and frequent them 2. We begin to cry down Sabbaths and make every day alike they observe Gods Sabbaths and make Leagues for the strict observing of them We meet to wrangle they meet to pray and instruct each other in the things which they have heard 3. We begin to contemn prayer and think our selves above it they set up Prayer in their families and are earnest in it 4. We grow weary of the Lord and begin to deny him in his Attributes these begin to fear know and acknowledge him 5. We fall away to loose Opinions and loose Practises we are barren under all the meanes of grace dry under all the droppings of the Sanctuary and therefore the Lord may justly take away his Gospel and give it to a people that shall yeeld him better obedience then we have done God hath forsaken better Churches then England The Jewes that were sometimes his peculiar people and adorned with many rich Priviledges are now for their unbelief a dispersed despised accursed people The seven Churches of Asia once so famous are now a wildernesse God hath no need of us he can call them his people which were not his people and them beloved which were not beloved Hos. 2.23 God cannot want a people if he please to call he can raise up out of dead stones and wild Americans children to himself Oh that the poor naked Indians might quicken our backwardnesse and their fruitfulnesse rowse us out of our unfruitfulnesse and their zeale and power of Religion shame us out of our formality As Christ said to Peter Luke 7.44 Seest thou this woman Simon dost thou observe how bountifull and active she hath been for me compare her zeal and love to me with thine and learn to be ashamed As the Lord set Israel to Schoole to learn of the Oxe the Asse the Stork the Ant So he may set us to learne zeale of Indians Many are like dead Wether-cocks they turn and turn and turn again but they never crow against sin nor be active for God Eâ—salice non è quercu orti They are bending Willowes not rooted Oakes The living fish swimmes against the streame 't is the dead fish that goeth down Rest not then content with a form sit not down content with gifts and parts as most do but covet that more excellent way of Holinesse Humility and the power of godlinesse 1 Cor. 12.31 Lastly Prize all Gods Ordinances and walk in the power of them He that despiseth them shall never thrive in Grace if you take away this spirituall fuell the fire of zeale will soon decay Ordinances are services though not Saviours Meanes though not Mediatours to be used but not Idolized we must not cast them away but cast them down at Christs feet as the 24. Elders did their crownes Revel 4.10 God will be found in his own way and though he hath promised us grace yet he hath said we shall seek it before we have it Ezek. 36.37 as Baths have their warmth from the Mineralls which they run through so the soul by Ordinances draweth a spirituall taste and sweetness from them We should therefore shew our love to them by promoting them with our Riches Prov. 3.9 and coming with the first to them Luke 1.21 Prov. 8.17.33 Ezek. 47.10 Acts 10.33 Hereby we shall bring glory to God in all his Attributes We shall continue and increase our communion with God The repetition of the Act will intend the Habit as fire by blowing burns the brighter Object We live not now under the Law but under the Gospel and so are above Ordinances and Duties which are poor low legall dispensations and breed a spirit of bondage in men and therefore ought to be abolisht as appeares Heb. 3.11 1 John 2.27 Rev. 21.22 See these Texts answered in my Sal Terrae cap. 3. Answ. Ordinances do not vanish in Gospel-times but must endure to the end of the world the end of the world 1. The Ministery must endure so long as the world endures Matth. 28. ult Ephes. 4.11 12 13. See my Sal terrae cap 3. 2. Baptisme is of the same continuance Matth. 28.19 20. 3 The Lords Supper must endure till Christs second coming 1 Cor. 11 26. and if there shall be Ordinances in the most glorious times of the Church to come even when the Jews shall be called and the spirit powred out in an abundant measure Isay 2.2 3. 66. Zach. 14. then much more have we need of them And though they be outward Forms yet they are not empty Forms but efficacious to the salvation of believers Rom. 1.16 1. Let such prophane Atheists consider that Ordinances are Formes which Christ hath instituted they are divine Formes and when you reject them you reject Christ himself 2. They are Forms which are the purchase of the Death Resurrection and Ascension of Christ therefore when you reject them you reject the purchase 3. They are such Forms as are made by Christ the Conduict of all grace Christ and the grace of Christ are ordinarily conveighed by these Forms They are golden pipes to conveigh grace and blessed and admirable Instruments in the hand of God for the good of our soules 4. Having begun in the spirit will ye end in the flesh was there not a time and was it not your best time when you durst not omit Prayer Meditation Self-examination c. was it not your best time when you practised Self-denial Mortification and all holy duties and will you now turn Libertines and Apostates and so make your latter end worse then your beginning may not the Lord expostulate with you as he did sometime with Israel Ier. 2.5.31 What iniquity have your Fathers found in me that they are gone after vanity have I been a barren wilderness or a land of darknesse to you So what evill did you ever find in God or his Ordinances that ye thus grow weary of them speak now before the Lord what evill did ye ever find in Praying Preaching Sacraments that ye thus reject and contemn them Time was when ye frequented them found joy and sweetnesse in them if you have lost your taste the fault is in your selves and not in the Ordinances you are grown cold dead formall worldly Prophane c. and now instead of falling out with your sins you fall out with Gods Ordinances instead of casting off your iniquities you cast off duties For such I shall onely say Remember from whence you are fallen repent and do your first wâ—rks Rev. 2.5 Use Ordinances and improve them but rest not in a naked formall performance of them beseech the Lord to make you profit by them Isay 48.17 18. In Heaven we shall enjoy God immediately without the use of Ordinances there is and indeed there needs no Temple there Rev. 21.22 but whilst we are on earth we must serve providence in the use of meanes and he that despiseth them despiseth his own salvation both Temporal and Eternal For Ordinances see Mr. Lawrence for
nothing swifter then thoughts we can think of a thousand things in a little space 5. They are the consciencious things of the heart Rom. 2.5 their thoughts accusing or excusing them 6. They are the freest acts of the heart we do not alwayes as we think or speak but thoughts are free we think as we please When Peter denied his Master if we look to his words you would judge him an Apostate but if a man could have seen into his heart there he should have found Rabboni My Lord at least 7. They are the continual issues of the soul and so we may the better judge of our selves by them There is no judging of a Niggard by one great Feast which he keeps but by his constant fare So observe what thy heart doth constantly and habitually run upon what do'st plod most upon as the liberal man deviseth liberal things and by them is establisht so the covetous man deviseth covetous things and by them is ruined Isay 32.7 8. their end is destruction who mind viz. inordinately habitually and excessively earthly things When men can forget God dayes without number and he is seldome in their thoughts but their minds run altogether on their Oxen Farmes Wives Money when their desires be greedy after those things and their joy excessive in the enjoyment of them and their sorrow excessive in parting with them these are palpable evidences of a heart that Trades and is exercised in Covetousnesse 2 Pet. 2.14 Concerning Thoughts see Doctor Goodwin Vanity of Thoughts Doctor Burges his Serm. on Ier. 4.14 Fenner on Philip. 3.19 Fol. p. 43. P. 1. and on Isay 55.7 Fol. p. 139. Mr. Angiers's Treatise Doctor Preston on Rom. 2.18 Serm. 3. p. 69. 70. Hooker Soules Preparation p. 64 Church his Treasure p. 353. Mr. William Burton Anal. of Belial Serm. 7. By thy Words Out of the abundance of the heart doth the mouth speak Matth. 12.34 What is in the Ware-house will appear in the shop what is in the heart the Tongue tells you As is the man such is his language as we know what Country-man a man is by his language a French-man speaks French c. So we may guesse at men by their language a good man hath good language he speaks the language of Canaan an evill man speaks the language of the World Isai 32.6 discourse with him of that and he is in his Element he can talk all day of it and not be weary but talk to him of spiritual things and he is tanquam piscis in arido out of his Element he hath nothing to say It 's a sure sign men are of the World when they speak onely of the World 1 Iohn 4.5 when the summe of their talk is Who will shew us any good Psal. 4.6 i. e. who will shew us how we may get goods and riches as they said to Peter thou art a Galilean thy speech bewrayeth thee so these are Worldlings their very speech betrayes them 3. By thy Works and walking towards Thy Selfe Thy Family Thy Neighbours 1. When a man lives besides his Estate and can scarce allow himselfe Meat Drink Apparel Rest or things convenient this argues a covetous spirit for he that is cruell to himself to whom will he be good Solomon esteemed it a great evill for a man to have riches and no heart to use them Eccles. 6.1 2. like an Asse which carrieth gold for others when it self feeds on thistles This man is alwayes poor and wants as well that which he hath as that which he hath not Like Tantalus who sate up to the chin in water yet died for thirst Poor men want many things but the covetous all things These are men sometimes of good Wills but bad Deeds they are so farre from being like Dorcas who made coats for the poor whilst she lived Acts 9.36 37. that they can scarce endure to make any for themselves 2. By his walking towards his Family He 's base to his wife and base to his children they are bred like so many ignorant wild colts They are like to be golden calves and that 's all He 's base to his servants he ove-worketh and over-watcheth them He never catechiseth or instructeth them he never prayeth with them or for them He 's cumbred about many things and can spare no time for the service of God either in his Closet or Family 3. Towards his Tenants and such as are under him how cruell is he he wracks them he squeezeth them he sucks them till he hath got all the bloud out of their bodies and money out of their purses They grind the faces of the poor as the Milner doth his corne so long as there 's any meal to be had out of them Isai 3.15 yea so exceeding cruell are they that they do not onely fleece but flay them Micah 3.2 3. They pluck off their skinne from off them and their flesh from off their bones and break their bones and chop them for the pot and seeth them again in the Caldron Observe the Method of these cruell Canibals barbarous butchers and cursed Cookes 1. They flay off the skin 2. They eat the flesh 3. Like dogs they fall to gnawing the bones They break the bones they 'l get somewhat out of the bare bones they suck them they beat them they heat them again to fetch out marrow and at last boyle them again to get out the utmost drop of fatnesse How do the Prophets thunder out Woes against unmercifull oppressors Isai 5 8. Amos 1.3 2.6 7. Habbak 2.11 12. Mal. 3.5 Yea the wiser sort of Heathens have abhorred such cruelty Philip King of Macedon being counselled to increase his Revenew wisely answered I like not that Gardiner which pulls up his herbs by the roots The like answer gave Tiberius Caesar to one that advised him to augment his Treasure The Wool said he is sufficient I will not have the Pelt too For if the Wool be shorne it will grow again but if the skinne be pulled off then farewell all 2. When men are hard-harted to the poor They have money for Pride and money for their Lusts but for the poor servants of Christ they have nothing like Churlish Nabal that hath abundance for himself but nothing for a pious David 1 Sam. 25.10 11 36. 3. It argues Covetousnesse when men are over-reaching and unrighteous in their dealing when they have false Weights and false Wares when they work upon the ignorance and necessities of people 4. When men murmur at just Taxes justly assest every penny of pay goes to their hearts and comes like drops of blood from them How many excuses do they invent they be poor in debt have great Families c. for Pleasure Pride Purchases they have Pounds but to preserve Peace and the Gospel of Peace they have not Pence 1. Let such know that there are Dues belonging to Caesar which must be freely and cheerfully paid Matth. 22.21 Luke 20.25 Give
