he could not be said Exod. 32.8 unto the work of his hands Thou art my God Hâ—s 14.3 impose upon God without the intermediating righteousnesse of Jesus Christ offereth not prayses but affronts not thanksgivings but provocations The water which he bringeth he [15] Job 14.4 poureth forth of an unclean vessel the fruit which he tendereth he tendereth [16] Tit. 1.15 with a left hand with a left hand lame and leprous the prayer which he sacrificeth is no more then the cutting off of a dogs neck and his rejoycings are much like the shoutings of them who [17] Exod. 32.18 compared their glory unto a molten calfe Thus all the honour which God purchaseth from the heart refusing grace is only like unto that drudging work which just Masters [18] Quod faciunt contra voluntatâ—m Dei non impletur nisi voluntaâ— Dei Aug de praed Sanct. l. 1. c. 6. exact from their froward servants or much like those confessions which [19] Josh 7.19 Joshua extorted from accursed Achan like the assistance which wise Commanders squeeze from enemies taken in War else like that medicinal use which able Physitians make [20] As Philip of Macedon who made his enemies the Athenians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plutarch of dangerous poysons In a word without faith it is impossible to please God for whatsoever is not of faith is sin viz. notoriously short of that reasonable service which the pure God may justly expect from every person since every person hath reason enough to thirst after the holy Spirit of Christ Jesus Sirs from those that do or may understand that such a Spirit is to be sought but seek it not all the honour which the Lord procureth is [21] Rom. 2.8 Job 21.30 Jude 15. Prov. 16.4 Rom. 9.22 Just as the Artist turnâ—th the natural violence of sire winds and water unto profitable works of Art as forced as that which through his transcendent power and wisdome he raiseth unto himself out of the hardnesse of Pharaohs heart or which is the same out of Adams disobedience out of sin as sin and out of Devils as Devils Wherefore the Lord perswade you to pant after the holy Spirit that you may with simplicity of mind endeavour to glorifie your God Object To pant after the holy Spirit of the holy God is a work of Regeneration and we are no more able to regenerate our selves then to beget our own substance in our mothers womb Answ To regenerate our selves in our power it is not we are meerly passive in our spiritual as well as in our natural birth It is tho [1] Ut letum Deo detur hâ—minis voluntatem boaaâ— praeparat adjuvandam adjuvat praeparatam Aug. sole work the sole act of the Holy Ghost to create anew The more [2] Ut velimus sine nobis operatur Deus cum autem volumus nobiscum co-operatur S Aug. de grat lib. arbitr cap. 7 observance and the more thanks is due from us unto that Father of Lights who is of his own will so ready to beget us with his word of truth that we should be any of us regenerated by his Spirit Object Though the word preached be spiritual we are [1] Rom. 7 carnal and sold under sin we are natural and [2] 1 Cor. 2 savour not the things of God Answ Naturally (1) Ratâ—o communionum opinionum consilii coelestis incapax hoc solum putat in naturâ rerum esse quod aut intra se intelligit aut praestare possit ex sese Hillar de Trin. lib. 1. we savour not the things that are of God but this we may do a natural man may be strength of reason so much as in him lyeth with humility and earnestnesse endeavour to know and taste of God as God is now manifested in his works and Word He may with (2) Plangendae tenebrae in quibus me mea facultas latet Aug. confess l. 10. cap. 32. the greatest of diligence he can observe and do the Will of God unto him in the holy Scriptures revealed As One most unworthy of so great a Treasure he may in a constant use of holy Ordinances wait for the (3) Luke 24.49 spirit of Promise moving causes for which the Spirit of grace is vouchsafed these are not Antecedent duties in which this Spirit is vouchsafed they are I say upon these waters of knowledge the Spirit delighteth to move Would a lost sinner patiently wait in the use of these appointed meanes should he never receive the Holy Ghost yet still he had done what in him lay he had submitted unto Christs Scepter he had glorified his God to his power he had made the best of a lost condition But the Scripture offereth more grace He that is faithful in a little natural abilities shall be entrusted with (4) Luke 119.17 16 16.10 gifts above nature True (5) See Mantoâ— upon James 2.4 confound nature with grace we may not sinful man may not justle the holy God may not reckon himself a co-adjutor in that wherein God will have the (6) See Bishop Reynolds Joy in the Lord in quarto mihi pag. 24. Videatur etiam Animalis homo habitus à D. D. Edvardo Reynoldo sole glory Mean while as we desire with all possible humility to acknowledge that the holy Spirit of the great God is infinitely a free Agent free as the wind which bloweth where it listeth so we are bound with all possible gratitude to confesse that this free Spirit hath tyed himself up * Deus promitteado se facit debitorem unto the truth of his Promises wherefore we dare not but expect to (7) Esay 64.5 meet God in those wayes wherein his free goodnesse hath appointed us to find him Saith one (8) Mr. Tillian a Dately of Banbury in his New Birth cap. 9. mihi p. 103. God hath appointed certain things to be done by men which they that will not refuse to do may do and the which they that shall do shall be Regenerate For saith (9) ibid. Neverthelesse Paedissequa noa praevia volantas saith St. Aug. Epist 106. he There is a common work of Illumination which so maketh way for Regeneration that it putteth into man a power of doing that which when he shall do the Spirit of God shall mightily work within him provided alwayes that he damp not the present motions of the Word and Spirit of God with procrastinations and delayes It is much-what in Regeneration by the Spirit as it is in generation of the flesh the fruit of Sarahs womb is expresly the gift of God but there was first a generation before a conception As to expect the fruit of the womb without generation so to expect the Regenerating Spirit without the use of meanes were to tempt nay to contradict and to controle the wise God Object The wind bloweth where it listeth Answ Most true it is that the blessed Spirit sanctifieth (1) John
Model in the old Testament as is in this or in any other Kingdom under Heaven So the Model of our English Hierarchy may be proved lawfull though there be no such Model of Hierarchy in the New Testament c. Object Object The Scriptures (1) 2 Tim. 3.16 17. are a sufficient Rule 1. 1. Answer Answ Blessed be the Father of (1) James 1.17 Lights from whom cometh every good and perfect gift Knowledge doth cover our Island (2) Isa 11.9 as waters cover the sea Many very many exceeding many and exceeding (3) Pro. 4.4 9.3.13 18.20.15 precious are those English Treatises which exalt this whole Nation higher then ever Capernaum (4) Mat. 11.23 was exalted Possibly thou mayest so buy the (5) Pro. 23.23 Truth that thou mayest in the end sell all to purchase Christ should I commend unto thy spare (6) Pro. 17.16 moneys some few of them such of them as thou thy self wiltnot stumble at Such as The (1) By Thomas Goodwin Aggravation of Sin Great (2) By Rich. Egles Salvation tendred The (3) By Daniel Dyke Deceitfulness of mans Heart Wilful (4) By William Fenner Impenitency the grossest Self-Murder Gods (5) By Adam Harsnet Summons to Repentance The (6) By Tho. Hooker Souls Preparation for Christ The (7) By B. Prideaux Doctrine of Practical Praying The (8) By B. Prideaux Doctrine of Conscience The (9) By Jeremy Dyke Worthy Communicant The (10) By Dr. Sibs bruised reed and The Souls Conflict Tentations (11) By Rich. Capel Nature Danger Cure The (12) By Tho. Shepherd Sincere Convert and The Sound Believer A (13) By Jer. Burroughs gracious Spirit a choice and precious Spirit The (14) By R. Young Victory of Patience Gods (15) By Dr. Preston All-Sufficiency While I commend unto thee these or other Books better then these wilt thou reply Such Authors are therefore useless because the holy Scriptures are able to make thee (16) 2 Tim. 3.15 wise unto Salvation I trow not Thou wilt rather say These or the like works are therefore beneficial because they (17) Eccles 12.11 consent unto the Truth of the holy Scriptures Just so must I answer thee The Word of God giveth general Rules (18) Rom. 13.1 2. As at first God himself im nediately Exod. 33.14 15 16. 