the Church of God is the onely soyl for plants to thrive in And being so Have we not great cause to blesse God Vse for that the lot of our Inheritance is fallen in so good a soyle and to sing with David The Lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places Psal 16.6 yea I have a goodly heritage This was that One thing which he did with so much earnestneâ—s desire of God Psal 27.4 that he might dwell in God's house for ever Psal 24.4 The happinesse of such as have that priviledge he doth highly magnifie and set forth Psal 24.4 Psal 84.4 10. Psal 84.4 preferring a door-keeper's place in Gods house to all worldly pomp and dignity out of the bounds of the Church vers 10. It was not for nothing Gen. 9.27 that when Noah blest his Son Japhet for his filial affection and goodness in covering his nakedness he prayed onely that God would perswade Japhet to dwell in the Tents of Sem for in desiring that he desired the salvation of him and his posterity Out of the Church there is no salvation ordinarily to be had but salvation is in it The Tree of Life grew no where but in the midst of Paradise Nor is Christ to be found nor life eternal to be had other where than in the true Catholique Church of Christ His promises are only made unto his Church His Covenants only drawn up betwixt Him and the Church to be out of the Church is to be without the Promise Eph. 2.12 without the Covenant without Christ without God in the World and without these without happinesse without Salvation But the Papists say that they are the Catholique Church and that all others being out of their Church and communion Object must needs perish eternally Schismatiques and Seperatists they say that the true Church is amongst them and them only and that all other are but limbs of Antichrist false Churches and not the true one Indeed the Church of Christ whereof we confidently averr that we are members is crucified as Christ the head thereof betwixt two Theeves Resp Papists on the one hand and Schismatiques on the other and it stands us much upon and is of great concernment that we be able to justifie our standing and that we are indeed the true Church of God and that this is the true grace of God wherein we stand 1 Pet. 5.12 The safest and onely infallible way to find out the true Church is by the Scriptures as Austin shews The question is saith he Aug. de unit Eccl. c. 2. speaking of the Donatists who held their heretical and particular faction to be the true Catholique Church as the Papists at this day do theirs Where the Church should be What then shall we do shall we seek it in our own words or in the words of our Lord Jesus In my Judgment we ought rather to seek the Church in his own words for thaâ— He is the truth and knowes his own body Now we read John 4.22 in that conference that was betwixt Christ and the Woman of Samaria John 4.22 that our blessed Saviour thus determines that Question which was betwixt the Jews and the Samaritans viz. Which was the true Church of the two and who had the true worship Ye worship ye know not what saith Christ we know what we worship for salvation is of the Jews The reason that He brings to prove the Jewish worship true was this They had the word of God amongst them the doctrine of salvation giving them direction how to worship God savingly and that by salvation there is meant the word of God and the Ministery thereof appears in that it was the chief Prerogative which the Jew had above others as appears Psal 147.19 Psal 147.19 20. Rom. 3 2. 20. Rom. 3.2 and so is mentioned there by our Saviour besides it was that whereby the Jews knew how to worship God aright else there had bin no consequence in this Reason We worship that we know for salvation is of the Jews And Lastly The salvation spoken of is that which was to be derived from them to Gods people of all Nations the very same in effect with that of the Prophet Isaiah Chap. 2.3 Isa 2.3 The Law shall go from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem before Christ's coming in the flesh the Jews were the onely Church and all that professed the true Religion of God Est 8.7 Rom. 9.4 Math. 15.24 Luke 24.47 Acts 11.19 Rom. 1.16 Acts 2.41.44 Rom. 15.26 11 24. received it from them and joyned themselves unto them for to them pertained the giving of the Law Rom. 9.4 After Christ's coming in the flesh the Gospel was first Preached unto them Math. 15.24 Luke 24.47 Acts 11.19 And though many rejected the word yet many amongst them were the first that embraced it Rom. 1.16 Acts 2.41.44 And all Churches of the Gentiles gave special honour and respect unto the Church of the Jews as to their Mother Church Rom. 15.26 and were grafted into that stock Rom. 11.24 So then we cannot doubt but by Salvation in that place the Doctrine and means of salvation must be meant as it is in other places of Scripture Heb. 2.5 And from hence it is evident Heb. 2.5 that the Profession and Preaching of true Doctrine in all fundamental points is the onely proper and certain note of a true Church They of the Roman Church give us many Notes whereby the true Church may be known which they bring as Arguments to prove themselves to be the true Church and no other as Universality Antiquity Succession c. to the number of fifteen are given by Bellarmine De notis Ecclesiae supposing to do that with number which he could not do by weight but Christ doth not determine the question in the place before quoted nor else where by any of those marks but by this Note the Doctrine of salvation which was amongst the people It was a Church wherein salvation might be had and therefore the true Church of Christ This was the chief Badge and Cognizance of the Old Church whereby it was known to be the Church of God Rom. 3.2 Rom. 3.2 And this is the Cognizance of the true Church under the Gospel as appears AAs 2.42.47 Acts 2.42 47. where the Holy Ghost gives an exact pattern of a true Visible Church for all succeeding Ages to be examined by and conformed unto that if our state and standing in the Church were questioned true Believers might be able to justifie themselves and convince all false Churches whatsoever And that from the prime of the Primitive Church the first visible Church after our Saviour's Ascension and so a fit pattern for other Churches to be censured by Where the word of God is soundly and truly Preached Sacraments administred the Duties of Prayer to God and Love to our Brethren Religiously and conscionably practised there is a true Visible Church
