art now hungry which doth not befall to God nor the son of God But I will grant that thou art so Then turn these stones into bread for God can change the nature of things at his own pleasure But if thou canst not do this thou art neither God nor the Son of God 1. Mark how the devil strikes at the Deity of Christ and at our Faith by raising such a doubt Answ But mark now the Answer and Resistance of Christ to this Temptation 1. He doth not say I am God and so drive him away 2. But he takes up the sword of the spirit Deut. 8.3 and therewith drives him away for having granted that Bread and bodily food is the usual remedy against hunger Yet saith our Saviour There is no necessity for me to do so For if I be the Son of God know thou That God is not bound to support by bread only as Nature is and men are by the ordinary way of provision Ap. But he hath many other ways and means to sustain and nourish us withall Though here be no bread yet know it is not Bread only or other ordinary food that doth nourish any man but by Gods appointment of it to that end and blessing upon it Besides God can support and supply us miraculously He can nourish us without any food or put the vertue of food into other things and can make poyson to be both meat and medicine Mark 16.18 and Ergo Vpon him will I wait saith Christ and so let us do also Exit Satan he hath done with this shape and this Temptation 2. The Devil acts the part of a seeming Saint a devout Zelot He will go next to the holy City and try what he can do there He taketh up Christ and carrieth him as Gods Spirit did Philip Acts 8.39 He caught him away Doct. Mark what the Devil can do if God permit he can carry away wicked men quick into hell And wonder not that Christ suffered the Devil to carry him who suffered his Instruments to crucifie him When he had brought Christ thither he sets him upon a Pinacle of the Temple a place as fit as dangerous to serve his turn to tempt our Saviour The City the Temple all here minded men of piety of the true worship of God and here the Devil will turn Deceiver and because Christ had foil'd him with Scripture before he will cite Scripture too and perswade Christ to leap down upon the Reason alledged in Psalm Psal 91.11 12. Doct. Note 1. We must take heed of Temptations in the Church in holy places and duties in great Assemblies as well as in the Wildernesse The Devil did not cast Christ down but bid him cast himself down Doct. Note 2. The Devil may tempt and perswade to evil he cannot compel Hoc tantum pertinet quod egit in principio Seducere c. Iraeneus The Devil cites Scripture but withal he adds and concealeth at his pleasure viz. Cast thy self down and to keep thee in all thy ways misinterpreteth and misapplieth averteth all as impious Hereticks his Disciples do Mendacium abscondens per Scripturam quod faciunt omnes Haeretici saith Irenaeus Note 3. That no Temptation of Satan is more pernicious and dangerous than that which is coloured with misapplied Scripture and shew of sanctity But beware the Devil and his Ministers when they are like Angels of Light 2 Cor. 11.14 15. Ap. Thus the Devil perswaded Christ to tempt God hoping to find him either to be an Imposter if he received hurt by the fall or the Son of God by preserving himself in the fall Answ But mark how Christ with the same Weapon this Sword foils him again by producing a general prohibition that concerneth all men Deut. 6.16 Ye shall not tempt the Lord q. d. It becomes none to tempt God much less him whom I know and thou doubtest to be the Son of God ☞ And then is God tempted when ordinary means are neglected besides and against the Counsel and Warrant of Almighty God Ap. And so should I do if neglecting the stairs by which I may descend with safety I should Sponte non jussus a Patre solum aâ—te provocatus praecipitem me dare vellem freely at thy provocation without my Fathers command cast my self down head-long Exit Satan the second time 3. He acts the part of a mighty Monarch and will try what great gifts will do and they use to do much Deut. 16.19 1. He takes him up into an exceeding high mountain a fit place for ostentation and to take the prospect and view of many excellent Things 2. There he shews him all the kingdomes of the world and the glory of them i.e. The Excellency Riches Splendor Beauty and whatsoever is admirable in them and these he presents to Christs senâ—es by Vision at least else he could not do it 3. All these he impudently claims as his own and in his power to dispose of promiseth to give them all to Christ 4. His only demand was Prostratus adora me do but fall down and worship me and all shall be thine Ap. A dangerous tentation and made up of lies and mischief how thâ—nk you would such a Promise have prevailed with many a Worldling Doct. Note That the glory of the world is a choice bait of the devil to catch and ensnare mens souls But mark how Christ doth answer this his most abominable presumption 1. To his Person 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Abi Satana Get thee hence Satan be gone blasphemous Devil This he spake with such Authority that he durst stay no longer 2. Then to his Temptation he takes up the same Weapon the Sword of the Spirit as before and out of those Scriptures Deut. 6.13 and 10.12 20. and 13.4 which Christ citeth thus Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Thou thinkest that if I do not worship thee then I am the Son of God but if I do then thou knowest I am not the Son of God Be gone Devil and know you that it is an universal Precept and Command upon every Creature To give divine honour unto God their Creator Ap. Thus the Devil by a threefold Temptation tryes to know who Christ is whether the Son of God or not and when all is done he is forc'd to be gone as wise as he came to him without any satisfaction Thus did he do by Christ viz. He did act as a friend in the wilderness or divine in the Temple a mighty Monarch in the world with great promises but prevailed not Ap. And if he did thus by our Saviour what will he not do by us he will try all his wiles and shapes Hence is the great difficulty of our right using welâ—ing arming this weapon well against him For sometimes he acteth as the Prince of Darkness then as the red Dragon as an Angel of light one while he tempteth to desparation then to presumption now he frights with Terrours the