1 Sim. c. 8.7.12.12 ruled his people so at first Christ also himself immediately ruled his people but afterward entrusted their Government with Kings and Rulers successively as God had formerly done for the well ordering of Gods chosen people Now while our Parliamentary Statutes do in our State Affairs establish among us at King as Supreme Head in all Causes temporal and a Magistracy under that King A King as Supreme in all Causes spiritual and a Hierarchy under that King These our Paliamentary Statutes do manifestly prove beneficial unto the Churches of God while they make particular Applications of Gods general Rules 2. 2. Answer Answ Suppose before (1) John 13.13 Mat. 10.1 Luke 10.1 Christ ascended from earth to Heaven He his Twelve Apostles and his Seventy Disciples were in that Infancy that new-birth of the Church a sufficient number of Church Governours yet as the Church encreased in the number of Believers after Christs Ascension might not after Christ ascended other Church Governours be introduced consonant and subservient to these 3. 3. Answer Answ Certainly as in (1) Deu. 17.15 Ruth 1.1 1 Sam. 12.13 Kingdoms and in Common-wealths so (2) Isa 49.23 Rom. 13.6 compared with Mat. 28.20 in Churches such may be the form of Government as the Law-giver for the time being shall see most expedient for the propagation of the Gospel Christ hath (3) 1 Sam. 2.28 2 Cor. 3.61.6.4 his Ministery and his Ministry hath (4) Mat. 16.19 18.18 The power of the keyes just as his Magistracy hath the (5) Rom. 13.4 power of the sword but ever the modelling of this Magistracy and of this Ministery belongeth unto the (6) Exo. 18.19 Law-giver Moses that is God by Moses may single out (7) Exo. 28.1 Aaron and his Successors to be high-Priests the Levites to (8) Num. 18.5 serve at the Altar to (9) Num. 1.50.3 31. bear the Ark c. David may (10) 1 Chr. 15.11 -17. appoint Singers c. and Salomon (11) 2 Chr. 5.12 may require them to take their Courses in the Temple orderly like an Hoste In his time in answer to the heads of the twelve Tribes Christ had (13) Mat. 10.1 his twelve Apostles In answer to the seventy Elders he had (14) Luk. 10 1 his seventy Disciples So after his Ascension for the benefit of the Church were added (15) Act. 6.5 Ephes 4.11 Rom 12.6 1 Cor. 12.28 Deacons Evangelists Pastors Teachers and Bishops and why not other such like as the benefit of (16) 1 Tim. 5.9 Tit. 1.5 John 3.8 2 Sam. 6.5 1 Kings 8.64 1 Chr. 15.12.16.4 2 Chr. 29.30 34. Ezra 6.16 18. Nehem. 8.9.9.4 Christian Kingdoms and Chuches shall require I conclude then so far is our Hierarchy from being a rock of offence unto such as receive a love of the truth that they are undeniably a (17) Ephes 4.7 11. gift of the holy Ghost even (18) 1 Cor. 12.28 helps in Church-Government for where these celebrate thy name It is (19) Psal 68.25 well seen O my God how thou goest how thou my God and King goest in the Sanctuary The next Scandal if any ariseth from our Function it self and that not so much unto others among us as The Function it self unto the flourishing Nobility and Gentry of this Kingdom If these rule well may God have the Glory and themselves the praises due Nevertheless since they have been more for ruling like (1) 1 Sam. 7.15.12.4 Samuel then for (2) 1 Sam. 2.18.3.20 ministring before the Lord like Samuel since they have stumbled at holy Orders as somewhat below their quality and birth with all humbleness and earnestness I beseech them and others for them to recollect how little weight there is in the Stone of Offence For 1. 1. Not unworthy the highest Suppose not many mighty not many noble receive the Saving Faith Saving Faith is no whit the less precious just so be it that not many mighty not many noble minister before the Lord the Ministery of Reconciliation is no more whit dishonourable 2. Term the Persons in my Text how ye please look upon them look upon us under the lowest Notions which ye conceive Compare us unto Fisher-men Husbandmen Merchant-men Watch-men Soldiers Shepherds Labourers Messengers Servants sim these and the like expressions will be not our Reproach but your Instruction For instance your servants we are but your (1) See Mede upon 1 Cor. 4.1 Servants in the Lord Messengers we are but Messengers of Glad (2) See B.
Andrews Serm. upon Luk. 2.10 11. Tidings and that not unto some private Family but unto all people Toil we do but it is in a Vineyard of Gods (3) Psal 80.8 own planting a Vineyard wherein our Labour is the Labour of (4) 1 Thes 1.3 Love and our Joy is the (5) Isa 9 3. Joy in the harvest yea in the (6) Mat. 9.38 Lords Harvest What Flocks we feed are the sheep of (7) Ezek. 34 3â— Gods Pasture Likewise the Weapons of our Warfare are not carnal but (8) 2 Cor. 10.4 spiritual The Watch which we keep helpeth to guard (9) Heb. 13.17 your souls we fight your (10) 1 Pet 5 8. enemy and the Leader whom we follow is the Captain of your (11) Heb 2.10 Salvation The (12) Mal. 3.17 Jewels the (13) Eph. 3.8 Riches the (14) 1 Cor. 9.19 Gain of Souls for which Merchant-like we trasfique are more then gold can (15) Act 8.20 1 Pet. 1.23 buy Like industrious Husbandmen we do indeed set our (16) Luk. 9.62 hand to the plough but we thus do to plow up the (17) ser 4.3 Hos 10.12 fallow ground of your hearts and if Christ (18) Mat. 4.19 maketh us Fishers of men we fish for men and catch Saints 3. In the same Notion although not in the same degree that we are Watchmen Husbandmen Shepherds c. God himself vouchsafeth to be styled a [1] Psa 121.4.127.1 Watchman [2] Joh. 15.1 Husbandman [3] Psal 80.1 Shepherd c. 4. If by this means I may provoke Heroick spirits to chuse their own happiness I shall compare the house of my God unto his sacred Majesties Court. In a Kings Palace seldom are conferred upon one and the same Favourite the preheminences of many Dignities at once But in The Court of the house of our God one and the same person is honourably entrusted with many Offices at once unto one and the same Minister of Christ belongeth the Custody of the Rolls those [1] Rom. 3.2 antient Records of the living God the Custody of the [2] Mat. 16.19 Keys keys not of some Lord Mayors Metropolitan City but of Jerusalem above the Custody of the Great Seals [3] Rom. 4 11. Seals whose Image and Superscription are [4] Mat. 22.21 not Caesars but Caesars King and Governours In this little world are but five Senses and He is Master of these Cinque-Ports The Word which he preacheth moderateth these Allow your Conscience to be a Court of Equity and the godly Preacher is become your Chancellor Such Metaphors I need not borrow For the Holy Ghost hath made and declared us to be (5) 2 Cor. 4.7 Treasurers of the Royal Exchequer Stewards of the [6] 1 Cor. 4.1 Gal. 6.10 Tit. 17. Kings Houshold c. We have [7] John 20.21 Letters of Credence from the Prince of the Kings of the earth and his Embassadors we are for you if you so please His Embassadors we [8] 2 Cor. 5.20 are unto the [9] Psal 45.13 Kings Daughter his dread Majesties glorious [10] Can. 4 9. Hos 2.19 2 Cor 11.2 Spouse I appeal now unto all the vertuous Nobility of this most prosperous Kingdom whether any of these Truths are below their Honour No more below their honour then the [11] Agnosce Sacerdos quanti te Deus secerit Oleaster in Num. 1.3 Courts of our Great God are inferiour unto the Courts of our most Gracious King whom the King of Kings long