wherein salvation is to be had And for further confirmation of this John 10.4 27 8 30. Eph. 2.19 read John 10.4 27 8 30 This mark praised be God is not wanting amongst us We build upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone Ephes 2.19 The word is truly and sincerely Preached to the conversion of many Souls The Sacraments administred Vid. Bernard against Seperatists in 80. page 164. the Duty of prayer to God and Love to our Brethren in some good measure conscionably and religiously practised notwithstanding faylings and therefore we are the true Visible Church of God which the Church of Rome wanting is not neither can be Yea but say the Separatists your Assemblies are full of enormities Discipline is wanting amongst you many corruptions are in you Your worship is polluted with mens writings stinted-prayer c. You a Church say they you are a limb of Antichrist We answer them First that there is nothing done in Gods publique worship amongst us but it is done by the Institution and Ordinance of the Lord 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Deut. 31.11 12. Act. 13.15 Act. 15.21 Psal 95.1 2. Mat. 26.30 Col. 3.16 Mat. 3.13 1 Cor. 11.22 23. Numb 6.23 Deut. 10.28 â— 21 5. 1 Cor. 16.23 2 Cor. 13.14 Rom. 9.25.26 1 King 16.2 1 Cor. 1.1 2. 2 Cor. 12.20 21. Rev. 2. 3. It is his Ordinance that whensoever the Congregation assembleth prayer should be used It is his Ordinance that his Word should be publiquely Read It is his Ordinance that his Word should be opened and applyed in our publique Assemblies It is his Ordinance that in our publiquely Assemblies Psalms should be sung It is his Ordinance that the Sacraments should be administred and that in the publique Assembly And it is his Ordinance that the Minister should dismisse the Congregation with a blessing as Scripture doth evidence Secondly All Corruptions that are in a Church do not unchurch her The Ten Tribes after their defection notwithstanding their grosse Corruptions and Idolatry yet because they professed by circumcision and other wayes the true Jehovah they remained still a true Church though a very impure and imperfect Church and were still called the People of God the Beloved of God the Children of the Living God So the state of the Jews was wonderfully corrupt in Christ's time and yet salvation even at that time was from them and they the true Church of God the like might be shewed of the Church of Corinth and the Churches of Asia Great corruptions were to be found in them and yet they were still the true Churches of Christ as we shewed you before when we spake of the Properties of the Vineyard Thirdly Those may be esteemed Corruptions in a Church which are none at all It is no corruption in the preaching of the word to make use of the writings of men so long as God's Word is made the Ground of all the Touch-stone of all and the Judge to determine of all truth Had this been so the Apostles and Prophets themselvs had corrupted the Word in alledging the sayings of others yea of Heathen Writers Dan. 4. 6. Ezra 1. Act. 17.18 1 Cor. 15.33 Tit. 1.12 Daniel recited the Decree of Nebuchadnezar and the Decree of Darius and the Edict of Cyrus King of Persia St. Paul alledged the Sentences of Heathen Poets as of Aratus and of Menander and of Epimenides St. Jude alledgeth the Prophesy of Enoch which both Augustine Jerome with others of our latter Writers conceive to be Apocryphal Whilst humane Learning is made a Handmaid to wait upon Lady Truth it is no dishonour but rather an honour to her Nor is it a corrupting of God's worship to use stinted and sett forms of Prayer in his service It is evident enough in Scripture that the Church hath used and might use them in God's worship In blessing the people it was enjoyned Num. 6.23 24. so at the setting forward of the Ark Numb 6.23 24. Numb 10.35 36. Psal 92. tit 102. tit Numb 10.35 and at the resting of it Ver. 26. Many of David's Psalms were committed to the Church-Musitians to be sung not onely as Meditations and Doctrines for the Instruction of the Church but as Prayers unto God so Psal 92. was penned for the Sabbath and Psal 102. a Prayer for the distressed It is very probable that St. John taught his Disciples a sett-From Luke 11.1 Luk. 11.1 and thereupon our Saviour prescribed to his Disciples a form of Prayer not only to be to them and the whole Church a Rule and Sampler according to which all our prayers should be framed as appears Math. 6.9 but even for them to say using the very words as appears Luk. 11.2 And it is evident that our blessed Saviour himself prayed the same paayer and used the same words in prayer more than Once Mat. 26.42 He used the same words saith the Evangelist nor were they ever the worse for being often used As for that which is objected Of stinting the Spirit and pinnioning the wings of the Dove How is it more a tying of the Spirit up than it is to the Hearer when the Speaker prayes his conceived prayers for to the Hearer that Prayer is a stinted Prayer and as a sett form to him he must keep his mind intent to what is said by him that prayes Secondly Although there are a tye of words yet there is not a tye and restraint of the Spirit for the heart may be enlarged therein and the largenesse of the heart stands not so much in the variety of expression Dr. Prest Saints daily exercise p. 82. as in the extent of the Affection But the newnesse of his opinion saith a Reverend Divine is enough to discover the falshood of it Lastly For that Discipline which they charge this Church of ours to be wanting in and thence inferre that we are a false Church It may be answered that we are not altogether without it albeit we want that Discipline which they pretend 2ly It is an error to make Discipline so essential a property of the Church â—s that that which is without it is no true but a false Church That it is necessary for the beauty and well being of the Church we willingly grant but that it is so essentially and imseperably necessary to the truth and being of the Church cannot be proved by evidence of Scripture Is a houshold having true matter and forme and essential properties a false houshould because Government is wanting or for that they in the Family have not that care as they ought to have one for anothers wellfare or because there is not a Broom in it to ridd out the dust So in this case the utmost that can be made of it is that such a Church is a defective Church a maimed Church by which it is also corrupt and may without great care suddenly come to ruine but that
Tents according unto their Tribes insomuch that my senses are therewith ravished and I want words to expresse the glory and beauty of it And in regard of this goodly order in it Solomon compares it to an Army with Banners Cant. 6.10 Colos 2.5 Cant. 6.10 St. Paul rejoyced to see order in the Church of Colosse and commended them for it Colos 2.5 Sixthly To a Vineyard the Church may be compared in respect of the Imbecillity and weaknesse of it No possession saith Cato requires more paines about it then a Vineyard doth Corne comes up and growes alone of it self without the Husbandman's care Invisa virescunt gramina Mark 4.17 Mark 4.17 But the Vine is fragile lignum a fraile kind of plant it must be supported sheltered daily dressed and attended else it soon waxeth luxurious and is in danger to grow wilde after it once waxeth wanton The Church is in it self weak compared to a woman Revel 12.6 and she is the weaker vessel yea to a worme Isa 41.44 It cannot stand without support Revel 12.6 Isa 41.44 Cant. 8.5 Amos 7.2 5. Isa 27.2 7. Isa 5.2 She leanes on her Beloved as her onely supporter Cant. 8.5 and being fallen it cannot raise up it self Amos 7.2 5. Hence it is that God takes such paines with it Isa 27.2 7. and sets up a Watch-Tower in the midst of it Isa 5.2 lest the faithful City should become a Harlot wilde wanton adulterous and idolatrous as did the seven Churches of Asia after their Candlestick was removed Seventhly A Vineyard is veâ—y subject to be annoyed and wasted by the Beasts of the Wood and Foxes of the Field which love to burrow under it and delight to be cropping