superfluous Branch to be cut off when our hearts are too much set upon this World The World you know is three-fold 1 The old World which perished by Water 2 Pet. 3.6 2. The present World in which we do now live which is evil 2 Tim. 4.10 And passeth away 1 John 2.17 3. The World to come Luke 18.30 c. where is Life everlasting It were well if we did mind this last World more then we do It is then the present World and the things thereof which I speak of And by worldliness or earthly mindedness I mean setting our hearts on these things below Principally and in the first place as Esau and the Prodigal Unconscionably as Ahab and the unjust Steward did Inordinately and impatiently as Rachel and the Horsleech Insatiably as the grave barren womb the Earth and the Fire Prov. 30.15 16. Securely and voluptuously relying upon the World as they did Luke 12.16 c. This minding of the world and affecting it too much is a Bait which shewes the best but hides the worst from us A beam in our eyes that we cannot see what is best for us A Thorn in our Feet that we cannot walk for strength A Canker in our mouthes that we cannot eat the best Food A Snare to our Souls that prevents all our chief good Ap. This hinders our growth extreamly when we so set our hearts upon these sublunary things which we are apt to do Mark the Caution Psalm 62.10 Trust not in oppression c. If riches encrease set not your hearts upon them This made some err from the faith 1 Tim. 6.9 10. The Love of money c. And Demas to forsake the Apostle 2 Tim. 4.10 ☞ These are weeds Brambles indeed which must be cut off and rooted up Which the better to effect and do The best Instrument that I can supply you now with is Heavenly mindedness Take the Apostles Counsel Col. 3.1 2. Seek the things above and set your affections on them The Apostle useth two words of great weight and emphatical signification 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Seek Ad totius hominis vires refertur c. Zanchius A man must put forth his whole strength after these things as the Apostle did labour and strive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Decertans striving as a man would do for his life Col 1.29 For these as ambitious studious poor impertinent men do for what they like Honour Learning c. Not so for earthly things 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Set your affections Ad totum mentem refertur The whole soul with all the powers thereof must act this way and the word importeth To mind and regard to love and care for those things most which are above and heavenly And those things are The blessed Trinity God the Father his only Son Jesus Christ and the holy Spirit of God blessed for ever and ever and also all the fruits graces and blessings which proceed from the Father from Christ and his holy Spirit and are poured out upon and performed to us both here and hereafter in this and in the life to come Such are the means of salvation the Graces and the priviledges of Saints all tending to the final perfection and glory of a Christian in heaven all are from above In a word Holiness and Happiness are above in the presence of Christ If we were acquainted with and our hearts set upon these things above we should soon set a right price upon all earthtly things and look upon all sublunary comforts as base and brittle in their own nature and in comparison of other things and unable and insufficient to stead us at our need because they cannot fill the heart and satisfie the desire Eccles 1.8 Isa 55.2 Why do ye c. Nor lengthen life Psalm 49.6 No ransome to live ever Prevent Gods Judgement Zeph. 1.17 18. Ezek. 7.17 18 19. Nor comfort a distressed conscience Dan. 5.6 Nor purchase good to the soul Micah 6.6 7 8. Heb. 10.4 Not Bulls and Goats 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Not gold or silver c. Nor can they extend themselves nor continue with us to eternity but all bid fare-well at the death-bed Psal 49.17 Vanish like a dream Isa 29.8 And pass away 1 Cor. 7.31 Were these and the like things rightly considered and practised it would soon cure us of our earthly-mindedness and stock up by the roots these weeds and brambles which do so hinder the growth of better fruit 4. The custome and allowance of smaller sins in the worlds account at least such are lying petty oaths fleshly lust This is like the ill diet of some young people which eat Oat-meal and other odd things till they overthrow their health Or like the small flyes that blast the flourishing Boughs of the fairest trees and will destroy the trees at length though not so soon as a Thunder-bolt or an Ax. Ap. These must be smothered and kil'd or they will spoil all They war and fight against the soul 1 Pet. 2.11 to destroy it even as those do against the health and life of people and trees And a small leak in a Ship may sink it a Needle or Bodkin may kill a man as well as a great Cannon-Bullet or any other Weapon of War and Violence I have read how the greatest Beasts Fishes and Serpents are annoyed with things the Elephant Whales c. For the cure of this Annoyance to the choicest plants I can prescribe you no better means or remedy then the Conscience of all even the smallest duties which God hath commanded Judgement and Mercy c. must be done yet Mint Annise and Cummin must be tithed Mat. 23.23 The Conscience of Duty will expell the custome of sin Acquaintance and intercourse with God by duty will exclude the allowance of any iniquity 5. Evil Company and bad society is a great hinderance These are like Ash-trees in an Orchard or Cole-worths among the Vines or Weeds and Brambles in the Garden or Corn-field This is certain that neither Orchard nor Vineyard nor Field or Garden can ever prosper if they be so attended These are such under-brances such Suckers at the Tree-root that they quite spoil the growth and stature the flourishing and fruitfulness of the Trees amongst which they are permitted and suffered to grow Such Society as this doth always leave an evil blast behind them among the Trees of the Garden of God i. e. Good men for that it will be conjectured and much suspected whether they be not of the same quality with these unworthy weeds or at least in danger to be wrought upon to be for their guide and practise c. This is no small hurt The only remedy which I can prescribe for this malady is Good fociety This doth as it were Transform a man into another shape it doth possess him with those Notions which do prevalently perswade him into another practise In which being habituted by continuance he is well armed and fortified against all Opposites
whether they be companions or temptations which do invite him to a contrary course of practise The words of the wise remain with him as nails fastened in the building Eccles 12.11 To hold him stedfast from swarving upon any occasion Thus much be spoken of this first particular viz. The removal or the pruning off and weeding out such superstuities as hinder these plants 2. The next thing to be done is to direct you to some such means and helps as may further the proficiency the growth and flourishing of these plants in the garden of God If you enquire how that may be done I answer By gaining and making good use of these things The Spirit of God the Vine-dressers pains the means and opportunities exercise and good society all which do much conduce hereto Make sure of a principle of life in these plants without which there can be no growth each plant must have a life in it each man a soul and each soul must have the spirit of God in it else all are dead and nothing can be expected from them This Spirit of God is a principle of life gain this Things grow and flourish according to the strength of life in them And as the Soul makes the body strong and active so doth the Spirit of God make our souls 2 Cor. 3.17 18. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty from the burdens and pressures which hinder proficiency viz. the Law in the curse of it and sin in the power of it c. But not at all to vice and licentiousness This Spirit is of such efficacy that it doth transform them that have it into the same likeness or likeness of Christ and of his Spirit that as silver set against the Sun becomes radiant and sendeth forth beams And Moses face shone by conversing with God Exod 34.30 So will it be here Here will be light and lustre a progress from grace to grace and from glory to glory 2 Cor. 3.18 I. This Spirit insuseth life into every part and power of the Soul And as the Soul is in every part the blood is transmitted into every vein and sap into every branch Ap. So this Spirit doth immit and put in life and vigour and sap into every limme and branch and so makes the Tree to live this layes a good foundation and reareth the house which before was not this Spirit of God doth thus begin this work And as this Spirit of God thus infuseth life and layes the foundation c. and begins these trees and buildings so II. It supplies these trees with necessaries and makes each tree to flourish and increase in stature and fruitfulness It furnisheth the house also being built and becautifies every room Else when would this plant and house be useful all would be but empty naked and bare without this Addition But this Spirit puts on new Habits and Qualities in a person which answers the most exquisite Beauty of the choisest plants and the richest Furniture of most sumptuous Buildings III. This Spirit giveth power to the soul to make use of all it hath the Tree in Winter and the man asleep have habits but not the use of them and an unskilful man may have an instrument of Musick or for work but cannot use it so is it with him that wants the Spirit of God He hath a Soul and Body the powers of the one and parts of the other He may be a man of great Abilities for Learning Memory Elocution and other natural and acquired Excelcies but he can make use of none of all these to any purpose but to his owne ruine and destruction till he be indued with this life from above this good Spirit whilest he that hath it hath knowledge and power to make use of all to the best Ends and purposes IV. This Spirit giveth Essicacy to all the means of growth and proficiency a man may use industry about his plants but he cannot give Efficacy nor impart the desired Effect This makes the Word to be a word of grace to us which is able to build us up and to give us an Inheritance among them that are sanctified Acts 20.32 And it enliveneth our prayers with sighs groans which do pierce the Heavens and enter into the Eares of the Lord Almighty Quest Now if you enquire further how this Spirit may be gotten and obtained and being gotten how it may be kept continued withus I answer 1. Wait. 2. Pray 3. Obey 1. Wait for the Spirit of God in the preaching of the Word Mark that Acts 10.44 While Peter yet spake preaching the Word the holy Ghost fell on all the hearers to their conversion salvation This was an happy Sermon and they were happy Hearers Who knows when the Spirit of God like that good Angel John 5. will descend and so trouble or work upon these Water of his Word as to make it alike effectual to heal our Souls to convert cure comfort and strengthem us Those persons Gal. 3.2 5. Received the Spirit by the hearing of Faith preached 2. Pray for the Spirit If we once have but a tast of the Spirit we shall desire and pray for more for a greater measure of it then we had before as Solomon did for Wisdom 1 Kings 3.5 9. He prayes for an understanding or hearing heart to discern between good and bad in Judgement Mark this that wisdom encreaseth by hearing A hearing Heart is very like to become a wise and underderstanding heart and as Elisha did for Elijah's Spirit 2 Kings 2.9 He prayes for a double portion of Elijah's Spirit and you know how they sped for both Solomon and Elisha had their desire to the full their prayers granted with interest Prayer opens Gods Cabinet for thy self thy Friends and others To close this particular mark the practise precept promises and Comparisons used by our Saviour Luke 11.1 to 14. He himself prayes v. 1. Neverthelesse that he was so good so excellent that all fulness of the Spirit yea of the Godhead dwelt in him Col. 1.19 c. He teacheth his Disciples how to pray and prescribes them a Form of prayer to help them in the Duty v. 2.3 4. He presseth importunity in prayer by the comparison of the importunate Friend for Bread at Midnight who obtained because of his importunity v. 5 7 7 8. He promiseth successe to importunate Suitors v. 9 10 13. To the former comparison of the importunate Friend he now addeth another comparison from the natural affection of Parents to their Children v. 11.12 13. which he applyeth with a gracious promise in the end In both which Comparisons there is a strong Argument from the worser to the better from the weaker to the stronger For if the unwilling Friend will give for importunities sake And if Parents that are often wicked as well as weak and poor will give good gifts to their Children How much more will God who is so willing Esay 65.24 who is so great so good
so rich powerfull and gracious as cannot be expressed give good things yea and that most excellent gift of all even the holy Spirit to them that ask him as v. 13. This is a great Encouragement And thus much for this second Direction to gain the Spirit viz. Prayer 3. And lastly Obey the Spirit in the Motions and Excitements of it This is the good voyce behind us saying This is the way walk ye in it c. Esay 30.20 21. The Spirit doth this by the Word and faithfull Teachers and this is a special means to keep the Spirit once gained and to continue the Spirit of God with you ☞ Take special care that you neither resist nor grieve nor quench the Spirit Of which see Esay 63.10 Acts 7.51 Eph. 4.30 1 Thess 5.19 The Spirit of God in Scripture is put for either the person the gifts and gracious Endowments and the Motions of the Spirit these Scriptures cited do extend to all the three Only note that the Gifts are of three sorts tending to particular Callings as in Saul 1 Sam. 10.6 c. A Spirit for Government which was lost after a while General graces tending to sà nctification such as Faith in some kind Remorse for sin And joy in the Gospel in some measure Also a tast of the good Word of God Heb. 6.4 5. Ap. But of all these Hymeneus and Alezander made ship-wrack 1 Tim. 1.19 20. Such like the Corn sown upon the Rock Luke 8.6 13 may make a shew for a time but in time of Temptation fall away Cain Judas and Herod c. did look a litlle this way and many others but all came to nothing suddenly There is the Root and Habits of heavenly graces which are in the godly and these cannot be lost the Gates of Hell cannot prevail against them Mat. 16.18 to overthrow them Ap. Now to apply these Gifts qualifying to particular Employments as it was in Saul 1 Sam. 10.6 c. may be lost So also the gifts disposing to Sanctification may be as in Hymeneus and Alexander before-namd And for the best gifts the exercise of them may be intermitted as in David about Vriah As Sense and Reason are in sleep and passion the heat and fervor of Gifts may be abated in some measure as in Ephesus Revel 2.4 Suggestions and particular motions of the Spirit may be repelled And thus although habitus non amittitur Yet Actus intermittitur gradus remittitur as it befals too often to the dear servants of God Therefore to keep our spiritual gifts in Life and Vigor the means are 1. Exercise and Employment 2. Good conscience and holy Obedience 1 Tim. 1.19.3 Humility that conservatrix virtutum Bern. 4. The use of holy Assemblies Heb. 10.25 Neglect no means sanctified to work Establishment These things understood you may easily perceive what it is to grieve