was taught and knew the Holy Scriptures from his very Infancy by which he became wise unto Salvation a man of God perfect throughly furnished unto all good works 2 Tim. 1.5 c. Whose parents are an Exemplary pattern to all Parents in the World though they be little imitated in our Times 2. Young men who though they have rich opportunities and much means to get Grace strong abilities and activities to apprehend remember and do what they have learned and do know Yet for want of due consideration that they are under uncertainties both of Life and the means of Grace For they may die in their strength and the means may be removed and that Temptations may so prevail and lie so heavy upon them that they cannot grow yet they take no care to get this strength that they may overcome the Devil 3. Old men in whom though the outward man decayes and the Soul must flit shortly from this Cottage of clay Yet they take no care with the Apostle 2 Cor. 4.16 that thaugh the outward man perish yet the inward man might be renewed day by day by the spirit of God in spiritual strength as Esay 40.31 Nor do they strive to close with good works as Dorcas did Acts 9.39 The Apostle and Evangelist 1 John 2.12 13 14. writes with more comfort sure where he ingeminates his Writings to Christians of all Ages whether little Children Fathers Young men or new Converts experienced Christians or Resolute Professors of good standing in any of these Ages and Conditions the Evangelist speaks to them twice a piece with joy 1. To little children because their sins are forgiven and because they have known the Father It is a most happy thing when Children or Babes which either in Age or Religion are thus washed spiritually from sin as it befell those new Converts Acts 10.43 And when so well instructed as to know God their Father betime and to give him Honour as Children and new Converts do 2. To fathers because they have known him that he is from the beginning i. e. Old men have been long acquainted with Christ and have the Knowledge of him in a greater measure then other Christians and happy are gray hairs found so in a long-continued experimental knowledge of God and of Christ Prov. 16.31 3. To young men because they are strong and the Word of God abideth in them and they have overcome the wicked one When spiritual strength is joyned to bodily strength and the Word of God dwels and abides in young men to Rule them And that their greatest Conquests are over the Devil who is the most powerfull and spightfull Adversary then such a sanctified Youth is truly Victorious and Glorious 1 John 2.12 13 14. But surely the Apostles times were better then ours For generally Many remain weak or sick or dead nevertheless the means of life health is afforded Weak that they remain Babes in Christ still 1 Cor. 3.1 2. and must be fed accordingly Heb. 5.12 when they might have been Teachers for the time they had enjoyed the means of Knowledge Sick That they grow worse and worse like evil men and Seducers 2 Tim. 3.13 Like Ephesus they have lost their first Love Rev. 2.4 Or as Laodocea are grown luke-warm Rev. 3.14 16. with Israelites they first love then loath Manna Num. 21.5 or with Galatians begin in the spirit end in the flesh Gal. 3.3 The Pharisees were Nipt with the least persecution John 12.42 43. so are these These leave Orthodox Truths for Heterodox Opinions 2 Tim. 4.4 And forsake the old and good way for new paths of their own invention and making 1. This is the case and sin of Many not considering that in Grace and doing good there is no Solstitium or retrograde Motion For non progredi est regredi qui non prosicit Deficit Qui nihil acquirit non nihil perdit Here 's no standing still He that goes not forward goes backward and he that gains not loseth all This is their sin 2. And for punishment what can be expected lesse then the removeal of the Candlestick except we Repent and do the first works Revel 2.5 See Eze. 11. 12. Chap. of Gods departing And the Burning threatned against that Ground which receives the shine and drinks in the Rain of Heaven but beareth nothing but Thornes and Bryars Heb. 6.8 3. Dead yea stark dead in sin They are so wicked so that we cannot say as Christ said to that Nobleman whose Son was sick at Capernaum Thy Son liveth John 4.46.50 But as Gehazi to Elisha 2 Kings 4.31 the Child is not awaked Or as Davids Servants to him 2 Sam. 12.19 the Child is dead ☞ In this case what can we do but have recourse to Christ and pray saying Arise O Christ and he say to us as to Lazarus John 11.43 Come forth Or as Eph. 5.14 Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light Ap. Then if the Lord shall arise upon us with his Glory as Esay 60.1 2. and Command as Cant. 4.16 Awake O North-wind and come thou South and blow upon my Garden that the Spices may flow out then shall we awake rise out of our Graves and begin to spring then shall we become like a watered Garden or a Field that the Lord hath blessed Or the Trees of the Garden of God Or the Cedars of Lebanon that he hath planted Yea we shall be able to invite our Saviour as Cant. 4.16 Let my Beloved come into his Garden and eat his pleasant fruits Thus much for the second Use of Reproof III. Use of Exhortation doth perswade 1. Great men 2. All men 1. Great men of Eminency Dignity and Authority Such are Eminent Trees in the Garden of God in Paradise Ezek. 31.8 9. more excellent then others as being more tall in statute Eminent in their Estates other accomplishments 2. Strong in power to over-awe and command others by the Dignity and Authority conferred upon them Therefore it behoves them to be most Eminent in Grace and abundant in good Works that they may be like the Trees in Gods House those Palm-trees and Cedars psalm 92.12 13 14. which are firmly rooted sound and imputrible straight and upright Ornaments in their places c. So should such men be Rooted and grounded in the truth as Trees of stature must be and not like Pilate who inquired what is Truth Joh. 18.38 Sound and uncorrupt imputrible in their practise as Cedars are Straight and upright in all their proceedings as some choise Trees are in their growth not writhed and crooked Ornaments to the Church of God as the Palms trees were to the Temple Pillars in Gods house a shelter a support to his place as the strongest trees are in great buildings Abundant in good fruits and works like the best fruit-trees and that in the faithful administration of their places to the publick good and in their acts of piety mercy and
