pretence brought into the Church in Gregories dayes yet with expresse prohibition of worshipping them Afterward the second Synod of Nice enjoynes it though more modestly and respectively onely in regard of that which they represent But since the councell of Trent it 's risen to grosse Idolatry Neutrall Politicians who will be buying Truth out of our hands by formalizing and enervating the power of it till at last they leave us an heartlesse and saplesse Religion Among the Lawes of Solon there was one which thundred against such who in a civill uproare amongst the Citizens sit still as neutrall spectators It were happy for the Church if there were a more strict course taken against all lukewarme Machivillians who by their neutrality undermine Religion of this straine was Jeroboam that grand Politician who created to himselfe a State Religion out of Love to his Crowne he set up golden Calves he hindred the people from going to worship God at Jerusalem lest they should turne againe unto their Lord unto Rehoboam King of Judah Worldly wise men as they are time-servers so they are selfe-servers and whatsoever become of Christ and his truth selfe shall be advanced into the Throne such mens heads over-match their hearts their policy out-runneth their Religion when the glory of Christ and his Gospell come in competition with their selfe ends selfe shall first be gratifyed most unlike to Paul who Phil. 1. 20. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} stood as it were on up-to looking earnestly after the magnifying of Christ what-ever became of himselfe Whether in his life or in 〈◊〉 death I may produce three Reasons to fortify you against felling Truth to any Hucksters Truth is in it selfe a precious Jewell of most incomparable worth gained into the possession of the Churches not without much difficulty and therefore cannot without great disparagement to its excellency and to the zeale of others be alienated and chaffered away Gospell Truth at first cost the blood of Christ then watered with the blood of many Martyrs which made it throng up so plentifully It is observeable the Church hath beene seldome fully possessed of any Grand Truth without much debate without some bloody sufferings How deare did it cost Athanasius to justifie the Divinity of Christ against the Arians and shall we suffer any of that kindred to buy it againe out of our hands How couragiously did Augustine rescue the Doctrine of Grace from the Pelagians hands whom he cals the Enemies of Grace and shall we suffer it to be betrayed to their Brethren the Arminians How farre did Luther hazzard himselfe to advance Justification by Faith in Christ It is a grosse shame that sweete Truth should be lost in the language of any Innovators who will have workes to concurre in eodem genere cause to share equally with Faith in the very act of justifying Many of our ancient Worthies like Wisedomes Children Matth. 11. 19. set themselves to justifie Wisedome they have endevoured with much sweat and many teares yea with their dearest lives to settle the Churches Land-markes by evidence of Scripture Arguments and to bound the Truth by Decrees of Councels we must not prodigally dispossesse our selves of such a Treasure We reape the fruite of our Reformers zeale who bestirred themselves so much against Popish Altars and other Church usurpations for the purging of Religion in England God forbid that we should sell for trifles what they possessed us of with so much difficulty It concernes us rather to concurre with them yea to promote their beginnings with all our might that we may have such Churches such Officers such election and ordination such jurisdiction such exercise of Church power and all such administrations as are most agreeable to the Truth Truth is the Churches Talent committed to her trust and therefore must not be sold Trust being a strong obligation to fidelity Upon this ground the Apostle Jude ver. 3. Exhorts Christians to Contend earnestly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints You must never expect another edition of the Faith God reserved that solemne change from Jewish to Evangelicall worship for the Inauguration of his Sonne zealously strive for this Faith you have against all opposition In that knowne place so much abused by Papists 1 Tim. 3. 15. The Church of Ephesus this cannot be appropriated to the Church of Rome is the pillar and ground of Truth Not a pillar to uphold but to hold forth Truth not so much {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} the seate of Truth every pure Church being a depository of Truth where it is to be found as the candle in the Candlesticke All the fonnes of Wisedome have a share in that of Paul to Timothy 1 Tim. 6. 20. O Timothy keepe that which is committed to thy Trust This made the primitive Worthies so conscientiously zealous in the cause of Truth and that not onely of many Truthes but even of formes of speeches of syllables yea of Letters The difference betwixt the Councell of Nice and Arius was but in a Letter whether {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} The controversie whereupon the Greeke and Latine Churches broke touching the proceeding of the Holy Ghost depended upon two prepositions {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} and {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} The monstrous heresie of Nestorius lay but in one poore letter {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} when he would not gratifie the Church therein as Cyrill desired him many Bishops rose up against him so religious were they that that they would not exchange a letter or syllable of the Faith wherewith their Saviour had betrusted them Selling Truth is the worst the most undoing Trade it sets to sale both Gods glory and your owne Salvation being it opens a doore to both extreames in Religion to Prophanenesse and to Superstition The Schoole of Christ is indeed a Schoole of affection and of action but first of knowledge we must have science before we shall make conscience of our wayes This makes the god of this world the Devill bestirre himselfe to blinde peoples mindes Lest the Light of the glorious Gospell of Christ should shine into them he well knew that darknesse of mind betrayes us to workes of darknesse When men walke in the darke They know not at what they stumble Prov. 4. 19. They will stumble at Christ himselfe at the strictnesse and purity of his wayes and soone plunge themselves into the grossest wickednesse In a Synod at London Anselme forbad Priests Marriage in England and in the next yeare were discovered a great company of Sodomites amongst them Such is the wofull fruit of selling Truth which would be a spur quickning to good and a bridle restraining from evill It is no wonder to find such treacherous practices amongst the Papists their erroneous doctrines open the sluces unto them Upon a sleight confession of sinne they may receive a cheape
Die Mercurii 27. Iuly 1642. IT is this day Ordered by the House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament That Sir Christoper Yelverton doe returne thanks to Mr. Hill from this House for the great pains he took in his Sermon this Day Preached at the Intreatie of this House being the Day of Publique Fast at Saint Margarets Westminster And that he doe likewise intreat him from this House to print his Sermon And that no man presume to print it till the House shall take further Order but whom he shall appoint H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. Dom. Com. I appoint Iohn Bellamie Philemon Stephens and Ralph Smith to Print my Sermon THOMAS HILL THE TRADE OF TRUTH ADVANCED IN A SERMON PREACHED to the Honourable House of COMMONS at their Solemne Fast Iuly 27. 1642. By THOMAS HILL B. D. Pastor of the Church at Tychmersh in the Countie of Northampton Published by Order of that House IOHN 17. 17. Sanctifie them through thy Truth thy word is Truth 2 COR. 13. 