means left to them to evade a most desperate and utter ruine Thus they having the repute of faire and conscientious Dealers could not want Customers who with too greedy a mind would receive and take upon trust their Errors But to close this There are many likewise who have not only ventured but suffered for Religion whereby they have growne in estimation with well-meaning pious people I might give many instances in the Primitive times hereof but I omit them take only an example of latter dayes Hist David George David George at first a citizen of Delph was cast into prison bored through the tongue for speaking against and withstanding Popish idolatry by which he came to be in high esteem with the godly yet afterward became one of the worst and most blasphemous Haereticks in any age of the Church I have read of asserting the Scriptures yea those of the Apostles were lame childish and ineffectuall for the understanding of the things of God that he was greater then Christ in the flesh c. But by reason of his sufferings for truth in former times he was in so great repute that he easily seduced many unstable souls to become of his Opinions Reas 2 2. There is much to be attributed to the way and manner of dispencing of these pernicious Errors (z) Eph. 4.14 They want not their guiles and arts to insnare poor souls They study the persons and wait their opportunity to deceive (a) Rom. 16.18 They use fair speeches to beguile the hearts of the simple professions of love and charity To be eyes to the blind feet to the lame guides to the erring Brother say they (b) Mat. 7.4 let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye The wolf layes the sheep when he seizeth on him upon his back gently as if he meant but only to ease him whereas indeed his purpose is to take his opportunity that he may devoure him So for all the sheeps cloathing yet are seducers inwardly but (c) Mat. 7.15 ravening wolves And because they conceive to lay open and rebuke the faults of others is no small means to conceal their own and render themselves unsuspected to those they deale with Therefore how do they curiously pry into the faults of others and like flesh flies passing over what 's sound and right light only on what 's sore and putrid in them (d) Flavian epist ad Leon. Pap. Eutyches confutes Nestorius that he might gain repute to himself and false opinion Neither want they vehemency and ejulation confidence boldnesse and resolution being men of a (e) 1 Tim. 4.1 seared conscience and brazen forehead that cannot blush To set their Errors home and to commend them the better to those they intend to make their disciples they practise the old trick of one of the prime persons of their order I mean Simon Magus who to gain the greater repute of himself and credit to his blasphemies perswaded the poor Samaritans (f) Act. 8.9 10. that he was somebody no lesse then the mighty power of God which testimony of his being too easily believed by those poor creatures gaind the attention respect of smal and great in that place to him After him (g) Jactabat sacram Scripturam se solum primum intelligece Vinc. Lyr. c. 42 Nestorius trod in his steps of pride boasting That he alone knew the meaning of the Scriptures and was the first that rightly understood them And this hath been from time to time the strain of these Seducers to cast out (h) 2 Pet. 1.18 Jude 26. swelling words of vanity whereby they gained on weak mindes sufficiently who use to judge of doctrines rather by the conceit they have of the person that vents them then by their conformity to the Word of truth So Eunomius likewise boasted That he knew God with the same knowledge wherewithall God knew himself They pretend to high (i) Col. 2.18 mysteries and depths being vainly puft up in their carnal minds intruding themselvs into things they understand not have answerably their canting language which may rather amaze their auditors and lead them into mists of darknesse and giddinesse then into the least true notion of heavenly truth They leave not here but that their Authority may be beyond all questioning (k) Euseb hist eccl l. 5. c. 25. They boast of the prescriptions of Apostles and the prime Pillars of Christianity So did the Haereticks of old and the Papists still to this day with great impudencie but scarce so much as any colour of truth except it be fetcht out of spurious writings and legends falsly attributed to those holy men and nothing agreeing with their genuine writings But because Divine testimony is of highest authority and most infallible therefore they will rather father blasphemously their Errors on the Spirit of truth then not gain belief (l) 2 Pet. 3.16 either wracking or wresting his Word to their purpose abusing the Scriptures or else they will boast if no warrant so much as seemingly probable can be found in His book for their unworthy assertions and practises that they have their direction from immediate Revelation and Inspiration as the Montanists of old and not long since John of Leyden and his followers at Munster for their abominable doctrine and lothsome courses 3. The matter they broach is no small cause and reason of their so much prevailing with multitudes For perhaps it is something New such with which they have not had the least acquaintance before now naturally men have (m) 2 Tim. 4.5 itching eares are true (n) Act. 17.21 Athenians greedy of new things They are quickly weary of old Truths because they never saw their beauty nor tasted their sweetnesse by an intuitive knowledge for if they had they would have found such pleasure and profit in them as not to have been at all weary of them Truths beauty alwayes lasting as fresh as at her first appearance to us and alway springing gloriously in greenesse and pleasant fruits not capable of being slighted by the soul that knows her But what if as it fals out too often these new Truths prove but old Errors new varnisht over As in these giddy times wherein we live who would not almost give credit to that old Pythagorean fable of mens souls passing when they die into other bodies There are some do so much resemble Arrius Donatus the Gnosticks and other ancient Haereticks that were we not assured the same Power of darknesse that acted the former still living is vigorous in these also to the same ends and purposes or else we might suppose the souls of the former haereticks had taken up the bodies of the latter for their dwellings And many times I must needs confesse it is not so much new matter as a new dresse in new-found language and unintelligible words when they most boast of new Lights Doctrines which Paul * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉
peace of Church and State may stand with it if the persons professing it be of an humble conforming spirit to Authority not stubborn or refractory but willing to open their eyes to further light not plotting nor contriving the overthrow of others nor seeking to undermine what tends to order safety nor have their mouths open to censure condemne and raile against others Such persons I have (o) Multa donanda ingeniis puto sed donanda vitia nō portenta sunt Senec. praefat l. 1. contr not the least aim at in any part of this ensuing discourse only wish them the spirit of judgement and of a sounder mind But as for foul-mouth'd Haeresie I wish the same (p) Joh. 2.15 16 17. zeale that was in Christ may act strongly in you to whip them out of the Temple God hath dealt by you as (q) Eph. 6.11 Ahashuerus by Mordecai cloathed you with his own robe and title called you (r) Psal 82 1 6. Gods and put (s) Rom. 13.1 c. power into your hand I hope it shall ever be your Motto with the blessed Apostle (t) 2 Cor. 13.8 We can do nothing against but for the Truth If for the Truth then certainly against Error Truths chief opposite I look at you as (u) Cant. 3.7 8. the spirituall Solomons guard of valiant men about his bed Error is got into Christs bed-chamber mens soules and there attempts to assault Him that is the Truth in the hearts of his people We are confident you are too well-affected to this King of Kings to suffer it Yet give me leave to tell you That many of these unworthy people have not a little boasted of encouragement from Above as they call it but we believe it not knowing that their tongues are much their own and that they are great masters of untruths We rather think it is here as it was in the speech of Henry the VI. who when a man that counterfeited a recovering his sight at his dead Vnkle the D. of Glocesters tombe was brought unto him the man hoping by magnifying the holinesse and vertue of his Vnkle to have gained some reward from him He having found out by enquiry that he was a man of a wicked life in stead of giving credit to him told him That he knew his Vnkles goodnesse so well that he was sure if he had seen he would rather have pluckt out both his eyes then have restored either of them to him The like we may say of you Yet give me leave in all humility to represent unto you no small affliction to good men which is The fruitfulnesse of the