changes neither can they be otherwise whilest they do ascribe a power to the Pope to add at his pleasure to their unwritten Traditions which must as inviolably be observed as the commands of God and therefore it is no wonder that they do obstinately persist and continue in the same III. Touching their Independency it is clearly manifest that the Pope and the Clergy maintain themselves to be free from yea and above the controule of any Authority whether Civil or Ecclesiastical Ap. And therefore they did not only 1 Resist the pious and grave admonitions of the antient Fathers of the Eastern Churches and others of former times 2. But since they would never endure the tryal of an Oecumenick or general Councel though they have been often called upon to that end 3. Much less of any inferior Synode or other Councel or any part of the Reformed Churches in all their advertisements tending thereunto So that by this means they prevent all ways imaginable by which they may be reformed of the manifold Maladies and Errors that are crept in amongst them which now can no more be conceal'd than Gray hairs in the head and the oyl in the hand of a man Hos 7.9 2. The second sort of persons jnstly blame-worthy for preventing a Church of the means of recovery out of Errours and Heresies and hindering the Church of helps in that case are the antient Separatists of former times which are guilty of 1. Schism 2. Heresie And herein to let pass all those abominable Heresies of divers recorded by the Antients Epiphanus Augustinus Ambros c. I shall only look upon the two Sects of the fairest of them and that began with the greatest pretence of piety and zeal of Gods glory viz. 1. Novatians and 2. Donatists 1. Novatians took their name of their Leaders which were 1. Novatus A
Conflict 1. Secure your propriety in God 1 Sam. 30. David at Ziklag 2. And the goodness of the Cause as 2 Chron. 20. 3. And the weighty consequences of a good cause else we shall be Slaves 4. Have an eye upon Christ your Leader in this Conflict Psalm 45.3 4. 5. Keep mutual Communion one with another as Mal. 3.16 Acts 28.15 6. Set Faith on work as Heb. 11.34 and the more because of the Promises of the Gospel which to do consider the promise of 1. Gods Assistance Psalm 27.14 2. Good success as John 1.6 and John 26.33 Be of good cheer I have overcome the world 3. Recompence to men resolute in good 7. Enlarge your Love for Love worketh much in 1. Feeble women 2. In fearful Ewes for their Children their Lambs 3. Jacobs hard service was short and easie upon this score 8. Keep a clear Conscience this will make a man bold and couragious 9. Improve Experiences these will add much confidence to courage 10. Go on in this spiritual Combare self-denyingly in the strength of God as verse 10. before 1 Sam. 17.45 See Psalm 20.6 7 8. But Psalm 68.17 18. the Chariots of God are twenty thousand thousands of Angels c. And he hath led Captivity captive c. Thus I have finished three Uses from the first seven particulars of the point 1. Use informs us of the great danger the Church is in because of the Tares Heresies Errours and Schisms which 1. Apostate Romanists 2. Antient Hereticks And 3. Modern Separatists Anabaptists Brownists and Independents have sown and by them greatly corrupted and disturbed the Churches Doctrine Unity Peace and Concord p. 13.2 to 22.1 2. Use from the second and third particulars informs us of the Churches weakness to withstand such Adversaries by her own strength p. 22. 3. Use informs us what need the Church hath of both Wisdom and Courage to resist such mighty Enemies You may remember the Doctrine which is comprehensive of this and the three former verses as it is repeated viz. Doct. 1. That the Church when at the best 2. Had need to be strong in the Lord. 3. And compleatly armed 4. To stand and withstand 5. Manifold Wiles 6. And mighty Assaults 7. Of so many and potent Enemies 8. As do assault environ and storm Her 1. Within and 2. Without 9. And especially in the Evil day 10. And yet that she may stand and remain victorious and triumphant over all in the end when all is done 1. This point hath been fully proved by Scripture and Reason 2. And three Uses are finished which inform us of 1. The Great danger that the Church is in because of Heresies Errours and Schisms of Apostates Romanists Antient Hereticks Modern Separatists 2. The Churches weakness to withstand c. by her own strength 3. What need the Church hath of Wisdom and Courage to resist so many Wiles and Assaults of such mighty Adversaries Now because these Enemies do storm us both within and without Let me add a fourth Use consisting of two Branches viz. 1. How mistrustful we should be of our own hearts within us 2. How heedful against the world and occasions of sin without us 4. Use which may be prosecuted as the rest doth informs us 1. How mistrustful we should be of our own hearts Reas And great Reason we have so to be if we do but consider what the Lord speaketh by the Prophet Jer. 17.9 The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked who can know it which sentence containeth a lively description of the great pravity and deep corruption that is in our hearts