innocent blood The Jews scrupled to give Paul one stripe above the Law the Law was Deut. 25.3 that the Judge determine him forty stripes but not exceed now the Jews whipt Paul five times and they scrupled so to transgress the Law herein that they gave him but thirty nine stripes but they scrupled not to whip an innocent person Saul would not eat with the blood he scrupled it yet would he not scruple to take away the lives of fourscore of the Lords Priests at one time 15 Still urge thy soul to give a reason of thy scruple So David Psal 43.5 Why art thou cast down O my soul and why art thou disquieted within me If the soul cannot render a reason of it be sure it comes either from Satan or melancholy or some such cause or its some injected temptation such as the devil cast into Christs minde to make him scruple whether God was his father 16 Answer the scruples When thou seest them manifest fallacies in grace though true consequences in nature for example Satan saith thou art a sinner God is just therefore he hates thee therefore inflicts punishment therefore he hears thee not this consequence cannot be denied in nature The consequence of grace is thou art a sinner therefore believe and when Satan opposes thy sins say What is that to thee Satan I have not sinn'd against thee but against my God I am not thy sinner what power hast thou over me Satan if it be truly a sin whereof thou accusest me Satan sometimes terrifies the minde also with those things which are not sins but he alledges them to be sins as Christ will not quench smoaking flax no more will I quench it in my self FINIS An Alphabetical Table of some of the Common places which are handled in these first Ten Chapters of MATTHEW A. ADultery Matth. 5.27 Five disswasions from it Ten remedies against it Alms. Grounds thereof Properties therein Helps thereto Objections answered Matth. 5.42 And the manner of doing it Matth. 6.1 2. Anger Matth. 5.22 Holy Six properties Fifteen remedies against sinfull Anger Apparel Matth. 6.26 Grounds of moderation herein Astrology Judicial the vanity of it in Matth. 2.2 Assurance Eight reasons that it may be had it breeds not security Matth. 6.12 B. THe point of Baptism handled Matth. 3.6 Eight Reasons why Christ was Baptized though he had no sin Matth. 3.13 What is meant by fulfilling all righteousness in six particulars Matth. 3.15 C. CArking Cares Matth. 6.25 26. Thirty four helps against them Cross to be taken up Seventeen grounds Matth. 10.38 Companying with wicked men how far lawfull how far unlawfull Eight helps how to carry our selves when cast among them Seven means to get rid of them Eleven grounds thereto Confession and Denial of Christ in Matth. 10.32 33. Contentions about Religion Matth. 10.34 D. OF Demoniacks Matth. 8.16 Of Divorce Matth. 5.30 Of doing as we would be don to Matth. 7.12 Of Dreams Matth. 1.20 Four sorts uses to be made of them E. ENemies to be loved Five grounds of it How the Prophets prayed against Enemies Six objections answered Seven means to love them Motives thereto Matth. 5.44 F. FAith weak and strong In what respects faith admits degrees in six particulars Six notes of a strong Faith Mat. 6.26 Fasting Matth. 6.16 Nine rules in Fasting Seven rocks to be shunn'd Fewness of saved ones Seven reasons of it Matth. 7.13 Fear of God Matth. 10.28 First the causes The degrees The necessity in six particulars Eleven trials Five means to it Five differences betwixt filial and slavish fear Ten motives Slavish Fear Matth. 8.26 1 Kindes Seven grounds against it Four motives to rid the heart of it Of Flight in persecution Matth. 10.23 Seven rules therein Forgiveness of sins as from God Matth. 6.12 Six comforts to drooping souls Nine grounds of begging pardon 11 signes to know whether our sins be pardoned Forgiveness of sins to men Matth. 5.25 Where 1 The manner of forgiveness 2 The order of forgiveness 3 The Motives thereto See chap. 6.14 15. Following Christ Matth. 10.38 Six grounds thereof Four means Seven hinderances Five motives H. HUnger and thirst after righteousness Five reasons Eleven grounds Four motives on Matth. 5.6 Hearing and doing must go together Matth. 7.24 Eleven grounds thereof Who are right Hearers Fifteen rules in right hearing Matth. 7.26 Twelve causes of unprofitable hearing ibid. on Matth. 7.26 Hell the punishment of the damned therein Matth. 8.12 There is material fire therein or that which is worse Matth. 10.28 Hypocrisie First the kindes 2 What it is Seven cautions before trial of our selves Twelve marks of an Hypocrite Ten remedies against Hypocrisie Matth. 10.42 I. INvocation of Saints Seven grounds against it Infirmities Matth. 8.17 Four trials whether thy sins be Infirmities Seven grounds to bear with others Infirmities Matth. 8.17 Judgement Rash First what it is Eleven grounds to take us from it Six sorts of rash judgement condemned on Matth. 7.1 2. K. OF the Kingdome of Christ 1 Of Grace which comes six ways 2 Of Glory in which 3 things 1 The beginning of it 2 The end of it 3 The gloriousness of it Set down 1 By similitudes 2 By plain Scriptures 3 By the excellent things therein which are 1 In general 8 In particular Seven evils Saints shall be delivered from Four goods they shall enjoy therein Matth. 6.12 L. LAying on of hands after Baptism Three kindes of Laying on of hands Matth. 