them for salvation the same word is used for sufficient 1 Tim. 4.8 3. Objection Though All the Scripture be thus profitable yet the whole is not saith Bellarmine Answer Who so blind as they that will not see what is this but to seek a knot in a bulrush and to make doubts where there are none at all This is to trifle and not to dispute for who knowes not that All Scripture and the whole Scripture are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 equivalent and the same So All is taken in other places Collectively and not distributively as 1 Cor. 13.2 Colos. 2.9 Ephesians 2.21 and 3.15 and 4.16 These rubs being removed the sense of the place is this q. d. Great is the Dignity and Authority the Majesty and Utility of the Holy Scriptures That Gift of Gifts which have not Angels or Men but God himselfe for their more immediate Authoâ—r It is he that hath given them to informe the ignorant to recall the erronions to correct the vitious and to direct and comfort the Pious So that by reading and studying this Word of God the People of God and specially the Teacher of Gods People may be made every way fit and compleat for all the services of his calling Observe That the sacred Scriptures are the very word of God Holy men were but the Instruments 't is God that is the Authour of them they were but the spirits amanuenses to write what he should dictate to them Hence it is called the word of God Mark 7.13 2 Cor. 2.17 and 4.2 1 Thes. 4.15 the Oracles of God Rom. 3.2 and is ascribed solely to the Spirit of God without mentioning any Authour Heb. 10.15 what was uttered by the mouthes of the Prophets God spake what they delivered was by direction and inspiration from above Hence the Holy Ghost is said to speak by the mouth of David Acts 1.16 and 4.25 and 28.25 and the word of the Lord is said to come to Hos. 1.1 and Ioel 1.1 Ier. 1.9 Ezek. 1.3 Heb. 1.1 2. and as the Old Testament so the New is the very word of God for the whole Scripture is given by inspiration from above and the Apostle tells us that he had received from the Lord what he delivered to them 1 Cor. 11.23 and Rom. 1.1 and 15.18 this made the Apostles stile themselves the servants of Christ. Philip. 1.1 Titus 1.1 Iames 1.1 1 Pet. 1.1 Iude 1 the foundation of the Church is said to be the Prophets i. e. the Old Testament and the Apostles i e. the New Testament Ephes. 2.20 So that the Authority of Scripture is greater then of an Angels voyce and of greater perspicuity and certainty to us for besides inspiration 't is both written and sealed This is fundamentum fundamentorum a fundamental point very necessary to be knowne for we can never profit by the scriptures till we believe and are perswaded that they are the very word of God he that believes not this believes nothing and the very ground of all that Atheisme and profanenesse both in Doctrine and Manners which abounds amongst us springs from hence Have at the Root then and have at all lay the Axe to it and the branches will soon wither To prove the Divine Authority of the Scriptures See 18. Reasons in Bishop Vshers Body of Divinity and 18. Reasons in Ward on Matthew 1.1 p. 1 2 c. Stock on the Attributes chapt 4. Mr. Iohn Downams Warfar l. 2. c. 21. p. 160. Fol. Capel on Tentat l. 4. c. 4. Sangar's Morning Lect. p. 4.20 Mr. Leighs Body of Divinity l. 1. c. 2. Walaeus loc com p. 124 125. Wo then to those Blasphemous Hereticks and Atheistical Scepticks the Anti-scripturists of our age that cry up their own perfection and cry down the Scriptures as imperfect that cry up themselves as Gods and cry down Christ as man that cry up their own dreams and cry down the word which condemns those dreams even as the Malefactor exclaimes against the Judge which he knowes will condemn him O hellish pride O hideous horrid blasphemy Wo is me that ever it should be told in Gath and published in the streets of Askelon that England which was sometimes the glory of Nations should now for such blasphemies as those become the scorn and reproach of all the Nations round about us Yet such there are perhorresco refereus that say the Scriptures are not of Divine but of Humane authority and invention that the Pen-men wrot what pleased themselves that they are no foundation of Christian religion c. Strange it is to me to find Mr. Iohn Goodwin a man of such knowledge and parts so well versed in Scripture a Preacher and expounder of it so long yet now in his old age to fall into that ragged Regiment of Anti-scripturists Yet thus it is when once men give way to sin and error they know not when nor where they shall rest Whither will not Pride and Selfe-conceit lead men As Christ was crucified between two Theeves so are the Scriptures vilified by two sorts by Papists on the one hand and Atheistical Sectaries on the other but all in vain for magna est veritas praevalebit The Truth still gets ground against them all Many Libertines cry out against us Ministers as Antichristian but whether come nearer Antichrist we or they the ensuing Parallel will declare for though their Heads took severall wayes yet like Sampsons Foxes they are tyed together with firebrands at their tayles Papists call the Scriptures 1. A Nose of wax or Rule of lead which may be bowed every way as men please 2. Inky Divinity 3. They are fallible 4. They are insufficient without unwritten Traditions 5. They prefer the Church before them 6. To defend their errours they wrest the Scriptures and make them Allegorize without a cause 7. Sometimes they take the bare Letter and will admit of no exposition 8. What blasphemous nonsensicall expositions the Friers made of the Scripture former ages can testify See Willets Tetrastilon Pillar 3. Synops. p. 1296. Atheisticall Anti-scripturists say 1. They are uncertain 2. A dead Letter 3. They are not infallible 4. They are insufficient without Revelations 5. They prefer the dark light within them before them 6. So do these yea some have turned all Scriptures into Allegories 7. So do these 8. What Non-sensical ones these make who lists may see in Mr. Brinsley's Virtigo p. 133 134. and Mr. Firmin against the Quakers Should these men have spoken but half so much against the Higher Powers as they have done against God and his word they would quickly have been apprehended for Traytors yea if a man steal above thirteen-pence half peny 't is death by the Law but if a man blaspheme the God of heaven revile the Scriptures and overthrow the very foundations of Religion there 's little or nothing done to such a one Do we thus requite the Lord O foolish and unwise Is this the thanks we
't is both work and wages and such imployment is our high preferment 'T is not onely For keeping but In keeping of Gods commandements that there is reward Iames 1.25 Godlinesse in the power of it is Gain great gain none like it This reward followes obedience freely as Punishment followes the disobedient though they neither desire nor seek it yet paena est finis operis etsi non est finis operantis Those that love the commands of God and sincerely obey them shall be certainly rewarded though they should not desire or seek it but in simplicity of heart run the wayes of God making this their aym that they may glorify him Now all these high commendations of the word should make us unfeignedly for to love it heartily to embrace it reverently to esteem it and fervently to desire it Excellency being the Object of desire Gods Word is like God himself full of Majesty full of Excellency It contains magnalia honorabilia Legis the great and honourable things of Gods Law Hos. 8.12 It is not an empty sound or a dead letter but full of Majesty Life and Power and therefore must be entertained by us with the greatest respect Looke what Reverence we give unto God the same is due to the Word of God See more of the Scriptures Excellency Master Robert Boltons Saints Guide p. 42.43 c. Master Trapps True Treasure Chapter 3. Sect. 2. Master Leighs Body of Divinity l. 1. c. 8. p. 81. 2. If the Scriptures be Gods Word then it will follow that they are a Perfect Rule and Canon for us to walke by The Canons and Rules of men are oft times harsh hard sottish superstitious and disquiet the Conscience aye but the Word of God commands nothing but what is sweet and easie pleasant and profitable to the soul that walks according to it Gal. 6.16 as many as walk according to this Rule or Canon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so Phil. 3.16 Peace and Mercy shall be their portion hence the books of Scripture are called Canonical because they are the rule and Canon by which we must walk hence 't is that the Lord sends us in our doubts not to a Light within us which is no better then darkness nor to unwritten Traditions without us which would soon deceive us but to the Law and to the Testimony Isay 8.19 20. not to witches or wizards not to the dead for the ease of the living but we must have recourse to the Law of God which is given us by him for our infallible direction and if any man speak either without or against the word it is because he hath no true Light of Grace or Understanding in him This God hath ordained as a Lampe for our Feete that we miscarry not amiddest those many By-paths that are in the World Let us then make use of it in the course of our Lives If a Carpenter have a Rule or Line if he tie it to his backe and never use it his Worke must needs be crooked So if we have Bibles and never reade them nor Meditate on them to practice them our Lives must needs be irregular They are then to be reproved who set up false Rules to walk by As 1. Antiquitie 2. Custome 3. Fathers 4. The Church 5. Reason 6. Vniversalitie 7. Enthusiasms All which you may see Succinctly and Learnedly confuted in Master Anthony Burgess his Fast Sermon on Mark 1.3 Preached before the House of Commons September 17. 1643. Page 3. to 19. where you have six properties of a Rule with many motives and directions to read the Scripture To these I shall adde an eighth sort viz. those that leave the Scriptures and make Providence the Rule of their wayes and walking because they have success and prosper in their wayes therefore they conclude that their wayes are good and God approves of them But if this were good Logick then thieves and sacrilegious persons might conclude that their actions were good because they have success for a time in their wickedness Like Dionysius who prospering in his sacriledge cried See hâ—w the Gods love Sacriledge Such must know that we may not accept the most signall Demonstrations of Providence against a Scripture Rule No alteration of times no success of Providence must make us goe against the Word of God See five Reasons against such in Master Lyfords Plain mans Senses exercised p. 29. to 37. and Master Anthony Burgess Spi. Refining 1 Part. Serm. 31. 9. Others make Conscience their Rule wherein Conscience is regula regulata non regula regulans It must be ruled by the Word and not rule the Word Conscience is onely a subordinate Rule and binds us no further then it receives information from the Word Many Sectaries cry their Conscience is against our Ministery Churches Ordinances and may not a Jew a Turke or Papist say as much that it is against his Conscience to joyn with us but who knows not that an erronious Conscience doth not bind else Iohn 16.2 Acts 26.9 might plead Conscience for persecuting the Church Thy duty is not to follow it but get thy judgement better informed that thou mayest leave it since the light of Conscience is but imperfect and may erre 3. If the Scripture be Gods Word then it must needs be the fittest Iudge both in matters of Doctrine and Practice Hence in all our doubts God sends us hither for direction Deuteronomy 12.32 and 28.58 and 31.9.10 Isay 8.20 and Christ sends us to the Scriptures to decide matters of Controversie Thus when a Controversie arose about the Resurrection Christ determines the Controversie by Scripture Matthew 22.29 ye erre not knowing the Scripture So Luke 10.26 and 16.29 Acts 16.22 2 Peter 1.19 The Word is the supreme â—udge in all matters of Religion Who is higher then God when his Word hath spoken it what exception shall we make or to whom shall we appeal Hence Christ himself submitted his Doctrine to the decision of the Scriptures Iohn 5.39 so did the Apostle Acts 28.23 The Church is Gods House his City his Spouse and He onely is her Lawyer Iames 4.12 See more Doctor Davenant de Iudice cultus cap. 4. p. 5. Doctor Prideaux Lect. 22. Revets Isagoge cap. 19.20 Lyford Plain mans sens Excerc Page 9.10 Gerherd Loc. Com. Tom. 1. Doctor Cheynel against Antitrinit c. 9. p. 291. D. Morton Apolog. p. 2. l. 5 Brochmand CC. Tom. 1. Controvers 1. Q. 19. Ames Bell. Enervat l. 1. c. 5. 4. If the Scripture of the Old and New Testament be a perfect Rule and the supream Judge then they are to be blamed who adde Apochryfal writings to it to perfect it whereas that which is perfect needs no such Additions yet the Papists have put them in the Canon though there be palpable lies in them E. G. Ecclesiasticus 1.14 that the fear of the Lord was created with the faithful in the womb so Ecclesiasticus 46.20 is false