and pilling of her plants and eating of her grapes as Solomon intimates Cant. 2.15 So is the Church Cant. 2.15 Psal 83.2 13. her enemies are many that conspire against her Psal 83.2 13. There is the Boar of the Wood Tyrants and bloody Persecutors that seek the vastation of it and the wilde Beasts of the Field prophane and vicious livers that intend her destruction Psal 80.13 17 94 5 Besides the Foxes and the little Foxes Hereticks and Schismatiques who professe friendship to the Church yet subtilly seek the ruine and subversion of it Such a Beast of prey was Saul before his conversion Acts 8.3 Acts 8.3 Eighthly There is no Vineyard without some unfruitful branches it hath something in it that is not of it A Spider or Toad may get into it stones may be found in it weeds spring up amongst the good plants So in the Church they are not all Israel which are of Israel not all fish that is in the Net not all wheare that groweth in the Field Rom. 9.6 Math 13.25 47. John 15.2 not all fruitful that are professed branches of the true Vine There is a mixture of good and bad in the Church and so will be till the coming of Christ Ninthly and Lastly the Church may be resembled to a Vineyard in respect of her despicable condition in hard weather and after it hath left bearing then her beauty vanisheth and no possession seemeth more contemptible whilst the Church is in a flourishing condition she is regarded but when she is persecuted and afflicted then she is scorned and despised her enemies laugh among themselves All that passe by her clap their hands at her Psal 80.6 they hiss and wagg their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem saying Is this the City that men call the perfection of beauty Lament 2.15 16. the joy of the whole Earth c. Lament 2.15 16. Other Resemblances We might bring wherein the congruity betwixt an Earthly and this heavenly Vineyard may be seen but enough hath bin said if we make good use of what hath bin said which let us endeavour to do And first in general we may hence be informed of the excellencie of the Church above all other places Vse in that it is a Vineyard which is preferred to all other possessions For that saith Pliny it yields the best revenew Glorious things indeed are spoken of thee Plin. lib. 18. p. 552. Cant. 2.1 Cant. 4.13 15. Cant. 1.8 Cant. 4.10 Psal 122. Isa 4.5 Cant. 2.2 thou Vineyard of the Lord. Thou art the Rose of the Field the Lilly of the Vallies an Orchard of Pomegranates A fountain of Gardens a well of springing waters The fairest amongst women The Spouse and Sister of Christ The beauty of the Earth The glory of the World And being compared with other Societies as a Lilly amongst Thorns and like the Apple amongst the Trees of the Forrest All which comparisons and resemblances with many more which might be alleadged do evidently set forth besides this in my Text the excellent dignity and glorious excellenâ—y of the Church of God and consequently the happinesse and dignity of those who are members of it which caused the good Emperour Theodosius to say Malo esse membrum Ecclesiae quà m caput Imperii I had rather be a member of the Church than head of the Empire And David rather to be a Door-keeper in the House of God then to dwell in the Tents of wicked men Psal 84.10 Psal 84.10 But more particularly from the former Resemblances we may be Instructed in sundry Duties Use 2 Is it a Vineyard being seperated from other grounds then we that professe our selves to be members of the Church may not like after the manner of the World but separate our selves from it both in life and conversation as is required Acts 2.40 Ephes 5.11 and by sundry strong Arguments pressed 2 Cor. 6.14 18. Oh! that our Church did abound with such separatists Acts 2.40 Ephes 5.11 2 Cor. 6.14 18. Psal 26.4 5. Cant 1.2 Revel 2.13 1 Cor. 5.10 such as did seperate themselves from all unclean courses and had no Commerce with the lusts of the Gentiles and from all unclean company so farr as our Callings and Relations will give leave Psal 26.4 5. It is true that Lillies may grow amongst Thorns Pergamus may have her dwelling where Sathans seat is And if we should altogether avoyd the company of wâ—cked livers we must as the Apostle speaketh go out of the World 1 Cor. 5.10 But there is a two-fold society or fellowship to be taken notice of One is more general and cold as in buying selling trading and in other commerce when Nature Necessity and other Exigencies of our Calling either General or Particular doth warrantably lead us thereunto The other is more special and intimate when we joyn our selves with those that are wicked voluntarily and needlesly making them to be of our bosome Friends men of our Counsel c. This may not be God is offended with it as taking part with his enemies 2 Chron. 19.2 20 37. and it may enfeoff us both in their sin and punishment and so it is dangerous 2 Chron. 19.2 20 37. 1 Cor. 7.10 11 12. If then at any
work of the Ministry 2 Tim. 2.2 2 Tim. 2.2 This is of a large extent It respects both Doctrine and Life Fidelity in our Dispensation Sincerity of Conversation 2 Tim. 3.10 Act. 20.20 27. 1 Cor. 11.23 Maâ—k 4.33 Joh. 16.12 2 Tim. 3.10 Thou hast known my Doctrine and Manner of living These two are conjoyned and may not in any faithful Minister be separated In Poynt of Doctrine they must be found faithful for Matter in making known the whole counsell of God unto those to whom they are sent so far as they are acquainted with it and People capable to apprehend it Act 20.20 27. 1 Cor. 11.23 Mark 4.33 Joh. 16.12 And for Manner they must so speak as becommeth the Oracles of God 1 Pet. 4.11 in plainnesse and power 1 Cor. 2.4 giving to every one their portion as need shall require 1 Pet. 4.11 1 Cor. 2.4 2 Cor. 4.2 Luke 12.42 1 Cor. 3.2 1 Tim. 4.2 Tit. 2.7 8. Phil. 4.9 1 Tim. 4.12 Prov. 27.23 Bed in loc Cant. 4.12 Isa 21.5 6 62 6. Jer. 6.17.17 â— Heb. 13.17 Act. 20.28 Luke 12.42 1 Cor. 3.2 2 Tim. 4.2 Adorning their Doctrine with a holy life and conversation Tit. 2.7 8. Such a faithful Pastor and Dresser was Paul Phil. 4.9 And such ought all other to be that are called to this service 1 Tim. 4.12 Thirdly Care and Vigilancy Be diligent to know the State of thy Flocks and look well to thy Heards saith Solomon Prov. 27.23 which Beda particularly applyes to the Pastor of the Church shewing it to be their duty to know the dispositions and actions of every one particularly that is under them if it may be My Vineyard is before me that is The Vineyard committed to my care and keeping I am continually mindful of to manure and dresse The Prophets of God were to stand upon their Watch-Tower to hearken and to hear what the People did The like care ought the Ministers of the Gospel to have Therefore they are Styled Watchmen Heb. 13.17 and Overseers of their Congregations Acts 20.28 They are to have an eye over the life and manners of their People as the Dresser hath on every Vine and Figg-Tree in the Vineyard without this spiritual acquaintance with the State and Condition of our People we shall never be able to apply our selves unto them as we ought We may preach twice every Sabbath and it may be solidly and accurately and yet not do that good either in converting souls or building up in godlinesse as we might and should do if we had more frequent and