themselves the titles of God and Christ or have given out that they are so one with Christ that they can sin no more then Christ can sinne To whom Luther some others being too bold with those hyperbocall expressions of Nazianzen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 have given too much occasion 7. They and they onely have Christan liberty 7 Liberty of grace in this life and of glory in the life to come called the glorious liberty of the sons of God Rom. 8.21 St. Paul was caught up into Paradise and admitted to see the glory thereof but not permitted to utter what he had heard and seen for it is as easie to containe the Sea in an Egge-shel as to relate heaven's happiness 2 Cor. 12.4 Hither is our Lord Jesus gone before to prepare many Mansions for believers and he will bring them all thither when he hath throughly prepared them for the same Iohn 14.2 Whereas all unbelievers the fearfull the lyers and workers of iniquity shall in no wise enter in thither but have their part in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death Rev. 21.8.27 Lessius de justiciâ p. 600. Christiana libertas à quintuplici servitute nos solvit 1. peccati 2. diaboli 3. legis c. 2. The liberty of Grace is either privative or positive 1. They are freed 1. From evil 1. By meanes and their justification they have freedom 1. From the bondage of the devill Col. 1.13 Who were before taken captive by him at his will 2 Tim. 2.26 2 From sin Rom. 6.22 both in regard of the guilt of it Rom. 8.33 who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect since Christ dyed for their sins yea rather is risen againe who is even at the right hand of God to make intercession for them v. 34. and also in regard of the dominion of sin For to such the Apostle saith Sin shall not have dominion over you for ye are not under the Law but under grace Rom. 6.14 As also in regard of the fruits of sin both in the world to come they are freed from eternal condemnation Rom. 8.1 There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit The reason followeth v 2. For the Law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made them free from the law of sin and death v 2. As also in this life they are delivered from the terrors of death under which others are in bondage all their life time Heb. 2.15 Secondly from the evil of afflictions not from the afflictions themselves for it is good for them to be afflicted Psalm 119.71 But to them the Lord turneth the evill of their troubles to good Genesis 50.20 3. They are freed from the law 1. from the intolerable yoke of the Ceremonial Law Acts. 15.10 and 2. in part from the Morall Law in four regards 1. of the curse which it denounceth again all that continue not in all that is written in that Law Gal. 3.10 11. which Christ hath freed us from by being made a curse for us 2. They are exempted from seeking justification by the works of the Law Rom. 3.20 21 22. who are justified freely by his grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ v 24.3 from the exact obedience which the Law requireth to be performed in their own persons for justification and the obtaining of eternall life for Christ is become the end of the Law for righteonsnesse to every one that believeth Rom. 10.4 5. and through him God accepteth the will for the deed 2 Cor. 8.12 4. From the irritation of the Law which by reason of the corruption that is in man by nature hath a provoking power in it so that when the law commands obedience and threatneth the disobedient he groweth more outragious in evil then before Spumeus et fervens et abobice fortior ibit as a river dammed-up swels and overflows the Banks according to that of the Apostle The Law entred that the offence might abound Rom. 5.20 But these persons of whom we discourse are of a more excellent spirit who delight in the law of God after the inward man Rom. 7.22 and the love of God rendreth his Commandements not grievous to them 1 John 5.3 Fourthly they are delivered from the evil of evils the immense and direfull wrath of God by Jesus Christ 1 Thess 1.10 which shall come inevitably and irrecoverably upon all the Children of disobedience Col. 3.6 and burn to the lower Hell Lastly they shall be delivered from death and the grave for Death is the last Enemy that shall be destroyed 1 Cor. 15.26 And though die they must yet the sting of death which is sin is pulled out and they shall be raised from their graves in the great day of the resurrection Hos 13.14 so that they may sing Hosea's Pauls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 O Death where is thy sting O Grave where is thy victory thanks be to God who hath