his Apostles not only in the Temple and Synagogue but in divers other places to preach the Word It was justified by Christ himself Mat. 5. he preached on a Mountain Mat. 13.2 in a ship and at another time he preached by the high-way side and by Jacobs-wâ—ll to the Samaritane woman John 4. and afterwards to the Samaritans v. 40.41 42. And this was not only the practice of Christ but of the Apostles afterwards John 20.19.26 so that at both these times they were met together in a house So Acts 1.12.13 14. where it appears also that they met together about the Ordinances of God for it is said they continued with one accord in prayer and supplication And so Acts 10. Peter preached at Cornelius's house Acts 16.13 Paul preached at the Rivers side where God opened the heart of Lydia And again at Athens on the midst of Mars-hill Acts 17.17.22 So you see that it was the practice of Christ and his Apostles to preach in several places wheresoever Providence cast them Hence we may safely conclude That which was the Practice of Christ and his Apostles afterwards cannot be rationally supposed to be condemned by this expression of the Apostle nor was it the Apostles intent that persons should fall under the denomination of house-creepers because they taught in private places since it was use both by Christ and his Apostles Nay it is very remarkable and worthy of our observation that the Pharisees as captious as they were did not as we read lay this as a slaunder on Christ and his Apostles for teaching in such places 2. That those indeed are the persons whom the Apostle means who putting on an outward show and forme of holyness under that deceive and lead from the truth Now this will evidently appear if you view the words that we read unto you in which the Apostle doth discover them 1. That they were such that had a forme of godliness Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof For of this sort c. 2. They were such that under the forme did deceive by drawing from the truth So that when men do purposely and out of choice take such places wherein they may carry on their pernicious designs and lead persons from the truth these in the Scripture sence and the Apostles judgment are rightly termed house-creepers as the Lord Jesus Christ saith John 3.20 For every one that doth evil hateth the light neither cometh he to the light lest his deeds should be reproved Such then may be said to be creepers when they get to secret places on purpose to avoid the light that their deeds of darkness may not be discovered It is beyond all doubt that the Apostle meaneth not of such that were forced and constrained to take such places but doubtless the Apostle speaketh of those false teachers that had diffused their errours and spread themselves abroad amongst the Churches of God thinking privately to undermine them there were some of them in Corinth some in Galatia some in Philippi and Coloss also and at several other places and Jude speaketh of it to those to whom he wrote Such were ready to say after this manner What will ye not observe the Commandments of God Hath not the Lord expresly Commanded Circumcision and the forbearance of such and such meates Is not this the will of God and so by such fair words many were seduced and drawn away not being able to discover the bottom of their designs You may see how notably the Apostle speaketh to the Colossians Col. 2.16.17 18. these men pretended much to holyness and humility that they yeilded obedience to God and had his law amongst them but see what the Apostle saith v. 20. If then ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world if ye are partakers of the death of Christ what have you to do with these things You may see how the Apostle takes them off from these arguments they reasoned thus This the Law commandeth therefore we ought to do it Admit it did so saith the Apostle but now by the Death of Christ ye are free from these things you are not commanded to forbear such and such meats but of every creature you may receive the abstinence from meates was typicall and figurative but now you are taken of from these things So that the argument hath a double force If they plead the Law saith the Apostle ye are dead unto the law If they plead the practice of some that are wise men saith the Apostle Yea are dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world and then surely the traditions of men cannot bind you You are freed from the Doctrines of men i.e. such Doctrines that are not grounded upon the Word of God So that there may be fair pretences and specious shews of holyness when indeed there is no such thing Now then it appears that since this is not spoken of those that do on some occasion or other preach in private places for indeed it was the practice of Christ and his Apostles it must be spoken of those that do out of voluntary choise take such places for the furtherance of their wicked designs to entrap such that cannot discern their wiles As for instance when they urge such words as these What will you not be ruled by the Church will ye not be reconciled to the Church this availeth much with such not considering that the Church is ruled by Gods Word and what is not according to this Word there is no truth in it that whatsoever is not grounded on the Word and commanded by God is will-worship that every plant that God hath not planted shall be plucked up that things though done with never so much zeale yet is not warranted by Gods Word are unacceptable to God as you may see Zach. 7. The Jews bad observed a Fast in their 70 years captivity and now upon their return they sent Sharezer and Regemmelech to the house of God to know whether they should continue it yea or no. But see what followeth v 5.6 7. when ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month even those 70 years did ye at all fast to me even to me c. It was such a service that God had not appointed them and they going to press it on people God owned it not So that those that under a pretence of holyness do endeavour to draw souls from the truth they are those that are the house creepers yea though they preach in never so publick places For what difference is there between a Mountebanck that mounteth on a stage and by some tricks of Legerdemain deceiveth the people and one that doth it in a private place for it is deceit in both nay it is greater impudence in him that doth it publickly then in him that doth it privately So is it here I shall illustrate it by another similitude As when one cometh into another mans house with a vizard he is judged by