preserve and prosper a blessing in Himself unto his own Princely soul a blessing upon his Royal Family a blessing unto his three happy Kingdoms and a blessing unto all the Militant Churches of Jesus Christ 5. Even among the Heathen which knew not the Majesty of God Priest-hood was [1] Rex Anius Rex idâ—m hominum Phoebique Sacerdos Virg. had in very high esteem Unto Jupiters Priest the Romanes [2] Alex. Gen. â—ier l. 6 c. 12. permitted a stately Robe a Curule Chair as well as a Flama or Mitre yea the Caesars themselves were some of them as well Pontifices as Imperatores Afore the Romans the Greeks entituled the same person to officiate as Priest which [3] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aristot Politic. ruled as Monarch Before the Greeks the Epâ—â—â—ians had their precious [4] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Isidor â—clâ—siotes l. 2 Ep. 291. Crown of Priest-hood placing their Priests the next [5] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Diod. Sicul. unto their Princes For my part I am easily perswaded that they did as in other things so in this particular imitate Gods chosen people among whom Aaron was the next unto Moses then when Moses was King in Jeshurum Beside we find Melchizedec a [6] Gen. 14.18 Priest as well as King David a [7] Act. 2.30 Prophet as well as a King Salomon a Preacher as well as [8] Eccles 1.1 King Oh when will the Nobility of England follow the example of these renowned Princes May they consider that Esaias was therefore the more honourable because a Prophet Jehoiada was more famous in being High-Priest then in his affinity to the Diadem of Judah nor was Joseph ever greater then when from him was the [9] See Juuius on Gen. 49.24 Shepherd the Stone of Israel The person speaking in my Text did not deny his kingly office but in the fulfiling of his Prophetical and Priestly Offices he both lived and died Of the Persons here spoken to James and Jude his brother James and John his brother were [10] Cleophas called also Alpheus was brother of Joseph the Virgin Maries husband James and Tude were sons of that Cleophas and James and John were sons of Salome the daughter of that Cleophas high born yet gloryed more in being the Apostles of Jesus then in being as indeed they were of the blood Royal. I have therefore no small hopes that the Nobles of England who find it their Esteem to be Ministers of State will so train up their excellent Children that they may within few years be partakers in that [11] Isa 61.6 promise and be deservedly called The Ministers of our God We have looked upon the Persons spoken to in my Text 2. Not injurious unto Lay persons with both our eyes We have noted in them first that which we naturally espie in others and over-see in our selves viz. great Failings next that which we as naturally covet for our selves but envy in others viz. great Dignities And verily God himself magnifieth their Office their Letters credential are endited by the blessed spirit and sealed not with wax but with blood with blood not of goats or lambs but of a man not of a man only but of [1] Act. 10.28 a God Their Embassie treateth concerning not War but Peace not among petty Provinces but large Kingdoms on terms not dishonourable but of all sorts the most honourable namely that of
napkin [5] Mat. 27.5 for want of a halter In stead of ascending to heaven after Christ of rising to a lively hope in Christ of crucifying it self with Christ c. the heart of Judas could [6] Mat. 27.3 see Christ condemned and so [7] Mat. 27.5 leave him Wherefore Christ will leave the name of Judas for [8] Isa 65.15 a curse unto his chosen For unto [9] Isa 65.11 such as forsake him thus [10] Isa 65.13 saith the Lord Behold my servants shall eat but ye shall be hungry behold my servants shall drink but ye shall be thirsty behold my servants shall rejoyce but ye shall be ashamed behold they [11] Isa 65.14 that for sake the Lord shall cry for sorrow of heart they shall howl for vexation of spirit but unto You in my Text unto you his constant followers he saith Let not your heart be trrubled The Text opened Ye believe in God believe also in me In my Fathers house are many Mansions Which words as they are [1] Vide sis versionem Persicam all spoken in a breath so they do all breath out one and the same consolation This Gospel is a kingdom of heaven in an unexpected sense Look up unto the heavens in them ye see one glory of the stars another glory of the Moon another glory of the Sun yet all these together help to make up but one Heaven So look down upon my Text in it ye see the tryal of afflictions the exerctse of faith and the expectation of glory yet do all these make up but one comfort The Tabernacles of God the Son of God the God and Father of Mercies are all of them brought within this Text purposely to ease the Disciples hearts Object Object Though it be [1] Isa 65.14 promised My servants shall sing for joy of heart even then when we expect that [2] Isa 51.11 sorrow and mourning should flee away we are forced to break forth (3) Job 30.26 with Job When I looked for good then evil came and when I waited for light then came darkness Answ As there is no denial Answer that [1] Act. 14.12 through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of heaven so it must be confessed that (2) Isa 35.10 The ransomed of the Lord shall obtain joy and gladness While Christ adviseth Let not your heart be troubled he presumeth [3] Dr. Sibs Serm. in locum that troubles were nigh and nigh they were many already did and more [4] Erasmus Trâ—inus Marloratus Maldonatus Rupertus Gorraaus Jansenius c. in locum shortly would press and press heavily upon their hearts whence ariseth DOCTRINE I. viz. Even the hearts of Christs Chosen Disciples are not exempted from troubles in [5] Dr. S bs ubi supra this world But while against these sorrows of this world he enjoyneth Let not your heart be troubled there ariseth another instruction which rolleth away the burden of the former namely this DOCTRINE II. Even great afflictions may not trouble a chosen Disciples heart 1. That even the hearts of Christs chosen Disciples are not exempted from troubles in this life sad experience evinceth one [1] Mat. 6.34 day telleth another of this truth our whole [2] Job 14.1 life the whole [3] Joh. 16.33 world constantly afford witnesses of this complaint 2. On the other side since (1) Heb. 12.11 no chastening for the present seemeth joyous but grievous seeing as a [2] Prov. 27.3 stone so [3] 1 Pet. 1.6 1 Sam. 25.37 affliction is heavy it shall be my care to ease you of your griefs and to remove if not the stone it self yet a great part of its heavinesse Wherefore not questioning the former Doctrine the Doctrine implied I shall prosecute the later the Doctrine expressed while I First The Method State what Doctrine I would propose Secondly Prove the Doctrine which I state Thirdly Apply the Doctrine which I prove There be many that say unto us [1] Psal 4.6 who will shew us any good but Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us Beloved let not my weaknesse be your discouragement although I of my self [2] 2 Cor. 4.7 cannot turn your sorrow into joy or your mourning into gladnesse the good Angelin my Text now speaking by me [3] Rom. 10.17 can Where the word is the Word of a God although the voice be the voice of a man yet if that voice speak dry bones [4] Ezek. 37.4 7. may live Upon occasion other Disciples as well as you once asked among themselves [5] Mar. 16.3 4 Who shall roll away the stone from the Sepulchre And when they looked they saw the stone rolled away the like may ye if our God shall now vouchsafe to sanctifie unto you this Truth namely That even great afflictions may not trouble a believers heart I say DOCTRINE Even great afflictions may not trouble a believers heart The Doctrine stated viz. Though during this life sound believers are not exempted from great afflictions yet those great afflictions may by no means trouble their heart Object At this we already stumble What Object if the righteous perish may we not [1] Isa 57.1 lay it to heart When great afflictions befall us may not we well be troubled If the Lord strike should not (2) Jer. 5.3 man grieve Must we be stupid must we be Stoical when griefs are upon us Answer Questionless Answer we [1] Mic. 6.9 ought to hear as well the rod as him who hath appointed it this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 forbiddeth no such laying to heart it requireth no such heedlesness I say this Text prohibiteth not a reasonable sense but a (2) Rev. 21.8 distrustful fearfulnesse not a moderate care but an (3) 2 Cor. 7.10 unprofitable astonishment 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (4) Phil. 4.