deserve to perish No man perisheth but for his own fault Hos. 13.9 O Israel thou hast â—â—stroyed thy self but in me is thy help Now they that will yield to the deceivableness of unrighteousness justly perish though there be deâ—eit in the Case yet there is unrighteousness in the Case also Fraudulent dealing should not so cozen us as apparent unrighteousness oâ— unfaithfulness â—o Christ should warn us 2. That they are in an actual state of perdition and unlâ—ss they come out of it are undone for ever The Apostles when they propounded Châ—istian Doctrine at first did use this term to distinguish impenitent unbelievers from those that received the Gospel as 1 Cor. 1.18 The preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness but unto us that are saved the power of God So 2 Cor. 2.15 We are unto God a sweet savour of Christ in them that perish and in thâ—m that are saved So he distinguisheth them that receive the Faith and them that receive it not peâ—itent believers are those that are saved but impenitent unbelievers are those that perish that is are for the present during their infidelity and impenitency in an actual state of perdition So 2 Cor. 4.3 If our Gospel be hid it is hid to those that are lost that iâ— who are for the present in a lost condition We know not Gods secret decrees but those that refuse and oppose the only remedy to all appearance are lost men Now this he applyeâ—h to those that yield to Antichrist shewing them that though they are Christians yet they have no more benefit the Gospel than Infidels they receive not the truth these revolt from the owning of it upon carnal reasons And therefore it is foretold Rev. 14.9 10. If any man worship the Beast and his Image and receive his mark in his forehead and in his hand the same shall drink of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the Cup of his indignation and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels and the presence of the Lamb. That is all those that give up themselves as Servants and Souldiers to the Antichristian Estate and obstinately adhere to and promote that profession they shall taste of the Mediators vengeance which will be very sore and severe Luk. 19.27 These mine Enemies which would not that I should reign over them bring them forth and slay them before me Popery is the high way to damnation 3. It beareth this sense that they are fâ—â—e appointed to perish who are left to these delusions They are such as God hath past by and not chosen to life This is to be considered also for damnable errors take not effect on Gods Elect. Mat. 24.24 If it were possible they shall deceive the very elect The Elect cannot altogether be seduced and drawn away from Christ for God taketh them into his protection and guardeth them against the delusions of false Prophets that if they be for a time they shall not always be deceived So it is said Rev. 13.4 The Locusts shall hurt none of those that had the seal of God in their foreheads The delusions of Antichrist have only their full effect on those who are not elected and sealed upon the Hypocritical professors that live in the visible Church So it is said again Rev. 13.8 All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him whose names are not written in the Lambs book of life And again Rev. 17.8 And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world The Elect are still excepted which is much for the comfort of the Godly who belong to Gods Election that he shall not prevail over them totally finally God hath chosen you to life Thirdly The reason of this doom because they received not the love of the truth that they might he saved By the truth is meant the Gospel the chief truth revealed in Gods word and the only means of Salvation Eph. 1. â— In whom also ye trusted after that ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your Salvation This is the truth most profitable to lost Sinners receiving is put for entertaining or believing the words as Acts 8.14 When they heard that Samaria had received the word of God and Acts 11.1 That the Gentiles had received the word and elsewhere This reception must be with love Acts 2.41 As many as received the word gladly and Acts 17.11 They received the word with readiness of mind And this affection must produce its effect so as to convert them unto God Now this is denied of them who are seduced by Antichrist that they never had any true love to the truth nor minded it in order to their Salvation Now the business is whether the clause concerned only the Jews or can be applied to Christians The Jews clearly received not the love of the truth but did refuse Christ and his Salvation And herein the Papists glory of an advantage of turning off this Prophecy from themselves But the Apostle speaketh not of rejecting the truth but of not receiving the love of the truth which is not proper to the Jews but to false Christians The Jews Company rejected Christ and Antichrist was not sent to them for a punishment but wrath came upon them to the uttermost to the excision and cutting off their Nation But here is rendred the reason not of other Judgments but why men are Captives to Antichrist Therefore it is not so to be confined Doct. 1. The subjects of Antichrists power and seduction are those that perish 2. The great reason why God sent this Judgment on the Christian World is because they receieved not the love of the truth 1. Doct. That the subjects of Antichrists power and seduction are those that perish It is a dreadful argument we are upon yet necessary to be known for our caution however to be handled warily 1. It is certainly more meet for us to have a regard of our own estate than curiously to enquire what becometh of others The Apostle waveth judging them that are without 1 Cor. 5.12 I know he meaneth it of the censures of the Church which are not exercised upon Infidels but Christians but so far we may apply iâ— to this case that we should not rashly judge of the eternal state of other persons but rather of things wherein our selves are concerned If the enquiry were only matter of curiosity surely Christs rebuke would silence it What is that to thee Joh. 21.20 for Christ is ill pleased with curiosity about the state of other men but it is fit we should know our own duty and danger and to that end it must be discussed 2. That there is a great diffiâ—ulty of the Salvation of Papists so living and dying if not an utter impossibility Partly because though it should be supposed that they retain the foundation yet they build such Hay and stubble
of God and hath counted the Blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sancâ—ified an unholy Thing and hath done despite unto the Spirit of Grace That is were in external Covenant with God and visibly dedicated But there is an other Sanctification which is the Fruit of the Spirit 〈◊〉 a real Change in them 1 Cor. 6.11 And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord Iesus and by the Spirit of our God Find this and you find a sufficient Evidence Namely if you become new Creatures and be enabled to forsake Sin and follow after that which is pleasing in the sight of God Sancâ—ification of the Spirit is not so much known by Dedication and Profession but by â—he real and fixed inclination of your Souls to God and Heaven and living accordingly you are turned to God and live to God 2. Your belief of the Truth that is of the Gospel Now this is meant not of a dead Faith or such a cold Assent as only begets an Opinion in us of the truth of Christian Religion but such a lively Faith as bringeth us under the power of it For it is opposed to them that do not receive the Truth in the love of it Ver. 10. To them that believed not the Truth because they had pleasure in Vnrighteousness Ver. 12. That lived under the power of fleshly and worldly Lusts. And it is spoken of them who had received the Truth so as to obey it and suffer for it as the Thessalonians are described all along And in short such a belief of the Truth as caused them to enter into Covenant with Christ and make conscience of their Fidelity to him And here in this Verse we learn That a bare belief of the Truth doth not save unless accompanied with the Sanctification of the Spirit And therefore both must be taken together when the Word cometh to us not in Word only but in Power and much assurance and joy in the Holy Ghost it is an infallible evidence of our Election of God 1 Thess. 1.5 Alas many have a general cold belief of the Gospel that never felt the effect of it upon their Hearts 4. Observe the necessary Connection that is between both these Means The Sanctification of the Spirit and the Belief of the Truth 1. There is a necessary Connection between them as between the Cause and the Effect For none are powerfully drawn to believe in Christ but such as are Sanctified by his Spirit It is not in the power of any Creature to incline us to God or bring us to come to him by Christ. But this Work is wholly reserved to the Spirit And so the Lord himself doth powerfully bring to pass his own Decrees as by Christ Redeeming so by the Spirit Sanctifying The Spirit is the Author both of Faith and Holiness Saving Grace is called a New Creature 2 Cor. 5.17 Therefore if any Man be in Christ he is a New Creature Ephes. 2.10 For we are his Workmanship created in Christ Iesus unto good Works which God hath before ordaineâ— that we should walk in them And to Create is the Work of a Divine Power Creatâ—re and Creator are Relatives And certainly the noblest Creature such as the New Creature is cannot be framed by any but God It is called a New Birth and the New Birth is only from the Spirit Iohn 3.5 6. Well then these are fitly coupled the Sanctification of the Spirit and Belief of the Truth That God's Work may make way for ours 2. There is the Connection of Concomitancy between the Gospel and the Spirit The Spirit only goeth along with the Gospel and no other Doctrine and so both external and internal Grace are of God John 17.17 Sanctifie them by thy Truth thy Word is Truth It was fit that a Super-natural Doctrine should be accompanied with a Supernatural Operation and Power How else should it be known to be of God The Truth and the Spirit are inseparable Companions Where there is little of God known there is little of his Spirit As in the Natural Truth revealed to the Heathens Somewhat God shewed unto them Rom. 1.19 In the darker Revelation to the Iews there is but a fainter degree of the Spirit but Grace and Truth come by Iesus Christ. There goeth along with the Doctrine of the Gospel a mighty Spirit of Holiness for thereby God would prove the Verity and Truth of this Religion and suitably to the rich Mercy prepared for us in Christ. 