love of the truth i.e. though they had some illuminations and some knowledge of the truth yet they had not the love of the truth in their hearts they did not receive it as from God and so subject themselves unto it but their hearts did rise against it because it crossed their lusts and wills Now God in his just judgment doth give such over to beleeve a lye This you may take notice of that where God is graciously pleased to afford means of knowledge to a people and that people do either slight it and take little notice of it or else content themselves in a bare external profession and do not receive it in love and submission God is pleased sometime to give such over to be very corrupt indeed and to embrace errours contrary to those truths that formerly they have received how many have there been in these times lately past that have lived under a profession and seemed very zealous and forward and yet some corruption swaying their hearts they have not only fallen off from that fervour in the Ordinances of God but have looked on them as below their attainments and as needless things to them and look on the vaine fancies and conceits that arise in their mindes to be the breathings and moveings of the Spirit of God and at last cast off all shew of Religion and question whether there be any Religion or God yea or no Now consider this what a sad and dreadfull thing is this to fall into such delusions and yet how many were there of those whom God was pleased thus to give over whom one would have thought should never have received such things as these in their hearts But it hath been evident by fad and wofull experience and this indeed is not to be admired at but we may rather marvel that it is not general amongst us considering how we have slighted the Gods Word and denyed the power of it in our lives God is pleased once more to give us this liberty that we should openly enjoy his Ordinances Let us remember that God will not suffer such mercys to be abused It is high time for us to look to our selves to labour to know the mind and will of God and knowing it to embrace it with affection and obedience If we know not the things that belong to our peace in the day of our visitation we cannot expect but that the issue will be sad that God may judicially give men over to a spirit of delusion that they shall run into the most dreadfull and erroneous opinions and all kind of grosse and idolatrous superstitions and wickedness And thus we have cleared the point the grounds follow 1. Because ignorant persons through the ignorance and blindness of their understandings are not able to judge and try things and to put difference between things that differ Men that know not truth from errour may be easily deceived especially when there is an outward shew and fair glosse put upon it A man may easily be overcome in Combate that is discovered or that hath no skill to use his armes Many men live without Gods Word and though they have it do not know how to manage this Sword of the Spirit as it is called by the Apostle they know not how to defend themselves nor to offend those that assault them And Satan is he is especially subtill so his 〈◊〉 have learned this policy of him when they hear men pleading Scripture and observe their unskil fullness in the Scriptures they will plead Scripture too As now for defence of the Doctrine of merit by good works that by these men might be made worthy and obtaine eternal life this Scripture will be strongly pleaded 1 Tim. 6.18.19 Look here say they it is clear and evident that we ought to lay up good works in store for our selves as a good foundation by virtue of which we may obtain eternal life But the falshood of this is easily discovered if we look to the 17. v. Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high minded nor trust in uncertain riches Charge them â—y plead thâ—â— they are beleevers and that they be not high minded they are apt since they beleeve in God it shall be well enough with them But let them shew their faith by their fruitfullness in good works let their faith be manifested in their practice especially in their readiness to releeve the distressed members of Christ for this is that which Christ will take especiall notice of before the whole world Wherefore we must not so understand the Apostle as if by this expression Laying up in store for themselves were meant the merit of good works which give us right to eternal life but that it might be evident that they are such as have beleeved in Christ by their fruitfullness in good works for where the Spirit of God is in the heart that Spirit teacheth a beleever to manifest the efficacy of his faith in a godly life and conversation and in a readiness to distribute to the necessitous members of Christ Likewise that place Col. 1. â— That ye might walk worthy of the Lord c. Now say they how should we walk worthy and what is our worthiness but by way of reward But that which the Apostle calls worthiness is no more then suitableness and meetness as v. 12. Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be Partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light Now how are we made meet and worthy surely not by any thing in us but by Christ only as the next words shew v. 13 14. So that we are not made meet by any works of our own but we come to be made meet by being clensed from our sins and clothed in the righteousness of Christ by being taken out of Adam and implanted into Christ and so having received the Spirit of Christ we are made meet to be Partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light There is a suitableness in this life to that heavenly and glorious life that we shall live with God for ever So that this is an abuse of Scripture I might shew you that life cannot be obtained by works of charity or by any thing that we can do It cannot be by works of charity for mind that which the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 13.3 Men may give all their Goods to the poor as too many ignorant souls have done amongst the Papists Nay men may give their bodies to be burned but yet if they have not Charity i. e. if the love of God be not shed abroad in their hearts and the work be not done from a principle of love it is unacceptable Mind also that which the Apostle saith Eph. 2.8 9. By grace ye are saved through faith c. That is to say works have no hand no share at all in this great work Again they abule that place Jam. 2.21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works here to
A VINDICATION OF THE Ministers OF CHRIST FROM That Slander cast on them that they Are HOUSE-CREEPERS because they sometimes Preach in private Houses ALSO Proving by the Scripture who are House-Creepers and the evil they do where their corrupt Doctrine is Received Held forth in two SERMONS on 2 Tim. 3.6 By W. E. 2 PET. 2. But there were false prophets among the people even as there shall be false teachers among you which shall privily bring in damnable Heresies VER 2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways by whom the Way of Truth shall be evil spoken of LONDON Printed for John Pike of Shaftsbury in the County of Dorset Book-binder and Book-seller 1673. To the Reader THESE are to assure Thee that the Author of this ensâ—ing Discourse never intended it for the Press being sensible of his own weakness But by Providence it is thus brought about He being desired by some friends to open this Scripture in 2 Tim. 3.6 This Text being made use of by some to discourage Persons from attending the Ordinances of God in private places Although through the great Mercy of God and the favour of the King they cannot properly be called private Places since the Places are appointed by Authority and it is free for any to come unto them They make use of this Scripture to seare the weak from coming thither suggesting unto them that those who preach in such places are the Persons that the Apostle here calls Creepers into Houses and the same that he calls ver 13. wicked men and deceivers And thâ—s Scripture they make use of as the Great Engine to batter down all such Assemblies This ensuing Discourse is to shew who were those tht the Apostle here calls House-creepers And that they have not this denomination given them on this account because they did preach in Houses for it was the frequent Practices of this and the rest of the Apostles yea of Christ himself But it was because these here spoken of did chuse private Places to the end that they might steal the hearts of the simple from the truth and their wiles might not be discerned yea those who under the pretence of truth with fair words beguile the hearts of the simple are the same with those the Apostle here calls House-creepers although they appear in publick Places This being a subject seldom reated of some having taken the Notes of the Discourse were very earnest to send it to the Presse which the Author was unwilling should be done But this Argument prevailed with him to give his Consent Hoping that some Person whom the Lord hath endowed with spiritual Gifts and Learning might from hence be provoked to put forth his Abilities for the further clearing up this Truth viz. The Lawfulness of Assembling together to wait on God in his Ordinances in such Places which some by way of scorn call private Places And that those Ministers who do endeavour faithfully to perform their duty in such Places are not of those who are here condemned by the Apostle but such as did follow the Example of Christ and his Apostles that so those that are weak might not be affrighted by such Bug-bears If any shall receive benefit by these weak Endeavours Give the glory to the Lord to whom alone it is due that hath enabled so weak a Creature to speak a word for the truth that is so much despised by many the Lord make it a good word to the Souls of his People This is the earnest desire and hearty Prayer of Him who wisheth Peace and Prosperity to all the Churches of God Farewel 2 TIM 3.6 For of this Sort are they which creep into Houses and lead Captive silly Women with divers lusts THE Apostle in the Beginning of the Chapter by the Spirit of Prophecy doth foretel That the last days shall be perillous and full of danger and then what is the reason of it as you may see 1 2 3 4 5. For men shall be Lovers of their own selves Covetous Boasters c. So that there are in it these two things Considerable 1. That in the last dayes there shall be perillous times 2. That the reason of such perillous times is because men abound in sin and wickedness Whence observe by the way That abundance of iniquity makes Perillous Times This is very clear in the Scriptures You may see that when Holiness doth increase and Persons make it their business to walk according to Gods Word at such times there is happiness and great Blessings vouchsafed unto a people So on the other Hand when people Apostatize and fall from God then usually such times are full of danger It was a time full of danger with Israel when sin and wickedness abounded among them and they departed from God and apostatized from the purity of his worship Judg. 2.14.15 ch 3. v 8.12 ch 4. v. 1.2 ch 6. v. 1.2.3.4.5.6 Psal 16.4 When people turn aside from God and set up their own lusts they shall have sorrow enough And again when people make it their business to walk with God all things prosper with them 2. Chron. 