Heart is here put for the Soul or Mind as usually Jer. 4.4 and 5.24 And all its parts Vnderstanding Will and Affections For the whole inward man the corrupt deceitfulness of which is very hard to be discovered or known either by 1. Others 1 Cor. 2.11 None knoweth the things of a Man save the spirit of a man c. 2. Or our selves Isalm 19.12 Gal. 6.3 Jam. 1 22. The expression of the Prophet is very significant where 1. The heart is put for the mind and soul with all its parts Hallebh guacobh 2. Deceitful wily fraudulent prone to supplant circumvent and deceive as Jer. 9.4 every brother will supplant or trip up his heels And Jehu did 2 Kings 10.10 Hence Jacob had his name from holding his brother by the heel Gen. 25.26 and 27.36 Hosea 12.3 Or it signifies also perverse full of pravity crooked and uneven as ways full of windings and turnings and Ergo hard to find Ap. So it is with mans heart full of windings Turnings Nooks and Corners Wiles and Sleights Isa 29.15 16. Wo to them that seek deep that will pretend one thing intend another and inwardly purpose quite contrary to what the tongue and outward carriage and behaviour doth pretend and promise Psalm 31.6 and 55.13 14.20.21 Ap. We have had experience enough of this 3. Above all things Miccol prae omnibus or persons above ought It is so sly and wily that no creature in wicked subtilty and dissembling can go beyond it 4. And desperately wicked Ve Anush Hu Et Anxium ipsum it is but one word in the Text and is diversly rendred viz. 1. Desperate or 2. Deadly or 3. Conjunstim desperately bent unto and set upon deadly mischief and deceitfully to destroy Psalm 64.5 As 1. Abner did by Amasa 2 Sam. 20.9 10. 2. And they by the Prophet Jer. 11.18 19. and 12.6 3. And Ishmael by Gedaliah Jer. 40.14 16. and 41.1 2. Ap. How many in our days have discovered the desperate wickedness of their hearts by their practises 5. Who can know it Surely none but God to whom alone the Prophet ascribes this Excellency verse 10. I the Lord search the heart Jer. 17.9 10. Not others 1 Cor. 2.11 Nor we our selves Psalm 19.12 No nor God himself in the esteem of wicked men For they say as Job 22.13 14. Psalm 10.10 Isa 29.15 Who seeth and knoweth c. So full of shifts and fetches so unsearchable are mens hearts Ap. I doubt many are of this perswasion in our days els men would act otherwise then they have done in these times By this you may easily perceive why Satan is so intent and indefatigably industrious to storm us 1. Within i.e. in our souls whiles we bear about us that Traitor that is ever ready to deliver up the keys and open the gates of the City and Fort of our Souls our Selves to give him entrance and peaceable possession that he may exercise his Dominion in us Ap. In this sence our hearts are compared and said to be 1. A great deep Psalm 64 6. In which men dig deep to hide their Counsel from the Lord Isa 29.15 2. And Evil Gen. 6.5 and 8.21 in every imagination continually like a deep Well full of mud and unsearchable to the Bottom and continually foul in every spring that supplies it 3. A Treasury yea the very root and Nursery of
dicamus qui fingunt se divino afflatu regi quique posthabitis divinis literis ad Revelationes commentitias aut Diabolicos suggestus convolant Hence it is manifest why we call those men Fanaticks and Enthusiasts who fain they are guided by a divine inspiration and setting aside the Holy Scriptures that Holy Divine and Heavenly inspired Writ and Rule they all fly together and have a unanimous recourse to feigned and counterfeit revelations and diabolical suggestions Mat. Mart. lex p. 775 776. Thus the name Fanatick was first used by the Gentiles in several senses viz. 1. In good sense to them that were more serious in the service of God 2. In bad sense to them that were more furious and frantick in the Worship of God In both senses the word doth reflect upon this Object viz. The Worship or Worshippers of God The first soberly and seriously and these bear the name in the best sense The second madly and furiously and these gave the word the worser sense even among them for which you have a full Jewry of witnesses of Poets Orators Comedians Tragedians Historians and Etymologists c. and some of them of great antiquity viz. of above 1800. years standing From them the name is transferred to Christians by whom it is used only in the worser sense in reference to them who are somewhat wild Worshippers we have better words for better Worshippers and the name name doth fix most and soonest upon them who do act something like heathens in their divine worship and service leaving the Oracles of God and learning to their own fancies and imaginations or other inspirations The Authors for the proof of these things are cited by Mat. Mart. Cicero and Livius c. Thus much for the Explanation of the the word Fanatick and this being premised you may easily understand whom I do mean by Fanaticks viz. 1. Negatively Not in any person in whom appears the power of godliness though he may be of another opinion or perswasion in some things from my self But 2. Affirmatively By Fanatick I do mean those persons who setting the Rule of Gods Holy Word aside do follow