An Epistle to the READER AMongst all the Tractates in Divinity written by English men in English which are very many and many of them very excellent and highly esteemed even by learned men of other Nations there are none more useful in some respects or more serviceable to the Church of Christ then such of them which are Commentaries and Expositions upon the holy Scriptures Witness Ainsworth upon the Pentateuch Willet upon Genesis Exodus Leviticus Daniel Romans and Iude. Perkins upon the Galatians Bifield upon the Colossians Taylor upon Titus many others Insomuch that if we had such like English Commentaries upon every Book in the Bible I doubt not but it would very much tend to the right understanding of the Scripture thereby to the further propagation of Truth Godliness throughout the whole Nation The Reverend Learned and Religious Author of this ensuing Treatise hath undertaken to give us a Practical and Polemical Exposition upon the third and fourth Chapters of the latter Epistle of S. Paul to Timothy of which it may truly be said That it is both elaborate and judicious And that he doth not serve the Lord with that which cost him nothing There is in this excellent Commentary the sum of nigh 30 years studies and the Epitome of all those choice things which this worthy Minister of Christ hath ever either heard or read And therefore I doubt not but it will fully answer expectation and be gladly entertained by the godly learned Readers Especially if they consider That the Author of this Book is the same Person who hath by former Books guarded the Pulpit from unordained Preachers The Font from Antipaedobaptists The Schools by the defence of human learning And the Ministery and their maintenance in a Latine Treatise called Sal Terrae His abilities are already sufficiently known to the world by these and many other of his works and therefore there is no need to add any thing more in way of commendation Vinum vendibile non opus habet hederâ suspensâ My prayer to God is That this large and yet pithy and learned Exposition may obtain the end for which it was written That it may do good to future Generations and speak to the world when the Author is gone out of it to enjoy the Kingdom provided for him from all Eternity Thy servant in the work of the Ministery EDM. CALAMY A Practical and Polemical COMMENTARY Or EXPOSITION UPON The Third and Fourth Chapters of the latter Epistle of Saint Paul to TIMOTHY WHEREIN The Text is explained Some Controversies discussed Sundry Cases of Conscience are cleared Many Common Places are Succinctly handled and Divers Usefull and Seasonable Observations raised By THOMAS HALL B. D. and Minister of Kings-Norton in Worcester-shire Versatur ob oculos nostros profanus ille Christianismus Aevi extremi quem praesaga Pauli mens ante tot Secula penicillo Spiritús Sancti depinxit Scult in 2 Tim. 3.1 Psal. 119.72 The Law of thy mouth is better to me then thousands of gold and silver Rev. 12.12 Wo to the Inhabitants of the Earth and of the Sea for the Devil is come down unto you having great wrath because he knoweth that he hath but a short time Imprimatur EDMUND CALAMY LONDON Printed by E. Tyler for Iohn Starkey at the Miter at the North door of the middle Exchange in Saint Pauls Church-yard 1658. Academiae Cantabrigiensis Liber TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Richard Hemming Mayor Richard Vernon Sheriffe with the Aldermen the Reverend Ministers the Common-Council and the rest of the Inhabitants of the City of WORCESTER T. H. Dedicateth this Practical and Polemical COMMENTARY as a Testimony of his unfained Love and best Respects to that his Native CITY Dearly beloved in the Lord MY hearts desire and Prayer for you is that you may be saved And since God saveth none ordinarily but by means I here present you with a Practical Book which by the blessing of God may be a means to lead you safely through this Wilderness to the heavenly Canaan Here you will finde Directions for all sorts for Magistrates and Ministers for Superiours and Inferiours Here you have Antidotes against those nineteen sinnes of these last and worst times which are so rife both in City and Countrey for where can a man goe but he shal finde such as are Self-Lovers Covetous Boasters Proud Blasphemers False-accusers Covenant-breakers Vnholy c. So that the Treatise is very seasonable the good Lord make it profitable To this end First You that are Rulers must Rule for God you must not bear the sword in vain but you must be a Terror to Drunkards Swearers Sabbath-profaners Whore-masters Seducers Blasphemers and all the rabble of Hell 'T is an old complaint that England hath golden Lawes but Leaden Executioners Be Zealous therefore for God we never lose by venturing for him Remember that at the last day you must give an account of your Steward ships of those Offices Talents and Opportunities which you have received and what good ye have done in your yeare what Vices have been punished what Goodnesse hath been promoted and what disorders rectified A Zealous Magistrate is the best Common-wealths-man such a Nehemiah is a means to keep off wrath from the City and Place of his abode When Men punish God spareth but when men spare then God ariseth to execute judgement on the wicked Mistake me not I plead not for Cruelty or rigour but for Iustice as Magistrates must be Clement and Mercifull as occasion requireth distinguishing of sinners observing who offend through weakenesse and who of wilfulnesse So he must be just and sharp against incorrigible and incureable Offenders least they infect others Be Men of publicke Spirits cast off all self-seeking and private-spiritednesse I could wish that every Magistrate had Master Iacombs Sermon on Acts 13.36 it is an excellent piece and will teach you how to serve God in your Generations 2. You that are Under-Officers must in your spheere be also active for God little Birds we see sometimes set the greater on singing your zeale may quicken others Doe but doe not over-doe your duties least you bring an Odium upon Religion by your Pharisaical rigour and austerity but doe all in a Spirit of Wisedome Love and Meeknesse else you may sinne in over-doing as well as in Under-doing 3. You whom the Lord hath set as Spiritual Watchmen in the City it concerneth you to promote his work with one shoulder and one consent Unanimity is the glory of Societies and maketh them invincible The Primitive Christians were of one heart and one soul they had a holy conspiracy in the wayes of God Acts 4.32 When the shepherds are divided the flock must needs be scattered and Gods work hindred If there be four Oxen in a Team and these four draw foure several wayes the worke must needs go backward but when all draw jointly together how comely pleasant and easie is the work The
Application is easie Take heed of that Rock of offence and Roote of division The gathering of Churches out of Churches which is indeed the destruction of Churches 'T is an uncharitable and an unscriptural Practice There is no Precept nor President for it in all the Book of God The Dissenting Brethren were not able to produce one example out of Gods Word for the gathering of Churches out of Churches though they were pressed to it by the Reverend Assembly of Divines We read in Scripture of Gathering Churches from amongst Heathens but never of gathering Churches out of constituted Churches Were England a land of Heathens and no Church planted amongst us it might be proper enough to gather Churches here but to put a planted constituted setled Church into the condition of Heathens savours strongly of Pride and Censoriousness Parochial Assemblies if the Parishes were but regulated and made more uniform and compact are the best both for Pastor and People when this gathering of Churches breedeth as many Divisions in Families almost as there are persons e g. The husband is a Presbyterian and goeth to his Church the Wife an Independent and goeth to her meetings the Sonne an Anabaptist and goeth to his meetings the Daughter a Quaker and she hath her meetings c. What Rents this kind of gathering maketh let the Reader judge Besides the great inconvenience of having Church-members at such a distance one at London another at Dover a third at West-Chester a fourth at Yorke I know some that dwell nigh an hundred miles off him whom they call their Pastor such sheep are like to be well fed and looked to that are at such a distance from the Shepherd Moreover it is a kinde of Sacriledge to rob godly Ministeres of the first-born of their Prayers and pains of the creame of their flockes and the Crowne of their Ministery If they will gather Churches out of the world as they call it let them first plow the world and sow it and then let them reap with Gods blessing else he is but a hard man that reaps where he hath not sowen There is superstition on the right hand as well as on the left and the Devil cares not on which hand we miscarry so he can but get us out of the right way Be not over-righteous in making the Gate of the Church narrower then God hath made it shut not out those whom God admitteth Better be too Charitable then too censorious Pitty the many hundreds of poore ignorant profane uncatechized souls that are in your City the great I had almost said the greatest part of a Ministers worke lieth out of the Pulpit I have experimentally found more good by week-dayes Catechising then by many yeares Preaching condescend to the Capacities of the weakest by workes of mercy and by all good means labour to win them to Christ Be not high nor supercilious be not harsh and censorious in casting off the greatest part of your flocke as dogs and swine if they be ignorant you should instruct them if scandalous by all wise means you should labour to reclaim them This rigorous casting off them and their Infants doth but harden them and make them out of love with Religion when a tender and compassionate carriage towards them might have brought them into better order 4. You that are Tradesmen be just in all your dealings Plain honesty is the best Policie though it gain but little yet it keepeth the credit and the custome when he that over-reacheth and cozens me once shall never cozen me a second time Much of religion is seen in our dealings with men Psalm 15.2 3 4 Let a man professe like an Angel yet if he be faulty here all his religion is vain Piety towards God and Righteousnesse towards man are the best Walls and Bulwarks of a City It is true your walls are razed but it is not the want of walls but the wickednesse of the Citizens that ruines a City If Piety be within God himselfe will be a wall of fire round about you to defend you and offend your Enemies and your glory in the middest of you Zacharie 2.5 Isay 26.1 Good Citizens are the best fortifications God hath blest you with the Nether-springs and given you a South-land you have a rich and fruitful Soile a River that bringeth you Treasure from farre doe you as Achsah the Daughter of Caleb did begg for a better blessing even the Upper-springs also for Grace and Glory which will refresh you to Eternity Ioshua 15.19 The Riches of your City lieth much in cloathing Oh get your Soules cloathed with the robes of Christ his Righteousnesse for your justification and the White Robes of Innocency Integrity and Sanctification these are the onely true riches of a Christian which can never be taken from him 5. You that are young lay your foundations low if ever you would build high with Timothy give up your selves to God betimes fly the lusts of youth mortifie the flesh with its affection and lusts Redeem the seasons of Grace know the day of your Visitation and improve it remember your Creator betimes the sooner the better since the seasoning of our youth hath a great influence upon the remaining part of our dayes God hath blest you with many able laborious Ministers who are ready on all occasions in season and out of season to dispense the Mysteries of salvation to you so that you cannot sin at so cheap a rate as formerly happy are you if you have hearts to improve the mercy storing up in these dayes of Spiritual plenty Truths against times of Errour Light against times of darkness and comforts against times of discomfort If Philip King of Macedon rejoyced that his son Alexander was born in that time when Aristotle lived that so he might be instructed by him how should we then rejoyce who are born in such a time when the Gospel is so fully and freely publisht to the world which is able to make us wise unto salvation Lastly you that are Governours of Families set up Religion in the Power of it there let them be Bethels Houses of God and not Beth-avens houses of Vanity iniquity lest God make them Beth-anys houses of sorrow and affliction Lay injunctions on your Children and Servants that they keep the way of the Lord So did Abraham Genesis 18.19 as you would partake with him in blessednesse so follow him in Obedience Let not the greatnesse of your Families make you neglect the Dutie Abraham had a great Family above three hundred that could bear Arms yet he Catechized them and instructed them in the wayes of God Genesis 13.14 The houses of the Primtive Christians were as so many little Churches Romans 16.5 1 Corinthian 16.19 Câ—los 4.15 Philem 2. Solomon in all probability had thousands in his Court for he had seven hundred Wives which were Princesses and their retinue must needs be great he had fourtie