3. There is a subordination of Faith to this Work of the Spirit by the Truth For the greatest Things work not till they be considered and beliâ—ved 1 Thess. 2.12 Ye received it not as the Word of Men but as it is in Truth the Word of God which worketh effectually also in you that believe A sound Belief produceth strong Affections and strong Affections govern our Practice and Conversation So that fitly are these things united as the fruits of our Election and means of Salvation 2. Why this is the great matter of our thansgiving to God That I shall evidence in the following considerations 1. That Thanksgiving to God is a great and necessary duty expresly injoin'd by him and expected from us 1 Thess. 5.18 In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you in Christ Iesus When God hath interposed his Will all debates are silenced If there were nothing else in the case this is motive enough to a gracious Heart for the fundamental reason of all obedience is the Will of God Our thankfulness is no benefit to God yet he is pleased with it as it sheweth our Honesty and Ingenuity And to us Christians the very Life and Soul of our Religion is Thankfulness therefore God will have us continually exercised in it Heb. 13.15 Let us offer the Sacrifice of Praise continually that is the fruit of our Lips giving thanks unto his Name As our understanding was given us to think of God and know him So our speech was given us to speak of God and praise him We praise God for all his works we give him thanks for such as are beneficial to us In Praise we ascribe all Honour Excellency and Perfection unto him In giving thanks we express what he hath done for our selves or others Now this must be done continually for God is continually beneficial unto us by daily Mercies giving us new matter of Praise and Thanksgiving Besides there are some Mercies so great that they should never be forgotten 2. That we are to give thanks chiefly for Spiritual and Eternal Mercies Eph. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Iesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. For we cannot give thanks rightly without a just esteem of the Mercy we give thanks for But spiritual and eternal Mercies do much excel those that are temporal and transitory We are bound to bless the Lord for
foot to subvert their Faith and expose the whole Christian Doctrine to contempt First The manner of obtestation falleth first under our consideration in which two things are mentioned 1. The coming of Christ. 2. Their gathering together unto him Obtestations are by those things which have great reverence and respect with us as most likely to prevail Now these two things are mentioned 1. As weighty 2 Tim. 4.1 I charge thee before God and the Lord Iesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearance and his Kingdom 2. This was the Article mistaken and perverted as to one circumstance the Time but the thing is taken for granted as an unquestionable truth and the support of all their hopes 2 Thess. 1.10 When he shall come to be glorified in his Saints and admired in all them that believe 3. This was a famous Christian Doctrine with which the Apostles usually began in planting Religion in any place 1 Thess. 5.1 2 3. But of the times and the seasons ye have no reason that I write unto you for ye your selves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night c. 4. It was of precious account with them 2 Tim. 4.8 Henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness which the Lord the righteous Iudge shall give me at that day and not to me only but unto them also that love his appearing So that the obtestation implyeth both the certainty of their belief and also their dear account of this Article of Faith and therefore the sense is As you do assuredly expect him and love and look and long for this day that it may go well with you and Christ appear to your glory so be not troubled 1. Doct. That the coming of Christ to the judgment is a truth well known firmly believed and earnestly desired by all true Christians 2. Doct. That when Christ shall come all the Saints shall be gathered together unto him 1. Doct. That the coming of Christ to the judgment is a truth well known firmly believed and earnestly desired by all the Saints 1. That it is well known the Apostle produceth the testimony of Enoch Jude 14. Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his Saints David often mentioneth it as a thing delighted in by Believers therefore in a Poetical or rather Prophetical strain he calleth upon the Heavens Earâ—h Sea and Fields to rejoice before the Lord for he cometh for hâ— cometh to judge the Earth he shall judge the World with Righteousness and the people with his truth Psal. 96.13 and again Psal. 98.10 He calleth upon the Creatures to rejoice before the Lord for he cometh to judge the Earth with Righteousness shall he judge the World and the people with Equity passages whiâ—h relate not only to the Kingdom of the Messiah as it is exercised now in the World but also to his final act of judging till which time they are not fully verifyed Solomon bindeth â—he whole duty of man upon him by his consideration Eccles. 12.13 14. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter Fear God and keep his Commandements for this is the whole duty of man for God shall bring every work into Iudgment with every secret thing whether it be good or whether it be evil And the Apostles when they went abroad to Proselyte the World usually began with this point 2. That this is firmly believed by all true Christians This must needs be so because it is the grand inducement to all Piety and Godliness and none ever disbelieved it but those the interest of whose Lusts ingaged them to question it 2 Pet. 3.3 4 5. Knowing this first that there shall come in the last days scoffers walking after their own lusts and saying Where is the promise of his coming For since the Fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of the Creation For this they willingly are ignorant of c. willingly ignorant their interest puts them upon it rather than their Conscience because this Doctrine filleth them with unquiet thoughts that they cannot so securely follow their sinful practices till they blot out the fear of it or banish the thoughts of it out of their hearts but all that obey the teachings of grace take it for objective or subjective grace they firmly believe it Tit. 2.11 12 13. For the grace of God that bringeth Salvation hath appeared to all men teaching us that denying ungodlâ—ness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present World looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearance of the great God and our Saviour Iesus Christ. The sound belief of it is not so much encountred with the doubts of the mind as the inclinations of their perverse hearts Now the seeming reasons of partial men are not to be heard especially as delivered in a scoffing malicious way and on the other side Godliness and Mortification standeth upon such evident reason as mans unquestionable duty that it needeth not to be maintained by a lie and manifest falshood Certainly they that deny it do not so much reason against this Article of our Christian Faith as scoff at it and it is to be imputed to the malignity of their tempers rather than the acuteness or sharpness of their reason that they do not believe it Many things which they urge are a manifest token of the contrary As the calamities of the good 2 Thess. 1.4 5. So that we glory in you for your Faith and Patience in all your Persecutions and tribulations that you endure which is a manifest token of the righteous Iudgment of God The perversion of Justice Eccles. 3.16 17. And moreover I saw under the Sun the place of Iudgment that wickedness was there and the place of righteousness that iniquity was there I said in my heart God shall judge the righteous and the wicked for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work Things must be reviewed and judged over again A State Engine to serve Order and Government doth the benefit of mankind need a lie to promote it Doth carnal interest govern the World or Vertue If meer carnal Interest what a confusion would there be of all things Then men might commit all Villany take away mens lives and goods when it is their interest or they could do it safely and secretly without infringement of their interest Servants poison their Masters if they could do it without discovery and there were no sin in it men prey upon others if it be in the power of their hands and catch he that catch can without impunity would be the truest Wisdom Clear it is Vertue cannot be supported without the thoâ—ghts of a World to come and it is unreasonable to imagine that God would make a World which cannot be governed without falshood and deceit 3. That it is earnestly desired by all true Christians that is of chief respect