resist or quench the Spirit viz. 1. Grieving and vexing the holy Spirit Eph. 4.30 Esay 63.10 doth specially refer to the person of the Spirit to the holy Ghost the third person in the blessed Trinity Not as if he could grieve c. as we do but it is so spoken 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to our understanding as weak men that we may know how much it is against him when we by our obstinacy and stubbornnesse our manifold sins and rebellious do inforce him to withdraw himself and comforts from us as Ps 51.12 Restore doth intimate and to make us feel the fruits of his anger as a Father doth with grief behold those evils in his Children for which he must needs though unwillingly correct them instead of embracing them Thus the Spirit is grieved by our sins and Misdemeanors 2. Resisting the holy Spirit as it is charged upon them Acts 7.51 doth specially refer to the Motions of the Spirit which motions and suggestions whether secretly or openly by the Word of God his Messengers or otherwise are obstinately resisted and withstood by wicked and ungodly men and too often in some things by the dear Children of God 3. Quenching the Spiit doth specially refer to the Gifts of the holy Spirit which are as Fire to give Light to our Understanding heat and fervour to our Affections ☜ This sire must not be quenched but maintained as the Fire of the Altar which was never to go out Levit. 6.12 13. neither by violence put out nor by Negligence We must not stop restrain or abate of these gifts and motions of the Use and Degrees or fervour of any of them lest they be lost intermitted or impaired and our selves undone But we must stir them up by all good means ordained to that end as 2 Tim. 1.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Paul advised Timothy neglect the Fire and it will go out of it self the Fewel must be put up together to keep the Fire burning Let us take heed that we neither stop the Motions of the Spirit in our selves nor restrain the gifts thereof in others But rather let us use all good means that this Fire of the Spirit may alwayes be kept burning in us with Zeal for the honour and glory of God till we all appear before and shine in his presence being cloathed with his Eternal and everlasting Glory And thus much for the first and principal meanes of growth and proficiency of encreasing and abounding in good viz. the gaining and keeping of the Spirit the Principle of Life Quest Only thus much more If any shall ask how the Motions of Gods Spirit may be distinguished from diabolical delusions Answ I answer 1. By way of concession It is true that Satanical suggestions are oft subtilly contrived and cunningly coloured For Satan can transform himself into an Angel of Light and that lying spirit dares sometimes to counterfeit the Spirit of Truth 2 Cor. 11.14 ☞ Scarce ever was Heretick so impudent but pretended guidance by the Spirit of God So Anabaptists and others though they despise Authority and Vilifie all Ordinances yet pretend to Instincts and Revelations from the Spirit of God So did Montanus of old for his damned Errours of Whoredom Incest c. for he affirm'd himself to be the holy Spirit But for distinction betwixt these suggestions I answer To the Law and Testimony Esay 8.20 let that be your Rule if they speak not according to it c. see Deut. 13.1 2 3. of lying Wonders all must be suitable with the Word Expect not extraordinary Inspiration that is ceased God deals not now as formerly but by his Word Revel 22.11 which must not be added to or impaired but carefully observed by us If the suggestions be to any evil thing in the whole kind or by circumstance it is no divine motion but either a concupiscential phantasie James 1.14 Or a diabolical delusion as it was in Judas Joh. 13.2 If any motions lead us beyond our Callings or measure of Gifts be we jealous of them our Rule is to be wise to sobriety Rom. 12.6 and not to meddle with things
1. How necessary it is for us to be valiant strong and couragious and furnished with good Armour against such mighty Enemies so wily crafty strong and powerful as verse 11 12. verse 10. to 14. 2. What this Panoply of God is and what be the several pieces and parts of this Armour both defensive and offensive verse 14. to 19. Let us take a little view of the whole Text from verse 9. to 19. 1. Vers 10. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quod Reliquum est quod superest Finally c. in this verse ☞ The Apostle doth suggest what he had spoken before of Faith Christian Life and the Duties of people in divers Relations and that now nothing remained for him to press further upon them But 1. To perswade them to Courage and Constancy against the Enemies of their Souls And indeed when the Church is well instructed there is then most need of Watchfulness against the Enemy 2. And least we should be presumptuous of our own strength he doth acquaint us in whose strength and aid we be thus strong and confident to prevail viz. In Domino in potentia virtutis vel roboris ejus It is in the Lord and in the Power of his Might where the words Power and Might are different and several and not as if but one For 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 noting the Faculty or Root 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying the Vertue or Fruit of that power which is in God and is manifest in us through His Grace and subordinately doth co-operate with him in good The like Expression is Ephes 1.19 where to these two 3. A third word is added viz. Energeia which signifies The Effect of this Power secundum operationem potentiae virtutis ejus Arias Montan. according to the Working of the Might of his Power Energeia Kratos Iskus Ap. All three expressions giving us to understand That all Power is 1. Radically in God He is the Root in which is all fulness of Power 2. Derivatively in us For of his fulness we receive our strength 3. Evidently in the Effects produced whether by the power of 1. God Almighty or 2. of Man by his Aid Assistance Phil. 4.13 1 John 5.4 5. This is the Victory c. even our Faith Thus for the meaning of this tenth verse Now because we cannot be strong to resist such mighty Enemies as he mentions after but by Faith in Christ and by his Aid and Help Verse 11. He tells us how much it behoves us to be well armed and fortified with His Might and bids us put on the whole Armour of God ☞ The whole Exhortation is a Metaphor a Militibus from Souldiers who are then said to be strong and fit for the Battle and Conflict when well furnished with all kind of Armour needful for the War in which they are to serve as Souldiers And this Munition he calls a Panoply All or compleat Armour And this Armour is Spiritual not carnal and mighty through God to effect great matters 2 Cor. 10.4 5. The weapons of our Warfare c. and Ergo it is stilled The Armour of God because he gives it and we receive it 1. Although God gives it out of his own free Grace and Favour 2. Yet we must put forth our best endeavours to receive it and therefore are commanded to put it on Put ye on the whole c. 1. And as the Apostle hath perswaded us 1. To put on this Armour So 2. He tells us to what end we should put it on that we might be able to stand against the Wiles 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Devil Where note that Satan acteth divers ways Sometimes 1. Aperto