Presse in producing monstrous mis-shapen births 'T is believed by wise men (x) Sueton. vit Tiberii that Tiberias as much was (z) Non sunt commiseratione digni qui tanti putant caput potius quà m dictum perdere Sen. l. 2. contr mistaken in that connivence of his at such kind of trash as this which might tend like a spark to some terrible flame as almost in any act of his government To conclude I beseech you do not delay this busines There is nothing more excellent then Gods truth nor more of concernment then Mans soule both lie a bleeding It is observed that the Spartans too much contemning the weaknesse and pusillanimity of the Thebans made but petty inroads upon them by small parties had they put forth the utmost of their power the Thebans were a people at that time so sluggish and unapt to resist they might easily have subdued them but by these small parties they so awakened them that they made them warriours and after a grievous slaughter found their own error and mistake too late The GOD of heaven direct and guide your Counsels Which is and shall ever be the Prayer of him that is Your most humble and affectionate servant in Christ Jesus THO HODGES A SERMON Preached before the Honourable House of COMMONS at Margarets Westminster on the tenth of March 1646. being a day of publique Humiliation for the growth of Errours Haeresies c. 2 PETER 2.2 And many shall follow their pernitious wayes by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evill spoken of MY Learned and Reverend Brother hath set before you the (a) 2 Tim. 3.8 Jannes and Jambres that delude and pervert soules It is my taske to shew you the havock they make of Gods inheritance Hee hath discoursed of the Pandoraes box and I shall shew you the mischiefe that comes by the opening thereof You have seen by this discourse the black face of damnable error and one would think that such stuffe should scarce bee own'd in the world Yet here in the words of my Text behold the peoples madnesse many shall follow their pernitious wayes c. In which words observe 1 The thriving and growth of Heresy many shall follow their pernicious wayes 2 The sad sequel or fruit of this by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evill spoken of First In the growth of these damnable errors observe 1 Their Nature and Character stiled here in the Text 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Destructions 2 Their attraction or rather infection and fascination And in that take notice of 1 Their efficacy they shall so prevaile and overcome the wills of some that they shall follow their pernicious wayes 2 Their spreading Not a few but Many shall be perverted by them Secondly in the sad sequel of this perversion observe 1 An Epithite given by the Apostle to Christian Religion T is the way of truth 2 The foule carriage of many wicked men towards it or the course usage it finds at the hands of some in the world 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. It shall be blasphemed or evil spoken of 3 The reason or root of this By reason of whom i. e. of those that are by these damnable errors seduced and led astray by these false teachers But first I shall speak of the first part viz. Observe 1. The Character and Nature of Hereticall courses rightly here in this Text stiled by our Apostle Destructions Hence compared to a life-destroying sense-devouring (b) 2 Tim. 2.17 Gangrene to a terrible (c) 1 Tim. 1.19 shipwrack to a horrible (d) Rev. 12.15 flood by which (e) Med. in Apocal in cap 12 vers 15. cum al is some learned expositors understand especially the Arrian heresy not excluding others also O who is able to reckon up the ruins they bring the sad destructions they produce to Societies or particular persons First look into the Church there is no man that is moderately ver'st in Church-story but must needs take notice that these damnable errors have been almost in every Century notoriously destructive there robbing and dispoyling her of not only her (f) Cant. 2.15 tender grapes but many choice ornaments learned instruments who might have been more useful to her alienating them from her nay many times ingaging them as
1 Tim. 6.20 counsels Timothy to shun and avoid So that we may truly say concerning many of their Ringleaders in our dayes as an Historian speaks of the Ligurians of old who dwelt amongst bogs and bushy places (p) Major erat aliquanto labor invenire quam vincere That it was a greater labour to find them out then to conquer them So these men they have such gypsie fustian Language in which they endeavour to lie hid and conceal their sense and meaning for fear that if they should come to the light it would quickly appear what adulterate stuffe they endeavour to obtrude for Gospel upon poor souls therefore it is their pretence That what they speak is (q) Desiderant ut iniquitas eorum sit mysticae religionis nomine palliata Anselm mystical rather to be received by an implicite faith and adored with admiration then pryed into by reason or examined by comparing it with the Law and Testimony to which (r) Esay 8.20 God sends his people Yet I must needs acknowledge also that many times there are some of this seduceing crue who run as much wild on the other hand endevouring to bring down Religion in the highest mysteries thereof to the scanning and judgement of humane reason (s) Credere aliquid esse verum quod ratio non potest apprehendere nec intellectus intelligere levitatis signum esse dicimus Averroes qui subinde christian is ogganiebat sic Socinus multi haeretici c. and what fals not within the approbation of this they reject as spurious Hence came the Antitrinitarian error the opinion of the death of souls the deniall of the bodies resurrection and the like (t) Patriarchas haereticorum Tertull. lib. cont Hermog Hence Tertullian rightly stiles the Philosophers the patriarchs or heads of haereticks And because they will not faile to overcome and prevaile with the people it is not the least part of their care and cunning to proportion their doctrine and shape their tenets to the peoples humour they prophesie (u) Esay 30.10 smooth things and (x) 2 Pet. 2.19 promise them liberty as (y) Euseb lib. 4 cap. 6. hist Eccl. Barchochebas did the inslaved Jewes or life and such immunity from death and evils (z) Just Mart. Apol. 2. pro Christ as Menander the haereticall sorcerer did to his disciples hereby they take with the people who cry them up for sweet Gospel Preachers their new light best agreeing with the carnall affections and earthly designs and resolutions of their fleshly auditors Lyes like candle-light best serving to set off the masques and mummeries of the world whereas the (a) Eph. 5.23 bright day-light of heavenly truth would mar all Yet because if they should discover themselves in a constaÌ„t divulging of new and strange opinions it might startle the people they deale with and make them more cautious how they give up their spirits to be leveaned by them therefore they have got this trick and slight to hold forth some known truths which managing to their own advantage they make the means to attract the belief of the people the easier to what they shall afterwards hold forth of their own unto them Somewhat (e) Strabo lib. 15. like the description of Ape-catching in the Indies The person that watches to take that creature first brings a bason or vessell of pure water which when the ape perceives the man being retired out of sight down comes hee and having gaz'd on himselfe and beheld his face in the water a while hee begins to dab and wash himselfe therein which when hee hath done sufficiently hee gets up into the tree again which when the man perceives hee takes away the bason or vessell of water instead thereof conveying a vessell of bird-lime the poor ape suspecting nothing the heat prevailing over the waters refreshing coldnesse comes down from the tree again and fals to patting of himselfe about the face and head as before by which his eyes being clos'd with the bird-lime hee becomes a prey to his wily catcher So hath it been nay is at this present day with many seducers amongst us c. They know that their doctrine like adulterate coyne could not passe unlesse there were some mixture of the gold or silver of truth with their baser mettal of error therefore they gild over their more horrible opinions with Orthodox truths or at the least with such expressions as seem to ordinary capacities to be very innocent and little or nothing different from the minde of the Church of Christ when in truth they mean nothing lesse But (f) Gesner hist â—isâ— lib. 