keep your ground the ground of Truth 1 Tim 3.15 For Nothing is more pernicious or dangerous in an Army then Ataxy and flinching or falling off from our Fellow-Souldiers or our places 3. Stand vigilantly and watchfully as Sentinels Be not secure but remember that of the Apostle Be sober 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. Be vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a roaring Lyon walketh about seeking whom he may devour 1. Thus far the Exhortation proceeds viz. to the fourteenth verse 2. Then you have an enumeration of the several parts of this compleat Armour in the five next verses viz. Ver. 14 15 16 17 18. which are either 1. Defensive Or 2. Offensive 1. Defensive viz. 1. A Belt or Girdle 2. A Breast-plate 3. Shooes 4. A Shield and 5. An Helmet 2. Offensive viz. 1. A Sword 2. Prayer Both which may be styled both defensive of us and offensive to the Enemy Of these I shall speak particularly if God will hereafter at present I am upon the Exhortation This Exhortation in the three former Verses is briefly repeated sum'd up and Epitomized in this thirteenth Verse and doth in the main strength of it affords us this DOCT. The Best of Men well grounded in the Truth most Eminent in Grace Or 1. The Church of God in her best condition when very well eastblished and throughly instructed in the Truth c. 2. Had great need of christian strength and courage in the Lord. 3. And of a compleat spiritual armour 4. To avoid and withstand resist strenuously and over come victoriously 5. The Manifold wiles And. 6. Mighty oppositions and assaults 7. Of powerful adversaries and enemies that are against her on every side 8. Environing and invading her every way 1. Within 2. And without 9. And especially in the evil day of Tribulation and Temptation 10. And That she may be able to stand and hold her own ground Stand fast in the Faith and hold firm to the Truth and so to become and remain victorious in the end This general point doth contain the strength of the whole Exhortation and doth reach every particular of the Doctrine before named and the proof and reasons of this point will be appliable to each particular 1. The Church in her best condition when well instructed c. For then 1. When the Field was sown with wheat then came the envious man and sowed Tares Mat. 13.24 to 31. among the Wheat i.e. Not in the world abroad but in the Church of God Vt periret dominica messis 2. When the Churches were planted and well instructed by the Apostle St. Paul in Rome Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi c. 3. So also these seven famous Churches in Asia mentioned Rev. 2 3. Chap. how fast did Hereticks and Seducers start up and step in to trouble them and how doth he complain of them from time to time Rom. 16.17 18. 4. The like befel in Germany saith Zanchius in Epist p. 659. of which they had daily and woful experience 5. Is it not so in England now after 100. years establishment and instruction and upwards in K. Ed. 6. and Q. Elizabeths time what a multitude of Tares have been sown preached and printed and what a multitude of Errours Heresies and strange Opinions have sprung up and prospered in these sad times of Toleration Do but mark how apt this Field of the Church is to be sown and over-run with Tares For thus hath it befallen 1. Rome once so famous Rom. 1.7 8. for their Faith c. Is it not become Apostatical Antichristian and Damnable in their Doctrines 2. Those other Churches so much honoured with the other Epistles of our Apostle Corinth Galatia Ephesus Philippi Thessalonica c. Are they not a Den of Dragons the seat of the Turk 3. Those famous seven Churches of Asia brought to the liek pass which are so remembred Rev. 2. 3. Chap. 4. Germany once so sound in Doctrine is it not brought to Misery and Desolation almost upon the like account 5. England once the Glory of the Islands in the Earth for Religion c. what a Labyrinth and Confusion of Troubles Errours and evil Opinions do overflow Her and do threaten the like Ruine and Desolation to us 2. The Church in this Conflict had need to be strong and 1. Of a good courage and not to dread nor be dismayed 1. As David instructed Solomon his Son 1 Chron 22.13 2. As Moses yea and God himself instructed Joshua formerly Deut. 31.7 8. Joshua 1.6 7 9. Great atchievements must have great strength and courage to bring them to Accomplishment We are apt to be dismaid dicouraged and terrified at difficulties and had need therefore to rouze up our spirits the more as those Instructions both Affirmative and Negative to Joshua and to Solomon do import viz. To be strong and not to fear or be dismayed 2. Yet this strength and courage must be in the Lord and in the power of his Might As the Apostle speaks Phil 4.1.3 I can do all things through Christ c. And 1 John 5.4 5. This is the victory that overcometh the world even our Faith viz. whereby 1. We lay hold on Christ and apply his victory to us He hath overcome the world John 16.33 And given us victory 1 Cor. 15.57 And 2. Get strength from Him to go on in this spirtual warfare till we have fully overcome all Satans Temptations Rom. 16.20 The God of Peace shall bruise or tread down Satan under your feet saith St. Paul Even the Devil whom you are to resist stedfast in the Faith 1 Pet. 5.8 9. Ap. And thus by Faith you shall be Conquerors 1. Thus Christ in whom we believe is the principal Agent or Efficient And 2. Faith the instrumental cause of this victory For those Saints and Martys of old overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb i.e. by the vertue thereof not by any worldly power or strength and by the word of their testimony i.e. by bearing witness to the Truth which is called The Testimony of Jesus Rev. 12.10 11 17. because Christ was the Object of their Confession Constancy and Martyrdome 1. Thus whilest others Goliah like strengthen themselves in the Arm of flesh 2. The strength of the Godly is in the Lord and in the power of his Might as Davids was in that great encounter with the Gyant 1 Sam. 17.4 5 6 7 42 45. Although with a Gyant of nine foot in height and so armed yet David the Youth remained the Conquerour over this mighty Monster so do the Saints over Satan by this assistance and the Church at the best state had need of strength c. So also 3. She hath need of compleat spiritual Armour Armour of Proof that will not fail nor deceive Her such is the Armour prescribed in the Text v. 14. to 19. Which also is 1. Defensive viz. 1. A Girdle 2. A Breast-plate 3. Shooes 4. Shield And 5. An Helmet 2. Offensive viz. 1. A Sword 2.