for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies it draweth near 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it is begun already But the sense is vastly different for by these and such like expressions the Apostle only did intend that the last dispensation was then on foot no other change of dispensation or worship was to be expected till the Coming of Christ. But I shall more clearly and distinctly shew 1. What reason the Apostle had to speak at this rate 2. What little reason these Seducers had to pervert this Speech to countenance their Hypothesis or supposition 1. For the first the Apostle had reason to say the day of the Lord was at hand 1. With respect of Faith for Faith gives a kind of presence to things Heb. 11.1 Now Faith is the subtance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen That is it gives a being a kind of existence to things future and afar off and sets them before the eyes of our mind and gives us some sight of them as if they were already come And therein it agrees with the light of Prophecy look as by the light of Prophecy Iohn saith Rev. 20.12 I saw the dead small and great stand before God and the Books were opened c. so saith doth in effect see what it believes Wâ—â—l then Faith looking upon things distant anâ— absent as near at hand the Apostle had reason to use this language to Believers as if the Judge were at the door Phil. 4.5 Let your moderation be known unto all men the Lord is at hand not only in regard of his present Providence but also with respect to his second coming to Judgment it is as certain to Faith as if he were already come 2. With respect of Love Love will not account it long to endure the hardships of this present World until Christ come to set all things at rights Iacob served seven years for Rachel for the love he bare to her and it seemed to him but a little while Gen. 2â— 20 If we had any love for Christ we should be contented to suffer a while for his sake The time is coming when the wicked shall persecute no more when the mouth of iniquity shall be stopped when the desire and hope of all Believers shall be satisfied when the Redeemers work shall be consummated when the Kingdom shall be delivered up to the Father when those that made a jest of this day shall be fully confuted Faith sees the certainty of it and love makes us hold out till the time come about 3. The Apostle might speak so as comparing time with Eternity Psal. 90.4 A thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past and as a Watch in the night 2 Pet. 3.8 One day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day The longest time to Eternity is but as a drop lost and spilt in the Ocean and all the tediousness of the present life is but like one rainy day to an Everlasting Sun-shine 2 Cor. 4.17 Our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory though troubles are lengthened as long as our lives are yet they are but a moment in respect of Eternity we reckon by time and not by Eternity and therefore these expressions may seem strange to us 4. The Apostle speaks this to particular men whose abode in the World is not very long Eternity and the Judgment is at hand though Christ tarry long till the Church be compleated and the Elect be gathered 2 Pet. 3.9 The Lord is not slack concerning his Promise as some men count slackness Now what is long and what is afar off to the whole Church considered in several successions of Ages it is short to particular persons Death soon puts an end to their conflict and then their Triumph ensues And to Christ is ready to judge at all times though the World be not ready to be judged The Coming of Christ is uncertain and hidden for this very purpose that men in all Ages might be quickened to faithfulness and watchfulness and make that preparation which is necessary Now therefore it concerns the Messengers of God to bind mens duty upon them by showing the nearness of it in all the forementioned considerations that they might be always ready for so we find our Lord himself pressing it Luke 12.40 Be ye therefore ready for the Son cometh at an hour when ye think not Mat. 24.42 Watch therefore for ye know not what hour your Lord cometh He may come in a moment our duty is unquestionable but the time of his coming is uncertain And to please our selves with the thoughts of a delay is a mighty deadening thing and quencheth our duty yea it is an inticement to all evil Mat. 24.48 The wicked Servant took liberty to beat his fellow Servants because of his Lords delay we are bid to be sober and watchful and always to be looking for the coming of the Lord. 2. The Seducers had little reason to pervert this Speech to the countenance of their Hypothesis or supposition and therefore the Apostle had very good reason to be zealous in the confutation of this Hypothesis of the Seducers who maintained that Christ would come in that Age. 1. To inquire after the time is curiosity Acts 1.7 It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put into his own power Those things which God hath reserved to himself for us to inquire after is sinful It is a great evil to pry into our Masters Secrets when we have so many revealed truths to busy our minds about we take it to be a piece of ill manners to pry into that which is purposely concealed as to break up a secret Letter and the like the practising of known duties would prevent this curiosity these things tend not to our profit and edification 2. Much more was it a sin to fix the time it was an arrogant presumption for of that day and hour knoweth no man no not the Angels of Heaven but my Father only Mat. 24.36 The peremptory time of the day of Judgment God keeps to himself and it is arrogance for any to define it and set a time when God is resolved to keep it secret 3. The fixing of that time did a great deal of hurt 1. For the present it drew away their minds from their calling because they expected a sudden coming of the Lord Ill impressions either destroy or wâ—aken necessary duties 2. The least Error doth gratifie Sathan and the interest of his Kingdom for he is the Father of Lies 3. It might shake their Faith in other things when their credulity was disproved by the event the Gospel might be brought into contempt when their Error only was confuted as many men who have been peremptory in fixing times afterwards have thrown off their Religion 4. It shewed a diseased mind that they were
to begin our right in the priviledges of the Gospel there are some conditions required for the beginning others for the continuing of our right now this is absolutely required for the continuing of our right both for present reconciliation with God and future Glory it is upon this condition if ye continue in the Faith 2. Let us inquire what is necessary to this constancy and establishment of mind that we may not be soon troubled and shaken partly that our minds may be inlightened to know the truth and our hearts renewed to believe and love the truth for without this there can never be any constancy of mind in Religion 1. A clear Conviction of the Truth or certainty of Knowledge a rooted assent or well grounded perswasion not some fluctuating opinion about it an half light maketh us very uncertain in our course James 1.3 A double-minded man is unstable in all his wayes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 First try all things 1 Thess. 5.20 then hold fast that which is good When men resolve upon Evidence or after due Examination the truth sticketh the closer and faster by them but when they take up things hand over head they have no firm Principles and therefore waver hither and thither as Vessels without Ballast are tossed with every wave 2 Pet. 3.16 17. Beware lest ye also being led away with the errour of the wicked fall from your own stedfastness 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 substantial grounds within themselves they do not stand by the knowledge of others or the Faith of others and consent of others light chaff is carried about with every wind 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eph. 4.14 That ye henceforth be no more Children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of Doctrine they go through all parts of the compass sometimes this wind of error taketh them up sometimes that sometimes taking up one opinion then changing it for another this is the fruit of half-Convictions 2. The other oart of our Basis is a resolution to adhere to the Truth what likelihood is there that we should continue who are not so much as resolved so to do The heart must be established by Grace as well as the mind soundly convinced Heb. 13.9 Be not carried about with divers and strange Doctrines for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace as the Apostle speaketh of a purpose not to marry 1 Cor. 7.37 He that standeth stedfast in his own heart c. So here Acts 21.13 I am ready not to be bound only but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Iesus Christ A firm thorough resolution is requisite to fortify us against all changes in Religion otherwise we are but as Trees without a Root or an House without a Foundation Now this resolution of the Heart is by Faith and Love Faith Heb. 3.12 Take heed lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God Love 2 Thess. 2.10 They received not the love of the truth that they might be saved and for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they shall believe a lie We are not only rooted and grounded in Faith but rooted and grounded in Love Eph. 3.17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye being rooted and grounded in love c. 3. The opposite to this is Levity and inconstancy of mind that soon quitteth truth without difficulty or without much hesitancy and resistance yields to the temptation The Scripture often taketh notice of this sudden imbracing of Error Gal. 1.6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another Gospel and in the Text soon shaken in mind credulity is a lightness in believing when we are like Reeds shaken with every wind Mat. 11.7 and have a faulty easiness ready to be carried away with every Doctrine which pretendeth to Truth The simple believeth every word Prov. 14.15 There is a readiness of mind which is good but it goeth on sufficient evidence so the wisdom that is from above is gentle and easy to be intreated James 3.17 and the Bereans were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Acts 17.11 They received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures whether these things were so or no but a readiness of mind differs from a weakness of mind or a lightness in believing upon slender and insufficient grounds they never received the truth with thorough Efficacy and are prone to Error 4. The Causes of this Levity and Inconstancy of mind are these 1. Want of solid rooting in the Truth they receive it hand over head as the stony ground forthwith sprang up Mat. 13.5 and 20. ver Anon they receive it with joy they do not so soon receive the word but they as soon quit it 2. Want of Mortification 2 Tim. 4.10 Demas hath forsaken us having loved this present World Lusts are uncertain fear of men favour