〈◊〉 Plin. lib. 9. cap. 29. as the fish called Calamarie or by some the Sea-clerk when hee is in danger to be taken casts forth an inky black substance in which concealing himself from the sight of the fisher in that night of darknesse he passes away undiscovered and evades the danger Even so do these Seducers escape the being discovered what they are by their dark expressions and ambiguous words which either are not understood or else in them they seem to many that they speak but the same things with us as Irenaeus says when indeed they mean nothing lesse then truth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iraen whereby it comes to passe that even as poyson given in honey enters the veines quickly and piercing the deeper kills the speedier and more surely so their desperate Errors being covered in the (g) Rom. 16.18 pleasing words of seeming and approved Verity are entertained into the Peoples mind with approbation and there received as the truth of God with greatest liking and held fast with so much obstinacie that as we see by sad experience (h) Gal. 4.6 they reckon them their sorest enemies that tell them the truth nay will rather perish than suffer these cords of death to be taken from them 4. The fault many times is much in the (i) Mat. 13 25 servants whom Christ hath imployed about his vineyard to take care that the seed of wholsome Truth be sown and every plant that is contrary thereunto of the envious mans planting according to the power wherewith he hath betrusted them eradicated and plucked up The Minister in his sphere by (k) 2 Tim. 4.2 c. frequent Preaching holding forth the whole truth of God cleerly (l) Tit. 1.9 confuting gainsayers solidly if after two or three admonitions they refuse to be gained (m) 2 Tim. 2.16 17. avoiding and shunning their perverse disputes and company warning others to beware of them (n) 2 Tim. 2.24 25 26. using all gentlenesse and patience to them that are seduced proving if God at any time will give them repentance that they may escape out of this snare of the devil And if all will not do but still this gangrene spreads and threatens ruine to the whole (n) 1 Tim. 1.20 Then ought they to exercise that dreadfull Censure of the Church
prevalent with wise and affectionate Parents then at this time wherein if death takes us away we are like to leave them without Heavens protection to be a prey to the worst of mischiefs these damnable Errors What profit I beseech you is it if now you have foiled our Enemies the worst of enemies foile ours and lead them captive into a worse captivity then that of the body is or can be In Plague-time you are carefull to keep the sound and sick asunder you have appointed distinguishing marks and badges And in this worst of plagues will you suffer them to herd together Have pity I beseech you on the Church of God abroad whose affliction it will be to see and danger to feel the sad effects of Haeresie if like that woman in the * Zach. 5.11 Prophet it be suffered to build for it self a house in England Have pity I beseech you on the Church of God at home Once the greatest eye-sore to Haereticks envy of Papists refuge to the Orthodox glorious for Doctrine a praise in the Earth the mother of many Stars of the first magnitude famous Martyrs faithfull Confessors and innumerable soules in Heaven Have compassion on your selves your honour and reputation Your outward and inward peace and tranquillity your truth and fidelity under the profession of so many Declarations Remonstrances and Ordinances which I forbear to specifie are all deeply concerned in this And lastly have pity upon and I beseech you shew mercy to lovely Truth that beame of glory daughter of heaven (t) Psal 43.3 that Clue of mercy let down into this dark erring World to lead us through the many Labyrinths of a benighted Mind erring Thoughts misleading Examples dark Temptations to blisse and happinesse For she suffers and is here like to perish from us and be utterly lost or at least shrewdly ecclipsed if you relieve her not For Through these the way of Truth is evil spoken of or blasphemed And that is the Last part of the Text. Part 3 In these words By reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of You have 1. An epithete given to Christian religion 't is stiled The way of truth 2. The foul carriage of many wicked men towards it It shall be blasphemed or evil spoken of 3. The cause and root of this mischief By reason of whom Which words some referre to the Seducers but I rather as agreeing best with the words and scope of the Apostle with the most and learnedst Expositors referre it to the Seduced But of each of these in their order And first very briefly of the first 1. An epithete given Religion T is the way of Truth So stiled likewise by the (u) Psal 119.30 Psal 60.4 Psalmist I have chosen saith he the way of Truth The (x) Isa 26.2 Jer. 9 3. Dan. 8.12 Prophets very frequently give Religion this epithete So likewise doe the blessed (y) 2 Cor. 13.8 Gal. 3.1 James 5.19 1 Pet. 1.22 Joh. 3.12 Apostles yea (z) Joh. 18.37 Christ himself It may well challenge this glorious title First from its parentage and originall who is the (a) Psal 31.5 Rom. 3.4 God of truth the (b) Joh. 14.6 Summa veritas nulli quicquam debet sed omnia debent ci ipsa est causa omniū aliarum veritatum c. Ansel de verit Jam. 1.17 first infallible immutable eternal Truth the fountain of all kinds and degrees of truth whether in this world or that which is to come Secondly 't is stiled the way of truth by way of opposition to (c) Psal 119.104 lying falshood and deceit What ever other wayes and courses pretend in reference to the making of us holy or happy they are but lying wayes not able to effect really in the least degree what they hold forth to us Thirdly in respect of efficiencie It not only requires truth of us but is Gods instrument whereby through the concurrence of his Spirit he works it in us (d) Joh. 8.32 Psal 119. freeing our minds from sad deluding Errors and our affections from every false deceiving way thus working (e) Ps 51.6 truth in the inward part which he requires and delights in Fourthly in point of Termination it brings those that sincerely imbrace and practise it to the enjoyment of Truths fountain the God of truth being his way to us in point of communication and impartment for he conveyes himself in his emanations in beames of Truth to us (f) Psal 36 9. In his light we see light as the Psalmist speaks And 't is our way to him for (g) 1 Joh. 1 7. if we walk in the light as he is light we have communion one with another saith St. John And thus briefly you see some few of the many Reasons that might be given why Christian Religion is stiled The way of Truth But secondly See the course usage Religion meets with from many in the world It shall be (h) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 blasphemed or evil spoken of saith our Apostle be used like him that is Truth it self in the dayes of his flesh (i) Luk. 2.34 who was a signe that was spoken against as S. Luke expresseth it If I should rake in the dunghill of the writing of Heathens or repeat those horrid words which they have uttered against the truth of God or if I should look into latter times and mention those base aspersions foolish scornes scurrilous speeches that have been made use of by Atheistical spirits dark-minded Pagans or erring Papists I might sooner offend your eares then want matter to insist on 1. How have profane spirits detracted from it by decrying its birth and original to be so high and honourable as indeed it is while they have asserted (a) Act. 17.32 That it is not of God nor came down from heaven but is the product of Mans brain and that an ill one too despoiling and devesting it of all real value as if there were if their blasphemous speeches might be believed neither wisdome beauty holinesse comfort or happinesse to be found in conforming to it And the like 2. There are many who being acted by hell have yet gone further attributing to Religion such things as are inconsistent with it nay egregiously false and directly opposite to the glory nature and being of it as That it came from hell Takes with none but (b) Joh. 7.47 48 49. base shallow fantastick people That it makes those that entertain it proud peevish morose (c) Act. 21 28 c. rebellious Libertines unjust and the like That it will bring them to beggery misery distraction some violent death and everlasting ruine Thus do they set their months against the God of heaven while they blaspheme his truth 3. There are others that yet go a step further then the former who do not only speak evil of the Truth but when they have rob'd Religion of her glory they deck and adorne their doting