Suplication and Prayer both which may be styled both offensive and defensive also For with the Word and prayer we do not only 1. Wound our enemy But 2. Defend our selves also against the crafty Wiles and violent Assaluts of our spiritual Adversaries ☞ 1. With this Sword the word of God our Saviour wounded the Devil and cut to pieces the Snares as well as repelled the violence of his various Temptations Mat 4.1 to 12. 2. And with this The manifold Errours Heresies and evil Opinions of all Ages have been refuted and ouerthrown 3. And with this the Reigning and Domineering Transgressions of many a sinner have been beaten down and slaughtered and as it hath been a sharp edged sword to cut down such things Ap. So it hath been as effectual to protect and preserve the servants of God from the danger of them all ☞ The like may be said of Prayer Both for 1. The Destruction of the Enemies of the Church temporal or spiritual 2. And for the procuring of Peace and Safety to the Church in several Exigents in all Ages 3. And all this strength courage and compleat Armour must be rouzed up and put on that she may be able to stand 4. To withstand and 5. Resist the Craftiness Wiles and Deceits 6. Mighty Assaults and also the Violence Rage and Fury 7. Of so powerful an Enemy as the Devil is 8. In both his Wiles to ensnare and Assaults to subdue and to stand holding fast the Truth and to gain the Victory and 9. So to remain in the Evil day 1. Affliction and Tribulation which befal all in the day of this Life 2. Temptation when Satan is let loose to tempt and try the most 3. Persecution by Antichrist Tyrants and Hereticks in several ages who have been instigated by Satan 1. To make Havock of the Church as Saul did Acts 9.1 2. Yea 2. To Infect Afflict and if it might totally to extinguish the Church and people of God that Israel might be as Psalm 83.4 forgotten Thus you have had the point opened and proved to you in the several branches and parts of it and each Part and Explination carries sufficient reason in it further to confirm the Doctrine and which Reasons are suited to every particular and may thus briefly be sum'd up Because REAS. 1. The Church in the best condition is very obvious to be sown with Tares of Seducers ☞ And had great need therefore to keep strict Watch to prevent this envious Adversary 2. The Church at the best is but very weak in her own strength and what member of the Church is not sensible of this ☞ Had she not need then to look up to the Lord for Aid and divine Assistance because without him she can do nothing of her self 3. The Armour is strengthening Armour it doth not only cover and defend but also infuseth Courage into the Soldier and enables him to fight 4. That she may Stand For how can Nakedness withstand an armed man 5. The Wiles of the Devil are very many and he acteth by divers Instruments For he is subtil 2 Cor. 11.3 and hath snares depths 1. Seeming Friends as Psalm 55.12 13 14. It was not an Enemy 2. Domestick Servants as Judas Psalm 41.9 John 3.18 cited by Christ 3. False Brethren as 2 Cor. 11.26 that will insinuate to know Gal. 2.4 their mind and then betray them How usual hath this been 4. By transforming himself as Satan doth into an Angel of 2 Cor. 11.12 13 14 15. light Either 1. By assuming a lightsome body like an Angel of Light Or 2. By suggesting such things as seem to savour of piety zeal and holiness Mat. 4. Ap. So his Ministers deceitful workers do By a fair outside c. and 2. By excellent pretences of zeal piety c. 6. Because Satans assaults and temptations are very violent and impetuous as it appeared by their prevalency over David Solomon Sampson Ap. If such Champions fell consider then what may befal us 7. Satan his army adherents and instruments are even innumerable and exceeding powerful like those Nimrod like Anshehashem 1. Before and after Noahs Flood Giants Gen. 6.4 10.8 9 10. 2. Like Anakims and Zamzumims Deut. 2.10 11 20. Tall Giants Noah and Aaron in Jehoshaphats 2 Chro. 20. Ethiopians and Lubians in Asahs time 2 Chron. 14.9.3 and Assyrrians in Hezekias 2 Chron. 32 and mighty potent as being 1. The Angel of the bottomless pit Revel 9. to 12. 2. The great Dragon the old Serpent called the Devil and Satan Rev. 12.9 3. The roaring Lion 1 Pet. 5.8 4. Prince of the power of the air Ephes 2.2 5. And King of Locusts Rev. 9.11 To name no more besides the Title given him in the verse before in the Text all which do argue an irresihable strength if we have not the aid of a powerful hand to help us against him 8. Because he doth invade and storm us with such snares attempts c. Both 1. Within us by inflaming Concupiscence and acting to do evil in our best services and in secret evil Lusts as well as 2. Without storming us with temptations to wickedness 9. Because all this he doth mostly in the evil day 1. Of tribulation affliction sickness and death Ap. And what work he makes then the diligent Visitors of sick beds and dying persons c. can well speak by woful experience Or 2. Of Temptation when he is let loose upon doubtful or despaiful souls For he hath his snares and depths 1 Tim. 3.7 2 Tim. 2.26 Rev. 2.24 10. Because if we stand not but either 1. desert our fellow-Soldiers Or 2. Yield our ground Or 3. Neglect our watch and lay down our resolution we are utterly undone we loose the day and our glory as Revolters have done These Uses are enlarged after Uses are suited to the several branches of the Doctrines and are of 1. Inform 2. Reproof 3. Exhort 4. Comfort USE I. 1. Informs how watchful and careful should the Leaders and Teachers of the Church be against those that sow Tares Cockle and Darnel against all Errours and Heresies repugnant to the Truth as the Primitive Churches were in their general Councels of Nice c. 2. Reproves the faults of them that neglect this as too many do Gallio-like not caring what Errours do arise so that they may sit at ease as the Romans and other Sects that leave no help either to prevent or extirpate Errours 3. Exhorts us to do our duty herein for how frequently is Vigilancy commanded and commended 4. And comforteth us if we do it This first Use is from the first branch or particular of the Doctrine USE II. The second Use is from the second Branch 1. Informs us that we are weak and do stand in great need of the aid of the Lord to help us 2. Blames us for not seeking it but for seeking after and resting upon other or Evil things that cannot stead or profit us 3. Perswades us to do it as the Church
Satan is a great usurper of authority he acteth as wicked Rulers do to pervert and destroy He is very bold and daring both in Earthly and Heavenly things 1. In terrennis humanis in things here below in the darkness of this world i.e. in the state of ignorance sin death and confusion all which do reign in this world and of which he is a Ruler what a deal of a work doth he make there experience speaks daily 2. In caelestibus divinis in things of a higher and better nature in the most heavenly places persons and things and in the most holy and divine duties to be performed by man 1. In the Church of God which is called Heaven Rev. 12.1 3. What work makes he both in the way of 1. Infection by Errour and Heresies 2. Destruction by enemies 2. In the best of Saints whose conversation is in heaven Phil. 32.3 What doth he not attempt to divert them from the right way 3. In the holiest duties and most spiritual graces and performances of a Christian which he is most virulently bent to hinder infect and hurt by manifold Injections Seductions and violent Temptations What Christian that hath a right knowledge of himself but he hath cause to complain And yet again the Church had need to be thus furnished 9. Because in the evil day this enemy is most apt to do us mischief ☞ Not that any