given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 15.55.57 2. The positive part of their liberty followeth As they are and shall be free from all evill so they are set free to good as 1. to righteousnesse to serve the Lord in newnesse of spirit and not in oldnesse of the letter Romans 7.6 2. To their use all things are sanctified by the word and prayer 1 Tim. 4 5. which to others are unclean Tit. 1.15 To the pure all things are pure but to them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure but even their minds and consciences is defiled 3. They are free to the communion of Saints fellow heires and of the same body and partakers of the same promises in Christ by the Gospel Eph. 3.6 4ly By Christ they have bold access to the throne of grace to aske what they will if it be agreeable to Gods will with confidence in him of obtaining their suits at all times 1 Joh. 5.14 What is said of Luther may be affirmed of them also I sle potuit quod voluit for to them it is promised Aske and have 8 Peace 8. The peace of God which passeth all understanding doth keep their hearts and mindes through Iesus Christ Phil. 4.7 whereas there is no peace saith God to the wicked Isa 57.21 To this peace with God and their owne consciences we must add peace with the creatures even with the stones and beasts of the field Job 5.23 and both these spring from their reconciliation with God 9. Joy 9. From all these immunities ariseth joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1.8 which none can ever take from them Jo. 16.22 for it shall be everlasting Isa 51.11 whereas all others joyes besides are neither solid nor durable For though wicked men may glory in appearance yet that joy never proceedeth from the heart 2 Cor. 5.12 and it is
chosen that there is none like him among all the people 1 Sam. 10.24 Why These are they whom Christ hath washed in his blood and made Kings and priests to God his father Rev. 1.5 6. These are his favourites Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem Jer. 5.1 and see now and know saith the Lord by Ieremiah and seek through the broad places thereof if you can find a man if there be any that executeth judgment that seeketh the truth and I will pardon it 2. Do not we deeme men eminent for wisdom worthy to be viewed and reviewed How far came the Queen of Sheba to see Solomon upon this account Our Saviovr informeth us Luk. 11.31 even from the utmost parts of the earth Now wisdome maketh the faces of these whom we speak of to shine Eccl. 8.1 as Stephen's did when all that sat in the council looking stedfastly on him saw his face Act. 6.15 as if it had been the face of an Angel And wisdom and truth it self termeth all these children of wisedom Mat. 11.19 and of them may be truely affirmed that which we read of Job the eare that heareth them cannot but blesse them Job 29.11 and the eye that sees them cannot but give witness to them Job 29.11 3ly what flocking together is there to behold great conquerors yea how desirable are their very statues and pictures to such as by distance of place are debarred from the sight of their persons It is recorded that the king of Sodom yea and Melchizedek king of Salem went both out to meet Abraham after the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and of the kings that were with him Genes 14.17 18. Behold I present unto your view such as scripture language styleth more then conquerors Rom. 8.37 Such are all true beleevers through Christ who loves them Fortior est qui se quà m qui fortissima vincit These resist the Devill and put him to flight Jam. 4.7.2 They subdue their own spirit which is a more signal victory then the taking of a strong city Pro. 16.32.3 Christ giveth them victory over death which hath vanquished the noblest conquerors of the world 1. Cor. 15.57.4 Strange and rare shews never want spectators The sacred Chronicle relateth and therefore it desreveth our observation that Solomons ships brought from Tarshish apes and peacocks for their rarity as well as ivorie gold and silver for their value 2 Chron. 