own repute as being loth that others should take notice what foolish dark heterodox reasonings they have had within for as such at their first encounter there are many have lookt upon them though afterward they have changed their opinion Whatever the pretence and colour be deal in this businesse as you usually do in your own dwellings If you spy within your doors a strange face walking up and down at pleasure you fall to questioning what he is whence he comes what he would have Which not being able to satisfie you in if you be not able your self help is called in (s) Scintillae statim ut apparet extinguenda est fermentum à massae vicinio removendum secandae putridae carnes scabiosum animal à caulis ovium repellendum ne tota domus massa corpus pecora ardeat corrumpatur putrescat intereant c. Hier. in Gal. 5. and you thrust him out of doors Or if you find his intention be theft or murder he is delivered up to the Magistrate to receive condign punishment to his demerit So I beseech you if strange Opinions look into your soules and in your thoughts walk up and down let them be (t) 1 Thess 5.21 Isa 8.20 examined and brought to the test of Law and Testimony thereby you will find they are mischievous both in their nature and in their intent and purpose they come not but to devoure therefore harbour them not in your spirits but call in aid from your faithfull Shepherds and able Christians also cry for help from Heaven to deliver you from them to destroy and root them out that they may no more take place in mens hearts to their ruine and destruction And lastly worthy Senators give me leave in all humility to make my addresse to you in the behalf of Truth Are not you Truths guardians foster-fathers to whose protection God hath committed Truth Doth he not stile you (u) Psal 47.9 Shields in his Word and I hope He shall never have cause to complain of you as that Warriour did of his (w) Clypeus meus me sefellie Caus My shield hath deceived me Oh what shall we do if Truth be blasted and blasphemed if that once faile (x) Prov. 29.18 Where there is no vision the people perish And can you be safe will the God of truth protect you No from the (y) Ezek. 9.3 5. Rev. 8.5 Altar comes revenging fire Or will those that destroy Truth spare you Certainly no (z) Haeretici quos non possuÌ„t sermone decipere eos putant gladie esse feriendos Hier. in orat in Auxen de non trad Basil There are none so keen as these to ruine whatever opposes them I beseech you without offence give me leave to tell you We have just cause to feare if Truth be not supported and inthroniz'd having enjoyed so cleer and long discoveries thereof as we have done that God will send a darker Night on this poor Island then ever was the Marian Persecution Q. But perhaps you may ask me what is the way whereby Error may be supprest and Truth established A. 1. Command and hasten I beseech you the busines of Catechising whereby poor soules may be taught the principles of Religion in the plainest way and manner that there may be milk for babes 2. Plant a good peece of Battery in every eminent place especially there where Errors already begin to thrive and prosper I mean such Ministry as may be able to manifest the folly falshood and danger of such Errors as do arise and discover the madnesse of Seducers that their (a) 2 Tim. 3.9 foolishnesse may appeare to all and their (b) Tit. 1.11 mouths be stopt or at least their danger prevented that they destroy not the precious soules of people And here give me leave to suggest unto you That there are many learned men in this Kingdome whom God hath not gifted with Elocution and other the like abilities for Pulpit-work yet would be very fit to maintain the Truth by their Pen against destroying Errors might they but have encouragement and by convenient maintenance be inabled thereunto 3. Settle with all convenient speed your Confession of Faith wherein people may take notice what is allowed for Truth upon mature debate whereby you shall not only settle that good opinion the Churches of Christ have alway had since the Reformation of this poor Island but also put such a help into the hands of people that they shall with little paines discern what 's right or wrong And as a common Standard being set up and strengthened by your Sanction there 's hope our Differences may vanish 4. Permit not (c) Prov. 22.28 Blandimenta vagae fugies novitdtis Grat. old Landmarks to be removed without absolute necessity for besides the muse it breeds in peoples mindse and great advantage it gives to incredulity in point of Truth there is also another evil in it which is That changes are very dangerous in point of (d) Eventus varios res nova semper habet event and issue 5. Suffer not Fundamental truths as Christs deity The reality of his incarnation passion or satisfaction The blessed Trinity Scriptures authority verity and the like to be questioned by every jugling Sophister or vagrant itinerant Huckster nor tost on the tongue of every profane debauched person nor much lesse to be libel'd and pamphleted against by every unsavoury ignorant blasphemous wretch All these kindes of people are like the (e) Causin l. 12 c. 58. glasse that was in the temple of Smirna which presented those things that were exceeding lovely in themselves in most horrid mishapen forms therefore they are fitter to be broken in shivers then maintained and countenanced 6. Take heed how you tolerate Schisme for in a little time without great care it will open the door to Haeresie as little theeves creeping in at the window unlock the gate for greater to enter in And be confident that loose Government is frequently the mother of loose Tenets in higher matters (f) Gaudet rotus orbis de unitate catholica praeter partem Affricae in qua incendium de scintilla con â—â—tum est de Donato loquitur Opâ—at Mileâ— Donatus was first a Schismatick and afterwards somewhat worse He that expects to find a Church in this world void of blemish had best as * Euseb hist eccl l. 1. c. 7. Constantine tels Acesius the Novatian Bishop get a ladder and climbe alone into heaven 7. Take speciall care of our fountains the Universities that Learning may be encouraged and Doctrines contrary to soundnesse of faith or holinesse of life and manners be wholly there supprest For want of this because there have been Errors in the first concoction they could never in many be mended to this present day but many Congregations have been poisoned with Arminianisme Socinianisme yea downright Popery it was the milk they suckt at the University from ill Tutors and their people
but many sayes our Apostle shall follow their pernicious wayes Which is the second thing in my Text. Part 2 2. The attraction or rather infection and fascination of these pernicious Errors they are so efficacious that they overcome and so spreading that not a few but many are conquered and led captive by them This shall in my Text is far from a precept for it is prohibited to follow the false (e) Deut. 13.1 2 3 c. Prophet of old or the false (f) Jude 19.20 21 c. Ephes 4.14 Apostles and erring Teachers in the New Testament Nor is there in it the least shew of a Toleration from heaven which God abhors threatning sad judgments and breathing flames against the (g) Rev. 2.15 Church of Pergamus for the Nicolaitans and against the Church of Thiatyra for suffering Jesabel to seduce his servants But 't is an infallible Prediction for God was as it were the active understanding to this blessed Apostle by whose revelation he foresaw this sad prevailing Apostasie destroying not a few but many (h) Baron Annal. This Epistle was written about the year of Christ 65. not long before his death as himselfe hints in his first chap. of this Epist and 14. vers Knowing saith he that shortly I must put off this earthly tabernacle even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me Which fell out about the year 67. And how soon after according to this Prophetical prediction did arise Cerinthus Basilides Carpocrates Saturninus Marcion Valentinus who drew no small numbers but multitudes in those Eastern parts became followers of their blasphemos monstrous Tenets Epiphanius within the compasse of about 400 years wriâ—es of the rise of almost fourscore sects and sorts of Haereticks some more some lesse differing from each other but all of them enemies to the truth By these alas how soon was the Lords field his Church ouer run with tares and weeds How swiftly did Haeresie run from East to West like fire in stubble But this Many shall follow in my Text is not to be coÌ„fined within the narrow compas of some few Centuries of years after the Apostles death but is extensive to the end of the world as may appear by a due consideration of the last chap. of this 2. epistle 'T is true the East first bred haeresies as having the riper and more nimble wits the Devil also bending his power betimes to make them adulterate Truth and strangle it in its infancie And oh happy had it been for thousands of souls if Haeresies birth and funeral had been at the same place time together but the old Serpent used all his skill to make it long-lived endeavouring by his hucksters to convey it from place to place that thus it living in many soiles and soules there might be the lesse danger of its utter extirpation He quickly found choice Agents for his purpose Some out of ambition as (i) Act. â— Simon Magus (k) Joh. 3.9 Euseb hist eccl l. 2. c. 3. Diotrophes (l) Euseb hist eccl l. 7. c. 29. l. 6. c. 42. Paulus Samosatenus c. Others out of covetousnesse as (m) Ibid. l. 5. c. 25. Natalius and those in the (n) Tit. 1.11 Rom. 16.18 Apostles times And not a few out of discontent and revenge as (o) Socr. schol hist eccl l. 2. c. 36. Apollinaris Donatus Marcion Some of little learning but more then sufficient boldnesse as Aetius and very many doting dreamers and others whose braines he had garrison'd and magabined