of men carnal hopes will easily prevail 3. A certain readiness of mind which disposeth men to conform and comply with their Company as the Looking-Glass representeth every Face that looketh on it so they are very changeable and unstable as water as Zedekiah Jer. 38.5 The King is not he that can say you nay soon turned this way and that way 4. Want of a thorough inclination to God so that they are right for a while or in some things yet they are not universally true to his interest 1 Kings 2.28 Joab turned after Adonijah though he turned not after Absolom Hos. 7.8 Ephraim is a Cake not turned 5. Want of Holiness and living up to the truths we know 1 Tim 3.9 Holding the mystery of Faith in a pure Conscience Choice Liquors are best kept in a clean Vessel men provoke God to desert them and leave them to a vertiginous Spirit 6. Libertinism men think they may run from one Sect of Christians to another as the wind of interest bloweth if they were to turn to Ethnicism Turcism or Judaism they would die rather than change theâ—r Religion but they think the differences among Christians are not of such moment as to venture any thing upon that account Every truth is precious and must be owned in its Season and it is damnable in it self to do any thing against Conscience and he that giveth way to a small temptation will entertain a greater As a Man that hangeth over a Precipice when he lets go his hold will sink further and further till he come to the bottom therefore it is good to be faithful in a little Vse Let us take heed of this evil credulity and lightness 1. Till Christians get a setled and sound Judgment they never have peace within themselves for fears and scruples arise in the dark and those that live in error are full of perplexities and have not that tranquilâ—ity of Spirit which They have who are fully perswaded in their own
mans mouth have not I the Lord. The latter cannot be said because that is contrary to his goodness Psal. 25.8 Good and upright is the Lord therefore will he teach Sinners the way It is not to be imagined that the great and universal King should give a Law to Mankind and speak so darkly that we should have no sure direction from thence nor be able to know his mind in any of the Duties God hath required of us or expose us to great difficulties and hardships in the World And if he had not plainly expressed his will to us man would never leave writing and distinguishing himself out of his duty surely he that will venture his All for Christs sake had need of a clear warrant to bear him out for none will hazard all that is near and dear to him but for weighty Reasons 5. Besides the Illumination of the Holy Spirit doth accompany this word and make it effectual to us to shew us God as revealed in Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath sâ—ined into our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Iesus Christ and for Heaven Eph. 1.17 18. Praying that the God of our Lord Iesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of him the eyes of your understanding being inlightened that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his Inheritance in the Saints He sanctifieth and healeth our Souls and prepareth us for the entertainment of the Truth that as natural things are naturally discerned so spiritual things are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2.14 The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned 6. There are promises of direction made to humble and sincere minds Psal. 25.9 The meek shall he guide in Iudgment the meek shall he teach his way to the industrious Prov. 2. 4 5. If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God to the godly and well-disposed John 7.17 If any man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God or whether I speak of my self so to them that pray much James 1.5 If any man lack wisdom let him ask it of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him They that thus sincerely endeavour to know the will of God will come to a sound establish'd Judgment in the Truth II. A Christian that is thus established is fortified against Spirit Word or Writing or all Suggestion that may perplex his mind 1. Against pretended Revelations called here spirit 1. Because having his mind thus setled he may boldly defy all Revelations pretended to the contrary Gal. 1.8 Though we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel than we have preached let him be accursed Any Doctrine if divers or different from or besides the written word much more contrary to it a Christian may reject it and account it Cursed Doctrine Therefore neither Church nor Angel nor Spirit is to be heard against it 2. Because a Christian is upon better terms having the written word than if God dealt with him by way of Revelations 2 Pet. 1.19 We have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a more sure word of Prophecy comparing it with the voice from Heaven of which he spake before not as if there could be any uncertainty in the Lords Voice speaking from Heaven but because a transient Voice is more easily mistaken or forgotten than an authentick standing Record as Samuel thought Eli called him when it was the Lord it is quoad nos though God gave evidence of the Truth of such Revelations as he made yet we have more accommodate means Our Lord intimateth such a thing Luke 16.31 If they hear not Moses and the Prophets neither will they be perswaded though one rose from the dead This is the surest ground for Faith to rest upon of any that ever hath been or can be given to Sinners subject to forgetfulness jealousies and mistakes 3. Because it is not rational to expect new Revelation now the Canon and Rule of Faith is closed up Heb. 2.1 2. Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip c. Mat. 28.20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you John 17.20 Neither pray I for these alone but for them which shall believe on me through their word 4. Because if any such be pretended it must be tryed by the word Is. 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because they have no light in them So 1 John 4.1 Beloved believe not every Spirit but try the Spirits whether they are of God because many false Prophets are gone abroad into the World 5. Because they that despise ordinary means and pretend to Vision Revelation or Inspiration are usually such as are given up by God to a vertiginous Spirit and cast into the Dungeon of error for the punishment of other sins Mic. 2.11 If a man walking in the Spirit of falshood do lie he shall be the Prophet of this people God will permit those that are both deceivers and deceived themselves to come amongst them for a Plague to them Sleidan giveth sad instances of some given up to this phantastical frenzy that killed their own relations on pretence of inspiration and of others that murdered 50000. in one day 2. By word or unwritten Tradition this also should not shake the mind of a setled Christian for this hath no constat no evidence of its certainty and would lay us open to the deceits of men blinded by their own Interest and Passions and if such tradition could be produced as hath unquestionable Authority it must be tryed by the Scripture which is every where commended as the publick Standard and true measure and rule both of Faith and Manners 3. Not by Epistle as from us 1. Supposititious writings which the Church in all Ages hath exploded and received only those which are unquestionably theirs whose names they bear 2. False Expositions these are confuted by inspection of the Context scope of the Writer comparing of obscure places with plain and clear Thus you see what certainty God hath provided for us guide us in the way to Eternal Life SERMON III. 2 Thess. 2.3 Let no man deceive you by any means for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first And that man of sin be revealed the Son of perdition IN these words we have these two things 1. A Caution against the errour set a-foot at that
it to the true love of God or an holy and heavenly mind and life And partly also because if a lively Christianity had been kept up Antichrist had never risen in the World And it is the way to keep him ' out still When the Servants slept the Enemy sowed Tares Matth. 13. A sleepy Religion and corruption of manners made way for corruption of doctrine worship and order It was with the Church according to the Spouses complaint I sleep but my heart waketh Cant. 5.2 Some care there was but much drowsiness and deadness in Religion and that produced the great Apostasie Partly too because there is such a complyance between the nature of Antichristianism and the temper of a carnal heart For superstition and profaneness grow both upon the same Root A lothness to displease the flesh the sensual nature of man is such that it is loth to be crossed and that breedeth profaneness For wherefore do men ingulf themselves in all manner of sensualities but because they are loth to deny their natural appetites and desires and row against the stream of flesh and blood but will walk in the way of their own heart and in the sight of their own eyes Eccles. 