into the Church they shall perish the Church is the Ark of God there is no salvation but in Sion that is the Church of God therefore the holy Word saith of those God had a purpose to save he added to the Church such as should be saved and that from day to day he added them Eph. 5.23 It is said that Christ is the saviour of his Body now the Church is the Body of Christ therefore there are none saved but the Church that is none but they which are joyned to Christ the head and become members of him hold therefore still communion with it and suffer not your selves to be drawn from the society of it John 6.68 When many slipped away Christ said to the twelve will ye also go away Peter answered Lord to whom shall we go thou hast the Words of eternall life when you see others to go out of the society of the Church say you whither shall we go Here are the Words of eternall life here are the means to get faith and repentance here are the means of salvation remember what the Apostle saith Heb. 13.9 Be not carried about with divers and strange Doctrines for it is a good thing that the heart be established As God hath upheld Religion among us strangely and miraculously doth yet so let us hold it fast and persevere in it to the end Though an Angel from Heaven much more though a Priest or Jesuit from Rome an Anabaptist or a sectary Preach unto us any other Gospel be carryed by none of them all carry to Christ be not carryed from Christ take heed therefore of false Prophets CHAP. IX Of false Teachers THe state of Christs Church militant here on Earth never hath been nor is now nor ever shall be so happy as to bee free from false Teachers She cannot escape this grand evil so long as there is a Sheeps skin to be gotten for a Wolf to maske in or a Sorcerer Elymas can usurpe the name of Bar-Jesus Acts 13.6 These have been and will be till Christ hath housed all his friends imprisoned all his enemies This is a true Prophesy of a false Prophesy But you demand what is false Doctrine who are the Teachers thereof 2 Pet. 2.1 1. False Doctrine hath divers names in holy writ according to the divers conditions of the same arising from the Authors matter and degrees 1. For first Christ calleth them Mat. 13.38 to 41. tares Zizania saith a learned man is blasted Corne or deafe eares which grow up with the good corne and cannot be discerned from it untill the harvest and then it proveth naught So will all false doctrine though pleasing now prove false in the end together with all hypocrites vers 41. scandalls which is the bridge in a trap which when the mouse or any other vermin puts downe they are taken false doctrine then gives scandall that is sets a trap in our brothers way to take and destroy him 2ly The Apostle 1 Cor. 1.10 calleth the same schismes or divisions 1. False doctrines in a manner divide Christ and teare him in peeces by making him the head of two divers and disagreeing bodies himself being but one 2. They divide themselves from Christ by going to a false Christ 3ly They divide themselves in heart to be found faultie Hos 10.2 and vers 11. he stileth them contentions or strife Boni Catholici quod ad fidei doctrinam pertinet ita quaerunt ut absit decertatio periculosa saith August Good Catholike Christians do question as that they avoid dangerous contending But men of corrupt minds and destitute of the love of truth contend not that error might be overcome of the truth but that their sayings may goe for currant and other mens be put down Salamander-like they are so cold in charitie that they cannot live but in the fire of contention out of it they are as it were dead but if engaged in some contention then are they lively This is the vvay to ruinate the Church Altar against Altar Professor against Professor vvho getteth thereby Sathan the Papists to vvhom vve have given this staffe to smite us vvith namely our contentions A grievous sinne Companion of the blackest iniquities Rom. 13.13 Rom. 13.13 1 Cor. 3.3 The marke of carnall men 1 Cor. 3.3 The doctrine then of false teachers is like themselves deceitfull making shew of good and vvholesome corne for food of the soule but in truth it is blasted and deafe yea the same is full of danger hiding traps to take and to destroy dividing from Christ yea Christ himself and their ovvn hearts to the ruine of the Church and themselves 2ly If the doctrine be so deceitfull and dangerous vvhat are the teachers The Scripture describeth them also both in the old and new Testament Ezkiel names them foxes chap. 13.4 Subtile ravenous of whom the spouse complaineth 2. Cant. 15. that they Spoile her vines that is members of the Church the faithfull the Churches And that false prophets or false teachers are such appeares by their fruits and natures having not only the craft of that beast transforming themselves 2. Cor. 11.13 carrying a Fox in their bosome when they are lambes outwardly but also the bloudy rage and crueltie where they get power none being like them for never did the Church of God suffer more from the maddest and blindest heathen then she hath done from hereticks and schismaticks that were among them In the new Testament Christ calleth them theives and robbers seeking to destroy slay and kill Joh. 10.18 ravenous wolves vers 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to teare in pieces 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rapaces ravenous Act. 20.29 grievous wolves not sparing the flock Horum genus longae nocentius qui in Ecclesiâ contra Ecclesiam sentiunt saith Hieron Farre more dangerous are they who in the Church hold against the Church Great danger is intimated by Christ to be imminent to poore Christians from false teachers They as wolves are of a bloudy nature and their enmitie and crueltie to the sheep is such that strings made of both their guts and joyned together in one musicall instrument wil never be consonant such enmity and contrary nature is between faithfull Christians and false teachers The wolfe invading the flock never leaves till he have killed all In like manner false teachers seeke to infect and destroy all 1 Pet. 5.8 Like the divell their Father they goe up and downe like a roaring Lion seeking whom they may devour Paul describes them exactly Act. 20.29 1. They are wolves who both by their doctrines and manners seek to destroy the harmeless and innocent sheep 2ly Grievous they are and ravenous by which their cruelty is noted which is also explained by him in these words not sparing the flocke 3ly Of our owne selves shall such men arise they shall not come from without such deceivers are the more langerous 4ly They shall speake perverse things
Beleevers heart may feel it no tongue can expresse it here all language is lost and admiration seals up every lip Principality and powers nature and reason men Angels stand amazed at it 3. Thirdly this holy Spouse begetteth Children to Christ 1 Pet. 1.23 by the seed of the word and ministry of the same therefore is she called the Mother of us all Gal. 4.26 And after they are borne she feedeth her Babes by the same word 1 Pet. 2.2 as with milke and strong meate The sincere word of God being of this nature that without any mixture of humane addition it serves for a most fit nourishment of our soules whence is that saying of old Qui non habet Ecclesiam matrem non habet Deum patrem He or shee who acknowledgeth not the Church for his Mother hath not God for his Father These her Children are a Kingdome of Priests a holy nation Exod. 19.6 The Lords inheritance and his flock 1 Pet. 5.3 Iohn 10. All which and many more expressions the Seripture affords whereby it plainly appears how dear and pretious the Church is to God I am my beloveds my beloved is mine Cant. 6.3 All true believers members of this Church are his by a peculiar propriety Wee are thine thou never barest rule over them they were not called by thy name Isa 63.19 The Divells are his vassals the wicked of the world his prisoners The faithfull onely are his Jewels friends brethren members his Spouse His by all the relations of intimatenesse that can be named CHAP. V. The good things which flow from this neer relation to the Church and place where the same is gathered SAmpson who was a Type of Christ comes not empty handed to his Wife Christ Jesus who hath chosen the Church for his Wife lov's his Wife with a true love and therefore she is sure of abundance of blessings All grace to our souls all good to our bodies all peace that may concern this life or that to come is derived to us through Christ the Husband of the Church Whatsoever good descends from God to us is granted through Christ wee are elected in Christ as the head redeemed by Christ from all iniquity and purified to himself to be a peculiar people that is the Church zealous of good workes Tit. 2.14 Wee are ingrafted into Christ as Members of his Body and at length we shall be saved by him God gives to all gifts but they