they may live desired and dye lamented that so when you are dead it may be said We misse such a man he was zealous against Sabbath-Prophaners Drunkards Swearers Sectaries c. He was forward to works of Piety and Mercy and ready to every good work 'T was Davids commendation Acts 13.36 that he served God in his Generation he did not seek himself nor serve God for a day or two but he served him his whole Generation as Noah did Gen. 6.9 God hath abundance of dishonour done him by profane persons and Religion suffers much by them now we should labour to repair the dishonours done to his name by being blamelesse and harmlesse shining like lights before a perverse nation The worse the times we live in are the greater will our honour be if we be faithfull 'T was Lots commendation that he was good in Sodom and Job in an Heathenish Vz. The more Sinne abounds the more our Grace should abound and the more Sin appears in the World the more should we appear against it The Lord hath done more for us of this last age of the World then ever he did for our fore-fathers and therefore he expects more from us then he did from them where he bestowes much he looks for much again where we bestow double cost we look for a double crop Christ is now more clearly preached to us and we enjoy the helps and advantages of former times A Pigmy set upon a Gyants shoulders may see further then the Gyant himself It 's a shame for us if we do not our work better by Sun-light then others that have had but Twy-light God takes it very ill to be wounded in the house of his children and friends for when he hath done so much Isai 1.2 3. Zach. 13.6 Will ye also forsake me said Christ to his disciples will you whom I have redeemed and loved above all the people of the World you whom I have brought forth in dayes of greatest Light and Love when 't was free with me to have brought you forth in Mid-night of Popery and Superstition will you also rebell against me There is nothing renews the Gospel so soon as this contempt it makes the Lord repent of all the kindnesse he hath shewed us 2. Note We must not look for a Church in this World without its imperfections and corruptions if ever the Church on Earth shall be pure and glorious it shall be in the last dayes yet we see the spirit of God tells us here expresly that these last dayes shall be perilous times by reason of the swarms of wicked men which shall be in the very bosome of the Church who shall indeed pretend to much Piety yet shall be full of Impiety and Hypocrisy they shall have a form of godlinesse but they will deny its power v. 5. There will be to the end of the World a mixture in the Church of God there will be Tares and Wheat good and bad in the Church alwayes Mat. 13.25 One told the Emperour Frederick that he would go to a place where no Hypocrites were then said he you must go beyond the frozen Ocean where there are no Inhabitants and yet thou wilt find an Hyprocrite there if thou find thy self there He that looks for a perfect Church in this World or for such a Church wherein there shall be none but Reall Saints may look till his eyes rot in his head before he see that day Christ had but twelve and one of them was a Devill and the rest that were sincere yet had their failings The Apostle tells us that in the bosome of the Church there shall be seducers Acts 20.29 30. from amongst your selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw disciples after them All the Churches we read of in the Scripture have had their failings and blots as the Church of Ierusalem Corinth Galatia and the seven Churches of Asia yet Christ owned them and communicated with them still and sent his disciples to them and therefore be not offended when you see defects corruptions and disorders in the Church perfection indeed is to be wisht for but it is reserved for Heaven No Church ever was is or shall be perfectly free from sin on Earth Let us not then forsake the Lords Floore because there is some Chaffe in it nor run from Sion instead of Babylon as many in our dayes do that cry out against the Church of England as a false Church though all the Churches of God in the World own her for a true one and run from her as from Babylon and so run into Babylon from a supposed into a Reall Babylon Babylon signifieth Confusion now amongst those that separate what sad confusion is there Division upon division separation upon separation c. till they have broken themselves all to pieces and at last are faine to sit like Owles alone These are they that abhorre a mixt company yet flye from Reall Saints This they call new Light when it is nothing but an old Error of the Catharists and Donatists who out of a conceit of their own exceeding holinesse did separate themselves Perfectionem justitiae Angelicam sanctitatem hic ab hominibus requirunt Donatistae quam etiam se suosque illos impuros coetus habere jactant profitentur tam sunt arrogantes coeci à vero suae infirmitatis rebellionis sensu alieni Danaeus loco citato ubi plura Causelesse Separation saith a learned Divine from established Churches walking according to the Order of the Gospel though perhaps failing in some small things is yet no small sin Let such consider 1. That the Root of this separation is bad and therefore the fruit cannot be good It springs from Pride and Censoriousnesse as we see in the Pharisees who were great Separatists and have their name from thence 2. Such are Schismaticks and in a short time they will he Hereticks for Schisme is the way to Heresy they make a Rent in the Church whose Peace should be very dear to us for though Peace be not the Esse and being of a Church yet it tends very much to its bene esse and well-being for as a Kingdom so a Church divided cannot long endure 3. The Pretences made for Separation are now removed there 's no Bishop Surplesse Cross Common-prayer c. for them to stumble at and yet separation was unlawfull then but now it s farre more vile and therefore the Lord punisheth the Separatists of this age more severely by giving them up to viler opinions than formerly 4. 'T is a scandall and wrong to a Church 't is ill to forsake the society of one good man without a cause but to un-un-church a whole Church causelesly now great is that sin 5. They cannot escape the revenging hand of God Though men may suffer them yet God will not one of the saddest judgements that we read of in the Scripture befell schismaticall Corah
any Relations to wicked persons we must not presently forsake them or out-run them Some children have wicked Parents some husbands have wicked wives some servants have wicked Masters now these Relations must not be contemned or violated 1. The husband may not leave his wife nor the wife her husband for any cause but for adultery Matth. 19.9 no other cause can annull marriages and therefore those Sectaries that out-run their wives pretending they are carnall they are not Saints nor called nor spirituall such must remember what Christ saith Whosoever puts away his wife except it be for adultery and marries another commits adultery and if the husband be wicked yet the wife must abide still with him because she may be a meanes to convert him 1 Cor. 7.16 2. If a godly child have wicked Parents he must not out-run them but by Prayer and Patience and leading a convincing life he must labour to win them shewing all due Honour and respect unto them 3. If a Religious servant have an Irreligious Master he may not out-run him but must by a holy just religious walking labour to win him 1 Tim. 6.1 yea though they be froward and pervense yet must they be reverenced and obeyed as Masters We must obey evill men but not in evill Saul was a wicked man yet David gives him all due respect 2. Caut. When I say we must forsake communion with the wicked take heed of forsaking Sion instead of Babylon Many especially in these loose times call the Church of England Babylon a whore a false Church which yet the God of Heaven and his Churches acknowledge for a true Church This makes so many turn Separatists and instead of running from Babylon they run into Babylon they run from a supposed into a Reall Babylon of confusion and disorder 'T is ill to â—ast off communion with one good man without a cause but to un-church all the Churches of God in the world and to forsake the Assemblies of Gods people where he is purely worshipped is the high way to desâ—â—uction a member cut off from the body must needs dye I observe that â—he first Lesson which the Devill teacheth his Schollars is separation and after that comes a Troop of errors and miscarriages both in Doctrine and Practice Such Practices are very unseasonable especially now when all had need to unite against the common enemy Object There are Defects and corruptions in our Church Answ. And what Church on earth is free Had not the Church of Ierusalem the Church of Corinth and the seven Churches of Asia their defects and yet they were called Holy Segregatione because they were separated by God and set apart for his service and worship the name of God is called on there the Oracles of God are taught there and Religion is profest there and therefore they are called Holy 2. A parte praestantiori fit denominatio because there are some Saints there as we call a man a Rational creature from the soul which is the better part and a heap of corn is called Wheat though it have much chaff mixt with it 3. Iudicio charitatis When people make an externall profession of Holinesse in the judgement of charity we must hope they are Holy Thus 1 Cor. 1.2 the Apostle calls them Saints at Corinth such was his charity that he hoped they were such It were to be wished that all Gods people were Reall Saints but Christ tells us his Church is mixt it hath Tares as well as Wheat and will have do what we can Matth. 