9.21 But true converts are most rare New creatures in whom old things are passed away BEHOLD all things are become new Eph. 2.1 2 Cor. 5.17.2 They are raised from death to life you hath he quickned saith the Apostle to the Ephesians who were dead in trespasses and sins This is a more admirable work then the raising of Lazarus from the grave which notwithstanding drew a great concourse of people to Jesus who had raised him Joh. 12.9 Who came not for Jesus sake only but that they might see Lazarus also whom he had raised from the dead 5. Multitudes have ever used to gaze upon persons sumptuously apparrelled Luk. 7.25 what went you out saith our Saviour to the people into the wilderness to SEE a man cloathed in soft raiment BEHOLD they which are gorgeously apparrelled are in kings courts But St John Rev. 12 1. discovereth to us a greater matter of admiration There appeared saith he a great wonder in heaven a woman the Spouse of Christ whereof every true beleever is a member cloathed with the Sunne Oecumen in Apoc. cap. 33. Ecclesia Sole justitiae Christo stipata est the righteousness of Jesus Christ whom shee hath put on Gal. 3.27 for uxor fulget radiis mariti with the Moone under her feet that is worldly things which are mutable like the moone are by her little accounted of and upon her head is a crown of twelve starres the doctrine of the 12. Apostles whereon she is founded Revel 21.14 and this her raiment is like the Isralites garments in the wilderness which waxed not old Neh. 9.21 but groweth more and more glorious by wearing as faith encreaseth by exercise 6. Exquisite beauties have an attrative force over mens eyes and mindes When David espied from the roof of his house Bathsheba who was very beautifull to look upon washing her selfe he sent messengers to fetch her to him 2 Sam. 11.2 But lo here is an incomparable beauty as the Lord himselfe describeth it Ezec. 16.13 14. Thou wast exceeding beautifull saith hee to Israel and thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty for it was PERFECT through my comlinesse which I had put upon thee These are indued with perfect beauty neither are they snowt-faire for the Proverb foras Helena intus Hecuba hath no room here but they are all glorious within Psalm 45.13 neither is this a decaying beauty like Naomies Ruth 1.20 who in a few yeares was metamorphosed into Marah as herself complaines nor yet is it like Ephraims glorious beauty which became like a fading flower Isa 28.1.4 neither doth that proverb take place here at all Isa 28.1.4 Fair in the cradle fowle in the saddle for this is a permanent yea an increasing beauty like the olive trees Hos 14.6 Jam. 2.3 Lo 7. Riches win respect among men Lo their riches are correspondent to their raiment and beauty It cannot be said of them which is too truly of some others averred that they have gold and silver on their backs and copper in their purses for they are a peculiar treasure unto the Lord above all people Exo. 19.5 and though they may be poor in the world yet are they heires of the kingdom of Heaven Jam. 2.5 yea all things here below are theirs as they are Christs Christ is Gods 1 Cor. 3.22.23 Esth 6.8 9. 8. Observance attendeth honour Their honour is equivalent to their riches 1. Chron. 4.9 Iabez was more honourable then his brethren the reason hereof is rendred vers 10. He called on the God of Israel God honoureth them Isa 43.4 Since thou wast precious in my sight saith he to Israe thou hast beene Honourable and I have loved thee In them dwelleth the spirit of God 1. Cor. 3.16 and can we find such a man as this is said king Pharoah of Joseph in whom the spi◠t of God is Genes 41.38 And by the Spirit of the Lord are they changed into the image of the Lord from glory to glory 2. Cor. 3.18 and for this cause the holy angels according to to their charge readily vouchsafe their attendance night and day upon them the least among them not excepted Mat. 18.10 Heb. 1.14 Mat. 18.10 The godly also who only among men know the true estimate of persons make high account of them In whose eyes a vile person be he never so highly advanced in the world is contemned but they honour all that feare the Lord Psal 15.4 Lastly Christ himself is the glory of his people Israel Luk. 2.32 Sect. 3 Use
are in his hand he loveth to oppresse And what saith he to this v. 8. yet am I become rich I have found me out substance in all my labours they shall find none iniquity in me that were sin 3ly The wicked continueth in this sin as the Psalmist chargeth him Thou givest thy mouth to evil and thy tongue frameth deceit Psalm 50.19 But assoone as the Lord bringeth a soul to true repentance either initial or renewed then he confesseth his fault with sorrow and shame as Zacheus did Luk 19.8 If I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation I restore him fourfold And Peter after he had denied with swearing and cursing that he knew his master he went out and wept bitterly Mat. 26.70.72.75 and with David he prayeth the Lord to remove from him the way of Lying Psal 119.29 and thence forward he renounceth the hidden things of dishonesty and walketh no longer in craftiness 2 Cor. 4.2 but studiously according to the Apostles rule he putteth away lying and speaketh the truth with his