are onely true comforts to those which enjoy them as members of Christs body the Church Amongst his Love tokens which Christ bestowes on his Spouse the Church for grace and ornament the Jewel of the word and ministery is the chiefest so the Psalmist 147.19 20. Hee shewed his word unto Jacob his Statutes and his judgements unto Israel he hath not dealt so with any nation The benefits of this are expressed in the 19th Psalm by six Couples where your are to note and observe 1. That David speaks especially of the word of the Gospel Verse 7 8. which converts and rejoyceth the heart Marke likewise 2. The names he gives to the word Then 3. The benefits of it by couples and that by way of opposition to all other instruction out of the pale of the Church that is in opposition to all meer humane learning plainly shewing the happinesse of them who are made partakers of the word 1. The first name is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thora á 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 jecit projecit To cast forth from him hence Thora a doctrine uttered cast forth by a Teacher to instruct others here especially concerning the will of God wherefore the word Jehovah is added Verse 7. It 's two excellencies and effects are integrity and restitution or restoring the soul Conversion 1. Integrity the word of God is perfect that is discovers more plainly and fully to his Church or people the will of God then any doctrine or learning that is taught out of the Church by any though never so learned Philosophers had onely the knowledge of God by the Creatures Sun Moon Stars and others on Earth in the Air and the Sea whereby God did evidence his goodnesse wisdome and power his will nature is not evidenced fully or perfectly 2. Excellencie or the second effect of Gods Law is to convert the Soul that is Gods heavenly doctrine discovers the remedy against all evills which proceed from sin withall the way to get out But humane wisdome at the farthest brings only to the sight of our miseries prescribing no remedy but leav's men with great pensivenesse and care of minde to enquire the cause of that horrible ruine in man the little world and chief of all visible creatures which made Theophrastus to utter this complaint that nature was rather a Stepdame then a loving Mother to mankinde Thus men out of the Church are left without any remedy spending and wasting themselves with most sad and sorrowfull complaints Whereas Gods word sheweth to those of the church a plain way to get out of their wretched estate 2. The second name given to the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gnud to testify the Law or word is called a Testimony because it beareth witnesse of Gods will which he manifesteth to us in his word chiefly the Gospel Truth and making wise the simple are the two excellencies of this Testimony The Word of God witnesseth first 1. What is that good acceptable and perfect will of God Rom. 12.2 2. Secondly being applyed to our thoughts words or works as a witnesse in our consciences it either accuseth if they answere not the pattern God hath given in his Word or else excuseth if they be conformable to the word 3. The third generall excellency of the word and first of this Testimony is 1. Truth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 faithfull certain firm incorrupt which is allwayes the same a singular excellency of the word expressing fully the nature of the Author of this word who is Amen yesterday and to day Heb. 13.8 and the same for ever By this Christ prayeth the Father to sanctify his Disciples Ioh. 17.17 Sanctify them by thy word thy word is truth as if he said onely that doctrine which is delivered in thy word is the truth All other doctrines are erroneous whence it is that the consciences cannot be setled by them but are left uncertain allwayes doubting never fixed and setled and so at length are precipitated into the gulf of everlasting despair 2. The other excellency or effect of the word and fourth in number is making wise the simple No humane wisdome surpasseth this of the word and whosoever will be truely wise must repair to the word of God This doth 1. Reveal Gods will towards us which no other doctrine can This 2. Sheweth us our wounds diseases and withall prescribes the remedy 3. This discovers the plots and stratagems of Satan against Mankinde and teacheth us
broaching false and hereticall doctrines 5ly Ambition and pride shall cause this to draw disciples after them Christ gives us two markes by their Garments and fruites not of life and manners so much as of doctrine Mat. 7.15 1. What are those sheepes Clothing Ans 1. In generall by clothing whose use is to cover we understand their close comming in their creeping into houses 2 Tim. 3.6 Their chiefest care is to cover hide and conceal at first that which they chiefly intend to bring in 2. Their good words and fair speeches by which they deceive the hearts of the simple 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 good words when a man maketh shew of much goodnesse in words but is nothing so in substance and deed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 many good prayers and eloquent counterfeit zeal which hereticks and schismaticks use to draw the simple to their side and opinions Beware of such sugred and faire tongues thus such subtill Merchants do vent their bad wares shew their errours not naked but cloaked with good works and fair speeches Mat. 23.14 Thus did the Pharisees under pretence of long prayer devour widdows houses 3. Their using or rather abusing the Scripture wresting corrupting mayming eluding the same and thus with Satan the Arch-heretick they cover their errours Sub nomine Christi docent quae contraria sunt Christo nec mirum si aliquos seduci videamus ah his cum Dominus dixerit multos seducent Under the name of Christ they teach things contrary to Christ and shall we wonder to see some to be seduced by them when our Lord hath foretold they shall seduce many Ierom Aliunde suadere non possent de rebus fidei nisi ex rebus fidei Whence should they perswade matters of faith if it were not out of those writings of faith saith Tertullian Thus firmos fatigant infirmos capiunt medios cum scrupulo dimittunt They weary the strong take the weak and the middle sort they leave distracted with doubts 4. 2 Tim. 3.5 Fourthly formality is meant by Sheeps cloathing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not the true forme and essence of Godlinesse but an outward conformitie a resemblance vizard or shew of holynesse All their outward carriage is so composed as if they onely were true Christians they professe Religion speak well of God of Christ and discourse well concerning outward righteousnesse and holynesse of life that if all Religion were to be measured by the outside they could not chuse but go for good Christians But what saith the Apostle of such Tit. 1.16 They professe indeed they know God but in works they deny him they expresse no such things in their lives and conversations they have onely drawn a fair glove over a foul hand such were Baals Priests 1 Kings 18.28 And the Pharisees Matth. 23.27 They made clean the outside that is Hypocrite-like they made much adoe about Ceremonies and outward indifferent things but for the inward and most necessary parts of Gods worship they are very careles The Apostle therefore in this place gives certain markes whereby we may try our own hearts and spirits then others It is a very hard thing to knovv a Hypocrite being a lurking sin so masked as there is little or no outvvard difference betvveen the sound and unsound They are very Divel-like vvho dare range every professor under this title and marke him vvith the black cole of Hypocrisy For though it be true that a Hypocrite must be a Professor yet it is false that every Professor must be a Hypocrite The Apostles markes are 1. They Professe they knovv God a Hypocryticall false Teacher is a great Professor of Religion his care is to seem to be that he is not 2. By works they deny him all his Religion is in outward profession separated from the inward sincerity of the heart That which God delights in an humble and contrite spirit they regard not and that which God detests they offer to him a naked outward formality he is swan-like white without but his flesh within is black Christs comparison sits them best they are Foxes whose skin is better then his flesh 3. Thirdly disobedient or want of the obedience of faith they make a great shew of faith much knowledge much talke of Piety but secretly in their course depart from the word with pretence of obedience like the Son in the Gospel Matth. 