THE CHRISTIANS Tvvo Chiefe LESSONS Viz. Selfe-Deniall And Selfe-Tryall AS ALSO THE PRIVILEDGE OF ADOPTION And TRIAL 〈…〉 â—n three TREATISES 〈…〉 EXTS following Viz. MATT. 16.24 2 COR. 13.5 IOHN 1.12 13. By T. H. LONDON P 〈…〉 â—y T. B. for P. Stephens and C. Mercâ—… at the â—olden Lion in S. Pauls Churchyard 1640. To The HONOVRABLE and truly Religious LADY the Lady ANNE VVAKE Grace and Peace through Iesus Christ be multiplied Most honoured Madam HAving had some yeares experience of Your zeale for God love to the Truth and members of Christ continuall exercising your selfe in religious duties and carefull endeavour so to adorne your profession in forraine parts that the name of God and his doctrine might not bee prophaned by any of your family among such as are strangers to it and having observed how your spirit hath been stirred when you have seene the superstitious and idolatrous practises of other nations and â—et with much affability and sweetnes of carriage applying your selfe to those people by all offices of courtesie charity seeking to gaine their affections and credit to the Gospel having also had speciall helpes incouragements of your Ladiships example and counsell to further my self in the wayes of Christ I have emboldned my self to take this occasion to testifie to the world that I have great cause to blesse God that ever I had the happinesse to live under your roofe And wel knowing how welcome Books of piety and devotion are to you as a small acknowledgement of my dutiful respect and thankefulnesse for many favours I here dedicate unto your Ladiship these ensuing Treatises of a grave and godly Author If the Copie had beene sent to the Presse immediately from the Author it would have come forth more exact and perfect but sure I am if I or some other had not taken some paines in the perusall and transcribing thereof after it came into the Printers hands it would have passed the Presse more imperfectly then now it doth The Printer tendering the Authours reputation and the Readers benefit hath beene a some cost to have it reviewed and corrected and one that was inwardly acquainted with the Authour hath laboured with me in this taske yet we durst not make so bold as to alter his phrase or adde any thing â—f our owne onely we amended such errours as would have beene imputed to the Authour through the oversight of the Scribe The matter handled therein is of such importance that I doubt not but the publishing thereof will be very acceptable and usefull to such as desire to be more throughly instructed in the way of the Lord and in matters of their owne salvation The two great and difficult lessons of Christianity concerning Selfe-deniall Selfe-tryall are here largly discoursed of and such as would not willingly through Selfe-love and Selfe-deceit hazard the irrepairable losse of their immortall soules may learne in the first Tract upon Mat. 16.24 how to make their calling and ellection sure upon what termes they may have interest in Christ and benefit by him what it will cost a maâ—â—o be a Christian and what he must resolve lot upon to doe to suffer what good to forgoe and what eâ—â—lls to undergoe if he will be Christs Disciple In the second on 2 Cor. 13.5 The duty of Selfe-examination sundry selfe-deceits rules of discovery and helpes to discerne betwixt true and counterfeit grace are laid open And in the third on Iohn 1.12.13 The priviledge of Adoption and tryall thereof by Regeneration is briefely and pithily discussed Though I may perhaps be blamed by some for medling in another mans labours yet if any poore soule shall reape benefit hereby as J doubt not but through Gods blessing many will J shall more comfortably undergoe the censure of such as mistake my aime herein Such as cannot keepe pace with the reapers in the Lords harvest may yet doe some good in the field by gleaning what others scatterd they that are not able to adorne the Spouse of Christ with curious needle-works of their owne making or present her with rich robes in bracelets upon their owne cost may yet be someway serviceable to her in helping to dresse her and pin on those ornaments that others have beene at the paines and cost to provide for her In the building of Solomons Temple there was roome and use for porters to carry burdens as well as for curious Artificers and Master builders Thus hoping your Ladiship will pardon my boldnesse in publishing this Booke under your protection and countenance it with your gracious acceptance I humbly commend it to your Patronage and perusall and your Ladiship to the gracious protection of Almighty God Your Ladiships humbly devoted in all Christian service Z. S. A Table of the Contents of the Treatise of Selfe-deniall On MATTH 16.24 Doctrine 1. THe best of Gods servants need spirituall Counsell pag. 3 Reason In regard of their weakenesse in foure respects 4 Vses 1. Reproofe to carnall men that