11.9 Again if nature be to be crossed it is only a little It â—hall only be in some external actions and obâ—ervances and dead rudiments which neveâ— kill our lusts nor promote the divine life And this pleasing superstition shall make up a Religion which is a fit pillow for a carnal heart to sleep upon Popery is the easiest Religiâ—n for the flesh that can be found out for it never biteth nor disturbeth their lusts The duties of it are like the Pharisees fasting which our Lord compareth to old Wine Matth 9.17 Fit for old dried skin Bottles Well take heed of falling away from a lively Godliness no man entreth seriously upon Religion but with some tasting or rejoicing Heb. 6. now as this decayeth we fall off The Heavenly life is obstructed if not choaked and quite lost Now to prevent this observe two things 1. Your coldness in duties 2. Your boldness in sinning 1. Coldness in duties when the will and affections grow more remiss and the worship of God which keepeth up the remembrance of him is either omitted or performed perfunctorily and in a careless and stupid manner Jer. 2.32 My people have forgotten me days without number Job 27.10 Will he always call upon God will he delight himself in the Almighty God chargeth Israel with growing weary of him and it began in not calling upon him Isa. 43.22 Now when you seldom think or speak of God and do not keep up a delightful Communion with him there is a falling away 2. Boldness sinning when men lose their tenderness and strictness and the awe of God is lessened in their hearts and they do not only sin freely in thought but freely in act have not that hatred of sin and watchfulness that formerly but more abandon themselves to a carnal life You are falling off from God a-pace 2 Pet. 2.20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the World through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ they are again entangled therein and overcome the latter end is worse with them than the beginning At first the heart checked you for sin but you did not kindly come off were not troubled about it hoped God would pardon it and then you are bold to venture again and so by â—egrees are entangled in the sensual and worldly life Now consider the causes of it 1. Want of Faith in God Heb. 3.12 Take heed Brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God You have not a sound belief of his being and presence 2. Want of love to God Rev. 2.4 5. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love Remember therefore from whence thou art fâ—ln and repenâ— and do thy first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy Candlestick out of its place except thou repent Your hearts decline from that love you had to him and his ways and then your work is intermitted 3. Want of a due sense of the World to come Heb. 10.39 But we are not of them who draw back to perdition but of them that believe to the saving of the Soul 4. The love of the present World 2 Tim. 4.10 For Demas hath forsaken me having loved this present World The more that is valued the more your hearts are taken off from things to come and the care about them you have too great a liking either to the profits of the World 1 Tim. 6.10 The love of money is the root of all evil which while some have coveted after they have erred from the Faith or else the pleasures of the World 2 Tim. 3.4 Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God As the inclination of the heart groweth stronger to sensual pleasures your thoughts of God are less serious and pleasing to you Now look to these things left you grow quite weary of God and the holy life which once you had an affection unto 2. From a true Religion to a false which may be done two ways 1. Out of corruption of mind 2. Out of vile affection 1. Out of weakness of mind as those do that were never well grounded in the truth Eph. 4.14 That we henceforth be no more Children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the slight of men and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive 2 Pet. 3.16 In which are some things hard to be understood which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other Scriptures unto their own destruction Therefore we need to be established but the forsaking of a truth we were bred in usually cometh from some falseness of Heart Some errours are so contrary to the new nature that they discern them by the unction Joh 2.20 But ye have an unction from the holy one and ye know all things 2. Out of vile affection when they forsake the truth for the advantages of a fleshy Worldly life some places to be gotten by it c. and as the Whore of Babylon hath a Golden Cup Riches and Preferments wherewith it inviteth its Proselytes now these are worse than the former for they sell the birthright Heb. 12.16 Lest there be any fornicator or prophane person as Esau who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright Oh! Christians take beed to your selves Apostasy brought Antichrist into the Church Let it not jure postliminio bring him back again into the Land or into your hearts 2. The next step is the man of sin As the first Apostasy of Adam and Eve brought sin into the World so this great Apostasy brought in a deluge of sin into the Church and defiled the Holy Society which Christ had gathered out of the World
did begin to work but secretly 3. That when that impediment shall be removed then Antichrist shall be revealed First I begin with his putting them in mind of what he had told them before by word of mouth Remember ye not that when I was yet with you I told you these things This sheweth the certainty and usefulness of this Doctrine for though the event were not to be accomplished in their days yet he taught them before when present and now repeateth it again when absent he preached it in private and now writeth it for publick good and laboureth to confirm the truth of it and fasten it upon their memories Observe then that the Doctrine of Antichrist is a profitable Doctrine and a point very necessary to be preached and known 1. It is a point very necessary to admonish and warn the faithful that they be not circumvented with these delusions and be found in the opposite state to Christ Jesus and the interests of his Kingdom God hath blown his Trumpet Rev. 18.5 Come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her Plagues God calleth his people out of spiritual Babylon it is dangerous and unsafe being there if we would escape Babylons punishments we must escape her sins not live in that Communion and Society where there are such Temptations to Idolatry and other detestable enormities It is disputable whether the errors of Popery be damnable or there be any possibility of Salvation in that Religion some deny all possibility others abating from the rigou◠of that opinion assert a very great difficulty 1 Cor. 3.13 Saved as by fire if so much Christianity left as to save them it is with much ado But the question is not about our benefit but our duty not whether possibly we may be saved but what is the way the Lord will have us to walk in and if there were possibility or probability of Salvation in the way in the general yet there is very little or none for them that live in a known sin and especially in a sin of such a dangerous nature as abetting an opposite faction to Christ such as is that of Antichrist 2. It is necessary to fortify and forewarn the people of God against a double Temptation 1. Against Scandal 2. Against Persecutions 1. Against Scandal it is a dangerous temptation to Atheism to see Christianity so corrupted and debauched by a vile submission to serve Worldly ends and turned into the Pageantry of empty and ridiculous Ceremonies which beget scorn and contempt of it in the minds of all considering Beholders and therefore there are more Atheists in Rome and Italy than in other Countries supernatural things disguised with a vain pomp lose their reverence and do not alarm the Conscience but harden the heart in a setled Atheism and contempt of Christ Now it is a mighty stay to the heart to see that this Degeneration was foreseen and foretold John 16.1 These things have I spoken to you that you should not be offended Mat. 18.7 Wo unto the World because of offences for it must needs be that offences come but wo to that man by whom the offence cometh 2. Against Persecutions for the man of sin is also a Son of Perdition a destroyer of the Saints and maketh havock of the people of God now it is grievous when Christians suffer by Christians and we may have many doubtings and misgivings about our cause But when Antichrist is clearly discovered we submit the more chearfully to suffer the hardest things under his Tyranny for suffering under Antichristian Persecution is Martyrdom and suffering for Christ as much as suffering under Pagan Persecution Rev. 14.13 And I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me write Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth c. not only the Primitive Martyrs who were put to death by Heathens but those that are condemned by Christians and burnt for Hereticks those are Martyrs also 3. That we may the better understand true Christianity 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 opposites illustrate each other the two opposite States are Christianity and Antichristianity the one is a mystery of Godliness 1 Tim. 3.16 the other a mystery of Iniquity the design of the mystery of Godliness is to recover men from the Devil the World and the Flesh unto God the other to seduce men from God to the Devil the World and the Flesh again and that by corrupting the former mystery or the most excellent Institution that ever the World was acquainted with for the ennobling and refining mans nature so that Christs Religion is turned against himself to lull mens Consciences asleep whilst they gratify the lusts of the Eyes the lusts of the Flesh or live in Pride of Life the Devil is gratified by all sin but especially he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Synesius calleth him one that delighteth in Idols as knowing this is the best way to make men brutish or to live in an oblivion or neglect of God for an Idol is a teacher of lies Habak 2.18 doth imprint upon the mind carnal and false conceptions of a Deity 4. To confirm us in the truth of the Christian Faith when we see the Prophecies of it expresly fulfilled for that is the Lords direction to know a true Prophet Deut 18.22 If the thing come to pass and the event doth punctually answer the Prediction but when Prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord and the thing follow not nor come to pass that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken Now the Apostles did not only teach the Church the Doctrine of Christianity but by a Prophetick Spirit and Divine Revelation foretold things to come and among these the great thing which is to happen and come to pass before Christs second coming is Antichrist or the appearing of the man of sin Therefore that we may not doubt of what is past nor suspect what is further to come it is good to study these Prophecies and know they are to be fulfilled in their time that we may say that God hath kept touch with the World hitherto in all the Predictions of the word will not fail at last Use 1. To reprove them that think this is a curious point not to be searched into why then did God reveal it and that so often by S t Paul by S t Iohn in so many Prophetical Representations of it surely it is not curiosity to search into things revealed but to intrude our selves into things hidden and which God hath put under a vail of Secresy It is true men must know their measure and not attempt to run before they can go and venture upon obscure points before well versed in plain and it is true in more abstruse points men must not rashly define but soberly and modestly to enquire and compare Predictions with plain Events this is no way culpable To reprove those that are so impatient of giving a