to rule over us Thus when men are stout in heart they are far from righteousnesse Isai 46.12 as we see in Pharaoh Absolon Haman c. Pride is the Nurse of Covetousnesse the Root of strife envy and cruelty the Mother of Murder this put Athaliah upon slaying the seed Royall that she might get the Kingdome to her selfe 2 Kings 11. In a word 't is the Root of all evill which made Solomon to joyne pride and the evill way together Prov. 8.13 as Humility is the foundation of all Vertue so is pride of all Vices and as that is the badge of Gods children so is this of the Devills 'T is so base a sin that even the proud themselves hate it in others 4. The great contention that is in the land shewes there 's much pride in it for by pride saith Solomon comes contention Prov. 13.10 and 28.25 Pride makes men drunk with their own conceits Hab. 3.5 and drunkards we know are quarrelsom The strife that is in Church State Families comes from hence Men should strive to love but now men love to strive not that 't is a sin to contend for the truth for that 's our duty yea our glory and is commanded Iude 3. but when men shall contend against the truth and the true Churches of Christ for Vanity and Heresy making lyes their Reâ—uge this argues pride with a witnesse 5. Naturally we are all as full of pride as a Toad is of poyson The Sea is not more full of Monsters the ayre of Flyes the earth of Vermin and the fire of sparkles then our corrupt natures are of proud rebellious imaginations against God 'T was the sin of our first Parents Gen. 3.5 and we their children resemble them in it 'T was not only the sin of Pharaoh Haman Herod Sodom Ezek. 16.49 but Gods dearest servants have been tackt and tainted with it David out of pride numbers the people 2 Sam. 24.1 Hezekiah's heart was lifted up with his Treasures and Riches 2 Chron. 32.25 Peter had two good a conceit of himself Mat. 26.33.60 even Christs poor disciples dreamt as our Millenaries do that Christ would set up an earthly Kingdom upon this they begin to dispute who should be the greatest amongst them Mark 9.34 Hence 't is that the Lord lets corruptions and infirmities cleave even to the best to keep them low in their own eyes Paul that holy mortified man must yet have a Thorn in the flesh a messenger of Satan to buffet him and keep him humble 2 Cor. 12.7 Naturall and Hereditary diseases are hardly cured when a man is born blinde deaf lame c. such are seldom cured Pride is very pleasing and connatural to us 't is deeply rooted in our natures we all carry a proud Devill within us till the spirit of regeneration dispossesse him For the expelling of this poyson take these four Antidotes 1. Consider that Pride is a sin which more especially fights against God and God against it The Proud do as it were challenge and provoke him to set upon them God accepts the challenge and sets himself in battle array against this chaffe and dry stubble They resist God his Word Ministers Chastisements and God resists them and comes against them as an armed man Iames 4.6 1 Peter 5.5 Other sinne is a turning from God but this turns against him and fights with him in other sinnes we flye from God in this sin we flye on him and God le ts flye at such he dischargeth all his Artillery in the very face of it He resists them this resistance presupposeth an assault and did ever any man assault God and prosper let the Potshards strive with the potshard of the earth but wo unto him that striveth with his Maker Isay 45.9 whose hands can be strong and whose heart can endure in the day when God shall deal with him Ezek 22.14 what they said of Iohn is much more true of God 2 Kings 20.4 Behold two Kings could not stand before him how then shall we So not two but ten thousand Kings and men of might have not been able to stand before him how then darest thou contend with him 'T is madnesse for a man to provoke Angels or a potent Host against him but by his Pride to provoke the great Lord of Hosts and God of Angels is the height of madness These are six things which the Lord hates yea seven are an abomination to him a Proud look is the first Prov. 6.16 17. and 16.5 he 'l have no communion with such he cannot endure the breath of them Hence he is said to behold them afar off Psalm 138.6 and if David could not endure that the Proud should stand in his sight Psal. 101.5 let them not think of coming into Gods Kingdom 2. Consider how severely God hath punisht such in all ages with remarkable judgements They go about to rob him of his glory which is as the apple of his eye and which he will not part with unto any Isa. 41.8 and therefore God is more quick in cutting off Proud persons his patience waits on other sinners but his justice suddenly finds out these Iob 40.11 12. Dan. 4.27 Psal. 18.27 and 119.21 when once Pride begins to bud and shew it self ruine is not far off Prov. 16.18 and 29.23 Isai 3.24 Ier. 13.9 Ezek. 7.10 11. when mens hearts are lifted it is to their own destruction 2 Chron. 26.16 If Herod once assume Gods glory to himself an Angell shall suddenly smite him dead and he 's devoured of lice Acts 12.22 23. God spared him whilest he persecuted the Saints though that was a crying sin but when once he assumed divine honour to himself down he comes God loves to levell such and lay them low Matth. 23.12 He pitties the poor weak bended reeds but 't is the Cedars of Lebanon and the Oaks of Bashan i. e. men that in their own conceits and in the worlds eye are as tall as Cedars as strong as Oakes as invincible as walls of brass 't is these God loves to be dealing with that he may bring them down Isai 2.12 13. to 18. when Pride is in the Premises destruction is ever in the conclusion This sin turned Angels into Devills Sodom into ashes Ezek. 16.49 drowned Pharaoh hanged Haman turned Nebuchadnezzar a grazing with the beasts This destroyes mens dwellings Prov. 15.25 and is oft punished with madness There is but this difference between a mad-man and proud-man we hate the one and pity the other 3. Consider that Pride is Partus Satanicus the Devills first-borne wherewith he layes his plot for our downfall Gen. 3.5 For as God abaseth men that he may exalt them so the Devill puffes men up that he may destroy them blowes them up that he may the better break them 'T is the first Book which the Devill reads in his School Hence Pride is called the Devills Grammar which teacheth ill construction and ill versifying viz. to measure
Get your Graces quickened 1. Let your faith be a lively stirring operative faith Gal. 5.6 Iames 2. by this wee conquer the world to conquer the material world with Alexander is not so great and so glorious a work as to to conquer the malignant world 2. See that your Hope be an active lively hope doth it make thee contemn both the worlds promotions and persecutions its frowns and favours canst be content to perish so Christ may flourish to be nullified that he may be glorified then hast thou cause to blesse God 1 Pet. 11.3 Blessed be God who hath given us a lively hope 3. Let your Repentance be sound and saving even Repentance unto life a turning from darknesse to light converted men are quickened men Ephes. 2.1 3. Get all the Powers of your soul quickened and enlivened 1. Get your understanding enlightened with saving knowledge this is the life of the mind Psal. 119.144 Give me understanding and I shall live 2. Get your wills conformable to Gods will 'T is the happinesse of the Creature to resemble the Creator The will is the man get this bended rightly byassed and reformed and all is done 3. Get your affections quickened they are the feet upon which the soul runs the way of Gods Commandements Eccles. 5.1 Psal. 119.32 and the wings by which we fly in his service they shew what we are and do denominate the man that we are that we Love and Desire to be Object But methinks I hear some gracious souls bemoaning themselves and groan under that formality dulnesse deadnesse heavinesse and indisposednesse which they still find within them notwithstanding all their stirring and striving and praying against it Answ. This hath been is and will be still the condition of Gods servants whilest they are in the world Heavinesse and Holinesse weaknesse dulnesse and dutifulnesse may subsist together in the same soul as we see in David Asa Iosiah Iob Peter Luther no Saint on earth Sine omni macula Iames 3.2 In many things we offend all David was a man after Gods own heart yet how doth he beg for quickening and for life which implies a sensiblenesse of dulnesse and deadnesse in himselfe Psa. 73. and 119. and yet he had an intensive love to God to his Saints his truth and worship what bitter lamentation did Paul make on this account Rom. 7. the purest gold hath yet some drosse the best corn some weeds the finest wooll some moaths the best wine some lees The best man whilest he is in the Vale of Tears will have cause to cry A necessitatibus meis libera me Domine Deliver me O Lord from my invincible infirmities viz. Faintness Drowsinesse Indisposedness c. the best here are like Prisoners which though they be got out of prison yet have bolts on their legs still so that they cannot run so fast as they would Like a bird with a stone tied to the leg of it that fain would ascend and be gone but cannot Though they find sometimes a loathnesse and indisposition to duties yet have they no loathing of Duties or decrying of Ordinances There may be a wearinesse in but not a wearinesse of Duty Grace is still predominant and so denominates We call it a Corne-field though there be some weeds mixt with it and white paper though it have some spots on it Hence Christ excuseth his sleepy and heavie disciples Matth. 26.41 the spirit i. e. the regenerate part is willing ready chearfull to watch pray do and suffer for me but the flesh i. e. the unregenerate part is weak impotent and unwilling to spirituall duties till grace subdue it and bring it into obedience Christ in much love and pitty doth pass by and pardon the weaknesses and infirmities of his people A bruised reed he will not break Matth. 