reject counsell as needlesse Ibid. Their cavils against it answered 5 2. Exhort To seeke counsell and willingly submit to it Ibid. Doctrine 2. Then spirituall counsell is most seasonable when carnall counsell is suggested by others 7 Doctrine 3. There must be sound resolution to follow Christ before it can be soundly practised Ibid. The nature of this resolution opened 9 Reason Because Resolution is the roote and poize of all a mans actions 11 Vse 1. To informe us why men fall off and follow not a Christian course stoutly viz. want of sound resolution 12 2. Exhort to labour for it if we would follow Christ 13 Meanes to get it 1. Iudge according to the word not according to the world nor present view but looke to the end 15 2. Labour to discover to thy heart a greater worth in spirituall then in temporall things 16 Doctrine 4. The Lord Iesus is the Captaine of his Church p. 17. Reason 1. He hath most right to it 18 2. He is most fit for it 18 Vse 1. Looke to Christ for guidance and direction Ibid. 2. Terrour to such as oppose Christ or his followers 19 3. Comfort to weake Christians 1. Against opposition of enemies 21 2. In temporall afflictions 3. In spirituall temptations 22 Doctrine 5. Faithfull service and Obedience is a following or comming after Christ 23 Jn what manner we must follow Christ. 24 How wee should follow Christ 1. Vniversally 2. Sincerely 3. Constantly 26 Reason 1. Because Christians have the same spirit that Christ hath Ibid. 2. They have the same law and rule to guide them 27 Vse 1. To instruct us how to carry our selves viz. looke to our Leader and doe as he doth Ibid. 2. To examine whether we be Christians by following in the steps of Christ 28 Three sorts excluded 1. Open opposers against Christ 29 2. Apostates 30 3. Secret Conspiratours i. cunning hypocrites 31 3. To shew us that Christian profession must be accompanied with paine and labour
32 4. Exhort to follow Christ Motives 1. It s Honourable 32 2. Pleasant and comfortable 3. Profitable 33 Meanes 1. Deny-Selfe 35 2. Take up Crosse 35 Deny-Selfe What selfe is A foure-fold selfe 1. Naturall 2. Corruâ—t Ibid. 3. Civill 4. Gracious 36 What it is to Deny-Selfe 37 Doctrine 6. A mans selfe naturally is a God to his soule 38 Reasons 1. Every naturall man seekes in and from himselfe helpe in what ever he doth 39 2. Hee aimes at himselfe and doth all for himselfe 40 3. Man naturally being blinde conceives his owne credit and excellency to be the chiefest good 41 Vse 1. Instruction Why wicked mens hearts are so opposite to Gods word and so troubled at it viz. because it seekes to pluck away their Gods from them 42 2. It teacheth Selfe-seekers what to expect from the Lord viz. the fiercenesse of his wrath because he is a God jealous of his honour 43 Doctrine 7. Selfe-denyall is a speciall meanes to make us Christs Disciples 44 Selfe-cenyall is to be expressed in three particulars 1. In renouncing the authority of selfe laying downe all at Christs feete 45 2. In not expecting sufficiency in any thing but Christ 46 3. In not suffering our affections to hanker after them 47 Reasons 1. Because Christ and selfes service cannot stand together Ibid. 2. Because we owe Christ chiefest service 48 Vse 1. Instruction It s not an easie thing to bee a Disciple of Christ 49 2. It shewes the reason why many deny Christ in times of tryall viz. want of Selfe-denyall Ibid. Quest How farre selfe is in the children of God 51 Quest Who they be that deny selfe 4. Tryals of it 53 3. Exhort Begin with Selfe-denyall if you will persevere in following Christ 57 Meanes to attaine it three 58 1. Consider the basenesse of selfe-seeking 1. In the nature of it It s base slavery to 1. Sinne. 2. Sathan 3. A corrupt mind 59 2. The evill that comes by it in 3. things 60 2. Consider the good that comes by Self-denyal in 2. things 61 1. Selfe-denyall is the only way to preserue all Ibid. 2. If we deny our selves God will not deny us 62 3. Maintaine in thy soule the authority of the Word 63 Take up his Crosse The words explained 64 Doctrine 8. Every follower of Christ hath affliction allotted to him as a childs part 65 Vse 1. Instruct Afflictions are no arguments Of Gods displeasure Of a mans bad condition Ibid. 2. Terrour to the wicked Their Portion will be destruction 66 Doctrine 9. The followers of Christ must cheerefully undergoe what ever afflictions are allotted unto them 68 This duty consists in three things 70 Reasons 1. Because of Gods wisedome and fatherly love who sends them 71 2. Because of the benefit of them 72 3. Because we have deserved them Ibid. Quest When is a man called to suffer Answ 1. When God stops all meanes of avoyding it 73 2. When by withdrawing wee should dishonour the Truth omit duty or hurt other 74 Vses First It reproves 1. such as would be Christians but would have no crosses 75 2. Such as stoope and lift as the Crosse but will not beare if heavie 76 All grounds of soundnesse referred to two heads 1. Hatred to sinne 78 2. Love of Christ 78 Secondly Comfort to such as cheerefully undergoe the Crosse It is a note of the sincerity and truth of grace in them Ibid. Three Rules to discover an hypocrite from a Saint in suffering 79 Thirdly Exhort Take up your Crosse cheerefully if you will be Christs followers 80 Meanes to fit a man to take up his Crosse 5. 