21.28 Being bidden of his Father to go into the Vineyard said yea but for all that went not such professe much readinesse and willingnesse to serve God but doe it not 4. Fourthly The fourth marke is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 reprobate not as opposed to the elect but to those things they undertake as true Christians when they shall be brought to the touchstone they shall be like reprobate silver unaprooved without proof all naught 5. The fifth thing meant by Sheeps-cloathing is pretence of instinct revelations immediate and extraordinary from the Spirit of God Micah 2.11 If a man walking in the Spirit that is say he have divine inspiration yet ly falsely impudence of false Teachers is seldome lesse then blasphemous what blasphemy greater then to give out to be guided by the Spirit of truth when it is the Spirit of errour all this while Thus Simon Magus had his Helena Mahomet his dove inured to fetch food out of his ear is pretended by him to be the holy Ghost whispering into his ears what he should enact for the people 6. The sixt thing meant by sheeps cloathing is mentioned by the Apostle 2. Thes 2 2. word and letter These false teachers pretended they had heard it from Pauls own mouth and withall forged letters and fathered them upon the Apostle forgery is noe new thing in false teachers and other impostures Apostles yet surviving they published under their names Evangellicall stories Is not the cause deplored which but by such base shifts cannot be supported The Second marke by which false teachers are known is expressed by Christ in the 7 ht of St Mat. ver 16.20 by their fruits you shall know them that is by their false doctrine selfe seekeing and wickedness ver the 23 they work iniquitie 2. Pet. 2.1.2 c. which at last shew what they are as ripe fruites doe trees Every one then must with the Nobler sort of Berea Acts 17.11 bring the doctrine of false teachers to the touchstone of the Scripture and he will soone find whether they bee true or false 1. Thus the doctrine of the Papists concerning the Lords Supper will soone be found defective if you compare the same with Christs first institution Mat 26.26 Mark 14.22 Luk. 22.19 and 1 Cor. 11.24 Their worshiping of Saints and praying to them will be found contrary to Scripture 1 Tim. 2.5 1 Joh. 2 1. So all other points wherein we differ 2. In like manner Swenkfeldians and Anabaptists leading men from the Scriptues to enthusiasmes or private revelations will soone be found false by these
following rules 1. In matter of Prophesie as is prediction of future things not interpreting Scriptures the event must trie it Deut. 18.22 2ly In matter of Doctrine To the law and to the testimonie If they speak not according to this word there is noe light in them Isa 8.20 though with signes and wonders they should confirme their doctrine yet if it lead to other Gods Israell must not attend Deut. 13.1.2 3. Is it another Gospel but different not contrary to that already received though Isaiah or Paul or Peter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yea an Angell from Heaven should publish it we must hold him accursed Gal. 1.8.9 Quest What shall simple and plaine people doe who know not the points in question between either side Ans 1. Let them not be careless therefore but remember the caveat of the Apostle Acts. 20.28 Take heed therefore unto your selves it concernes your soules danger It is your fault if you be infected and seduced False doctrine is like a Cancer or Gangreene it frets all that is sound and in the end killeth 2 Tim. 2.17 false doctrine puts men beside their mind or right wits madness seizeth them who give way to unsound doctrine 2 Thes 2.2 This needes no further evidence then our present daies in Anabaptists Quakers their running out of their cloath sheweth the running out of their wits Paul sticks not to impute madnesse to the seduced Galatians c. 3.1 conceits a kind of witchcraft strong inchantment to possesse them 2 Tim. 3.8 He saith they are without Judgment ver 9. fooles That clause of the admonition in the fore-quoted 2 Thes 2.2 should diswade levity and unsettledness in matter of faith and religion because it breedes anxiety trouble of mind restlesness they do but trouble you that bring in another Gospel Thus much by way of caveat 2. Secondly common people are not so simple as many make themselves I am sure they are more to be studied then books they have skill enough in Law in buying selling you shall find them wary and crafty enough Let them then give attention to the word this will make them wise unto salvation let them learn their Catechisme which wee may not unfitly call the little Bible and out of the same they may discover falsehood Catechisme is that forme of Sound words 2 Tim. 1.13 A short summing of the chief heads of faith and charity unto which we may referre all things of Religion the Syriack calls it holes or boxes a speech borrowed from Merchants who have their divers boxes or holes wherein they put their severall sorts of money The chief heads of Catechisme are such common places 1. Learn well to understand the articles of your faith you will easily perceive a false doctrine against faith 2. Learn the ten Commandements and you shall know how to carry your selves towards God and your neighbours and easily discover sin in thoughts word and deeds 3. Learn to understand the Lords prayer and you will know what to pray for to supply your wants and what to pray against 4. In like manner the Doctrine of the Sacraments to seal not to scruple your faith Parents do Satan great service in keeping their Children off from this so profitable so necessary an exercise directly contrary to that Eph. 6.4 Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord Parents cannot do more for their Children then make them the Children of God It was an heroick Mother who said of a cowardly Son Malo filium habere mortuum quam bello mutilem she wished her Son dead because unfit for war to fight for his Countrey How much more ought Christian parents rather wish to have no Sons then they should not be Gods servants Aulus Fulvius when his Son was taken in the Conspiracy with Catiline spake thus unto him Ego te non Catilinae sed patriae genui I begot thee not to side with Catiline but to serve thy Countrey against Catiline Much more ought we to labour that our Children may fight under Christ the Captain of their salvation against the World the flesh and the Devil and not against their God Zeuxis having painted a boy carrying grapes in a basket observed the birds to peck at them was angry with himself for not painting the boy more lively which was his chief intent then sure the birds durst never have been so bold If parents had but so much care to forme their Children with grace as they are willing to set out their bodies with needless curiosities truely those birds of prey the world the flesh and Devil would never dare so boldly to pecke at their soules Fathers and mothers will you have your Children to be servants to be servants of God and heires of heaven take this course 1. Be setled your selves in religion be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace 2ly Then acquaint your Children with the grounds of truth necessarie to salvation by catechising Inure them to read the Scriptures and to marke such places as confirme Religion or check corruption of life Joyne issue in this that as your Children wax in strength and stature so they may grow in grace and favour both with God and man Then you parents may stile your selves Naomies beautifull Ruth if you performe this If you neglect it you will be Marah full of bitterness And your Children Ichabods for the glory of God is departed from them and so they are Lo-Ammi Hos not Gods people 3ly Let common people who have not their senses exercised Heb. 5.14 namely in the Scriptures as appeareth by the opposition They that use milke are inexpert in the word of Righteousnes that they may be able to discerne betweene doctrine and doctrine betweene the puritie of the Gospel and the impuritie of Popery and all errors and heresies whatsoever such then I say that are not exercised in Scriptures points questioned are in a specieall manner to beware of false teachers as Christ bids them carefully to marke and avoid false teachers and Brethren Rom. 16.17 The Apostle putteth this admonition in the very end of the Epistle to note that amongst all other things formerly written of this in especiall is not to be forgotten We may not keep company with such lest we be corrupted and perverted by them for our nature is prone to error and slow to truth It is spoken to all Let them alone they are blind leaders of the blind Mat. 25.14 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees c. 16.6 All are cōmanded to try the spirits 1 Joh. 4.1 To trie all and keep that which is Good 1 Thes 5.20 Neither to be carried about with divers and strange doctrines Heb. 13.9 nor to be tossed too and froo and caried about with every winde of doctrine Such are the Chaffe Psal 1.4 light exceeding unconstant vaine uncertaine mutable and changeable they have