13.24 It 's a dangerous thing to think that there 's no Church where there is not perfect Purity such a man must separate himself from all societies and like Acesius find a new way to Heaven Erigito Acesi scalam solus in coelum ascendito or else joyn himself to a few Hypocrites and if our Churches and Ministers be not true ones I wish the Anabaptists would shew us where we may find better Oh say they the Anabaptistick Churches are purer there they are all Saints Answ. As Samuel said to Saul when he boasted of his sanctity and how he had kept the Commandements of the Lord What means then the bleating of the sheep and the lowing of the Oxen in my eares so say I if the Anabaptists be so pure what makes them raile on those that are pure indeed what means their railing on the faithfull Ministers and the true Churches of Christ yea do not many of them deny Scriptures Sabbaths Sacraments and all Ordinances c. If these be Zion who are Babylon 2. Were they Saints indeed they durst not call themselves so It savours strongly of spiritual pride for men Pharisaically and Donatistically to appropriate to themselves the name of Saints and the godly party and the spiritual people The language of Reall Saints is more meek and modest in Scripture Object We admit such as are openly prophane to the Sacrament Answ. This is easily said but not so easily proved To call a man a Drunkard is one thing but to prove e man a Drunkard is a harder matter Let them prove if they can that the Ministers of England do admit of such to the Sacrament as have been convicted by two competent witnesses at least of Drunkennesse Adultery c. 2. Admit this were so yet another mans sin cannot hurt me if I no way partake with him in it He that eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks judgemeut to himself and not to me Suppose I could have no meat for my body unlesse I would eat in the company of wicked men must I famish my self rather then to eat with them much lesse may I reject my spirituall food because some wicked men without any fault of mine eat and communicate with me Object The Apostle forbids us to eat with such 1 Cor. 5.11 Answ. The Apostle speaks not there of the Sacrament as the scope and context clearly shew v. 9 10 11. he forbids us intimate private voluntary familiarity with wicked ones for though in respect of publick communion and commerce in Church and State I cannot avoyd society with such yet in respect of private intimate familiarity 't is in my power to avoyd them The Apostle speaks here of civill familiarity saith Reverend Mr. Blake in his Treatise on the Sacraments Chapt. 7. Sect. 16 the Apostle speaks not at all of the Lords Supper in this Chapter and 't is clear in the Text that the Apostle gives direction about the common course of our life to shun all voluntary and free converse with wicked men So he Let us not then forsake the Assemblies of the Saints as too many do Heb. 10.25 forsake not the Lords barne because there is some chaff there If once the Devill get you to swallow this errour you know not where you shall stop As that great Grand-mother said sometimes Rise up daughter and go to thy daughter for thy daughters daughter hath a daughter So will you say in a
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
anoâ—nting of his Spirit to the end we may be able to discern light from darkness and truth from errour when we hear of many cheaters abroad we had need to looke to our purses The best may erre every man 's a lyar both actively and passively subject to be deceived and to deceive others Rom. 3.4 we should therefore with the Bereans try what is taught I shall sum up all in the words of a judicious Divine A judgement solidly principled an heart sincerely renewed a faith truly bottomed Truth and love of it cordially matched profession and practice well joyned a fear of our selves and dependance on God still maintained Gods Ordinances and the society of humble and growing Christians still frequented watchfulnesse and prayer still continued are the best directions to keep us in the truth and the best preservatives to keep us from errors Lastly forsake not the way of Gods Churches especially in these fundamentals wherein they are unanimous E. g. Suppose the Question be Whether Infants Baptisme be lawfull Answer All the Churches of God who should know the sense of Scripture better then any private man do practise it or Whether the Old Testament be authentick all the Churches of God believe it c. It 's a dangerous thing to follow the Opinion of any particular man be he never so holy against the current and practice of all the true Churches of Christ. 2. Forsake not the government and discipline of the Church which is Unanimously owned by all the Reformed Churches of Christ 'T is the want of this which is one great cause of so many errors amongst us If this were fully and generally establisht we should not have an Heresie or blasphemy peeping up in the land but there would be a timely preventing of it Government Rule and Order is the glory of Families Cities Churches and all Societies 'T is a lovely thing and if the Apostle rejoyced to see the Order and Ecclesiastical government of the Collossians 2.3 how would he mourn to see the disorder of our times when the Church of God lies as a Vine without an hedge a City without walls and a Garden without a fence God takes it ill when we prefer our own private interest before his publick service and dwell our selves in seeled houses when the House of the Lord lies waste Hag. 1. The greatest sin of this age is the violent opposition against the Kingly Government of Christ in his Church by his own Officers and Ordinances All the wicked hate it because it crosseth their lusts and the Devil hates it because it destroyes his Kingdome But let us according to our Covenant endeavour in our places the setting up the Government of Christ amongst us Since our Church hath been as a field without a fence how many wild beasts have broken in upon it It s ill having the reins on our own necks when there was no King in Israel every man did what pleased himself Since the reins of Government have been loosed men have fancied and found out a thousand by-paths It s good for every man to be bound the best are but in part regenerate and being left to themselves may fall into dangerous sins and errors God is the God of Order and he will have not only some things but all things done in order 1 Cor. 14.33.40 he commands Order commends Order delights in Order and would have all his people walk in an orderly way 'T is the Devil who is the Author of disorder and confusion he knowes if Order goe up his Kingdome must go down and therefore he doth his utmost to hinder Government But God will have Order both in Substantialls and Circumstantials in Reals and in Rituals This Order is not any superstitious humane invention but an Order grounded on the Word of God and agreeable to that Canon The Titles given to Gods Church imply some order there It 's called 1. a House 2. a Common-wealth 3. a Garden 4. a Vine-yard 1. The Church is Gods house and family 1 Pet. 4.17 Gal. 6.10 Now what 's a house without government but a little hell above ground yea worse then hell for in hell there 's some order there is Beelzebub the Prince of Devills Yea there 's some Unity in hell Satans Kingdom is not divided against it self if it were it could not stand Luke 11.17.18 now if we have Order in our own houses is it fit that Gods house should lye in confusion This brings judgement on a people Hag. 1.9 At the Reformation of the Lacedemonian state some perswaded Lycurgus to set up a Democrasy i. e. a popular government where all might have equall power He answered Begin first and set up such a government in your own houses 2. The Church is a spirituall Common-wealth Ephes 2.12 Strangers from the Common-wealth of Israel from the Church of God Now what 's a Common-wealth without Order aud Unity we see how carefull men are to keep their Common-wealth in Peace and Unity O that there were a like care to set up Order and Unity in the Church of God! 3. The Church is Gods Garden Cant. 4.12 and must therefore be hedged and defended with Discipline and Government else every wild beast and boare would suddenly spoyle the flowers in it 4. The Church is Gods Vine-yard Isay 5.1 c. least any should hurt it he himself doth keep it night and day Isay 5.5 and 27.3 as he doth fence it so should we in our places and stations do what in us lieth to preserve it from violence and wrong 3. Order and Government is the Beauty of a Church Zach. 11.7 this makes the Church admirable Psal. 48. per totum we should be oft surveying Ierusalem and observing the glorious power and providence of God in her Order and Protection What David saith of Unity one branch of Order is true of Order it self Psal. 133.1 2. behold how comely it is for Brethren to dwell together in Amity and Order Order is the glory of all societies a well-ordered Family Army City Society are comely sights Hence God hath set an Order in Heaven an Order in Hell an Order amongst Angells an Order amongst the Starres an Order amongst rationall Creatures an Order amongst the sensitive Creatures the very Bees have a King and Ruler over them Take away this and we shall be all in confusion if there were not an Order in the Sea it would overflow the land and drown all The ayer would poyson us the Creatures destroy us and every man would destroy another Object The Presbyterian Government is Tyrannicall and curbs men that they dare not vent their errours so freely as now they do Answ. This Government is Christs yoke and so is sweet and easie to a spiritualized soule As the yoke of his Doctrine so the yoke of his Discipline is delightfull and pleasant to them They say as that good man said of the word of God Veniat Veniat disciplina Christi
error and a way that sets up Christ and his glory encouraging all the Saints of Christ in all the wayes of Christ why should any go about to preferre Prelacy or Independency before it when this excells them botâ— as will plainly appear by comparing them with each other 1. Presbyterytery is Iure Divino Episcopacy is Iure Humano a Plant which God never planted King Iames called them his Creatures and so they were in more Senses then one Or Iure Pontificio for D. Heylin tells us that Pope Gregory erected them they are then by Originall the Popes Creatures Independency is Iure Politico A Politick device lately found out to gather the choycest flowers out of other mens Churches and under pretence of Gathering breaking and scattering Churches 2. Presbytery is Aristocraticall Episcopacy Tyrannicall Independencie Democraticall or Anarchicall 3. Presbytery is the way of the Reformed Churches Episcopacy goes too wide and High Independency goes too narrow and strait 4. Presbytery discountenanceth and punisheth Hereticks and Schismaticks truly so called Episcopacy indulged such witnesse the great increase of Arminians Socinians and Innovators and punisht the truly godly under those Notions Independency is too favourable to most Sects 't is the doore by which they creep into the Church as sad experience testifies since the Church hath been Independent what a flood of errours over-spread the land It 's the Asylum the Catholick shield and buckler of erroneous persons Lest any should think me singular you shall have the Attestation of an Association of Reverend Divines Though we acknowledge divers of our Brethren of the Independent way to be Learned godly and kind to their Presbyterian Brethren and some of them to be adverse in a great measure to such a Toleration as you may truly term intolerable Yet as we take the Tenet of Independencie to be an errour in it selfe so do we find it by sound reason and sad experience to be if not the naturall Mother yet such a tender Nurse and Patronesse to Hereticall opinions of all kinds that to it we may for a great part ascribe the luxuriant growth and spreading of errors Heresies c. so farre over this Kingdom As on the contrary the freedome of the Kingdome of Scotland from the like evills which is recorded as their happinesse and Honour to the firm establishment of a subordinate Presbyteriall Government amongst them So they See more in Mr. Pagets Learned Defence of Church-Government p. 240 241. c. 5. Presbytery hath Appeales to Synods aad that not only ad consilium for bare advice and counsell but ad jurisdictionem also they determine juridically and with authority they make Decrees according to the word which bind the Churches Acts 15.17.19 and the people cheerfully and willingly submit to this authority being thereby confirmed in the faith Act. 15.28.31 and 16.4 6. In their Sessions they inquire after sinne not coyne Episcopall Visitations were Visitationes nummorum They lookt more after the Fees then after the Flock 7. Presbytery allowes of no dumb dogs no rayling Sectaries nor Selfe-called Seducers Episcopacy ordained many ignorant Sots and Time-seerving Levites Independency gives too much approbation to Ieroboams Priests and Self-called Speakers 8. Presbytery incourageth painfull powerfull orthodox Preachers Episcopacy