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Be careful for nothing this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth a carking care a care not furthering but hindering duties I would have you (5) 1 Cor. 7.32 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without pensivenesse Let not your hearts be (6) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luk. 21.34 overcharged weighed down with cares So here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Let not your heart be disturbed let not your fountain of right reason be mudded make not a Tartarus make not a hell of your heart While our Saviour here saith Let not your heart be troubled he v. 27. explaineth (7) L. Brugensis ad variant Lectiones Lat. notae himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 neither let it be dismayed Thus resolved I trust the longer while our troubles have stuck by us the sooner we shall be established in our present truth which is DOCTRINE Even great Afflictions should not perplex a believers heart Not to repeat what ye receive from (1) Dr. Donne his LXXIII Serm. and Dr. Sibs his
two Sermons on this Text. others That even great afflictions may not perplex a true Believers heart I shall endeavour to prove unto you from within the confines of the Text in hand I shall endeavour to clear it unto you 1. Negatively The Doctrine proved from the last closing of my Text. 2. Affirmatively from the first entrance of it 1. Negatively from v. 2. Negatively if it were not so I would have told you Whether ye supply (1) Dan. Heinsii Exer. i at in locum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or whether ye accept (2) Thus Regia Biblia Hispan Tho. Moâ—tfortius MSS. Alexand. Nonnus MSS. Cantabr Sixtus Quintus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without a point before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or whether (3) Thus Tremellius and to him assenteth Lud. de Dieu in locum with an interpunction 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or whether ye reject both the interpunction and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 too (4) Thus the Versionâ—s Arah ut Lat. Vulgat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or whether as we in our best English Translations do ye (5) Thus Erasmus Piscator Ro. Stephanus drias Montanus Beza Vers Syr. Grotius reject the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but make sure of the interpunction 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To omit several (1) Such as the Aethiop and Pe sick Versions I in short conclude Whether with some ye paraphrase the words thus There is in heaven (2) Hammond in locum room enough for both you and me so that I need not tell you of my going to prepare a place for you Or whether ye lay aside Paraphrases and follow the various readings in a nearer sense as In vain (3) Lud. de Dieu ubi supro should I go to prepare a place for you could I not assure you there are in my Fathers house many Mansions Or There are (4) Heinsius ubi supra already prepared in my Fathers house many Mansions else I had told you that I go c. Or Iu (5) Arias Montaaus Erasimus Bezâ— Piscator G otius and as Dr. Donne saith the Church of England c. my Fathers house are many Mansions if it were otherwise I would not conceal it I would have told you for I who will not leave you ignorant go c. If it were not so I would have told you Whether ye examine the variantes (6) Vide sis Waltoni Biblia Polyglotta lectiones whether ye follow the most obvious opinions of most Interpreters or whether ye keep strictly to the last and best copy and sense too This one phrase from the mouth of Jesus Christ our Lord this I would have told you Is Law from Zion Statute-Law standeth a good and a most undeniable proof From these few words If it were not so I would have told you that English (1) Act. 14.12 S. Paul of (2) Dr. Donn ours deduceth (3) Ubi sapra a Standard whereby to measure [4] 1 John 4.1 all Doctrines Judge therefore By the mouth of no one of all his servants in the Old Testament in the New Testament neither by his servants nor by himself did the Lord Jesus at any time either expresly or implicitly say He would have great afflictions perplex believers hearts Wherefore the constant silence of the Lord Christ calleth out aloud and giving unto this truth his free assent most undoubltedly assureth every one among us that in as much as Jesus Christ our Lord requireth no such [1] Isa 1.12 matter from our hands No afflictions how great soever may at all perplex a believers heart That 's my first proof My second Proof is from verse the first Affirmatively Let not From verse first c. Throughout this whole Context these Disciples of the Lord Jesus were and were to be under great and sore tryals All this while how doth this captain of their salvation lead them How doth their Lord and Master tutor them Answ He telleth them what they must accompt upon he forewarneth them how that In the world they must [1] Joh. 16.33 expect trouble in the world they must [2] 2 Tim. 1.8 partake of the afflictions of the Gospel they must [3] 2 Tim. 2.3 endure hardness must [4] 2 Tim. 2.12 suffer persecution must [5] Mat. 16.24 in quem locum vide sis Casparum Sibelium deny themselves must [6] Luk. 9.23 take up their daily cross But may they at all disquiet may they at all perplex their minds No saith our blessed Saviour Fear (7) Rev. 2.10 none of all these evils Take (8) Phâ—l 4.11 12 1 Pet. 5.7 Mat. 6.31 Luk. 12.11 nothought Possess your (9) Phâ—l 21.19 souls in patience and however ye speed Let not (10) Joh. 14.27 your heart be troubled My Brethren of the clearness of any truths whatsoever greater evidence hath no man then this the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the precept the command the testimony the authority of Him who is the wisdom and the truth even of Jesus Christ our Lord. Wherefore I beseech you be your tryals never so great be the removal of a near friend never so afflicting yet remember the words which the Lord hath spoken unto you Let not your heart be troubled While ye draw near [1] Mat. 28.1 toward the Sepulchre I beseech you take notice that the [2] John 20.1 stone is taken away take notice that it is [3] Mat. 28.2 rolled back by the good Angel in my Text nay cast an eye again and having [4] Luk. 24.2 found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre behold how this Angel sitteth upon that (5) Mat. 28.2 stone That is the next viz. uponwhat ground for what reason it is that our most compassionate Redeemer will not here allow no not any afflictions how great soever to perplex his Disciples hearts The Reasons are seven-fold From the whole Text. But ere ever I can bring forth my Reasons I must remove one more stone at which some few are peradventure willing to stumble Quest Dub. If I would have told you standeth a most undeniable prohibition then what Statute-Law have you for Bowing at the name of Jesus for Bowing towards the East and to instance in no more for placing Tapers upon the Altar Answ 1. Solut. Law from Zion which therefore because it nowhere declareth these practises contrary to Gods revealed will [1] 1 Cor. 6.12 See also Cases of conscience about things indifferent 1662. by an indifferent hand alloweth them to be lawful Answ 2. Thou canst not say that they oppose Decency and Order for the most learned Fathers of our Church to whom it appertaineth [1] Tit. 1.5 1 Cor. 14.40 11.34 to determine what doth and what doth not make for Dececcy and Order do if not enjoyn yet allow them especially in Cathedrals Answ 3 Thou canst not say We have [1]