8. For we can doe nothing against the Truth but for the Truth LONDON Printed by I. L. for Iohn Bellamie Philemon Stephens and Ralph Smith 1642. TO THE HONOVRABLE HOVSE OF COMMONS NOW ASSEMBLED in PARLIAMENT WHen I first heard that I was designed for this solemne service being conscious of my own insufficiencie to Preach to so awfull an Assembly I couldnot entertaine it without trouble yet resolved with Luther rather to undergoe others censures then to be reproved for ungodly silence in such times when the Lord suffereth And now I have as much reason to be full of blushings to thinke that this plaine Discourse should be exposed to more publique view but herein I must resigne up my self unto your disposings to whom I owe quod possum quod non possum much more then my meanenesse can performe This Sermon such an one as it is I humbly tender to your Gracious Acceptance who have adopted it I put it into your Honourable Protection who have listed it I commend it to your Practicall observation for whom I intended it heartily desiring Gods Blessing upon your spirits in the perusall of it that you may read and act it turning words into works that you may repeate it over in your lives which is the best repetition of Sermons Our present breaches call for a contribution from every one for the repairing of them but much is expected from you who are called to be publique Counsellors and thereby obliged to expresse a publique frame of spirit which is the beautie and strength of a Great Councell swallowing up your private interests in the publique Welfare Not with Baruch seeking great things for your selves which is most incongruous to Stormy times but rather resembling Melancthon who professed though he had many Domesticall troubles yet the publique wounds of the Church most deeply afflicted him England is more bemoaned by many with that language in Austin over the poore man Quomodo huc cecidisti Alas how camest thou into these distractions She may answer as the poore man there standing in more need of reliefe then discourse Obsecro cogita quomodo hinc me liberes Thinke how I may be rescued out of thâ—se troubles Towards this blessed Worke I have cast in my two mites moving in the proper sphaere of a Divine as an Agent for the Truth perswading you who are betrusted by others and have farre engaged your selves in the Reformation of Religion that with all your might you would promote The Trade of Truth It is not for me to suggest a Methode in the execution of your counsels He whose name is Counsellour guide you yet I shall still pray that in your Intention the purging the setling the advancing of True Religion may be most Dear unto you It is one maine end and a pretious fruit of government that wee may lead peaceable and quiet lives in All Godlinesse and honestie This is well worth peoples wrastling prayers and your most active endeavours The stabillity of all our blessings must come by the True Religion Gods presence is the best security who is most powerfully present where there is most power and purity of Religion Would you have a flourishing Kingdome advance the Kingdome of Christ in it Let the State maintaine Religion and Religion will blesse the State could you settle all our State liberties yet if the Arke of Truth bee taken from us Our glory is departed we may write these mourning characters upon all our Comforts ICHABOD where is the glory It is too high a complement in the Lord Cordes a French Commander who often said that he would willingly lie seven yeeres in Hell so that Callice were in the possession of the French againe We blesse God for that reall selfe-denyall and activity ye have expressed abating so many personall and family contentments in your long attendance upon publike affaires Be not weary of well doing in due season ye shall reape if you faint not Never had any PARLIAMENT more work to do Ireland still bleeds the affaires thereof find unhappy obstructions To subdue Rebellion to plant Religion there are great matters England is very much out of frame The Church cals for Truth the State cryes for Peace they who sowed in hope reape in feare out sickles are turning into swords Now to effect an happy correspondence betwixt our Soveraigne and his people a blessed compliance betwixt England and Religion here 's work for the strongest shoulders Never had any PARLIAMENT greater opposition As Nehem. 4. 17. our builders worke with one hand and hold a weapon with the other Achitophels plot Rabshekahs raile Sanballats mocke Yea since councels of Reformation there is a more malignant antipathy appears against truth in many places As 2 Tim. 3. 13. evill men and seducers waxe worse and worse deceiving and being deceived Yet be encouraged Worthy Sirs Never had any PARLIAMENT so many Thundring Legions of praying Christians to assist them when others insult and blaspheme Iacobs posterity are wrestling with God for you resolving not to let him goe till he blesse you And whilst you are pursuing peace allow this plaine Sermon that humble boldnesse as to whisper you in the eare beseeching you still to maintain your former zeale in the cause of Truth When did your counsels prosper more then when you were most active about religion When you were building the Lords House For hee builded yours as Hag. 2. 19. from this day I will blesse you Be pleased therfore more and more to engage your selves for the Truth so shal you engage God for you let your cause be His cause then his Attributes will be yours his providence will work for you his spirit wil work in you then will you have more with you then against you though the Devill and the Pope combine Do your owne work trust God with his duty is ours Events successe are his Commit the keeping of your soules of the Church of the state
to him in well doeing as unto a faithfull creator Truth will yet Triumph Babylon and all her Crutches must downe the fight of faith is a good fight because such souldiers are sure of the victory The kingdome of Christ shall prevaile though second causes be impotent yet the zeale of the Lord of Hoasts will perform this Isa. 9. 7. When Hierusalem is restored it will be a city of Truth Zach. 8. 3. O that all our Parliament worthyes might bee so valiant for the Truth that England might become a kingdome of Truth following Chronicles will then give you a share in that Honour of being the Churches Saviours as Obad v. 21. and God will put Zerubbabels high dignity upon you making you as Signets Hag. 2. 23. The Good Lord guide unite act and blesse your counsels And think upon you for good according to all you have done or shall doe for his people So prayes He who desires to be found Your faithfull servant for the Truth THOMAS HILL A SERMON PREACHED AT the Fast before the Honourable House of Commons PROVERBS 23. 23. Buy the truth and sell it not THE eternall Happinesse of our immortall souls is to be found only in union and communion with Iesus Christ Religion is that which gathers and binds up the spirit to close fellowship with Him This bond is twisted out of those materials which the severall pen-men of Holy Scriptures have prepared Wise Solomon hath contributed a good share to this blessed work in his three Books Proverbs Ecclesiastes Canticles I will not confidently with Hierome and others entitle Salomons three books to his three Names As he was Salomon peaceable say they he scattered Proverbiall sentences among young men to discipline them in wayes of righteousnesse and peace As he was {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Ecclesiastes the Preacher he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes a pithy Sermon teaching men of riper yeers the vanitie of vanities in all worldly excellencies As he was Iedidiah 2 Sam. 12. 25. Beloved of the Lord he acquainted greatest proficients with the sweet communion betwixt Christ and his Spouse in the Song of Songs But of this I am sure The book of Proverbs is sutable to its Title worthy of Wise Salomon the sonne of David king of Israel Prov. 1. 1. In the first book of Kings Chap. 3. vers. 9. 11. Salomon was an earnest suiter unto God for understanding and because he sought it from God and for God so much doth the Lord love to see a publike spirit in our private prayers He gave him a large portion of wisdome with an overplus of other rich advantages he obtained both the wisdome of a Prophet and of a King whereby he spake both Propheticall and Kingly sentences So much the Originall word {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} rendred Proverbs seemes to import raiguing commanding sentences being so full of wisdome gravity and authoritie and that stile of being Master of the Sentences may well be translated from Peter Lumbard unto King Salomon who was the Author of so many Master-sentences Much of the wisdome of a Nation is oft found in their Proverbs and much of Salomons in this book of his Proverbs it being a cabinet of such Jewels as is fit for the closet of so wise a King full of short and pithy sentences like Jewels indeed containing magnum in parvo much value vertue and lustre in a little roome And for the better discovery of their excellencie it is observable that herein they differ from most other Scripture Their Harmony is in discord their beautie in a kinde of contrarietie If you would understand our Saviours parables minde the scope if you would reach many other places of Scripture attend the dependance but if you desire distinctly to apprehend the Proverbs in them consider the opposition which though it appeare not so full in this my Text as in many other of these Proverbiall sentences yet here you may finde two disagreeing parts First an Injunction Buy the Truth Secondly a Prohibition Sell it not This opposition such as it is begets two Propositions 1. All the sons of wisdome must be carefull to buy the Truth 2. Though all must be buying yet none may sell the Truth I will follow the method of the words beginning with the first proposition All the sonnes of wisdome must be carefull to buy the Truth Herein by Gods gracious assistance I will take a view of severall branches enquiring by way of explication and confirmation 1. What is the commoditie it self this Truth that must be bought 2. Into the nature of the purchase with the price of it 3. What Reasons may engage us to trade in this commoditie And then ioyntly shake them altogether in the application trying what seasonable fruit they will affoord this grave Assembly on this solemne Day Every