neighbour knowing that we are members one of another 4ly And though there remaineth guile in his flesh or unregenerate part yet is there none in his spirit or regenerate part Psal 32.2 In his spirit there is no guile This distinction Saint Paul maketh when he found in himself experimentally a bitter-sweet contrarietie Rom. 7.18 In me that is in my flesh saith he dwelleth no good thing for to will is present with me but how to performe that which is good I find not c. and v. 22. I delight in the law of God after the inward man But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members 5ly Though there be guile in him yet after his repentance for it the Lord doth not impute it to him witness the royal-prophet Psal 32.12 Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven whose sin is covered Blessed is he unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity in whose spirit there is no guile He will confess of himself I have a treacherous heart and false tongue who shall deliver me from it I will do this thing for thee saith the Lord which you desirest for I have found a ransome Oh this maketh him to cry out with the blessed Apostle Blessed be God through Jesus Christ Thus God dealt with the prophet Isaiah c. 6. v. 5. Wo is me saith he for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips and I dwel in the midst of a people of unclean lips for mine eyes have seen the King the Lord of hostes Then flew one of the Seraphims unto me having a live coale in his hand which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar And he laid it upon my mouth and said Lo this hath touched thy lips and thine iniquity is taken away and thy sin purged v. 6.7 Here I cannot pretermit Nathanael in my text in whom there was rooted a very dangerous Error as before hath been shewed that Jesus Christ was not the right Messias because he came out of Nazareth yet our Lord Jesus foreseeing that after he was better informed he would embrace the truth by way of anticipation as I may so speake gives him this report that he was a true Israelite in whom was no guile Upon which words * Laudat in eo candorem in profitendâ animi sui sententiâ Etsi vitium erat quod Nathanael offendebatur humilitate patriae Christi non mediocris tamen virtus est sententiam suam nullo dolo malo celare sed eam aperte et perspicuè profiteri 2. commendat in ipso simplicitatem obsequii Invitatus enim à Philippo ut accedat ad Jesum etsi videbatur non infirmun habere argumentum quod Jesus non esset Messias tamen non resistit duriter non repugnat odiosè sed sequitur obedientèr Brentius dilateth thus 1. Christ saith there was no guile in Nathanael because he uttered candidly his opinion 2. being invited by Philip to come and see Jesus he resisted not stifly but obediently followed him to which I add a third particular that being convinced of his error he believed readily and constantly adhered to him for life and salvation By this signal Application all fraudulent persons are detected to be none of this number of Israelites indeed who therefore are advised in time to cast off all guile and to repent of their former dâ—ceit for though they deceive others and themselves more then any yet God cannot be mocked Gal. 6.7 Among these self-deluders we 1. meet with all such as dissemble with God who shall get the curse for their pains Mal. 1.14 Cursed be the deceiver saith the Lord who draw nigh to God with their mouthes but remove their hearts far from him Isa 29.13 2 Such as corrupt the word of God mingling falsehoods with truths for sinister ends 2 Cor. 2.17 3 Papists who speak lies in hypocrisie 1 Tim. 4.2 practising themselves and teaching others the art of lying fall under that double dreadfull censure of our Saviour whosoever shall break one of these least commandements much more the greatest and shall teach men so he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5.19 The Iesuites teach a Parsons mitigat c. 7. and 11. zanchez oper moral tom 1. l. 3. c. 6. disputat 35. num 13. that it lawfull to use aequivocation not only in ordinary discourse but in very oathes even before the civil magistrate not only about civil but also religious matters These may passe for Saints in the Romish calendar but shall never be owned for true Christians in Gods register yea this their practice is condemned by the moral Heathen who herein teach better divinity then the papists O b Plutar in apoph Cic. l. 1. offiic Plutarch and Cicero stigmatize Cleomenes the Lacedaemonian who making a truce with the enemie for thirty daies nevertheless destroyed their fields in the night time alledging for his excuse that the truce was made for