will much more pity those souls which are captived by Satan (10) 2 Tim 2.26 at his pleasure In whatsoever state ye were ye learned to be contented ye will now manifest that ye have learned of Christ as well to (11) Phil. 4.11 12 abound as to suffer need ye will (12) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 S. Macarii Homilia XIV mihi p. 77. make friends of that Mammon which the world employeth in unrighteonsness As your Dignities increase you will (13) 1 Tim. 6.17 increase in humility bounty charity and self-denials Your prosperity in this world will only invite you to the Mansions in your Fathers house and the more ye taste of the promises for this life the more ye will believe in God and his Christ for (14) 1 Tim. 4 8 2 Pet. 1.3 things appertaining unto godliness as ye have given the whole world the purity of the holy Scripture in their (15) Biblia Polyg ot ta à ◠altono edita Originals ye will likewise give the whole world a Copy of it in your (16) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 6.17 lives and conversations As ye make a sanctified use of those late tryals which troubled your hearts so ye will make the Palaces which ye here inhabit (17) Isa 11.10 large pledges unto you of heavenly Mansions yea ye will industriously make your selves examples unto believers while ye therefore believe in God because ye believe in Jesus Christ whom ye preach But who am I that I should be thus insolent Most Reverend c. ye will pardon my want of silence If I have written unto you Fathers it is because (18) 1 Joh. 2.14 ye have known him that is from the beginning 4. To the Magistracy Other (1) Rom. 13.4 Ministers of God there are unto whom I owe my next Application Right Worshipful When the civil sword was broken in peices by the military as well your hearts as your 1 Esa 52.5 swords were broken What Commission ye then received was at best but a Permission Your Opportunity it was but otherwise then as (2) Gal. 6.10 an opportunity Authority it (3) Rom. 13.1 was not Right Worshipful what was then your liberty is now (4) 1 Tim. 2.2 your Duty Wherefore as ever ye would that your heart should be eased of troubles see (5) See Dr. Mantoa on Jude 8. mihi p. 350 351 352 353 354 355. that there be no peace to the wicked True ye have a (6) Ea nuac sunt tempora in quibus nec vitia nee remedia pati posumus Liv. difficult province but let not your heart be troubled As (7) Psal 82.6 divine so (8) genealogiam a Diis ducunt ut ad magna impellantur Varro humane wisdom deriveth your (9) Rom. 13.1 Commission from God purposely that ye may (10) Josh 23.6 Deut. 1.17 not fear man Beleive in God he is the (11) Capital is totius Mundi Justitiarius Judge of all the earth Beleive also in Christ for he will Judge you according to your works Right Worshipful If ye esteem the mansions in your fathers house ye will not bear the sword in vaine As ye expect the posse Comitatus to be assisting unto you so the Holy God expecteth the sword of the Magistrate to be (12) 1 Tim. 2.2 compated with Rom. 13.6 serviceable unto the sword of his spirit It was upon good experience that Queen Elizabeth applauded that County wherein she observed the Magistrates and the Ministers walking hand in hand If of themselves little Children will not keep from Idols their Fathers must tutorn them Jeroboam the son of Nebat and Oliver the father of 1 Sam. 15.23 Witchcraft did set up calves in Samaria but that made Israel sin A deceived heart will make Anabaptists excommunicate themselves but God (13) Jude 19. Heb. 10.23 forbiddeth God who would have them come to the knowledge of the truth certainly would have them (14) Luk. 14.23 Faelix necessitas que ad miltora nos cogit foris inveniatur accessitas nascitur intus voluntas August compelled to come unto the (15) Cant. 1.8 Rom. 10.14 means of knowledge It is natural for man to [16] Hos 6.7 Pro. 10.17 Matt. 22.29 erre how great a judgement do ye bring upon them if [17] Levit. 19.17 Qui non prohibet peccatum cum poiest jubet James 5.19.20 ye allow them in the error of their way It was not left unto Israels choice whether they would assemble or not in vain then [18] Num. 10.3 7 8.16.12 14 15. were the silver trumpets sounded Magistrates above any must mark [19] Rom. 16.17 those that cause divisions among us A wide difference there is betwixt the peace of Amsterdam and the peace of (20) 1 Cor. 3.3 Phil. 3.16 Ps 12 2.3 4 Jerusalem The Tribe of Dan which [21] Judg. 18.30 31 affected a way of wil-worship by themselves quite lost themselves they are not so much as once reckoned among the [22] Rev. 7.4 twelve Tribes The sincere Christian will not be [23] Errare possum haereticus esse nolo Augustin over confident Cherished Errours disturb [24] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Socrat. Eccles hist li. 5. proaem Kingdoms as well as Churches if therefore ye would have Christians follow after the things that make for peace see that they receive a love of the truth There should be no more Schism in the body Politick then God hath made in [25] 1 Cor. 12 25 the body natural strife seditions heresies are sins which the tender conscience hath great reason to [26] Gal. 5.20 scruple at They who stumble at the word are [27] 1 Pet. 2.8 most what disobedient it is the spirit not [28] 1 Joh. 4.6 of errour but [29] John 15 26 of truth which proceedeth from the God of peace and love When the Rabines tell us [30] Elias Thisbites mihi P. 24. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that the Scriptures themselves do sometimes forbear to speak the truth for peace-sake their Hyperbole slandereth the Scripture but commendeth the peace Nor is Errour a greater enemy to peace then [31] Nehe. 13.18 Profanness The God of peace is a holy Spirit and the profane person is [32] 1 Tim. 1 9 not far from a lawless person How can ye hope that he who will not observe God should [33] Pictate adversus Deos sublatâ sublata est fides etiam societ as humani generis Cicero 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nazian Orat. 25. obey you Since it frequently falleth out that they who [34] 1 Thes 2.15 please not God walk contrary to all men The more it concerneth you Right worshipful to punish those that make our Sabbaths either no rest or an idle rest Leave people to their own Corruptions and whether he hath eyes or no venerable Bede may preach unto stone-walls There are stricter Laws