13.3.4.5.10.11.12 The like you have in the dayes of Hezekiah 2 Chron. 29. but when men forsake the Commandments of the Lord and walk contrary to him God hath a controversy with such a land It is the abundance of iniquity that makes times perillous I shall give you two reasons of it 1. Times are usually full of danger when iniquity abounds because God usually appears against such a people 2. Because when iniquity abounds people allow themselves to walk after their own lusts they are ready to break out into any wickedness there is nothing within them to restrain them but they are ready to do whatsoever their base hearts prompt them to though it be never so grossely prejudicious to mens estates lives or liberties I might much enlarge here But I shall speak no further to this You have seen the dependence of the text on the foregoing words Now saith the text For of this sort are they that creep into houses Of what sort of the sort here mentioned such has had a form of godliness but denyed the power thereof The Apostle speaketh not of such that were heathens that had no knowledge of God and made profession of religion but of such as professed God and that they were the friends of God For saith the text having a form of godliness they had a form of godliness but they denyed the power thereof They pretended much for Christ and the waies of Christ but denyed that which was the main viz. a full submission of themselves to Christ to walk according to the rules of Christ Now every particular of this might clearely be proved concerning the Antichristian power the mystery of iniquity and those that are plunged into it The text saith they have a form of Godliness and have not these Do not they pretend much for Christ when none do oppose him more Are not they lovers
aside from the truth Let us then bring the Doctrines we hear to the touch-stone of Gods Word and not to reject them because publique neither applaud them meerly because private and so on the other hand Those that are so rigorous against private places what would they have done if they had lived in the dayes of Christ they would have rejected Christ and his Doctrine because he preached on a Mountaine and in a Ship and if they had lived in the dayes of the Apostles they would have done the like A faithfull Minister of Christ whether private or publick will endeavour to approve himself to God by holding forth such things as are consonant and agreeable to the Word of God Truth may be private when errour may be publick as in the dayes of Ahab when some of the Prophets were imprisoned and some put to death and Jezeebel had four hundred Prophets of Baal that fed daily at her table these at that time had the publick places and so in the dayes of Christ and his Apostles I proceed now to the second observation OB. That such persons usually effect their design on such as are either weak and ignorant not able to discern their corrupt and unsound Doctrine or such as are under the power of some base lust or lusts be they men or women for it may be understood of both sexes such being by the just judgment of God left to themselves and so they easily prevail on them Observe what Solomon telleth Prov. 14.15 The simple beleeveth every thing but the prudent looketh well to his goings What doth he mean in that but this A man that is simple and void of understanding you may make him beleeve any thing if you put a fair glosse and colour upon it but a man of understanding will lift and try and examine and see what grounds there are for the Doctrine that is delivered Of such deceivers the Apostle speaketh 2. Pet. 2.14 Now here 1. I shall shew you that they usually effect their designed on persons that are ignorant 2. That they also effect their design on those that are under the power of some lust or lusts that are in bondage to some base lusts 3. That God in his just judgment is pleased sometimes to give over such to be seduced 1. That their design is usually effected on those that are ignorant of Gods Word This you may see if you look into the Scripture Who were they among the Children of Israel that the false Prophets did so easily draw aside you may see they were any such that did not know the Lord. Jer. 5.3.4 5. Now how came this to pass They were led aside and seduced by those false Prophets that Jeremiah complaineth of that did deceive them and speaking smooth things to them did harden and confirm them in their evil wayes Again you may see how they were drawn in Jeroboams time to that grosse and abominable Idolatry they willingly walked after the Commandment Hos 5.11 Now what people were these the Prophet telleth us Hos 4.1 they were such as were without the knowledge of God where there is no knowledge of God in a Land people are easily crawn aside into the most pernicious errours And what was the reason that the Scribes and Pharisees had so many followers and so few followed Christ Why the people were ignorant of the Law and the Pharisees by their grosse