daies not nights This and other passages like to it are yet extant in Cicero's Offices of former editions but are not to be found in bookes which I have seen printed c Diog. Melius est in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quà m 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 incidere in corvâ—s quà min parasitos hi viventis animum corrumpunt illi solum mortui corpus among the Papists for their index expurgatorius hath expunged the same as he retical 4ly All ordinary liars false witness-bearers false-swearers Sycophants and flatterers together with all cheaters and fraudulent dealers who promise and performe not borrow and repay not though it be in their power to do it who use false lights false weights false measures shall never be numbred among these citizens of the new Jerusalem unless they repent in time for thus holy Augustin * Aug.
sweare even under the Gospel for to those times the Apostle applyed that Text Rom. 14.11 and St. Paul used oaths for confirmation of his doctrine sometimes Rom. 9.1 Gal. 1.20 Obj. But doth not Christ forbid us to sweare at all Mat. 5.24 Ans Christ forbids all swearing by creatures which the Pharisees Lyra since them held to be no sin which is also condemned James 5.12 Above all things swear not neither by heaven nor earth but if you must needs sweare let it be by the God of truth Isa 65.16 1. They that sweaâ—e by any but God are unlike to Iacob in practice 2. So are all common and rash swearers who take the name of God in vaine and may be sure he will not hold them guiltlesse 3 for oaths the Land mourneth Jer. 23.10 how much more cause have they to mourn who make the earth to mourne 4 All that swear by the name of God without due reverence to his sacred Majesty are distinguished from the righteous and ranged among the wicked Eccles 9.1 2. As is the good saith the Preacher so is the sinner and he that sweareth as he that feareth an oath The good man feareth even when he sweareth what he knoweth to be truth 5 He therefore that sweareth falsely is on the dark side of the cloud and the flying Roul full of curses shall find him out and shall remaine in the midst of his house who sweareth falsely by the name of the Lord and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof Zach. 5.2 3. Yet there is hope in Israel concerning this if the party offending repent of his sinne with Peter speedily and seriously Levit. 6.5 If he that hath found that which was lost and lyeth concerning it and sweareth falsely restore that which he hath deceitfully gotten in the principall shal add a fifth part more thereto give it to whom it appertaineth shall bring his trespasse offering unto the Lord the Priest Jesus Christ shall make an atonement for him before the Lord and it shall be forgiven him vers 5 6. Instance 10 Israel was very mindfull of his mortality reputing himselfe a Pilgrim and stranger in the world as may be easily gathered from his answer to Pharaoh demanding of him how old he was Gen. 47.9 The dayes of the yeeres of my Pilgrimage are 130 years few and evill have the yeers of my life been I have not obtained unto the dayes of the years of the life of my fathers in the dayes of their pilgrimage out of which speech of his the Apostle gathereth that he sought a better countrey even Heavenly According to this our president let us account our selves strangers and sojourners with God as all our fathers were so did holy David Psalm 39.12 and let the Apostle's loving obtestation sink deep into our hearts 1 Pet. 2.11 Dearely beloved I beseech you as strangers and Pilgrims abstaine from fleshly lusts which war against the soule and since we have no continuing place here let us lay a good foundation for eternity 1 Tim. 6 19. But alas how few are there who write after this copy many put the evil day far from them Amos. 6.3 and so live as if they should live here for ever and not see corruption Psal 49.9 yea the very thoughts of death make too many more profane and dissolute who say to themselves and others Let us eat and drink for to morrow we shall dye Isa 22.13 little minding that after death comes judgment Heb. 9.27 Instance 11 11. Israel is an exemplar to Christian souldiers he was valiant in fight Genes 47.22 with his sword and with his bow he took a portion out of the hand of the Amorite which he gave to his son Joseph above his brethren yet in times of peace none more harmless quiet and patient in suffering injuries then he As Hamor and Shechem confessed of him and his sons These men are peaceable with us Genes 34.21 and to avoid the fury of Esau his brother for quietness sake he fled into the countrey of Syria Hos 12.12 And when