canot marvail to see so many persons given over unto a reprobate mind since so few among us like to (1) Rom. 1.24 28 retain God in our knowledge Judge in your selves He that is unfaithful in a little would he be [2] Luke 6.11 12 31 1 John 4.20 John 5.47 faithfull in much He that will not contemplate God as a Creator will he flee to him as unto a Redeemer seek to him as unto a Preserver lean upon him as on a Comforter If I have shewed unto you earthly things and ye believe not how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things saith (3) Luke 3.12 Christ Friends if the wide world and all that therein is be not sufficient to put us (5) Rom. 1.20 10 18 continually in mind of our God what is nay what can be To this purpose there is (6) 1 Tim. 4.4 5 no creature to be refused For this purpose every creature of God is good if it be received with thanksgiving and with thanksgiving it would be received were it sanctified by Gods Word and our prayer What natural man can (7) 1 Cor. 2.14 Rom. 3.12 Quid potest perditus operari Aug. Euchir c. 30. Quid tantum de possibilitate naturae praesumitur vulne rata sauciata vexato perdita est vera comfessione non falsâ desensione opus habet Aug de nat gra c. 13. pretend an ability to discern things spiritual since he is so far wide from the scope of things temporal Verily if people remember not their Creator when they finde him in the fields no marvail it is if they shut their eyes when they should see him in the Sanctuary If they regard not the operations of Gods hands neither would they regard the operation of his Spirit Be astonished O Inhabitants of the earth and stand amazed at your ingratitude your liberal and bountiful God flingeth away a whole world upon a sort of persons who vouchsafe to him not (8) 2 Cor. 3.5 Non dicit perfectum sed ne aliquid Aug. one good thought The only Recompence which he expecteth for all his works is mans (9) Psalm 50.15 acknowledgement this small-pepper-corn cannot God procure The Lord would (10) Psalm 8.6 115.16 1 Cor. 3.22 Job 41.11 most willingly afford us the benefit of every Creature which he hath the profit of his whole Creation he frankly bestoweth among us he desireth no more from us then the praise of his workmanship and of this we rob him Time was when Adam (11) Gen. 2.20 gave names unto all cattel and to the fowl of the ayre and to every beast of the field but man is silent now these Creatures may be uncreated for any name that God can get from Adam The Apostles complaint (12) Eph. 4.18 of heathens O that I could drown this complaint with my tears must now bewail Christians because while they (13) Rom. 1.21 know God they glorisie him not as God neither are thankful But Beloved I hope better things of you When you with (1) Gen 24.63 Isaac walk forth you will walk forth to meditate When you with David (2) Psalm 8.3.95.4 5. behold the Moon and the Stars you will consider them as the easie work of Gods little finger Unto the altar of your heart you will with the Psalmist (3) Psalm 148.8 9 10 65 6-13 96.11 12 summon fire and hail snow and vapours stormes and winds hills and Valleys fowl and fish beasts and creeping things purposely that you may sacrifice them with the voyce of Thanksgiving Since (4) Matth. 13 11 unto you it is given to understand that the wisdom the power and the goodnesse of your God is alway presented unto you in every creature the (5) Esay 66.18 65.1 2 40.26 41.20 mind of your Creator you will not neglect Things void of life and living things void of reason you (6) Psalm 103.22 will not leave at a losse for want of your voyce of your speech and of your reason to mention their Founders worth As every creature recommendeth the love of your God unto you so you will (7) Psalm 119.91 1 Chro. 16.35 consecrate every creature unto his pleasure and praise So well stringed so well tuned an Instrument as this (8) Psalm 136.5 104.24 harmonious world is should never silence the praises of your God so long as you have either voyce or hands or heart but as it is your part and duty so you will make it your care and delight that (9) 1 Cor. 15.28 10.31 Prov. 3.6 Col. 3.17 in all these things your God be by you glorified My third reason why God should be glorified Reason 3. From creatures reasonable but graceless glorified by us alwayes glorfied by us is drawn from Creatures reasonable and intelligent but void of grace I am glad when I read verse the eleventh of Revelations ch 5th For when I call to mind how hard a matter it is to hear of eight (1) Gen. 9.25 1 Pet. 3.20 religious persons in the dayes of Noah and in after-times to hearken out a faithful Abram in (2) Gen. 11.31 Vr of the Chaldees a righteous Lot in (3) Gen. 13.12 the Plaines of Jordan one Joseph in (4) Gen. 39.9 the Land of Aegypt or one Job in (5) Job 1.1 the Land of Vz when I meet David alone as a (6) Psalm 102.7 sparrow upon the house-top and finde Elijah (7) 1 Kings 19 9 hiding himself in a Cave I am very (8) 1 Kings 19 10 jealous for the Lord of Hosts and of glory When I see of the habitable places of the earth so small a part Christian of Christendom so great a part idolatrous Of the reformed Churches so few which receive a love of the truth Of such as receive the truth of the Gospel so few that (9) That do seek Scripturaâ—â—â— Verba in opera vertere non dicere sancta sed sacere as Hierom. in Proaem in l. 3. com in Ezech. walk worthy of it mine eyes affect mine heart Weep weep with me O my Friends Rivers of tears run down mine eyes while I perceive so gracious a God to be so universally disregarded I say the truth in Christ I lye not my conscience also bearing me witnesse in the Holy Ghost that I have great heavinesse and continual sorrow in my heart for my Brethren my Kinsmen according unto the flesh the Inhabitants of this Isle O England What shall I take to witnesse for thee Did ever Nation receive so great deliverances as not by might nor by power but by HIS Spirit the great GOD hath wrought for us in restoring unto us our King as at first and our Judges as of old Can WE chuse but [1] Jer. 33.9 fear and tremble for all the goodnesse and for all the prosperity which the LORD hath procured unto us Wherefore do we [2] 1 Sam. 2.29 kick at his free goodnesse
just sicabitur omnis case coâ—am illo accipentes quippe mandatum seatientes defectum clamabimus in coelum miserebitur nostri Deus S. Bernardus Serm. 50 in Contic seek Gods face in vain Object Where then lyeth the Controversie Answ In mans pronesse to [1] Rom. 9.20 We are like him in Seneca Dic aliquid ut simus duo dispute against God Sirs Truth [2] John 8.32 would free us from extreams would we receive a love of the truth For instance Them that are without the pales of the Church God [3] 1 Cor. 5.13 judgeth therefore What have we to do to [4] 1 Cor. 5.12 judge them that are without Next since we of this Kindom are a people near [5] Psal 148 14 unto the Lord let every man mind his own Duty [6] Phil. 2.12 2 Pet. 1.10 If the Lord will that John should tarry in the flesh until Jesus [7] John 21.21 22 come in his fury against Jerusalem what hath Cephas to do with that Let Peter follow Jesus and leave John unto his Masters pleasure Thitdly The good Angel in my Text would quickly roll away the stone would we cease to interpose our thoughts [8] Esay 55.8 9 against Gods thoughts Had the woman of Samaria known the [9] John 4.10 gift of God instead of urging [10] John 4.12 Art thou greater then our Father Jacob she would have asked [11] John 4.15 Sir give me of this water that I thirst not On the other side While Naaman is wroth [12] 2 Kings 5.10 11 12 13 14 Omnis fessinatio caecaest Seneca de Renefic l. 3. c. 3. Lukc 16.15 to see his opinion crossed he continueth as leprous as ever The Question was not whether had been the better manners in home-bred Elisha to send his messenger or to come out himself unto Prince Naaman Nor whether was a more probable course like our Princes which heal the Kings Evil to move the hand over the place affected or meerly to wash it with cold water no nor yet what was most seemly in a Prophet whether to send a stranger unto an unheard of practice or to stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God no nor whether were to be preferred Abana and Pharpar or the Rivers of Israel nor lastly whether the waters of Jordan were cleansing waters No The state of the question was Whether [13] 1 Cor. 1.20 25 27 28 29 How brâ—â—ish and below our thoughts is the manner of mans generation and yet God is pleased from that brutishnesse of humane nature to raise unto himself his own Image even a nature exalted above the nature of Angels Water in Baptism how common an element Bread Wine are ordinary food and yet by these God vouchsaseth to convey his Spirit â—rby Answ The more inconsiderable the meanes of any mercy or grace the more plainly God is seen to be the Author of that mercy and grace 1 Cor. 3.7 Jordan could cleanse from the Leprosie then when the Lord said Wash in Jordan and Jordan shall cleanse Just so The Question is not whether a natural man can discern the things of God for we are all of us born spiritually