and corrupt interpretations did deceive them They were a people that did not know the Law if they had known the Word of God Christ and the truths of Christ would have been very precious to them And what was the cause in this Nation in former dayes and with other Nations that remain under Ponery they are drawn aside to embrace the most-abominable errours to beleeve things that are so grossely corrupt It is because they are without the Word the Scriptures are locked up in an unknown language and people without the Word do beleeve any thing though never so grosse Do you think that absurd and abominable opinion of the Popish Masse would be received viz. That the Bread and Wine is the very Body and Blood of Christ Also that Crossing themselves with their Fingers is that which will defend them from evil and many the like foolish opinions if people were not ignorant of the Word of God 2. That which I am to shew you further is this That as ignorant persons are apt to be drawn aside to errours so likewise those that live under the power of some lust or lusts Consider that Jer. 5. The time that the Prophet Jeremiah speaketh of was a time of loosness and prophaneness They did whatsoever was good in their own eyes v 5. The great men had some knowledge of God but notwithstanding they had burst the yoke and broken the bonds they would not be under the power of Gods Word but would walk according to their own lusts pleasures Likewise that in Jer. 44.16 When the Word that Jere. had spoken in the name of the Lord crossed their lusts see how stubbornly they answer As for the VVord which thou hast spoken to us in the Name of the Lord we will not hearken to thee VVhen persons are under the power of any lust they are in a ready way to be seduced to any thing though never so corrupt VVhen men are in love with any sin and do wilfully retain any lust they are fit persons for seducers to work upon And usually such persons with whom the flesh and their own carnal interest prevailes have been drawn away from following the truth though they have lived some time under a profession of it and have had some knowledge of it I say such persons being overswayed by their lusts have been turned aside from the truths which they formerly embraced into the most corrupt and abominable ways We have had experience of it in this our Nation when God was pleased to give us peace and plenty and all that our hearts could desire how many were there that lived under a Profession of Religion when Religion was in credit yet the World having the Mastery of their hearts how suddenly did those persons miscarry and turn aside some to one opinion and some to another And surely those who lie in wait to deceive observe the frame and temper of mens spirits and order their deceits accordingly 3. That God in his just judgment giveth such over to be deceived VVhen once men will indulge themselves in any way of sin when once they wilfully take up their resolutions that they will do so and so though it be expressely contrary to the VVord of God God is pleased to give such over to delusions 2 Thes 2.10 11. For this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a Lie For what cause because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved Observe that he doth not say that they did not receive the truth but they received not the
unto you What think ye that God will bring in the Heathe upon you that are his people that God will destroy his Temple And thus it is with the subtile Jâ—suits they carry on their ways so that they foster mâ—n in their wickedness though they have a shew of holiness yet they know how to indulge men in their sinful lusts and liberties they have devised ways for it that according to their principles men may live loosely and licentiously and yet all may be well enough with them 2. They usually prevail with such because such as these have their hearts set on their lusts As for instance those whose hearts are set on the world they are resolved to encrease in the world they will rather part with Christ then their covetousness You know how it was with the young man in the Gospel he would have Christ and his riches too and so it is with many they are willing to have Heaven and the world too but if they must part with one of them they will part with any thing rather then with their lust The covetous mans Gold the ambitious mans vain glory command their hearts and consciences they will rather condescend to any thing though contrary to their own principles then part with their lusts And therefore it is no wonder if such persons miscarry The reason why God doth give such over to be deluded is because they reject the truth as in 2 Thes 2.10 They received not the love of the truth they loved not the truth they embraced it not with their hearts it follows God shal send them strong delusion When men please themselves in any sinful way and there rest it s a dangerous condition and God in his just judgement may give such over to be deceived You know how it was with Ahab the Prophets told him he should go up and prosper but when Micajah came he set the truth before him but his lusts liked it not his pride and ambition and his desire to enlarge his territories caused him to hate Micajah When men have had the truth set before them and have been convinced thereof and their understandings somewhat inlightned and yet they have neglected this light God may in his just judgment let darkness overspread their understandings God may say thus to such a soul Seeing thou wilt not beleeve the truth thou shalt beleeve a lye USE 1. This gives us to see the sad condition of all those that are ignorant of Gods Word that are not able to discern between truth and errour between the mind of God