10.18 depraved by three sorts of men Seven Arguments to prove it an Apostolical institution Seven objections against it answered Labourers in Gods harvest Matth. 9.38 Their duty The causes why so few Of the Law and fulfilling thereof by Christ Matth. 5.17 A large discourse of spiritual Life and death Matth. 8.22 Seven trials of dead men Seven trials of men alive Three means to life Eleven motives to it Love of the world Six grounds of conviction herein Thirteen grounds of disswasion from it Eleven remedies against it Four grounds of the reign of this sin Six grounds it reigns not Matth. 6.24 Lust of the heart Matth. 5.28 Six remedies against it M. MEekness The grounds of it Properties of it Six Means to obtain it Mercifulness Three reasons Eight grounds Nine rules therein on Matth. 5.7 Murther and cruelty Matth. 5.21 The kindes of it Five objections answered Lawfull War no Murther Mourning spiritual Six grounds of it Nine trials Nine Means thereto Matth. 5.4 O. OAths Several cases about them Matth. 5.33 Outward things how promised by God Matth. 6.33 P. OF Peace and Peace-making Seven means to Peace Three means to Peace-making Eight motives in the last whereof are seven benefits Matth. 5.9 Perfection in God Matth. 5.48 Six grounds of it Seven Uses Perfection in Saints how it is taken Four trials of it Persecution for righteousness sake Nine grounds of suffering it Twelve means thereto Four consolations under it Poverty spiritual Matth. 5.2 What it is Eight trials Seven means thereto Power of God Matth. 6.14 Twofold Eight grounds setting forth Gods power Prayer Six questions handled Matth. 6.7 1 About repetitions 2 About long Prayer 3 Also v. 9. About meltings in Prayer wherein twelve things considerable 4 About delaying Prayer 5 About distractions in Prayer 6 About straitnings and enlargements in Prayer Fourteen rules in Praying 18 Motives to stir us up to Prayer Nine things concerning the object the Trinity we eye in Prayer and of the manner herein Prophets false Mat. 7.15 Four grounds why to be shunn'd Their resemblance to Wolves in six particulars Fourteen signs of them with a large answer to three Scriptures abused by the deluders of the times Preachers maintenance the manner of it the right they have to it wherein certain proposals as to the Magistrates maintenance are soberly offered not peremptorily determined with many objections on both sides largely handled on Mat. 10.9 Providence of God on Mat. 10.29 30. Nine grounds asserting it four uses made of it Powerless profession on Mat. 7.21 Five reasons of it Five remedies against it Six trials herein Of Prophesie on Mat. 10.41 Two kinds of it Nine helps thereto Of the Pharisees and Saduces what they were Mat. 3.7 Of Purity of heart Mat. 5.8 what it is Six means to it R REpentance on Mat. 3.1 Replies in publique Congregations lawful but apt to be abused Eight benefits hereby Nine rules to be observed herein on Mat. 7.26 Revilings on Mat. 5.12 Nine Consolations herein when they are for Christ Revenge private on Mat. 5.38 Reproof on Mat. 7.6 to whom to be given Eight rules in giving it Righteousness of Christians two fold where many questions are handled about Gods righteousness and mans righteousness on Mat. 10.41 Reward of Saints what it is to whom given and when on Mat. 10.42 S. SAvory life on Mat. 5.13 Eight resemblances of a Christians Life and Salt Seven disswasions from unsavoriness six helps to a savory life Sanctification of Gods name on Mat. 6.9 Six ways of Sanctifying it Self-destruction on Mat. 4.6 Thirteen helps against it Secret actions seen by God Mat. 6.3 Sight of God on Mat. 5.8 the kinds of it the happiness of a glorified sight in six particulars with answer to some objections Souls sleep not nor are annihilated till the day of the Resurrection Sincerity Mat. 10.42 Twelve grounds to it Six comforts in it Twelve trials of it Scruples their kinds nature Twelve rules about scruples on Mat. 10.14 T TEmptation of Christ on Mat. 4.1 Temptations of Christians Mat. 6.13 where 1 the kinds of it God hath five ends therein Nineteen remedies herein Thoughts the causes of evil thoughts Four ways they become evil objections answered five trials of thy thoughts seven remedies against bad thoughts seven motives to look to the thoughts on Matth. 9.4 Treasure heavenly Eleven notes of it Mat. 6.19 Teaching with authority seen in eight particulars Mat. 7.29 V USury on Matth. 5.42 what it is It s usually falsely described Understanding inlightned Matth. 6.22 23. W OF the Will of God Mat. 6.11 There are divers other common places but these belonging to the practical and savory part of Christianity I have pickt out for the benefit of some Readers who may be straitned in time to peruse the whole I would have made a larger Table but being farre from the Press it could not so well be done by me FINIS