noe certaine stay Therefore the winde of Gods wrath will suddenly scatter and drive them away The Apostle 2 Joh. 10. directs his blessed Lady 1 Not to participate with such indeed that bring not the doctrine of Christ Receive him not into your house why this seemes incivility may we not receive such till they discover what they are and then turne them out Turpius ejicitur quam non admittitur hospes You shall have more a doe to eject such then to keepe them out at first therefore shut up the doores of your house against them 2. Not to participate with such in word ver 11. neither bid him God speed as if he should say be sofarre in shewing him any kindness in deede as vouchsafe him not a kind word or greeting wish him no joy no comfort afford him not a good word or familiar speech shew no token of familiaritie to him He renders a reason for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds and if we be partakers of their sins we shal be partakers of their plagues Salutation is a sign of love we may not love them therefore not so much as salute them Marcion the heretick meeting Iohn the Euangelist and asking if he knew him I know thee replyed the other to be the first born of the Devil Wee must not salute such familiarily as we do the saints of God and Brethren in Christ but rather shew a detestation of them and their Doctrine As they be our enemies we ought to love them and may salute them as they be Gods enemies we must hate them David Psal 129.21 Shews the manner do not I hate them O Lord that hate thee yes I hate them with a perfect hatred Wee must love the nature which God made hate the evil which the Devil made Our houses should be open to the Preachers and Professors of the Gospel but not so to corrupt teachers Reasons given are these 1. It is a thing displeasing to God to give entertainement to his Enemies Iehu the seer reproved King Iehosaphat for joyning with Ahab wouldst thou help the wicked and love them that hate the Lord 1 Chro. 19.2 God gave us our houses they must be for his friends and not for his Enemies 2. The Godly will grieve at it and shall we grieve them for whom Christ died Rom. 14.15 3. It may bring a bad report upon our selves that we like of them and approove them whereas wee ought to abstain from all appearance of evil 1 Thes 5.22 And provide things honest before God and men 2 Cor. 8.21 4. It may endanger our own souls their word fretteth as a canker 2 Tim. 2.17 It may overrun us and infect us ere we bee aware 5. It may encourage them in their wickednesse Ezech. 13.22 6. It may pull Gods wrath on our houses and us God blessed Potiphar and his house for Iosephs sake Gen. 34.5 c. 30.27 Laban for Iacobs sake So the Shunamitish woman for Elisha's sake 2 King 4.17 His curse will light on those houses where the adversaries of his Gospel are harboured Therefore when John the Euangelist heard that Cerinthus the Heretick was in the house with him let us fly saith he lest the bath fall on our heads this was the practise of Gods saints at all times Quest May we not at all converse with vvicked men and the Enemies of Religion Indeed the Apostle Paul 1 Cor. 5.11 Seems to affirm the like I have written to you not to keep Company if any man that is called a Brother be a fornicatour or covetous or an idolater with such a one no not to eat Did not our saviour eat with publicans and sinners Resp 1. The Apostles meaning is that we ought not to have any intimate familiarity or common usage and conversation with such other vvise in some case vve are not forbidden simply to eat with such Sith neither the bond of matrimony is broken by excommunication nor such duties hindred much lesse cut off thereby as vve owe one to another children to their parents subjects to their Prince servants to their Masters and neighbour to neighbour to win one another to God 2. Concerning Christs conversing with sinners and Publicanes this the Pharisees catch up to calumniate him to his disciples and so to alienate their affection which many now adayes make use of to excuse their dissolutnesse but let Christs answere serve both them and us They who be whole need no Physitian as if hee said I must converse with these because they are spiritually sick and I am the souls sole Physician They are sinners I am their saviour Christ then converseth with sinners not to approve their sinnes but to bring them off by his exhortations taking all occasions to do good so we should take great care to better man His nature was so pure that he could not be infected Take a Christall glasse pure and clean fill it with clear water shake it never so much it will continue clear but a little mudd in the bottome fouleth all especially being stirred so it is with us the originall dreggs of sin are in our nature and will soon marr all we must therefore take great care how we converse with others Lastly Let the great danger of false Doctrine perswade men to beware of false teachers like a canker it soon spreads and if not look'd into killeth eternalie breaks the bond of nature cuts all sinews of humane society puts variance and implacable discords in families soweth seeds of sedition in the state and ruineth all You will say God forbid I shall be brought to this I answere this is but your conceit 1. First when Religion is once gone humanity will not long stay after what can be look't for from inconstant persons those who cast off Religion and so their God will soon forget and so cast off their neerest and deerest friends Besides this Irreligion is the next way to disobedience 2ly Hazael conceived so well of himself 2. Kings 8.13 Elisha foretold all the evill he should doe to the people of Israel vers 12. burne their strong holds and slay their youth with the sword dashing their Children ripping their women with child Hazaell said but what is thy servant a dog namely as a dog fierce cruell merciless that he should doe this great thing such barbarous and inhumane cruelties as no reasonable man would doe but savage ravenous and unreasonable beasts Hazael at this time did not thinke he should doe such cruell acts The heart is deceitfull above all things and desperately wicked who can know it Ier. 17.9 The following history will confirme it The occasion whereof I shall shew 1. 2 Pet. 2.10 Jude 8. There is a generation of whom two Apostles Peter and Jude speake that despiseth all Government and speaketh evill of dignities out of an erronious judgement seduced by false teachers Anabaptists utterly mislike all Government and subjection amongst Christians It is not without cause that
how to avoid or to meet them To be exercised in the word is the way to attaine true wisdome which the worldly wise never meet with except he deny his earthly wisdome and become simple as a babe a very fool humble lowly harmelesse not examining things by the weak rule of his crooked reason but suffer himself to be guided by Gods Word although the same seem never so foolish Then will he finde indeed that the word which the men of this World despise as foolish hath more wisdome in it then all the World They shall acknowledge that which in their esteem formerly was but weak and of no power or efficacy to salvation to be more strong and powerfull then all conceited eloquence 3. The third name or title of the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 visitations statutes precepts commissions charges committed unto men carefully to be observed the transgressions whereof God hath threatned to visit and punish This is the reason of the name The effects or excellencies of these statutes are these two They are right And rejoyce the heart being the fifth and sixth excellencies of the word 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from a word signifying right or straight even and plain and therefore pleasing the eye and so the heart things crooked rough and uneven doe displease Gods word is right communicating to us the straightest rule of life It leads us not per Ambages in ways farre about but in the directest line to heaven whosoever keepeth the same cannot choose but enjoy a quiet and therefore a rejoycing heart and joyfull conscience The doctrine taught in the Chuch is plain and perspicuous having noe knotty and obscure quirks in it leading out of the way into precipices But to the contrary humane doctrines are various doubtfull of inextricable labyrinths out of which the wit of man is not able to get Heavenly doctrine especially that of the Gospel freeth the Conscience formerly entangled removeth all doubts scruples perplexities and anxieties of mind contracted by humane learning It doth bring them into the right way to the safe haven of rest which cannot but rejoyce the heart And this is the sixth excellencie or effect of the word of God belonging especially to the Gospel For this only makes the heart joyfull and appeaseth the conscience before God which no humane learning can doe neither the law by reason of our corruption