12.20 he that will not have us to reject such as are weak in the faith will not reject them himself Rom. 14.1 See how gently he deales with Peter Iohn 21.15 to put him in mind of his threefold deniall he doth not harshly upbraid him with it but only in a mild manner ask him thrice Peter lovest thou me He takes no notice of the sins and infirmities of the people so as to impute them to them or condemn them for them Numbers 23.21.22 Cor. 5.21 As a Father pitâ—eth his children so doth the Lord pitty his Psal. 103.13 he spares them as a man spares his Son that serves him Mal. 3.17 and will not reject their Services though mixt with many weaknesses Zach. 3.3 4. we have a mercifull High Priest full of compassion who is touched with the sense of our infirmities Heb. 2.17 and 4.15 In all our afflictions he is afflicted Isay 63.9 he knowes whereof we are made and remembers that we are but flesh To expresse his Pastorall and Paternall affection towards them he hath promised To gather the Lambs with his arm and to carry them in his bosom to bind up the broken and strengthen the weak to seek that which is lost and bring again that which was driven away and to punish their stout and strong enemies Isay 40.11 and Ezek. 34.16 Christ will have none to despise his little ones Matth. 18.5 Be humbled then but be not dejected or discouraged for these invincible infirmities of weaknesse passion forgetfulnesse c. which clog us here Every Christian carries his clog with him saith Luther God hath reserved perfection for Heaven there our hearts shall be alwayes in tune here our greatest perfection is to bewayle our imperfections and our greatest Righteousnesse to lament our Unrighteousnesse We are apt to have hard conceipts of God and to judge of him by our selves but his thoughts are not our thoughts nor his wayes our wayes Isay 55.8 There is no God like our God for pardoning and passing by the sins of his people Exod. 34.6 7. Micah 7.18 our distempers cannot distemper him nor our infirmities interrupt his favour The marriage knot is not broken by every falling only nor the League between Princes broken by the wrongs done by Pirats The sicknesse or weaknesse of the child doth not make the Parent reject it but rather makes him more pittifull and tender towards him Caut. Yet lest any should mistake and take his Enormities and grosse sinnes for infirmities I will give you foure differences between them 1. He that sins through infirmity hath the life of Grace begun in him so Paul Rom. 7. there is not weaknesse but deadnesse where there s no life 2. That 's a sin of infirmity which is committed against the bent purpose and resolution of the soul when we suddenly fall into sin without deliberation either through Passion Feare c as Peter did This is called a falling by an occasion Gal. 6.1 he doth not run himselfe into sin but accidentally he stumbles at sin and catcheth a fall so that when a man fully resolves against a sin Prayeth against it strives against it groans
yet being tolerated at last set the world on fire As diseases so error must be stopt betimes 14. They are mere Scepticks in Religion They question all things but beleeve nothing They question the Law question the Gospel Sabbath Sacraments Magistracy Ministery c. They are all for disputing nothing for practising That time which they should spend in the examination of their Consciences is laid out in the examination of opinions They challenge men to dispute that they may make men doubt of the truth as the Devil did Eve by questioning Gods threatnings Gen. 3.1 they are sick and dote on questions 1 Timothy 6.4 God will have his command obeyed not questioned How oft doth he command us to be rooted stedfast grounded royall Christians not tossed to and fro with every wind of Doctrine Ephes. 4.14 15. You may guesse at false Teachers by their followers Who are they that follow them 1. They are Idle persons that have no callings or else follow none 2. Or Ungrounded Ignorant Unstable persons though men in yeares yet children in Understanding such unchatechised persons are a fit prey for the Devills Instruments 3. Or else they are Rotten Proud Censorious Hypocrites such as were never found in the faith but were justly suspected for their loose walking 16. When at last their folly is discovered to all then they face about and begin to deny what they hold or else they mince the matter they alter it and new mould it and say they were not rightly understood c. 17. The Devils Instruments usually are subtle Serpents Genesis 3.1 2 Corinthians 11.3 2 Peter 21. he gets the choycest wits the better to carry on his designs An unsanctified wit is a fit agent for the Devil Nor is there a likelyer Anvile in all the shop of Hell whereon to forge mischief then one that is lewd and learned He must have such as can play the hucksters and juglers passing that for gold which is but brasse 2 Corinthians 2.17 Such as walke plainly and honestly are not for the Devils turn God hath planted his fear in their hearts so that they dare not sin against him But 't is the crafty companion that is full of all subtleties sleights wiles and deceitful workings that can cog a Die and make it answer what cast he pleaseth this this is the man for the Devils turn Ephes. 4.14 the Apostle in three words expresseth the subtlety of seducers 1. They have a slight 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in cogging the Die like cunning gamesters they can so pack the Cards and pervert the scriptures that they can make it speak what they please themselves 2. Cunning craftinesses 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they turn every stone and watch all advantages 3. Lying in wait to decceive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they have a method in deceiving they have all the Arts of cozenage so that if 't were possible they would deceive the very Elect. 18. They separate themselves from the true Churches of Christ. The Pharises were rigid separatists and quarrelled with Christ because he would not separate but was a friend to publicans and sinners Luke 15.27 28. They pretend they abhor a mixt company and yet they revile and fly from reall Saints They are all for gathering Churches out of Churches which is the very way to destroy Churches How do we destroy houses but by pulling one stone and one piece from another This schisme grows into an heresie as a Serpen◠growes to be a Dragon This tolerated will ruine Families tearing them all to pieces whilest the husband goes to one Church the wife to another the son to a third the daughter to a fourth and the servant to an Alehouse instead of a Church This opens a gap to abundance of profanenesse when there shall be no cohabitation but the Church members shall be scattered up and down some 20. some 30. some 60. some 100. miles off who shall have the inspection teaching and guidance of these Master Burroughs his Argument for gathering of Churches in my judgement is very dilute and weak 't is this Because our Divines hold it lawfull to gather Churches out of the Church of Rome therefore 't is lawful to gather Churches out of the Church of England q. d. because 't is lawfull to separate from a whore Ergo we ought to separate from an honest woman also What more ungodly sacriledge or man-stealing can there be then to purloin from godly Ministers the first-born of their fervent Prayers and faithful Preaching the leaven of their flocks the encouragement of their souls the Crown of their labours and their Epistle to Heaven If men will needs gather Churches out of the world as they phrase it let them first plow the world and sow it and reap it with their own hands and then the Lord give them a liberall harvest He is a very hard man that will reap where he hath not sowen and gather where he hath not strewed Mat. 24.25 We have no President in the whole Book of God to gather up one Church out of the cream and quintessence of many Churches As a Reverend Divine of ours hath well observed 19. They dawb with untempered mortar they preach placentia and flatter men in their sins Ezekiel 13.10.15 and 22.28 they preach the fancies of their own brain there is no truth and so no strength in what they say 't is all but arena sine calce lutum sine firmitate the least showre brings it down These are those Wells without water and empty clouds which promise much but perform nothing 2 Peter 2.17 Iude 12. but faithfull Pastours are spiritual Clouds which water and refresh the Vineyard of the Lord with wholesome heavenly showers of saving Doctrine Isay 5.6 and 60.8.20 They are great pretenders to an Extraordinary call Aske them how they dare presume to meddle with the holy things of God considering Gods dreadful judgements on Corah and his company on Vzzah and Vzziah for the like presumption their answer is they are called we aske by whom they answer by God If so then 't is either in an Ordinary or an Extraordinary way They tell us they are called Extraordinary we reply then 't will appear by their Extraordinary gifts the Apostles were called Extraordinarily and they shewed it by their extraordinary gifts they could heal the sick cast out Devils speak Languges without study and let these pretenders shew the like abilities and we shall believe them But alas upon Examination we find they have not so much as Ordinary abilities They are infeririour free gifts to many women and children They are not able to write a line of true English I have several of their Letters by me wherein there are more Literal and Material Errata's then lines They had more need to be taught themselves then to be teachers of others Thus ex pede Herculem by these twenty marks you may know the Impostors of our time and knowing them you must avoid