familiar converse with our People for then we should be better able to speak unto their hearts as Abraham's Servant did unto the heart of the Mayd and apply our selves unto their Particular estates And thus I have acquainted you in general with the work of the Minister the Dresser In the faithful discharge whereof they are worthy to be respected by their People and to have that which is required by the Apostle 1 Tim. 5.17 1 Tim. 5.27 Chrys Amb. Haimâ— Aquin. Calvin Let the Elders that Rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine This double honour due to the Dresser of Gods Vineyard is generally to be understood Reverentiae Subsidii of Reverence and Recompence of Countenance and of Maintenance You Reverence them First when you have them and their calling in high account and estimation Phil. 2.29 as Phil. 2.29 Receive him in the Lord with all gladnesse saith Paul of Epaphroditus and hold such in reputation This is that knowing of them which the Apostle speaks of 1 Thes 5.12 1 Thes 5.12 We beseech you Brethren to know them which labour amongst you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you That knowledge there spoken of is not a bare knowledge and simple notice taken of their Persons but a knowledge of Approbation of their calling accompanied with an acknowledgement of the inestimable benefit which we receive by it 1 Cor. 4.1 1 Cor. 4.1 Secondly When in your affections you have them in singular love for their work 's sake 1 Thes 5.13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Thes 5.13 esteem them very highly in love saith the Apostle or more then exceedingly for so the Greek hath it with an overflowing measure after a sort excessive one would have thought that that one word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aboundantly had bin enough but St. Paul abounds above that and puts an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to it and then an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he could go no higher The Apostle exceeds in his expression so should People in their Affâ—ction towards their Minister Such an excesse of love did the Galatians for a while bear towards Paul that if it had bin possible they would have pulled out their own eyes and have given them unto him Gal. 4.15 Gal. 4.15 Thirdly By People's Obedience they are to manifest their reverence which they have of them John 10.4 Good sheep know their Shepherds voyce Joh. 10.4 Explained and follow him Such was the manner in the East-Countries the Shepheard drave not the Sheep before him Heb. 13.17 Explained but they followed Him the meaning is they go in and out according to His saying So Heb. 13.17 Obey them that have the Rule over you and submit your selves that is give over your selves to be Ruled and Directed by them according to the Word 1 Cor. 2.9 Phil. 21. No greater proof of a Reverential respect to the Dressers of God's Vineyards than this 2 Cor. 2.9 Philem. 21. To this honour of Reverence must be added the honour of Maintenance Gal. 6.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They are to be maintained both in Ability of Purse and Dignity of Person Gal. 6.6 Let him that is taught in the Word communicate to him that hath taught in all good things A large allowance you will say and such should their allowance be for the Ministery of the Gospel is as worthy of it as the Ministery of the Law as hereafter you shall hear They are the Ambassadours of Christ and their maintenance should beseem the honour and dignity of that Person 2 Cor. 5.20 whom they represent and of that Service wherein they minister And thus you have heard in short the sum of what may be expected both from Minister and People Now let us with as much Patience hear of the faylings both of the one and other Use 2 Questionlesse There is matter enough administred for a just Reproof it were happy if our faylings were as easily cured as they may be discovered There are four sorts of Dressers in the Vineyard of the Lord Some have a will to dresse it but want skill to do it some have skill to do it but have no will unto it some want both They have neither will nor skill yet they would be esteemed the Dressers of it And there are some that have
12.2 When the Rent Day was come He sent that he might receive of the Fruit of the Vineyard Mat. 22.2 He allowed these Farmers time to make their Rent before he sent for it all which time he forbore with patience This God doth that he may be justified Reas and every mouth stopped before Him Should He require work and not allow time to do it in it might be thought Tyranny in Him as it was in Pharoah to require the tale of Brick of the Children of Israel and yet allow them no straw wherewith to burn their Brick nor yet time to gather it But we read of that Figg-Tree which grew by the way-side that it was cursed for its barrenesse Object Mark 11.13 Resp when the time of Figgs was not yet come Mark 11.13 Some answer it thus Had not man fallen that Tree had not bin barren for before the Earth was cursed for Man's transgession all Fruits should have bin more frequent and aboundart yea almost continually like the Trees in the Paradise of God And so our Saviour to shew not onely his Power but his Righteousness cursed it because it was not so fruitful as it was by Creation taking no notice of the unfruitfulnesse of it or of the wanâ— of Fruit which came to passe at this time of the year by reason of the Curse through our corruption Secondly That may be understood of the Vintage and time of gatheâ—ing Figgs according to that of Mathew Math. 21. 21.34 When the time of fruit grew near that is of gathering and Inning of it which not being yet Christ might well expect Fruit from it Thirdly Although the time of Ripe Figgs was not yet yet green Figgs might have bin upon it It was a season for some Fruit Vid. Danaeus Quaest. in Evang. secund Marc. Quaest 48. p. 192.163 albeit it had not attained to its perfection The Figg-Tree as before hath bin shewed you is a plant if not altogether barren that yields a continual succession of encrease whilst one Figg is ripe another is green Christ looked for some Fruit from that great shew of leaves had he found but green Figgs only it is likely that it should have escaped blasting Fourthly That punishment was not inflicted properly on the Figg-Tree but upon fruitlesse and barren professors signified by that Figg-Tree That which was done to this Figg-Tree was done in a figure Mystically and Parabolically Seda For Christ did not onely speak Parables but work Parables and this was no other then a Real Parable of His and that which Christ aimed at herein was to teach his Disciples and us in them how much he hated an unfruitful Profession and to foreshew what judgments should befall that barren Generation for their unfruitfulnesse For this end he took the liberty to destroy that Planâ— though without fault and well he might for as he made all things for his own glory so he hath power to use them at his pleasure that his Church may be edified and his own name glorified It is an ordinary and usual Plea that is brought by many Vse want of time They would Hear Read Pray c. but they have no time to do these things why how comes that about God requires no Duty of us but he allowes us time to do it in if we had but wisdom to