for his own use full fraughting them with Philosophy and unsubmitted principles to higher truths as Valentinus Photinus with divers others And by these hucksters he drove so great a trade that no few customers were gained by them so that Haeresie in many places might well boast against truth as Theodata in Aelian against the Philosopher That her followers far exceeded the number of his (p) Mat. 14. â— 11. Christ before his death predicted it should be so That many false Christs and false Prophets should after his departure arise and deceive many (q) 2 Tim. 3 6. St. Paul in his time saw them like some terrible tempest or horrid Harocan (r) 2 Tim. 2.18 subverting whole houses overthrowing the faith of many (s) Euseb hist eccl l. 3. c. 11. S. John who lived the longest sees Cerinthus Menander and Ebion against whose haeresie he writes his gospel and foresees in Prophetick vision the (t) Rom. 13.3 Beast who pretends to be Christs Vicar the succeeding dragon of Rome all the earth wandring after him And in later times was ever that Countesse more fruitfull in her prodigious birth of three hundred sixty and four children at one time if the Holland-story abuse us nor then these pernicious Errors have been in sundry places witnesse Poland and the neighbouring Territories abounding with Socinians and other haeresies of all sorts and sizes Germany famous for fruitfulnesse in mis-shapen monstrous Opinions The Low-Countries have not been much behind the forementioned places for fertility in these noysome weeds And now at last poor England hath too large a share in the sad infection and spreading of this desperate Malady witnesse the increase of Familisme Antinomianisme Socinianisme and many other desperate Tenets so far prevailing amongst the People that except some speedy course be taken to prevent their further spreading they threaten a terrible inundation to the losse of Truth and utter ruine of the Nation Quest But may some say Seeing the wayes of Error are full of wasting destruction and of so deformed a shape and ugly visage in themselves how come they to be so prevalent with many so that not a few but many are infected with them Answ 1. One reason for this may be The quality and condition of those that broach and divulge them Reasons of the spreading of Haeresies Either they are persons of parts and learning as Valentinus Socinus Simachus and divers others Or such as are of reputed Piety they have a (u) 2 Tim. 3.5 form of godlines and in their words and deportments are transformed into (w) 2 Cor. 11 â—4 Angels of light as Montanus Novatus Arrius the Munster-Anabaptists who in the beginning exceedingly prevailed by their discourses which were at the first of nothing but (x) Bulling 〈◊〉 Anabap. l. 2. c â—7 Mortification Fasting and other Religious exercises and their pretence in their deportments was to more then ordinary piety This made them to be indulged in some petty differences in Opinion by those that were in Authority pitied by the chief reforming Ministers adhered to by many single-hearted but inadvertent pious people who so much listned to and believed their words and were so gull'd by their specious shews that they little dreamt of the mischief that some of their ringleaders aimed at or the progresse they intended to make till many of them had brought themselves into such a trap that there was scarce any hope or
that neither this (o) 1 Cor. 5.6 7. leaven for want of casting out may soure the lump nor (p) Heb 12.15 this root of bitternesse so spread by being amongst the professors of verity as that many should be perverted thereby nor they be partakers of Seducers sins by an unrighteous silence of unjust with-holding that Ordinance of GOD which possibly may tend to the making even the seducer sensible of his crime by Gods blessing and concurrence but however it is like to put a stand to their madnesse make others (q) 1 Tim. 5.20 fear and be very cautious how either they receive their doctrine whom the Church of Christ declares deceivers or run their course which may bring them into the same condemnation with these their seducing guides But however the Ministers of Christ have discharged their duty and may have much peace and comfort therein whatever the event and issue thereof prove to be There is another servant whom Christ hath intrusted in this great businesse and that is the Magistrate Although there be (r) Stapleton in Relect. controv 2. quest 5. art 1. p. 253. Bellarm. l. 1. de R. P. cap. 7. Tannerus Becanus cum multis aliis some that would limit and restrain his power to secular affairs yet is this doctrine so little answerable either to the practise of most pious (s) 1 Chron. 23. 1 Chr. 31. 2 King 23. Vos estis episcopi in ecclesia ego extra ecclesiam seu templure episcopus à Deo sum constitutus Euseb Governours to the opinion of (t) Aug. epist 50. ad Bonif. ep 48 ad Vincent l. 3. cont Cresc gram c. 51. Leo epist 9. ad Theodos c. Antiquity or to (u) Deut. 17.18 cuÌ„ 2 King 11.12 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Rom. 13.1 c. Esa 49.23 Scripture verity that were not these men abundantly ignorant or exceedingly impudent they would never maintain an opinion so plainly opposite to truth as this is But alas here is the sad root of this misery That either the Ministers are (x) Isa 56.10 ignorant and unable to maintain the truth confute and stop the mouths of gainsayers or they are wicked and scandalous like (y) 1 Sam. 2.13 c. Elies soâ—â— whose prophane and ungodly courses lose all repute to the Truth making the things of God by those who measure truth by the lives and carriages of them that maintain it to be abandoned and abhorred If neither of these yet perhaps they are (z) Rev. 2.20 carelesse negligent inadvertent nothing heeding how Truth thrives or how Error spreads as if to them it were of very small or no concernment In point of benefit they are greedy dogs zealous enough for their profit (a) Isa 56.11 looking after that from every quarter but in point of duty they want heat (b) Rev. 3.15 the fire of zeal for Gods glory is not in them therefore they love their ease to sleep slumber and take their rest whereby they give not only an opportunity to the Evil one to sow his tares but to those tares to take root and prosper Or lastly They are magisteriall and proud testy and froward whereas they ought to be (c) Gal. 6.1 lowly and meek (d) 2 Tim. 2â— 24 25. gentle towards all apt to teach waiting with patience but this their course and carriage is no small means to alienate poor seduced souls from the truth making them believe that truth hath but small strength of reason and wisdome to support it and therefore stands in need of the weak and loathsome props of Pride and passion Thus verity is disgraced But many times the Minister may do his duty and yet by reason of the Magistrates miscarriage these Haeresies may flourish because perhaps they have conquered himself Now (e) Psal 11.3 if the foundations be removed what then can the righteous do O how sad was the Churches condition when Emperours Kings and Governours were infected with the Arrian haeresie when Arrianisme (e) Vincent Lyr. cont haeres like a hellish fury laid hold on the Throne it self the People imitating and conforming to their Princes judgement and manners were quickly and easily infected with it Or suppose they be not tainted themselves yet if they be irreligious and profane who make as slight of differences in Religion as * Act. 25.19 20. Festus did in the businesse of Paul Or timorous to displease of a low and inferior spirit slothfull to erract or execute according to the demerit of the Error or the Haeretick how can it from such be expected either that Truth should be righted or a stop put to the madnesse of people by them 5. This is too often occasioned through the various differences in Judgement about things not much material that are amongst different Ministers and Professors of Piety and Religion whereby they are so divided in affection and exasperated against each other that their bitter words and carriages too often discover that fire of hell which burns within though at the same time they agree in fundamentals and things that are absolutely necessary to eternall happinesse There are no few examples of this might be given in Primitive times * Euseb hist eccl l. 5 c. 21 c as about the time of Easter maintained with no small heat and such like petty differences breaking forth by degrees into horrid flames The like hath too much happened in the Church of Christ in latter times The Ministers and Professors of Religion not long since in this Island were like a goodly Mirrour all of one peece glorious in truth and piety by reason of the bright beams of the Sunne of Righteousnesse that Fountain of true light and holinesse shining on them But oh how are they broken all to shivers and who can expresse the sad consequents of their dissentions The Profane are detetred from looking towards Religion because they conceive it to be a thing of so great uncertainty that it will be impossible for them to attain to any assurance of what is truth seeing such persons of parts and piety cannot agree about it The weak contrary to the Apostles (f) Rom. 14.1 canon being received to doubtfull disputations or hearing so much of differences amongst those that are reckoned more then ordinary in Religion lie down in despondencie of spirit and are subjected to sad temptations of misbelief and error That which (g) Heb. 12.13 halts in stead of being healed is clean turn'd out of the way of truth The strong are grieved and the Devil laughs to see his work go forward his kingdom increase his tares so readily entertained by the means of those whom he lookt upon as his most mortall enemies 6. All the former causes of the growth of haeresie would not be effectually operative were it not that Peoples hearts are like a prepared soile ready to entertain these damnable errors Look into their minds they are filled with darknesse how then