silenced such they might not once be Lecturers in the Land One Bishop I remember gave thanks that he had not a Lecture left in his Diocesse Independency looks somewhat asquint and soure on plain powerfull Orthodox Preachers that faithfully witnesse against Schisme and Heresie 9. Presbytery encourageth people to worship God in their families as well as in the Publick Episcopacy punisht such as met together to Pray or Repeat Sermons under the name of Conventicles They were too streight Independency erres as much on the t'other hand and gives a toleration to forsake the publick Assemblies and lye speaking error and Heresie in corners without controule 10. In Presbytery there is no Lording it over the flock of God there is an order of Priority but none of Superiority The President or Moderator pro tempore if he have the first voyce yet he hath but one voyce his Office is to avoyd confusion not to seek Prelation But Bishops Lord it over the flock Independency they say looks somewhat high they will be accountable to none in spirituall things but onely to Christ and what could the Pope say more this is to pull down one Pope and set up many and to make the Power of one Minister equall to the authority of many combined together in Synods Every Naturall man hath in his heart somewhat of Popery somewhat of Arminianisme and somewhat of Independency so farre as it pleads for more Liberty then Christ hath allowed and 't is Naturall I thinke to every man to desire to be judged by no man 11. Presbytery is candid and cleare it feares not the light Episcopacy lyes in the clouds Independency hath its Reserves they will not reveale themselves but conceale their way more then the people of God are wont to do especially when desired by authority They never would shew wherein this New-found way excells the way of all the Reformed Churches 12. Presbytery is the way of all the Reformed Churches Episcopacy is disowned by them Independency is Via devia the Reformed Churches look upon it as a New-found by-path which opens the doore to Schisme and Heresie I shall therefore conclude with the words of those Reverend Divines that long since have borne witnesse to this Truth Wee are abundantly convinced say they that a well-ordered Church-Government is most necessary and effectuall for the preventing of Errour and Scandall and we are well assured that Iesus Christ whom God hath given to be head over all things to the Church hath the government upon his shoulders having all judgement and all authority in Heaven and Earth committed to him And that he hath sufficiently revealed in his word how he will have his Church governed under the New Testament And that the Presbyteriall government truly so called by Presbyteries and Synods in a due Line of Subordination of the lesser to the greater with prosperous successe exercised in the best Reformed Churches is that government which is most agreeable to the mind of Iesus Christ revealed in Scripture c. To this agrees that Encomium of this Government given by the Church of Scotland 'T is well known say they both at home and abroad what a Wall for defence and a band for Peace and progresse of the Gospell was that heavenly Discipline whereby Brotherly amity and sacred Harmony of Prince and Professours was continued and increased c. It was the hedge of the Lords Vineyard and the Hammar whereby the Hornes of the wicked were beaten and broken c. The Government of the Kirk of Tcotland in the Preface Vbi plura How the Presbyterian Government excells the Independent way in nine particulars See Ius Divinum Regim Ecclesiast in Praefat p. 6
For the condemning of Vsury and oppression how full is the Old Testament yet Usury is scarce mentioned in the New Testament 3. How then should Magistrates put Blasphemers Adulterers and witches to death since the scriptural warrants which make these crimes Capital are contained in the Old Testament and not in the New 4. Then it would not be unlawful to marry within the Degrees forbidden in the Old Testament and not in the New hence some Sectaries have maintained that 't is lawful to marry within the Degrees forbidden in the Old Testament c. 2. Since the Old Test. is the very word of God and there are contained in it so many excellent promises to support our faith and so many precious Truths and Commands for the direction of our lives oh let us read it study it meditate in it night and day Psalm 1.1 2. As Ministers must preach the whole counsell of God to their people Acts 20.27 so people should desire to hear and know all Gods counsell revealed to us in the Old and New Testament things revealed concerne us Deut. 29.29 â—ince we have Moses and the Prophets we must not expect Revelations Luke 16.29 This is that foundation upon which all the faithfull must build Ephesians 2.20 being built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets i. e. on the Doctrine of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament a house without a foundation will soon fall He that knowes not Gods will revealed in Scripture must needs miscarry Hence 't is that Christ would not have us barely read but search the Scriptures Iohn 5.39 of the Old Testament where we shall find many excellent Lessons 1. There we may see the glorious work of Creation how God made man holy and happy how we lost this happinesse and how by Christ we are restored again Gen. 3. and 2. To fear us from sin here we may see Gods judgements on the Old world Sodom Pharaoh Egypt Ierusalem and Lots wife whom Christ commands us to remember Luke 17.33 and if we must remember her why not all the rest of these examples which are recorded in the Old Testam 3. Here are many sweet promises to quicken us to obedience Deut. 28.1 to 15. 4. Here are Precepts for practice to direct us in our duty 5. Here we may see the examples of Gods servants walking up to those Precepts and how wonderfully God preserved them in their integrity Here you may see Abrahams Faith Lots Hospitality Iobs Patience Davids Zeale Iosephs Chastity Noahs Righteousnesse Moses his Meeknesse Ioshua's Valour These must be as so many goads to quicken us to the like Graces and as so many Looking-glasses for us to dress our selves by 6. The Old Testament gives great light to the New there is a mutual Harmony and agreement between them so that like stones in an Arch they strengthen and hold up one another We cannot so well understand many places of the New Testamentt unlesse we compare them with the Old Hence Christ oft speaks and the Law Iohn 1.17 and and 5.46 Luke 24.27 44. who could understand that dark Epistle to the Hebrews which is even composed out of the Old Test. it's Types and Allegories if he have not some insight iâ— the Old Test. So Iohn 3.14 cannot be understood without some knowledge of the brazen Serpent mentioned in the Old Test. The Old Test. in many things is larger then the New and so is very needful to be known There 's Physicks in Genesis Iob Psalms 2. There 's Ethicks in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes for the right ordering of our lives 3. Politicks in the Judicial Laws of Moses very useful for the well-ordering of a common-wealth 4. There is in the Old Testament the best pleasantest and truest of Histories from the beginning of the world to our Saviours time here we have the Rise and Ruine of many famous Kings and Kingdomes for the space of nigh 4000. yeares exactly and faithfully which is the life and glory of History set forth unto us Other Histories may be excellent but Scripture-History excels them all Let us then embrace the Scriptures of the Old Testament as the good word of God written for our Learning and a word that still speaks unto us as unto Children Heb. 12.5 and 13.5 1 Cor. 10 11. in Doctrines Exhortations and Comforts And since Old and New Testament are both the infallible word of God let us receive it with all Humility and Thankfulnesse as an Epistle sent to us from the great God Here is the Fountain the Life and all the Treasures of wisdome included Here is all things needful for our salvation in it is nothing superfluous or vaine but a sweet harmony and agreement of all parts and therefore is to be wholly received by us for as the Phylosopher delights in all Aristotle the Physician in Galen the Orator in Tully and the Lawyer in Iustinian so and much more should a Christian embrace the whole Bible and welcome it with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 prizing it as one of the choycest gifts which ever God gave to the sonnes of men How zealously did our Fore-fathers considering their light affect the Scriptures when one of them in the beginning of the Reformation gave a load of Hay for a piece of the Epistle of Saint Iames in English How will their forwardnesse condemn our backwardnesse and their zeale our Lukewarmnesse The Holy Scriptures c. So here what a large Encomium and high commendation the Holy Ghost gives of the Scriptures even such as is given to no other book in the world besides 1. He commends them in respect of one speciall property and adjunct viz. their Holinesse The Holy Scriptures 2. From their Effects they are able to make us wise unto salvation 3. From their Authority Verse 16 17. Utility Verse 16 17. Perfection Verse 16 17. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Holy Scriptures 'T is not simply 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Those eminently holy letters those sacred Scriptures the article is emphatical and therefore the Holy Ghost to distinguish these sacred writings from all profane writings gives them such Adjuncts and Epithets as are incompatible to all other writings whatsoevr Now the Reason why God would have his word written is this viz. that it might be kept the better and be propagated to posterity and be more easily kept and vindicated from corruption then Revelations could have been 2 Peter 1.19 Observe The word of God is holy Scriptures this is it's proper Adjunct and excellency 't is holy Rom. 1.2 They are perfectly holy in themseves all other writings are prophane further then they draw some holinesse from them which yet is never such but that their holinesse is imperfect Now the Scriptures are called holy in five respects 1. In respect of their Authour and principal cause viz. the most holy God 2. In respect of the Pen-men aud instrumental cause they were holy men
us with such certainty as they have been kept in Scripture and delivered to us So that what David said of himselfe is true of all the Pen-men of Holy Scripture the Spirit of the Lord spake by me and his Word was in my tongue 2 Samuel 23.2 it is he that spake by the mouth of his Holy Prophets Luke 1.70 And bid them Write Revelations 14.13 They spake not what pleased themselves but they spake and writ as they were moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Peter 1.21 they were powerfully moved acted and carried out of themselves to write say and doe what God would have them Nehemiah 9.30 Micah 3.8 Acts 28.25 Hebrewes 13.7 2. He commends the Scriptures for their usefulnesse and profit which they bring both to Teacherâ— and Hearers which is foure-fold whereof two are Theorerical pertaining to the information of our judgements in matters of Doctrine 1. Teaching the Truth 2. Confuting Errours Two are Practical pertaining to the direction of our lives viz. First for Correction or Reformation of Vice And secondly for instruction in Paths of Righteousnesse 1. They are profitable for Doctrine and Instruction they teach men what to know and believe they instruct us in all Truth necessary to salvation viz. concerning God Man Christ Law Gospel Heaven Hell He first begins with Doctrine which in Order must goe before all the rest for it is in vain to reprove or exhort unlesse we first teach a man inform him of his duety 2. For reproof of Errour and Confutation of false Doctrine A right thing is a sufficient judge of its own straitnesse and the crookednesse of another thing There is an Elencticall power in the Scripture to stop the mouths of gain-sayers and to discover the by-Paths of wicked men Titus verse 9. We need not run to General Councils or send for Ancient Fathers to determine Controversies or confute Errours We have the Holy Scriptures that enable the Man of God and furnish him richly for that purpose 3. For correction of sin and evil manners which is done by admonition