their own fancies the devices and imaginations of their own heads and hearts in the service visions and inspirations c. as a new rule besides the Word of God And here you may take a view of all the Will-worship and Worshippers in the world Col. 2.20.21 c. 1. If you look abroad into the world and take a view of both the Indies and all the adjoyning Countries What a world of strange Worship shall you find amongst those Pagan-Infidels and Heathens and all for want of a Rule the direction of Gods Holy Word which we have Some adore one sole God whom they paint with three heads but can give you no reason for it Others worshipping the Sun Moon and Stars in America Others adoring Nature as the Canary Islands And others the Devil himself as in Puana Japan c. Somewhat they meet first in a morning as the Tartarians Should you look into Arabia China Africa Ethiopia Egypt and Babylon c. you shall find as many strange gods and strange worships as men have fancies faces and strange imaginations in their heads and hearts Some worshipping a Toad or a Serpent a Dog or black Sheep an Ox or a Calf and what not Ap. All these follow their own Imaginations and perish for want of a Rule But I leave these to be pitied most See Acts 17.30 This God regarded not so as to destroy them presently 2. If you look into Asia and the parts adjacent once the glory of the world where now that Flagellum Christianorum the great Turk doth tyrannize and domineer and in their Mahometan worship what a world of strange fancies minnick gestures and childish not to say Apish and Monkish-like fooleries may you observe They reject the Law and Gospel the Word of God for Mahomets Alcaron 3. To come nearer if you look into the Holy History and take a view of the Jews Scribes and Pharisees c. None could pretend to more devotion then they did Their Alms Prayers Fastings Phylacteries and Borders of their garments all specious yet our Saviour tells them That they had rejected the Commandment of God and made his Word of none effect that they might keep their own Traditions See Mat. 15.1 2 to 10. Mark 7.1 2 3 to 14. Here was a great deal of verbal and seeming Sanctity amongst these men but the main was wanting the Life and power of Godliness in as little set by or esteemed and so our Saviour told them plainly but this was strange Doctrine to them and they regarded it not And therefore Though he the Son and Heir were sent unto them who taught as having authority who spake as never man spake and did what none ever did or could do yet this Christ could never gain credit with the Priests c. but ever and anon they are quarrelling with him about the observation of the Sabbath according to their Rule and the neglect of their own Traditions And in the end they violently persecuted and put him to death Thus they crucified the Heir and Prince of Life Acts 3.15 For which how heavy is the Judgement of God upon them till this day 4. Come we nearer home yet and look we next amongst Christians and see if we have no Fanaticks here as well as amongst Pagans Turks and Jews Scribes Pharisees And here I presume those of the Romish profession will claim the first place as the most numerous and unanimous Christians And the first of these Western parts converted to the Christian Faith yet with their leave or without it England received the Christian Faith some years before them whilest Rome remained Heathen of which we have a seven-fold testimony of very good credit and Authority and better then such as they usually produce to us in like cases Nevertheless we shall easily grant them what they would have so that they will but grant us a reasonable demand 1. For we yield that they were a very famous Church when the Apostle wrote unto them and testifies of them That their Faith was spoken of throughout the world Rom. 1.8 2. Our Demand is only this to them Let them but reduce their Church to the same state of Doctrine Faith and Life which then they had when the Apostle wrote and so testified of them and the contention betwixt us is at an end all is well But now that they have swarved from the Rule forfeited the Apostles praise and lost the faith But they will say When did we loose the faith swarve from the rule c. I retort and ask when did every gray hair begin with an antient head and every infirmity with an aged man When did all the flowers fruits or weeds in a field appear in one day When did the Stars all appear in an instant or your own sins to your selves in a moment Things of this