should they be able to understand or judge of the things of God they cannot (h) 1 Cor. 2.14 for they are spiritually discerned in heavenly light only manifest to an enlightned mind all colours in the dark are alike Neither is this only Naturall but adventitious frequently from a cold frozen heart void of Truths love which like cold weather thickens the clouds causing darknesse and darknesse prevailing by the clouds being thickned increases the cold so is it here A cold frozen spirit clouds and darkens the mind and the mind being darkned heighthens and increases the coldnesse and benummednesse of the heart in respect of that affection which it owes to the truth But yet in many blessed be God there are beginning of Knowledge which in most of these being but very beginnings and embrioes of Truth they hang too (i) Act 26 28. equally ballanced between it and error being full of doubtfulnesse and are not freed from jealousies and suspitions (k) Mar. 13.21 which are apt to take fire break forth and shew themselves when Seducers question the truths they pretend to hold but in truth are far from any firm and determinate assent upon any right ground which makes them so easily let them slip and barter them for such counterfeit ware as these soul-destroying Errors be They are very credulous like (l) Prov. 14.25 Solomons fool perhaps many times out of (m) Taedio investigandae penitus veritatis cuilibet opinioni potius succumbere maliit quà m in explorando pertinaci diligentia perseverare Minut in Octav. Malunt credere quà m judicare Sen. slothfull sluggishnesse being rather willing to take what they hear on trust then to trouble themselves and take pains about it to try what conformity and proportion it holds with the unerring undeceiving Word of truth the Scriptures Many have corrupt Consciences that must be (n) Ezek. 13.18 20 boulstered (o) 2 Tim. 4 3. corrupt Affections that must be humoured corrupt Practises that must be like blemishes concealed and hid This will make them like the Elephant to mud the pure water of the doctrine of truth that they may not see and be convinced of their uglinesse as the (p) Mat. 5.21 c. Pharisees did the Law by their foolish glosses Corrupt and pervert the Truth that they may avoid torture of Conscience When the Athenians had lost Salmis they made a law against the naming of it So whatever may torment them before their time they rather flatly deny it or some false way or other they take to avoid the force and conviction thereof Witnesse those people in the Church of Corinth that began to say There is (q) 1 Cor. 15.12 no Resurrection (r) 2 Tim. 2.17 18. Himinaeus and Philetus that affirmed it was already past Indeed they could wish it were so because of its consequent The last Judgement which doctrine if they should rightly consider would make them (s) Act 24.25 tremble therefore they chuse that doctrine to maintain which may best sute with their credit and reputation peace and quietnesse (t) Joh. 3.19 They love darknesse more then light because their works are evil (u) 1 King 22.8 Michaiah is too plain and tart He speaks no good concerning me sayes wicked Ahab (x) Mat. 5.13 The salt of truth though it hath wholsomnesse yet hath it tartnesse in it which they will not endure (y) Strabo l 17. num 565. The Aethiopians curse the Sun when it rises because it scorches them (z) Rev. 11.10 The Earth cannot beare the two Witnesses because they vex the inhabitants thereof So doth Truth the ungodly spirits of these people * 2 Pet. 2.18 therefore they are very willing to entertain that which may better agree with their frame and temper of spirit with their carnal tranquility of mind and (a) Mich. 2.11 wayes which they are resolved to walk in and making their lusts their law (b) 2 Pet. 2.18 lie open to be seduced by such who bait their hook with what is proportionable to those lusts in them Yet perhaps they may pretend that they seek for and love the Truth which certainly if they did they would make it more their businesse to be acquainted with it and would not let it lie so carelesly and superficially on the surface of their souls without any watch or guard upon it (c) Luk. 8.5 like the seed on the high-way There are too too many who are so greedy of New lights that old truths will not down They are like the old * Sceptici philosophi quasi quaesitores consideratores qui omnia in suspenso relinquentes nihil definiunt Gell. l. 15. c. 5. Scepticks accounting it no small bondage to fixe a belief of any truth almost but delight in a vagrancie of mind without law or limit And to make their misery compleat they are so unhappy as to fall in love with their own understanding so farre as to make it the soveraign Judge of controversies and Rule of truth contrary to the advise of (e) Prov. 3 5.28 26. 1 Cor. 3.18 2 Cor. 10.5 Scriptures by which means because their mind is full of (f) Eph. 5.3 2 Pet. 2.18 Jude 16 18 19. 2 Pet. 3.3 darknesse and erroneous principles naturally being byassed by perverse and carnal affection which mould and modelize their apprehensions therefore they cannot chuse but erre and mistake in their choice and decisions of truth and error Many times like the Abissines who because they are black when they picture Angels they draw them in the same colour with themselves Even so do these whatever is tendred to them if it agree with their humour and fancie they imbrace and cry it up for truth Now therefore these things being duly considered it is no great wonder though not a few but Many are perverted by Seducers 7. We may adde to the former reasons very often the concurrence of the time and season which very much conduces to help forward this evil Perhaps it is a time of Liberty such a season wherein the reines of Government are laid too loosely upon the Peoples neck Nay perhaps the garb and fashion that is most in request is Haeresie which finding patronage from persons of no mean rank and encouragement no marvell though it spread apace and flourish Flies Swallowes and such like creatures remain as dead in the Winter and Weeds appeare not till the Summers sun revive and draw them forth so Errors if they received not some gleams of countenance or at least connivence from some of a superior Orbe would in all probability soon dwinder and quickly vanish 8. 'T is Gods just judgement on them who (g) 2 Thess 2.11 receive not his Truth in the love thereof to give them up to the (h) Psal 81.11 writhings of their own hearts to walk in their own counsels to send them strong delusion to believe a lye to deliver them up to Satan
destroying Errors with Truths (d) Act 19 27 c. 35. ornaments attributing to them as Numa and other deceivers to their Lawes the title of Divine oracles (e) Euseb eccl hist l. 4. c. 6. Depths of wisdome Rules of piety Saving truths High and mystical excellencies Thus did Saturninus and divers others He that would satisfie himself farther concerning these particulars may take a view of Porphyrie's railing books against the Christians or later horrid Pamphlets exceeding his in blasphemy as that De tribus Impostoribus mundi Popish railing libels Haeretical writings as that of Paul Best The Mad-mans Divinity and such like stuffe And thus briefly you see the truth of this second particular viz. The course usage Religion meets with at the hands of some in the world It is evil-spoken of or blasphemed But how comes this to pass Indeed it is mens basenesse and prophanesse so to do but yet there is seeming cause for it which the Text holds forth in those words By reason of whom i.e. of such as are seduced Which is the third and last Particular of this second generall Part. A main cause and root of wicked mens blaspheming or speaking evil of Religion is the following of Seducers by multitudes who pretend to Truth yet imbrace their pernicious wayes and errors Thus was in the Primitive times the people who bare the name of Christians yet being seduced profest such doctrine as could no way agree with the Christian verity and walked in an answerable practise to their erroneous tenets raised (f) Euseb l. 4. hist. eccl c. 7. no smal persecutions against the Church For when