and reproof denouncing Gods judgements against them that those which go astray may be brought into the way by Repentance 4. The Scripture teacheth us how to lead an Holy and Righteous life according to the Will of God and so is profitable for instruction in Righteousness and good workes it being the most perfect Rule of Righteousnesse 5. The Scripture allures us to Piety by the sweet promises of the Gospel and so is profitable for consolation Romans 15.4 which is comprehended either under Doctrine or Instruction for he that will comfort another must first inform him of the Wisedome and Goodnesse of God to his Elect and how all things work together for good to those that are good There is no internal tentation nor any external affliction but you may finde a Medicine for it in the Scriptures So that in these 4 branches is contained â—he summe of Christianity Before I proceed any further it will be necessary to remove a block or two out of the way Bellarmine himself confesseth that this is one of the chiefest places that we have to prove the Scriptures perfection and therefore both he and Estius have invented all the wayes they can to invade the force of it 1. Say they the Apostle speaks here of the Old Testament for the New Testament was not yet added to the Canon nor some part of it written as the Epistles and the Revelation of Saint Iohn especially when Timothy was an Infant Now if the Old Testament say they were a perfect Rule then the New Testament would be superfluous and void Answer By Scripture here is meant not onely the Old Testament but also the New say some because all the Books of the New Testament were then extant when Paul writ this latter Epistle to Timothy which was the last of all Pauls Epistles as is gathered from 2 Timothy 4.6 So that then there were extant all Pauls Epistles all the Evangelists and all the Books of the New Testament excepting the writings of Iohn and as some conceive the writings of Luke 2. To omit conjectures let us grant that the Apostle speaks of the Old Testament and that he acknowledgeth they were able to make a man wise to salvation 'T is true they were so neither doe the writings of the Apostles adde any thing as to the substance of the Old Testament they onely explain the Law and the Prophets clearly shewing that Christ is come according as the Prophets foretold Acts 28.23 3. What was written in every Age was sufficient for that Age and the Books which were extant in these times were a sufficient Rule for the Church in those dayes Thus the five Books of Moses till the other Books of Scripture were extant were a perfect Rule So the Books of the Old Testament which were extant when Timothy was a child were a sufficient Rule yea and before there was any thing written Tradition alone was sufficient neither was any thing written so necessary but they might be saved without it But now since God hath revealed his mind in the Holy Scriptures we must to the Law and to the Testimony 4. I Answer by way of Retortion if the Parts of Scripture as they were delivered were sufficient for the Instruction of those to whom they were delivered then the whole Scripture à fortiori which now we have must needs be most sufficient for us and for all the Churches of God to the end of the world if the Old Testament were so proâ—itable how great is the profit and perfection of both Old and New together 2. Objection A second Cavil is this That the Scripture is not a Total and sufficient Rule but onely a Partial one and though it be profitable yet 't is not sufficient without unwritten Traditions They are not here excluded no more then Second Causes are excluded saith Bellarmine from the generating of things in the World as the Sun c. Answer If the Scripture contain all things necessary to salvation then 't is a perfect and not a partial Rule But it doth contain all things necessary to salvation Ergo The Minor I prove thus If the O. T. did contain all things necessary to salvation and were sufficient without Traditions then à fortiori both Testaments together must needs be sufficient But the Antecedent is true and therefore the consequent The Scripture alone is able saith the Apostle to make us wise to salvation and therefore it must needs be sufficient 2. The comparison from the Sun holds not because unto generation second causes must necessarily concur but for Regeneration here is such a full enumeration of all things to be done that no more needs be added and therefore Traditions are vain Besides 't is well observed that the word in the Original signifieth not onely profit and conveniency but also perfection and sufficiency the Scriptures have an All-sufficiency in
10.15 Phil. 3.15 2 Pet. 1.1 1 Iohn 2.12 Iude 1. Now the more these wicked ones cry down Gods Law the more we should cry it up the more they loath it the more we should love it As fountain water is warmest in the coldest weather by an Antiperistasis so should we by an holy Antiperistasis grow more hot and zealous in the defence of Gods word by how much the Atheistical and profane oppose it So did David Psal. 119.126 127. 't is time for thee Lord to work for the wicked have made voyd thy Law q. d. 't is time for thee Lord to shew some remarkable judgement upon these wicked men who go about to destroy not one or two but all thy Lawes Though men may connive and tolerate such yet the Lord who is a jealous God will not bear long with the tolerators of such blasphemies nor with the persons tolerated See how this opposition increased Davids love to the word verse 127 128. therefore do I love thy commandements above gold q. d. The more the wicked contemn thy Law the more do I prize it even above all the Riches and Treasures of the world See more against Antiscripturists in Mr. Ioseph Symonds's sight and faith cap 15. Mr. Lyford's Plain mans senses exercised p. 17. c. Brinsley's Virtig p. 165. c. Mr. Bourne against the Quakers p. 3 4. c. Mr. Fowler against the Quakers p. 47.52 Mr. Clapham against the Quakers p. 1 2 c. 2. If the Scriptures be the very word of God then it must needs follow that they are pure perfect infallible of highest Authority Majesty Antiquity Excellency the best Judge of controversies and the onely Rule of our lives both in Doctrinals and Practicals This we shall see clearly proved to us in Psal. 19.7 to 12. where we have sixteen Excellencies and Royalties of the word of God The Law of the Lord is 1. Perfect 2. Powerfull 3. Sure 4. Makes us truly wise 5. 'T is Right 6. Comfortable 7. Pure 8. 'T is a Light 9. 'T is cleane 10. 'T is eternall 11. 'T is true 12. Righteous 13. Profitable 14. Pleasant 15. A preservative against sin 16. It brings great Reward 1. 'T is Perfect V. 7. The Law of the Lord is perfect i. e. the whole word of God As God is perfect and hath a self-sufficiency in himself so is his word 'T is so perfect that nothing may be added to it or taken from it 'T is perfect formaliter in it self and perfect effectivè making us perfect and if the Five Books of Moses which was the first holy Scripture that was delivered to the Church was sufficient for the instruction of the people of that time so that they might not depart from it either to the right hand or the left Deut. 4.2 how much more compleat is the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles which doth more clearly set forth what Moses delivered both in Precepts and Promises in Practice and Examples Here is nothing superfluous nothing defective 't is a perfect Law of Liberty Iames 1.25 which admits of no addition or diminution Proverbs 30.6 Revelations 22.18 19. Caut. Not that Preaching is to be counted an adding as the Quakers vainly and ignorantly imagine and therefore cry out when they hear us expound the word oh take heed of adding to the word whereas adding of mens Traditions and inventions is one thing and Preaching and expouding the word in its proper sense and meaning for the edification of Gods people is another thing This the Levites practised Nehem. 8.7 8. they gave the sense of the Law So did Paul Acts 9.22 he confounded the Jewes how 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 collatis testimoniis by comparing one Scripture with another So Christ expounded the Scripture Luke 24.27 and so did Philip. Acts 8.30 Explication is one thing and adding is another we coyne no new Scriptures but only expound the old what we deliver is for substance agreeable to Gods word and must therefore be believed and obeyed by us David had seen an end of all created perfection but Gods Law is exceeding large Psal. 119.96 he had seen Riches in Saul Beauty in Absolom Strength in Goliah Policy in Achitophel and he saw an end of them all they were but finite transitory things too low to give any true content to the mind of man but he found Gods word perfect and All-sufficient nothing pertaining to Holinesse or Happinesse comfort or coâ—tentment is wanting to Gods Law nor shall be to him that believes and obeyes it for the dimensions of it are large as God himself in truth and goodnesse infinite permanent and soul-satisfying Hence David expresseth his Transcendent Love to Gods transcendent Law by a Patheticall exclamation Psalm 119.97 O how I love thy Law it is my meditation all the day 2. 'T is exceeding powerful there 's latens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a hidden efficacy in it to convert the soul Psal. 19.7 and save the soul. Iames 1.21 Luke 16.29.31 Ioh 20.31 which no Philosophy nor humane eloquence can do Nature cannot cure us of our Hereditary connatural sins but the Scripture offers more grace Iames 4.6 i. e. it gives grace and strength to conquer and subdue the strongest lusts Hence it 's called a Hammer which can break the hardest hearts Ier. 23.29 a fire that consumes our strongest lusts Salt that keeps us from rotting in our sin 'T is as a Naile and an Arrow in the hearts of Gods enemies to subdue them Psal. 45.6 and fasten them Eccles. 12.11 The Majesty and Power of the Scripture is wonderfull almost in every line so that it breeds admiration in a considerate Reader By this the spirit changeth Lions into Lambs by it he raiseth us from death to life from bondage to liberty from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God Insomuch as a wicked Minister by preaching it may convert soules Ier. 23.22 It must needs be powerfull because the spirit is in it which is mighty in operation and the promise is with it that if we hear and obey we shall live Isay 55.3 This can can change a Saul into a Paul it can make a Felix tremble and an Herod feare It never returnes in vain like the bow of Ionathan and the sword of Saul it never returnes empty from the battle 2 Sam. 1.23 This is that two-edged sword by which we offend our adversaries and defend our selves I may say of it as David said of Goliah's sword There is none like that 3. 'T is sure Psalm 19.7 the Testimony of the Lord is sure the word is called a Testimony because it testifies our duty de facto de jure de praemio it tells us what hath been done by others what we ought to do our selves and what our Reward shall be for so doing This word is more sure then the Pillars of the earth or the Poles of heaven they may fall and faile but not one Jod