Suplication and Prayer both which may be styled both offensive and defensive also For with the Word and prayer we do not only 1. Wound our enemy But 2. Defend our selves also against the crafty Wiles and violent Assaluts of our spiritual Adversaries ☞ 1. With this Sword the word of God our Saviour wounded the Devil and cut to pieces the Snares as well as repelled the violence of his various Temptations Mat 4.1 to 12. 2. And with this The manifold Errours Heresies and evil Opinions of all Ages have been refuted and ouerthrown 3. And with this the Reigning and Domineering Transgressions of many a sinner have been beaten down and slaughtered and as it hath been a sharp edged sword to cut down such things Ap. So it hath been as effectual to protect and preserve the servants of God from the danger of them all ☞ The like may be said of Prayer Both for 1. The Destruction of the Enemies of the Church temporal or spiritual 2. And for the procuring of Peace and Safety to the Church in several Exigents in all Ages 3. And all this strength courage and compleat Armour must be rouzed up and put on that she may be able to stand 4. To withstand and 5. Resist the Craftiness Wiles and Deceits 6. Mighty Assaults and also the Violence Rage and Fury 7. Of so powerful an Enemy as the Devil is 8. In both his Wiles to ensnare and Assaults to subdue and to stand holding fast the Truth and to gain the Victory and 9. So to remain in the Evil day 1. Affliction and Tribulation which befal all in the day of this Life 2. Temptation when Satan is let loose to tempt and try the most 3. Persecution by Antichrist Tyrants and Hereticks in several ages who have been instigated by Satan 1. To make Havock of the Church as Saul did Acts 9.1 2. Yea 2. To Infect Afflict and if it might totally to extinguish the Church and people of God that Israel might be as Psalm 83.4 forgotten Thus you have had the point opened and proved to you in the several branches and parts of it and each Part and Explination carries sufficient reason in it further to confirm the Doctrine and which Reasons are suited to every particular and may thus briefly be sum'd up Because REAS. 1. The Church in the best condition is very obvious to be sown with Tares of Seducers ☞ And had great need therefore to keep strict Watch to prevent this envious Adversary 2. The Church at the best is but very weak in her own strength and what member of the Church is not sensible of this ☞ Had she not need then to look up to the Lord for Aid and divine Assistance because without him she can do nothing of her self 3. The Armour is strengthening Armour it doth not only cover and defend but also infuseth Courage into the Soldier and enables him to fight 4. That she may Stand For how can Nakedness withstand an armed man 5. The Wiles of the Devil are very many and he acteth by divers Instruments For he is subtil 2 Cor. 11.3 and hath snares depths 1. Seeming Friends as Psalm 55.12 13 14. It was not an Enemy 2. Domestick Servants as Judas Psalm 41.9 John 3.18 cited by Christ 3. False Brethren as 2 Cor. 11.26 that will insinuate to know Gal. 2.4 their mind and then betray them How usual hath this been 4. By transforming himself as Satan doth into an Angel of 2 Cor. 11.12 13 14 15. light Either 1. By assuming a lightsome body like an Angel of Light Or 2. By suggesting such things as seem to savour of piety zeal and holiness Mat. 4. Ap. So his Ministers deceitful workers do By a fair outside c. and 2. By excellent pretences of zeal piety c. 6. Because Satans assaults and temptations are very violent and impetuous as it appeared by their prevalency over David Solomon Sampson Ap. If such Champions fell consider then what may befal us 7. Satan his army adherents and instruments are even innumerable and exceeding powerful like those Nimrod like Anshehashem 1. Before and after Noahs Flood Giants Gen. 6.4 10.8 9 10. 2. Like Anakims and Zamzumims Deut. 2.10 11 20. Tall Giants Noah and Aaron in Jehoshaphats 2 Chro. 20. Ethiopians and Lubians in Asahs time 2 Chron. 14.9.3 and Assyrrians in Hezekias 2 Chron. 32 and mighty potent as being 1. The Angel of the bottomless pit Revel 9. to 12. 2. The great Dragon the old Serpent called the Devil and Satan Rev. 12.9 3. The roaring Lion 1 Pet. 5.8 4. Prince of the power of the air Ephes 2.2 5. And King of Locusts Rev. 9.11 To name no more besides the Title given him in the verse before in the Text all which do argue an irresihable strength if we have not the aid of a powerful hand to help us against him 8. Because he doth invade and storm us with such snares attempts c. Both 1. Within us by inflaming Concupiscence and acting to do evil in our best services and in secret evil Lusts as well as 2. Without storming us with temptations to wickedness 9. Because all this he doth mostly in the evil day 1. Of tribulation affliction sickness and death Ap. And what work he makes then the diligent Visitors of sick beds and dying persons c. can well speak by woful experience Or 2. Of Temptation when he is let loose upon doubtful or despaiful souls For he hath his snares and depths 1 Tim. 3.7 2 Tim. 2.26 Rev. 2.24 10. Because if we stand not but either 1. desert our fellow-Soldiers Or 2. Yield our ground Or 3. Neglect our watch and lay down our resolution we are utterly undone we loose the day and our glory as Revolters have done These Uses are enlarged after Uses are suited to the several branches of the Doctrines and are of 1. Inform 2. Reproof 3. Exhort 4. Comfort USE I. 1. Informs how watchful and careful should the Leaders and Teachers of the Church be against those that sow Tares Cockle and Darnel against all Errours and Heresies repugnant to the Truth as the Primitive Churches were in their general Councels of Nice c. 2. Reproves the faults of them that neglect this as too many do Gallio-like not caring what Errours do arise so that they may sit at ease as the Romans and other Sects that leave no help either to prevent or extirpate Errours 3. Exhorts us to do our duty herein for how frequently is Vigilancy commanded and commended 4. And comforteth us if we do it This first Use is from the first branch or particular of the Doctrine USE II. The second Use is from the second Branch 1. Informs us that we are weak and do stand in great need of the aid of the Lord to help us 2. Blames us for not seeking it but for seeking after and resting upon other or Evil things that cannot stead or profit us 3. Perswades us to do it as the Church