sinn'd he should dye 2 Renewed whereby we are angry at our own or other mens sins so Moses Exod. 32.32 he was so angry that he slew three thousand who were actors in the golden Calf Phineas slew Zimri and Cosbi Numb 25.7 8. so we may have a just anger when our own name or state or wife or life is violated 2 There is an unjust anger which is when we have a desire of revenge stirr'd up in us upon unjust causes Jon. 3. Now that thy anger may be just and not sinful consider 1 The properties of holy anger 2 The remedies against sinful anger 1 The properties of holy anger as 1 It must have a just cause Exo. 11.8 Moses went from Pharaoh in a great anger Lot was angry with the Sodomites 2 Pet. 2.7 2 It must be proportioned to the fault We must not bring a club to kill a flye nor set an house on fire to rost an egg Here Jonah fail'd who was so angry for a gourd and the Disciples who for a contempt would have had fire come down from heaven Luk. 9.53 3 With love of those with whom we are angry so Moses pray'd for Israel when he was so angry at their golden Calf Exod. 32.11 4 In matters of importance not for trifles There 's more justice then love in such a carriage 1 Cor. 13.5 6. 5 It must be short the Sun must not go down upon it lest it boyl up into malice Eph. 4.26 and so much the shorter as we see signes of repentance in the person offending Absaloms long retained anger turn'd into malice and in fine to murther 6 It must be moderate Not as Simoon and Levi who slew innocent as well as guilty Gen. 34.25 Some are like cruel hangmen who having a just cause to execute the office to wit the Judges command do in the execution thereof use all cruelty So persons being commanded to be angry with the sins of their brethren seem glad they have got such an occasion to show their fury though too many can swallow the same evil in a friend Remedies against unjust anger 1 Take heed we be not abused by false imaginations as to be angry for a man 's not saluting us when perhaps he never saw us or to think a man bears us no good will when he discovers no ill will against us To think a man loves us not because he comes not so oft to our house when perhaps his business will not permit or because we see a man laugh to think he laughs at us 2 Consider thy own vileness Carry meekly to others for thou wast as bad as they Tit. 3.3 Jam. 3.2 3 Consider Gods patience how many imperfections he patiently bears in us 10000 talents let us bear with pence Matth. 18. ult He is over thee as thou art over others 4 Avoid occasions of anger as contentious companions Prov. 22.24 drunken company Prov. 23.29 too much affecting any thing for when we lose it it will cause much anger As we keep gunpowder and tow far from fire let us avoid occasions of anger 5 Consider nothing befals thee but by the providence of God This kept David from anger when Shimei curst 2 Sam. 16. and Job c. 1.22 he raged not against the devil nor the Sabeans but lookt at God and quieted his heart and though you have not deserved it at their hands yet have you deserved much more at Gods hand Gen. 50.20 21. it was not ye but God sent me hither 6 Behold anger in another how odious it is Should a man see himself in a looking-glass when he is in a Bedlam fit how ugly would he look to himself 7 It makes us unfit to duties as to prayer 1 Tim. 2.8 Lift up holy hands without wrath to hearing receive with meekness the ingrafted word Jam. 1.21 to receiving 1 Cor. 11.17 18. to Church-communion 1 Cor. 1.10 to mutual edifying hence Paul and Barnabas parted companies Acts 15. 8 Angry men take that which is proper to God which is vengeance Rom. 12.19 Vengeance is mine and not thine An angry man makes himself to be Judge and would have God to be his Executioner 9 Interpose reason and deliberation without this the soul is like a ship without Compass or Pilot let reason teach thee not to be hasty in thy answers Theodosius was taught by Ambrose to take thirty days respit before he punisht any offence because in that space his anger might be asswaged and his judgement rectified It 's as absurd for passions to lord over reason as for an intemperate scold to justle out a reverend Judge It 's not comely to be angry for it is a kinde of madness but if it shall seize upon us let us so use it that it be for the correction and amendment of our neighbour he that uses it besides reason hates himself and his neighbour by troubling himself and grieving his neighbour Justin ad Zen. Seren. p. 395. 10 Consider the loveliness of a meek spirit both with God and man 1 Pet. 3.4 it 's an ornament of great price It 's the sinews of all delightfull societie and drawes like a Loadstone the iron the spirits of men to it 11 The scandal Every blinde man can see the evil of a waspish cholerick spirit this made Jacob and his sons to stink Gen. 34. ult 12 Get out of the company of those who have offended us as Jonathan did 1 Sam. 20.34 besides thou shalt hereby cover thy sin which moves thy adversary to scorn and laughter and thy friends to sorrow and pity Also hereby shalt thou appease thy anger by removing the object Prov. 12.16 13 Suffer not anger to lodg with you We cannot sometimes keep it from entering but from lodging Eccles 7.9 anger rests what in a wise mans heart no in the besome of fools though we be sometimes touchy let us not be heavily disposed as Absalom 2 Sam. 13.23 Let anger be like a fire of thorns quickly extinct A spark or coal of fire if it light on us it will not hurt us if it be presently shook off but if it lye still it causeth burning so will our anger if we let it alone we give place to the devil who will boil it into malice by amplifying the indignity done to us and the unworthiness of the person Usually the devil chuses an angry passionate heart to act his designes as we see in Saul and Cain Anger is a young twig envy is a tree and a great beam Luth. 14 Look on the bad effects in nature it casts into a fever dries up radical moisture hastens consumptions It makes the minde drunk In passion reason that should govern us is like a key to a lock that is jumbled it makes men to be angry with the bruits as Balaam with his Ass Num. 24.10 to throw things out of their hand which after they are forced to take up 15 Suppress anger in thine heart though it do not boil out many are like rivers which are most