the profane atheistical spirits of the world took notice in those people either of their monstrous and absurd opinions as that of (g) Epophan haeres 37. Aug. de haeres the Ophites who worshipped the Serpent that seduced Eve believing it was Christ and the (h) Epiph. haer 38. Aug. de haer Cainites who honoured Cain as their father (i) Euseb hist eccl l. 3. c. 26. Epiph. haeres 21 25. highly esteeming Esau Chore Dathan Abiran and Judas c. Their beastly tenets as that of the Nicholaitans concerning community of wives or of the Simonians concerning liberty to all licentiousnesse Which when they take notice how contrary and opposite to Justice Order Modesty such assertions are this makes them taxe Religion as the Devils product carrying souls headlong to eternall ruine Or else they look upon their inconstancy levity frequently shifting opinions and changing Sects (k) Mat. 11.7 like reeds shaken to and fro or empty (l) Jude 12. clouds carried hither and thither by every wind As (m) Socr. schol hist eccl l. 3 c. 11. Eccebolius the Sophist who in Constantines time was a Christian in Julians a Pagan after his death a Professor of Christianity again and hath this blurre left on him That he was constant in his unconstancie to his death How many such weather-cocks are there in the world who turn with every wind conforming themselves to the time not truth Well hereby worldly men charge Truth with fallibility and uncertainty Or else they take notice of their egregious Pride and Censoriousnesse (n) Hermogenes erat natura turbulentus c. Tertul. Jam. 3.17 morosity and selfishnesse stiling their own Conventicles the Elect of God the Spouse of Christ the only pure and undefiled one rejecting all others as polluted creatures Reprobates fuel for hell and the like as the (o) Euseb hist eccl l. 6. c. 42. Novatians of old 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who stiled themselves the Pure ones and divers other Haereticks both in former and later times I might instance in This makes them tax Religion with pride unmannerlinesse with self-seeking and uncharitablenesse c. And lastly Their divisions and differences that were amongst them which made Pagans take notice that (p) Amb. in 2 Tim. 2.20 there were many Sects and Factions amongst the Christians and hence conclude against the Religion it self as a thing breeding and nourishing divisions and distempers But give me leave to tell you their mistake may be taken notice of to arise from these two things Either first their not distinguishing between Truth and Haeresie as if they were one and the same seed producing the same fruit in all whom they possest Thus they speak evil of the things they (q) 2 Pet. 2.12 understand not as the Apostle speaks Or secondly Their not putting a difference between the Orthodox and Heterodox professors of Religion Which error in the (r) Euseb hist eccl l. 4. c 7. Primitive time was no smal occasion of slanders cast upon the Christians and of sad persecutions raised against them And hence it was that those Primitive fathers were so much put upon it to pen Pemonstrances Confessions of faith Apologies and Confutations of Haeretical tenets that they might vindicate Religion and cleer the Church of Christ from those calumnies and false aspersions that were occasioned by their words and courses who were seduced by heterodox opinions Vse And is not here new cause of mourning to hear Truth blasphemed This is that which sads the spirits of good men It is a day of trouble to them because a day of (s) Esa◠37 3. blasphemy And that too frequently procured by them who pretend to more light piety and religion then others do So that Christ may well take up those words in the (t) Zach. 13.6 Prophet I am wounded in the house of my friend for such they are in pretence though in reality enemies What pious spirit can chuse but grieve to see the Daughter of heaven reproached the Jewel betrusted with the Saints abused the generall and onely true Medicine of soules contemned the Mirrour of Heaven spet upon the Image of Gods mind most despitefully used To hear Innocency charged with guilt Simplicity with deceit Sincerity with falshood Antiquity with novelty Light called darknesse Divine called humane nay diabolical Who can abstain from tears What have we I beseech you to leave Posterity so precious as this Way of Truth If that be gone the (u) 1 Sam. 3. glory is departed from Israel and farewell all Have we received it from our ancestors in lustre and purity and is it not grievous to us that in our time it should be so mangled and defaced that our children after us except it be timely prevented will scarce be able to distinguish 'twixt it and Error Why did the valiant Martyrs shed their precious blood but to maintain this way of truth shall we lose and let it go at so cheap a rate and not mourne for it (w) Esa 36 22 37 1. The Jewes of old when they heard blasphemy used to rend their cloaths to testifie the inward rending of their hearts Can ours be whole when the foolish people so much defame Gods truth and blaspheme his (x) Psal 74.18 name Well this I am sure of That by
this morris-dance of Haereticks Gods truth is rendred in the opinion of carnal men as a thing of so much uncertainty vanity and deformity that those who otherwise would imbrace it are kept back like that Indian King from baptisme by beholding the Spaniards ungodly oppressing courses The weak are scandalized and laid open to temptations (y) Mat. 18.6 Mark 9.42 Luk. 17.2 but woe to them that offend those little ones that believe in Christ it were better for them that a milstone were hang'd about their necks and they were cast into the bottom of the sea The strong (z) 2 Sam. 2.23 like the army stand at a gaze as when Hasael lay dead before them and are retarded in stead of making progres to cleanse these (a) Pausan l. 5. Augean stables purge out this leven which else would leven the lump their righteous soules are vexed to see Religion made a coat for the Moon or a Shipmans hose to serve all turns and purposes The prophane are heartned against this way of truth and their mouths wide-opened in scorns scoms and reproches of it These things moved the blessed Apostle to that severe desire (b) Gal. 5.12 I would saith he they were cut off that trouble you And lastly God himself is provoked to wrath and indignation For if (c) Cedrâ—â— p. 168. Theodosius the Emperor was so much offended with the people of Antioch for abusing the Statue of his Empresse Placilla that he devoted the place to ruine and themselves to slavery what think you will become of those that abuse Religion then which there is not a more excellent Image of Himselfe in heaven or earth And is not here cause to mourn Vse 2 Are not you a people whom God hath hedged in from the large Common of the world for a part of his own Peculiar You are famous in your pious Progenitors who by their pleadings writings sufferings have stood like mighty bulwarks against Truths enemies Are you not renowned in your Atchievements glorious for Deliverances envied for Mercies And what shall all this set in a dark night of Error and render you infamous to Posterity Shall famous England become an Amsterdam of Mixtures an Island of Monsters Hath God done so much for you and will you so ill requite him in exposing his Truth to scorn Do you not know the charge of Papists against the Protestant truth because of Divisions and Errors we formerly have been able to retort this by bidding them look at home and must we now be silent Beloved were it some new and not an ordinary tryal that where (d) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Macar hom 17. Truth is the devil seeks to extinguish or at least ecclipse its glory by setting up Error to cloud it or at least to conflict with it and disturb Truths quiet possession were this I say some strange and uncouth thing it were the more tolerable to be ensnared by it But when 't is a thing so ordinary that lesse or more the Devils malice in every age of the Church hath been sufficiently discovered against the Truth nay God hath permitted such blasts and storms to arise for to put his people upon a stricter enquiry after truths confines and that the light chaffe and weighty wheat the chaste soule and unchaste fickle spirit may be (e) Deut. 13.3 distinguished discovered and difference put between them And now when it is a thing so common to be conquered by it what will it argue at the best but great inadvertencie and heedlesnes of spirit in you and render you unexcusable before Gods tribunal Therefore I beseech you (f) Eph. 6.10 be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might (g) 1 Cor. 16.13 Quit your selves like men (h) Jude 3. Contend earnestly for the faith alwayes remembring that speech of (i) Fraus malitia haereticorum vel dolenda est tanquam hominuÌ„ vel cavenda est quam haereticarum vel irridenda tanquaÌ„ imperitorum superborum Aug. cont Adric. Augustine The fraud and malice of haereticks is either to be bewailed because they are men or taken heed of and avoided because they are Haereticks