not 5. Armies that can save us 'T is not 6. Carnal policy nor sinfull shifts that can save us 1. Idolls cannot help us They are vanities teachers of lies Hab. 2.18 Ionah 2.8 Nothing in respect of any divine power or vertue 1 Cor. 8.4 though it be something in respect of mens vain Imaginations who honour it as their God yet 't is nothing in respect of vertue or value for it can neither help nor hurt Ier. 10.5 They cannot save themselves from fire and plunder Micah's Gods were stollen Iudg. 18.18 24. They are cursed that worship them Psal. 97.7 they shall have sorrow that follow them Psal. 16.4 and be greatly ashamed that trust in them Isay 42.17 great then is the folly of the Papists who fly to S. Loy for their horses S. Anthony for their pigs Saint George for their warres S. Apollonia for their teeth S. Steven for the night S. Iohn for the day according to the manner of their necessities so are their Gods 2. If God be against us Riches cannot help us They oft hurt us in a time of trouble The finger many times is cut off for the gold Ring and the souldier enquires not for the poor but for the rich man Riches avail not in a day of wrath Prov. 11.4 Ezek. 7.19 Zeph. 1. ult they flye from us when we are dying or in trouble and have most need of help Prov. 23.5 Hence they are called uncertain riches they are like a broken reed that not onely faileth but wounds him that trusts in them Isay 36.6 he that trusteth in them shall fall Prov. 11.28 and be reproached for his folly with a Lo this is the man that took not God for his strength but trusted in his riches Psal. 52.7 Luke 12.20 3. Friends cannont help be they never so many or mighty the greater they be the worse and the sooner we are deceived by them because we are apt to trust in them men of low degree are vanity but men of high degree are worse they are not onely lyars but a lye in the abstract Psal. 62.9 Hence we are forbidden to trust in them be they never so great Psal. 146.3 4 5. Trust not in Princes yet if any men can help us 't is they why so for in them is no help they dye or change their minds and then all thy plots perish 4. Strong holds cannot save us if God be against us They shall all drop as ripe figs which with a shake or summons come down Nahum 3.12.14 though wicked men build walls as high as heaven and make ditches as deep as hell yea and make their nest in the starres yet sin will bring them down Ier. 49.16 Obad. 4. if sin raign within all the fortifications without are but vain Lam. 4.12.17 Isay 22.8 to 14. 5. 'T is not Armies Charrets Horses c. that can help A King is not saved by a great host Psal. 33.16 17 they fall that trust in them Psal. 20.7 8. many trust in their long sword and think that it should save them but God tells those that work wickednesse yet stand upon their Sword that the sword shall destroy them Ezek. 33.25 26 27. 6. 'T is not carnal policy nor sinful shifts that can help us Achitophels policy ended in folly And so did Pharaohs working wisely Exod. 1.10 become his bane Hence Henry the third of France forsaking the truth turned Papist thinking thereby to get the Monks on his side he was killed by a Monk yea he became contemptible to his people Paris and his great Townes revolting from him There is no power or policy can prevaile against God Prov. 21.30 many turne with the times forsake the truth make lies their refuge and under falshood do they hide themselves Isay 28.15 this is the basest refuge of all others Sin never did good to any it 's an ill refuge which makes God our enemy Isay 47 10. thou hast trusted in thy wickedness What followes Verse 11. therefore evill shall come â—pon thee 2. Affirmatively and inclusively all our help is onely in the Lord. He is the salvation of his Israel Ier. 3.23 the creatures answer in this case as they did concerning wisdome Iob 18.12.14.20 where shall wisdom be found the depth sayes 't is not in me and the Sea sayes 't is not in me So where shall help in trouble be had Parliaments say 't is not in us and Armies say 't is not in us and Riches say 't is not in us c. But 't is God onely who is El-shaddai All-mighty All-sufficient Gen. 17.1 who is a strong Tower Prov. 18.10 and a present help in trouble Psal. 46.1 when trouble is present then God is auxilium praesentissimum most present by his Wisdom to direct us by his Power to protect us and by his Spirit to comfort us Quest. How doth the Lord deliver his people when we oft see them lye under sad afflictions Answ. Deliverance is two-fold 1. When the Lord doth actually deliver his people as he did the three young men from the fiery furnace Dan. 3. Daniel from the Lions den and Peter from prison 2. Sometimes he lets the trouble continue but upholds the Spirit under it Thus Ioseph was in prison but the Lord was with him Paul had not the tentation removed but he had strength given him to bear it 3. If God do suffer the wicked to take away their temporal life yet he gives them eternal life for it change we say is no robbery but this change is a great advantage so that sometimes the Lord removes the Crosse sometimes he mitigates it but he alwayes works patience in the hearts of his people and gives a happy issue and event if not by life yet by death which is best of all Philip. 1.23 neither can any Tyrants take away their lives from them till they have run their race and finisht the work which God hath given them to do Luke 13.32 Iohn 17.4 5. David was oft pursued by Saul yet dieth not till he served Gods will in his generation Acts 13.36 Peter died not till he was ripe for Martyrdome 2 Pet. 1.14 Paul escapes abundance of dangers both by Sea and Land till his time was come that he was beheaded at Rome by Nero. 2 Tim. 4.6 Queen Elizabeth was cursed by many Popes yet she out-lived nine or ten of them and when she had finisht her course she died in her bed in Peace God hath numbred our dayes which we cannot passe nor our enemies abridge us of Iob 7.3 our times are in Gods hands and not in the hands of our enemies Psal. 31.15 Quest. But why doth not the Lord deliver his people out of trouble Answ. 'T is not either because he cannot or will not but for good Ends. 1. To draw out the Graces of Gods people that their Faith Love Patience and Constancy may be made more perspicuous to the world we had never heard of the Chastity of Ioseph the Patience of Iob the Zeale
stead of confessing it he useth all means to hide it and so runs himselfe into five sinnes more 1. He useth unlawful means to father it on Vriah 2. He draweth him into that foul sin of Drunkenness 3. After he had made him Drunke he contriveth how to kill him 4. After he was dead he Fathers his death on God 5. He continued a considerable time in this sinne without Repentance All this David did when he changed his condition and came to be a King Hence we read of Davids first wayes which were his best when he was afflicted and low 2 Chronicles 17.3 Solomons great prosperity proved a snare to him 1 Kings 11.3 Ionah sleeps when in the Ship but Prayes in the Sea we have more cause to fear then to desire prosperity When the Moone is in the full it is nearest an Eclipse When Iesurun waxeth fat he kicks at God Deuteronomy 32.13 to 17. When men are fed to the full then they goe by Troups to Harlots Ieremiah 5.7 When once men are become Lords they care not for God Ieremiah 2.31.32 When Hazael is a King he is not the man he was his condition was changed and he changed with it 2 Kings 8.13 Honores mutant Mores How humble was Saul before he was a King and how insolent and cruel after he came to a Crowne Cataline whilest poore had many seeming vertues but when rich he put off all Modesty and Honesty Many like Ionathan march well till they come to this Honey They are good servants but ill Masters Like Ieroboam before he was a King we do not read of his wickednesse but after he makes the golden Calves 1 Kings 12.18 20. Innopem copia fecit Many had ben rich if they had not been rich they had been rich in Grace if they had not been rich in Goods The temptations accompanying prosperity are more dangerous as being most sutable to our corrupt nature and most subtile to deceive Mark 4.19 1. Then we are most prone to Pride Vzziah when strong then his heart is lifted us 2 Chron. 26.16 yea good Hezekiah had a taint of this 2 Chron. 32.25 So hard it is to have Honour without Tumour 2. Then we are most apt to forget God Hos. 13.6 and ready to say with those prosperous wicked men Depart from us Iob 21.13 14. when men have no changes they fear not God Psal. 55.19 but their Table becomes a snare to them Psal. 69.20 and their prosperity their ruine Prov. 1.32 most are like to Aesops Hen the more she was fed the worse she laid Hence the Lord gives so many cautions to his people that they should take heed of forgetting him in their prosperity Deut. 4.1 to 15. and 8.11 3. Then we are apt to trust in the Creature and so expose our selves to knocks and falls Psal. 30.6 7. and 20. 4. Then we are more prone to cruelty Psal. 73.6 7. Babylon that sits at ease like a Queen murders the Saints of God Revel 18.7 5. Then we are most prone to riot and security Luke 12.19 Prov. 30.9 God may speak to men in their prosperity and they will not hear Ier. 22.21 The Sun-shine of prosperity makes men put off all when the storms of adversity make us wrap our garments about us Hannibal and his army became effeminate by the spoyles of Capua which could not be conquered by their distresses in passing over the almost unpassable Alpes Superfluities in the body breed more dangerous diseases then defects A wicked poor man cannot do that mischief that a wicked rich man may Both extreams are very dangerous Hence Agur prayes Give me neither Poverty nor Riches Prov. 30.8 Great Riches are great Temptations as well as extream poverty As to be very rich and very good is rare so to be very poor and very good is rate When the Devill tempted our aSviour his first temptation was but the hungry Temptation Matth. 4. to turn stones into bread But the Devils last temptation was the sorest when he offered him all the Kingdomes of the world to worship him By the Order of the Devils temptations we may see which is the greatest for the Devill keeps his greatest Temptations till the last Fret not then at the prosperity of wicked men they are to be Pitied rather then Envied The sword of Gods wrath hangs over their heads ready every moment to drop upon them Their prosperity is Transient but their sorrows are permanent Fear not their power and pomp for they shall soon come dowm Psal. 37.1 2 c. and 49.16 their joy is but for a moment Iob 20.5 8. and 21.13 like the crackling of Thorns which make a great blaze but are soon extinct Psal. 58.3 4 5 6. Hence their pomp is compared to a Dream which quickly vanisheth Psal. 37.20.35 36. and 73.20 Isay 29.7 8. and 38.13 Like Ionah's gourd they suddenly rise and as suddenly wither Like Counters now they stand for pounds and anon for pence Neither let any man conclude of Gods favour because he enjoyeth temporal blessings and outward prosperity for all these be blessings and such as God hath promised with condition to the obedient Deut. 28. yet they are but blessings of the left hand and the wicked whom God hates oft-times have them in greatest abundance They prosper many times usque ad invidiam Psal. 73. they that do wickedly oft-times are exalted Mal. 3.15 The great Turk that fat Hog and great Dog of the world yet what rich possessions hath he and if the Lord do thus for his Dogs and be so bountiful to such as hate him oh what will he not do for his children who serve and obey him These outward things are oft given in judgement as God gave Israel a King in his wrath and Saul gave Michol to David for a snare so riches oft fit and fat men for the slaughter Those beasts which the Butcher intends to kill he puts them into fat pastures Iob 21.30 Let us then improve our prosperity to Gods praise let our Health Wealth Peace c. improve our Vertues and our Vices let us not fight against God with his own weapons but the more he exalts us the higher let us exalt his Name 'T was Jehosaphats great honour that when he had riches in abundance his heart was lifted up in the wayes of the Lord. 2 Chron. 17.6 He was made thereby more zealous and couragious in Gods cause and went forward with an high and Heroick spirit We should serve him with gladness and singleness of heart in the abundance of all things Deut. 28.47 This is the end why the Lord hath made so many promises of Temporall good things even to make us good Deut. 28.1 to 15. Prov. 3.16 17. and 22.4 Isay 1.19 and 30.23 Ier. 32.39 Hos. 2.21 22. The things are good in themselves and enable us to do good to others but 't is our corruption that turns them into poyson by abusing of