pitched it here some there until the Pit was discovered to the Church and the snare layed open and now to run wilfully into these errours how damnable is it If Papists cleave to him let not Protestants fall to him to continue Papists is dangerous for they favour Antichrist and serve Antichrist but to turn Papists is more dangerous for this is a downright revolt from Christ to Antichrist and how God may in mercy dispense with errors imbibed in our Education we know not but to turn our back on the truth wherein we have been educated and instructed maketh it more dangerous to our Salvation Secondly We now come to the more comfortable part his ruine where note I. In the general that the Apostle as soon as he had showed his rise he presently foretelleth his ruine to support the hearts of the â—aithful though he hath yet more things to speak concerning his discovery v. 9. I cannot let this pass without an Observation Doct. That a spiritual eye can discern the ruin of wicked instruments even in their rise and Reign Job 5.3 I have seen the foolish taking root and presently I câ—rsed his habitation by the foolish is meanâ— the wicked by their taking root their seeking to fix and settle themselves in their Worldly prosperity I presently that is without any great deliberation which in this matter needeth not cursed their habitation not as desiring but as forseeing and foretelling I pronounced them accursed or to be in a cursed condition when carnal men seek to root and establish themselves upon Earth to a spiritual eye their best estate is miserable and detestable when we see their rise we may foretel their fall Reasons 1. Their Faith occasion such a reflection which is the evidence of things not seen Heb. 11.1 they lookt not at things as at present they seem to short-sighted men or as they relish to the flesh but as they appear and will be judged of at last their ruine is as present before them as their rise present time is quickly past but now without Faith this cannot be 2 Pet. 1.9 He that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar off 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but are dazled with present splendor and so misâ—arry 2. This Faith is necessary 1. Partly to prevent scandal at the prosperity of an ungodly party who obey not the Gospel but corrupt and pervert it to their Worldly ends Dâ—vids steps were even gone when he saw the prosperity of the wicked till he went into the Sanctuary and understood their end Psal. 73.17 that setled his heart to consider what end these men were appointed unto how prosperous soever they seem to be for the present yet the end must put the difference there they see the wicked in the height of their prosperity as ready to be cut down and withered 2. To prevent Apostasie they chuse the better part that chuse the Holiness and Patience of the Saints 2 Cor. 4.18 While we look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen for the things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal but things present carry away our hearts because we have so dim and doubtful a sight of things to come whereas if we did look upon them as sure and near they would fortifie us against Temptations Prov. 3.31 32. Envy thou not the Oppressor and chuse none of his wayes For the froward is abomination to the Lord but his secret is with the righteous II. More particularly the ruine of Antichrist is set forth 1. Partly by the manner of his fall it is represented both as begun and finished he shall be consumed he shall be destroyed the one noteth a lingring delay the other an utter Perdition that he shall be finally rooted out First consumed to consume is to waste and melt away by little and little Doct. Antichrist is not presently to be destroyed but to waste away by a lingring Consumption as his rising was by little and little so is his fall he loseth his Authority in Christendom by degrees Now the Reasons may be these 1. God hath a Ministry and use for him and the abetters of his Kingdom as he hath an use for the Devil himself therefore permitteth him some limited power but yet he holdeth him in the Chains of his invicible Providence so hath he a use for the Devils eldest Son for Antichrist and Antichristian Adversaries which if their power were wholly gone could not be performed as 1. To scourge his people for their sins as their contempt of the Gospel and wantonness under the several priviledges which they enjoy by it God will not want a rod to scourge his disobedient Children as Isa. 10.5 he calleth the Assyrian the rod of his Angeâ— the Instrument that he maketh use off to punish those with whom he is angry and again the staff of his Indignation the Staff is an heavier and sorer instrument of correction than a Rod what the Assyrian was to the Jews that Antichrist is to professing Christians God useth him till he hath sufficiently chastised his Children and then he will cast this Rod into the Fire Heathens and Turks are at a distance from us our miseries will come from Antichristianism who are nearer at hand to execute the Lords vengeance when we grow wanton 2. To try his people for he expects a tryed obedience what Christianity we will accept and chuse that calculated for this World or that which is calculated for the next Antichristianism in all the branches of it is a sort of Religion suited to Worldly interests 1 John 4.5 They are of the World therefore speak they of the World and the World heareth them but true Christianity for the Kingdom of Heaven 1 Cor. 2.12 Now we have received not the spirit of the World but the spirit which is of God therefore God will try who are the formal and pretended Christians that serve their own bellies and the sincere Christians who look to an unseen World and are willing to hazard their own interests out of their fidelity to Christ Therefore when the Saints under the Altar groaned Rev. 6.10 How long Lord holy and true dost thou not avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth the Answer given was v. 11. That they should rest for a season until their fellow servants and also their brethen that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled in every Age God will have his Witnesses who by their Faith and Patience and not loving their lives to the Death should promote the Lambs Kingdom before they receive their Crown and therefore though Antichrist be consumed more and more yet he hath so many abettors of his Kingdom left as may try Faith and Patience of the Saints 3. To Cure our Divisions Nazianzen called the Enemies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the common reconcilers the Dog is let loose to make the Sheep flock together we are hardened in our
is the raiser and supporter of that Estate aâ—d he is the great Seducer Opposer and Adversary of the Gospel This will appear if you consider First the properties of the Devil how the Devil is set forth in Scripture and by what ways he promoteth his own Kingdom 1. By Ignorance for the Devils are called Eph. 6.12 The Rulers of the Darkness of this World and his Kingdom is called the Kingdom of Darkness Col. 1.13 the Princelike Authority and Government which by Gods permission he exerciseth in the World is over those who remain in a state of Darkness and Ignorance Well then necessarily the Devil must be a great Friend to Popery where Ignorance not only raigneth but is commended as the Mother of Devotion it is into the ignorant part of the World and the Church that the Devil hath brought in Errors in Doctrine Formality and Superstition in Worship and Tyranny and Usurpation in Government 2. The next thing ascribed to him is Error so it is said John 8.44 He abode not in the truth because there is no truth in him when he speaketh a lie he speaketh of his own for he is a Lyar and the Father of it He soon Apostatized from God and his way and ever since is an Enemy of all Truth and Goodness he turned from God and is a deceiver of others To our first Parents he called the Truth of God in Question and was the inventor and beginner of all Errors that have since fallen out in the World Well then where should his eminent Power and Residence be but in that Society of professed Christians where most errors and corruptions in Doctrine and Worship have been introduced where they teach men to pray to and for the Dead to adore the Bread and worship it with divine worship and to worship Images and to pray to God in a language which they understand not and maime the Lords Supper and profess they can live perfectly without sin and meritoriously and supererogate besides and lay up a Treasury of merits to redeem Souls from Purgatory c. There will be errors and mistakes in Religion while men are men but where there is a wilful opposing of evident Truths and an obstinate refusing of all healing means and men will abide in their Errors rather than acknowledge that they have erred surely they are governed by the influence of his Counsels who abode not in the Truth and seeketh what he can to hinder the prevalency of it in the World 3. That which is ascribed to Sathan is Idolatry Thiâ— was his first and great endeavour in the World to bring man to worship other Gods rather than the True or the True God by an Idol so he prevailed among the Heathens they thought their Images did represent their gods and that their gods dwelt in them as our Souls do in our Boâ—ies therefore the Psalmist saith All the gods of the Nations are Idols or Devils Ps. 96.5 and the Devil was the great Master and Contriver of this Idolatry therefore it is said Psal. 106.37 They sacrificed their Sons and Daughters unto Devils the service done to Idols or Images of mans devising is not done to God as men pretend who worship them but to Devils who are the Devisers Suggesters and enticers of men unto all sorts of unlawful worship and are in effect served and obeyed by a false Religion Deuter. 