which it rather stirreth then appeaseth And although it be the doctrine of the Cross yet it is joyned w th such comforts which keep up the heart and make it overcome at last all difficulties The fourth name or title of the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 precepts commanding or forbidding with authority and power to binde or giving advice by way of perswasion and direction the two excellent effects are purity and light It commandeth that which is good so plainly and forbids that which is bad that it may not be hidden except it be from those who are lost in whom the God of this world hath blinded their eies lest the Gospel of Jesus Christ should enlighten their minds 2 Cor. 4.3 4. The seaventh excellency of the word is to be pure having no dregs of corrupt opinions mixed with it nor admitting any wickednes Humane learning is many ways defiled even in these things wherein they seeme most wise men in their lawes should discover most wisdome yet in them also they appear but meer men as is plain in the lawes of the Spartans admitting adultery the Lacedemonians permitted theft and other filthines But the Law of God is pure allowing no wickednes and the Gospel is not only pure but sheweth also and discovereth the fountain wherein we may wash and cleanse our selves The Eighth Excellency of the word is to enlighten the eies The heavenly doctrine revealed in the word drives away all darknesse of the mind ignorance of God doubtfullnes carnall security diffidence and other motions swerving from the Law of God It openeth the eies of our mind to see our filthines to perceive the greatnesse of our sins and miseries and holdeth out a present remedy when in the mean while they without the Church are oppressed with the greatest blindnes neither knowing nor understanding their evils much less seeking to get out 5. The fifth name or title of the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 feare reverence piety to God-ward expresseth her selfe a reverentiall feare the Excellencies are purity and perpetuity enduring for ever The fear or reverence that is thereligion and worship prescribed in Gods word is cleane from all filthinesse because God requires to be worshiped in spirit and truth and with pure hands But mans wisdome which is attained by meditation upon the creatures may come to the acknowledgment of a God but who that God is vvhat he is and how he is to be served or worshiped here they are divided Some of those destitute of the word faine a plurality of Gods serving him rather like beasts or divells then men by their humane sacrifices and all manner of abhominable lusts But Gods word is pure allowing no multitude of Gods but one only and prescribing a pure and clean worship spirituall and besitting his nature The tenth excellency of the word is duration The heavenly doctrine is still one and the same in substance by reason of its spirituall purity which admitteth of no variation much lesse corruption and therefore must of necessity abide forever All humane inventions have not only varied but came at last to nothing 6. The sixth and last title of the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Judgments because 1. The word doth contain Gods judiciall sentence concerning our thoughts words and workes Then 2. Secondly according to the word we shall all be judged 3. Thirdly And according to the word we are to judg of our thoughts words and deeds The two excellencyes are truth and righteousnes the word doth declare Gods truth and righteousnes in his providentiall administration of all things The Eleaventh excellency of the word is truth that is that doctrine which is the rule of mans life given him by God hath neither falshood nor vanity in it and therefore according to the same we order our life and conversation other instructions given by man are full of error falshood and deceit so that those that follow that crooked rule must needs be much out of the way The Twelfth and last excellency of the word is righteousnes there is nothing in the word you may find fault with but is absolutely perfect whereas humane lawes ordinances and statutes are unjust and filthy allowing that which is wicked and forbidding oftentimes that which is good But the word of God with it's testimonies doctrines precepts and commandements teaching the fear of God is altogether just and righteous happy therefore is that nation where God hath been pleased to gather a Church for himself is pleased to continue the same this is it Moses presseth to the Israelites Deut.
Edward the VI. decease did not the Lord threaten this land and Church in and by Qu. Mary vvhose heart did not then faint and quaile vvithin him for the little hope that vvas left vvas it any lesse then desolation hee did threaten in LXXXVIII by that same blasphemously so called invincible Armado were not Church and State as a firebrand snatch'd out of the fire of that hellish Powder plot I confesse these are mercyfull Terrors and threatnings because turn'd off by mercy into mercies But I pray what meant the building of Iames Chappel by King James and afterwards sending his sonne the late unfortunate King into Spaine contrary to the advice of learned Divines and States-men at home and Ambassadors from abroad residing here who were rejected as men out of their little wit because out of their estate by Gods visitation of the Church in forreign parts Did not the Lord play the Lion amongst us by suffering our sinnes to prevaile to an unnaturall civill war wherein father and sonne imbrewed their hands in each others blood brethren did butcher one the other of all the Vials of the wrath of God powred down upon sinners it is one of the forest when a man is fed with his own flesh and made drunke with his own bloud as with sweet wine Isa 49.26 I conceive none will deny this to be a generall token of Gods vvrath with this whole nation Again usually before some great calamity good and vvorthy men are taken away Isa 12.3.2 3. this is a fearfull presage saith godly Dr. Gibbs now with God that calamity is comming Hence at all times the surviving godly have lamented the death of such Psal 12.1 as David Help Lord the righteous are failed amongst the children of men Micah 7.1.2 Woe is me for I am like the summer Gatherings and the Grapes of the Vintage the good man is perished from the earth the reason of this mourning is rendred by Isaiah Isa 57.1 The righteous perish and noe man considereth it in heart and mercifull men are taken away and no man understandeth that the righteous is taken away frō the evill to come their death presageth an evil to come You will say it is a mercy for them to be taken away from evill but what hurt commeth to us Let Ioash a great wicked one because a wicked King shew the reason in his Lamentation over old Elisha now departing 2 Kings 13.14 O my father my father the Charet of Israel and the horsemen thereof They are the pillars of the Church and the Strength of the Weale publike they are those who make good both places and time wherein they live they keepe away evill and doe good by example and prayers Iob. 22.30 the innocent shall deliver the Iland the good man delivers his neighbours amongst whom he liveth by his prayers or it may be read he shall deliver him that is not innocent a good man by his prayers sometimes turnes away Gods judgments from the ungodly We see how farre Abraham prevayled with God for Sodom Gen. 18.32 Also Moses for a whole sinfull nation Exod. 32.11 to ver 14. A good man is Gods favorite see Ier. 5.1 What he will doe for the same even spare the whole City It is also a signe of Gods anger with a nation when he suffereth the Church in the same to be corrupted either in purity corrupting the doctrine with heresy All politicians hold this as a signe of a Churches and Lands falling vvhen the old Enemyes of truth encrease Or vvhen the worship or service is corrupted by Idolaters and Schismatikes who by division break the unity which is a preserver dissention in judgment will soone come to dissention in affection and ruine vvill be the end Hos 10.2 Their heart is divided their accord is gone that cord is untwisted they cannot stand As soon as men divide from God he takes avvay his spirit for he is the spirit of peace and concord and then they give themselves to seditions and factions never contented vvith any present state and condition till they have ruined all and themselves vvith it CHAP. VIII The meanes to recall God from departing further from us and to keepe him still with us 1. THe first is fruitfullnes Is God provoked with our barrenness and begins to depart from us then certainely fruitfullnesse vvill keepe him vvith us and stay him from departing further fruitfullness in good vvorkes must make amends for our former barrenness not one fruit or the other or one good vvorke or as many as may be numbred as many content themselves vvith and anticipate their revvard