Shechem had defiled his daughter Dinah and he heard of it He held his peace Genes 34.5 which declareth that he had great power over his owne Spirit But when his two sons Simeon and Levi had without his privity slaine the Shechemites for deflouring their sister how did he abhor their bloody fact and condemne them for it v. 30. Jacob said to Simeon and Levi Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the Land yea till his dying day he could not forget it for when he blessed his sons a litle before his death coming to these two in their order he calleth them Genesis 49.5 6 7 brethren in evil and detesteth with an execration their horrid crime saying The instruments of cruelty are in their habitations O my soule come not thou into their secret unto their assembly mine honour be not thou united for in their anger they slew a man and in their selfe will they digged down a wall Cursed be their anger for it was fierce and their wrath for it was cruel Againe let us view Jacobs admirable meekness and patience when Laban his father in law put blear-eyed Leah into his bed instead of beautifull Rachel for whom he had served seven yeares all that he sayd to him was this What is this thou hast done to me did not I serve with thee for Rachel wherefore then hast thou beguiled me here neither railing nor cursing proceeded from him and when at his departure Laban of whom he had deserved exceeding wel pursued him as a thiefe he was provoked to wrath and chod with Laban yet he brake not out into any passionate distempers but mildly expostulateth the matter with him yea after the unjust man had changed his wages dearly-earned ten times he committed the matter to God They therefore 1. who can beare no indignities or injuries nor will part from their right in the least sort for peace and concords sake contrary to the Christians rule which injoyneth us that if it be possible as much as in us lyeth we should live peaceably with all men Rom. 12.18 but 2ly upon small provocations break out into bitter maledictions sclanders and railings as Micah's mother when her eleven hundred shekels of silver were taken from her brake out into cursings though it were her owne son who had taken them Judg. 17.2 or 3ly who upon any occasion small or great study and endeavour revenge and so take Gods office out of his hand as the Apostle teacheth Rom. 12.19 Dearly beloved avenge not your selves but rather give place unto wrath for it is written vengeance is mine I will repay saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemie hunger feed him and if he thirst give him drink 4ly Such as are so far from taking wrong that they do wrong to others like some of the Corinthians sharply taxed by the Apostle 1. Cor. 6.8 5ly Above all they
who are so far transported with rage that in way of private revenge they commit the horrid sin of murther as Joab slew Amasa and Abner men more righteous then himselfe All these I say are farre from Jacobs spirit and consequently are none of his spirituall seed Sect. 9 Instance 12 12. Israel is a worthy pattern to all in oeconomical and family duties 1. He was a dutifull child to his parents he obeyed his father and mother his father when he was decrepiâ— by reason of old age and his motheâ— though the weaker sex Genes 28.7 and for this among other his vertues his father blessed him and his mother loved him intirely Yea God also blessed him who hath made many great promises to all obedient children Eph. 6.1 2 3. Children saith the Apostle obey your parents in the Lord for this is right Honour thy father and mother which is the first commandement with promise that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the Earth whereas God hath denounced grievous threats against stubborn and unruly children Pro 30.17 The eye that mocketh at his father and despiseth to obey his mother the ravens of the valley shall pick it out and the young eagles shall eat it the meaning is In cruce Corvos pascere Horat. he shall come to a shamefull end as the common proverb importeth 2. When Jacob was grown up to be marriageable he was not Esau-like his owne carver to choose where he lusted but submitted himself to be disposed oâ— in wedlock as his father and mother â—hought good Genes 28.1.2 Thou â—halt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan said his father Isaac to him Arise go to Padan Aram and â—ake thee a wife of the daughters of Laban thy mothers brother and he did so Add to this the testimony of St Paul 1. Cor. 7.38 where he saith the father is to give his virgin in marriage 3. Iacob was a diligent and faithfull servant twenty yeares together to Laban a fraudulent and