81 1. When we enter upon a Christian course looke for crosses 2. Conclude what ever crosse betide us will be 1. Small in respect of time and substance 82 2. The issue of it will be good 83 3. Every day crosse thy corruptions 4. Looke to Christ when thou seest the Crosse comming Ibid. Looking to Christ affords succour under crosses 3. wayes 84 Fourthly Instruct If they be Christs servants that beare the Crosse they are Satans slaves who make it 85 Doctrine 10. Selfe-deniall is a speciall meanes to fit the soule for suffering 86 Reasons 1. It takes away the sharpnesse of the Crosse and keepes it from pinching and that 3. wayes 87 2. It takes away the weaknesse that is in us to beare the Crosse and that 2. wayes 90 Vses 1. Instruct It lets us see the reason why men flie off from Christ in times of trouble viz. Selfe-fulnesse Ibid. 2. Examin How fitted to stand for Christ if suffering times should come by our skill in this Lesson of Selfe-deniall 91 3. Direct How to prepare our selves for the fiery triall viz. Learne this Lesson of Selfe-deniall 92 Doctrine 11. Afflictions should not nay cannot hinder the obedience of the faithfull 93 An objections against it answered 94 Reasons 1. Because God allowes not of starting at any time 96 2. The more opposed the more â—â—solute and constant â— Christian should be the more love is opposed the more violent and resolute it is 97 3. Afflictions through Christs power over-powering them doe further obedience and that 2. wayes 1. Weaning the soule from love of the world and scowring off corruption Ibid. 2. Stirring up and setting an edge on Grace 98 Vse Instruct No affliction can â—cuse us for not following Christ 99 The Contents of the Treatise of Selfe-triall On 2 CORINTH 13.5 Doctrine 1. COnversion of soules is a sure testimony of the truth and lawfulnesse of that ministery by which they are converted 203 Reason Because there is no promise of the Spirits assistance to accompany any Teachers but such as God sends 204 Vse To confute sectaries who reject the ministerie of the Church of England Ibid. Doctrine 2. It is possible for a man to know whether he be in the state of Grace or no. 204 Vse 1. To confute that tenet that no man can be assured of his salvation 205 2. Exhort To use all meanes to get assurance of our being in the state of Grace Ibid. Doctrine 3. Men are naturally apt to mis-judge themselves touching their spirituall estate 206 Reason 1. Ground is taken from the deceitfulnes of mans heart â—07 2. From Satans continuall endeavour to corrupt the judgement and make a naturall man well conceited of himself Ibid. Vse Not to beleeve our owne deceitfull hearts and perverted judgements in the matter of our salvation Ibid. Doctrine 4 A mans spirituall estate is not alway discernable to himselfe 208 Reasons 1. God orders it so to keepe the heart humble c. 209 2. To punish our former carelesse respect of his mercy to us 210 Vse Comfort to Christians that are dejected for want of assurance that they belong to the election of grace Ibid. Doctrine 5. Every one is bound carefully to examine his owne estate to Godward i. whether he be in the state of Grace or no. 211 Reason 1. Because the heart is so deceitfull that it is
Christ is the poize of the heart and his grace the wheele therefore he performes duties like Christ Vse 1 Let us learne a point of wisdome how to carry our selves Remember who is your Leader See the Lord Iesus going before you and then goe on comfortably You know what Gideon said Iudg. 7.13 Iudg. 7.13 Looke upon mee and doe likewise So Christ saith how ever he be in the heavens yet he speaks out of his word Look on me and doe likewise I was meeke let the same minde be in you You know what the Psalmist saith Psal 16.8 I have set the Lord alwayes before me the word is in the originall I have equalled him with my eye So see Christ equall him and step no farther then he goes before thee Object Ob. But this is marvellous hard what to be fetterd to nothing but the thoughts of Christ how irkesome is this Sol. Sol. It is no matter of bondage it is liberty Iohn 5.19 Iohn 5.19 The Sonne can doe nothing but what hee seeth the Father doe was this the mind of our Saviour let the same minde be in you Let every one say I can doe nothing but that which Christ doth before mee and in all our actions let this be the question would Christ doe so then will I. Quest But how shall I learne the will of God Answ In approving that which shall be acceptable to God Eph. 5.10 See