and the grosse conceits of Satan and his instruments It must needs be dangerous in these last times if you consider these Scriptures Mat. 24.11 Many false Prophets shall arise and deceive many What a sad and dreadfull thing is it that when false Prophets shall arise when they shall come and say here is Christ and there is Christ and yet he is not among either 2 Pet. 2.1 There shall be such that shall bring in damnable Heresies What a sad condition then I say must such soules be in that live in such times when such pernicious seducers are abroad and they are not able to discern between truth and errour You would say that that man were in a sad condition that did set forth some precious things of great value to sell and a multitude did flock about him with false Coyn and he were not able to discerâ— between what was good and what was false every one that did see him would say that man will be utterly undone So it is here what a sad condition is this when men shall come with corrupt and unsound Doctrine and shall deceive them and they are not able to discern the precious truths of Christ from those damnable Doctrines Alas in what a condition are the ignorant when men shall come after this manner to them and tell them that by their improvement of their natural abilities and that common light which God hath given them they shall obtain the love and favour of God and shall in time come to partake of everlasting life and glory What a dreadfull thing is this and yet this goeth down currant with those that doe not know the Scripture when it is manifest that we are dead and that the light that is in us is grosse darkness that unless he that is the light of light doth inlighten us by the light of his blessed spirit we are never able to discern spirituall things So when men come and tell them that by their good works by their repentance and works of righteousness they may do away their sins and obtain Gods favour When men do bring these things with fair glosses and pretences colouring them with the Scripture they are easily carried away with them Oh say they these are good men they bring the Word of God for what they say Again if they come with such Doctrine as this that men ought not to rush presently into the presence of Christ but they must make friends by some Mediators as by the Saints that are departed and by this means they may be interceded for that they may be heard of him Oh say they this doth not derogate from the honour of Christ he hath the honour of all we do But it is rudeness thus to rush immediately into his presence This carrieth far with ignorant people for here is a fair pretence and shiew of humility though it is clear in the Scriptures that they bring a great deale of dishonour to Christ when they take away the honour of his Mediatorship and put it on Saints and Angels We cannot dishonour Christ more then when we rob him of the glory of his grace incouraging us at all times to come to him and that we should come to the Father in and through the Son It is not for the sake of Saints and Angels but for the sake of Christ alone that we are accepted of God Again when they bring such abominâ—â—â—e Doctrine as this that we must pray before Images Oh say they we pray not to the Images but these are serviceable to keep our affections on God whereas they place a holyness in such things and make that a help which God hath not commanded but expressly forbidden And what a sad thing is it when soules are drawn aside to embrace such impious Doctrine as this that after the words of conscecration the bread is the very Body of Christ and argue thus This is the Word of Christ that is truth himself and will you â—beâ— Christ Again others that are not so horribly grosse have other ways to deceive pressing men to worship God after another way then that which God hath appointed If you ask them what ground they have for such and such needless ceremonies Why say they this is decency and we must do all things decently and in order Alas how many poor soules are deceived herein and become zealous contenders for Ceremonies and more earnest in them then
in the things that God hath commanded Many are so zealous and intemperate that they will admit of no worship but this and look on Diseenters as factions and seditious that will not yeild unto them Again there is nothing that the nature of man is more apt to be carried aside in then to advance something of himself and to set up his own righteousness and there is no way so subtil as this to deceive poor souls who will say Loe this man is for good works for serving God Is not this a good man Friends it is a good thing to be found in works of righteousness but if you rest on works of righteousness as those that may render you acceptable to God thinking your selves to be justified by them in the sight of God there is nothing more dangerous it is a dreadfull thing for a man to establish his own righteousness it is more dangerous then all the Images in the world see what Christ saith to the Pharisees Mat. 21 30.31 Now what is the meaning of Christ in that Parable Christ setteth forth those Publicans and Harlots that walked directly against the commands of God to be those that said they would not They are commanded but they obstinately answer We will not Then he speaketh to the Jewes that professed obedience and submission to the Law of God Do you what I command you We will say they they had a profession and they thought to justifie themselves before God But Christ saith the Publicans and Harlots go into the Kingdome of God before you And why so because these were convinced as being open professed enemies against God and therefore could not establish their own righteousness when as the Jewes living