Marte with open War as by Tyrants Antichrist and persecuting Hereticks Another while 2. Fx Insidiis by Wiles and Snares as by Hyppocrates Cujuscunque generis who under the pretence of Sanctity sow tares and so seduce simple souls as the Anabaptists and other Sects have done These had need of our best Armour For there is no danger greater than of false Brethren and the Devil in the shape of an Angel of Light 3. Then Verse 12. He describes the Enemies with whom we wrestle and against whom we fight 1. Negatively 2. Positively Or 1. Not Principally 2. Principally 1. Not as Flesh and Blood i. e. Not principally Where note 1. He doth not absolutely and simply deny and so free us from our Warfare against the World and the Flesh Men and our own Concupiscence and Corruptions Ap. Which are mighty Enemies and are always to be wrestled with and resisted 2. But by way of Comparison and Antithesis We wrestle not i. e. not alone or chiefly against these against frail and feeble men Humane and bodily power Quod Diabolus excitat adversuspios contra Ecclesiam For Satan 1. doth excite and encourage Tyrants and Hereticks against us 2. And doth enflame Concupiscence within us to act and produce sin to our destruction James 1.13 14 15. 2. But principally and chiefly we wrestle against 1. Principalities 2. Powers 3. The Rulers of the Darkness of this world 4. Spiritual wickedness or wicked Spirits in high places Ad verbum the Spirituals of wickedness whether they be 1. Wicked Spirits given to all wickedness and tempting man thereto 2. Or The spiritual nature of wickedness as in Heresies Plots against Religion c. which are far more odious to God and dangerous to the soul then Carnal wickedness or fleshly pollutions 3. And that in High places In Caelestibus i.e. Arias Montan. They fight against us from above us 1. In the Regions of the Firmament and Air called oftentimes Heaven Psal 19.1 147.8 See Bernard For Satan hath no place or power left him in the true and proper Heaven 2 Pet. 2.4 Jude 6. Revel 12.8 Or 2. Insacris divinis in divine holy and heavenly Things as wickedness in the Church and corruption in the dispensing and Administration of Holy and Heavenly Things And consider that 1. All these Names or Titles are applyed to the Devils Quia sunt potentissimi pravissimi astutissimi Inimici because they are the most Mighty Naughty and crafty enemies that we can possibly have or deal with The Warfare therefore is 1. Spiritual because against wicked Spirits c. And 2. By so much the more dangerous because it is spiritual And therefore 3. We need not carnal but spiritual weapons the Armour of God 2. And these Names are given to the Devils not because they are properly the Rulers of the world but because they do usurp such a Power and Authority and do act as the evil Rulers of the world Satans Instruments do who are ever troubling and vexing them that fear God 3. And again these Names are given to them to signifie to us 1. Not only Varias Vires Diabolorum but also 2. Varios Ordines Diabolorum The manifold strength the various Orders of Devils 1. Who do act as many kinds of Authorities Powers and
2. But also to infuse Courage and strength into the Souldier and enable him to fight valiantly strenuously and victoriously And who would not be so armed This made the Worthies of old Heb 11.34 To become so valiant in fight c. and to overcome all Miseries 1. Job 2. David 3. Daniel c. all acted with this Armour invinceably 4. The Church must have all this that she may be able to stand and withstand c. Great atchievement had need of Courage Strength and Armour and we are too apt to be discouraged and terrified with difficulties and frailty c. Reas Because Nakedness cannot stand before armed strength 1. For Instance 1. Upon Israels Idolatry the people were naked Exod. 32.2 21 25. i.e. without the arms of Gods protection 2. Upon Achans trespass Israel the Church flyes runs Josh 7.8 and turn their backs c. See verse 11 12 13. And no marvel for thereupon the Lord went not with them Ergo they could not stand against their enemies Such cast away this Armour disarm themselves and how can they stand against such potent adversaries 5. Against the Wiles of the Devil and that because Reas 1. These are very many and who can know them He hath his snares 1 Tim. 3.7 2 Tim. 2.26 i.e. Heretical Doctrines and vitious provocations Annot and 2. Depths Revel 2.24 as of Jezabel c. which teach and seduce to fornication uncleanness c. and who can discover or search into the bottom of them 2. Besides he hath various instruments 1. Seeming friends Psalm 55.12 13 14. It was not an enemy 2. Domestick Servants Psalm 41.9 John 13.11 as Judas 3. False brethren 2 Cron. 11.26 Gal. 2.4 usually in former times 4. And can transform himself and his Ministers into an Angel of Light 2 Cor. 11.13 14 15. Either by 1. such a shape or 2. Pretending piety Mat 4. So his Ministers By a 1. Fair out-side of carriage and 2. Specious pretences of piety c. 6. And the mighty opportunities assalts and temptations of Satan Reas Now because Satans assaults are so strong violent and impetuous as appears by their prevalency at some time over 1. Sampson by a Delilah 2. David in matter of Vriah and of numbring the people 3. Solomon to an infamous Polygamy and Idolatry 4. Yea and St. Peter that resolute Apostle as to make him deny his Master 5. And others for the faults of the Saints in all ages do evidence this We had need therefore to be very well provided for if at some times and in some cases he hath foiled such Champions and Worthies as are above named Have not we that are so weak great cause to mistrust our selves and carefully to provide that we be not vanquished by him All this provision the Church had need to be furnished with against the the Wiles and Assaults of 7. Many and such potent enemies as Satan his Army Adherents and Instruments are For as God Angels and Stars and Abrahams Off-spring are said to be innumerable as many other things also are said to be So may we also say of Evils Devils with David Psalm 40.12 that they are innumerable as the name Legion doth import Like the Philistines huge Army against Israel which were as the sand on the sea shore in multitude 1 Sam. 13.5 And they that are to encounter with such a company had need to be well provided 1. Those mighty Giants Aushehashem of the old world Gen 6.4 before the flood 2. Those Nimrod-like Hunters the Builders of Babel after the flood Gen. 10.8 9 10. 3. Those Anakims and Zamzummims those Giant-wicked men Deut. 2.10 11 20. as their names import as tall in Evil as in stature 4. And those mighty Armies of 1. Ethiopians and Lubims in Asahs time 2 Chron. 14.9 2. Moabites and Ammonites in Jehoshaphats time 2 Chron. 20.3 And of Assyrrians in Hezekias time 2 Chron. 