day is properly said to be evil in it self but very good because it is of Gods institution and nomination Gen. 1.4 5. But in respect of other things the Day is so called Especially of 1. Affliction Tribulation Sickness and Death to all which we are subject every day and so it extends to the whole time of our life which is obvious to so many Evils Corruptions Perils and Dangers continually 2. Temptation when Satan is let loose as it were to vex 1. And infect the Church with Errours Heresies Corruptions and with like things of that nature Or 2. To sift and try the Church to the utmost by grievous and terrible persecutions and distresses of that nature which through his Instigation are raised by 1. Antichrist 2. Tyrants 3. And perverse and persecuting Hereticks As it befel 1. Job who might well take up Solomons Proverb and say as He All the days of the afflicted are evil Prov. 15.15 But especially then when Satan was let loose upon him to exercise him as he did both outwardly 1. In his Goods Children and Body And 2. Inwardly in his Soul 2. The Apostles when their Master the Lord Jesus Christ was taken and crucified and themselves left to be winnowed by Satan and persecuted by wicked men 3. The Church of God whose lot is Affliction But her days are at the worst when she is pressed beyond measure as 2 Cor. 1.8 by such enemies as are above named Antichristians Tyrants and Hereticks Now in such times as these Satan is most active to do us harm 1. What he doth in the Day of Affliction Tribulation Sickness Death c. let the diligent Visitors of Sick-beds and dying persons speak their woful experience 2. And what work he makes in the Day of Temptation when he is let loose as before let doutful and despairful Souls speak for then his wiles snares and depths are evident which occasioned many fearful souls to revolt in the times of persecution ☞ 10. Lastly It doth behove the Church to be thus prepared and provided that she may be able to stand and withstand as it is four times urged in three verses viz. Ver. 11 13 14. 1. i. e. To stand 1. Couragiously and valiantly in the Onset and Entrace 2. Unanimously and vigilantly with the rest of the Christian Army our Fellow-Soldiers whether we be 1. Common Soldiers Or 2. Commanders and Leaders being designed to such and such a place and employment either in the Church or State 3. Regularly and constantly in our Rank and Order in our Condition and Station keeping our ground The ground of Truth 1 Tim. 3.15 4. Strenuously with our utmost strength in the Combate and Conflict till all is done the War ended 5. Victoriously and triumphing when all is done the Enemy overcome and the War is ended for ever And thus it behooves the Church to stand 1. Valiantly 2. Unanimously 3. Regularly and constantly 4. Strenuously that she may stand 5. Victoriously in the end and why so But 10. Because if we stand not but either 1. Fail in our Courage which betrayes our selves Or 2. Fall off from our Fellows which weakens the Army Or 3. Forsake our Rank which puts all into confusion Or 4. Neglect our strength and do not put it out to the utmost in this Exigent 5. The Day is lost our Glory and Crown is gone and vanisht as a vapour we are utterly undone and shall never stand victoriously For nothing can be more prejudicial to an Army then for men engaged therein to fail in these things For if they 1. Lay aside their Resolution and so disnerve their Courage 2. Desert their Fellows and neglect their Watch. 3. leave their Ranks and yield their Ground 4. Abate of their strength when there is most need of it 5. Then you may be sure They shall loose the day be subdued captivated and quite undone 1. Pusillanimity and Irresolution 2. Division and Differences 3. Ataxy Disorder and yielding back 4. And casting away their strength and arms with their courage Are enough 5. To undo the most puissant Army as often experience doth testifie Thus you have heard the point cleared proved both by Scripture and Reason in all the parts and particulars of it viz. Doct. 1. That the Church when at the best 2. Had need to be strong in the Lord 3. And compleatly armed 4. To stand and withstand 5. The manifold Wiles 6. And Mighty Assaults 7. Of so many and potent Enemies 8. As do assault environ and storm her 1. Within 2. and without 9. And especially in the evil day 10. And yet that she may stand and remain victorious and triumphant The point thus proved only the improvement of it remains and as the proof of it so also the Uses must be suited to the severel branches of the Doctrine and each particular Use suitable to each Branch may very well bear the weight of a fourfold improvement viz. Of Information Exhortation Reproof and Comfort But I shall for brevity sake fold them up close together Vse I. Is it so then that the Church in her best condition had need of all this because then so apt to be oversown with Tares to have the wall or hedge broken down and this House by the Thief to be entered surely then this first Use 1. Informs us how watchful and careful the Teachers and Leaders of the Church should be who are 1. The Seedsmen of this Field 2. The Vinedressers and 3. The Keepers of the House by Gods own appointment to prevent and withstand 1. The Enemy that sows tares in this field
2. The Breakers down of the fence of this Vineyard and the wild beasts that devour this Vine 3. And the thief that enters this House For when either the Husbandman Vinedresser or House-keeper are asleep how soon may the Field the Vine or House be surprized and Tare-sown wasted or entred by an Enemy 2. Exhortation For how often are we exhorted hereunto to Vigilancy and Industry for the prevention of all Errours Heresies and dangerous opinious repugnant to the Truth Rom. 16.17 I beseech you mark them which cause Divisions and Offences contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned and avoid them for they that are c. and so frequently in the Epistles And that charge of the Apostle at his Farewell is never to be forgotten Acts 20.28 to 33. Take heed to your selves and to all the flock c. And for instance 1. And how praise worthy were the primitive Churches that took such care by their great grave and general Councels to prevent the growing and overspreading of those Tares that began to spring in their Times Those four first general Gounsels especially at Nice against the Heresie of Arius and other Errours Anno 330. circiter 2. Constantinople against Macedonians who denied the Holy Spirit to be consubstantial with the Father and the Son An. 380. 3. Ephesus against Nestorius that held two persons in Christ Anno 431. 4. Chalcedon against Autyches and Dioscorus Bishop of Alexandria who blasphemously affirmed the two Natures in Christ to be confounded and become but one nature after the union of the humane with the divine nature Anno 451. To which four Councels the Reformed Churches do adhere 2. The like care did the Orthodox party take from time to time by Councels and Synodes General National and Provincial to crush if it might be Errour in the bud and prevent it of taking Root and growth 3. The like godly care have all the Reformed Churches of Christendome taken viz. 1. England 2. France 3. Helvetia 4. Bohemia 5. Belgia 6. Augusta and 7. Saxony in the harmony of their Confessions and in Articles of Religion as also by Counsels and Synodes National and Provincial 1. To preserve Union and Peace amongst the Churches 2. And to prevent Schism Faction and Divisions which are the very Nurseries of Errours and Heresies to the great disquiet and trouble and as much as in them is to the utter undoing and ruine of the Church and the overthrow of her Doctrine Peace Unity and Concord 1. Of the Rule upon which she is founded 2. Yea and of her Piety Unity Peace and Concord which