32.17 They sacrificed unto Devils not unto God 2 Cor. 10.20 The things which the Gentiles sacrificed they sacrificed unto Devils not unto God 2 Chron. 11.15 And he ordained him Priests for the high places and for the Devils and for the Calves which he had made they otherwise meant it Ieroboam intended it to the true God Iehovah but it was of the Devils Invention Now if the Devil can get such a party in the Church as â—hall not only set up but be mad upon Image-worship who can more serve his turn among professing Christians than they who have consented to and continued in idolatrous worship Surely then Sathan is concerned to befriend their Usurpations and uphold their Interests for what will more conduce to the ruine of Christianity or at least the â—ecay of the power thereof 4. That which is ascribed to Sathan is bloody Cruelty or seeking the destruction of Christs most faithful Servants for he is called a murderer from the beginning John 8.44 and Cain is said to be of that wicked one because he slew his Brother and wherefore slew he him because his own works were evil and his Brothers righteous 1 John 3.12 Enmity to the power of Godliness came from Sathan and wherever it is encouraged and notoriously practised they are a party of men governed and influenced by Sathan Now where shall we find this Character but in Antichrists Confederacy In the Prophecy of him Rev. 13.15 he caused as many as would noâ— worship the Image of the Beast to be kilâ—ed and again Rev. 17.5 The Woman whose name was Mystery was drunk with the blood of the Saints and with the blood of the Martyrs of Iesus and it hath been eminently fulfilled in the blood shed in Germany France and England and other Nations and all this to extinguish the light of and suppress the Reformation The World is no stranger to their bloody Persecutions Oh how many seeming Chrisâ—ians hath Sathan employed in these works of Cruelty When once he had seduced the Church to so many Errors and corrupted the Doctrine and worship of Christ he presently maketh the erroneous party his Instruments of as cruel and bloody Persecutions as were ever commenced by Infidels and Mahometans witness their murders upon so many thousands of the Waldenses and Albigenses whom they not only spoiled but slaughtered with all manner of hellish Cruelty Some of their own Bishops complained they could not find Lime and Stone to build Prisons for them nor defray the charges of their food The World was even amazed at their unheard of Cruelties smoaking and burning thousands of Men Women men and Children in Caves others at Stâ—kes and many ways butchered them proclaiming Croisados and preaching up the merit of Paradise to such bloody Cut-throats as had a mind to root them out driving multitudes to perish in snowy Mountains What Desolations they wrought in Bohemia what horrible Massacres in France what Fires they kindled in England and of late what Cruelties they exercised in Ireland Piedmont c. Histories will tell you and will tell all Generations to come what Principles Rome is acted by and how infatiable their thirst is for the blood of upright righteous men And after all this tell me who is he whose coming is after the working of Sathan and whether we have cause to be mamoured of Blood and Fires and Inquisitions 5. That which is ascribed to Sathan is that he is the God of this World 2 Cor. 4.4 and again the Prince of this World John 12.31 he playeth the God here the Riches Honours and wealth of this World are
upon it so many errors in Doctrine corruptions in Worship and Tyranny in Government that if a man could be saâ—ed he is saved but as by fire 1 Cor. 3.13 and no man that hath a care of his Soul wiâ—l either embrace Popery or continue in it where the way is plainest there are difficulties enough and the righteous are scarcely saved and therefore in a questionable way none should venture Worshipping of Angels and Saints departed and Images are no light thing Nor will a serious Christian chuse that way where the Doctrines of the Gospel are so exceedingly corrupted and there is such a manifest invasion of the Authority of Christ by câ—allenging an Universal Headship over his Church without his leave and this maintained by errors and persecutions 3. We must distinguish of those that lived under Popery rather as Captives under this Tyranny than voluntary Subjects of this Kingdom of Antichrist As many holy men did in former times groaning and mourning under the abominations rather than countenancing and pâ—omoting them To these God speaketh when he said Rev. 18.4 Come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues They were his people while they were there These were as those seven thousand in Israel that had not bowed the knee to Baal Rom. 11.4 4. There is a difference to be put between those that err in the simplicity of their hearts knowing no better and tâ—ose that withstand the light upon carnal reasons and will not retract their errors though convinced of the degeneration of Christianity For simple ignorance is not so damning as obstinate error Luke 12.48 But he that knew not and did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes c. and 1 Tim. 1.13 But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief The Scriptures many times condemn a way as a way of ruine but all in that way are not damned as John 4.22 Salvation is of the Iews There it is eminently dispensed and yet therefore it followeth not that all the Samaritans were damned Some among them though tainted with the errors of their Country might have such knowledge of the law of God and love to him as might be effectual to Salvation 5. We must distinguish between Papists so living and so dying many by Gods grace may have repentance conferred upon them at death and though they lived Papists might die as reformed Christians seeking Salvation by Christ aloâ—e in the way of true Faith and Repentance and so the Lord may manifest his compassion to them pardoning the errors of their lives 6. We must distinguish Times God might dispense with many in the times of universal darkness and Captivity more than he doth afterwards when the light of the Gospel breaketh forth and his Trumpet is sounded to call them forth Whosoever shall compare Iohn Fierus and Iohn Calvin will find they were assisted by the same Holy Spirit of God though the one lived and died a Papist and the oâ—â—er was â—n eminent instrument in reforming tâ—e Church of God but an ignorant fear of separation from the Catholick Church caused many to do as they did but much more doth it hold good in the times before Our Fathers if alive would not have condemned us nor should we condemn them being dead before they had these advantages which we now enjoy Illi si reviviscerent c. saith Austiâ— in a like Case 7. We must distinguish between Popish Errors some are more Capital as Adorations of Images Inovocation of Saints Justification by the merit of Works Inhibition of the Scriptures c. others not so deadly as when too much reverence is given to Ecclesiastical Orders and Constitutions Penance Auricular Confession Fasting c. Now though the Case of a reâ—l Papist who is compleat in this mystery of Iâ—iâ—uity and refuseth hateth persecuteth the truth offered be desperate yet the Lord â—ay in tender mercy accept of other devout Souls who yet live in that way if they hold the head and the foundation 1. Vse Let us not think Popery a light thing which the Lord so peremptorily threatneth Surely it is no liâ—â—â—e mercy that we are freed from it Therefore we should be thankful for the light we have and improve it well while we have it and hold it fast What hope soever we may have of men living in former times and foreign Countries where they knew no better but after such express warnings what hope can we have of English Papists considering the time when Rome is not grown better but worse and what was common opinion is now made an Article of Faith and when the truth is taught and so clearly manifested so that for any by their own voluntary choice to run into Popery it is a pâ—ain defection from Christ to Antichrist and wilfully to drink that poison which will be the bane and ruine of your Souls 2. The great reason why God sent this Judgment upon the Christian World is to punish those that received not the love of the Tâ—uth Here I shall enquire 1. How many ways men â—ay be said not to receive the love of the â—ruth 2. How just their punishment is fâ—r such a sin 1. Iâ— stating this sin 1. It is supposed that â—he truth and doctrine of Christ is made known to a people yea cometh among them with great Evidence Conviction and Authority For it is not the want of means but want of love that it is charged on them And the plenty of means aggravateth their fault and maketh their Condemnation the â—ore just John 3.19 This is the Condemnation that light is come into the world and men loved darkness more than light The truth was not for their turns but was contrary to their lusts and passions and prejudices and these they preferred before the light of the Gospel shining to them 2. That as inevidence of doctrine was not the cause of not receiving the truth so not bare weakness of understanding no it is not weakness but wilfulness which is here intimated not a defect of their minds but their hearts Joh. 8.15 Because I tell you the truth ye believe me not It was not weakness but prejudice hindred their believing They despised the grace of God yea hated it for their lusts sake Their lusts lie more in opposition to the truth than speculative doubts and errors Luke 16.14 And the Pharisees who were covetous when they heard all these things they derided him the words are blew their Noses at him The sensual carnal and ungodly World scorneth heavenly doctrine and pure Christianity is distasted by false Christians Err in mind err in heart 3. It is not enough to receive the truth in the light of it but we must also receive it in the love of it or it will do us no good To make the truth operative 1. Knowledge is necessary and also Faith and then Love Knowledge for without knowledge the