blind no nor yet whether the Lords Christ can give sight unto the blind for unto God all things are possible but whether clay and spittle even earthen Vessels may not then help men to their sight when Christ so ordaineth Sure I am in every Ordinance of His the power of his [14] Luke 5.17 Spirit is ready to heal A leprosie we all bring with us into the world and let Gehazi reprobate as he is accompt upon it that he shall dye leprous but if Christ bid a man shew himself unto the Priest though that man were a Samaritane I would not [15] Luke 17.16 question his recovery Except a man be born ugain drawn of God endued with Christs Spirit c. there can be no entring into the Kingdom of Heaven It is confessedly true And of this truth both the Jewes were frequently animadvertized and the Gentiles throughly informed and herein great was the loving kindnesse of God unto both Jew and Gentile but Christian in the mean space what signifieth the ministery of the Gospel Is not the ministration of the Gospel the [16] 2 Cor. 3.8 administration of the Spirit Verily it is Unto them who are without [17] 2 Cor. 4.3 the pales of the Church our Gospel is hid unto them within hid it need not be It is I say the savour of death unto death [18] 2 Cor. 2.16 only unto such as chuse death rather then life Object Without me ye [1] John 15.5 can do nothing Answ By God thou [1] Acts. 17.28 movest Tell me is that a pretence for thee that thou canst not stir Rather as I have already answered it is [2] Phil. 2.13 an argument that thou mayest stir if thou wilt That which thou sowest thou sowest not [3] 1 Cor. 15.37 that body that shall be but bare grain yet be not deceived [4] Gal. 6.7 God is not mocked What thou sowest that thou [5] Gal. 6.8 therefore reapest because unto [6] 1 Cor. 15.38 every seed God giveth his [7] Matth. 7.7 Luke 11.13 sim own body The same God which [8] Matth. 16.27 maketh our obedience the measure of his heavenly gifts the same God which maketh our mortal life the beginning of life everlasting the same God which useth the blood in our veines to conveigh animal spirits the same God which frameth the body for the benefit of the soul the same God blessed for ever maketh use of our natural senses while he infuseth into us spiritual graces If we desire that God should [9] Heb. 2.3 12.25 Hos 2.15 Psalm 126.5 Phil. 2.12 Despice ne parùm sit providum sperare ex aliis quod tibi ipse non praestes Plin. lib. 2. Epist. 10. Neverthelelse Ille facit ut nos faciamus quae praecipit nos non facimus ut ille faciat que-promisit Aug. Epist 143. see Psalm 57.3 Inspirat Charitatem ut quae discende novimus diligendo faciamus Therefore Phil. 2.12 13. Take the ball at the bound not be wanting unto us let not us be wanting unto our selves Unto your finest and smallest white thred tye that thred which you call brown tye unto that pack-threds unto that the smallest Twist unto the Twist a small cord to that a threefold cord to a threefold cord a Cart-roap to a Cart-roap a strong Cable and although the weaknesse of the first thred could not yet the strength of the Cable may wind up an Anchor of hope at the last Object But certainly it is non in mans power to come unto Christ Answ Where [1] Matth. 11.28 compared with Mat. 14.27 28 Christ calleth there is hope given that he will [2] John 6.37 give a power Samuel knew not the Lord at the first and
He is not to his elect as Justinian was to his sometimes favorite Belisarius He is not so cruel to us as Nebuchadnezzar was (5) Jer. 39.7 unto Zedekiah He dealeth not by us as Naash (6) 1 Sam. 11.2 would have dealed by the men of Jubesh He treateth us neither as Joshua (7) Josh 9.21 served the Gibeonites nor as the Philistims (8) 1 Sam. 13.9 used the Israelites Secure Davids Intelligencers (9) 2 Sam 17.18 19 though it be in a damp well under ground corn So you conveigh him down out at the Window (10) Acts 9.25 let Paul for once be (11) 2 Cor. 11.33 Paul in a basket and so you bring him up out of the Dungeon bolster up Jeremiah with (12) Jer. 38.11 Old cast clouts and with old rotten rags Beloved although God giveth us quarter although he spareth our lives yet should he deal with us as we deserve he might justly continue us in this life servants (13) with Rom. 6.16 compare Matth. 1.21 and with 2 Tim. 2.26 1 Cor. 5.5 1 Tim. 1.20 Compare Acts 26.18 unto sin captives (14) Psal 103.10 unto Satan He might make us like the Jews wear yellow badges Oh my Brethren God hath not dealed with us 15 according to our sins he hath not rewarded us according unto our iniquities He hath (1) 2 Kings 6.20 brought us into the midst of Samaria but (2) 2 Kings 6.23 he setteth bread and water before us He crucifieth our old man but our inward man he (3) 2 Cor. 4.16 reneweth daily He taketh from us our filthy garments but giveth unto us (4) Esay 61.10 robes of Righteousnesse He (5) Gal. 6.14 disarmeth us of our rebellious forces but harnesseth us with the (6) Eph. 6.11 2 Cor. 10.4 whole armour of God He dispossesseth us of (7) Eph. 6.5 our strong holds mean while He Himself is (8) Psal 18.2 71.3 91.2 62.7 our strong habitation whereunto we may alwayes resort O my dearly beloved Brethren The mighty Captain of our salvation doth conquer us but he conquereth us with kindnesse Behold He giveth us free (1) Gal. 5.1 13 liberty to (2) Ephes 5.16 make the best of our time of our abilities nay of his what Talents we have are (3) Matth. 25.14 1 Cor. 4.7 James 1.17 his goods with these he permitteth us to traffique (4) Matth. 16.27 1 Cor. 15.58 Heb. 6.10 for our selves He then (5) Rom. 2.6 7 10 Phil. 2.13 1 Cor. 9.24 Revel 3.5 21.21.7 accompteth that we do him the most and best service when we work out our own salvation he encourageth us to procure all the peace all the vertue all the godlinesse all the graces all the present prayse and future glory we can Blessed blessed be the holy God for that while we abide here sinners upon earth we are allowed to be spiritually minded to place our affections upon things above to have our conversation in heaven we are not forbid to use (6) With 1 John 2.27 compare Exod. 30.33 no not the most precious ointment of the Sanctuary Seventhly For bestowing upon us all things [1] 2 Pet. 1.3 appertaining to godlinesse People who never yet head the [2] Psalm 89.15 joyful found may [3] Psalm 102.22 Revel 11.15 be religious if they will that is if they can I say The Gentiles which [4] Luke 1.79 sit in darknesse are [5] Acts 11.18 17.30 not prohibited light but light hath not yet shined unto them Whereas the day-star from on high hath visited us so that we walk at least we should walk as children of the light Yea [6] It is with us as Deut. 4.6 7 Psalm 147.20 unto us of this age and kingdome are given of Gospel-priviledges the best in every kinde We above all other the Churches of Christ have Matter of Thankfulnesse unto God First For his revealed will Luther was no lesse worthy rehrehension for [1] Epistola Jacobi collata cum Evangelio Johannis ejus epistolâ primâ cum Epistolis Paulinis imprimis quae ad Romanos Galatas Ephesios scriptae sunt verè straminea epistola est See Brochmand and Luthers German Bible printed 1528. terming S. James his Epistle a strawy Epistle then that plow-man was worthy to be praysed who for one single leaf of it gave a whole load of hay Verily if one Oration of Isocrates did cost [2] viz. if not an 133 l. yet 100 l. twenty talents of silver if for every verse which Oppianus presented was given a [3] viz 0 l. 16 s. -4 d. stater of gold then is every word of our God more [4] Psal 119.72 to be desired then thousands of gold and silver Sirs every judgement denounced every warning given every truth related every prediction and prophesie every precept every command every promise c. abundantly claim from us our studied thankfulnesse A small portion of holy Writ the Pentateuch is especially if it be compared unto all the other canonical Scriptures neverthelesse great [5] Psal 19.7 119. per totum 1.2 138.2 