the Confirmation of the Truth and of the Promise made Besides he to whom an Oath is sworn I mean the Christian though he requires an Oath doth not require a corrupt Oath Quest Whether it be lawfull to lay the hand upon the Book and to kiss it in taking of an Oath when it is imposed on us by a lawfull Magistrate Answ No because an Oath is part of Gods worship see Deut. 6.13 and this is a Superstition or a Super-institution in it 1 Because it confines our outward Worship to a bodily Service which was never commanded by God nor exemplified by Saints Now as the Christians twenty years ago opposed Bowing before the Altar bowing towards the East when it was imposed though herein they were required onely to bow to the God of Heaven and Earth placing an absoluteness in that which God left indifferent so we in like manner may oppose this Superstition of Confinement in Laying our Hand upon the Book and kissing the Book in taking of an Oath when God hath left it indifferent what gesture or outward signification we will express Hence the Scripture mentions variety of gestures sometimes the Putting the Hand under the Thigh Gen. 24 9. sometimes lifting up the Hand to the most high God Gen 14.22 2 Because in the Worship of God there is introduced a humane Invention which ought not to be seeing he that ows the Worship must appoint the manner how he will be worshipped That there is a humane Invention brought in appears because that together with their swearing they are at the same time required to lay their Hands upon the Book now as some of the Non-conformists brought it as an unanswerable Reason that the Cross ought not to be used in Infant-baptism but was will-worship because it was joyned with the worship of God as it was then accounted and that it was joyned with the supposed worship of God appeared because the worship was a good while begun before the Cross was used and after the Crossing there was the saying the Lords Prayer and a Thanksgiving for the Regeneration of the Infant This Argument I producing once to a great learned Bishop he was not able to answer it but was in a manner silenced at it Let those then be silenced who will offer to introduce Laying the Hand upon the Book in the Worship of an Oath and impose it on others to observe their Invention 3 It 's unlawfull because Magistrates in some places place the essence of an Oath in Laying the Hand upon the Book hence it 's unlawfull now in that they place the essence of an Oath in laying the Hand upon the Book appears because they will not give you an Oath unless you will swear in that manner 2 Because they think the Oath is not full without it for though in the most religious manner you call the Searcher of hearts to witness and though you are willing to lift up your hand to Heaven to the most high God yet nothing wil serve unless you lay your Hand upon the Book they will not give you an Oath witness Ald. Hook one of the Judges for Probate of Wills at Dublin who thus refused the Testimonies and Oaths of me and another who were Witnesses to a Will wherein the Legatees were onely a Widow and three very small fatherless Children As the calling of God to witness to confirm a truth by a person that discerns what an Oath is is one part of the essence of an Oath so these men would have Laying on of Hands on the Book to be another part of the essence thereof unless we may suppose that they make Swearing in the Worship of God to be the thing signified and Laying the Hand upon the Book and kissing it to be the outward sign thereof so that the Worship shall be from Heaven and the sign from man a grosser presumption than which there were not many in the Prelacy 4 If there be any outward visible gesture required in taking of an Oath there being none commanded by God it must be such as is exemplified by God Angels and godly men but not laying the Hand upon the Book but lifting up the hand towards Heaven is such as is exemplified by God Angels and godly men therefore if any gesture be required lifting up of the hand to Heaven must be it See it 1 In God Deut. 32.40 I lift up my hand to Heaven and say I live for ever 2 See it in Angels Revel 10.5 6. And the Angel which I saw stand upon the Sea and upon the Earth lifted up his hand to Heaven and sware by him that liveth for ever and ever who created Heaven and Earth 3 See it in a godly man the Father of the faithfull Gen. 14.22 Abraham said to the King of Sodom I have lift up my hand to the Lord the most high the Possessour of Heaven and Earth that I will not take from thee a thred even to a shoe-latchet Moreover Dan. 12.7 I heard the man cloathed in Linnen which was upon the Waters of the River when he held his right hand and his left hand unto Heaven and sware by him that liveth for ever 5 I have read of a conscientious Witness in the Book of Martyrs