the pillar of fire that is the word of God goe before you Would you know whether you may buy or sell or bowle on the Sabbath day Aske would the Lord Iesus bowle or buy or sell on the Sabbâ—th day Would hee drop into Ale houses And if thou knowest these things and wilt not reforme them thou walkest not in the wayes of Christ Object But we are weake and feeble Sol. Then plucke up those feeble hands bee not sluggish but presse on as farre as thou canst and looke up to Christ The child that knowes not the way to the market when he is weary he cries father father leade mee and then his father takes him and carryes him in his armes Oh you little ones you younglings in Christ goe as fast as you can follow your father what Christ did performe doe you do not goe away and say I cannot pray hast thou the Spirit of Christ and canst thou doe nothing with it endeavour what you you can and when you cannot seeke to heaven and cry my father helpe me call on your Father and he wil carry you on Eagles wings and though you have not then ability you will have it afterwards He that is free in duty will be the better able to do it Enquire which way Christ went and goe that way to thy everlasting comfort Vse 2 It is a word of Examination Here we may see whether we follow Christ or no. Therefore examine your selves whether it be so with you or no whether we follow the steps of Christ here wee may see whether we be Christians or no if a man should call you an Infidel you would be very angry but now try yourselfe See if you follow Christ if not you are no Christians Iudg. 13.6 Iudg. 13.6 try as they did when they came for spies they were thus tryed by the word Shibboleth they pronounced it Sibboleth and so were found out and there fell forty two thousand of them So every mans tongue discovers him Trie thy selfe by sincere obedience canst thou speake the language of Vniversall Obedience if not you are not true Christians This word Shibboleth will discover you can you walke as Christ did then you are a Christian but if you say Sibboleth and have a lisping profession then you are no Christians Set your hearts at ease you were never true followers oâ— Christ And here are three sorts to bee excluded 1. See what will become of those that set thâ—mselves in desperate opposition against GOD such as are enemies to the Lord Iesus Revel 12.7 Rev. 12.7 And there was warre in heaven Michael and his Angels fought against the Dragon and the Dragon and his Angels fought c. Michael is Christ and his servants they suffer The Dragon is the Devill and his instruments they persecute Now on his side you be whose Souldiers you be Paul did many things contrary to the Lord Iesus Act. 26.9 Acts 26.9 hee opposed his servants and if thou doe so thou art one of the Dragons servants thou art not a follower but a persecutor of the Lord Iesus a fighter against Christ he went not that way Dost thou oppose the power of the word when as it is preached then thou hatest and persecutest Christ and art no follower of him The word saith It was of Christs heart to doe his fathers will that is the good and ancient way canst thou walke in this but if thou saist thou wilt not walke in it it is cleare thou art no follower of Christ Psal 78.9 2. Apostates and Back-sliders Psal 78.9 The Children of Ephraim being harnessed and carrying bowes turned them back in the day of battle so men forsake Christ being armed with bowes that is with GODS Ordinances They follow Christ so farre as they may keepe company with ease liberty and their old lusts they will follow Christ to the Crosse and if he will come downe from the Crosse they will follow him like Demaâ— they will follow Christ so long as their pleasure lasts Matth. 8.19 Matth. 8.19 one came to Christ and said I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest wilt thou saith Christ then thou must fare as thou findest the birds have nests and the Foxes holes but the Sonne of man hath not where to lay his head and when he heard this he went his way we heare no more of him So many now a dayes seeme to be great Professours but when times are dangerous then farewell all profession Men indent with the Gospell and if the word pitch them higher then they say as they Iohn 6.60 Ioh. 6.60 this is a hard saying who can abide it What so strict To be pinioned to so nice courses What never take up a gay fashion but alwayes creepe into a corner to deny a mans selfe with a company of leather coate Christians and to walke by such a strict rule oh this is a hard saying But they can follow their fashions and courses of the world and yet would be Christians and followers of Christ Christians away with them shew me but one footstep of Christ in their courses sure he never went that way Shew me that ever Christ swore faith and troth shew mee where Christ said you must not be pure and singular but must shunne the Puritan Cut. It was meate and drink to him to doe his fathers will and thou art weary of it Now thou art an Apostate and not a follower of Christ 3. Such as doe openly professe but secretly work against the Gospell that howsoever they are not backsliders