32. and all of them so furiously bent against the people of God to destroy them are yet as nothing in comparison of Satans huge Army against the Israel the Church of God to devoure and destroy them all And as the Devils name may well be called Legion because they are many Mark 5.9 15. Luke 8.30 So also is he mighty strong and exceeding powerful and is therefore styled by divers names which import as much viz. The 1. God of this world 2 Cor. 4.4 i.e. of Unbelievers which lye in wickedness 1 John 5.19 2. And Prince of the same John 12.31 and 14.30 and 16.11 and of the power of the Air Ephes 2.2 Because 1. Of his power over and efficacy upen wicked men he being the spirit that worketh in the children of disobedience Ephes 2.2 and 2. The observance and obedience which they do so readily perform to him again and 3 Tyranny which he exerciseth upon the godly to the utmost so far as God doth permit and lengthen his chain of false Doctrine viz. the Devil and Mahomet in his Alcaran introduced sinners and Sects to devour Religion 3. Angel of the bottomless pit 4. King of Locusts Rev. 9.11 5. Great Dragon the old serpent called the Devil and Satan in the Heathen Roman Emperors the Seducer of our first Parents Accuser of the brethren and the Adversary of Gods Church Rev. 12.9 6. Roaring Lion continually seeking whom he may devour 1 Pet. 5 8 9. Pope or Turk or any other instrument or means imaginable to devour and destroy the people of God All which to add no more Names besides the titles given him in the verse before the Text viz. Principallities powers c. do argue an irresistable strength which none can prevail against except he be aided by the powerful omnipotent hand of God And further the Church had need to be thus provided because he doth invade and storm 1. Within us by 1. Inflaming Concupiscence and 2. Secret evil lusts which he doth light or kindle by that tinder and 3. Acting in our best Services and Duties to pervert them to evil by withdrawing our mind See James 11.3 14 15. For the Lust conceives the Will consents to and delights in which produceth acts and deeds nay Who can enumerate the actings and operations of the evil Spirit even within us to our exceeding great prejudice and hindrance in good 2. Without us a thousand ways by objects allurements and violent temptations By the wicked of the world whose scoffs and discouragements whose oppositions and persecutions do clearly evidence that he leaves no means unattempted whereby to ruine us By both these ways doth Satan work mightily 1. He kindleth the first fire of concupiscence and corruption in Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit Gen. 3.1.4 5 6. 2. And he it is that stirreth up the wicked to persecute the Saints of God Dau. 7.21.25 as Babylon Antiochus Antichrist did in their times yea he is ever ready to act both these Enemies viz. 1. Lust within and 2. The world without as to effect our sin shame and destruction ☞
of the hope that is in us 1 Pet. 3.15 with meekness and fear 2. And to preach the Gospel when lawfully called thereunto 1 Pet. 5.1 2 3 4. Rom. 10.14.15 You know that the whole course of our lives is often compared to a Way Walk or Journey and also to a Warfare and for either of these men do make such provision and preparation as is necessary and so we must do here as the Text here teacheth us the point is That Doct. We who are Christian Soldiers must make diligent preparation to profess and practise the Gospel and also to preach and publish the same as we shall be lawfully called thereunto ☞ This point doth consist of two branches The first of which concerns all and the second concerns only the Preachers of the Gospel We shall take them a sunder and begin with that which is universally necessary for all Christians viz. To profess and practise the Gospel of Christ. Exp. The Gospel is so called q.d. a Goodspel or Gods-Spell viz. of Christ Gal. 1.6 7. and 3.8 which was preached unto Abraham long since and it doth contain 1. The History and Narration of the things which Christ spake and did which are of excellent use for our Instruction Imitation and Consolation Mark 1.1 2. The whole Doctrine of the Word both of Law and Grace and whole matter of instruction to rule to guide us under Christ Who Mark 1.14 Came preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God And thus we stand bound and hear believe profess and practise the same 3. The glad tidings of remission of sins and eternal salvation the Doctrine of Free grace and obtaining righteousness by faith and teaching the true way how to attain perfect Righteousness and Eternal Life This was manifested of old in referrence to Christ to come to Abraham Gen. 12. In the Covenant Gal. 3.8 To us in respect to Christ already come Luke 2.10 Rom. 11.27 18. This is my Covenant c. as concerning the Gospel they are enemies for your sakes c. This Gospel we are commanded frequently to hear and believe Mark 1.15 Acts 1.57 To yield obedience to it Rom. 16.17 16. Titus 2.11 12. And to walk uprightly according to the truth of it This is styled 1. Glorious 2 Cor. 4.4 1 Tim. 1.1 2. The power of God to Salvation Rom. 1.16 3. Childrens bread Mat. 15 26. Milk for babes 1. Pet. 2.2 4. The word of Gods grace Acts 14.2 5. The word of Faith Rom. 10.8 6. The Savour of his knowledge 2 Cor. 2.14 15 16. 7. The ministration of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3 8. and of Reconciliation 2 Cor. 5.18 19. 8. The Word of Truth Ephes 1.13 9. Of life Phil. 2.16 10. The Doctrine which is according to godliness 11. The form of sound words 2. Tim. 1.13 12. The good word of God Heb. 6.5 Reasons which may be added to these honourable appellations of the Gospel are because by this we are begotten to God 1 Cor. 4 15. And in it we have our legacy of peace and salvation Isa 52.7 and of all things conducible thereunto This requires Faith Love Repentance Self-denial Crucifying the flesh a new Creature the putting off the old man and putting on the new man Thus we have heard what the Gospel is viz. it is good tidings and what it doth contain How we ought to hear believe and obey it walking uprightly according to the truth of it and that from divers motives wrapt up in the manifold Honourable Appellations wherewith God hath crowned it in reference to our great benefit by it and these do induce the main Reasons by which we are induced hereunto And likewise we have heard what it doth require of us that we may be saved Concerning all the particulars which it doth require It doth concern us to enquire whether our selves or our Conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ walking worthy of the Lord who hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light and also unto his Kingdom and Glory and of our heavenly Vocation wherewith we are called Ephes 4.1 Ap. If we walk regularly answerable to any one of these then we are rightly said To walk worthy of them all or else we walk worthy of none of them I. To walk as it becometh the Gospel is to lead a life agreeable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that because 1. The Gospel may not be evil spoken of through us young women must be so qualified that the word of God be not blasphemed Titus 2.5 So also Propfessors and Instructers of others must take heed of breaking the Law lest the name of God be blasphemed through us Rom. 2.17 as those Captives of Israel profaned the name of the Lord among the Heathen Ezek. 36 19 2. The Gospel may be adorned by them in all things as those good servants did Titus 2.9 10. And those whom the Apostle so exhorteth 3. And that we may be exemplary to others and instruments of their Conversion This is to walk as becomes the Gospel and those that do walk so shall be blessed Gal. 6.16 Have peace and salvation at the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Tit. 2.11 12 13. For the grace of God i. e. the Gospel that bringeth salvation hath appeared c. II. To walk worthy of the Lord is in a conformity