about three hundred years ago who conscientiously opposed this Abomination 6 I have heard upon good Information I trust that there was an Ordinance of Parliament to dispense with tender Consciences herein which it behoves all tender Consciences to have if it may be had to produce it against the rigidness of 〈◊〉 who will either force them to lay their hands upon 〈…〉 or else give no Oath There was a Witness of Christ that opposed laying his hand to swear upon a book See Acts and Mon. vol. 1. P. 701. Col. 2. also P. 702. In the life of William Thorp a Priest A certain Clerk asking William Thorp if it were not lawful to kneel down and touch the holy Gospel book and kiss it saying So help me God and this holy doom William Thorp answered out of a discourse betwixt a Lawyer and a Master of Divinity The Master of Divinity said it was not lawfull to give or take any such charge upon a book for every book is nothing else but divers creatures of which it is made of therefore to swear upon a book is to swear by creatures and this swearing is ever unlawfull this sentence witnesseth Chrysostom plainly blaming them greatly that bring forth a book to swear upon Also pag. 702. being askt to lay his hand upon the book and swear William Thorp answered If Chrysostom proveth him worthy of great blame that bringeth forth a book to swear upon It must needs follow that he is more to blame that sweareth on that book After a Clerk bidding him lay his hand upon the book touching the holy Gospel of God William Thorp answered I understand that the holy Gospel of God may not be touched with mans hand ibid. that is not unadvisedly V.
true Baptism Learn this observation descends from that Authority that after the Lords Ascension the holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles Eusebius in his History lib. 6. cap. 35. relates that Novatus though he were baptized yet because he was not confirmed or had hands laid on him after Baptism he never obtained the Holy Ghost His words are Neither did he get other things wherewith he ought to have been endued after Baptism according to the Rule of the Church nor was he sealed of the Bishop with the Lords seal meaning Imposition after Baptism which he having not obtained how could he I pray you obtain the Spirit For modern learned men take Gerson out of Hugo What profits it that thou art lifted up from thy fall by Baptism unless thou also beest strengthened by Confirmation Estius in Heb. 6.1 saith The Apostle undoubtedly understands that Laying on of Hands which is wont to be administred to the faithfull presently after Baptism of which Saint Luke Acts 8. Acts 19. That is to say the Sacrament of Confirmation whereby the Spirit of God is given to persons baptized wherewith they being strengthened confess the Name of Christ undauntedly among the Enemies of the Faith and then he concludes For that Hands were wont to be laid upon baptized persons after the Example of the Apostles Universa docet antiquitas All antiquity teacheth Grotius in Heb. 6.1 Hands were laid upon baptized persons to obtain the strengthening power of the holy Spirit and on persons ordained to the Eldership and on them that were reconciled after sins and those who were weak in body and on new maried people desiring a blessing from the Church Erasmus in Heb. 6.1 The first step to Christianity is to repent of our former life next that salvation is to be hoped from God next that we be purged in Baptism from our filth next that by laying on of hands we receive the holy Spirit Heming in Heb. 6.2 Imposition of hands was done by the Bishops and Elders on persons examined he should have said Baptized prayer and blessing being added thereto at this laying on of hands the holy Spirit was often visibly given Obj. But seeing Baptism and laying on of hands are conjoyned how came they to be severed Answ When persons with a right Baptism came back from Hereticks or Schismaticks to the Church they were not rebaptized but received onely by imposition of hands so the counsel of Arles can 8. If any one come to the Church from the Arrian Heresie let the preachers of our faith ask them their Creed and if they see they were Baptized into the Father Son and Spirit let them onely lay hands on them that they may receive the holy Ghost Leo. Epist 77. He that is Baptized among Hereticks let him not be rebaptized but let him be confirmed by laying on of hands with calling upon the holy Spirit Yet was not this rite used every where for Gregory de consecrat cap. 4. saith The west was wont to receive such as returned to the Church from Hereticks by imposition of hands but the eastern parts were wont to receive them by the anointing of Oyl Aug. against the Donatists lib. 5. c. 23. Gives a reason hereof and saith If laying on of hands should not be used to one coming from Heresie he would be judged to be without all fault but for the coupling of love hands are laid on Hereticks amended 2 When upon necessity any man was Baptized of an ordinary man that the Baptism might be approved and confirmed the person Baptized was brought to the Bishop that he might be confirmed Concil Eliberitanum Can. 18. A believer and in case of necessity one instructed in the Faith may Baptize so that if he that shall be so Baptized shall live he bring him to the Bishop that by imposition of