are the Materials wherewith this House is raised and cemented fast together 3. Reproof How justly doth this third Use serve to reprove the faults of all those Leaders Teachers Doctors and Pastors of the Church especially that are negligent in this case and Gallio-like in another case Acts 28.17 1. Care not what Errours invade the Church and seduce the Children and Members of the same 2. Or hinder and not admit of such means whereby the maladies of a Church may be either prevented or cured so that they may sit at ease and enjoy Immunity and Liberty without controul And the first we shall take take to task for this fault are the I. Romanists or those of the Church of Rome statu quo in the state it now standeth and that for three things especially viz. 1. Separation 2. Vncertainty of or obstinacy in their Doctrine or Tenents as now it is with them 3. Their Independency and uncontrouableness admitting no means of redress The 1. Began or entred them The 2. Enlarges them And the 3. Confirms them and makes them obstinate and incorrigible in Erronr 1. They entred with Schismatical contentions Excommunication and Separation from the Eastern Churches about divers things in which they manifested great Pride and Arrogancy all tending to Schism and Division as the Celebration of Easter c. 2. In their progress they made a further Separation from the Truth in divers particulars which are evidently known and strenuously as well as voluminously refuted by many Worthies From all which Worthies they always separated and departed Ap. So that nevertheless they do charge the crime of Schism and Heresie upon the Reformed Churches yet the truth is that these never separated from them in what they were right when the Apostle left them till forced thereunto but only from their newly introduced Errors and Heresies which in porgress of time produced an incompatability of peace and Communion with Rome If they held to the orthodox faith and right Doctrine of the Antients they must proclaim no peace with Rome ☞ So as that the charge of Heresie and Schism fixed and charged by them upon us is clearly and really found upon themselves II. Touching the uncertainty of their Doctrine and Tenets and their obstinacy in the same it is evident and clear that when they once laid aside the Scriptures and made the Popes Decrees or Decretals of equal Authority with the Seriptures the word of God 1. Their Tenets are marvellously varied and altered 2. And they are still obvious to more variations and changes neither can they be otherwise whilest they do ascribe a power to the Pope to add at his pleasure to their unwritten Traditions which must as inviolably be observed as the commands of God and therefore it is no wonder that they do obstinately persist and continue in the same III. Touching their Independency it is clearly manifest that the Pope and the Clergy maintain themselves to be free from yea and above the controule of any Authority whether Civil or Ecclesiastical Ap. And therefore they did not only 1 Resist the pious and grave admonitions of the antient Fathers of the Eastern Churches and others of former times 2. But since they would never endure the tryal of an Oecumenick or general Councel though they have been often called upon to that end 3. Much less of any inferior Synode or other Councel or any part of the Reformed Churches in all their advertisements tending thereunto So that by this means they prevent all ways imaginable by which they may be reformed of the manifold Maladies and Errors that are crept in amongst them which now can no more be conceal'd than Gray hairs in the head and the oyl in the hand of a man Hos 7.9 2. The second sort of persons jnstly blame-worthy for preventing a Church of the means of recovery out of Errours and Heresies and hindering the Church of helps in that case are the antient Separatists of former times which are guilty of 1. Schism 2. Heresie And herein to let pass all those abominable Heresies of divers recorded by the Antients Epiphanus Augustinus Ambros c. I shall only look upon the two Sects of the fairest of them and that began with the greatest pretence of piety and zeal of Gods glory viz. 1. Novatians and 2. Donatists 1. Novatians took their name of their Leaders which were 1. Novatus A
the progress of that Truth by which we are all to be guided and in the belief of that Doctrine in the practise of which we all hope to be saved See Ezek. 3.17 and 33.7 I have made thee a watchman c. Ergo 1. hear c. at my mouth and give them warning from me The Separatists of these latter times have been the unhappy Revivers of the so long since exploded Errours of the Novations Donatists and others of old I. Anabaptism was first broached in Germany by one 1. Nicholas Stock who was a man answerable to his name as Ebion in his time was Anno circiter 1520. 2. Tho. Muncer was bred in his School 1. Stock affirmed that God spake to him by an Angel and revealed his Will to him in dreams 2. Tho. Muncer kept a Racket in Abset and Thuringia 3. And after him John Leydan Cnipperpdoling and their followers marvellously infected and infested Munster Anno 1532. The Chips of this Stock alias Block kindled such a fire in Germany that by Tumults raised by them in Germany Holsatia and Swethland there were slaughtered no less then 150000. persons within a few years Dr. Featly against Anabaptists p. 182. To Stock and Muncer you may add their other Leaders Melchior Georgius Tuscoverer and others who deluded the people with pretended inspirations visions dreams and revelations Idem p. 205. 1. These began with Separation as those before named did 2. Their Errours were many very changeable and many of them abominable 3. Their Independency or Obstinacy was incorrigible for they would be controuled by none 4. And their End for the most part miserable II. Brownism as it is commonly called or Separatism 1. Was set on foot by one Bolton the first know Separatist in England who terrified in conscience for his Errours He did recant his Separation and hanged himself Judas-like 2. Robert Brown Anno 1580. a rash young man succeeded who when most of his separated Congregation on a sudden turned Anabaptists at Middleburg in Zeland whether they went over to enjoy their liberty 1. Returned into England 2. Recanted his Brownism 3. Received a Personage at the hand of a Bishop 4. Became scandalous in his Conversation 5. And very careless of his charge in his Personage 6. So that he brought himself to prison where he continued till death Baily p. 14. 3. Barrow 4. Johnson 5. Ainsworth 6. Smith And 7. Robinson were all successively Introducers and Promoters of Brownism or Separatism whose abilities and miscarriages in particular to their persons I mean not to speak of it being great pity that men of such Eminency Parts and Learning as some of them were should be so far mistaken as to fall into an Errour so prejudicial to the Church and to the Truth ☞ And Robinson the last and one of the most grave and learned Doctors of the Brownists did in the end undermine his own party by a work begun against Schism Baily p. 17. Then this Mr. Robinson became the Author of Independency or Semiseparation which hath been the Fountain of many evils both in Old and New England Idem p. 17. Ap. Thus the Brownists in their 1. Separation 2. Errours And 3. Independency did generally concur with the Anabaptists III. Independency is derived from the Brownists and Anabaptists successively It is a Title very improper for any Creature Man or Christian 1. God being only Independent and of himself 2. And having ordained all to depend on him chiefly and Christians in special manner upon him one upon another in such a way of order and subordination as may best suit with the publick good in the Civil State or