by glorying all their life time in one good vvork or the other but as our bad fruites our sinnes are without number so much more must our good fruites be numberless In fruitfullness is a fullness 1. Fullness of Duty or Dutifullness 2. Fullness of shame for our former barrenness that is shamefullness 3. Fullness of care or carefullnes for our former negligence 4. Fullness of pitty or pittyfullness for our former harshness 5. Fullness of mercy or mercyfullness for our former unmercifullness 6. Fullnes of joy or joyfullness for Gods sparing us 7. Fullness of thanks or thankfullness for loading us notvvithstanding our unvvorthiness vvith the choicest of his mercies and favours It is observable in the Scripture that the Children of women long barren proved most famous and excellent 1. Of Sarah Isaac from whose loynes were multitudes deduced 2. Of Rachel Joseph that wonder of men and Angells 3. Of Hannah Samuel that great Prophet and Priest of the Lord. 4. Of Elizabeth John the Baptist of whom the Lord himself testifieth among them that are born of women Mat. 11.11 there hath not risen a greater So these Saints that have been begotten of spirituall barrenness and converted from a sinfull life have proved most notable instruments of God glory As 1. Mary Magdalene the receptacle once of Seaven divels after she was freed from them had the honour to be the first Messenger of Christs resurrection and to have her memory propogated with the glorious gospel Mat. 26.13 2ly Zacheus a publican an extorting publican yet how gratious was he to Christ yea how gratious was Christ to him Luk. 19. 3ly Paul born out of due time 1 Cor. 15.8 yet outstript the rest and was in labours more abundant then they all vers 10. Thus the last have been the best as the last grapes make sweetest wine It is fruitfullness the Lord lookes for the same must be answerable to our former vanities 4ly Adde to the former Converts Manasses 2 Chron. 33.6 5ly Holy Augustine a great sinner first wrote after his conversiō twelve books of repentance Is Sion the Church his Vineyard the same must be fruitfull Is the Church his garden he goes thither to gather fruites Can. 6.11 Are we the spouse of Christ wee must be fruitfull for we are married to Christ that we should bring forth fruit unto God Rom. 7.4 But what are
6.13 Returne returne O Shunamite an earnest invitation and perswasion which the Church of the Gentiles makes to the Jewish Synagogue to come off from her former worship and administrations to the Evangelicall Covenant that so both may be made one in that fullness and union this is promised Rom. 11.25 and not yet fulfilled therefore it is our dutie to pray for it And as we are to pray for Jerusalem the Church so likewise collaterally against all enemies of the Church for it is with the Church and her enemies as it is with a paire of ballances when one scale goeth up the other goeth down so that those prayers that are made for the Church directly reach collaterally against her enemies Quest But what is the thing we must wish or pray for in behalfe of the Church Ans Dauid calls it peace in the fore-quoted place which according to the Hebrew phrase comprehendeth in his lap all good things protection of the Church freedome of those who are in dangers preservation of those who are out of it That God would restore those that are over-runne refine and purge them which remaine That God would enlarge the borders of Christs Kingdome and adde dayly to the Church such as shall be saved But more properly if we consider the peace we are to pray is threefold 1. Peace with God to cause his Churches to walke in the puritie and power of his ordinances to maintaine true religion in doctrine and worship which being left all other things must needs decay Tamper with that and all other blessings will be gon they will betake themselves to their wings and fly away Except we keepe our peace with God all other peace will fall asunder 2. We pray also that we may be at peace amongst our selves enjoying civill peace free from dissention divisions and distraction that all thinke the same thing goe the same way and all unanimously minde the glory of God 3ly We understand also peace forraine from all opposition from without that there may be no hostilitie no invasion of forrain enemies upon the Churches of God and our Church specially One thing more by way of Caution and that is if we dreame of temporall peace only and the blessings upō that it is not worth the while to pray for the peace to the Churches of God It may better prosper in warre and misery The primitive Church as long as it was persecuted by the Dragon was clothed with the sunne crowned with a Crown of twelve Stars having the moone under her feet shee contemneth worldly things But that woman Chap. 17. is all cloathed in scarlet and gold outwardly rich poore and beggarly within we must therefore pray for a sanctified peace and that we may make good use of it I had almost forgotten that which David remembreth in his 51 Psalm 18. That God would build the walls of Jerusalem walls are fences against enemies the Churches walls are discipline and order this is that hedge keepes out the wild beast out of the Lords vineyard late experience hath made it good I will say nothing but as that Roman Emperour si disciplinam amittimus nomen Romanum amittimus and as it is in an Army and Commonwealth so we dayly find it in the Church Motives to pray for the Church 1. In Generall There cannot be a better imployment for Christians then prayer and we cannot ayme at a better blessing then a sanctified peace and settlement both of Church and State There is not a neerer relation we have to any for whom we should wish all good then the Church The neerest relation that a Christian hath to any for whom he should wish good is the Church the greatest blessing is a good peace and settlement The most effectuall meanes to attaine this is fervent prayer 2. He that loves the Church will pray for her it is a most certain signe we doe not love the Church nor Gods glory if we will not so much as pray for her even then when others seeke her ruine 3. Our prayers for the Church give us a share in all the Churches prayers no prayers no share 4. All our prosperity depends on the prosperity of the Church all the good that God doth is for the Churches sake Out of Sion God blesseth and true prosperity belongeth onely to such as love the Church The Church I have shewed is 1. Gods house the spouse of Christ and can there be a neerer and dearer relation to a Christian then this to tender the house of God and spouse of Christ 2. The Church if we be true Christians is the Mother of us all all saints Sons and Daughters Gal. 4 26. have the Church for their Mother whosoever denies her denies also God to be his or her Father In her we are born in her we are new born He is an unnaturall Son and she an unnaturall Daughter who will not pray hard for her Mother in danger who will not open their mouth to keep harme from their Mother 5ly Such is the efficacy of fervent prayer that it stayes the hand of the Almighty and with greatest reverence be it spoken to the divine Majesty in a manner binds the same Prayers rule God Let me alone saith God to Moses Exod. 32.10 The prayers of the faithfull stay his punishments not by the prevayling of humane force above divine but by condescending of divine grace to the desires of the Godly By prayer we obtain all things of God whatsoever Gods divine power is able to bring to passe a Godly Christain may obtain by his fervent prayer 6ly We must of necessity pray if we will obtain Look for no blessing of God without prayer Psal 50.11 Thou shalt call on me 7ly In praying for the Church you pray for your selves if you be a lively member of the same By these motives you may easily find of what temper and mould you are off that shall read this all pretend to Christianity and to be members of Christ now try the truth of this by your affection to the Church The Church is Christs body He is the head you and others if believers are members If so then you feel are sensible of the breaches made in this body can a rupture can a breach be made in a body and a true lively member of the same not be sensible It is a dead member that hath lost feeling or at least benummed and stupified for the present whatsoever you have done hitherto yet now remember your duty to pray for the welfare of your Mother the Church observe the sad estate of the same what the eye sees the heart will mind If we do not minde the Church we will never carefully make our expressions to God for her Take heed of the World which like Ivy will clasp about your heart and hinder it from thriving in Christianity Be not like that Canniball of Christians even the best Protestants bloudy Alva who when Henry demanded of him whether he