churlish master as he pleadeth with him for himselfe at their parting Genes 31.38 I have beene with thee 20. yeares they ewes and thy shee goats have not cast their young and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten that which was torne of beasts I brought not unto thee I bare the losse of all that was stolen whether by day or night In the day the drought consumed me and the frost by night and my sleep departed from mine eyes v. 40. And he appealeth to the knowledge of Rachel and Leah Laban's daughters to whom he thus spake Genes 31.6 ye know that with all my power I have served your father With this precedent agreeth the Apostolicall precept Servants be subject to your masters with all feare not onely to the good and gentle but also to the froward 1. Pet. 2.18 not with eye-service as men pleasers but in singleness of heart fearing God and whatsoever ye do do it heartily as unto the Lord and not unto men knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ye serve the Lord Christ Coloss 3.22.23 This may let all idle false purloyning servant who like Onesimus before his conversions do their masters harme instead of good or who Ziba-like slander deceive those who retained and do maintaine them for better ends to know that they feare not God nor be the servants of Iesus Christ yet will he pay them their wages even the wages of sin eternal death unless with Onesimus they repent 4. He reformed and cleansed his household and all that were with him and brought them to the publike place of Gods worship Gen. 35.2 Bethel As David went with his traine to the house of God Psal 42.4 and Joshuah professed as for me and mine house we will serve the Lord Josh 24.15 But how many may be found in our times who absent themselves from the assemblies of God Saints Hebr. 10.25 even upon the Lords dayes though no necessary impediment either of sickness or other justifiable cause detaine them or if they come yet their children or servants are left to themselves to goe whither they will and to do what they please contrary to the expresse commandement of God which requires all masters with their children and servants and all within their gates to sanctifie the sabbath 5. He taught them before they came how to prepare themselves charging them to cleanse themselves and to change their garments Genes 35.2 that they might come with reverence into so great a presence for holiness becometh thine house O Lord for ever Psal 93.5 So the preacher instructeth us to keep our feet when we go to the house of God and be more ready to heare than to give the sacrifice of fooles Eccl. 5.1 whereas many consider not that they do evil when they lend God their bodily presence in his courts though they lay not aside malice and all guile and hypocrisies and envies and evill speakings as God commands 1 Pet. 2.1 and that is the reason why many joyne with others in praying and hearing and it profits them not neither are they accepted with God as Cain offered up sacrifice as well as Abel but God had respect to Abel and his sacrifice but to Cain and his sacrifice he had no respect Genes 4.4 5. 6. Among other sins Iacobs care was that they should put away their idols Genes 35.2 put away saith he the strange Gods that are among you and they gave unto him all the strange Gods which were in their hands and all their ear-rings which were in their eares and he hid them under an oake that they might never be found againe v. 4. In like sort the Lord enjoyneth his people to abolish all the reliques of idolatry Deut. 7.25 26. The graven images of their Gods shall ye burn with fire thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them nor take it unto thee lest thou be snared therein for it is an abomination to the Lord thy God neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thy house lest thou be a cursed thing like it but thou shalt utterly detest it and thou shalt utterly abhor it for it is a cursed thing O that this most strict charge were well regarded by all even such as are called protestants then would they quickly remove out of their houses and closets all popish pictures of Christ the Virgin Mary and other Saints and angels and sacrifice them to the flames before they be cast themselves into the lake of fire and brimstone Here let not any of them think that the sorry distinction of the Rhemists between the images and pictures of heathenish Gods and the true God and Christ Rhemish on 1 Iohn wil availe any thing Sect. 5 For the commandement runs Thou shalt not make to thy self the likeness of any thing in heaven above or the earth beneath And they are Christians to whom Saint John writeth 1 Joh. 5.21