one will be euquisitive concerning the commoditie it self What is this Truth I answer Not a Metaphysicall Truth that 's for Speculation only not a Logicall Truth that 's chiefely for disputation nor a Morall Ethicall Truth that 's but one sprig of speaking veracitas rather then veritas Salomons Truth here must needs be Theologicall And that not veritas 1o prima God himself no creature can compasse so great a purchase if God were willing to sell it but veritas 2o prima derived from that first Truth this may and must be bought This is veritas objectiva as it lyes in the Scriptures both in the principles of it and conclusions deduced from it Truth Originall and Truth Derived And veritas subjectiva seated in us which we sucke from the word of Truth Indeed Truth of Religion in us grounded upon the Holy Scriptures the Rule of Truth which comprizeth Truth in our Iudgements when soundly informed Truth in our wils and affections when obedientially conformed Truth in our conversation when seriously reformed according to the word of Truth There are things in Truth well worth our Buying first libertie of Truth that the True Religion may have free passage and not be imprisoned in corners or clogged with difficulties Veritas nihil erubescit praeterquam abscondi Truth blusheth at nothing so much as to be concealed Paul desireth the Thessalonians to pray for him Sylvanus and Timotheus that the word of God may run and be glorified It is a disparagement to Christ and his Gospel when that hath so much adoe to creepe which should run and ride in triumph from congregation to congregation from kingdome to kingdome But a most beautifull and honourable sight to see Christ at the opening of the first Seale with a bow and a crowne going forth conquering and to conquer subduing the Heathenish world to the obedience of his Gospel by the preaching of the Apostles What though a river be full of good water yet if frozen if not an open passage men may die for thirst It is the motion of the Sun of righteousnesse that disperses
spirit vers. 17. 6. And indeed the word of Truth is the Gospell of your Salvation Ephesians 1. 13. The Charter by which the Corporation of Saints challengeth such rich priviledges the Articles of that Covenant which doth entitle them to such blessed hopes You cannot hope to finde Gods gracious acceptance of your service nor enjoy any Soule-refreshing communion with him in the duties of his worship unlesse Truth direct and animate your spirits therein When David was engaged in a pious and plausible service in fetching the Arke from Kiriath-jearim 1 Chronicles 13. he consulted vers. 1 2. the people consented vers. 3 4. there was much confluence and triumph vers. 8. The Oxen stumbling Vzzah upon a faire pretence put forth his hand to uphold the Arke yet God would not accept of his faire intention but smote him that he dyed vers. 10. the reason is rendred 1 Chronicles 15. vers. 13. because God was not sought after the due order his Truth was not observed in the carrying of the Arke as vers. 14. with reference to this Story Peter Martyr commends it to the care of Queene ELIZABETH that Church Governors endeavour not to carry the Arke of the Gospell into England upon the Cart of needlesse Ceremonies There are two flyes which marre the most precious pots of oyntment Hypocrisie and Superstition as Isaiah 29. 13. Wherefore the Lord said forasmuch as this people draw neere to me with their mouth and with their lips doe honour me but have remooved their heart farre from me and their feare toward mee is taught by the precept of men In both a great defect of Truth Hypocrisie is lip-labour and lip-labour is lost labour no dutie acceptable without truth of heart in it Superstitious worship taught by mens precepts may be devout enough yet because it wants the Authoritie of Gods Truth to Steere it how marvellously doth God curse it vers. 14. Therefore behold I proceed to doe a marvellous worke amongst this people a marvellous worke and a wonder the wisdome of their Wise men shall perish and the understanding of their Prudent men shall bee hid When the Devill hath made men Superstitious God will make them foolish he takes no pleasure in them The best of our Practicall Christianitie even our most solemne addresses to God upon such a day as this Ioose their vigour and blessing if custome only or formality act us herein and not conscience to Gods Truth What are good Christians but Rules of Truth become examples yea living walking pictures of Divine Truth When the wantonnesse of humane wisdome will multiply Will-worship and Wit-worship thinking to please God with better devises then his owne it turnes to grosse folly and ends in much mischiefe rather then acceptation Witnesse Gideons Ephod Iudges 8. vers. 27. Yea such men take much paines to loose their labour and Matthew 15. vers. 9. In vaine doe they worship God teaching for Doctrine the commandements of men Never expect the gracious presence of Christ in his Churches unlesse you purchase Truth and set it upon the Throne Revel. 2. 1. He walketh in the middest of the golden Candlesticks whose office it is to hold forth the Truth The beautie and efficacie of Church Government and Discipline depend upon their Conformitie unto Divine Truth It must Regulate Church Power and Discipline Church Administrations else they will soone loose their Lustre and Authoritie Degenerating either into emptie Formalitie or into Church Tyranny which of all other is most grievous because so oppressive to the Conscience Hence such uncouth Catalogues of Church Officers amongst the Papists Pope Cardinals c. Hence such swelling Volumes of their Canon Law because not Divine Truth but carnall wisdome drew the platforme Hence so many of our Temples made houses of Merchandize wherein as in the darknesse of Popery Indulgences were Absolutions are bought and sold Yea hence the sword of excommunication which was wont to be formidable because drawne with so much solemnitie is now made contemptible because so familiarly abused upon trifles and all this because Divine Truth hath had no more power in our Consistories And this doubtlesse doth much foment the present distractions of the Church that either fancie or affection should put such high claimes upon things as suddenly to style them Institutions of Christ or usurpations of Antichrist not sufficiently consulting with Divine Truth If our Prelaticall Power and Cathedrall Pompe be of Divine Right let us see a Divine word for it what need we such violent arguments to maintaine them oath upon oath subscription upon subscription Let Christ himselfe be acknowledged as King in his Church as Lord in his house let the word of Truth be our Booke of Canons our Books of Discipline and then if Paul were our visitour he would rejoyce to behold our order as Colossians 2. vers. 5. Yea then we shall undoubtedly find the Broad-Seale of Heaven confirming what is done when we follow the guidance of Christ in his owne Truth Matth. 18. 15 16 17 18. The best way to promote the most publique good of all the Churches is by advancing the trade of Truth This publique counsell should move in the most publique sphaere seeking good for themselves and others both at home and abroad The eyes of all the three Kingdomes yea of the Protestant world are now upon you expecting much from your influence You can never contribute fully to the worke of Reformation here unlesse you set Truth at libertie neither shall you be so effectually helpfull to all the Protestant Churches though you should recover their lands and regaine their territories unlesse you re-establish their Religion by opening a free trade of Truth amongst them Truths advancement is one of Gods great designes Kingdomes are for Churches and Churches golden Candlesticks to hold forth Truth that therein Christ may appeare in his most glorious lustre when the banners of Truth are universally and victoriously displayed The Kingdomes of this world shall become the Kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reigne for ever and ever Revel. 11. 15. How came Popery to be advanced to so great height but by suppressing Truth The mystery of iniquitie wrought in the Apostles times It went on by steps the Pope was first Antichrist nascent then Antichrist crescent after Antichrist regnant but when he was made Lord of the Catholike Faith so that none must beleeve more nor lesse nor otherwise then he prescribed he became Autichrist triumphant The Pope is guiltie of the grossest theevery he robs the Sacrament of the Cup the Scriptures of their Authoritie and the Church of the Scriptures as theeves blow out the candles the better to conceale themselves and carry on their designes so He suppresseth as much as he can the light of Truth that with more advantage he may play his pranks and creepe undiscerned in the darke If you would lay siege to the Devill or Popes kingdome and undermine all the crutches