had taken notice of the great Eclips Replyed he was so much taken up with matters on earth that he had no leisure to mind heavenly things I fear wee have too many such amongst our Common Christians who whilst heaven and earth are on fire about their ears and the Church in ruine and themselves in danger yet like the Syracusan Archimedes they are in the dust minding nothing but earth what is the Church to them let Churchmen imploy their time this way Such I would have to consider the words of Mordecai to Queen Hester Hest 4.14 If thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time then shall the Churches enlargement and deliverance arise from another place but you and your Fathers house shall be destroyed To close up all do but consider that it is but almost the onely thing left us that we can do for the Church abroad and our Brethren in the Jaws of Anti-Christ to pray for them It is an easy thing and of little cost none therefore may stick at it to give his contribution of prayers and sighs that way If we neglect it it will be a foul blot we shall get as much credit by calling our selves to be Christians Members of the Church as Pilate hath gotten to be named in the Creed 4 th A fourth mean to keep God with us is to adde to Godlinesse Brotherly Kindnesse 2 Pet. 1.7 This is the Daughter of Godlinesse He that loves God for his own sake will love his Brother for Gods sake This is the touchstone of piety This is a demonstration that we love God and his Church his spouse and our Mother with one and the same love we love God and our Brother the difference is in the degrees respects God for himself others for him and in him I wish I might as truely write to you of this duty as the Apostle 1 Thess 4.9 As touching brotherly love we need not that I write unto you for yee your selves are taught of God to love one another Indeed ye do it towards all the Brethren which are in Macedonia in other parts of Christendome But we beseech you Brethrē that you encrease more and more as you are taught of God to love one another It is a thing very unpleasing to God for Brethren to be at variance amongst themselves By natures light though dimme the very heathens have acknowledged one God and him the Author of unity and friendship Plato in his Lysis from the same parents one Father and one Mother as from one seed one root one beginning by natures ordinance do spring two three or more Brethren not for discord or contrariety but that being many they might the better one help the other That Brother that warreth with his Brother saith Plutarch doth voluntarily cut off a member of his owne flesh All enmity breedeth within our soul a thousand tormenting passions especially that enmity which a man beareth towards his ovvn Brother as that vvhich is most prodigious and unnaturall Xenophon May not many novv a dayes complain vvith David If mine enemy had done me this dishonour I could have born it Psal 55.12 if my adversary had exalted himself against mee I would have hid my self from him but it was thou O man my companion my guide my familiar we walked in the house of God as friends Of all the vialls of the wrath of God poured out upon sinners it is one of the forest to be fed with his own flesh and made drunk with his own bloud as with sweet Wine Isa 49.26 When one shall destroy the other and shed the blould of each other as eagerly and greedily as if it were meat and drink to them yea the most delightfull drink to them that could be to be making havock off and spilling the bloud either of other But what will be the end of this O the misery of civill dissensions I had rather mourn for this breach then meddle with it God knows how willingly would I spend life and all that little my good God hath blessed me with for this earthly paradise or Canaan flowing with milke and honey if it would avail any thing But I well see that tears are fitter for this then words onely I beseech you not to lay open the evils which have already come upon us by the discord of Brethren it would be over long tedious note the chiefest evils of this enmity It is 1. A joy and an encouragement to the enemies of the Gospel our discord is their Musick oh what a sight is this Brethren strive While the enemy stands still laughs and triumphs Bellum haereticorum pax est Ecclesiae sayes Hilary of old we invert it upon our selves our war in the Church is the peace of hereticks As it is in an army of men at deadly variance amongst themselves the adverse party against which they should wholly together bend their forces will say we shall not need to do much they will pull down and destroy themselves This is their joy 2. The wounding of the weak is another great evil arising from the discord especially in religion many if they are not cast down or turned out of the way at least wise are much hindred would to God I could either deny this with truth or amend it with tears oh the wofull case How many do learn to fit their faith to the times and are more impatient of a remedy then of the disease 3. Again This discord brings contempt to both parties the Ministers of the Gospel especially which should be had in precious account for their work sake The vulgar doth not distinguish between the substance of Religion and the Ceremony But praysed be God our differences are those of Paul and Barnabas not those of Peter and Magus Rome is cryed up for unity and peace yet Bellarmine a witnesse without exception acknowledgeth and reckoneth up 237. Contrarieties of Doctrine amongst Romish divines But that which is worst of all by discord 4. The glorius Gospel of Jesus Christ is disgraced in the disgrace of men the power of the Ministry is weakned for where the teacher is despised the Doctrine is little regarded 5. A fifth meane to pleace God stay him is delivered by the Apostle 1. Thes 4.11 Study to be quiet and meddle with your own busines and to worke with your own hands 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seeke after peace and quietness with a kind of holy ambition even as the ambitious forhonour thinking it our honour to live at peace To calme our turbulent spirits and to live at peace we have here 1. the duty 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 study to be quiet 2. Meanes availeable to performe it Hither to turne the streame of our ambition and if we will needes bee judging to vse our judgement in this not to put a stumbling block before the weak Rom. 14.13 The quiet recommended unto us importeth not only peaceableness and shunning contentions and vaine janglings but a contented calme conversation
opposite to tumultuous turbulency and restless intermeddling with things that concerne us not as God hath distributed unto every one saith the Apostle so let him walk and so ordaine I in all Churches 1 Cor. 7.17 1. God hath ordained the severall places and callings 2ly He hath given gifts of abilitie to men to performe the things he requireth in the same 3ly He hath also set the bounds and limits within which every one is to keep himselfe and to walke orderly medling with that which appertaineth unto him this is an holy thing and comely a preserver of unitie wherein God delights A duty much to be endeavoured in no age or Church more necessary to be urged then our owne abounding with so many busie spirits and restless male-contents Athens it selfe was never so madde upon novelties as England now whence it comes to pass that some through their ambition to be singular and popular to draw disciples after them have as it were gone down to hell for new faith and hereticall doctrines not contented with the old Churches in forraigne parts have complained of it divers yeares agoe when things were nothing so bad in this respect as since they have been the Walachian Churches in an Epistle sent to the Assembly of Divines at Westminster set forth the haynousness of the crime Let your conscience judge say they how all kind of heresies can pass unpunished manifold seeds of schismes be sowne and prophane doctrines of errors commonly vented abroad in that Citie yea in that nation which by so express sacred and severe an oath hath bound it selfe before God to cast out all errors heresies and schismes from the house of God I wish with all my heart we had not made our selves a reproach amongst Papists and a scandall amongst the enemies of the Gospel But let the unseduced consider the judgement of Christ his Apostles Concerning such novellists Christ calls them Joh. 10.8 theeves and robbers ravening wolves in sheeps cloathing Matth. 7.15 as if he should say in appearance harmeless but whatsoever shews of good will they make they seek to destroy your soules The Ap. 2 Cor. 11.13 terms them deceiptfull workers because whatsoever mask of zeale they put upon them as if they sought nothing but Gods glory yet indeed they sought their owne gaine and wrought upon advantage Phil. 3.2 Bew are of Dogs that is false Apostles who barked at the light of truth snarled and bit sound and sincere preachers with their slanders Ezech. 