Presbyter of Carthage Anno 250. 2. Novatianus a Presbyter of Rome who became his Partner in errour at the same time ☞ Novatus was a man of a Contentious spirit and assisted by his Partner he disquied two then famous Churches viz. Rome and Carthage by a rigid sentence against such as had fallen through infirmity in the times of persecution and had denied the Faith though after they desired to be received to the Church For he taught 1. That there was no place of repentance left for such and therefore such should never be admitted again into the fellowship of the Church although they express manifest signs of true Repentance Hereupon they separated from the Orthodoz party who were otherwise perswaded And here began their Sehism 2. They were called Cathari because they boasted themselves to be purer then others in life and manners whereas our Purity only is that our sins are forgiven and we are purged in the fountain of Christs blood and sanctified by his word and spirit John 15.3 1 John 1.7 3. Yet this Errour continued the longer because it crept in under pretence of 1. Zeal to the glory of God and 2. Of Detestation of sin Beware of such Errours as enter with the fairest pretences 1. Nevertheless this Errour it was against the Scriptures evidently 2. And it produced dangerous effects for it advanced Satans kingdom by driving divers into despair 4. And it was condemned by the second African counsel under Cyprian Bishop of Carthage the President thereof And by the second Synode at Rome under Cornelius the Bishop there See Eusebius Alsted and Simpson of the Church Page 37.421 422. c. ☞ And nevertheless these did not multiply their Errours yet this Errour was a capital and dangerous one and made way to others and was obstinately persisted in to a great Schism and dangerous admitting no reclaim or amendment such was their Independency Though in other things they consented with the Orthodox ☞ Hence they were condemned by some of Schism only by others of Heresie So Schismaticks they were at the best 1. It is great Wisdom to suppress Errours betimes which Cyprian and Cornelius endeavoured by their Colleagues Synodes and Counsels 2. Authors of Schism are hinderers of reviving the Union of the Church 3. Inveterates Schisms often Turn to Heresies 4. We should beware of such as perturb the unity of the Church under the pretence of piety and zeal 5. And that Invent-Remedies for the Churches Maladies which are worse then the Disease as the Novatians did by their opinion Ap. For though weakness is to be pitied yet a devilish Rigor pitying none that have fallen through infirmity is a lesson that hath no allowance in the book of God Thus the Novatians err 1. in Schism 2. Obstinacy in errour 3. Independency 2. The Donatists took their name of one Donatus born about seven years after Arrius in the time of Constantine Afterwards he was a Bishop in Numidia and proved to to be a great Disturber of the Churches in Africa for 1. He hatch'd a bitter hatred though causless against Cecilianus Bishop of Carthage whose cause was often heard 2. But always the Donatists succumbed or failed in proof 3. In the end because they could not accomplish their designs against Cecilianus they became enraged and 1. Made a Schism falling off from the unity of the Church Ap. What will not Spleen do by way of Revenge if disappointed Thus being become a Schismatick next he turns Heretick and taught divers strange Doctrines introductive of more viz. 1. That only was a true Church which was spotless and without sin and that the Catholick Church was only in that corner of Africa with them 2. That the efficacy of the Sacrament did depend upon him that did administer it and thereupon that Baptism was not available except some of their sect were present and did administer it 3. That all that came into them must be rebaptized which they did practise upon people though they had been baptized before by the Orthodox This introduced Anabaptism 4. They placed Religion in austerity of Life and Homicide for they were very cruel Alstead Chron. pag. 385. 5. That the Son was inferiour to the Father and the Holy Ghost to the Son saith Eusebius so they made a Disparity in the Trinity 6. They condemned Cecilianus though his innocency was often tried and himself acquitted by many Judges and yet they had many Favourers as any such shall have and friends and were called by divers names thereupon as Parmeniani Rogatistae Cirtenses and Maximianistae 3. But they were learnedly confuted by Optatus Bish of 1. Melevitanum in Africk as to their two first Tenets Simp. p. 292. 