apprehend it there is a time allotted to every purpose saith Solomon Eccles 3.1 9. Eccles 3.1 9. there is no Action nor Accident intent and event incident to the affaires of this life but hath some part and portion of time layd out for it Indeed there is no part of time there mentioned for Repentance and bringing forth of good Fruits nor is there any part of time layd out for sin and doing ill and the reason may be this for that well-doing is a duty which must be concurrent with every moment of time The businesse of Salvation is to have every season nor is there any time or season allowed for sin no moment of time should be allowed to it yet that which should have a share in all seasons hath the least and that which should have no part of time hath the most It is no want of time but waste of time we have cause to lament we are wanting to our selves and that will make to our greater condemnation as in the next point you shall hear Use 2 Let no man be offended at the leasurely-pace that God's Justice walks God allowes to the barrennest Tree a time and a fitting time for the bringing forth of Fruit Let none grudge any that time which God hath lent them 2 Tim. 2.2 25. Ubi paterfamiliâs largus est dispensator ejus non debet esse tenax Ubi Deus Benignus est homo non debet esse Austerus Aug. Psal 13.3 94 3 4. Jer. 12.2 3. but patiently waite proving if at any time God will give them Repentance Where the Master of the House is liberal the Steward should not be hold-fast and miserable where God is merciful man should not be cruel And yet the very Saints of God seem sometimes to be somewhat troubled at God's patience Psal 73.3 94 3 4. Jer. 12.2 3. But that should not be If God in Justice had destroyed the Samaritans when the Apostles would have had them destroyed How should they afterwards have bin converted by the preaching of Christ Had Demas bin hanged as soon as ever he began to play the Thief how should he have bin converted unto Christ upon the Crosse or Christ have bin glorified by his confession of Him Had God taken away Paul when Paul began first to persecute the Church how should the Church have bin confirmed in the Faith of Christ by the Doctrine of Paul as now it is If thou wouldst have Fruit leave a Tree saith Augustine and if thou woulst that thy Brother should Repent grudge him not his life And so we passe to a second Observation which concerns the aggravation of the fault Doct. 2 Time allotted for bearing Fruit neglected aggravates the fault The longer time the greater crime Solomon speaking of the ignorance of man in not knowing of his time compares him therein to Birds and Fishes that fall ignorantly and suddenly into a net or snare Eccles 9.12 Eccles 9.12 And Jeremiah preferrs the brute Creature before man therein who yet is a Creature far more excellent Jer. 8.7 8. and better able to make use of his time being endowed with reason which they are not Now this must needs be an Aggravation to his sin to throw his 〈◊〉 to the ground and become like the Beasts that perish 〈…〉 he mâ—tched with a Beast is a great disparagement to man's nature and to be like to a Beast in that sense is worse then to be a Beast indeed To be a Beast is without any fault in the Creature God made it so but to be a man a Christian man yet to be like a Beast is not
and who can behold it with a dry eye Psal 44.15 16 199 1 58 136. Jer. 9.1 4 19 13 17. Phil. 3.18 Luke 19.41 and merry heart David could not He beheld the transgressor and was grieved Jeremiah could not Day and Night he wept for the sins and abominations done in Jerusalem St. Paul could not when he tells us of those who were the enemies of the Crosse of Christ he could not forbear watering his Plants Christ could not He no sooner came within the view of Jerusalem but he wept over it But wo to us for our wretchednesse when God calls to weeping and to mourning and to girding with sackcloath there is joy and gladnesse slaying Oxen Isa 22.12 13. and killing of Sheep eating Flesh and drinking Wine Isa 22.12 13. Such is the desperate carriage of many they jeer when they should fear laugh when they should weep sing care away let us eat and drink merrily sorrow comes soon enough to morrow we may dye No other laying to heart of God's complaints do we make but read what follows Vers 14 This sin saith the Prophet was declared in the ears of the Lord of Hoasts as the top of all their sins which caused the Lord to enter into that determinate resolution Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till you dye But we hear not God complaining When Quaest and How doth he complain against us The more stupid and blockish we that we hear not Resp By word of mouth he makes complaint Hear O my People and I will testifie against you Psal 81.8 Psal 81.8 But my People would not hearken Verse 11. O that my People had hearkened Verse 13. So Vers 11 Vers 13 Isa 1.2 3. Isa 1.2 3. Mich. 6.3 5. O peircing words and yet again Mich. 6.3 5. These onely for a taste Doth not the Lord thus expostulate with us and complain of us at this day for our unthankfulnesse and disobedience Ah sinful Nation testifie against me wherein have I grieved thee Remember how I brought thee out of the Romish furnace Remember how I have blessed thee with peace and plenty Deut. 32.6 c. Do you thus requite me Oh foolish People and unkind c. And is not the Voyce of his Servants the Ministers of the Gospel his Voyce likewise Luke 16.16 Vox Turturis Vox Gementis Cant. 2.12 He that heareth you heareth me saith Christ Now Is not the Voyce of the mourning Turtle heard in our Land Do not the Jeremiahs of these dayes mourn over you and mourn for you Do they not in God's name come in daylie with their Bills of complaints against you for your Pride Drunkennesse Whoredom Blasphemy Sacriledge and other Abominations which would ask much time but to name Insomuch that God's Mercy-seat I mean the Pulpit seems to be no other then a Tribunal a seat of Judgment And yet do you ask When or Where doth God complain If the complaints that God makes against us by word of mouth move not Then look upon the works of his hands Open your eyes you that have stopped your ears and you may see him actuaâ—ly complaining What are his Rods his Judgments but real complaints against us for our wicked and heinous provocations Famine is a complaint against us for our abuse of fulnesse The Sword for the abuse of our long and happy Peace Scorn and Contempt of other Nations a complaint of our Pride Sicknesse of the abuse of our Health Sometimes the Heavens bring in God's complaint Levit. 