13.4 foxes in dry places that is in places where no poultry or other birds are to feed upon whereupon being hungerstarved they gape after prey and seiz upon the meanest food vers 19 handfulls of Barly any light reward and peices of bread Horum genus aliud domesticum oceultum est aliud externum manifestum Illud vero longe nocentius eorum inquam qui in Ecclesia contra Ecclesiam sentiunt Hieron Tom. 6. in Micah cap. 6. Some of them are close within our walls others without and manifest of the two those are the dangerest who being in the Church speak against the Church have not we such as the Apostle saith crept in private persons which would seeme very religious and to seek the holy unitie above others which leave the dutie of their places and callings and busie themselves with those matters which doe not belong to them such the Apostle commands 1. To doe their owne business And 2 ly To work with their owne hands These are meanes availeable to preserve unitie quietness and peace cause the way of God true religion to be well spoken of and winne them that are without the truth that is unbeleevers insidels Although such in things spirituall know little or nothing because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2.14 Yet have they written within their hearts some naturall principles of the Law morall by which they are directed to order their own Lives and enabled to judge of other mens but those account the matters of their trades and sciences to which God by their inclination disposition naturall and instruction of their Masters hath called them too base or as if the Care of their familie were a thing over vile they set these aside and neglect them and take upon them greater and higher business They labour not with their hands nor meddle quietly with their owne business but bind all the powers of their mind to except against Church and State As if God had made them to be overseers of the Governours and Teachers they dispute and reason about Government and the duties of Governours and Teachers wandring about and seeking to perswade and draw others to their mind But who hath given them power to dispute with this rule of the Apostle Let such answere to the following particulars 1. Hath God called them and set them on worke about greater things and freed them from these 2. Is there not labour and paines and care to be taken in instructing their Children and servants in the way of God In providing earthly things necessary for himself them lest they deny the faith and be worse then Infidells 1 Tim. 5.8 3. Is not he more worthy blame that findeth fault with the greater and doth it not in the lesser When the greater is more difficult to performe To neglect his own little family and his own defects and to give himself in words and deeds to deprave the publike guides 4. Is the truth obeyed or God well pleased by such wayes When the Ruler guides of Gods people do amisse a man is to be sorry at it he is to look to his own wayes that he keep upright before God But when in reprehending that which others fail in hee neglecteth his own calling how shall he free himself from that of the Apostle Rom. 2.1 Thou art therefore inexcusable O man that judgest an other for wherin thou judgest another thou condemnest thy self for thou that judgest dost the same thing lament and sorrow for evil consent not in any wise follow the wayes of the Lord obey the rules of the word and let all men keep their place and standing which God hath set them in and so walke as that they may Answere before the high judge and give account how they have discharged their duty 6. Sixthly If you would have God stay with you and his blessings separate not from the Church his people God blesseth out of Zion If by the Ministry of the Gospel God daily adds to his Church member society externall communion of the faithfull such as shall be saved then it is a dangerous symptome of their reprobation who separate from the Church I shewed formely some of the priveleges of the Church lo here an other dignity of it There is no salvation out of it it is like to Noahs Ark for as in the World all perished that were not gathered into the Ark their wisdome Towns Castles and goods could not save them so all that are not gathered
giving the brad and his Executioner gave the Cup but remembring one in Prison in the midst of this action hee goeth out and beheads him with his own hand Being returned he ordaines eight and twenty Apostles to Preach the Gospel through the World Who comming abroad were apprehended and executed as Rebells for sowing discord After a long siege famine dayly increasing one of his Queanes discovering her Husbands deceit lost her head After he Prophesied concerning the Cities deliverance but in vain the City betrayed by two was taken Rothoman perished in the tumult King Iohn Cnipperdolling were apprehended and torn in pieces with fiery tongs their carcases were put into Iron Cages and so hanged from the Top of an high Tower for a warning to us and succeeding Ages The Prayer BLessed Lord God who hast made all for the glory and honour of thy most holy name and the good of thy Church which is thy spouse and dear one under her feet thou hast put all in an especiall manner but that which surpasseth all is the Committing to her the oracles of thy word a favour not afforded to every no not to any Nation in that clearnesse as unto us By this wee cannot but take notice of thy love to us in bringing us into thy Church and adding us to them that shall bee saved Lord suffer us not to flatter our selves by reason of the outward luster of thy favours into security cause us to remember thy processe with Shilo Ierusalem and those famous Churches of Asia Teach us thankfullnesse whom thou hast reserved for these times of so clear revelation Oh give us grace to consider the rocke out of which we were hewen our forefathers the Gentiles from whose loynes we all descended O let it be a shame to us in the dayes of so clear light and revelation to be found in the wayes of darknesse as Gentiles in the vanity of our mind having our cogitations darkned Give us grace to make this our chiefest care to please thee with a double diligence in the duties of our calling Generall and particular and so redeem our former time mispent Grant wee may acknowledge thy speciall favours thou hast afforded unto us before others in bringing us into thy Church and unity of faith O leave us not to levity or instability of Judgement in matters of faith let us not be hurried about weathercock-like with every blast of vain doctrine establish our hearts that we may hold fast the confession of faith without any so much as wavering and grow in grace and while means continue in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ Good Lord open the eyes of those that are seduced that they may see give them hearts to bewail and forsake schisme heresy and infidelity that so they may come out of the snare of the divell and fly from the wrath to come Blesse our Governours supreame and subordinate Be thou a Protector to him and us all Grant they may use their power for the incouragement of those that do well and the terrour of evill doers that we under them may lead a peaceable and quiet life in all Godlinesse honesty And because that all who labour for the settlement of Christ's Church meet with opposition Satan and his Instruments are tormented by them Lord be thou pleased to enable and strengthen them make them men of another Spirit Give them humble Spirits that thou mayest delight in them and they that are now met in that Counsel of the Nations may not seek their own glory but be content to stoop for any service of thy Church and people and think no office too mean Give them loving hearts full of invention how to glorify our God further the good of his servants in spight of flesh and bloud that they may evidence to all the World by the fruitfullnesse in their places that they are good Christians living for others and not onely for themselves Let thy Thummim and Vrim be upon thy holy ones Open O Lord a door of Utterance to every faithfull Minister giving him inward faculty and fitnesse all those gifts which may fit him for thy Ministry give him a mouth and wisdome which all his adversaries which are encreased shall not be able to gainsay or withstand none is fit of himself all sufficiency is of thee who dost make able Ministers Open a door to thy word to passe remove all lets and obstacles of Satan the World and the flesh Give thy Gospel a free course Open the heart of every hearer that thy word may enter give him the Spirit of wisdome and revelation in the knowledge of the same enlighten the eyes of their understanding that they may know the hope of their calling and the riches of that glorious inheritance of the Saints Perfect the good work thou hast begun in us to the day of the Lord Jesus and confirme us blamless to the end So be it FINIS