and supporters of it set Truth at libertie Zachary 4. vers. 6. the great mountaine of opposition must be moved not by humane power and might but by the spirit of the Lord of Hoasts not only by his power but by his spirit because Church works must be carryed on in a way of enlightning and revealing the Truth Thus the wise providence of God wrought formerly when a Generall Councell though by many groaned after could not be obtained with the consent of the Clergy and Court of Rome to whom Reformation would be a certaine Ruine He stirred up divers Heroicall Worthies Waldus in France Wickliffe in England Luther in Germany Knoxe in Scotland to despise the light of Truth And Revel. 14. vers. 6. After the flying Angell having the everlasting Gospell to preach unto all that dwell on the earth then vers 8. there follows another Angell saying Babylon is fallen Doubtlesse the Pope must fall not only by the Sword of Princes but by the Sword of the Spirit 2 Thessalonians 2. vers. 8. That wicked One must be revealed and consumed with the Spirit of the Lords mouth If you would have the mystery of iniquitie unmasked see the Popes Triple Crowne tumble and the thicke mist of Popery vanish help forward the bright Sun-shine of Gods Word promote the libertie puritie and power of Truth You have had a discovery of some few sprigs growing upon this first Proposition let us in the Application gather the wholesome fruit which hangs upon them It is the good hand of God upon us when so many of our brethren in Ireland are still bleeding under their enemies crueltie that we are at libertie in this solemne Ordinance to plead with our God for mercie Oh that this day of Self-humbling might be to us in the use of it according to its nature a self-searching or soul-purging day My Commission is to hold forth the Glasse of Gods Truth before your eyes that you may may discover your spots and defects Let it be your worke to reade over your selves as well as your Bibles to speake and write retractations of your former errors and confessions of your miscarriages I wish we could all be Augustines herein The Lord knoweth what Volumes many of us might fill if we were but well studyed in our selves And together with the long Catalogue of all our other sins our neglect of Truth must come in as having a great influence into the rest for this we may blush and bleed yea rivers of teares are too little to bewaile this that in all our designes we have so little minded to purchase the Libertie the Puritie and Power of true Religion Adam and Eve began to make very bad markets to sell themselves and posteritie for the forbidden fruit Prophane Esau sold his Birth-right for a Messe of pottage Heb. 12. 16. How many with Absalom to humour their vain-glory will set the Peace of a Kingdome to sale How many with Haman to gratifie proud revenge will set a whole Church to sale Some with Iudas will set up their Saviour to sale for thirtie pieces Others with Diotrephes the first Cocke of the game that they may fill their sailes with Church-pompe and Church-power will set the Keyes of Church and Ordinances of Christ to sale Lay your hands upon your hearts To be purveyours for your lusts as the prophane Romanes 13. vers. 14. To be Merchants for the Pope as the superstitious Innovators To be Proctors for the Devill as Gospell-opposers what saith conscience Is this to buy the Truth Give me leave Honourable and beloved to come neerer you with three plaine Queres I study not alta but apta proferre Have you gotten your owne hearts possessed with the power of the Truth Hath Gods word a throne in your Consciences Colossians 3. 16. Let the word of God dwell richly in you If it dwell there First it must intrare then residere it must dwell and abide there exercising a soveraigntie over you ever drawing open into an humble familiaritie with it What fruitfull knowledge have you gotten in the mysterie of Doctrinall and Practicall Godlinesse They who know the Grace of God in Truth will bring forth fruit Colossians 1. vers. 6. Doth the Truth of your Religion appeare in your relations in the uniformitie of a Gospell conversation as Phil. 1. vers. 27. Aske your hearts whether in all your undertakings you move upon Religious grounds and for Religious ends God doth not onely number but weigh our actions and observes not onely what is done but why it is done The The word of Truth must be our judge therefore now let it be our Counsellor It is Philpots Glosse upon Iohn 12. vers. 48 The word that I have spoken shall judge him in the last day if the word shall judge us then much more ought it to be a judge of our doings now Have you set up Truth in your owne families It is most odious for a Minister of Christ to flatter to dawbe with untempered morter at any time but most abominable upon a Day of Humiliation You reckon your house your little Common-wealth by what law is it governed Doth the word of Truth the Scepter of righteousnesse beare sway there Whence then so much licentiousnesse tolerated in the servants so much dissolutenesse in the children so much oppression tyranny and too often other wickednesse in your selves and such distempers in family relations Psal. 101. vers. 2. David would walke in his house with a perfect heart Such as served him he would either finde them or make them Gods servants You would have others thinke your houses are Churches What thy house a Church to God and thou a covetous idolater Thy house a Church to God and thou an uncleane sonne of Belial What concord hath Christ with Belial what agreement hath the Temple of God with idols The argument is as strong for Magistrates as for Ministers 1 Tim. 3. 5. If a man know not how to rule his owne house how shall hee take care of the Church of God How can you be good Reformers both of State and Church unlesse you be first Reformers of your selves and your owne Families Light is a great advantage to an house especially the light of Truth The Father of Lights is not pleased to dwell in a darke habitation such a corner is fitter for Satan the Prince of darknesse It was a very honourable report which Melancthon giveth of Prince Anhalt Cubiculum ejus erat Academia curia Templum His Bed-chamber was an Academie a Court a Temple The Lord gives you a share in this honour Let not your Chambers be Academies onely for the advanocment of learning or Courts for the daily dispatch of publique affaires but Temples for the worship of God and calling upon his name Give the people not onely Rules but examples of Reformation Let Religion be first advanced in you it will the sooner bee setled by you Have you imployed and improved
your publique interests to help forward the trade of Truth to promote Religion in the Libertie Puritie and Power of it Never was any Parliament the sonne of so many prayers and teares Never had any a larger share in that blessing of the Lord upon Ioseph Deut. 33. vers. 16. feeling the good will of Him that dwelt in the bush so often burning yet not consumed What reciprocall reall love have you expressed unto God and the Cause of his Truth When Moses proposed that question Exod. 32. vers. 26. Who is on the Lords side The sons of Levi gathered themselves together vers. 27. and by their zeale obtained a blessing in Moses his Catalogue when their brother Simeon was left out Deut. 33. vers. 9. We live in shedding discriminating times it is a frequent question quarum partium On what side are you If this be the question who is on Truths side what eccho what answer will you returne oh you great Counsellors Suppose this day God and thy Conscience held a Closet Committee the Lord saith I have put such a rich price into thy hand I have betrusted thee with an influence in the Grand Affaires of the Church what saith Conscience What hast thou done what wilt thou doe by speaking voting by hand heart purse for the Truth Davids question is most seasonable 1 Chron. 29. vers. 5. Who is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord Oh that you might returne the same pious answer with the chiefe of the Fathers and Princes of the Tribes who all offered willingly vers. 6. Could you finde this fruit upon your Self-examination Doubtlesse though you may serve this day in sorrow as you ought to doe upon a Soul-afflicting day in sighes in groanes in teares yet you shall reape in joy To engage and quicken your utmost endeavours for the happy purchase of truth You may please to looke upon your selves Honourable and Beloved in a double capacity First as Merchants trading for your owne everlasting good Then as Publique Factors betrusted with the best good of many hundred thousands In a Merchant or Factor there are some speciall Requisites 1. Wisdome 2. Activity 3. Resolution First Wisedome to discerne both the Commodities themselves and opportunities of trading The first use of Wisdome is to discerne the Commodities themselves Religion must not be taken upon trust Faith is Gods way to save us credulity the devils method to undoe us 1 Thess. 5. 21. Try all things hold fast that which is good And by sound knowledge possesse your selves most carefully of such truthes as are most necessary Those that are Fundamentalia in fide or in Praxi buy them at any rate but sell them at no rate There are Magnalia and minutula legis It will argue much hypocrisie to be substantiall in circumstantiall truthes and circumstantiall in the substantials of Faith and Repentance Let us wisely proportion our zeale according to the nature of the truths themselves This Counsell Paul giveth his Titus Matters of consequence he must affirme constantly but avoid needlesse questions Tit. 3. 