hands he may be perfected 3 A third reason is mentioned by Hierom in his Dialogue against the Luciferians He saith The custom of the Churches was that the Bishop being about to lay hands to the calling on the Spirit of God he made haste to those that were Baptized in lesser cities by Elders and Deacons the meaning is as is after exprest when the Bishop knew they believed rightly and were lawfully Baptized he made haste to lay hands on them and to call upon the Spirit that they might persevere in that faith From all these customes not onely the common people but also sundry Bishops long before Hieroms time came to this opinion as if Baptism were without the Spirit and that the Spirit was first given and received when the Bishop to the calling on the Spirit of God laid hands on the person Baptized which Hierom confutes and proves that Baptism is not without the holy Spirit Answer to objections Obj. 1 In the laying hands on the Samaritans there were visible gifts conveyed Act. 8.18 Simon saw that through laying on of hands the Holy Ghost was given Act. 19.6 When Paul had laid his hands on the twelve they spake with tongues and prophesied but in imposition that is or shall be by the Apostles of the Churches there are no visible gifts given therefore that imposition in Scripture and yours is not the same Answ 1 That God did sometimes convey visible gifts after imposition of hands to honour it is true yet were these visible gifts no more parts of the ordinance much less essentialities thereof then Philips suddain surreption or catching away by the Spirit from the Eunuch were any part of the Eunuchs Baptisme Act. 8.39 40. this miraculous surreption was a confirmation to the Eunuch So when the twelve spake with tongues after Baptisme and laying on of Hands it was onely a confirmation to them of the truth of that Doctrine and powerfulness of that person into whose name they were baptized 2 The Apostles Peter and John Acts 8.16 17. would never have come down to Samaria for to do Miracles for Philip had there wrought Miracles abundantly Acts 8.7 in casting out Devils healing Palseys lameness c. therefore they came for some other end which was that the Samaritans might receive the Spirit Object But here were visible gifts given Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given Answ There 's a sight of the understanding as well as of the eye Simon might see the Holy Ghost given whiles he beheld the operations of the Spirit in Prayer self-denial mortification yet not one gift given visible to the bodily eye But if visible gifts conspicuous to the bodily eye were given they were no parts of the Ordinance but Crowns and Ornaments thereof The Holy Ghost may be said to be given not onely in gifts of Tongues and Healings but also in meltings of heart Prophesie c. 2 It 's a mistake to say that in the Apostolical Imposition always visible gifts were conveyed such as the natural eye could behold for Paul laid his hands on Timothy and had nothing conveyed save inward gifts
〈◊〉 a rower because under Christ the chief Pilot they row the ship of the Church towards heaven Now rowing is a very painful work Vide Beza They do not onely labour in the word but in prayer also Col. 4.12 Hence have they a due right to their maintenance Pharaoh reserved the Priests living Jezebel maintained four hundred false Prophets Micha maintained a Levite the Levites had not near the service we have yet was his maintenance greater then any of the Tribes They are Souldiers therefore to be maintained of them for whom they fight 1 Cor. 9.7 To say preachers must have but for bare necessity is to no purpose for how can they then be hospitable Are few Here 's the cause of the sending out the Apostles of which cap. 10.1 for onely John the Baptist and Christ laboured the Scribes and Pharisees being given to their pleasures and profits Causes why so few labourers 1 Love of ease whereas much study is a weariness to the flesh Eccles 12.12 Offer not that to God which costs thee nothing 2 Inability of hearers to difference betwixt doctrine and doctrine hence superficial raw indigested notions are as well or better liked then solid and substantial truths 3 The discouragement that Preachers in many places finde every man else is incouraged but they discouraged partly from the censures that pass upon their doctrine and partly from strait-handedness Every calling as Physician Lawyer is rewarded onely what preachers have in many places is counted as alms hence there are but few labourers and were it not for conscience towards God there would be much fewer 4 The strictness of the account that they must answer for the souls committed to them Ezek. 5.17 Heb. 13.17 Act. 20.26 27. 