of gifts 'T is good to Profess but Practice is better yea of the two Practice without Profession is better then Profession without Practice for Divinity in this life consists rather in Practice then in speculation and contemplation In Religion we know no more then we Practice then we are said to know God when we keep his Commandements 1 Iohn 2.3 4. Lay aside words and fall to works Quid verbis opus est Spectemur agendo Let us imitate the sheep which boast not how much they have eaten but shew it actually by their fat fleece and young We all profess we love God let us shew it by doing something for his Honour As the woman that loved our Saviour bestowed a box of precious Oyntment on him Love is bountifull Many read the Scriptures onely to fit them for discourse as some are said to read Plato All such unpractical knowledge in Gods esteem is no knowledge 1 Samuel 1.12 Ieremiah 2.8 The Priests no doubt had a Notional knowledge but because it wanted Practice God accounted it no knowledge This want of Practice breeds Errours and Heresies Men turn Scepticks because they will not be Practicks God plagues the Hypocrites of our time for their Unfruitfulnesse Ungratefulnesse and Contempt of the Gospell by giving them up in his just judgement 1. Anabaptism Libertinism Socinianism and other Heretical ways Sin hath so blinded them that they cannot see the Truth Matthew 22.29 Practice is the best Preservative against defection this will make a man whose knowledge is less then others to remain stedfast in time of trial like a fixed Star whilest others of greater Parts like blazing Comets may shine for a while but at last vanish into smoke Revelations 3.8 'T is obedience to this Word that will build us up till it have brought us to an inheritance immortal Acts 20.32 He that would see more Encouragements for Practice let him peruse Mr. Samuel Wards Sermon Iohn 13.17 it is the last Sermon of his Sermons Master Vennings sermon on Matthew 7.21 Doctor Preston on Romans 1.18 p. 170. Downams Guide to Godliness cap. 1.2 The Preface to the last Edition of Doctor Andrewes Catechism Master Anthony Burgess spi. Refining 1 Peter 1.2 3. Master Sanger his morning Lecture p. 77 c. 1. Then let us Read it constantly Deuteronomy 6.6 7. Psalm 1.1 2. least any should exempt themselves the Lord names all sorts men women children strangers Deuteronomie 31.11 12. Ieremiah 36.6 7. not onely the learned but the unlearned also must Read yea search the Scriptures if they expect Eternal Life Iohn 5.39 peruse them frequently and search them diligently digging for these Heavenly Treasures as men doe for gold who break every clod that they may finde the golden Oare There is nothing written in vain but even those places which at first view seem to contain nothing memorable yet by prayer and study much gold of instruction and consolation may be gained from them neither is there any danger in a wise humble and Holy reading of the Scriptures for then the Lord would never have revealed them nor have denounced such terrible Threatnings against such as are ignorant of them Isay 27.11 1 Thessalonians 7.8 It is not knowledge but the want of it which makes men erre both in Doctrine and Manners Matthew 22.29 as we see by sad experience in the dark corners of the land Be not then a stranger to Gods Word but let it dwell in you Colossians 3.16 Let it bee your Domesticke Counsellour let it be as Familiar with you as he that dwelleth in the same House with you even as your Brother and Sister Proverbs 4.7 Let it dwell not onely sufficiently but aboundantly richly and plentifully in you both in respect of the Object be not onely acquainted with some Parts and Parcels of the Scripture but let the whole Word both Law and Gospel abide in you be industrious to know all Gods Will Hos. 6.3 Prov. 2.3.4 5. Secondly In respect of the Subject Let it rule in all the parts of the Soul in the Understanding Memory Will Affections set open the Doores of the Soul and bid light welcome Let there not be a formido Lucis a shunning of the Light for that argueth guilt Iohn 3.20 But be like Apollos who was mighty in the Scriptures Acts 18. 14. and like the Eunuch Acts 8.28 29. who would lose no time but as he was travelling and riding in his Chariot he was reading the Word 2. Which makes him the more to be admired he was but a Heathen 3. He had much business 4. He was a Prince and a great man 5. Though he understood not what he read yet he would be reading 6. He ingeniously confessing his ignorance God sends one to instruct him 'T is the Meek the Teachable and the Tractable whom God will teach his way Psal. 25.9 Isay 28.9 10. Iames 1.21 'T was the great praise of Alphonsus King of Arragon that notwithstanding all his Princely affairs he read over the Bible 14. times with the ordinary Gloss and George Prince of Transilvania read over the whole Bible 6. or 7. times How will their forwardness condemn our backwardness See Motives and directions for Reading the Scriptures Par. on Rom. in the end of his Comment p. 1. c. Byfields Marrow p. 550. Master White of Dorchester Direct for reading script Master Sam. Hierons Serm. on Hos. 8.12 Downams Guide to Godlyness cap. 28. to 32. Master Traps Treatise cap. 8. Master Burgess his Sermon on Marke 1.3 p. 14 c. Master Leigh's Body of Divinity l. 1. c. 2. p. 23. Master Philip Goodwin Family-Dut p. 348. 2. We must remember and Treasure up the things we read 'T is impossible we should ever practice the things which we forget with Mary we should treasure up Christs sayings in our hearts Luke 2.19.51 we should lay up something for the time to come Isay 42.23 and learn that in Sion which may support us in Babylon Ier. 10.11 this will be a means to keep us from sinning against God Psalm 119.11 Deut. 11.18 Iob 22.22 23. Our memories naturally are very false and there is a wilful forgetfulness of the best things Hence the Lord commanded the Jewes to make them fringes on the borders of their Garments that they might remember the Commandments of the Lord and do them Num. 15.38 39. we should use all good means to keep the word in Remembrance as by conference by loving it Psalm 119.16 want of affection makes memory wanting we use not to forget what we love By writing it such as can write Sermons may do well to write them Baruc writ from the mouth of Ieremy 36.32 and if Kings notwithstanding the multiplicity of their Kingly affairs yet must spare time to read Gods Word and must write out with their own hands a Copy of the Law the better to imprint it in their memories Deut. 17.18 how can inferiour persons who have
idle drowsie habit but an active lively operative thing hence all Gods servants have been men of fire Abraham how zealous in Praying for Sodom how ready to circumcise himselfe and all the men in his house how ready to part with all at Gods bare command Lot doth not onely abstaine from the sins of Sodom but his soul was tortured and tormented with their wickednesse 2 Peter 2.8 Moses one of the meekest men in the world yet when God was dishonoured in an holy heate he throweth down the two Tables of stone and breaketh them signifying thereby their breach of Covenant with God by their sins yet did not the Lord checke him for it He onely bid him goe make new ones where we may observe the goodnesse of God that if our zeal transport us too far yet the Lord pardons the errour of our fervency rather then the Indifferencies of Security and Luke-warmnesse Thus Barâ—e how earnestly doth he act in Gods work Nehemiah 3.20 Nehemiah forsooke all his Court preferment passed through many dangers and difficulties and contends even with Rulers for profaning the Sabbath he cursed them i. he caused them to be excommunicated and driven out of the Congregation or he sharply reproved them telling them they had made themselves guilty of the curses whereinto they had entered Nehemiah 10.29 and 13.25 Holy David was a man even compounded of zeal as appeareth Psalm 119.53 97.136.139.158.174 How did he prepare with all his might for the House of God and thinketh all the gold and riches he had given to be as nothing 1 Chronicles 29.2 3 4. he prepared an hundred thousand Talents of Gold and a thousand thousand Talents of Silver he gave of his owne proper goods thirteen Millions eight hundred seventy five thousand pound sterling But what makes David so magnificently liberal Why it was his zealous affection to the House of God It is want of affection not want of money that makes men give so basely to the promoting of Gods Worship yet so inlarged was Davids heart that he accounts all this but a poor gift 1 Chronicles 22.14 In my poverty so 't is in the margin of your Bibles have I prepared all this he accounts his 1300. cart load of gold and silver but a poor gift it was noâ— answerable to his desires nor according to that which the transcendent Majesty of God might require but it was according as he was able by reason of his continual troubles and afflictions what a Seraphim was Paul how did he burn with a zeal for Gods Glory how was his Spirit kindled in him when he saw the Idolatry at Athens Acts 17.16 How gladly doth he spend himself for the Church of God 2 Cor. 12.25 What pains did he take what hazards did he run that he might win souls Rom. 15.19 He surpassed Alexander the Great and all the Conquerours of the world for they conquered men by the Sword but Paul by the Word they gained Kingdoms to themselves but Paul for Christ they conquered bodyes he souls they men he devils But where shall we now find a zealous Elijah a man of fire against sin and errors where are our Luthers Lattimers Bradfords that fear not the faces of great ones Blessed be God he hath many in the Land that both in the Pulpit and by their Pens do witness against the enormities of the times yet in comparison of the swarms of idle heretical profane self-seeking Ministers they are thin sowen for 1. Some are ignorant and cannot 2. Others are scandalous and dare not reprove sin for fear of being upbraided themselves 3. Others are Time-servers and to keep their places they go along with the current of the times and say as the great ones would have them Are the times for liberty so are they Are the times for Anabaptists c. so are they Doctores aerei like wax ready to take any impression that the Rulers and great ones will put upon them 4. Others are zealous but 't is against zeal instead of being instant in Preaching they are earnest against zealous Preachers and preaching Instead of heavenly fire they are full of strange fire They are zealous but 't is for Superstition Will-worship Anabaptisme c. When they should use all means to keep in and increase this holy fire as the Priest was commanded Levit. 6.12 13. not to suffer the fire of the Altar to go forth but he must bring wood to it and nourish it that it alwayes might burn yet these by their negligence suffer it to decay 'T is said that the Image of Isis was carried by a dull Asse such a servant may fit such a saint but dead Ministers are no servants for the living God I rejoyce not in these victories of the devil but shall turn my complaint into a prayer that the Lord would purifie the sons of Levi and purge them as gold that they may offer in righteousness Malac. 3.3 And that all Zions Nazarites may be purer then snow and whiter then milk Lam. 47.13 That all those whom the Lord hath set apart for his own immeditate service may in some measure resemble their Lord and Master in the beauty of holiness that they may be like Apollos who was fervent in spirit mighty in the Scriptures and taught diligently the way of the Lord. Acts 18.25 26. that like Micah 3.8 we may be filled with the Spirit of God and so may be enabled to fulfil our duty That he would flame us with the fire of love that we may help to inflame others Did Ministers love their peoples souls more they would be more zealous for their good Love is an active thing it will make one do and suffer much for the party beloved A mother loves her child which makes all her pains with it light One being askt out of what book he got such fiery fervent Sermons answered I get them out of the Book of Love This will make us fervent in prayer for our people and faithfully to discharge our duty by admonishing the wicked comforting the afflicted resolving their doubts sympathizing with them in their sorrows and visiting them in their distresses as Esay did Hezekiah in his sickness 2 Kings 20 1. The false Prophets are branded for feeding themselves but not the flock the sick they did not heal nor bind up the broken Ezek. 34.24 Much of the sins and errors of the times lie at Ministers doors and cold Ministers make bold sinners Hence Christ blames the Angels and Pastors of the Churches for the sins of the Churches Rev. 2. and 3. Our Apostysy makes others to apostatize many begin like thunder but they end like smoak We may say of many Ministers as they say of Butter 't is gold in the morning silver at noon and lead at night or like one Baldwin Archbishop of Canterbury whom Pope Vrban greets in the stile of a fervent Monk a warm Abbot a Luke-warm Bishop and a key cold