some base lusts fall off yet the pulse Selfe is on every occasion hindering Iohn 21.18 Iohn 21.18 they shall carry thee whither thou wouldest not c. although Peter was an aged Christian after all troubles that had betided him one would have thought hee would have laine downe easily being one foot in the grave already but our Saviour tels him they should carry him whither he would not 3 It not onely stirres but is also too strong for us many times It is one thing to have the motions of it and another thing to be overcome by it therfore in the third place Selfe may carry a man to that which crosseth his desire hence Abraham told a lye David fained himselfe mad Abraham feared his life therefore speakes falsely David feared his life therefore expresseth foolishnesse in his practise Selfe-sufficiency and selfe-practise made Peter deny his Master and yet not withstanding all this the Saints doe deny themselves And the tryals thereof are foure 1 See what a price thou puttest upon life and safety whether thou art not content to part with them or whether thou partest with all that may crosse them if thou puttest such sufficiency in life and parts know thou art no selfe-denyer It is easie for a man to be frequent in service that may further credit but when it comes to the pinch that either Baal must be God or that Christ must be God art thou then content to take the wall of Christ then as yet thou art a god to thy selfe Acts 20.24 Acts 20.24 I count not my life deare unto me that I may finish my course with joy the finishing of Pauls course is a carefull perseverance for the glory of God as who should say had I put a price on safety I had never beene able to discharge the duty of an Apostle but it is not precious as who should say I weigh it not hee that serves himselfe by serving Christ makes Christ serve him hee serves not Christ Sathan accused Iob thus Doth Iob serve God for nought as who should say hee doth not serve God but himselfe in serving of God hee serves his owne honour that serves Christ for honour he that doth service for riches doth not serve Christ but his profit and riches When Pilate would see whether they would have Christ he saith Matth. 27.21 Matth. 27. â—â— Will you that I let loose to you Christ or Barabbas as who should say I shall see now whether your hearts are toward him they reply not Christ but Barabbas as who should say we will have none of Christ Let me make Proclamation will ye have the glory of God or safety shall I give to you the commodity of prayers or profit whether shall I let loose to you meditation on the word of God or prophanenesse on the Lords day saith one let me have profit saith another let me have prophane sports take you your prayer preaching c. saith another if Popery come I will be a Papist yea saith the drunkard give me my cups and take you the repetition of sermons what is this in English but to say wee will have Barabbas the case is cleere you are drunkards still and selfe-seekers still what shall become of me and mine saith one shall we beg shall not we follow our riches and our usury but begge for our living yea better beg and burne too then deny Christ and live in any knowne sinne as swearing drunkennesse usury c. 2 As we should see what we put most price upon so in cold bloud and sad consideration try thy selfe whether thou art not willing to take notice of such truths as doe threaten the hazzarding of thy life if thou canst not hearken to such because thou wouldest not suffer the truth is as yet thou art a God to thy selfe Ier. 2.11 Hath a nation changed their Gods for thâ—se that are no Gods this is made as a maine affection they have to Idols it is observeable none would change his God Observe this in thine owne soule pride lust c. and art thou lorh to change them and art thou loth to heare it is unlawfull to sell on the Lords day or to put thy money to usury Oh then there is a God at home oh you are loth to change god-credit and god-profit Many men say it is good to pray but I shall beflouted and men will say what are you turned Professour but men for credits sake will not doe it here are your Gods oh your God-credit sticks upon you therefore you are loth to heare those truths oh undeifie your credit Iohn 12.42 Iohn 12.42 Many assented to the faith but durst not discover it lest the Pharisees should cast them out as who should say the truth is good but if we professe it the truth is there is but one way we must be cast out oh take heed this be not in thee It befals the soule as it did Rachel she stole Labans Gods and laid them under her she was content all should be ransackt for them but she sate upon the Gods they must not be seene so