to his Image our relations to him as of a good Wife to so worthy a husband dutiful Children to so good a Father loyal Subjects to such a Magnificent King who is the blessed and only Potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 1 Tim. 6.15 Ap. Every of which doth conclude us in all the Duties of each Relation and doth discover unto us the Iniquity Folly and Misery of all such who do desert this husband for any other or disobey so good and tender a Father or rebel against and revolt from this blessed Potentate and do become voluntary Subjects to the prince of darkness you will all say This is a bad change yet how many are guilty of all these transgressions referring to each relation and do make this change usually III. To walk worthy of the holy and heavenly Vocation which Christ hath given us by the Gospel wherewith we are called by Christ in the Gospel and by which we receive the Spirit whereby we are sealed to the day of Redemption Ephes 4.30 This Vocation or Calling is holy and heavenly because it is a voice descending from heaven infusing heaven into us here and inducting us into heaven at the last all which it doth effect by calling us to Holiness which it begetteth and cherisheth in us here and crowneth with perfection for ever in Heaven This Vocation is either external by the Preachers or internal by the Spirit as Acts 2.10 Both are the fruit of Gods Free Grace and of his love to mankind And this holy Calling teacheth us how to walk worthy of the Lord and this Vocation it self and the Gospel
Devil c. and so it is used in the Text. 4. Divine and so God himself is a Shield to the godly To protect them as Gen. 15.1 to Abraham Deut. 33.29 To Israel Psalm 3.3 and 84.9 11. To David and to all that walk uprightly 3. Of Faith This is the main grace the suctject of the Text here compared to a Shield Of which I shall speak at large as I handle the main Doctrine of this Verse 4. Wherewith ye shall be able to quench i.e. not only to repel and keep off but also to extinguish and utterly to destroy all their venemous power of hurting you 5. All the fiery darts that is all the Temptations of the Devil whereby he doth provoke us to sin against which we pray in the Lords Prayer And these are said to be fiery darts and destructive because if admitted once and allowed of they do easily kindle the heart to multitudes of sins which like links in a chain draw in one another successively and here we might observe by the way Doct. Satan hath his fiery darts to do us mischief with Quest If any do enquire what these fiery darts are I answer Answ Concupiscence and evil Lusts which do kindle the soul with Covetousness Ambition Self-seeking Revenge c. As also all Incentives to sin and dangerous temptations of incredulity distrust despair all which I may meet with in the main point and now pass them 6. Of the wicked or that wicked one i. e. of Satan and his instruments wicked men habits of sin corruption of heart c. These things premised and the Text thus explained it doth afford us Doct. Faith is a Christians Shield or Buckler to withstand repel and extinguish all the fiery darts and destructive temptations and seducements of the Devil Ergo we are commanded to resist him herewith and we have a promise of Conquest for he will flee if we give no place to him So also for the world This is the Victory c. and this we may the more easily be perswaded of if we consider 1. The promises of God made to Believers which are abundant 2. The Grace of Faith this Shield in it self which is evidence of our sonship union to Christ as the Anchor c. to the Root Foundation Head 3. That it justifieth us by possessing us of Christ of his Riches and Merits Rom. 3.28 and 5.1 as in marriage a woman possessing the mans means and here you are to consider what Justification is and how by faith we do obtain it Of which see my Notes at large on Rom. 13.11 only thus here Justification is an act of Gods imputing Christs Righteousness to a believing sinner absolving him from sin accepting him as righteous in Christ and as an Heir of Eternal life Bishop Downam de Just l. 2.1 Papists make Justification Justification and so confound Justification and Sanctification whereas the Hebrew Hitzdik and the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are verba forensia judicial words taken from Courts of Justice and do not signifie to make just but to absolve See Proverbs 17.15 Isa 5 23. Marzdik Rom. 3.24 26 28 30. By Faith in Christ only we are justified we exclude not God the Author nor the Holy Ghost and Ministers the Workers nor good Works the evidence of Justification But that as the matter nothing but Christ and his Righteousness which is the Object of Faith doth justifie Ergo we say Fides sola justificat oculus solus vidit as the only instruments to apprehend the Object but not Solitaria solo is joyn'd with the Predicat justificat solus sed non separatus ab anima cerebro c. 4. Faith gives Assurance Heb. 10.22 as to Job David Hezekiah Paul where yet note that the 1 Acts of Faith are 1. Direct 2. Reflect 2. Courts in which Pardon is sealed 1. In Heaven 2. In Conscience 3 Assurance is either of 1. Adherence 2. In Evidence 5 Faith sanctifieth and purifieth the heart Acts 15.9 Purifie c. Gal. 2.20 Christs lives in us Col. 2.12 Risen with Christ by faith An heavenly Conversation here is a good evidence of a heavenly condition hereafter as the Spirit put into upon Saul David Jehu were a good earnest of the future dignity of a Kingdom which befel them 6. And lastly Faith is an evidence of heaven and all good hoped for Heb. 11.1 Hab. 2.4 Ephes 2.8 Ye are saved 1 Pet. 1.9 Receiving the end of your faith the salvation of your souls Ap Now sum up all these together and apply them to the point then that Faith this Shield by which we have Son-ship Union with Christ Justification Assurance Sanctification and Salvation doth evidently conclude a full and final Conquest over all the fiery darts and destructive temptations of the wicked and so you may add them all as an Illustration of the Reason annexed in this Text-in the praise of this Faith drawn from the admirable and wonderful effects of the same viz. In quenching all the fiery darts Quest If any ask how these darts can be thus quenched I answer Answ By Faith I have interest into all the promises of God to Believers I am his Son I have Union with Christ am justified by his Righteousness have Assurance of his Favour am sanctified by his Grace and have evidence of heaven and final Salvation Now apply these to any Dart or Temptation and resist them with these and say to Satan c. Should I yield to be or do what thou suggest to defile and undo my self with wicked lustss forfeit all my honour and happiness for thy transitory pleasures profits and preferments And say in this case as the Lord Jesus our Saviour said to the Devil upon his great proffer of the power and glory of all the Kingdoms of the world Mat. 4.10 Luke 4.8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Abi abscede retro me Satana Arias Montan. Get thee hence depart avoid be gone I defie thee in such a case as this then draw the sword of the Spirit upon him and adjoyn Supplications and Prayer to God to defend thee and to subdue him under thy feet Ap. Thus resist and he will flee and thou shalt conquer Thus you see how you may improve this Shield of Faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked in every kind I have done with the proof of the point I do now descend to Use Uses of this point are of Reproof Examination and Comfort I. The first Use is of Reproof and Terrour to all that want this shield or neglect it either in defect or excess either by Unbelief or Presumption 1. Vnbelief is a sin against Faith in the way of defect and Vnbelievers are such as either know not the Word of God through ignorance and want of the means of Faith as Pagans Psalm 147.19 20. which yet excuseth them not but a tanto John 15.22 Or Obstinacy and Wilfulness against means as many Christians 2 Pet. 3.5 And this is the mother of Errours and