Ecclesiastical As the members of the body natural do in their several places and offices 1 Cor. 12.12 to 34. As the body is one c. as verse 25. which if they were cut off by a Schism would be altogether useless and unprofitable Ap. And thus it is with the Church which is either universal or national All congregational and particular Churches referring to the more general as to the body of which they are members This Sect of no long standing 1. Began as the rest with Schism and Separation from all the Reformed Churches in Christendom 2. They do generally concur with their Predecessors the Anabaptists and Brownists in their Tenets and in some things go beyond them and in the uncertainty of Tenets and Obstinacy in contending for them with all the former 3. They all punctually do agree in the point of Independency and Vncontroulableness because they do all defend this That their Churches are exempt from all Authority Civil and Ecclesiastical so as that no Magistrate no nor Oecumenick or General Councel hath any power at all to reform and suppress any Errour or Heresie arising or springing amongst them only their own Church must do it which may consist of seven or three persons And how soon may they be seduced or quasht 1. If there were no more but these three particulars named viz. Their 1. Schism 2. Vncertainty of Doctrine Obstinacy and Liberty to change their Tenets which they always reserve Baily p. 101. And 3. Their Independency or Freedom from the censure or controul of any power whatsoever Civil or Ecclesiastical to reform or redress any Errour growing amongst them Ap. It might well and justly cause any wise man or Christian to consider seriously of such a way and to suspect it whether it be right or no before he enter Rashly into it 2. But in many other things besides these they do concur with the Anabaptists and Brownists which time will not give me leave to relate 3. Besides these 1. What Ingress or Entrance these men the Independents had in Holland and what they did there is evident 2. What Progress they had in New England and of their carriage there 3. And now in Old England our dear native Countrey and what they have bin doing here for divers years last past Res ipsa loquitur loquetur Experience doth and will speak abundantly though I were dumb For when were so many Sects on foot as since the unhappy liberty which they contend for ☞ A doleful spectacle it is to see Christian Nations and Churches all pretending to the same end and of the same Faith thus torn to pieces with manifold Divisions and sad Contentions like virulent Humours in the natural body all tending to Dissolution while those errours can unanimously agree in the way to destruction and damnation throughout the world But is there no Balm in Gilead is there no Physitian there Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered Jer. 8.22 and 46.11 Is there no Soveraign Medicine to close these gaping wounds Is there no wise Man like a skilful Physitian or Chirurgion that can judge between brethren in Nature Profession as Men and Christians and to decide these unchristian-like Differences 1. Is our case just like the condition of Egypt Jer. 46.11 so that though we do go up into
and Separatist are nearest the Truth and most reducible to the Right For both which my hearty prayers to God are that he will add and abate to and from either of them whatsoever is wanting or superfluous that they may Brotherly conjoyn with the rest of the Church of God and may help to make up that holy happy harmony as may be for the honour of God the true peace and unity of the Church the everlasting salvation and abundant consolation of their owne and many other mens souls who will rejoyce to behold this good and pleasant prospect or thing that Brethren do well together in Unity Psal 133.1 Endeavouring to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of peace and that upon the Apostles grounds Ephes 4.3 to 7. Obj. But if any should now object and say You have discovered so many Fanaticks i.e. men that walk after their own Fancies and vain imaginations c. As that where will you find the truly Catholick Christian the sound well-grounded and Orthodox Protestants as we call them by a latter but not so proper a Title Answ I answer that neverthelesse all that hath been spoken yet as in the great and terrible time of persecution in Ahab and Jezabels time God had a Reserve of seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed their knees to Baal nor kissed him with their mouthes 1 Kin. 19.18 So I doubt not but God hath a Reserve of seventy times seven thousand in the Christian Reformed Churches that have not thus wildly wandred after their own inventions I. I could give you in a golden Roll of those Renowned Kings Recorded in the holy History to eternal Memory and of many other Christian Emperours Kings and Princes out of other Histories and experimentally till this very day in other Countreys and in our own Nation to his Majesty that now is whom God long preserve that have been and are Men and Women famous in their generations that are Foundations and Pillars to the Church of God the Nursing-fathers and Mothers the Amplyfiers and Establishers of Mount Zion Gods holy Hill Esay 49.23 c. that are and shall be glorious to all after-Ages and succeeding Generations till the end of the World when time shall be no more II. I could give you in a Catalogue of other Worthies of a second Rank Princes and Noblemen Statesmen and Courtiers that have been great Friends to the Prophets and Favourers of the people of God in the worst of times when the true Worshippers of God durst not appear because of persecution as well as in better Times when the Storme was over 1. Such were Obadiah in Ahabs Court who bid one hundred of the good Prophets by fifty in a Cave from Jezabels fury when she cut them off and there he fed them and supplyed them with Necessaries How few would do so in such a dangerous time 1 Kings 18.4 2. And what a man was Mordecai in Ahasuerus Court who studiously sought the welfare peace and prosperity of all the Jewes the people of God He improved his honour to this end a Renowned Pattern for all Noblemen Esther 10.3 3. Jeremiah the Prophet a man so tost in his time with troubles and perpetually persecuted yet he found some friends at Court viz. Ahikam the Son of Shaphan that had been one of good King Josiahs Princes and Counsellors and others of the Princes perhaps by his means Jer. 26.16.24 and also Ebedmelech the Aethiopian Jer. 38.7 to 14. who saved his life more then once in the Reigns of Jehojakim and unhappy Zedekiah 4. Not to trouble you with many instances the Church found some friends in cruel Herod's and cursed Nero's Courts and in the time of those ten terrible persecutions in the primitive times though but a few for fear c. 5. Luther and his Associates and Followers found many friends amongst the Princes of Germany the first Protestants 6. And the like upon search may be found in England in our Marian days Ap. All which Friends of the Prophets Pastors and people of God in such dangerous times you may be sure were neither Atheists Sensualists Timists or Fanaticks but the Noble Worthies of those Times who did improve their Dignity Authority and opportunities to preserve countenance and encourage the servants of God and not to discouroge and dash them quite as many in these times do III. I could give you in a long Albe or Record of many eminent Bishops Pastors and Doctors of the Church that have been resolute Champions of the Truth undaunted Adversaries of Antichrist the papacy and Errours thereof great encouragers of faithfull Preachers Zealous promoters of the power of godlinesse and prudent preservers of the peace of the Church by a due observance of such well-composed