under a profession contented themselves therewith and sought to advance their own righteousness and so submitted not to the righteousness which is of God So Luke 18.11 12. The Pharisee saith God I thank thee c. But the Publican stood afar off and smote on his breast and said The Lord be mercyfull to me a sinner c. I cannot say I have done this or that but this I say that without thy mercy I must perish for ever Oh it is dreadfull to rest on our own righteousness I could shew you many ways how greatly the sins of such are increased It utterly overthrows the great design of God It overthroweth the whole Gospel and all that Jesus Christ hath done and suffered for And therfore what a dreadfull thing is it when poor souls are carried away with vain pretences into such an errour Surely such are in a sad condition that are not able to discern truth from errour but are easily carried away with fair words by which deceivers beguile poor souls and make a merchandize of them Use 2. Let us see then the great wickedness of the Church of Rome that lock up the Scripture from people which is the key of knowledge You see clearely that they are ignorant persons for whom deceivers lay their baits and that the ignorant are most drawn away by seducers They fit and prepare people to be deceived that keep Gods Word from them What an abominable thing is that and how contrary to the Scriptures that ignorance is the mother of devotion It is directly contrary to the Scriptures We find that this is the complaint of God My people perish for want of knowledge Surely it is very grosse to keep people from the knowledge of the Scriptures and to perswade them to rest meerly on the words of their teachers And what is this but to ensnare them and keep them in bondage continually And what do they and how nearely do they follow these wretches that incourage people in their ignorance and discourage them from reading the Scripture talling them that they are to follow their own imployments that God expecteth not such at their hands but that which is required of them is to beleeve their Ministers But surely this was not spoken to the Ministers but to the people 1 Joh. 4.1 Beleeve not every spirit but try the spirits c. This should be on every ones spirit to labour after such a measure of knowledge that they may be able to try such things as are presented to them and not to receive those things which are contrary to the mind and will of God Use 3. What cause have we to bless God in this Nation that have had free liberty of Gods Word it hath not been locked up to us Oh that we had wisdom rightly to improve this mercy that the Scripture might not be to us as a price put into the hands of fools Let us be diligent to read and meditate on the Word of God The Scripture saith Blessed are they that read the Word of this Prophecyâ— We fâ—â—d that all were commanded in the book of the law continually none was exempted not so much as the King himself And as we should read the Scripture so we should meditate on it that is the blessed man indeed that doth meditate on Gods Word day and night Also we should be instant in prayer that God would open our eyes to see the marvellous things of his law we should embrace all opportunities that God gives us to wait on him in his Ordinances that we might receive instruction and be built up in the faith It s sad to be in those places wherein we live that there should be such grosse ignorance and darkness in mens understandings And how just is it with God to give such over to be deceived that are of a dull and careless frame of spirit For the Lords sake consider seriously of it and put it to your own soules what opportunities have you omitted wherein you might have attended on Gods Ordinances How negligent have you been in reading Gods Word How justly might God give you over to the grossest delusions that have made so light of so precious a word wherein the wisdom of God the grace and love of God so eminently appears wherein there is such incouragement for poor ignorant souls and for those that find themselves in a state of misery and unbeleif to come in and beleeve And see what the Psalmist telleth us Ps 19.7 The law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul the testimony of the Lord is sure makeing wise the simple Should such fools be pittied that are fools willingly Now all that have Gods Word do make themselves fools in rejecting the means that God hath afforded to make them wise See what David saith Ps 119. Thy Word is a light to my waies and a lanthorn to my paths Consider that God hath promised to give to his people a heart that shall know him Who knoweth how God may in the use of his Ordinances set home by the power of his spirit a word that may soften a hard heart and humble a proud heart This is the character of Gods people that they are a wise understanding people If then we would be be of the number of