He doth not stand by as a meere Spectator of their conflicts but he is with them to assist them with wisedome Prudence and Courage and to strengthen them under all their burdens that they be not despondent nor sink under them That by me the Preaching might be fully known and that all the Gentiles might hear Q. d. I was strengthned by God for this end that the Gospel preached by me might be more fully and freely known to the world Rome at that time was the Queene of the world and in its most flourishing condition people flockt thither from all parts and when they heard and saw Pauls constancy and boldness in confessing and professing the Gospel before the Tyrant it must needs work on them and the fame of the Gospel thereby be spread over all the world And I was delivered from the mouth of the Lion Some conceive these words to be a Proverbial speech noting some eminent present devouring danger Q. d. I was delivered from the extremeest hazard of death even as a man that is rescued out of a Lions mouth and pulled from between his teeth This is true but most genumely and properly by the mouth of the Lion is meant Nero's rage and cruelty who for his Potency in preying on the flock of Christ is here fitly compared to a Lion which devoured and destroyed the sheep of Christs Pasture Tyrants and potent enemies of the Church are frequently so called in Scripture Psalm 35.17 and 91.13 Ier. 2.15 Ezekiel 19.2 Question How dares Paul call Nero a Lion when the Scripture condemâ—s speaking evil of dignities Jude 8. and forbids us reproaching them Exodus 22.28 it telleth us that all Power is ordained of God Rom. 13.2 and that even Tyrannical Magistrates and Hypocritical Rulers are sent in wrath by him for the sinnes of a people Job 34.30 and Christ telleth Pilate that he had no power but that which was given him from above John 19.11 How then dares Paul give Nero so harsh a Title Answer 1. Paul was a Minister of Christ and Ministers by vertue of their Office may and must doe that which a private person who wants that call may not do 2. Paul had an extraordinary measure of the Spirit he knew the haunts and courses of men and so might the more boldly reprove them Thus Christ calleth Herod a Fox David calls cruel men Dogs and Lions Psalm 22.13.21.22 Solomon calls a wicked Prince a hungry Bear Prov. 28.15 Observations 1. All men forsooke me But the Lord stood by me Hence Observe That mans extremity is Gods opportunity or when mans help faileth then God appeareth He then cometh in as an Auxiliary So he did to Paul when he was in prison Acts 23.11 and so he hath promised to be with his Ministers especially to the end of the world Matthew 28.20 Christ is a friend â—haâ— sticketh closer then a Brother He goeth with Paul to the Bar and stands by him and strengthens him there God doth never totally and finally forsake his people leave them he may for a time to try them but never so as to forsake them He may delay to help them but it is for their good to bring them into nearer communion with himself Hos. 5.15 Call over the Catalogue of the Saints and they will all tell you that God never failed them in their distreâ—â—â— Aske Noah Lot Abraham Iob Daniel Paul and they will all tell you that nothing hath failed of all the good which God hath promised Ioshua 23.14 Creature-comforts indeed are vain and will fail and forsake us in our troubles In time of War Riches will leave us in time of sicknesse health will leave us in time of Famine bread will faile and in time trouble Friends will fail The Lord onely is immutable he never faileth his at their need Gods people are never less alone then when they are most alone never less forsaken then when then are forsaken of all When Iacob hath nothing but stones for his pillow then hath he the sweetest Visions of God Genesis 28.11 12.13 when the Prieâ—â— and the Levite past by us then comes the good Samaritan with his Oyle and Wine to comfort us when Father and Mother forsake us then is Gods time to take us up Psalm 27.10 when the Pharisees excommunitate and cast out the blinde man then Christ receives him Iohn 9.34 35. when the Disciples could not doe the cure then cometh Christ and doth it Matthew 17.17 God could deliver his people without this deserting of them but he is pleased to let things come to extremity that he may have more praiers and prayses from us He could have delivered Israel as soon as ever they came into Egypt but he lets them lie some hundreds of years in deep distress thaâ— so his Glory might be the more perspicuous in their deliverance Exodus 14.13 14. When Gods people lie in captivity so long till they are as so many dâ—y bones without lâ—fe then God comes and breaths upon them Ezekiel 37.11 to 15. When it is Evening with Gods people and we can expect nothing but night to follow then God causeth light to appear Zach. 14.7 At Evenining it shall be light When Creatures fail in point of Prudence and cannot advise and in point Power and cannot help then is a time for God to help Psalm 60.11 All the fenced Cities must be taken and the enemy come even to the walls of Ierusalem then and not till then doth God appear 2 Kings 18. 13.17 so Micah 5.5 when the Assyrian is entered the Land and is ready to destroy all then Christ brings Peace to his People When Ishbibonob the Gyant is ready to seise on weary fainting David then God sends Ahishai to his succour 2 Samuel 21.16 17. Ionah must lye three dayes and three nights in the Whales belly till in all humane probability he was drowned and then he is saved Lazarus must lie till he stink before Christ will raise him Pine not then away ye seed of Iacob there is yet corn in Egypt there is help enough in God onely doe him the honour now to trust him Blessed is he that believeth and hath not seen John 20.29 What ever then the distress be whether it be Personal Domestical or National yet command thy soul to wait on the Lord who though he come not at thy time yet he will never fail his own In the mount will the Lord be clearly and wonderfully seen Gen. 22.14 See more Doctor Preston and Master Mocket on Genesis 22.14 Mason his Cure of Cares c. 4. p. 41. Dyke on Iohn 4.46 p. 341. Brinsly on Exodus 14.13 p. 100. Hicks fast Sermon on Isay 28 5. p. 5. c. Preached 1644. June 26. Burroguhes on Contentment p. 311. Master Bridge his Sermon 2 Vol. page 154.174.192 Door Reynolds on Hos. 14.2 3. 2 P. p. 62.63 The Lord assisted me 2. Observation 2. Christ is the Lord. He is the
Lord the Jehovah the true and the living God coessential and coequal with his Father Neither is the Title of God and Lord given to Christ Secundarily Improperly and Metaphorically as they are given to Angels and Magistrates as the Socinians affirme â— yea Catachristically and abusively Idols Devils and mens bellies are called their gods But the Title is given to Christ Primarily and properly as the Creator and Preserver of all things the Lord Paramount of all the World the King of Kings and Lord of Lords But of this at large before V. 1. And strengthned me 3. Observation 3. Strengthning grace is the gift of God He doth not onely give us Renewing grace and then leave us to our own free-will but he giveth us persevering grace also As he is the Author of our grace by Vocation so he is the finisher of it by preservation He confirmeth and establisheth us unto the end 2 Cor. 1.21 Hence David calleth God his Rocke Psalm 18.2 and we are commanded to be strong in the Lord and the power of his might Ephes. 6.10 It is he that doth enable us and strengthen us with all might in our inward man 1 Coloss 1.11 1 Timothy 1.12 A little strength will not doe because we have no little enemies to encounter but we must be strengthned with all might and with all Patience that we may doe all the good we can withstand all the evil we can and patiently suffer when we can withstand no longer Rest not content that you are Babes in Christ and have grace begun but grow till you become strong men in Christ. To this end we must be sensible of our own exceeding weakness nothing stronger then Humility that goeth out of it self nothing weaker then Pride that rests on its own bottom That by me the Preaching might be fully known 4. Observation 4. Whilest God hath any work for his servants to doe he will assist and uphold them in despite of all oppositions Though Nero rage against Paul and all men forsake him yet God will assist him that he may preach the Gospel to the world We need not fear the Foxes and Furies of the times we have our day and to morrow to work in and till that time which God hath allotted us be expired all the Devils in Hell and all the Dogs in the world cannot remove us Luke 13.32 How long was David vext with ungodly men yet he slept not till he had served his generation Acts 13.36 Herod sought to kill Peter but at the Prayers of the Church the prisoner is rescued out of his hands yet when he had finished his work and was ripe for Martyrdome then he falls with ease Ahab and Iezabel seek the life of Elijah yet was he preserved till he had finisht his work and then was he translated Luther was oft cursed by many Popes yet he finisht his course and died in Peace Queen Elizabeth was also cursed by many Popes but God turned the curses of those Romish Balaams into blessings for she outlived nine or ten of them and at last died in her bed full of dayes riches and honour Our comfort is that our times are not in our enemies hands but in the hands of a gracious God who best knows how long it is good for us to live and when to die Psalm 31.15 when we have finisht our course he will take us to himself in glory Iohn 17.4 5. Let us then faithfully discharge the duties of our several places and commit the success to God in whose hand is our life and all that we possess And that all the Gentiles might heare 5. Observation 5. God would have his Truth revealed to the sons of men He would have the Gospel known fully known to the Gentiles to all the Gentiles yea to all Nations whether Jewes or Gentiles Mat. 28.19 Truth is good and the more common it is the better where it getteth ground Satans Kingdome falleth like lightning from Heaven suddenly and irresistably Luke 10.18 Let none then hide their Talents but as the Sun freely communicateth its light and heat to us so let us freely impart our gifts unto others See eight quickning considerations to this duty And I was delivered out of the mouth of the Lion 6. Observation 6. The Churches enemies oft times are Lions Lions for Potency Lions for Policy Psal. 17.12 Lions for cruelty Lions for Terror Hence they are so oft in Scripture called Lions Psalm 10.9 and 22.13 and 35.17 Prov. 28.15 Ier. 2 15. Ezek. 19.2 Such we are all by Nature in our places and degrees till grace change us Isay 10.7 and then we shall be Lions for Christ i. magnanimous and couragious in his cause Prov. 28.1 the righteous are bold as Lions which good in the Creature we should imitate which evil shun Be Serpents for Policy and not for poyson Lions for prowess and not for rapine 2. Be not familiar with these Lious come not near their dens lest they make a prey of you have no fellowship with such unfruitfull works of darkness but reprove them rather 7. Observation 7. God many times suffers his dearest children to fall into the mouths of these Lions so that to a carnal eye they seem hopeless and helpless even as a Lamb that is in the pawes and jawes of a hungry Lion is given up for lost This was Pauls case he was not onely in the den but in the vere jawes of Nero that proud Potent furious Lion who killed his Master slew his Mother crucified Peter made foul havock of the Church and at last to save himself from the fury of the people he slew himself saying Dedecorosè vixi turpiùs peream My life was base and my death shall be answâ—rable This was the case of Israel in Egypt the Jewes in Babylon the Primitive Christians in the dayes of the persecuting Emperours and ever since by Antichrist yea since the dayes of Abel to this day the people of God have been as so many Lambs encompassed with rageing Lions who on all occasions have laboured to make a prey of them yet the Lord maketh a Treacle of this Viper by this means he purgeth his people from their dross and fits them for his Kingdome as Ignatius said sometimes Dei frumentum sum c. I am Gods corn and I must be ground with the teeth of wild beasts that I may be pure Manchet for my Lord and Master Gods wayes to his Church are mysterious wayes Isay 45.25 He hath a wheel in the wheels and when we think they go backward and all makes against the Church yet he makes them go forward and promote their interest Ezckiel 1.16.21 8. Observation 8. That God will deliver his from this great danger He that brought thee into the mouth of the Lion will bring thee out again Dan. 6.22 God is omnipotent and omniscient he hath both skill and will to deliver his people though we know not which way yet it is sufficient