mention not Vain-gloriously but Thankfully against both men and devils and beastly Barbarians I have contended for the Gospel constantly and couragiously My life is a race and I have run my course even to the very goal in despight of all opposition I have maintained and defended the truth of Christs Gospel inviolably according to my Christian profession and office Apostolical and now from henceforth I comfort my self with the expectation of that crown of immortality which upon the gracious promises of a righteous God is laid up for me and not for me onely but for all the faithful who love Christ and long for his coming Observations 1. 'T is lawful sometimes to speak of those gifts and graces which God hath given us that we may comfort and quicken others by our example But of this see the Observations on chapter 3.10 2. The sweetest songs of the Saints have been towards their last ends The sun shines sweetliest when it is setting the wine of the Spirit is strongest in the Saints when they are drawing to an end His motions are quickest when natural motions are slowest as we see in Moses his Swan-like Song Deut. 31. and 32. and 33. and David how sweetly doth he sing a little before he dies of Gods mercies to himselfe of the covenant of free Grace which God had made with him and his judgements on the sons of Belial 2 Samuel 23.1 to 8. Ioshua dying how sweetly doth he exhort the people to obedience by setting before them the mercies of God Ioshua 24. All Christs sayings are excellent but none so sweet and comfortable as those which he delivered a little before his death His last Sermon and Prayer how sweet are they Iohn 13.14 15 16 17. Iacob dying how sweetly doth he bless his sons Gen. 49. Steven dying prayes for their life who put him to death so did the Martyrs Doctor Prestons last Sermons were on the Attributes Doctor Sibbs his last Sermons on that comfortable Text Iohn 14.1 and Master Robert Boltons on the Joyes of Heaven Wicked men when they die they set in a Cloud and like the going out of a candle they leave a stench behind them as their bodies so their names rot and stink when they are dead and gone As wicked men grow worse and worse and their last dayes are their worst so good men grow better and better and their last dayes are their best having hut a little time to live in the world they are willing to leave it with a good savour Observation 3. 3. The sweet resent which a good Conscience hath of a well spent life is matter of singular comfort and rejoycing in death The Apostle was now near to death and what doth he rejoyce in why 't is in this that by the assistance of Christ he had fought a good sight and finisht his course and therefore he had hope as the righteous have even in death Proverbs 14.32 Elijah that had been zealous for the Lord of Hosts can with comfort desire the Lord to to take his soul 1 Kings 19.4.10 Hezekiah that great reformer when he heard that he must die yet comforteth himselfe with this that he had walked before God in sincerity and singleness of heart Isay 38.3 this upheld Iob in the middest of all his trials Iob 27.5 6. This comforted the Apostles when they were in deep distress 2 Corinthians 1.12 This is our rejoycing the Testimony of our Conscience that in simplicity and godly sincerity we have had our conversation in the world Not that the conscience of our sincere walking is the Deserver but the Assurer of our salvation Well-doing may Evidence to us our Election though it cannot Merit it 2 Peter 1.10 Men of good consciences sit at a continnal Feast Proverbs 15.15 a good heart or a quiet merry heart as some Translations render it Is not may be or shall be hereafter but is already a reall Feast and hereafter shall be consummate 'T is not a dead Ignorant secure benummed erroneous seared Conscience but it is an inlightned inlivened renewed pure conscience which is purged from the guilt of sinne by the blood of Christ and delivered from the Tyranny of sinne by the Spirit of Christ This this onely is a good Conscience This puritie of Conscience breedeth Peace and Peace breedeth Joy and Spirituall Mirth this reconcileth those Translations which render it a quiet or merry heart which is true in respect of the effects and fruits of a good conscience Now this good conscience is called a Feast 1. Because at a Feast there is variety of dainties and dishes abundance of cates and delicates 't is not a Feast without variety and plenty and more then ordinary fare So at this Feast there is great variety 1. Here is Ioy this is most sutable and seasonable at a Feast not a carnal sensual external inferiour joy but a spiritual supernatural Holy Heavenly solid serious well-grounded durable Joy which none can take from us Iohn 16.22 They rejoyce in the Lord alwayes Psalm 33.1 Philip. 4.4 yea even in Tribulation Romans 5.3 Iames 1.2 and that with a superlative transcendent Joy hence called Ioy unspeakable and glorious 1 Peter 1.8 and compared to Joy in Harvest when the husbandman after long toyl reapeth the fruits of his labours Isay 9.3 yea it surpasseth that joy Psalm 4.7 it mortifieth our delights to these low things makes us to rejoyce in them as though we rejoyced not 1 Cor. 7.31 Lo this is the first dish which is served in at this Royal Feast Matthew 13.44 Acts 16.34 and therefore it is called by a special propriety the joy of Gods people Psal. 206.5 2. At this Feast here is Peace not a Fading unsetled transitory Peace such as wicked men have but 't is a well grounded and a well bottomed Peace 't is built on the Word and it's foundation is laid in Humiliation it had a storm before it came to this calme 2. 'T is not an ordinary but a transcendent Peace such as passes all human understanding Phil. 4.7 mans wit cannot sufficiently conceive it nor value it according to its worth To have Peace with men and Angels is a mercy but when the soul lieth groaning under the sight and sense of sinne then for the Spirit to speak Peace to us to assure us that God in Christ is reconciled to us this is a mercy of mercies David had this Peace and therefore he fears not though ten thousand should compass him about Psalm 3.6 Peter that was in great danger of his life yet having a good cause and a good conscience he sleeps in Peace Acts 12.6 3. 'T is an everlasting peace Christ hath bequeathed it to his for ever Iohn 14.27 Peace I leave with you my Peace I give you The Lord hath bound himself by Covenant to continue it it is more firme then the pillars of the Earth or the Poles of Heaven Isay 54.9 The mountains shall depart and the hills be removed but my
Haggards such Coppingars and Colliars as are famous for nothing but Ignorance and Impudence but malice and wickedness is a great burden But it may comfort us that Christ himself was thus exercised before us He endured the contradiction of sinners Heb. 12.3 If we be contradicted by wise men we can the better bear it but to be contradicted by foolish rebellious sinners goes hard yet such is the vanity of the Vulgar that one such an ignorant and brazen faced sot especially if he have liberty and a little success is cryed up by them as the onely man and one such a Demetrius though but a Smith pleading for gain shall be heard before a Paul pleading for Christ and Heaven Acts 19.24 25. Hath shewed me much evil 4. Observation 4. Wicked men that oppose Gods truth and people do but labour in vain They do but Shew what they would do they cannot bring their wicked desires into acts according to their intents Their intent is to root up the Name of Israel and to destroy the Gospel and by opposing them they increase the one and spread the other Acts 8.1 Wicked men serve Gods will though against their own wills Their designs Accidentally though not Intentionally fulfil Gods will Iosephs brethren little thought to have advanced him by selling him yet God had so decreed it their selling him furthers it Pharaohs daughter thought little to Nurse up one that should be so signal an opposite to her father Thus God catcheth the wise in their own craft he makes their Plots to become their plagues and their own doings to become their undoings he snares them in the work of their own hands Iob 5.12 13. Psal. 9.16 The Lord reward him according to his works 5. Observation 5. Imprecations against the malicious and incurable enemies of the Church are lawful David a man of Prophetical Spirit frequently used them against such men Psal. 69.22 to 29. and 10.9 6. to 22. So did Moses and others Deut. 27. Iudg. 5.23 Ier. 17.18 Lam. 3.64 65 66. So did Paul 1 Cor. 16.22 Gal. 5.12 These men had a Prophetical Spirit and saw into the final estate of those whom they cursed and so might better do it then we who want that extraordinary gift of the Spirit Object Christ commands us to bless our enemies and not to curse them Matth. 