8. It were a seasonable improvement of your Wisedome and Power to hinder the Devils or Popes Chapmen from opening their packes of adulterate wares and to put an high value upon such precious parcels of Truth as have a great influence both into Doctrinall and practicall Religion Give me leave here in the behalfe of Truth to suggest some briefe hints First Put in caveats against Arminian errours which doe so extenuate originall sinne and magnifie the power of nature that they feed our hereditary disease of pride and eclipse the glory of Gods grace Oh trade for the doctrine of free grace Maintaine the King of Heavens Prerogative In the spirituall building grace laid the first foundation in Gods free eternall purpose Grace erecteth the wals yea and addeth the top-stone Eternity will be little enough to admire to adore to cry grace grace Therefore carefully possesse your selves of this truth against the enemies of grace Secondly Minde the promoting of those Truthes which justifie The purity of Divine Worship according to Gods owne will against Popish and superstitious innovators There is a bewitching pompe in the out side of popery which intangleth some Ancient Writers used many wanton Metaphors and such a liberty of expression before the mystery of iniquity was discovered which deluded others There is a disposition in all corrupt natures no lesse to spirituall then bodily fornication Vindicate therefore the second Commandement which Papists have expunged and others so much clouded Where God hath professed himselfe jealous let us be zealous of trading for such Truthes Thirdly Put a value upon such Truthes as discover the dangerous errours of Socinianisme which is no better then a Complication of many antient heresies condemned by ancient Councels A Doctrine that undermineth the merit and satisfaction of our Saviours death that will scarce allow faith to swimme where reason cannot wade that will so farre bring downe Religion to reason that we must beleeve little more in Divinity then we can see in reason Arminianisme gratifieth the pride of will Popery the pride of outward sense and Socinianisme the pride of carnall reason Fourthly Let Truthes for the sanctification of the Lords day be pretious truthes Gods institution of that day bringeth with it a speciall Character of holinesse and an influence of a peculiar blessing God hath sanctifyed and blessed it Yea in the primitive times it was a badge of Christianity When the question was propounded Servasti Dominicum Hast thou kept the Lords day The answer was Christianus sum intermittere non possum I am a Christian I cannot neglect it There was no little danger in the Anti-sabbatarian doctrine seeing upon Gods owne day we professe publiquely our communion with God in his Ordinances Then we expect to enjoy the richest influence from him And if men could dispute away our Christian Sabbath we should soone lose the vigour of our practicall Religion God having made it holy by Institution by Ordination let us keepe it holy by Observation The second use of Wisdome in Factors is to know and consider their opportunities Ephes. 5. 15 16. See that ye walke circumspectly not as fooles but as wise redeeming the time Hierusalem in this was as unwise as unhappy that she knew not the day of her visitation Luk. 19. 41 42. Who did expect such nutus providentiae hints of divine providence as God hath afforded to unworthy England in these two last yeares to repossesse her of that Truth which many thought departing The Philistins had almost taken our Arke Our friends our enemies our selves our owne guiltinesse passed a sentence of death upon us We discovered so many leakes in ships of Church and State as if both were sinking The tempest was great our Saviour seemed to be asleepe our onely refuge was to cry Lord save us we perish Mat. 8. 25. The
sword hath rid circuit for above twenty yeares in Germany many Candlestickes of Truth thence removed that Paradise almost turned into a Wildernesse Poore Ireland is in danger to lose that Religion they had with their estates and lives Preachers hanged Professors murdered Bibles burnt and all with prodigious cruelty and blasphemy c. Yet sinfull England like Gideons fleece dry in comparison when others sleeped in their owne blood Observe I beseech you like wise Factors the seasons to trade for the setling true Religion It is true we are now full of sad distractions blacke and bloody clouds beginne to gather yet may not Faith through them spy out the Sunne of righteousnesse shining graciously upon unworthy England As Hag. 2. 7. I will shake all Nations and the desire of all Nations shall come and I will fill this House with glory saith the Lord of Hosts Historians report that about the yeare 1517. when Leò the tenth was making some thirty Cardinals there was such a terrible tempest in the Church that shaked the Babe out of the Virgin Maries armes and the Keyes out of Saint Peters hands which they interpreted as ominous and indeed so it proved shortly after Luther arose who so much battered the Popes power The sword is already shaken out of our great Church-mens hand by Parliamentall power the keyes doe not hang so fast under their girdle as they did c. We dare not but hope these are engaging providences of God earnest-pennies of some great payment yet behinde Oh therefore know and redeeme your Opportunities to Trade for Truth Activity to pursue occasions and follow all advantages If you would be fully possessed of the knowledge of the Truth you must seeke for her as for Silver and search for her as for hid Treasure Prov. 2. 4. By a most unwearyed industry search every Mine Plato calleth Merchants Planets that wander from City to City You will never trade for Truth in good earnest till you expresse an inquisitive active disposition in the cause of Religion knocking at every doore plying every Mâ—â—ket where you may purchase any acquaintance with the Truth First Goe not onely to the shop of Nature or the Schoole of Philosophy The candle which Nature affordeth us is good but it will be burnt out before we come to our journeyes end Philosophy may seeke Truth Theology findeth it Religion doth possesse it Philosophy is not the field wherein the pearle of Truth lyeth but rather a hedge and ditch about the field to defend it from the invasion of subtill Disputants Secondly Neither must we seeke Truth onely in the decrees of Councells in the Traditions and testimonies of the Church Councells are like Rivers of water very profitable so long as they hold themselves within the compasse of the banckes but if they swell and overflow as too often they have done they prove very hurtfull to the field of the Church even to Truth it selfe The Councell of Constance commeth in with a non obstante against Christs institution with-holding the Cup from the Sacrament Our Faith and Truth was at first delivered to the Saints Jude ver. 3. And we hold it still per Ecclesiam though not propter Ecclesiam by the Ministery of the Church though not for the Authority of the Church John 4. 42. All they who are genuine children of the Church not onely by the Mothers side but by the Fathers also will not onely beleeve as the Church beleeveth but as their Heavenly Father teacheth them and because he teacheth them Thirdly But in searching out for the Truth goe to Christ himselfe who is Truth it selfe John 14. 6. Jesus saith unto him I am the Way the Truth and the Life Attend upon Christ in the use of his Word which is a Word of Truth Prov. 8. 34. Blessed is the man that heaneth me watching daily at my gates Waiting at the posts of my doores If ever God ripen your Councells about a Synod we hope to receive the same direction from you that Constantine the Great gave the Councell of Nice Take the Resolution of things in question out of Divinely inspired writings Doe not onely bid us enquire what Reformation was in our Josiahs time King Edward the sixth nor what in our Deborahs dayes Queene Elizabeths though we must for ever blesse God for the light that appeared in those times Doe not onely put us upon inquiry what Ignatius said or what Cyprian did they must be very wise Children who know their Fathers faces and writings after so many of their adversaries scratches Rather bid us give you an account what Luke holdeth forth in his story of the Acts of the Apostles what Paul intimates in his Epistles that so divine Truth may triumph and we enjoy a Scripture Reformation In divine things we may attribute somewhat to antiquity yet in matters that concerne Church pompe and Church power we must be jealous how we trust the Ancient Fathers because good men they saw the mystery of iniquity but darkely and at a distance which wrought strongly not onely in corrupting Doctrine with errours but Divine Worship with Ceremonies and Church Government with tyrannicall usurpations Then and then onely is Truth like to triumph in Church-Assemblies when Gods Word is there advanced Cyrill saith in a Synod at Ephesus upon a high Throne in the Temple there lay Sanctum Evangelium the holy Gospell to shew that Christ was both present and president there