2. And by St. Augustine mightily 3. And they were condemned by several Synodes at Carthage for divers years together viz. ab Anno 403. usque ad Annum 310.4 Yet they continued very obstinate and did refuse to stand to the determination of either Synod or Councel So obstinate were they in their Errours and Heresies Afterwards 1. They became cruel Persecuters of the Orthodox and Catholick Christians about the year 404. Alsted Chron. p. p. 335 2. In the end they were divided into sundry factions and so were rent and torn to pieces Alsted Chron. p. 385. Ap. As it doth often befal to such persons in the like cases Thus the Donatists also were 1. Schismaticks then Hereticks 2. Uncertain and obstinate in their errours And 3. Independent In the former Presidents of Romanists c. you perceive that 1. Schism doth begin and enter men into Errour and Heresie 2. Strangeness and uncertainty of Doctrine doth continue and enlarge them therein specially if men be obstinate in them 3. Independency and uncontroulableness doth confirm and harden men in errour and makes them obstinate and incorrigible as it did the Romanists Novatians and Donatists before named whom no confutation councel or course could reclaim 3. Now the third sort of persons that hinder the Church of the means of Recovery out of Errours and Heresies c. are the ☞ Separatists of latter times which are therein blame-worthy by what Names or Titles soever they be called whether 1. Anabaptists 2. Brownists or 3. Independents or are known by any other title whatsoever Quakers c. ☞ Herein let me premise this that none mistake me as if 1. I had any prejudice to any mans person or that I aim to do wrong to any man it is far from me 2. I have learned to own and prize the least appearance of Grace and Piety and the smallest measure of the gifts of God in any persons whatsoever 3. It is not any man but the Way that is in question 4. And I thought my self bound in conscience for the faithful discharge of my Duty to give you warning of such ways as I cannot but deem to be dangerous and prejudicial to the Vnity and Peace of the Church of God as the fore-mentioned Errours of Rome and Africa were and thereby obstructing
the progress of that Truth by which we are all to be guided and in the belief of that Doctrine in the practise of which we all hope to be saved See Ezek. 3.17 and 33.7 I have made thee a watchman c. Ergo 1. hear c. at my mouth and give them warning from me The Separatists of these latter times have been the unhappy Revivers of the so long since exploded Errours of the Novations Donatists and others of old I. Anabaptism was first broached in Germany by one 1. Nicholas Stock who was a man answerable to his name as Ebion in his time was Anno circiter 1520. 2. Tho. Muncer was bred in his School 1. Stock affirmed that God spake to him by an Angel and revealed his Will to him in dreams 2. Tho. Muncer kept a Racket in Abset and Thuringia 3. And after him John Leydan Cnipperpdoling and their followers marvellously infected and infested Munster Anno 1532. The Chips of this Stock alias Block kindled such a fire in Germany that by Tumults raised by them in Germany Holsatia and Swethland there were slaughtered no less then 150000. persons within a few years Dr. Featly against Anabaptists p. 182. To Stock and Muncer you may add their other Leaders Melchior Georgius Tuscoverer and others who deluded the people with pretended inspirations visions dreams and revelations Idem p. 205. 1. These began with Separation as those before named did 2. Their Errours were many very changeable and many of them abominable 3. Their Independency or Obstinacy was incorrigible for they would be controuled by none 4. And their End for the most part miserable II. Brownism as it is commonly called or Separatism 1. Was set on foot by one Bolton the first know Separatist in England who terrified in conscience for his Errours He did recant his Separation and hanged himself Judas-like 2. Robert Brown Anno 1580. a rash young man succeeded who when most of his separated Congregation on a sudden turned Anabaptists at Middleburg in Zeland whether they went over to enjoy their liberty 1. Returned into England 2. Recanted his Brownism 3. Received a Personage at the hand of a Bishop 4. Became scandalous in his Conversation 5. And very careless of his charge in his Personage 6. So that he brought himself to prison where he continued till death Baily p. 14. 