26.19 when they are as Iron Sometimes the Earth when it is as Brasse when we fow much and receive but little Sometimes the seasons of the year speak their Maker's complaints This last Spring and Summer hath complained of us in coming cladd in the Roabs of Winter These things being thus if you veiw well the Evidence that is brought you cannot but find for the Plaintiff It being thus Use 2 let all that have any Interest in God seek unto him for mercy and put themselves in a praying posture God is ready to give fire to all his Artillery that is charged against us It is time to step in and every one to take his Censer in his hand Numb 16.46 as Moses willed Aaron and put in Incense and make an attonement for the Nation that God's wrath may be pacified towards it An humble heart touched with a deep sense of Gods dishonour and the Nation 's misery is the Censer your fervent prayers are your Incense and there is no such way nor means so effectual to appease the wrath of God and stay him from executing of his Judgments threatned as that Esther Est 4.8 upon Mordecai's perswation went to King Ahashuerosh albeit with danger of her Life and made Petition and Supplication before him for themselves and the Kingdom Est. 4.8 Have not you as great cause as She and as much encouragement as She had and far more the Golden Scepter is held out unto you you need not be afraid Consider First God expects this of you Ezek. 22.30 Ezek. 22.30 Isa 59.16 63 5. I sought for a man amongst them that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before me saith God and found none And God wondereth at it that it should be so Isa 59.16 63 5. that there should be so general a barrennesse of grace as that there was not one man to interpose for his People and sue for them It sets the God of all wonders a wondering I doubt not but we have many that do stand in the gap blessed be God yet I would there were more for there is but few or none that do interpose in comparison of them that do not for so None is many times taken in Scripture Be thou One of this None Secondly The neglect of this is a dangerous and fearful provocation and is made a great cause of the publique calamity Ezek. 22.30 31. Ezek. 22.30 31. I fought for a man to stand in the gap and found none Therefore have I powred out my Indignation on them I have consumed them with the fire of my Wrath Psal 9.16 17. Oh! pray for the Church the State of this English Nation and forget it not Thirdly In all Ages this hath bin the practise of God's Saints by prayers and tears to seek God for the averting of his Judgments Dan. 9.16 17. Jer. 18.20 Isa 62.1 Dan. 9.16 17. 〈◊〉 Jer. 18.20 Isa 62.1 When darknesse of affliction overshadows Jerusalem and Sion is under a Cloud of trouble the godly cannot rest they cannot keep silence they must importune the Lord for a glorious deliverance And it is God's usual manner before he doth any great work for his Church to stir up the hearts of his to importune him by their prayer Fourthly The practise of this Duty will bring much comfort to our selves for besides the publique good that may follow hereupon wherein we shall
2.17 Thus did Moses Exod. 32.10 11. and Numb 14.12 Joel 2.17 Exod. 32.10 11. Numb 14.12 13. Psal 106.23 Explained 13. Hear what the Psalmist speaks of him Psal 106.23 He said he would destroy them had not Moses his chosen Minister stood before him in the Breach to turn away his wrath lest he should destroy them Where Moses is compared to a Valiant Captain Who when the besieging Enemy hath made a breach in the wall and the City is like to be lost suddenly steps into the Breach and makes it good keeping the Enemy from entring Thus likewise did Aaron Numb 16.47 Numb 16.47 38. 48. A Plague being begun amongst the People for their murmuring whereof 14000 and 700 dyed he by the appointment of Moses runs unto his Censer takes fire from the Altar and puts Incense therein and so with It in his hand stands betwixt the Living and the Dead whereupon the Plague was stayed Of which passage Wisdome gives us an excellent Paraphrase Wisd 18.21 The blameless man made haste and defended them and took the weapons of his Ministration even Prayer and the Reconciliation by the Perfume and sett himself against the wrath and so brought the misery to an end For he overcame not with multitude with bodily Power nor with force of Weapons Non vi sed precibus armatus non ferro sed fide votis but with the Word he subdued him that punished or overcome the Destroyer More particularly Three manner of wayes they Interpose betwixt God's wrath and a sinful People First By consessing of their People's guiltinesse humbly craving pardon in the name and mediaâ—ion of Jesus Christ of all their sins urging God with his Covenant and Promise and putting him in mind of his antient mercies Exod. 32.11 12 13. Ezra 9. Neh. 9. Dan. 9. Levit. 5.6 as we may read at large Exod. 32.11 12 13. Ezra 9. Neh. 9. and Dan. 9. This was enjoyned the Priest under the Law Levit. 5.6 Secondly By excusing their People what may be Sometimes imputing their sins to their ignorance and weaknesse as our Saviour did the fact of the Jews in crucifying of him Father forgive them Luke 23.34 2 Sam. 24.17 for they know not what they do Luke 23. Sometimes by laying the blame on others David to excuse the People took all thâ— fâ—ult upon himself Loe I have sinned and done wickedly but these Sheep what have they done 2 Sam. 24.17 Albeit the Text tells us plainly that it was their sins that gave occasion of their Princes fall and was the cause of their own punishment vers 1. And Jeremiah imputes the disobedience of the People to their seducing Teachers Ah Lord God Behold the Prophets say unto them You shall not see the Sword neither shall you have Famine Jer. 14.13 but I will give you assured Peace in this Place Jer. 14.13 As if he should have said Lord thy People are mis-led by their blind and wicked guides they would be better and had done better had they bin better taught Thirdly By ingaging themselves for their People and undertaking for their future amendment Thus did the Dresser mentioned in my Text He undertakes for this Figg-Tree I will digg about it and dung it and if it bear fruit well As if he should have said Thou shalt then well see that thou shalt have no cause to repent thee of thy patience and forbearance of which words more in due place And thus you have heard how God's Faithful Ministers Intercede for their People and wherein their Intercession principally consists Let me now shew you briefly the Grounds or Reasons of the Point First They are hereunto called and appointed by God The Priest was taken from amongst men saith the Apostle Heb. 5.1 and Ordained for men in things appertaining to God that he may offer both Gifts and Sacrifice for sin Heb. 5.1 In like manner all Ministers of the Gospel are taken from amongst men and ordained for the good of men not in matters of this Life but in the businesse betwixt God and them that they may offer up not an external propitiatory Sacrifice for sin as they of the Roman Church would have it but those Spiritual Sacrifices and Prayers and Intercessions unto God on their People's behalf Gen. 20.7 He is a Prophet and He shall pray for thee was the Language of Elder times To this they are called and cannot but make conscience of their Duty if they be faithful Secondly Ministers if Faithful dearly affect their People and esteem them as Cornelia did her Gracchi for their chiefest Ornaments What is our Hope our Joy 1 Thes 2.19 20. our Crown of Rejoycing saith the Apostle 1 Thes 2.19 20. Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming ye are our Glory and our Joy Now whom we affect we pray for plead for and excuse what may be The Child is oftentimes wayward and froward the tender Mother rocks it sings it excuseth it It doth not use to be thus it hath the frett or some pin pricks it or it is breeding teeth it shall be any thing but what it is indeed frowardnesse This affection carryed St. Paul to so high a pitch as that he could wish himself accursed for his Brethrens sake Rom. 9.3 and caused him with the rest of the Apostles to be so desirous of their Peoples good Rom. 9.3 as that they were willing not onely to impart the Gospel to them but also their own souls 1. Thes 2.8 Thirdly 1 Thes 2.8 Faithful Ministers are conscious to them selves of their own faylings None so careful but have cause to smite upon their thighes for some neglects in their Ministerial service This Dresser feareth his own faylings and however the Owner charged the Figg-Tree onely for its barrennesse yet the Dresser in the answer which he makes seems to charge himself with some omission of Duty I will digg about it and dung it as if he should have said something hath bin wanting on my part in not husbanding of it as I ought Let it alone one year more and I will redouble my pains and diligence and amend my fault In this respect he might Intercede for it Thus much of the reasons of a faithful Minister's Intercession for a barren and unprofitable People There is yet one Scruple that would be removed Object before we come to the Application of what hath bin delivered If Faithful Ministers make Intercession for their People what may we think of Elijah Rom. 11.2 who made Intercession against the People as we read Rom. 11.2 Two wayes may Intercession be said to be made against a People Resp. First When a simple and bare Relation is made to God of the sin committed Secondly When punishment is craved and called for to be inflicted on them as they have deserved The Intercession made by the Prophet against Israel Peter Martyr Beza Paraeus seems to be of
The meaning is that they should not give any testimony of a repining grief and discontentment at this just Judgment of God lest in his displeasure he consume them also And this is that which God required of Samuel in the behalf of Saul who mourned exceedingly for him 1 Sam. 15.35 being grieved that that goodly plant which was so lately set in Israel should be so soon withered 1 Sam. 15.35 But God wills him to leave off his mourning How long wilt thou mourn for Saul 1 Sam. 16.1 seeing I have rejected him from Reigning over Israel 1 Sam. 16.1 As if he should have sayd Thou knowest it is my doing rest thou therefore satisfied and trouble thy self no further Thus a good heart should forget earthly respects and look up to Heaven when God executeth his severest Judgments on sinners here upon Earth Reas 1 For first It is impossible that God should do wrong to any man Is God unrighteous saith the Apostle who taketh Vengeance God forbid Rom. 3.5 He abhorrs the very thought of it Rom. 3.5 as if he should say Be it far from me or any other man to have so vile and blasphemous a conceit of God as to imagine that God is unrighteous in punishing The absurdity of such an opinion he proves by an Argument taken from the Office of God which is to Judge the World verse 6. For then Verse 6. How shall God judge the World And shall not the Judge of all the World do right sayd Abraham Gen. 18.25 Gen. 18.25 He Governs the present World in equity and in the World to come He will give to every one according to his doings therefore every punishment inflicted upon sinners how severe soever either here or here after cannot be other then most just seeing that Judge who is justice it self doth it He is a God of Truth and without Iniquity Deut. 32.4 Just and Right is He Deut. 32.4 Doth God prevent Judgment or doth the Almighty prevent Justice saith Bildad Job 8.3 Job 8.3 which Interrogation is a vehement Negation No he doth not let that satisfie us Secondly The honour of God is to be preferred to all Relations whatsoever as Moses intirnates in that speech of his to Aaron before mentioned Levit 10.3 I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all People I will be glorified God in his just Judgments inflicted upon Sinners sheweth Himself to be holy and just and looks to be sanctified of his People in the acknowledgment of his Holinesse and Justice When He sanctifies himself in the waies of Judgment upon the wicked then He sanctifies himself in them Exek 28.12 38 16 23. Ezek. 28.22 38.16 23. And when his Holinesse and Justice is acknowledged in their just and deserved Punishment then He is sanctified of or by his People Now God having fully purposed to glorify himself by all his Creatures finds no other way left of reaping any honour from the Wicked who will not be reclaimed but onely by magnifying Himself in the Judgments that He executeâ—â— on them they make themselvs uncapable of being Active Instruments of His Glory Prov. 16.4 by performing that which is good in His sight therefore they shall be Passive Instruments serving to declaâ—e His infinite Justice in their destruction And when we acknowledge God's Justice and Righteousnesse in those Judgments inflicted on them when we justify His sayings let Him speak never so sharply and clear him in his Judgments let him deal never so severely Psal 51.4 Psal 119.75 Neh. 9.39 Dan. 9.12 Psal 51.4 then He is Actively sanctified by us as He was by David Psal 119.75 by Nehemiah cap. 9.33 Daniel 9.12 and others Let us so do and rest satisfied and contented Thirdly It is and ought to be the Prayer of every good Christian Mat. 6.18 That God's Will may be done in Earth as it is in Heaven Mat. 6.10 and accordingly we ought to endeavour to conform our Wills to the Wills of the blessed Saints and Angels that are in Heaven otherwise our hearts and tongues are strangers in our Petitions Now those in Heaven know no man according to the Flesh they will and like whatsoever God willeth and liketh and rejoyce in that which makes for His Glory They sing when in this World the hearts of obdurate Sinners are made fat against the day of Slaughter Isa 6.3 10. Rev. 15. 18. Isa 6.3 10. and when Vengeance is executed on Sinners Revel 15. 16. They approve even of the damnation of all Impenitent Sinners were they in this life their dear friends and intimate acquaintance Indeed whilst we are in this life we are not perfect so as to be purged from all drosse and corruption not so perfected as we shall be when our Wills are throughly compleat yet we ought to strive unto Perfection as the Apostle did Phil. 3.14 Phil. 3.14 And what we cannot here reach we are to approve of and that should content us There is an Objection or two that would be spoke withall Let us hear what they have to say before we come to the Use If we ought thus to conform our Wills to the Will of God Object and rest satisfied in the destruction of Sinners what need we to admonish them instruct them pray for them and use means for their Salvation seeing their perdition and damnation should content us As the Will of God is made known unto us Resp so we ought to conform unto it Thus David fasted and prayed for his Child that was begotten in Adultery notwithstanding the prediction of Nathan for that he understood conditionally as other threatnings of like nature were to be understood but when he certainly understood by the event that God had determined the Child should not live he then riseth from the Earth whereon he lay he washeth himself and changeth his apparell he goeth into the House of God and worshippeth then home to his own House to eat meat and now refuseth no comfort who before would take none to the admiration of his Servants and being demanded the reason of this strange Change and Alteration He tells them Whilst the Child was yet alive 2 Sam. 12.22 23. I fasted and wept for I said Who can tell whether the Lord will be gratious unto me that the Child may live But now he is dead wherefore should I fast Can I bring him back again I shall go to him he shall not return to me 2 Sam. 12.22 23. Upon which passage a very learned and religious Bishop of our Church hath this Annotation Till we know the determination of the Almighty B. B. Hall Cont. it is free for us to strive by our Prayers with Him not against him when once we know them it is out Duty to sit down in a silent contentation Whilst there is any hope of converting a Sinner or doing any good unto his Soul all means are to be used all waies