5.44 and so doth Paul Rom. 12.14 Answ. We must distinguish of enemies 1. Some are Private enemies and onely wrong us 2. Others are Publick enemies and such as oppose the truth of God of these also there are two sorts 1. Some are Curable and they are such as persecute the truth and people of God out of Ignorance and blind superstition for such we must pray so did Christ Luke 23.34 and Steven Acts 7.60 Many have been converted by such Prayers as those Iews Acts 2. and Paul by Stevens Prayers 2. There are malicious and incurable enemies who wittingly and wilfully oppose the truth of God out of malice so did Alexander here and therefore the Apostle curseth him and such we may pray against Yet least any should offend in Imitating the Saints in their Imprecations these Rules must be observed 1. Imprecations against particular persons must be rarely used We must not with the men of the world fly presently to curses 1. Because we now want that Spirit of Prophesy to discern who are incurable enemies which the Saints then had 2. It is very hard to keep a right measure in these Imprecations and not to mingle our own private affections with them 3. It is safer to pray Indefinitely against the enemies of truth in general as against Antichrist the Turk and those profest enemies of Gods truth and people 4. It is safer praying against the Plots of wicked men then against their persons So did David 2 Sam. 15.31 he prayes against the plots and counsel of Achitophel so Peter and Iohn pray against the threatnings of wicked men Acts 4.29 Now Lord behold their Threatnings 5. Pray not absolutely but conditionally 1. That if they belong to Gods Election he would be pleased to call them 2. If this will not do but they persevere in their persecuting the people of God then beseech him to correct them and to lay some temporal chastisement on them for their amendment so David Psal. 83.17 Fill their faces with shame that they may seek thy Name 3. If it appear to us that they are incorrigible and incurable enemies to God and his truth then we may desire as Paul doth here that God would glorifie his Justice in their destruction It is not for us by open force and violence to resist them Prayers and Tears are our best Weapons and therefore Paul goeth to God by Prayer for aid The Lord render to him according to his works This is the best revenge when we call on God and bring him in to our help committing our cause to him who judgeth Righteously 6. Observation 9. God observes all the wayes of wicked men and first or last he will reward them according to their works So much is implyed in this Apostolical Imprecation He eyes all the wayes of men and they shall have according to their doing Psal. 28.4 5. Ier. 32.19 2 Cor. 11.25 Rev. 18.6 Be not then offended at the prosperity of wicked men for though a sinner do evil an hundred times and his dayes be prolonged yet in the end it shall not be well with him Eccles. 8.12 13. VERS 15. Of whom be thou ware 1. Observe WE must shun the society of incurable sinners Whilest men are hopeful and curable we must try all means to win them But when we perceive that men are obstinate and incurable we must leave them least we be infected by them Rom. 16.17 Tit. 3.10 2 Iohn 10. But of this at large on 2 Tim. 3.5 For he hath greatly withstood our words 2. Observation 2. Opposing of the truth is very grievous to a gracions Soul Paul doth not complain of any personal trouble though he were now in Prison but that which afflicted him was that Alexander should thus maliciously resist the truth and hinder the Gospel God hath but two things which are dear to him in this world viz. His Truth and his People and these should be dear to us Our Zeal for them should consume us as it did Christ Iohn 2.17 Gods people are baptized with fire as well as with water and must be hot and not luke-warm or indifferent in the things of God 3. Observation 3. Wicked men do not so much oppose our persons as our Preaching They hate us not as men but as Ministers because we publish the truth that condemns their wicked practises The truth hath many opposers 1. Sometimes Learned men oppose it by their wit disputing and writing against it 2. Tyrants labour to suppress it by cruelty and great men by their authority Never was power yet in the hands of men but for the most
Friends anst Brethren but our foes also that we may excel Publicans Matth. 5.47 2. We have the Example of Christ using them he oft used this Salutation Peace be to you Luke 24.36 John 20.19 3. The Angels have used them an Angel salutes Gedeon Iudg. 6.12 and the blessed Virgin Luke 1.28 3. The Saints have used them the Apostle in the beginning and ending of his Epistles salutes the Churches Rom. 16. Colos. 4.10 c. Moses made obeisance to Iethro and kissed him and asked him of his welfare Exod. 18.7 and this they used not onely to Saints but even to wicked men Iacob salutes Pharaoh Gen. 47.7 David sends greeting even to a profane Nabal 1 Sam. 25.5 5. Not onely Saints but even Heathens by the light of nature used them They had their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and their Ave God save you and God speed you And there is great Reason for them for they do not onely express but they help to increase that mutual love which ought to be amongst Christians and as they are fruits of faith and love so they are very pleasing to God and to our Brethren and are Testimonies of our love aud respect to them and the omission of them argueth either that there is some grudge in our hearts against our Brother or that our love is but cold and little towards him By our amiable affable walking we may win men when by a soure surly self-conceited carriage we bring a reproach upon Religion and discourage men Objection Christ forbiddeth his Disciples to salute any man by the way Luke 10.4 Answer 1. If you stick to the Letter of the Text you must not salute Saints for the words are general Salute no man nor must you take shoes or purses with you when you travel 2. 'T is an Hyperbolical speech and such as the Hebrewes use when they would have a man doe any thing speedily and without delay as 2 Kings 4.29 3. 'T was a Temporary command which Christ gave to the seventy at that time onely he doth not simply and absolutely forbid them for then Christ should contradict himself Luke 10.4 but comparatively viz. so for as they might hinder them in the speedy dispatch of their weighty affairs they must omit them else when they came to remain at a place Christ bids them then salute Luke 10.5 Object We know not the man nor what he is going about Answ. Nor doth he know thee nor what thou goest about and yet thou lookest to be saluted why then wilt not thou salute thy Brother Object Mordecai is commended for not bowing the knee nor shewing any respect to Haman Answ. The Answer is easie 1. The Persian Princes exacted more then Civil reverence they had a kind of divine honour given them now Mordecai seeing more honour was required then was fit for a man bowed not 2. He knew that Haman was an Amalekite and one of that race which was exposed to the hatred and revenge of Israel they must have no Peace with Amalek for ever It is true if we meet an obstinate Heretick or one that we know is a blasphemer and a broacher of false doctrine we must shun him and not bid him God speed Rom. 16.17 2 Iohn 10. .i. we must not be familiar with him so as to give the least approbation to his wicked opinions We may salute our own private enemies but not the profest enemies of God Polycarp meeting Marcion the Heretick refused to salute him Marcion askt him whether he knew him I saith he I know thee to be the Devils first born yet this doth not follow that therefore we may salute no man for till we know them to be such open offenders we may salute them Matth. 10.13 for there is a common salutation and civil respect which is due from every man to every man Piety is no enemy to curtesie Religion doth not abolish but rectify civil behaviour It doth not make men rude and clownish inhumane and hoggish but teacheth men to give honour to whom honour is due and to salute heartily not hollowly knowing that an hand full of love is better then an arm full of flattery The wisdom that is from above is gentle peaceable and full of good fruits Iames 3.13 teaching us to practice the things which are of good report and tend to love Phil. 4.8 and to make conscience of small duties as well as great ones Good conscience and good manners go together Acts 23.5 2. Observation 2. Good men forget not their absent friends The Proverb is Out of sight and out of mind it is not so with Paul though himself were in Prison and far distant from many of the Saints yet was he present in Spirit with them and shews that he hath not forgotten them by sending Salutations of health and happiness to them Prisca and Aquila This Prisca in other places is called Priscilla which is a diminutive of Prisca Acts 18.2 she was wife to Aquila they were both Jewes very tender and hospitable to Paul they ventured their lives for him probably in rescuing him out of some tumults as Acts 19.22 besides such was their zeal for Christ that they assisted Paul in their own Sphear in spreading the Gospel and instructed Apollos in the way of God more perfectly This makes the Apostle so oft to salute them and to mention their names with some additional Encomiums Rom. 16.3 1 Cor. 16.19 And to take them with him as his bosom companions when he sailed into Syria Acts 18.18 Though they were Tent-makers by profession yet having so good an houshold guest as Saint Paul for he sojourned with them at Corinth and probably at Rome and Ephesus Acts 18.2 3.18 19. they profited very much in the Christian Religion 3. Observation 3. It is a singular mercy to enjoy good company By their Prayers counsel and good example they will exceedingly quicken us in the way of the Lord. Aquila and Priscilla by familiarity with Paul come at last to instruct an eloquent Apollos and shew him somewhat that he had not seen before Acts 18.26 They had a Family so well ordered and taught that the Apostle calls it a Church Rom. 16.5 1 Cor. 16.19 and Paul honours them with the Title of his Coadjutors and Helpers in their places in the work of the Lord and for such as the whole Church was bound to bless God for them in making them the Instruments of his preservation Rom. 16.4 Thus we see to what a heigth of Piety Knowledge Fame and Excellency inferiour persons may come by being acquainted with some Holy and Zealous Paul Quest. But why is the wife set before her husband both here and Rom. 16.3 Answ. The Reason is uncertain but it is conceived to be this because the wife excelled the husband in Piety and Zeal 2. Lyranus gives this Reason viz. because she was first converted and the order of Grace is to be preferred before the order of
Reprobates for 't is one thing to be Reprobate concerning the faith pro tempore at present and another thing to be a Reprobate Manasses Paul and those 1 Corinthians 6.11 were lewd enough for the time yet at last were called These that are now 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 reproveable and unapproved as the word signifies 2 Cor. 13.7 Heb. 6.8 1 Corinthians 9.27 yet in Gods due time they may be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 accepted and approved This must teach us to keep our judgements pure and our understandings clear for 't is our guide and if that mislead us we must needs fall into the ditch Corruption in judgement in some respects is worse then corruption in manners especially when the mind hath been enlightned with the knowledge of the truth for this is the root of those corrupt manners that are amongst us In the time of the Law the Leprosie in the head was of all other Leprosies the most dangerous and destructive the man that had it in his hand or feet was unclean but if it were in his head then he was to be pronounced utterly unclean Lev. 13.44 Hence the scripture gives so many caveats against errors and erroneous ones Deut 13.3 Philip. 3.2 Colos. 