Resolution to backe a publique Factors wise Activity This would make you willing to grapple with difficulties to expose your selves to troubles and hazzards and to be at any cost and charges that you may possesse your selves and the Kingdome of the true Religion Poore England hath long beene in a travelling condition felt many bitterpangs findeth now twins in her wombe Jacobs and Esaus wrastling for the birth-right high contestations betwixt Eliah and Baalls Priests now it is a day of trouble and astonishment Great things are come to the birth onely there wanteth strength to bring forth What will you resolve to lay out to possesse this dis-joynted Kingdome of the Truth Imagine the casting of the ballance the composing of all Church difference depended upon thee alone what wouldest thou contribute to purchase Truth Nazianzen put this price upon his Athenian learning wherein he was very famous that he had something of value to part withall for Christ Oh that you could say the same of your Honours and Estates reckoning this the goodnesse of all your good things that you are enabled to doe good with them in the cause of Christ and his Truth It was Heroicall zeale in Basill who for his constant and bold defending of the Truth against the Arian heresie being threatned death by Valens the Emperour answered {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Oh that I might dye for the truth I beseech you Noble Worthies by the many Petitions you have had from men by the solemne
Protestations you have made to God by his wonder-working Providence about you and by the dependance the Protestant cause abroad hath upon you stirre up your Resolution in the behalfe of Truth Would you have the name of this Parliament embalmed with everlasting perfume Improve your power for the true Religion Justifie our Magna Charta the grand Charter of Scripture truthes that doth entitle us to Salvation Confirme unto us our Petition of Right establish upon Pastors and Churches so much interest in the power and use of the Keyes as the Word of Truth doth allow them Maintaine amongst us a free course of trading for eternall happinesse set and keepe open those shops such Pulpits such mouthes as any Prelaticall usurpations have or would have shut up Secure to us not onely liberty of person and estate but also liberty of Conscience from Church tyranny that we be not pinched with ensnaring oathes clogged with multiplyed subscriptions or needlesse impositions which will rather increase then compose distractions Together with Priviledges of Parliament let us have Church-priviledges vindicated helpe us to purge out that old leaven whether of Doctrine of Disposition or Persons that we may have Sacraments more purely administred according to the rule of Truth let us be sure of this Militia inviolably setled the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God Ephes. 6. 17. Guard that Magazine wherein are laid up the weapons of our warfare that are mighty through God to the pulling downe of strong holds 2 Cor. 10. 4. So shall we be put into a good posture for Reformation Act undaunted resolution in the prosecution of these religious Designes then may you confidently expect Christs glorious and gracious presence amongst you Luther would assure you thereof Where the Word of Christ doth raigne saith he there are the eyes of Christ fixed on the holy Professors of Truth but where the Word of man reigneth although there were as many Popes as there be leaves in the wood and as many Cardâ—nals as graines of Corne c. As many Bishops as drops of water in the Sea and all of them glittering in Gold and Jewels Gemmati purpurati mulati asinati to maintaine their owne Lawes yet are Christs eyes turned away from them Truth though it must be bought yet it may not be sold The Wisedome of Scripture directs us to severall purchases Isai. 55. 1. Every thirsty soule is invited to Come and buy Waters Wine and Milke Seeke to Christ upon his termes for variety of sweet Soulemercies Rev. 3. 18. We are counselled to buy of Christ Gold tryed in the fire the pure graces of Gods Spirit and the purity of Ordinances Ephes. 5. 16. We must be redeeming the time not only taking opportunities of doing and receiving good when they are offered and seeking them when they are wanting but buying them at any price And indeed Christians should be Chapmen to buy rather then Salemen to sell We are commanded to buy that we may possesse the end of this possession is use what Spirituall commodities we have purchased we must Improve for God and our Soules but not alienate them from our selves There are three sorts of Hucksters will be ready to engrosse the Truth from you if you be willing to sell it Malignant persecutors are engrossing Huckesters who watch to interrupt the liberty of the Truth These even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses resist the Truth men of corrupt mindes Reprobates concerning the Faith 2 Tim. 3. 8. And indeed therefore resist the Truth because their mindes are so corrupt Such the Apostle cals {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} absurd men 2 Thess. 3. 2. Men compact of meere incongruities solaecising in opinion speeches actions and whole life yea unreasonable men For all men have not Faith ver. 2. Religion is the highest Reason nothing more irrationall then irreligion From such spirits arose those conspiracies against the Apostle endevouring to scotch the Charriot-wheeles of Truth when they began first to move No sooner did Steven plead for Truth but some were suborned against him Act. 6. 11. No sooner did Saul beginne to Preach the Truth but opposers began to consult to kill him Act. 9. 23. Though not long before he had beene a busie Apparitor and Pursevant to Arrest the Saints and dragge them to their High-Commission Act. 9. 1. A strange and suddaine change in them as well as in him Origen saith of the Devils No greater torment to them then to see men addicted to the Scriptures The same temper of spirit appeares in the devils agents upon the killing of the witnesses Rev. 11. 10. They that dwelt upon the earth shall rejoyce over them and make merry and shall send gifts one to another because these two Prophets tormented them that dwell on the earth And therefore they will adventure peace of Conscience and hope of Heaven yea the whole stocke upon it that they may buy up Truth out of the Churches hands and sometimes malice rises to such an height that even in England the Bible must be burnt as strange Doctrine Seducing Heretickes whose endevour is to corrupt the purity of Truth The great Apostasy from the Faith 1 Tim. 4. 1. is brought about by giving heed to seducing spirits The Pope hath many Emissaries abroad who joyne with the Devill studying a method of Soule-deceiving and Truth-betraying Compare Ephe. 4. 14. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} with Ephes. 6. 11. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} you shall find the devill and deceivers artificially methodizing their snares to draw us from the Truth 2 Pet. 2. 1 False teachers have alwayes practised to bring in damnable heresies The beginnings of grosse errours may be modest yea the foulest Heresies may at first appeare with faire faces The Serpent creepes into the Paradise of the Church by degrees as 2 Cor. 11. 3. his plot is to corrupt peoples mindes From the simplicity that is in Christ First he will puzzle them with a question as he did Eve put a command of God a knowne Truth to be disputed then helpe them to mint some distinctions which are not alwayes so happy in Divinity as in Philosophy thereby to relieve and helpe in an error And here it may be observed though these men have the same designe with malignant persecutors to engrosse the Truth yet cunningly they will buy it up by parcels that they may be the lesse discerned They will trade first in names then in things first habituate us to call our Ministers Priests our Communion Tables Altars before they impose superstitious gestures This was the Rhemists straine of policy Let us keepe our old words and wee shall easily keepe our old Faith This graduall Huckstering up the purity of truth is most cleare in Image worship At first Images and pictures of Saints were used in private for Memory History or Ornament onely Afterwards with like colour of