Forms of divine Service and other Rites established as are conducible thereto Some of which have washed their Robes in the blood of the Lamb and shall be cloathed in white with palms in their hands and all these shall walk with Christ in white for they are worthy Revel 3.4 5 c. And I could present you with a black Roll of Bishops that were ready for the black Rod of divine indignation c. being acted by Abaddon the Prince of Darkness the enemy of Mankind to the ruine and destruction of the Church and peoof God as much as in them did lye I know personal Faults are ill transferr'd to the Offices yet good Offices suffer for such ill managers of them I am well acquainted with the Name Office and practice of Bishops both Historically and Experimentally and I may know a Bishops Office as well as he knowes mine and if they be right as they ought to be they are Eminent lights and pillars of the Church but if otherwise they are most pernicious subverters and destroyers of it as too many have been Thus the Church in general this Church and Nation in particular have had Kings and Princes Noblemen and Statesmen Bishops and Doctors that have been luminaria mundi Lights of the World Stars of the greatest Magnitude Men most excellent and famous in their several Ages and Generations that were no Fanaticks IV. But no man can name or number the multitude of those faithfull and powerfull Pastors and Preachers of whom there is most use and by whom the Church receives the greatest benefit for most businesse is done by the light of lesser candles whilst Torches greater Lights are only for Festivals and Funenerals and Times of more Solemnity then others Neither can any man know how many true Converts like them Acts 2. and well grounded Christians like those of Antioch who were first so called Acts 11.26 There are in the Christian World who have rightly learned to fear God filially so as no to displease him sed contrà to honour the King and obey him in all things 1 Pet. 2.13 17. To reverence their faithfull Pastors and Teachers and to esteem them worthy of double honour 2 Tim. 5.17 To have
Principalities c. do here upon earth with various strength 2. And amongst them there may be several Orders and Ranks as Belzebub the prince of the Devils Mat. 12.24 Luke 11.15 Ap. As there is also Inter bonos Angelos amongst the Holy and Heavenly Angels of Almighty God as Cherubim and Seraphim Angels and Arch-angels Zanch. in Eph. p. 660.661 Ezek. 10.1 Isa 6.2 Michael and his Angels Rev. 12.7 Above the head of the Cherubims c. I saw a Throne above the Seraphims The several particulars of these three verses viz. the 10 11 12. might well afford us many useful Observations or Points of Doctrine all which I shall bind up together in one general viz. 2. A Preachers Doctrine extends to all persons and all Duties of a Christian but it urgeth presseth and justifieth most upon the most necessary ' Truths that they may take the deepest impression verse 10. 1. As our Apostle doth here who closeth this Epistle with this necessary Doctrine of Christian Courage This is from the word Finally 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quod Reliquum est 2 So the Apostle St. Peter also having written of divers things he collects this second Epistle with the Doctrine concering the end of the world and the use that we should make of it 2 Pet. 3.3 7 10 11 12. Though Scoffers did deride it 2. Christian Strength and Courage is very needful and useful to every child of God From the word be strong v. 10. 3. No strength or courage can hold out and prevail without the Lord and His Aid and Help and Assistance From In the Lord and in the power of his might v. 10. 4. A Christian hath need of a compleat spiritual Armour that he may be armed not only in one or some part only but in every part all over capite a pede as we use to say from head to foot From Put on the whole Armour of God verse 11. 5. Many are the Methods Ways and Wiles of the Devil to do mischief From That ye may be able to stand against the Wiles of the Devil 6. Doct. Eviol concupiscence and corruption within us and the world without us are very great enemies and always to be resisted But the Devil is the most dangerous Enemy of all and most diligently to be withstood For He 1. Kindled the fire of Concupiscence and Corruption in Eve c. 2 And he is over ready to act and inflame the two former Enemies within and without us to work and effect our Sin Shame and Destruction Lust within and the world without insnare us by his means From We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against Principalities against Powers against the Rulers c. against spiritual wickednesses Verse 12. 7. The Devil is a great Usurper of Authority and he acteth as wicked Rulers do who are his Instruments to pervert and destroy both in earthly and heavenly Things 1. In terrennis humanis In the darkness of this world i. e. In the state of Ignorance Sin Death and Confusion which are the Rulers and do reign in this World 2. In Caelestibus Divinis In the most heavenly places persons and things and in the most holy and divine Duties to be performed by man 1. In the Church of God which is called Heaven Rev. 12.1 3. 2. In the best of Saints whose Conversation is there Phil. 3.20 3. And the holiest duties and performances which he is most bent to hinder and hurt by manifold Injections Seductions and Temptations Take a Review of all these in handling the thirteenth Use wherein the three former Uses are Epitomised and in the main Point of the thirteenth Verse all these except the first Doctrine may fitly be toucht upon The Apostle having thus prepared for the acceptance of his good Counsel in a matter of so great concernment both from the 1. Necessity of it 2. and great danger attending us if it be neglected Upon due consideration of all the Premises in the 10 11 12. Verses 1. The Apostle doth infer and repeat or reiterate in this 13. Ver. His general Exhortation propounded in the 11. Verse before Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God c. Which Exhortation he concludes also with another Illative verse 14. Stand therefore 2. And the end why he doth thus enforce it is That ye may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand Stand therefore i. e. Couragiously Resolutely Stoutly Constantly Vigilantly and Victoriously against these Enemies Exp. 1. You know what it is to stand which doth not only signifie the Gesture of the body but also the Intention of the Mind to attend and resist as occasion is 2. In the Evil day Not evil in it self for so it is good but in respect 1. To the whole time of mans Life because it is always obvious to Manifold 1. Corruptions And 2. Tribulations Perills and Dangers 2. The time of Satans being let loose as it were to go about to infect or vex the Church with Errours and Persecutions As it befel 1. Job all his days were evil because no day but had his trouble But especially that day was evil when Satan was permitted to try Him to the utmost in his Goods Children and in his own Body 2. The Apostles when their Master the Lord Jesus Christ was taken and crucified and themselves left to be winnowed by Satan and persecuted by wicked men 3. The Church of God which never yet wanted sad Times It being the Churches Lot to suffer Affliction and Persecution But especially their Days were evil yea the worst of Days when she was afflicted beyond measure By 1. Tyrants 2. Antichrist 3. Perverse and persecuting Hereticks Proverbs 15.15 All the days of the afflicted are evil saith Solomon Thus the Apostle in this thirteenth Verse doth repeat and insist upon his former Exhortation Verse 11. Which is here 1. Inferred with a double Illative viz. in the Beginning and End of it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 propter hoc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ergo. 2. Fortified or preessed with a three-fold Stand in the words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that they may Withstand Stand and Stand. 1. Implying the Courage and strength before mentioned Verse 10 11. To withstand such Enemies Stand in such conflicts and to stand victorious in the end 2. And pointing to the evil day i. e. the day of Temptation Persecution and Tribulation which the Church doth endure and undergo in respect of the manifold Enemies before named and the manifold Evils by them occasioned and inflicted Intus foras within and abroad from Time to Time No marvel therefore though he doth invite us thrice to Stand viz. 1. Stand as Christians and as a part of the Army to withstand the Enemy whether you be 1. common Soldiers Or 2. Leaders and Commanders being designed to such or such Imployments either in the Church or State 2. Stand constantly in your condition and Station Be sure to