hast thou an Idoll of profit in thy profession dost thou make profession a stalking-horse for credit the case is certaine thou art an Idolater 3 Consider what it is that gives thy soule contentment in duty no man spends his time but hee will expect some good so see what it is that sweetens thy service dost thou eat thy bread with joy because God accepts thee Eccles 9.7 Eccles 9.7 is thy heart sustained because God accepts thee in prayer in hearing is this the sweet of thy labour is this thy rejoycing the testimony of a good conscience 2 Cor. 1.12 2 Cor. 1.12 in the midst of reproches disgraces of thy name malicious dealing to thy person doth this quiet thee in the midst of all wants is this thy rejoycing even the testimony of thy conscience is thy heart here contented to let all ease and liberty to goe for Christ if it be so then God is thy God 1 Sam. 30.6 1 Sam. 30.6 when Ziglag was taken and Davids wives carried away c. yet David comforted himselfe in his God as who should say It is enough God is mine what ever becomes of this life I am sure of a better but is it so that thou professest Christ onely because of the applause of christians and when respect failes doth thy endeavour faile the case is cleare thou art Selfe still The soule that hath God cannot be content without God but if thou slingest away all because thou hast not what thou wouldest have thou art a God to thy selfe The Winde-Mill stirs no further then the winde stirres it so the winde of applause stirs thy soule to pray this is Selfe 2 Sam. 18.33 2 Sam. 18 33· Oh my son Absalom my son Absalom c. It is a lively patterne of a selfe-loving soule But marke how Ioab takes him up in the 6 v. of the 19
seekes to draw us to a searching into our owne hearts Gal. 6.4 Gal. 6.4 Let every man prove his owne worke and then shall he have rejoycing in himselfe and not in another this made Saint Paul so lightly esteeme the judgement of men touching his estate before God 1 Cor. 4.3 1 Cor. 4.3 I passe very little to be judged of you or of mans judgement that is his commendation that God accepts of him his praise is not from men but from God Rom. 2.29 Rom. 2.29 The second false shadow under which men doe shelter themselves and rest in as a state of grace when it is nothing lesse is formall righteousnesse where consider 1 What it is 2 What be the grounds of it 3 What be the deceits 4 The discovery 1 Formall righteousnesse is the practise of the outward duties of the first Table joyned with a neglect of the duties of the second Table and that by giving way to some grosse corruption Wee may see a patterne of this Ier. 7.9 10. Ier. 7.9.10 will you steale murder and commit adultery and come and stand before me in this house where my name is called upon Pro. 7.14.15 Pro. 7 14.15· the whorish woman conjoynes the paying of her vowes to God her peace-offerings with the breach of wedlocke Matth. 23 14. Maâ— 23 14. the Pharises devoured widowes houses under colour of long prayeâ—â— Touching the duties of the first Table whereunto the formalist attaines they are these 1 He is in respect of the outward man a diligent repairer to the publike assemblies a hearer of the word receiver of the Sacraments he will not sticke to goe a mile or two to the hearing of a a Sermon all this was in Herod in those that professe to our Saviour that they have eaten and druâ—ke in his presence Secondly hee may be a meanes to draw on others and to say with those Isa 2.3 Isa 2.3 Ezek. 33.30 Come let us goe up to the moâ—â—taiâ—â—f the Lord Ezek. 33.30 Ezekiels hearers though but formall can say every man to his brother Come I pray you and heare what is the word that commeth forth from the Lord. 3 Hee may grow to get a great measure of knowledge to be able to discourse to the purpose of the Scriptures and what is taught in the publike ministery so we reade of some Matth. 7.22 Mat. 7.22 that have attained so much knowledge that they have beene able to prophesie that is to preach in Christs name and yet meere formalists 4 He may take up a solemne forme of prayer have his time and place for his devotion Luke 18.10 Luke 18.10 the Pharisee goes up to the Temple of purpose to pray and that the old Iewes were very frequent in this it appeares Isa 1.15 Isa 1.15 though ye make many prayers yet I will not heare 5 He may proceed to humble himselfe in fasting joyne with others in the solemne exercises to that purpose 1 Kings 21. 