absolution and thereby are emboldned to renue the commission of it That Taxa poenitentiaria amongst the Papists that low rate which is put upon the greatest sinnes in the Popes Custome house so contrary to the word of Truth Rom. 6. 23. The wages of sinne is Death encourages people to the greatest prophannesse Ignorance of the Truth is a fruitefull mother and helpefull nurse both to prophanenesse of practice and to superstition in devotion See it at Athens Act. 17. 22 23. There they were fondly superstitious where their Altar had this inscription To the unknowne God Aquinas attributes the inchoation of Idolatry it selfe To the inordiâ—acy of our affection and our Ignorance of the true God Whence came superstition so much to swarme in the darke ages of the Church because they neglected the word of Truth and followed Tradiâ—ions Hence it is observed that Learning and Religion have falne and risen together When the light of Truth hath beene eclipsed by the decay of learning the heate of Religion hath much declined The weedes of superstition sponte nascuntur will grow of their owne accord in darke corners as having advantage of the soile so much connaturallnesse to peoples corrupt hearts The Popes Chaplaines need not take much pains to teach ignorant soules to be superstitious If Orthodoxe Preachers of the Truth be but suspended we shall soone have reason to complaine with that great man in the Councell of Lateran Piety is almost sunke into Superstition Beware of expressing any indulgence unto such or holding any complyance with them that sell the Truth The whole Tribe of Benjamin came to be extinguished except about sixe hundred onely for countenancing a few sonnes of Beliall in Gibeah who had abused a Levites Wife Judg. 19. and 20. chap. Christ was angry with some of the Churches not onely for being active in evill but passive of evill Rev. 2. 14. 20. The Wisedome of this great Councell hath beene inquisitive after monopolists or any that encroach upon the Common-wealth Give me leave to discover an unhappy Church-confederacy whereby Truth hath beene shamefully sold in many places There are foure sorts of persons herein deepely engaged First Scandalous apostate Professors of the Truth who alienate the Truth from themselves and alienate the mindes of others from the Truth They make the word of God blasphemed Tit. 3. 5. Such are described with blacke Characters by Jude verse 12 13. These are spots in your feasts of Charity when they feast with you feeding themselves without feare clouds they are without water carryed about of windes trees whose fruite withereth without fruite twice dead plucked up by the rootes Raging waves of the Sea foming out their owne shame wandring starres to whom is reserved the blacknesse of darkenesse for ever They are employed in evill workes and they receive answerable wages What unhappy markets such carnall Gospellers make for the Truth you may read in many stories amongst the rest an American Noble-man being perswaded to embrace the Christian Religion demanded First what place was ordained for such as were Baptized Answer was made Heaven and its joyes Secondly what place for them who were not Baptized Answer was returned Hell and its torments Thirdly which of these places was allotted for the Spanyards it was answered Heaven whereupon he renounced his intended Baptisme protesting he would rather goe to Hell with the unbaptized then be in Heaven with the Spaniards Many fall out implacably with the Truth because they finde many professors such unsavory salt Secondly Ignorant and vicious Ministers Some even idoll Priests like the Idols of the heathen The worke of mens hands they have mouthes but they speake not eyes have they but they see not they have eares but they heare not neither is there any breath in their mouthes they that make them are like unto them so is every one that trusteth in them Psalm 135. 15 16 17 18. And indeed it is too often true like Priest like People Ier. 5. 31. Such a creature is not to be found in Christs catalogue who gave some Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors Teachers No Prince ever sent dumbe Embassadors Bernard reckoneth up these foure as strange things Speculator caecus praecursor claudus praeco mutus doctor inscius a blinde Watchman a lame Harbinger a dumbe Cryer an ignorant Teacher And indeed a Minister of a vicious life though not grossely ignorant is as dangerous an enemy to true Religion if not sometimes worse as not barely with-holding but corrupting and perverting Truth like Elymas the Sorcerer Act. 13. 10. Yea like Eli his Sonnes 1 Sam. 2. 17. who made the Offerings of the Lord to be abhorred their ungodly lives are often such confutations of their owne and other mens Sermons that many thereby are hardned against the Truth Ezek. 9. 6. the destroying Angell was to beginne at the Sanctuary and there too often beginnes prophanenesse There hath beene long expectation as there is indeed great need of a Parliament visitation to finde out those Chapmen who will sell Gods Truth peoples soules Church-purity with State-liberty for the satisfaction of their lusts Thirdly Such Prelates as ordaine or support these ignorant and vicious Ministers I appeale to you what grosse betrayers of Truth they are How happy had it beene for the Church in England if they who pretend to succeed Timothy had walked by that rule which Paul commended to him 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man but alas many are aposcopi rather then Episcopi as Espencaeas by-seers rather then over-seers hence such swarmes in the Church of backe-friends unto truth If you enquire when so many grosse deformities crept into the Church Damasus will tell you even then when the Bishops put over the care and performance of Church affaires to others that they might take their owne ease like Harlots that put out their owne children to be nursed by others that themselves in the meane time might satisfie their lusts by such remissenesse Truth was much smothered with a multitude of weedes that overgrew the Church Fourthly Selfe-seeking Patrons are many times deepely accessary to the betraying of Truth in presenting most unworthy Ministers The Lord knoweth how many are so farre from considering the concurring consent of judicious Christians which was much valued in primitive times that they neglect their trust for the good of others and their own soules They will obtrude too often one of Jeroboams Priests one of the lowest of the people 1 Kings 13. 33. They would not chuse a Cooke to dresse their meate that were like to poyson them nor a Physitian though a Kinsman which would probably kill them but too often preferre a dawbing Chaplaine that will comply with their covetous or licentious humour though in the meane time the people be betrayed and the Truth be sold Will you please to consider what a sad meeting this unhappy fraternity will have at the day of Judgment if
Shimshai the Scribe should outstrip Zerubbabel That Tobiah and Sanballat should outbid Nehemiah in any cause of God Rather let the malignancy of malignant opposers enflame your zeale for the Truth O that we could now all close this day of humiliation with the proper worke of the day covenanting with our God making it our sealing day Nehem. 9. 38. At a solemne Fast Princes Priests and Levites did make a sure covenant write and seale unto it Let us this Day not onely give earnest for the purchasing of Truth by the fixed purposes of our hearts but even give as it were hands and seales that we will never sell the liberty purity or power of Religion upon any termes Wâ—ll you please to these particulars First That you will not sell Truth out of carnall feares you have a good 〈…〉 it Rev. 21. 7 8. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} he that is over-comming not he that hath overcome shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my sonne But the fearefull and unbeleeving shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone Read over the story of Francis Spira with trembling who out of such feare betrayed the Truth After he had gon to Venice to the Popes Legate with whom out of carnall feare he complyed craving pardon of him and yeelding to recant that religion he had publickely prosessed when he returned to his house he could not rest an houre no not a minute nor feele any ease of his continuall anguish from that night he was much terrifyed with horror and as he confesseth He saw plainely before his eyes all the torments of hell and the damned and in his foule did heare the fearefull sentence being drawne before the Judgement seate of Christ Hold fast the Truth let faith triumph over feares If Peter will deny and forsweare his Master at best he must returne by weeping crosse many are irrecoverably smitten with that Thunderbolt from the Lord Heb. 10. 38. If any one draw backe my soule shall have no pleasure in him Secondly That you will not sell Truth for your own private advantages It was a wretched carriage in Demetrius and his fraternity who out of love to their owne gaine did combine and consult how they might undermine and betray the Truth Sirs ye know that by this craft we have our wealth This made them so zealous for their Diana and so fierce against the Gospell If Truth doe prevaile Diana must downe and then farewell their profit Resolve rather to resemble Moses then Demetrius who Heb. 11. 25. Chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God then enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season His Faith did so rightly enforme his Judgement that he counted the Reproaches of Christ which seeme the bitterest thing in Christianity greater riches then the treasures in Egypt ver. 26. How much did he then preferre the Consolations which come by Religion before all worldly excellencies Such a spirit was in Luther who when he was offered to be Cardinall if he would be quiet replyed no Not if I might be Pope He had an holy scorne to be put off from his Religious designes by such withering petty things Thirdly Sell not Truth for politicke State ends When you come to settle Religion doe not deale onely like politicians but like Christians Worldly wisedome in the things of God is a rule too short too crooked too partiall yea foolishnesse with God Ieroboam would play the politician in Religion he sold the true worship of God for his State ends and for ever inherits this as a blot upon his name 1 King 15. 