Presbyter of Carthage Anno 250. 2. Novatianus a Presbyter of Rome who became his Partner in errour at the same time ☞ Novatus was a man of a Contentious spirit and assisted by his Partner he disquied two then famous Churches viz. Rome and Carthage by a rigid sentence against such as had fallen through infirmity in the times of persecution and had denied the Faith though after they desired to be received to the Church For he taught 1. That there was no place of repentance left for such and therefore such should never be admitted again into the fellowship of the Church although they express manifest signs of true Repentance Hereupon they separated from the Orthodoz party who were otherwise perswaded And here began their Sehism 2. They were called Cathari because they boasted themselves to be purer then others in life and manners whereas our Purity only is that our sins are forgiven and we are purged in the fountain of Christs blood and sanctified by his word and spirit John 15.3 1 John 1.7 3. Yet this Errour continued the longer because it crept in under pretence of 1. Zeal to the glory of God and 2. Of Detestation of sin Beware of such Errours as enter with the fairest pretences 1. Nevertheless this Errour it was against the Scriptures evidently 2. And it produced dangerous effects for it advanced Satans kingdom by driving divers into despair 4. And it was condemned by the second African counsel under Cyprian Bishop of Carthage the President thereof And by the second Synode at Rome under Cornelius the Bishop there See Eusebius Alsted and Simpson of the Church Page 37.421 422. c. ☞ And nevertheless these did not multiply their Errours yet this Errour was a capital and dangerous one and made way to others and was obstinately persisted in to a great Schism and dangerous admitting no reclaim or amendment such was their Independency Though in other things they consented with the Orthodox ☞ Hence they were condemned by some of Schism only by others of Heresie So Schismaticks they were at the best 1. It is great Wisdom to suppress Errours betimes which Cyprian and Cornelius endeavoured by their Colleagues Synodes and Counsels 2. Authors of Schism are hinderers of reviving the Union of the Church 3. Inveterates Schisms often Turn to Heresies 4. We should beware of such as perturb the unity of the Church under the pretence of piety and zeal 5. And that Invent-Remedies for the Churches Maladies which are worse then the Disease as the Novatians did by their opinion Ap. For though weakness is to be pitied yet a devilish Rigor pitying none that have fallen through infirmity is a lesson that hath no allowance in the book of God Thus the Novatians err 1. in Schism 2. Obstinacy in errour 3. Independency 2. The Donatists took their name of one Donatus born about seven years after Arrius in the time of Constantine Afterwards he was a Bishop in Numidia and proved to to be a great Disturber of the Churches in Africa for 1. He hatch'd a bitter hatred though causless against Cecilianus Bishop of Carthage whose cause was often heard 2. But always the Donatists succumbed or failed in proof 3. In the end because they could not accomplish their designs against Cecilianus they became enraged and 1. Made a Schism falling off from the unity of the Church Ap. What will not Spleen do by way of Revenge if disappointed Thus being become a Schismatick next he turns Heretick and taught divers strange Doctrines introductive of more viz. 1. That only was a true Church which was spotless and without sin and that the Catholick Church was only in that corner of Africa with them 2. That the efficacy of the Sacrament did depend upon him that did administer it and thereupon that Baptism was not available except some of their sect were present and did administer it 3. That all that came into them must be rebaptized which they did practise upon people though they had been baptized before by the Orthodox This introduced Anabaptism 4. They placed Religion in austerity of Life and Homicide for they were very cruel Alstead Chron. pag. 385. 5. That the Son was inferiour to the Father and the Holy Ghost to the Son saith Eusebius so they made a Disparity in the Trinity 6. They condemned Cecilianus though his innocency was often tried and himself acquitted by many Judges and yet they had many Favourers as any such shall have and friends and were called by divers names thereupon as Parmeniani Rogatistae Cirtenses and Maximianistae 3. But they were learnedly confuted by Optatus Bish of 1. Melevitanum in Africk as to their two first Tenets Simp. p. 292. 2. And by St. Augustine mightily 3. And they were condemned by several Synodes at Carthage for divers years together viz. ab Anno 403. usque ad Annum 310.4 Yet they continued very obstinate and did refuse to stand to the determination of either Synod or Councel So obstinate were they in their Errours and Heresies Afterwards 1. They became cruel Persecuters of the Orthodox and Catholick Christians about the year 404. Alsted Chron. p. p. 335 2. In the end they were divided into sundry factions and so were rent and torn to pieces Alsted Chron. p. 385. Ap. As it doth often befal to such persons in the like cases Thus the Donatists also were 1. Schismaticks then Hereticks 2. Uncertain and obstinate in their errours And 3. Independent In the former Presidents of Romanists c. you perceive that 1. Schism doth begin and enter men into Errour and Heresie 2. Strangeness and uncertainty of Doctrine doth continue and enlarge them therein specially if men be obstinate in them 3. Independency and uncontroulableness doth confirm and harden men in errour and makes them obstinate and incorrigible as it did the Romanists Novatians and Donatists before named whom no confutation councel or course could reclaim 3. Now the third sort of persons that hinder the Church of the means of Recovery out of Errours and Heresies c. are the ☞ Separatists of latter times which are therein blame-worthy by what Names or Titles soever they be called whether 1. Anabaptists 2. Brownists or 3. Independents or are known by any other title whatsoever Quakers c. ☞ Herein let me premise this that none mistake me as if 1. I had any prejudice to any mans person or that I aim to do wrong to any man it is far from me 2. I have learned to own and prize the least appearance of Grace and Piety and the smallest measure of the gifts of God in any persons whatsoever 3. It is not any man but the Way that is in question 4. And I thought my self bound in conscience for the faithful discharge of my Duty to give you warning of such ways as I cannot but deem to be dangerous and prejudicial to the Vnity and Peace of the Church of God as the fore-mentioned Errours of Rome and Africa were and thereby obstructing