1 King 21. Isa 58.3 Ahab thus abased himselfe Isa 58.3 Wherefore have wee fasted and thou seest not 6 He may outwardly reverence the Preachers of the word as Saul did Samuel Herod Iohn Baptist give entertainement to them as the Pharisee Luke 14. Luke 14. who invited our Saviour yea make words of love to them 2 Grounds of this formall righteousnesse declaring how a man comes to set up his rest in so deceitfull an appearance 1 It is the divels policy when he cannot draw men to a false worship of God to set up Idols then he laboureth mainly to detaine men in the shell and shadow of an outward worship to make them quiet themselves in this as all that God requires Thus were the old Iewes exceedingly beguiled while they placed all religion in outward sacrifices by this men are kept from the life and power of godlinesse while they are so farre seduced by Sathan as to rest in the Paradise of a formall service of God 2 Man by nature is devoted beyond measure to his naturall corruption so as what hee wils that he wils with his whole strength so loath are men to part with their corrupt practises that skinne for skinne and all that a man hath will he give rather then forgoe any part of that which he is by naturall apprehension bent unto Hence the Scripture tearmes the sinnes that a man is more specially inclined unto his right eye his right hand then which what is not a man more willing to lose hereupon the heart of man seekes and having by seeking found such a righteousnesse as wherein it may be something with God and yet retaine his owne selfe-liking sinnes by all meanes embraceth this forme of service of God takes great conâ—entment in this and such a one is this formall righteousnesse which makes a faire shew promising great matters both unto others and our owne seduced hearts and in this doe men willingly rest as that which gives a dispensation unto some partiall sinnes and yet carries a goodly appearance amongst men This formall service of God will bring whole rivers of outward service even the first borne of his body for the sinne of his soule so be it he may retaine his owne will 3 The honourable and glorious things that the Lord hath spoken of outward services the Lord ascribes the greatest worke to the Ministery of the Word and Sacraments the opening of the eyes to the blinde the working of faith the cleansing of the heart the salvation of body and soule so to prayer and fasting how much doth the Scriptures attribute making them the very meanes whereby the very treasures of heaven are opened and all good things communicated to us Hereupon the deceitfull heart of man is so ravished by these worthy effects wrought by these ordinances as that it makes no question but if it shall serve God in these all other things must needs follow of themselves though a man be failing in other duties of the second Table yet the excellency of these shall make a recompense and give satisfaction to God 3 Deceits First that for those outward duties performed they endure persecution undergoe many mockes and taunts from wicked men come into trouble for that they doe being well done and from hence they gather confidence that their courses are approved of God Answ It is no sure argument of the truth of a mans profession that he endures trouble for it No question but Iudas had his part in those crosses that did accompany the preaching of the Gospel and yet who doubts of the rottennesse of his profession but among others Alexander of whom we reade Acts 19. chapter 33. verse Acts 19.33 that hee was neere unto death for the Gospels sake and yet of the same man as Calvin thinkes doth Saint Paul give a heavy censure when hee prayes that God would reward him according to his workes 2 Tim. 4.14 2 Tim. 4.14 Secondly the worlds hatred of a Christian profession is
word seeke the good of Ierusalem or our personall calling i. that estate and condition of life wherein we are placed to serve God in serving of men as to be a Magistrate or Minister a Master of a family or servant Now wee must obey God not onely in the duties of our generall calling but also of our particular that is a professour must not onely be a hearer of Gods word a receiver of the Sacraments buâ— he must looke that he be a good governour of his family to wife children and servants Iosuah 24.15 Ios 24.15 I and my house will serve the Lord. Fiftly commandements of God either respect the common sinnes of mans nature or the personall infirmities whereunto either by the temper of their bodies place where they live or persons with whom they live men are more subject then to others This difference I ground as also the practise of our obedience to God in it on the 18. Psalme Psal 18.23 where the Prophet professeth verse 23. I was upright also with him and have kept mee from my wickednesse To conclude then as wee desire to have comfort in our obedience as a testimony that we are in the state of grace wee must be carefull that wee cast an equall respect to the whole revealed will of God Third marke That new obedience where it flowes from the seede of grace in the heart is joyned with perseverance continuance holding out in the good wayes we walke in so that howsoever there be through our weakenesse and Sathans malice actuall infirmities yet there is alwaies an habituall disposition of the heart for well-doing Psal 119.112 Psal 119.112 Pro. 23.17 I have applyed my heart