2.8 2 Pet. 3.17 Matthew 7.13 Beware of false Prophets the word implies a diligent study and singular care lest we be caught by such subtle adversaries Keep your judgements pure then the pure Word of God will delight you Micah 2.7 you will delight to come to the truth that your deeds may be discovered Iohn 3.21 Part not with a good conscience and a good conversation lest you make ship-wrack of the faith and a gap be opened in your breasts to all sinne and errour that the Lord knowes where you will rest it may be not till you come to the highth of sin and depth of misery Count therefore a corrupt judgement a sore plague and if God have given thee a sound judgement able to discern the truth and a mind ready to receive it and approve of it when 't is propounded this is not a common mercy but calls for speciall Thankfulness Psal. 16.7 Proverbs 28.5 1. Observe There have been false Teachers in all Ages to oppose the Truth and the Professors of it As Iannes and Iambres here oppose Moses a meek a learned a faithfull servant in all Gods House So there were four hundred and fifty fals Prophets against one zealous Elijah four hundred against good Michaiah 1 Kings 18.18 and 22.6.14 Hananiah against Ieremy Amaziah against Amos 7.10 false brethren against Paul Hymeneus Philetus and Alexander oppose him 1 Tim. 1.20 The Church shall never want enemies to war withall whilest the seed of the Serpent abides in the world As Pharaoh had his Magitians who hardned him in his sin and deluded him to his destruction so the World will ever have its false Prophets to blinde and harden them in sin to their ruine Thus in the Primitive times there was a Simon Magus Scribes Pharisees Sadduces Essens Herodians Nicolaitans Elymas Ebion Cerinthus the Gnosticks and many others 2 Peter 2.1 Thus when Luther began to reform thirty severall Sects arose to hinder the worke We should not therefore be despondent or discouraged as if some strange thing had happened to us but comforted rather in that we are made conformable to Christ the Prophets and Apostles Matthew 5.11 Luke 6.22.23 This was is and will be the condition of the Church Militant from her youth up she must looke to be plowed and persecuted by malicious men Psalm 129.2 3. Besides 't is the condition of Truth in this World to meet with opposition we can no sooner publish it but it's enemies appear Galathians 4.16 Truth brings hatred men cannot endure to have Vngues in Vlcerre they are unsound and would not be touched Truth is a Light which discovers the intents of mens hearts Hebrewes 4.12 and layes open the evill of mens wayes and this makes the wicked not simply to oppose but to rise in open rebellion against the Truth Iob 24.13 which reproves their deeds and exposeth them to the view of themselves and others Hence they have alwayes been esteemed the Pests and troublers of a Land that publish Truth as we may see throughout the Acts of the Apostles where we finde some disputing against the Truth Acts 6.9 others blaspheming Acts 13.45 some secretly undermining it and seeking to draw men from embracing it Acts 13.8 others openly rayling against it Acts 17.18 19. and 24.5 Some have opposed it out of ignorance and blind devotion as Paul before his conversion 1 Timothy 1.13 and some of the Jewes Acts 3.17 and 13.50 Others deliberately against conviction and out of malice have resisted the Truth as Alexander 2 Timothy 4.15 these are given up to a reprobate sense the Devil having blinded their eyes 2 Corinthians 4.4 Some oppose it for their gain and for their bellies Rom. 16.17 18. 1 Tim. 6.5 2 Pet. 2.3.15 16. Others from fleshly lusts 2 Peter 2.18 and 3.3 Others out of pride loving the preheminence 3. Iohn 9.10 1 Timothy 6.3 4. yet should not we distaste the Truth because of those oppositions which are made against it for however some prophanely scorn at the name of Truth and say with Pilate what is Truth Iohn 18.38 Yet wisedome is justified of her children and they that are of the Truth hear his voyce who came into the world to beare witnesse of the Truth They come with love and teachable hearts to it and so are made to know the Truth Iohn 8.52 Let not the great host of Truths enemies make us despair but know there are more with us then are with them 2 Chronicles 32.7 8. and the more they are that oppose the Truth the more illustrious will our conquest be If I must have an adversary let it be a wicked one and then be he never so potent he cannot stand long because God is against him Iob 27.7 Truth may be opprest but never conquered Praemi potest opprimi non potest yea oppositions advance and clear it Veritas impugnata magis elucet Bern. 2. Observe That as the Devill hath his Iannes and Iambres to oppose the Truth so God hath his Moses and Aaron to uphold it As the Devill hath his Domestick Chaplains so God hath his armed Champions and as the Devill raiseth up oppressors so God sends Saviours Obadiah 21. If he raise hornes to gore the Church God will raise Carpenters to saw off those hornes Zachary 1.19 20 21. The same day that Pelagius was born in Brittain the same day was Saint Augustine born in Africa that did confute him God hath an Athanasius to oppose Arrius Chrysostome against the Manichees Basil against Macedomus Prosper against the Massilians Salvian against the Libertines Fulgentius against Faustus Christ against the Pharisees Simon Peter against Simon Magus Paul against false Apostles Luther Calvin Beza c. against the
Pope and in these dayes of liberty God hath something to witness against Heresie Thus the Lord in his Wisedom hath so ordered it that there shall be not onely Schismes but Heresies to exercise the Gifts and Graces of his people and to discover the rottenness and filthyness of graceless ones that they who will not believe the Truth may be given up to the efficacy of errour This is some comfort and may help to uphold our spirits in this day of Iacobs trouble 3. Observe A corrupt head and a corrupt heart usually go together no sooner are mens minds corrupted but presently it follows they are Reprobate concerning the faith and if once men make shipwrack of faith they will soone part with a good Conscience too 1 Tim. 1.19 Corrupt Principles breed corrupt Practises and corrupt practises teach men to invent corrupt Principles When men grow lawless and profane then they turn Antinomians and deny the Law if Mortalists then they deny the resurrection if Libertines then they cry down the power of the Magistracy and cry up one Universal Toleration Hence when Christ had spoken of false Prophets he presently adds and iniquity shall abound Mâ—tthew 24. When people go a whoring from God then follows corporall whoredom Hos. 4.12 13. We see this experimentally true in our days How many before they were Sectaries were civilly just pious and in the judgement of charity were thought to be sincere Christians yet now are turned Anabaptists Socinians Libertines Proud Censorious Idle Atheisticall Unclean These lusts lay unmortified in their bosomes and now they rejoyce that they have a time of Liberty to vent them so that a corrupt life attends on corrupt Principles both as a Punishment and a just judgement of God upon men for resisting the truth and in the nature of the thing for as a foul moist head causeth distillations of corrupt matter upon the lungs so loose Principles dispose men to a loose conversation the doctrine of Godlinesse reproving their Ungodlinesse makes them cast it off as you may see in the Epistles of Peter and Iude who describing false Teachers and their false Doctrines presently adde their wicked lives their filthinesse covetousnesse licentiousnesse turning the Grace of God into wantonnesse Be sure then to keep your heads pure from errour if ever you would have your hearts and hands pure from sin 4. Observe That false Teachers are very dangerous persons they are not such meek innocent harmlesse persons as some imagine The Apostle here tells us that they are impudent fraudulent resisters of the truth men of corrupt Heads Hearts and Hands and what could he say more unlesse he should call them Devills and so he doth verse 3. in the last dayes men especially seducing men for all these 19. sins are appliable also to the false Teachers of the last times as appeares by the context verse 5 6. shall be slanderers or in plain English Devils and he here compares them to Iannes and Iambres two Egyptian Sorcerers who were Limbs of the Devill and verse 13. in expresse Terms he calls them Sorcerers evill men and Seducers the words in the Originall are evill men and Sorcerers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 incantatores praestigiatores besides their Heresies are called damnable and their ways pernicious 2 Pet. 2.1 and themselves are likened to Balaam the witch 2 Pet. 2.15 'T is true at first they make a shew of extraordinary Sanctity and Self-deniall the better to deceive the simple and thereupon they rayle on all the Churches of Christ amongst us as being mixt with wicked men yet after a little time these painted Sepulchers appeare in their proper colours and the vilenenesse of their lives and doctrine is made known to all The Anabaptists in Germany at their first arising pretended extraordinary Sanctity but in a short time their Villanies Murders Polygamies blasphemies Heresies Adulteries c. appeared to the world These are worse then the Sword or Plague men are afraid and fly from those but they are naturally prone to embrace these 2. Those hurt but the body these destroy the soule 3. God is glorified in his judgements but he is exceedingly dishonoured by seducers 4. By the sword and persecution the Church increaseth but by subtle Hereticks the Church diminisheth Hence Luther calls Hereticks Peccatorum poenam summam Dei indignationem Luther in Hos. 9. The greatest Plague and a sign of Gods indignation against a people And the Scripture calls them devouring Wolves who come to kill and drink the blood of souls Iohn 10.8 9 10. Matth. 7.15 such as make their disciples two-fold more the children of the Devil then themselves Mat. 23.15 Such as subvert whole houses Titus 1.11 whose word doth eat as a Gangrene 2 Tim. 2. which suddenly over-runs the Parts takes the Brain and if not quickly cured by cutting off the part infected kills the Patient Heresie is of a spreading Nature if it be not speedily and carefully supprest it runs from one man to another from one City to another and from one Kingdome to another Error begets error such fall from evil to worse Verse 13. Hence false doctrine is compared to a Leaven Mark 8.15 which secretly and suddenly diffuseth it selfe through the whole lump till all be leavened Sometimes seducers are compared to an overflowing flood which carries down all before it Revelations 12.15 and anon to Cheaters that beguile silly souls with their flesh-pleasing doctrine they catch freshly people Ephesians 4.14 and to dogs Philippians 3.2 beware of dogs i. beware of false Prophets who are like unto dogs Go not unarmed get a sword or a staffe to defend your selves against them If there were ten thousand mad dogs in the Land you would keep within doores or go armed and use all means to destroy them Now they resemble dogs in 14. particulars 1. A dog is a base contemptible creature hence the Scripture calls vile persons dogs 1 Samuel 17.43 1 Kings 8.13 Matthew 15.26 So such as go about to draw men from the Truth are vile men however they may have high conceits of themselves yet God esteems no more of them then we do of a dog and though he may throw them some off all and bones to picke as he doth to the blasphemous Turk that great Dog of a great part of the World yet his soul abhors both them and their services Isay 66.3 2. 'T is an unclean creature and might not be offered in sacrifice Deut. 23.18 So these being themselves unclean all they do is unclean Titus 1. ult 3. 'T is a libidinous impudent creature Hence unclean persons are called dogs Deut. 23.8 Revelations 22.15 without are dogs who are those Whoremasters are set in the front this made Abner say to Ishbosheth am I a dogs-head i. shamelesly libidinous that I should commit whoredom with my Fathers Concubines 2 Samuel 3.8 yet such unclean ignorant and impudennt Cynicks we have who though they want Arguments yet want