nature 3. Others say it was because she was better knowen to Believers But there is no great matter in this placing of their names for in other places the husband is named before the wife as Acts 18.2 26. 1 Cor. 16.19 And the Houshold of Onesiphorus This Onesiphorus was a good man and answered to his good name He was very loving and constant to Paul even in his bonds at Rome 2 Tim. 1.16 17 18. As the Apostle before Chap. 1.16 praied for the house of Onesiphorus so here he salutes them By house here is meant by a Metonimy of the subject very frequent in Scripture the people in the house as wife children servants which may serve as an answer to that Cavill of the sottish illiterate Quakers who revile us for calling the place where the Church meets The Church when this Metonimy is so frequent in Scripture The house for the people in the house and the Church for the people that meet in the Church The Apostle useth the very word Church in this very sense 1 Cor. 14.28 35. It is a shame for a woman to speak in the Church 4. Observation 4. Good Governours bring a blessing on their Families Onesiphorus is not onely praied for himself and saluted singly but all his houshold also When Zacheus was converted he was not onely blest himself but Salvation came to his house also Luke 19.8 When Lydia and the Iaylor were converted themselves their Families were brought into Covenant with them Acts 16.14 15 33 34. Rahab the harlot by believing preserved her family alive Yea Lot was a blessing to all Sodom the Angel could not destroy it till he was gone out Gen. 19. The Reasons are these 1. The Covenant of Grace is made to the godly and their seed Gen. 17.7 So bountiful a Master do we serve that he will not only shew mercy to the godly themselves but also to thousands of Generations of them that love him and keep his Commandements Psalm 112.2 2. God loves such as resemble him in the beauty of Holynesse now love is of a diffusive Nature it extendeth it self not onely to the party beloved but to all about him If we love a man we will love his Children Servant Beast yea his dog for his Masters sake If this be in the drop what is in the Ocean If this be in the Creature whose love is imperfect finite mixt what is in the Creator who is love it selfe 1 Iohn 4.8 3. In respect of the near Union that is between Master and Servants Parents and children They all make as it were but one body so that if it goe well with the Head it must needs be the better for the Members As the Dew that falleth on the mountains runs down to the Valleyes and the precions Ointment that was poured upon the head of Aaron ran down to the skirts of his clothing Psalm 133. So the blessing which God powers on Governours extendeth it selfe to such as are under them 4. They will endeavour the conversion of such as belong to them It is promised as a blessing to such as live under the good mans shadow that they shall return Hosea 14.7 and grow up fruitfully as the corn in a well tilled field and flourish in the wayes of God like the most generous Vine to the great joy and contentment of themselves and others 5. As an evil man is a publike evil the Family the City the Nation the World yea even his beasts fare the worse for him The wicked Egyptians bring a curse on their cattle Exodus 9.3 when Achan had sinned his sons and Daughters his Oxen Asses sheep and all he had perished and fell with him Joshua 7.24 25. But it is good being a good mans Childe servant yea beast Exodus 9.4 But the Lord shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Aegypt there shall nothing die of all that is the children of Israel's God blesseth their very cattle for their sake and if the creatures could speak they would desire to be servants to those that are servants to God Let all Superiours then labour for grace that they may be a means to diffuse it to those about them for true grace is communicative Paul that was converted himselfe desireth that others were like himselfe Acts 26.29 When the woman of Samaria had found Christ she bringeth her neighbours to him Iohn 4.28 when Andrew had found Christ he bringeth Peter with him and Philip bringeth Nathaniel Iohn 1.41 45. They are like a sweet perfume or like Carbuncles and stones of fire which sweeten and enlighten all that are about them Ezekiel 28.16 The prosperity and welfare of the Church lieth much in the well-ordering of Families they are the Nurseries and Seminaries of the Church and therefore Governours of Families should walk before God in their own houses as well as in Gods house with upright hearts Psalm 101.2 2 Samuel 6.20 he returned to blesse his houshold i. to pray and praise God with them See Psalm 30. the Title and Acts 10.1.2 Iob 1.5 To this end therefore must be the morning and the evening sacrifice there Numbers 28.4 Our Prayers are our sacrifices This blesseth all as the Arke when it came to the house of Obed Edom brought a blessing with it so where duties be set up in their power they are a means to blesse our labour rest and children 2. The Word must be Read there Deut. 6.6 7. it must dwell in us not onely sufficiently but Abundantly Col. 3.16 3. Thou must Catechise and teach thy children the way of the Lord betimes Proverbs 22.6 and if David and Bathsheba a King and a Queen taught Solomon when young Proverbs 4.21.4 and 31.1 who shall think himself too good for this duety 4. There must be singing of Psalmes in our houses it is not onely our Duty but our Glory thus to glorifie God 5. Let none be idle in thy family but see that every one have some imployment wherein to serve God for of idleness comes no goodness as I have shewed before on v. 7. 6. Be well advised whom you receive into your Family If a man be to plant an Orchard he will get the chiefest grafts else as one scabbed sheepe infecteth the Flocke so one disordered person may disorder a whole Family 7. There must be a Grave yet amiable carriage towards inferiours remembring that we also have a master in Heaven Many Masters are so high and lordly so pettish and perverse that no servant can please them no service content them They use their servants like dogs rather then Christians such should remember the meekness of Iob 31.13 and how Superiours are called Fathers in Scripture because they should carry a fatherly affection towards their Inferiours Exod. 20.12 8. There must be Discipline As in the Arke there was the Rod of Manna so in every well ordered Family there must be the Manna of Instruction and the Rod of Correction There
salvation this is the condition of the Covenant of Grace without which we have no interest in Christ as is clearly and learnedly proved by a Reverend Divine of ours Oh then make much of this Grace preserve her and she will preserve thee exalt her and she will exalt thee to Honour As David said to Abiather so Faith saith to us abide you with me fear not for he that seeks my life seeks thy life but with me shalt thou be in safety 1 Samuel 22. ult This is the Mother of all our Graces the Fountain from which they flow All Grace is in Faith Originally Radically Fundamentally Virtually 'T is the primum mobile which sets the other wheels agoing 'T is that work of God which contains all other good works in it Iohn 6.28 29 40. All duties all doing and suffering without Faith are displeasing unto God Romans 14. ult we must pray in Faith Iames 1.6 Hear in Faith Heb. 4.2 communicate in Faith by this we feed on Christ and lay hold on him crede manducasti Aug. This makes all we do to prosper 2 Chron. 20.10 'T is a Grace of perpetual use in prosperity and adversity in sickness and health in prosperity it keeps us watchful and humble Iob 3.25 in famine feares wants it keeps us cheerful Heb. 3.17 18. such righteous ones excell their wicked neighbours Prov. 12 26. they are the onely excellent of the earth Psalm 16.3 God accounts them too good to live in such a wicked world Heb. 11.38 This is that golden grace which makes us truly rich a well tried faith is more pretious then gold 1 Pet. 7. Rev. 3.18 This brings plenty and propriety in all All is yours to believers Christ gives his choycest blessings as Justification and Sanctification Peace of Conscience Victory over the world sin and Satan Rom. 3.30 and 5.18 and 9.3 Acts 15.9 and 16.31 Luke 7 50. 1 Cor. 1.3 Gal. 2.16 1 Iohn 5.12 freedom from death Natural in respect of its sting 1 Cor. 15.55 from death spiritual Iohn 5.29 and from death Eternal Iohn 3.16 To a believer Christ is all in all Colos. 3.11 1 Cor. 3.22 23. All comfort and salvation is terminated in him Zach. 9.9 In him doth fulness all fulness dwell Iohn 1.16 Col. 1.19 and 2.3 in Christ is a fulness of wisedom to answer for our folly 1 Cor. 1.30 a fulness of life to deliver all believers from death Iohn 14.6 We are dead till Christ by his Spirit quicken us Ephesians 21. hence he is called a quickning Spirit 1 Cor. 15.45 a fulness of Liberty to free us from our Spirituall bondage to sin and Satan Iohn 8.36 2 Cor. 3.17 He is that Valiant Ioshua which frees us from the Tyranny of our spiritual enemies going forth conquering and to conquer 1 Cor. 15.37 Rev. 6.2 In Christ is a fulness of Glory a man without Christ is a Tohu Vabohu without form or beauty an Ichabod in whom is no glory like Reuben he can never excell Genesis 49.4 but being clothed with Righteousness we are wholly fair and there is no spot in us Cant. 4.7 Ephes. 5.27 the Church and Spouse of Christ is actually and presently fair 2. She is Universally fair in all parts though considered in her selfe she may erre doctrinaliter in matters of Faith and moraliter in respect of manners yet consider her in Christ whose righteousness is imputed to her for righteousness and so she is wholly fair and albeit the law accuse her of blots and spots yet the Law is answered by the Gospel and the Wife cannot be sued so long as the Husband lives Though in our selves we are black yet in Christ we are comely though poore in our selves yet rich in him though black in the worlds eye and black in her owne eye by reason of sin and misery yet she is fair in Christs eye who is a faithfull friend and soul-solacing Ionathan to comfort his in all their distresses Iohn 15.14 15. A Physitian to heal them of all their maladies Mal. 4.2 a Rock to support them 1 Cor. 10.4 and Mannah to feed them So that now believers with Paul may challenge all their enemies to do their worst Rom. 8.33.34 For the excellency of Faith See D. Reynolds Vanity of the Creature p. 476. Rogers of Dedham of Faith chap. 4. D. Bolton in folio 18. Royalties of Faith on Iohn 3.15 M. Perkins on Heb. 11. Doctor Preston on Faith Doctor Sibbs third Volume on Hebrews 11.13 Dykes Righteous mans Tower p. 32.33 and on Sacrament Chap. 11. Boltons Directions for walking page 52. Barlow on 2 Tim. 1.5 Watsons Charter chapter 20. M. Sam. Ward Sermon 2. p. 43. and 131. Master Ioseph Symonds sight and faith chapter 11. Master Ieremy Burrowes Treatise of Faith Vol. 8. and Saints Treasury page 68. Dan. Dyke on Matthew 4.3 Doctor Holydayes Nature of Faith Smith on the Creed p. 2. and Ambrose his Media page 162. VERSE 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness 17. That the man of God may be pefect throughly furnished unto all good workes THe Apostle the better to incourage Timothy to study the Holy Scriptures goeth on to prove that they are able to make one wise unto salvation and that by an Argument drawn from a full and sufficiâ—nt enumeration of those things which are necessary to salvation Where he commends the Holy Scriptures upon A three-fold account 1. For their Dignitie and Authoritie 2. For their Vtilitie 3. For their Perfection 1. He commends them for their Dignity and Divine Authority as coming more immediately from God Verse 16. All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God 2. For their singular Utility which is foure-fold First For Doctrine to teach the Truth Secondly For reproof of Errour and false Doctrine Thirdly For correction of sinne and evill manners Fourthly For Instruction in Righteousnesse and good Workes 3. From their compleat perfection enabling a Minister for his Office verse 17. especially those foure Parts of it before named v. 16. 1. The Apostle commends the Scrpitures in respect of their Divine Authority they have not Angels or men for their Authour the Prophets and Apostles were but the Penmen Secretaries and Instruments of the Holy Ghost to write what he should Dictate to them So the Angels were but Gods Messengers to declare the Law to his people Galathians 3.19 The Scriptures have God himself for their more immediate Authour All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God i. all and every part of Scripture is Divinely inspired or breathed by God both for Matter Order Style and Words Those Holy Men of God did not onely utter their words by the Holy Ghosts immediate Direction but by the same Direction did commit them to Writing that they might be a standing Rule to the Church for ever For the bare memories of men would not have kept them for