or to be laught at because they are either unskilfull and foolish or else proud lofty but alwayes to be shunned and avoided as the means way of everlasting ruine Q. What may some say should we do that we may escape their Seducements A. 1. Get your minds furnished with saving wholsome fundamental principles of Religion out of Truths record the Word of God for unballased ships are soon oreset empty clouds whist to and fro by every blast chaffe carried hither and thither with every breath of wind and unfurnished unprincipled souls with heavenly truth are easily like children for want of knowledge seduced and plunged in error (k) Humana caecitas ad deum non dirigit viam nisi ipse lucernam legis ostendat c. Cyp. ser 5. de laps Col. 3.16 Therefore let the Word of Christ dwell plentifully in you in all knowledge and spirituall understanding What is a Goldsmith without his Touchstone or a Carpenter without his Rule or a Christian without the Word 2. Rest not in a bare literal knowledge without the sealing light of Gods spirit affecting your souls with a proportionable love and liking to what is discovered in his Word unto you for what we find not pleasure profit or some reall worth and benefit in we are easily inticed and prevailed with to let it go but if once heavenly truths unload their treasures of glory into our souls so that we find and feel their vertue and influence in our spirits beams of light enlightning (l) Psal 15.7 delighting and making glorious our minds (m) 1 Cor. 10.5 Subduing power throwing down Satans forts in our hearts (n) 2 Cor. 3. ult transforming grace changing the whole man into the Lords image Conscience comforted rectified sanctified in a word the soul (o) Eph. 3.19 filled with Gods fulnesse It begets so great an assurance in the spirit of Religious verity and so great an affection towards it because of its goodnesse that Seducers lose their labour and are fruitlesse in their endeavours to rob such souls of Truth because they know its reall worth and that there is nothing so good to them in exchange for which they should barter and let it go Only take care to grow and increase in this sweet (p) Col. 1.2.2 Experimentall knowledge and most inward acquaintance with the way of truth for (q) Nemo putet bonos posse de ecclesia discedere Triticum non rapit ventus nec arborem solida radice fundatam procella subvertit Inanes paleae tempestate jactantur invalidae arbores turbinis incursione evertuntur Cyp. tract 3. de simpl praelat thereby you shall find your selves established and strongly rooted in the same so that when others shall discover their levity and in time of temptation shall
must either take that or none for they have no better to give them It were not a little to be wisht that what (h) Euseb hist eccl l. 2. c. 17. Eusebius writes concerning the Primitive Christians in Egypt were practised there I mean that reading the Scriptures and pious exercises might be more in use amongst them (i) Euseb hist eccl l 6. c. 16. Nullis tutius infirma at as coÌ„mittitur quaÌ„ his qui piè docti doctè piisunt Hyper. opusc c. 4. What a flourishing School was Alexandria by reason of Clement Ammonius Panthenus Origen Heracles Didymus and divers others who being men of extraordinary piety and learning were Instruments to breed not a few that were famous men for Learning and Religion in the Church of God 8. Suffer not the Church for relation or by-respects to be pestered with unsound or illiterate persons who have not the (k) Isa â—0 4. tongue of the learned are not well (l) Mat. 13 52. taught to the Kingdom of heaven (m) Mich. 3.8 want judgement (n) 2 Tim 2.15 and are not able to divide the Word of God aright (o) 1 Tim. 4.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Tim. 3.13 Take no heed to their doctrine but are deceivers being deceived 9. (p) 1 Cor. 9.14 1 Tim 5.17 18 Take heed of scandalous Maintenance 't is the way to breed a base scandalous Ministry in time like (q) 1 King 12.31 Jeroboams Priests or (r) Judg. 17.5 10. Micha's tensâ—ekels Levite 10. Encourage Orthodoxnesse but discountenance Erroneous persons opinions And that not only in verbal but also in real encouragements as by your Provision and Maintenance (s) Theodore l. 1. c. 11. y So Constantine did and divers pious Emperors who cherished Truths champions but discouraged Errors hucksters By your Lawes and Ordinances stop Seducers mouths but command that Truth be taught 'T is a Princely work to make it your imployment that people may know the sacred truth of God By your Censures and Punishments let all the World take notice you are sensible of Gods dishonour and that there is nothing more you affect then to do him service in this great businesse If nothing else will do it (t) Deut. 13.5.10 the Seducing Prophet must die the death for offering to thrust Gods people from him Eliah slayes (u) 1 King 18.40 Baals prophets the like doth (w) 2 King 10.24 Jehu (x) 2 King 11.18 The people of the land slay Mattan If any offer sacrifice to Idols on altars let him be (y) Gladio ultore sterneretur cut off with the sword sayes Constantine Valentinian Theodosius Martian were alike disposed against such persons I confesse such executions should be after other means made use of all endeavour frustrated desperate Doctrines broached with Haeresie Blasphemy or Sedition mingled (z) Fulmina paucorum periculo cadunt omnium metu The thunderbolt smites few but frights many Obj. But some may object and say What would you have us do there are many of them are holy and pious men Ans You hear what the Apostle says that many may have (a) 2 Tim. 3.5 a forme and yet deny the power of godlinesse The wolf in the fable that he might not be suspected but the more easily make his prey of the silly sheep put on a skin of theirs The shepherd discovers the guile and hangs him up in his disguise his fellow-shepherds blame him for hanging the silly sheep To cleer himself from cruelty he wishes them to open his skin which having done they easily discover that he was not mistaken as they conceived I need not trouble you with making application 't is obvious to your view 2. Why should you think to say He is an honest or a pious man should be a foolish plea in case of abusing Coyne Theft Treason or the like and yet should be of weight and force in this farre greater businesse and more horrid mischiefe Well I shall say no more but to conclude Blessed be God who hath put it into your hearts to humble your soules this day before him and command the Nation so to do In the sence of that Oath of God that lies upon you to extirpate Popery Superstition Haeresie Schisme Profanesse and whatsoever is contrary to found doctrine and the power of godlinesse In the apprehension of Gods protection of You but misery that lies on the Land by abominable Blasphemies and damnable Haeresies tending to the subversion of the Faith whereby reproach and contempt hath been cast upon Gods name and saving truths the immortall soules of people in danger of swift destruction and the Kingdome brought into a perilous condition Blessed be the God of heaven who hath caused you to take notice That not to use your power to suppresse this mischief is to make your selves partakers of these mens sinnes and punishments And now worthy Senators what remaines but that according to your profession you imploy and improve the utmost of your power That nothing be said or done against but for the Truth I beseech the Rock of Eternity to act and enable you by his grace to put under his everlasting arms and beare you up in the putting into Execution this your Ordinance and resolution Make you like those (b) Rev. 4.6.8 glorious creatures full of eyes that you may set about this businesse (c) Hoc pietatis genus est coercere infantiaÌ„ criminis ne juvenescat augmentis Cassiod l. 5. ep 39. Timously before it be too late Conscientiously as a duty Affectionately as a thing of glory to God concernment to your selves and this poor Kingdome Unanimously as a way of strength Fully with due respect to every Truth without respect to any Person Couragiously not fearing opposition Consider you have a good God to support you 'T is the way to have a good Conscience in the sense of duty to cheer you Good men will blesse God for you And if you strive (d) 2 Tim. 2 5â— lawfully you may expect confidently that Heaven will crown you (e) Vid. Caus l. 1. c. 71. Clemens Alexandrinus tels us a story That amongst the Magi in Persia there were three hills when people came to the first they heard a clashing of arms when they came to the second they heard a confused noise but when they reached the third they heard nothing but songs of triumph The terrible noise of Arms you have heard already God grant if it be his will our cares in this poor Island may never more be acquainted with those dreadfull sounds You are now come to the second hill the confused noise of Error the language of Babel Be now but valiant go on with resolution and I doubt not but ere long you shall hear the voice of Victorious songs of triumph Halelujahs to our GOD. FINIS