5 The multitude of business that lyes upon a faithful labourer What a business is it to make one soul lye level upon Christ sometimes full of fears and doubts for want of comfort sometimes falling into spiritual pride in the enjoyment of it sometimes wrastling with an angry God sometimes conflicting with a scrupulous conscience sometimes a soul thinks all he hath done is in vain and that he is cast out of Gods sight Psal 31.22 One wants knowledge another comfort another reproof one is a babe another a grown man Now the work being so weighty few that know the weight of it are forward to venture on it it being a burden too heavy for the shoulders of Angels Cyprian complained in his time that persons would not take the over sight of flocks but persons betook themselves to be Merchants History of Trent c. rather then to be thus employed After his time the ministers by reason of persecution were so few that necessity compel'd to commend two or three congregations to one pastor whence came the corrupt custome of Commendums Preaching is counted the easiest business and as many use it so it is but to preach that our words may be as goads to the dull Ox and as nails to the fastening of instructions Eccl. 12.11 to be like a good housholder that brings forth new and old Matth. 13.52 to search into the deep things of God and to follow a mans work there where he left it till a spiritual building be erected who is sufficient for these things V. 38. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth or in the Greek cast forth labourers into his harvest Christ here propounds a remedy for the want above mentioned viz. to pray to the Lord of the harvest c. Christ hereby not onely informes us of the backwardness of men herein but also pricks on the Apostles and others to accept of such a call Moreover here is signified not onely a disposing providence to send teachers to this or that place but also a bestowing of special power with peculiar commands and gifts which well agrees with the call of the Apostles in the next chapter As the Embassadors of Princes are directed to their residence and their continuance determined by the Prince how long they shall remain so are teachers disposed of God in like manner He carries them from one place to another Jonah from Israel to Nineveh Pray ye the Lord of the harvest It 's the Lords work to send forth labourers Act. 1.24 Shew whether of these two thou hast taken The holy Ghost bad separate Paul and Barnabas to the work Act. 13.2 Yet prayer hath been a means to obtain such teachers to get them out of prison Act. 12.12 13. to get them from one place to another Philem. 22. I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you Strive we then to be fervent with God in prayer herein as a faithful teacher is one of the greatest blessings so the contrary is a great curse We are earnest with God for many other things O strive to be earnest for this But because wants set an edge upon prayer lay open before the Lord thy six or seven children and three or four servants who are yet in the state of nature nay there are thousands in their conditions and therefore for their sakes come and help Grounds of thus praying 1 Gods command every command of God is to be obeyed therefore pray God commanding persons thus to pray doth not mean to send them away empty handed when they do pray 2 The mischief that comes where such planters and waterers are absent all runs to ruine mostly in the want of such Some places famous for religion when such lights have been removed what darkness hath been 3 The multitudes of business that God hath for labourers to do Paul would have gone to the lesser Asia and Bythinia but the spirit suffered him not but when a man of Macedonia prayed Come over and help us they obtained Paul Act. 16.6 7 9. When there is plenty of work and scarcity of labourers you must besides paying be fain to pray so it is in this case 4 Prayer is a mean to get such teachers it s a mean to obtain every blessing from God Matth. 7.7 therefore this blessing also 5 It 's a singular blessing unto a people to have their eyes behold their teachers and not to have them removed into a corner Esa 30.19 20. The contrary is a curse Amos 8.11 12. To go from sea to sea to seek the word of the Lord because of the famine of the word God onely gives such teachers Jer. 3.15 I will give you pastors after my own heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding For this end Christ ascended into heaven Eph. 4.10 11 12 13. In the 68 Psalm 18. It s said Christ received gifts in this place its said he gave gifts the meaning is Christ hath received gifts from his Father and given them to men The benefits of faithfull Teachers as 1 Conversion How shall they believe without a Preacher Rom. 10.14 Acts 2.37 38. Acts 26.18 2 Edification to wit building up souls converted Paul perfected what was lacking in
must be just ruling in the fear of God 2 Sam. 23.3 3 God is wont to deal well with such as fear him Exod. 1 20 21. God dealt well with the mid-wives because they feared God Deut. 5.29 Oh that there were such an heart in them to fear me that it might be well with them Neh. 1.11 Eccles 8.12 I know it shall be well with them that fear God which fear before him but it shall not be well with the wicked Why because he feareth not before God Mal. 2.5 My covenant was with Levi of life and peace and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me and was affraid before my name Luke 1.50 His mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation Deut. 6.18 He that feareth God shall come forth out of all trouble Eccles 7.18 4 The fear of God is a special mean to lengthen our days in this world Deut. 6.2 That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God to keep all his statutes that thy dayes may be prolonged now the reason why Gods fear lengthens our daies is because it makes a man take heed of such sins as would cut off life