30. Because of the sins of Jerohoam which he sinned and which he made Israel to sin by his provocation wherwith he provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger Most renowned was the zeale of King Edward the sixth for the Truth when upon reasons of State he was pressed by Cranmer and Ridley to give way to the Masse he refused it with so much resolution with so many teares that they acknowledged he had more divinity in his little finger then both they In things about meum tuum that concerne our owne interest we may be more liberall but in Church affaires the word of truth must guide us It is not in our power quicquam hic aliis dare aut in aliorum gratiam deflectere we may not therein gratify one another Fourthly Sell not Truth for pretences of Church peace I confesse the name of peace smels very sweete and now especially in the midst of such Church distractions and such wantonnesse of opinions were to be purchased at any rate except with the losse of Truth It is a most lovely sight to see unity of peace imbrace unity of faith to behold the household of faith the family of love O that we could all observe the present breaches with the same affectons that Augustine did the differences betwixt Hierome and Ruffine Woe is me that I cannot find you both together I would fall downe at your feete with much love and many teares I would beseech you for your selves and for one another and for weake Christians for whom Christ dyed that you suffer not these dissentions to spread c. But in the meane time we must not be such reconcilers as to bring in a Samaritan Religion an Interim an uncomfortable mixture We must not receive Babylonish inmates into the Lords House Light and darknesse Truth and error will never long dwell quietly together Fifthly Sell not Truth for the pompe of humane Ceremonies Admit that Ceremonies were first let into the Church with the faire intention of the guiders and leaders and entertayned by the credulity of well-meaning people before the mystery of iniquity was much knowne yet since being so superstitiously abused by the Pope and his party and so rigidly pressed for the upholding the pompe of Prelacy with no small disadvantage to the Truth let us part with them rather then sell any sparke of Truth for them Never say they are ancient Jesus Christ is my antiquity saith Ignatius We must look for antiquity of Institution not onely of Custome Never say they are indifferent If indifferent onely and not expedient they may the better be spared Others will say our Doctrine takes off the Scandall of the Ceremonies However better have the stumbling blocke removed out of the way then to have a monitor appointed to give you warning of it he may fall asleepe and then you are in danger Many tender consciences wish the same successe about our Ceremonies that was in King Edward the sixth his dayes about the Images Some people contending for one Image others for another gave occasion that the King tooke downe all Who knoweth whether God hath called you to this Parliament to accomplish this amongst other services If you doe fully come off to give in your hands your hearts yoursealing actions
that you will not upon any termes sell the Truth as you tread in good Hezekiahs steps I doubt not but the Lord will Crowne your piety and paines with his Diadem 2 Chron. 31. 20 21. Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah and wrought that which was good and right and Truth before the Lord his God and in every worke that he began in the service of the house of God and in the Law and in the commandements to seeke his God he did it with all his heart and prospered FINIS Inveniar sanè suberbus c. modò impit silcutii non arguar dum Dominus patititur Luth. Ep. ad Staup. Ier. 45 5. Aug. Ep. 129. Isa. 9. 6. 1 Tim. 2. 2. 1 Sam. 4. 21 22. Hollinsh in Hen. 7. Gal. 6. 9. 2 King 6. 16. 1 Pet. 4. 19. 1 Tim. 6. 12. Hierom. in Eccles. Cornel. a Lâ—p in Prov. Argum. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} sive dignitates hae doctrinae quae suo merito vitae nostrae veluti dominae moderatrices esse debent Cartwr Parts of the Text 1. Proposition Explication 1. Libertie of Truth must be bought 2 Thess. 3. 1. Revel. 6. 2. Acts 12. 5. 2. Puritie of Truth must be bought Purum est plenum sui immixtum alieni Quot supererunt mixturae ex hominum ingenio prolatae toridem extabunt pollutiones quae homines distrabant à certo eorum usu quae Dominus in corum salutem instituerat Calv. Ep. Prot. Angl. Totalis adaequata regula est scriptura traditio simul Traditio parem habet autoritatem scripturae Becan 3. Power of Truth must be bought Hypocrisis est signum sine signato Fateor quidem moderation â—ocum esse oportere sed non miâ—us constanter offirmo videndum esse ne sub illo praetextu toleretur qâ—â—cquam quod à Satanâ vel Antichristo prefectum sit Calv. ep. Prot. Angl. Hilarius contra Auxâ—ntium Male vos parietum amor cepit malè ecclesiam Dei in tectis aedificusque veneramini malè sub his pacis nomen ingeatur annè ambiguum est in iis Antichristum Sessurum Purchase of Truth 1. Begins in Desires after it Scientia visut and gustus Isa. 55. 1. Luk. 18. 1. 7. Prov. 26. 15. 2. Promoted by Diligence Psal. 19. 10. Cant. 3. 2. Luk. 19. 3 4. C. Sejâ—s Bonus vir sed Christianus 3. Managed by Prudence 4. Transacted by paction Haec optima commutatio da res tuas ut acquiras veritatem non alienabis à te veritatem ut acquiras res altas Cajet. Truth seldom bought upon cheap tearmes Confirmation 1. Reason 2. Reason P. Martyr Ep. 36. Regni Eliz. 3. Reason Gladius Ecclesiae venerandâ raritate formidabilis Petr. de Alliaco 4. Reason 2 Thess. 2. 7. See Crakanthorp of the fift Generall Councell chap. 13. Application 1. Vse Self-examination 1. Quere Concerning the persons 2. Quere Concerning your Families Ephes. 5. 5. 2 Cor. 6. 15 16. Delicata res est spiritus Dei 3. Quaere Concerning the publique Use 2. Exhortation Three Requisites in a Factor 1 Requisite Wisdome 1. Maximis dissidiis non sunt minores istae redimendae veritates Acontius de St. Sat. 1. 2. 3. 4. Exod. 20. 11. Ezek. 20. 10. 2. Opportunitas est maximum talentum Judg. 6. 40. 2 Requisite Activity Veritatem Philosophia quaerit Theologia invenit Religio possidet P. Mirand. Clem. Alexand. Licet Christus post caenam institue rit suis Discipulis administraverit sub utraque specie panis et vini hoc venerabile Sacramentum tamen hoc non obstante Sacrorum canonum autoritas approbata consuetudo Ecclesiae servavit servat Caranza sum Concil. Sess. 13. Autoritas Ecclesiae est autoritas numeris non jurisdictionis Camer. Ego sum via quae ad veritatem duco ego sum veritas quae vitam promitto ego sum vita quam do Bernard {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} 3 Requisite Resolution 2 Chron. 29. 8. Luâ—her de abrog. miss privat 2 Proposition Three sorts of of Hucksters 1. Sort of hucksters of Truth Qui {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} faciunt quae minime conventunt Pisc. Acts 4. 5. ch. Origen Num. hom 27. in hoc corum omnis flamma est in hoc uruntur incendio Tanquan Doctrina peregrina 2 Sort of Hucksters of Truth Rhem. Test 1 Tim. 6. 20. Bellarm. de Imag. Sanct. l. 2. c. 21. 3 Sort of Hucksters of Truth Plut. in vita Solon 1 King 12. 27 28. 1. Reason Niltam certum quam quod post dubium certum 2 Reason Rom. 3. 2. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} not sensu architectonico but forensi 3 Reason Selling Truth opens a doore 1 To Prophanenesse Alsted Aâ—nâ— 1102. 2 To Superstition Traditiones pontificiorum sunt pandectae errorum et Superstitionum Chemnit 1 Uâ—e of caution 4 Sorts accessary to the selling of Truth 1 Scandalous professors 2 Ignorant and vitious Ministeâ— Ephe. 4. 11. Bernard 3 Prelates supporting Ignorant vitious Ministers Field on chap. l. 5. c. â—9 4 Selfe-seeking Pations Plebs ipsa maxime habet potestatem vel eligendi dignos Sacerdotes vel recusandi indignos quod ipsum videmus de divina autoritate descendere Cyp. ep. 63 Sir Tho. Rid. View of Civill Law part 3. c. 4. Sect. 3. 2 Vse of direction Ezek. â— Polan in locum 1. Multitudine levissimarum seremoniarum pene est extincta pietas et vis spiritus Sancti Gerson Haeâ—â—uus quibus vulgus praecipue delâ—ctatus et quoâ—â—â— gratia doctrinam â—llam quae â—olâ—s 〈◊〉 est fere oblivâ—â—ituâ— p. 4. 3. Missae Comoedia in P. Martyr 2 Thes. 3. 1. Contra Pontificies paâ—um â—â—gibus aut libris profici quousque firmum etidoneum ministerium in ecclesiis constitutum fuerit Whitak 1. 2. 3. Act. 13. 7. 8 4. 3 Vse of Dehortation 1 Kings 11 9 Matth. 26. 74 Act. 19. 24 25. 1 Cor. 3. 19. Calv. Epist. prot Angl. Eph 4 3. 13. Heâ—â—nthâ— qui vos 〈◊〉 simul inventre non possum Aug. Ep. 15. 2 King 17 33. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Ignat. epi. ad Philad. Quid si vel pigri vel non satis attenti sint monitores vel frustra plerosque moneant Beza ep. 8. Grindal Anno 1548. Ester 4. 14