3. Barrow 4. Johnson 5. Ainsworth 6. Smith And 7. Robinson were all successively Introducers and Promoters of Brownism or Separatism whose abilities and miscarriages in particular to their persons I mean not to speak of it being great pity that men of such Eminency Parts and Learning as some of them were should be so far mistaken as to fall into an Errour so prejudicial to the Church and to the Truth ☞ And Robinson the last and one of the most grave and learned Doctors of the Brownists did in the end undermine his own party by a work begun against Schism Baily p. 17. Then this Mr. Robinson became the Author of Independency or Semiseparation which hath been the Fountain of many evils both in Old and New England Idem p. 17. Ap. Thus the Brownists in their 1. Separation 2. Errours And 3. Independency did generally concur with the Anabaptists III. Independency is derived from the Brownists and Anabaptists successively It is a Title very improper for any Creature Man or Christian 1. God being only Independent and of himself 2. And having ordained all to depend on him chiefly and Christians in special manner upon him one upon another in such a way of order and subordination as may best suit with the publick good in the Civil State or Ecclesiastical As the members of the body natural do in their several places and offices 1 Cor. 12.12 to 34. As the body is one c. as verse 25. which if they were cut off by a Schism would be altogether useless and unprofitable Ap. And thus it is with the Church which is either universal or national All congregational and particular Churches referring to the more general as to the body of which they are members This Sect of no long standing 1. Began as the rest with Schism and Separation from all the Reformed Churches in Christendom 2. They do generally concur with their Predecessors the Anabaptists and Brownists in their Tenets and in some things go beyond them and in the uncertainty of Tenets and Obstinacy in contending for them with all the former 3. They all punctually do agree in the point of Independency and Vncontroulableness because they do all defend this That their Churches are exempt from all Authority Civil and Ecclesiastical so as that no Magistrate no nor Oecumenick or General Councel hath any power at all to reform and suppress any Errour or Heresie arising or springing amongst them only their own Church must do it which may consist of seven or three persons And how soon may they be seduced or quasht 1. If there were no more but these three particulars named viz. Their 1. Schism 2. Vncertainty of Doctrine Obstinacy and Liberty to change their Tenets which they always reserve Baily p. 101. And 3. Their Independency or Freedom from the censure or controul of any power whatsoever Civil or Ecclesiastical to reform or redress any Errour growing amongst them Ap. It might well and justly cause any wise man or Christian to consider seriously of such a way and to suspect it whether it be right or no before he enter Rashly into it 2. But in many other things besides these they do concur with the Anabaptists and Brownists which time will not give me leave to relate 3. Besides these 1. What Ingress or Entrance these men the Independents had in Holland and what they did there is evident 2. What Progress they had in New England and of their carriage there 3. And now in Old England our dear native Countrey and what they have bin doing here for divers years last past Res ipsa loquitur loquetur Experience doth and will speak abundantly though I were dumb For when were so many Sects on foot as since the unhappy liberty which they contend for ☞ A doleful spectacle it is to see Christian Nations and Churches all pretending to the same end and of the same Faith thus torn to pieces with manifold Divisions and sad Contentions like virulent Humours in the natural body all tending to Dissolution while those errours can unanimously agree in the way to destruction and damnation throughout the world But is there no Balm in Gilead is there no Physitian there Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered Jer. 8.22 and 46.11 Is there no Soveraign Medicine to close these gaping wounds Is there no wise Man like a skilful Physitian or Chirurgion that can judge between brethren in Nature Profession as Men and Christians and to decide these unchristian-like Differences 1. Is our case just like the condition of Egypt Jer. 46.11 so that though we do go up into
too high Psalm 131.1 Korah must not murmure at Moses Nor Vrriah usurp the Priests Office the work of the Ministry is a glorious Employment Ap. Excitements to that Function without Gifts are but suggestions of pride vainglory ambition And thus much for the resolution of this Question Vse Let me add a word of Application usefull for us 1. How sad is the condition of Revolters from the grace of God who having had some sight or tast of the blessed Estate of the Children of God as Balaam had Numb 24. do either for fear or love of the World with Demas or the Enjoyment of sinfull pleasures with those 1 Tim 5.6 11 13. or the dread of Affliction Yet they do carelesly grieve willingly neglect or do violently resist or wilfully extinguish the blessed motions and worthy Gifts of Gods Spirit in them yea and the holy Spirit himself their danger is great see Heb. 6.6 c. and their latter end will be worse then the beginning 2 Pet. 2.20 2. Few there be at least with us but hear the good Voyce behind them saying This is the way walk in it but how few regard it The usual end of such men is that their hearts grow more obdurate their lives more bruitish abominable or Agonies of conscience arise which punish them with everlasting despair 3. Let our men that think so little preaching will serve turn and that we may abate of a nimium of devotion look to these things Ds Slater on 1 Thes 5.19 Indeed Papists may well abate of their