Prov. 10.27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life to depart from the snares of death see the contrary threatning to wicked men Eccles 8.13 It shall not be well with the wicked neither shall he prolong his daies which are as a shadow why because he feareth not before God 5 Gods fear is one of the first graces that showes it self in the soul hence called the beginning of wisdom Job 28.28 and they that have it are said to have a good understanding Psalm 111.10 Deut. 10.12 What doth the Lord require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God c. 6 God hath excellent loving kindness laid up for those that fear him See this 1 in spiritual mercies as 1 understanding Gods secrets Psalm 25.14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him 2 Pittifull affection as in a father towards his childe Psalm 103.11 so the Lord pittieth them that fear him 3 Healing and comfort Mal. 4.2 Unto you that fear my name shall the son of righteousness arise with healing under his wings 2 See it in temporal mercies as 1 strong confidence in evil times Prov. 14.26 in the fear of the Lord is strong confidence which is grounded upon promise of deliverance Psalm 85.9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him 2 A special eye of providence for the providing outward things for such Psalm 31 18 19. Behold the eye of the Lord is on them that fear him to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine Psalm 34.9 O fear the Lord ye his Saints for there is no want to them that fear him Psalm 111.5 He hath given meat to them that fear him he will ever be mindfull of his Covenant q.d. Its part of Gods Covenant to give meat to them that fear him meat is put for all other provisions 3 There 's much contentedness of minde comes along with this grace of Gods fear in them that have it Prov. 15.16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord then great revenues and trouble therewith Pro. 19.23 The fear of the Lord tendeth to life and he that hath it shall abide satisfied Psalm 7.16 4 It 's a mean to obtain riches honour and life every man wishes for these three things oh then get Gods fear Pro. 22.4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honour and life 2 Use Trial whether we have Gods fear in us 1 when we think nothing too good for God but will let it go rather then sin Gen. 22.12 Lay not thine hand upon the lad for now I know thou fearest God seeing thou hast not withheld thine onely son 2 When we fear to do any thing that is of bad report 1 Cor. 6.1 Dare any of you meaning Christians go to law before the unjust and not before the Saints Neh. 5.9 Ought we not to walk in the fear of the Lord because of the heathen 3 When we fear not the greatest of men in opposition to God Exod. 1.15 16. The King bad the Hebrew mid-wives kill the male children but they would not obey the King why was it the Text vers 17. gives the reason because they feared God they would not obey the King How did the three children out of fear to God not fear Nebuchadnezzar his burning fiery furnace Dan. 3.17 18 28. The Parents of Moses hid Moses three moneths and they not affraid of the Kings commandment Heb. 11.23 4 When we are fearfull of the private and secret stirrings of corruption in our own hearts Job 31.1 2. Job so apprehended Gods eye that he durst not have or harbour a lustfull thought see vers 4. This fear of God kept him from lifting up his hand against the fatherless when he saw his help in the gate for destruction from God was a terrour unto him vers 21.23 Deut. 15.9 10. Gods fear will be opposing proud revengefull unclean and hypocriticall thoughts in the soul 5 When hope or proffer of gain will not make us sin against God Peter would not take Magus his money Acts 8.20 Nor Elisha Naamans talents 2 Kings 5. Why he knew in his conscience it was no time for it Contrary in Balaam how fain would he have been fingring Balaks gold so Judas Demas 6 When we will not deliberately venture upon sin for fear of losse Gen. 39.9 How can I do this great evill and sin against God 1 Kings 22.13 14. Micaiah durst not flatter the King as the false prophets did John Baptist durst not forbear Herods sin though the Princes favor lay on one side and the loss of his life or hazzard thereof on the other Mat. 14.3 Such a man will not be drawn to sin for fear of offending a wife or husband where Gods fear is there will be a choice of affliction rather than iniquity 7 When we are affraid of doing any thing with a doubting conscience Rom. 14.22 23. 8 When we are affraid of the least evil Carnal men for shame of the world may avoid gross evils but where Gods fear is the soul is affraid of small sins 1 Sam 24.5 even for cutting the skirt of Sauls garment how much more was he of hurting Sauls person 1 Sam. 26.9 It s said of a godly man that he keeps his hand from doing any evil Isai 56.2 9 When we are affraid of sinfull temptations and occasions Gen. 39.10 Joseph would not hearken to his Mistris to ly by her or to be with her Prov. 5.8 Come not nigh the doors of her house Hos 4.15 that Judah might not offend with Israels Calve-worship the Prophet bids them not to come to Gilgal or Beth-aven where the Calves were God will not keep us from sin if we do not keep our selves from the occasions of it He that ventures upon the occasions of sin