to fulfill thy statutes alway even unto the end Pro. 23.17 Let thine heart be in the feare of the Lord continually Luke 1.75 Luke 1.75 Wee are redeemed out of the hands of our enemies that wee should serve God in holinesse and righteousnesse all the daies of our life New obedience must not be onely in a good mood and then given over but it must be steddy constant Now we shall make tryall of the constancy of it 1 If we doe not lose our hold even when wee are provoked by many occasions and temptations unto evill then to forbeare and cleave close to the Lord is an argument of the truth of our obedience in regard of continuance It is nothing to be chaste where wee have no allurements to unchastity nothing to be meeke when no injuries to distemper us nothing to be good among good so are men that are starke naught but to be good among evill to be meeke in the midst of wrongs and injuries to be chast among unchast provocations that is the true meanes of discovery Out of temptation sinne forbeares us not we it and a Christian is no more for obedience then he is in the day of temptation if then he faint it is because his strength is small or nothing at all Noahs renowne was that he was righteous in that wicked age Lots commendation that hee was chaste in Sodome Iosephs chastity for ever approvâ—d for that it held out in the day of temptation the Philippians that they did shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation Phil. 2.15 Phil. 2.15 Secondly tryall of our constancy If wee hold out not dismayed with the many discouragements that Sathan and wicked men shall cast in our wayes Heb. 10.32 Heb. 10.32 c. c. It was the glory of the obedience of those Christians that they did undergoe many afflictions losse of goods content to be made a gazing stocke and yet in all they clave close to their profession knowing that they had in heaven a better and an enduring substance so 2 Cor. 6.8 2 Cor. 6.8 Paul justifies his constancy in his Ministery in that he went through good report and evill report Thirdly the constancy of our obedience is knowne if when all outward helpes and furtherances are taken away we keepe our integrity perseverance in good duties Many men make a faire shew while they are propped up with some good helpers who afterwards fall away as if they had never beene the men The people served God all the daies of Iosua and the Eâ—ders that had seene the great works of God that hee had done for Israel but when he was dead they corrupted their waies Iudg. 2.18.19 Iudg. 2.18.19 Iehoash was to see to a good King while he was tutored by Iehoâ—ada the high Priest but after when flatterers came in the roome of good Iehoiada hee became a wicked Governour 2 Chron. 24.17 2 Chro. 24.17 So are there many wives good with good husbands servants orderly live within compasse with religious masters children while backed with good Governours but all these removed from them they faile in the practise of those former duties wherein they have given good hope so then by these notes we may discerne our obedience whether such as will deserve to be accounted as of a continuing nature that fades not if being thus tryed it holds its owne Fourth marke That this obedience is of a multiplying and growing nature it doth not stand at a stay but strives and gets strength it is still pressing forward in consultation daily how it may prevaile against his owne corruptions encrease in holinesse for this growth the Apostle prayes Col. 1.9 Col. 1.9 2 Thes 1.3.4 that they might increase in the acknowledging of God so 2 Thes 1.3 4. We give thanks that your faith increaseth exceedingly and the love of every one of you towards each other aboundeth Psal 92 13. Psal 92.13 Such as be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the house of our God they shall still bring forth fruit in their age Psal 84.7 Psa 84.7 they are said to goe from strength to strength till they appeare before GOD in Sion On the other side such whose obedience is not sound it decreaseth withers away comes in the end to nothing Thus far of the generall markes to try our obedience Now for the particular These are some speciall workes of the spirit which are honoured above others in this that they are badges of the estate of grace Among others I select these Marke 1. To love a good man as hee is good and beares the image of God is such a part and branch of new obedience as whereby a man may be assured that the Lord hath marked him out to eternall life for naturally wee hate all goodnesse as that which is a secret condemner of us and is opposite to our nature so that when we love the Brethren for goodnesse sake it is an argument that wee are crept out of our naturall estate 1 Iohn 3.14 1 Iohn 3.14 Wee know that we are translated from death unto life because we love the brethren hee that loveth not his brother abideth in death 1 Iohn 4.7 1 Iohn 4.7 Beloved let us love