Nimium of Devotions till they come to that which God hath required of them as Esay 1.12 then upon the point they must almost abate all either for matter or Manner upon one respect or other as they have strangely changed holy duties and divine Services in holy and spiritual worship Use of Consolation Yet let no weak Christian take offence at this as if every suppressing of a good motion or abatement of the Spirits fervour or interruption of his sensible operation in us should cast us into an irrecoverable condition No God forbid but the sin is fearful and uncomfortable Yet let the weak Christian observe his first declinings and repair speedily then all will be well the Apostle speaks only of a total final losse both of the Exercise Gifts of the holy Ghost which only befals the wicked that are Reprobates and Cast-awayes Thus much be spoken of the first meanes of promoting this growth encrease and abounding in good works 2. The next means is let Gods Husbandmen the Vine-dressers and Keepers of his Orchard and Garden look well to their Office that the Trees under their custody may be called trees of Righteousnesse the planting of the Lord that he may be glorified Esay 61.3 the Master will enquire of his Husbandmen how the fruits prosper and will expect to receive of them in their feason as Mat. 21.33 to 42. If the servants thus intrusted and liberally rewarded for their pains shall transmit this Trust to some poor Hireling for some small trifle who will neglect the Vineyard Garden or Orchard and let all run to ruine will the Master take it well Yet God hath too many such Labourers in his Vineyard pluralists non-Residents who transmit their trust to poor Curates that spoil all But let poor Hirelings be removed and then let these Nursing-Fathers discharge their duty as they ought and you will find that this is the way to make the plants prosper the children thrive and come on amâ—in to perfection Now these Nursing-Fathers are 1. Magistrares 2. Ministers Magistrates see Esay 49.23 Kings shall be Nursing-fathers c. 2. Ministers so was the Apostle he feeds with Milk or Meat as they were able to bear it 1 Cor. 3.2 c. So Heb. 5.12 13 14. You have need that one teach you the first principles c. Like children they were to be taught olearn their letters and to spell before they could read perfectly and to feed on Milk before they could digest strong Meat which might shame them for their great negligence that had time and means enough to have been Teachers ☞ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. saith Clem. Alexandrinus I have Catechised you in Christ with suitable food as Milk is for children c. To which practise of the Apostle do St. Ambrose and Chrisostome allude in descanting upon the Miracle wrought at his Martyrdom for when he was beheaded the Antients do affirm Lac pro sanguine manasse That Milk issued forth instead of Blood Ap. However Preachers are to condescend to the capacity of the Hearers and to feed them with sincere Milk that they may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.2 2. Every Christian Church and Common-wealth is Gods Vineyard Orchard Garden Field c. Magistrates and Ministers with the Sword Word of God his Authority and Doctrine do dresse it defend it as Adam did Paradise Gen. 2.15 from the force and fraud of Tyrants as Constantine and many other Renowned Emperours Kings have done From the Errours and Delusions of Hereticks c as Athanasius Epiphanius and other Renowned Worthies have done in their times 3. The Magistrate sometimes proceeds to Amputation and cuts off with the Sword immedicabilia vulnera He prunes the Orchard of superfluities and weeds the Corn-fields and this is his proper work 4. The Minister his work is to plow up the fallow ground of mens hearts and prepare them then to sow good seed and prevent the growing of weeds by injecting principles of Grace and sowing the good seed of sound Doctrine and heavenly things John 3.12 This being done who knowes but a good Crop of good Fruit may ensue The Minister must be indefatigable like Solomons Seeds-man Eccl. 11.6 In the morning sow thy seed and in the evening withhold not thy hand for thou knowest not whether shall prosper c. When the Word of God is to us Line upon Line Precept upon Precept here a little and there a little as Esay 28.10 13. Sure then some Lines may take right upon us and some Precepts reach us Use Then how prayerfull should we be for those in Authority as 1 Tim. 2.1 2 3. The Apostle exhorteth that first c. And so likewise for the Ministry see 1 Thess 5.25 and 2 Thess 3.1 2. Brethren pray for us Bis that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified c. and we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men yea pray for them and obey them for they watch for your Souls as both are conjoyn'd Heb. 13.17 18 19. that they may give account with joy c. 2. How wise and heedfull how circumspect and carefull c. should all people be in the choyce of all publick Officers and Trustees whether for Church or State c. that Grace may be advanced and that publick Officers if they be as they should be are so usefull thereunto and all Bishops and Presbyters be in the