that they did do God good service yet indeed they are mistaken for believe it those men that have the warrant of Christ for what they do Christ will bear them out at that great day of Account and when men shall come to give an Account why they have done such and such things it will not be a sufficient ground to say because others did so and they did it out of their zeal Christ will justiste those that have his Word for their warrant but how dreadfull will it be for those at the judgment seat of Christ that are charged with this that they have opposed his servants for imitating him USE 3. It sheweth the evil of those that cry out so much and render persons as evil doers which were themselves and their own ways examined it would be found who they are that are most justly to be charged with this in my text There are some that exclaim against others as corner Preachers and house Preachers when if their own ways were well examined they would hardly clear themselves Who will be found such at last either those that are forced into secret places and notwithstanding are willing that their Doctrines should be put to the tryal or such that preaching publickly will be offended when their Doctrines are tryed and examined Did men seek after secret places that their Doctrines might be concealed there were a ground of suspicion but such as are willing to have their Doctrines tryed and do not shun the light they may not properly be called house-creepers Should men deal with them as the Bereans with the Apostle Paul they would be looked upon as censorious and men of factious and proud spirits meerly because they do their duty in examining mens Doctrines by the Word of God for which the Apostle commendeth the Bereans Acts 17. that they searched the Scripture to see whether these things were so or no. Can such be justly charged with Heresy that are willing that those things which they hold forth should be examined by the Scripture This is it which they earnestly call for To the Law and to the Testimony who do you think would most seek a corner if these things were well weighed and considered either those that presse things on humane authority or those that presse things on Divine authority Those that cannot endure to have their Doctrines tryed do give great ground of suspicion Persons may pretend much to holyness but this is no part of their holyness to held forth such things that are not justifiable from the Word of God Certainly those persons that are willing to have whatsoever they deliver examined and tryed by those that have the sharpest spirit of discerning alwaies provided that they make the Word of God the standard to try by and not the Lawes of men those I say that are willing to have it so done are not to be accounted house-creepers And as for such that have the warrant of Gods Word for what they do Christ will bear them out notwithstanding the slaunders and false imputations of men You know what answer Christ gave the Pharisees when they quarrelled with him concerning his Disciples because they did not observe such and such traditions This is that that will bear men out at the great day of Account when they can plead Gods Command and Institution for what they do When God putteth men this Question Who required this at your hands What horrour will seize on their hearts when they cannot say Lord we have thy word for it USE 4 Since the Apostle telleth us that such persons are dangerous persons let us take heed for it is a matter of great weight and concernment The Apostle would never have taken so much care to warn us he would not have set forth the danger of it had it not been a matter of great moment Let us then take heed that we are not deceived by such kind of persons Qu. But you will say how shall we know them ANS There is a great ground of suspicion when in times of peace and liberty that men may without any danger or molestation hold forth the truth when I say in such times they will out of choice take private places 2. Observe what the drift of their doctrine is 1 John 4.1 Beloved beleeve not every spirit but try their spirits And how By their doctrine Consider what it is that their doctrine tendeth to That which doth derogate from Christ and give unto the Creature which doth derogate from the grace and glory of Christ and advance the Creature that is most corrupt and unsound when mens doctrine rendeth to this to set up any thing of man to exalt mans free-will and works of righteousness as if there were something in that which might renders us acceptable unto God this is very dangerous When men derogate from Christ when they do not make Christ the only way to salvation for saith the Apostle Acts 4.12 Neither is their salvation in any other for there is none other name c. When they derogate from the free grace of God they are such indeed that are of this kind of creepers and deceivers that are here spoken of Again look to this whether their Doctrine be such that doth hold forth the Lord Jesus Christ to be the sole Governour and Head of the Church those that will impose on men such a worship as is not grounded on the Word are those that the Apostle speaketh of So those persons that do not clearly hold forth the righteousness of Christ and press men to look off from all other things and rest on Christ only for life and salvation that do not press men to live by faith on Christ are persons that do erre from the truth and so far as their Doctrine prevaileth they lead from the truth So when men take off the affections of people from holyness and puerity of conversation they are such whose Doctrine is corrupt and unsound for we ought to press people to manifest the power of faith in a holy and unblameable conversation Now these things we shhold look unto and try them by the Word of God according to that Is 8.20 and Christ telleth us that by their fruits we shall know them Now some fruit of a Minister is his Doctrine USE 5. May persons come under this denomination though never so publick then let none think themselves safe this is that which many poor creatures do deceive themselves with oh think they we are safe enough from any seduction and leading aside we never go to such places Others run on another extream they will not go to publick places they dislike all that is spoken there but this is evil on the other hand we are not to judge of truth by places but as God approveth it and as it is grounded on the Scripture For in a great concourse of people we may be led aside from the truth neither do secret places give us any security but there we may be led