of Gods Vineyard who are Page 154 They are of four sorts Page 165 Three Vertues requisite in Dressers Page 162 Why God appoints Men rather then Angels to Dress his Vineyard Page 156 Dominion of God is absolute universal and endlesse Page 364 Dumb Christ was not Page 19 We may not be dumb in the Cause of Christ Page 20 Dumbnesse in a Minister is of dangerous consequence Page 21 The causes of a Ministers dumness Page 22 The dumb Devil is every where Page 21 E. ENvy is the Daughter of Pride Page 139 Error in the Church a Judgment Page 292 Errors of Judgment more pernitious then errors of practise Page 293 No Church without some errour Page 52 Estate the mean is safest Page 73 Excommunication what it is and how to be proceeded in Page 99 How far it extends Page 100 The use and end of it Page 101 F. FAther God is to us all Page 67 Famine a sore Judgment Page 275 Famine grievous in Jeâ—â—â—aâ—emâ— Page 486 Favour of great Men not to be trusted Page 75 Faith is One and the same in all the Elect. Page 65 Fruit what it signifies Page 106 What fruit is expected from a Christian Page 107 Why good works are termed Fruit. Page 107 Christians should be fruitful Page 55 How their Fruit must be qualified Page 111 113 Means to become fruitful Page 116 Motives to fruitfulness Page 119 Fruitfulness preferred to greennesse or taleness Page 81 The fruit of a Christian is delicious Page 78 Fruitful Christians have many prayers Page 325 Fruitfulness after long barrenness makes all to be well Page 436 To be fruitful in evil is fearful Page 217 The Church Visible is a fruitful soyl Page 90 Figg-Tree the Jewish Nation is resembled unto Page 77 So is the Christian Church in many respects Page 78 Man by his Fall is a Wild Figg-Tree Page 83 Why the Figg-Tree by the way-side was cursed Page 222 The Jewish Figg Tree was cut down by degrees Page 285 Forwardnesse to good Duties is in the godly Page 78 G. GAliâ—aeans who they were Page 1 Gathering twofold Page 289 God resembled to Man in Scripture Page 8 The Parts of Man's body ascribed to Him Page 37 He takes on Him all shapes to win us Page 41 God's Gifts how said to be free Page 206 God's dishonour should affect us Ibid. The Godly have a speciall Interest in God Page 70 Good no naturall Man can do Page 85 In what sense they are said to do good Page 86 Who do no good do much hurt Page 322 Gospel to be preached as well as the Law Page 420 424 Government often changed a sign of God's displeasure Page 273 Gratitude the good of it Page 148 See Thankfulness Great is the Lord. Page 363 Great men lay open to all weathers Page 73 Grieve we ought because we cannot grieve Page 312 A People's Barrenness is the Minister's Grief with the Reasons of it Page 427 428 H. HArmless life is not enough Page 212 Hatred Theologicall the most bitter hatred of any other Page 280 Head of the Church Christ only is Page 59 Heads distinguished of Page 60 Hearers are to be awakned Page 204 They owe a double honour to their Pastors Page 163 They may not engage their Affections too far to one Minister more than to another Page 191 They may not sad the hearts of their Teachers Page 428 How they may sweeten the Ministers Labours Page 408 Help cometh from God only Page 367 Pagans and Papists seek for help elsewhere Ibid. Honour of God is to be preferred to all Relations Page 495 Hope taken away takes away endeavour Page 439 Husbandry hath three parts Page 40 The Honour of the Husbandman Page 42 God's Husbandry to be submitted unto Page 41 I. JEws resembled to a Figg-Tree Page 77 They were severely punished for despising Mercy offered Page 485 God made an eeven reckoning with them in sundry particulars Page 492 Jerusalem's finall destruction Page 489 Seven times besieged before its finall overthrow Page 490 If How the Word is used Page 430 Impropriators a lesson for them Page 400 Independent God onely is Page 363 Intercede what it signifies Page 343 Intercession Christ makes for us Page 335 What it contains in it Page 336 How Christ now doth it Page 337 He Intercedes for particular Persons Page 339 No other Intercessor but He. Page 340 344 We need no other but Christ Page 368 How Ministers are styled Intercessours Page 344 Wherein the Intercession of God's Ministers stands Page 344 Intercession made against a People two wayes Page 348 Ingrafting into Christ twofold Page 84 Ingratitude Vid. Vnthankfulness Judgments never sent without a Cause Page 304 They are sent from God Page 469 God is the Authour of them yet the Devil may be an Agent in them Page 472 Other Instruments God may use therein Page 470 How God makes way for them Page 462 Lighter Judgments are warnings Page 274 Heavy Judgments may be expected Page 281 Sinnes down the Noyse of Judgments Page 1 Judgments on Sinners be two wayes looked upon Page 498 We may not charge God with severity and rigour when he Inflicts them Page 306 307 We should find out the Cause of them and how it may be done Page 308 Judgments from God hurt not the godly Page 79 Justice of God is not to be questioned Page 500 In all his Works of Justice he is to be glorified as well as in works of Mercy Page 501 K. KIngly Government is in it self the best form of Government Page 274 Yet unthankful hearts are weary of it Ibid Knowledg requisite in Ministers Page 162 L. LAw necessary to be taught and preached Page 410 The Pestilent errors of those who hold the contrary Page 412 The Law is two ways to be considered Page 413 How far forth the Law is abolished Page 414 It makes way for the Gospel Page 416 Motives to hear it Page 418 The Gospel must be taught with it Page 422 Life profitable is onely commendable Page 342 Long life not alwayes a Blessing Page 226 Lord what it signifieth Page 360 God is our Lord as our King Protector and chief Justice Page 362 That God is our Lord may comfort us Page 365 Absolute obedience is to be given him for that he is our Lord. Page 362 Whether God could be called Lord before there was any Creature Page 361 Love is the Christian's Livery Page 65 It is the preserver of Vnity Page 62 M. MAgistrates are Ministers Page 159 Wherein Magistrates and Ministers agree and wherein they differ Ibid. They both should be as One. Page 177 Maintainance was large of the Ministers under the Law Page 356 They are to be liberally maintained under the Gospel Page 391 394 Objections against it answered Page 392 How their Maintainance should be raised Page 395 Their maintainance should not be grudged Page 168 Malice of Sathan most against Ministers Page 352 359 Means why so called Page 446 Means are to be used Page 453