very great was the esteem given unto the word of God even then when no word of God was extant saving only those five books of Moses Beloved blessed are your eyes for they see those holy Scriptures which neither Moses nor David nor any of the Patriarchs saw Next For this revealed will of God [1] with Psalm 102.18 compare Hos 8.12 written By signes and wonders and by several other meanes hath the God of truth given testimony unto the truth of his Word (2) See du Plessis Grot. de veritate relig Christianae and Dr. Hammond his Reasonablenesse of Christian Religion Among which this is not the least namely the harmonious consent of various Copies in several Nations and Languages transcribed and preserved And herein let our God receive the prayse due from us for none of the Churches of Christ can equal their Bibles unto that published by our English Clergy even in [3] Videas Praefat. ad Waltoni Bibl. Polyglotta perillous times Thirdly For this written Word [1] Deut. 28.49 1 Cor. 14.14 Revel 14.16 translated and [2] Gen. 40.8 Job 33.23 Prov. 1.6 1 Cor. 12.10 14.13 Esay 50.4 interpreted Nor hath any Kingdome under Heaven so great cause to be thankful for the purity of Scripture-translations interpretations as England hath Fourthly For these truths of God wholsomely applyed In England every place is full of Manna I mean of religious Treatises almost in every kind When the Reverend Prelacy of this English Church were silenced by (1) The Tribe of Levi. standeth and falleth with the Tribe of Judah a rebellious power God gave them a heart and an ability to leave a Monument of truth in Bishop Waltons voluminous Bible The Lord stir up the hearts of those Ministers among us which now silence themselves to improve their talents likewise Whether in
publishing their own corrected labours or in advancing revising contracting and digesting the learned works of other men Oh that I might see (2) Like unto the Hexapla written by Andrew Willet in English Hexapla upon the whole Scriptures Oh that some Evangelical Riverius (3) Imitating Riverius his Practice of Physick would out of the best practical Divines select the case and cure of every soul Fifthly For (1) See Mr. William Durham his Epistle before his Sermon upon James 5.9 the Gospel preached What any Minister of Christ delivereth according to the simplicity of Gods holy Word that not so much the Minister as (2) with Exod. 20.19 Job 33.6 7. and 2 Cor. 4.7 compare Num. 16.5 ii Deut. 18.19 Num. 17.10 1 Sam. 8.7 Mat. 10.40 and Luke 10 16. So long as he keepeth to his Commissiom and delivereth the Counsel of God you cannot despise the work of your Minister but you do therewithal despise the blood of your Saviour Bishop Reynolds pag. 46. of his Pastoral Office Christ himself speaketh for Christ by His (3) 1 Cor. 12.28 Matth. 28.20 Eph. 4 11 12 Ministry now (4) Heb. 12.25 Ephes 2.7 2. Cor. 5.20 speaketh from Heaven O blessed Jesu Thou didst not pray for thy Ministers alone but for (5) John 17.20 them also which shall believe on thee through THEIR word Sixthly For every other Ordinance of Christ administred among us Compare the purity of our Church with the superstitions abroad yea confer (1) 2 Cor. 3.8 9 Gospel worship with the (2) Gal. 4.9 beggarly rudiments of the Law or the (3) 1 Pet. 3.21 laver of Baptism with the (4) Curtis Jadaeis Pers Gen. 17.11 unsightly circumcision of the foreskin of the flesh or the (5) 1 Cor. 11.23 Supper of the Lord with the (6) Exod. 32 8 bitter herbs of the Passeover nay taste the Spirit and life of any Ordinance of Christ you will then (7) Psal 30.4 give thanks unto God at the remembrance of his holinesse Seventhly Let us and all the Churches be thankful for that the (1) John 6.29 1 John 3.23 whole duty of man is to believe in God and his Christ When we hear and believe read and believe meditate and believe then is our heart filled with joy and our lips with prayses I believed therefore (2) 2 Cor. 4.13 have I spoken The (3) James 5.16 prayer of faith how doth it avail The (4) Hab. 2 4 just shall live by his faith yet (5) Gal. 2.20 not he but Christ liveth in him Wisely to (6) Psal 119.66 Matth. 13.56 believe to credit and to trust is noble and heroique then this generous duty what duty can be more desireable except to love which is but (7) Gal. 5.6 faith exercised God he graciously entrusteth the Believer with whatsoever conduceth unto his everlasting good The believer he again doth not only believe but (8) Psal 62.8 Esay 7.9 30.15 Prov. 14.26 Ephes 3.12 Heb. 3.6 trust his God He resteth assured that the Almighty is so just so true that man may safely rely upon the faithful friendlinesse of every proceeding of his and upon his bare word in whatsoever he speaketh no wisdome c. like Gods wisdome c. Between learner and teacher servant and master man and wife c. there is a necessity of trusting of these some or other may betray their trust But seldome will we mistrust a person of honour and as for the word of a King that ye know is sacred among us it were barbarism to give a Prince the lye Oh then where we have Gods word of truth for our warrant and that (9) Joh. 17.3 warrant sealed unto us by Gods Spirit of truth with what full assurance may we (10) Heb. 4.16 repose a stedfast confidence upon our great and loving God Most chearfully can the Believer (11) Credere Joan. 14.1 in Deum est fiduciam habere Zegerus trust his God for the pardon of all his sins for the supply of all his wants for the acceptance of his person and of his endeavours for the reward promised unto every duty c. Things temporal are not more visible to thine eye then (12) Heb. 11.1 things spiritual are to his faith All have (13) Rom. 3.23 sinned and come short of the glory of God Christians wherein soever we sin therein our faith faileth us viz. We do not (14) Psal 111 7 119.66 151 86.172 believe the commandement by us broken to be so good for us so advantageous to us as (15) Deut. 6.24 10.13 in truth it is There neither is nor can be any sin which is not accompanied with unbelief On the other side the greater our faith the lesse we disobey that is the lesse we come short of the glory of God Eighthly If the life of faith [1] Hab. 2.4 be a life so desirable what thanks is due from us unto our God for that [2] Rom. 1.4 holy that [3] 1 Pet. 4.14 blessed spirit of his by which [4] 2 Cor. 4.13 alone we are enabled to believe By Him is sanctified the [5] 2 Thes 2.13 use of all that is before us Our [6] Matth. 5.6 thirst after righteousnesse maketh us to rellish righteousnesse the better The waters of salvation which we draw we draw with [7] Esay 12.3 joy The breasts which we suck are breasts of [8] Esay 66.11 consolation We [9] Esay 38.16 live and the spiritual life which we lead is [10] Rom. 8 6 pleasant unto us We have bread from heaven to feed upon and a [11] Jer. 31.25 spiritual taste to delight us while we feed We are a people [12] Psa 75.1 14.14 Rom. 13.11 near unto the Lord We are not amused as those Disciples were [13] Luke 9.33 Matth 17.6 before whom the person speaking in my Text was transfigured no our eyes are [14] Num. 24.3 Luke 24.31 open we [15] Phil. 3.12 apprehend that for which also we are apprehended We are not layed in a trance as [16] Acts 9.4 10.10 22.17 Saul was then when the Lord converted him God doth not cast us into [17] Gen. 2.20 21 a dead sleep as he did Adam while he raiseth a [18] Psalm 89.19 help meet for us rather he giveth us [19] Mat. 13.17 1 Cor. 2.7 10 Ephes 3.9 10 Col. 1.26 27 1 Pet. 1.12 free leave to look on and to contemplate the wisdome of his power He doth not snatch us from unbelief to eternal blisse in a moments space but he giveth us leisure to inform our selves of all those mysteries which his holy Gospel revealeth We are not taken up in a whirl-wind but we walk with God and gently passe from death to life We are entertained in this Kingdome of grace with the [20) Psalm 84.2 Heb. 9.28 2 Pet. 3.13 Heb. 13.14 Rom. 8.24 Jer. 31.17 interview of glory to come We