a meer taking of the name of God in vain When the Lord shall reject all their sacrifices c. as vain and hide his eyes from their Addresses as in Isa 1.10 to 16. Then shall they be in danger of the greater damnation with them mentioned Mat. 23.13 14 viz. The Scribes and Pharisees ☞ Come we nearer yet and look we amongst our selves and here we shall find Formalists Separatists and Atheists to add to and fill up this number of Will-worship and Error to make up a Monster with seven heads like the Dragon or Beast Rev. 12.3.17.3 The fifth sort of Fanaticks are Formalists I say 5. Formalists mistake me not I mean such persons as are all for Service and Ceremony that is the observation of the Liturgy and other Rites inteneded only at first for decency and order and for the instruction of the weak and ignorant in the first principles of Christian Religion This being done our Formalist sits down with a Sufficit It is enough all is done that need to be done Hereupon he slights the powerful Preaching of the Word of God as a thing useless needsels or to very little purpose which yet is so often and strictly commanded and by which we are led on to perfection Heb. 6.1 And without which we shall still remain Children in understanding against the Apostles mind 1 Cor. 14.20 Brethren c. It is or may be well known that none hath a more reverend esteem of well-composed Orthodox Forms of diviue service c. for Order Peace and Unity in the Church then my self yet was I never so simple since I studied Divinity as to think this to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Col-Ha-Adam the only and whole work of a Christian as if nothing else were to be done though I thought it ausual preparation to the rest but our Formalist here takes up his rest slights and sets preaching aside and values the Preacher accordingly if he suit not with his humour the Gourd and Pine Shrub and Cedar Bramble and Vine are all one to him and if he had power to his will he would as soon strip a Church or Nation of the faithful powerful Soul-saving-Preachers of the Word of God as any Schismatick Anabaptist or other Sectarian in the world would do it And this leads me to the next sort of Fanaticks viz. Separatists Separatists These are of many sorts and have multiplied marvellously in these late times of licentious liberty Here you may see Brounists Barrowists Independents Anabaptists Fifth Monar Quakers Seekers Ranters and I know not how many more yet this you may observe That all or most of these can hold communion one with another but none of them conjoyn in communion with the Orthodox all these you know I have parallelled with Papists those grand Fanaticks in four particulars viz. 1. Schism They begin with Separation and divide themselves 2. Uncertainty of Doctrine Therein they had no bottom 3. Independency They will endure no controule of any other Church Synod or Counsel 4. Antichristianism in their opposition of Magistracy and Ministry in the right use and power of them Besides their Church-gathering Church-number Church-Preachers Church-Censures their Self-conceitedness Censoriousness their rigid Discipline and vain dependance upon Revelations Inspirations and Enthusiasms with Papists and others that do so and generally their common Tenets about Tythes Relations as Husband and Wives divorces c. Christs worship Church-covenants and Administration of the Sacraments c. of which I have observed about the Number of twenty particulars Ap. All which are the fruits of their own devices and after the imagination of their own heart without warrant and Authority from the Word of God as hath been excellently discovered by many Learned and worthy Pons which doth justly intitle them to be Fanaticks Lastly Atheists These are they that fill up the Number and do bring up the Rear These are such as have set God aside and do reject his Word and in Scripture-phrase are said with the rest to walk after their owne devices the Imaginations of their own hearts and in their own wayes Now that which fixes this Title upon them is this Look what the Conceit and Fancy the Vision Revelation or Enthusiasme of any of the rest is to them the same is this mans inbred-Corruption and Sathans suggestion to him they say that they must do that which the Spirit doth suggest to them Ap. So saith this man That which his own Spirit or Sathan the evil Spirit suggesteth to him that he will do he is resolved upon it and nothing shall divert him from it Tell him the Word of God is against him and that his wayes do tend to destruction c. he will bid you depart from him he cares not for the knowledge of those wayes Job 21. He will quickly answer you and perhaps desperately as they did the Prophet Jer. 2.25 That as they had done formerly so they would do still and as for the Word of the Lord in his mouth they would not hearken to it nor obey it nor be perswaded by him but they would persist in their own Courses and let come what would And you may soon know what did come and that did cost them dear because they would take no warning Thus desperately do these Atheists rush on to Destruction whom I do therefore stile Fanaticks because they do reject the Word of God the most infallible Rule of Life and are wholly steered and guided by the devices inventions and evil imaginations of their own wicked heads and hearts to avarice how hainous or hurtfull soever before God and to men Thus have I opened to you the word Fanatick and applyed it to whom it doth most properly appertain viz. to Pagans Turks Jewes Papists Formalists Separatists Atheists Of all which for they differ much in degres and Qualities 1. The Pagan is most to be pittied 2. The Turk is to be destroyed 3. The Jew is long since rejected of God Rom. 11. for Vnbelief 4. As for Antichrist the Papacy the Lord shall consume it with the Spirit of his mouth and shall destroy it with the brightnesse of his coming 2 Thes 2.8 9. 5. Let the Formalist add to his Formality the true practice of piety and power of godlinesse the Life of Religion 6. And the Separatist abate of his self-conceitednesse and Censoriousnesse and get an humble peaceable and charitable Spirit ☞ So both these may be reduced to the old and good way which like Vertue is seated in the middest betwixt Extreams on either hand to which it declineth not but remains like Mount Zion or the Rock which is unmoveable on which it is founded Psalm 125.1 7. As for the Atheist there is no hope of him untill he be converted which if in Mercy it do ever befall him he will reject with indignation his own devices and wholly submit to the Dictates of Gods Holy Spirit manifested in the Word of God Ap. So that of all these the Formalist