heart is not good Prov. 19.2 Nothing can come to the heart but by the mind the will is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a choice or desâ—re guided by reason and the Gospel doth not work as a charm whether it be or be not understood No the purport or drift of it must be known or how can it have any effect upon us Next to knowledge to make it work there must be Faith when we apprehend a thing we must judge of it whether it be true or false how else can it make any challenge or lay claim to our respect 1 Thess. 2.13 Ye received it not as the word of men but as it is truth the word of God which worketh effectually in you as it doth in all them that believe Faith doth inliven our actions about Religion to hear of God and Christ and Heaven doth not stir us unless we believe these things Well next to Faith there must be Love for apprehension and dijudication are acts of the understanding only but love belongeth to the will and we must believe with all the heart Acts 8.37 There may be knowledge without Faith as an Heathen may understand the Christian Religion though he believe it not profess it not And there may be Faith without love for there is a dead faith James 2.20 which rests in cold opinions without any affecâ—ion to the truth believed Love pierceth deeper into the truth and maketh it pierce deeper into us As a red hot Iron though never so blunt will run farther into an inch board than a cold Tool though never so sharp And love maketh it more operative there is notitia per visum notitia per gustum A knowledge by sight and a knowledge by tasâ— A man may guess at the goodness of Wine by the Colour but more by the tast that is a more refreshing apprehension And Augustine prayeth Fac me Domine gustare per amoren quod gusto per cognitionem Lord make me tast â—hat by love which I tast by knowledge Surely we are never sound in Christianity till all the light that we receive be turned into love These great things are revealed and represented to our Faith not to please our minds by knowing them but to quicken our Love Faith alone is but as sight and Faith with Love is as tast Now it is more easy to dispute a man out of his belief that only seeth than it is him that tasteth and knoweth the grace of God in truth This is the true reason of the stedfastness of weak and unlearned Christians though they have not such distinct conceptions and reasonings as maâ—y learned men have yet their Faith is turned into love and a man is better held by the heart than by the head And though they cannot dispute for Christ as one of the Martyrs said they can die for Christ. But alas many receive the truth in the light thereof but few receive it in the love of it and so lie open to deceit 4. This love must not be a sleight affection for that will soon vanish but we must be rooted and well grounded and have a good strenght The stony grouâ—d had some love to the word Matth. 13.20 21. But he that receiveth the word in stony places the same is he that heareth the word and anon with joy receiveth it yet he hath not root in himself but dureth but a while for when Tribulation of Persecution riseth because of the word by and by he is offended So also of the Thorny ground He heareth the word and the care of this World and the deceitfulness of riches choak the word and he becometh unfruitful ver 22. Now what are the defects of this love 1. It is not radicated A pang of Love or flash of Zeal whereas we should be rooted and grounded in love Eph. 3.17 Hypocrites had a tâ—st Heb. 6. 4 5. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightned and have tasted of the Heavenly gift and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come if they shall fall away to renew them again unto repentance Tasted but did but tast did escape 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Pet. 2.20 yet not having a good Conscience may make Shipwrack of Faith 1. Tim. 1.19 2. It is partial The Gospel offereth great priviledges and it is also a pure holy rule of obedience Acts 2.41 This word of God is made up of Precepts and Promises God offereth in the Covenant exceâ—lent benefits upon gracious terms and conditions there must be a consent to the terms as well as an acceptation of the priviledges The confidence of the priviledges serveth to wean us from the false happiness therefore that must be kept up Heb. 3.6 But Christ as a Son over his own House whose are we if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the firm unto the end And the consent to the terms bindeth our duty upon us Isa. 56.4 Now as willingly as we yielded at first we must keep up the same fervour still Deut. 5.29 Oh that there were such an heart in them that they would fear me and keep all my Commandments always That it might be well with them and with their Children for ever But whole pure Christianity is not loved by false Christians therefore when Religion crosseth their interests and the bent of their lusts they seek to bring Religion to their hearts not their hearts to Religion 3. It is not strong and in such a prevalent degree as to controul other affections it is but a passion a pleasure and a delight they take on for a time not the effect of solid judgment and resolution A joy easily controuled and overcome with other delights therefore Christ requireth a denial of all things for a close adherence to him and his Doctrine And hath told us Matth. 10.37 He that loveth Father and Mother more than me is not worthy of me and Luke 14.26 Cannot be my Disciple This is a love to which all other loves must give way and be subordinate Many love the truth a little but love other things more will be at no cost for it Solomon giveth advice Prov. 23.23 Buy the truth and sell it not In lesser points we must do nothing against the truth for though the matter contended for be never so small yet sincerity is a great point but in the greater truths we should purchase the knowledge of them at any rate and be faithful to Christ what ever it cost us 4. This slight love may arise from Worldly respects Now in the Text it is said they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved It should arise upon eternal reasons and considerations of the other World which only produce abiding affections Heb. 10.39 We are not of them that draw back to â—erdition but of them that believe to the saving of the Soul In closing with Christianity that must be fixed as our
scope not to spare â—he flesh but to save the Soul and to save the Soul with the loss of other things and that will make us true to Christ. But there are many foreign reasons for which men may sâ—ew some love to Religion As first Policy as Iehâ— took up Ionadab into the Chariot with him 2 Kings 10.15 there is his complement to him Ionadab was a good man and this honoured him before the people to see Iehu and Ionadab so well acquainted Sometimes respect to others upon whom we depeâ—d many seem to be good because they dare not displease others that have authority over them or an interest in them as Ioash was religious all the days of Iehoiada for he stood in awe of him 1 Chron. 24.2 Now such sorry Religion dependeth on foreign accidents The life of others or presence of others and therefore it cannot be durable whereas in presence or absence we should work out our Salvation with fear and trembling Phil. 2.12 otherwise men only keep within compass for a while but they have the root of sin within them still Or it may be novelty as our Lord telleth the Jews Iohn was a burning and shining light and ye were willing to rejoice in his light for a season Iohn was an eminent man for pureness of Doctrine and vigour of Zeal and the more corrupt sort of Jews Pharisees as well as others admired him for a while but they soon grew weary of him it was a fit of zeal for the present Lastly This love may be to the excellency of gifts bestowed upon some Minister or Instrument whom God raiseth up or some countenance of great men given to their Ministry may stir up some love and attendance on their Ministry and some respect is given for their sakes when men have no sound grace in their hearts There is a receiving of the word as the word of man and a receiving of the word as the word of God as the Apostle intimateth 1 Thess. 2.13 The receiving of the word as the word of man so it worketh only an humane passion a delight in the gifts of the Ministry used Ezech. 33.32 Thou art to them as a lovely Song of one that hath a pleasant voice Then there is a receiving it as the word of God and then we receive it with much assurance and joy in the Holy Ghost 1 Thess. 1.5 Our Gospel came to you not in word but in power â—nd much assurance and joy in the Holy Ghost Now if we do not receive the truth upon Gods recommendation and confirmation we do not love truth as truth our contest is not who hath most wit and parts but most grace 5. They do not receive the love of the truth when it doth not produce its solid effects which is a change of heart and life And they are not brought by the Gospel to a sincere repentance and conversion to God or receive the truth so as to live by it but whilst they have the names of Christians have the lives and hearts of Atheists and Infidels These were those that debauched Christianity and meritoriè and effectivè by their provocations and negligence brought this degeneracy into the Church and Judgment on the Christian World Certainly a man hateth that Religion which he doth profess when he will not live by it This perfidiousness and breach of Covenant was that which provoked God to permit these delusions in the Church The wordly sensual carnal Christians that hate that life which their Religion calleth for The Godly Christian and the Carnal Christian have the same Bible the same Creed the same Baptism yet they hate one another as if they were of different Religions and confound the distinction between the World and the Church because the World is in the Church And of sensual and godless men we must speak as Heathens as if they were without God they abhor that Religion which they do profess That is they abhor not the name but they abhor those that are faithful to it and serious in it who desire to know God in Christ and desire to love him and live to him It was that Christ taxed in the Pharisees they honoured the dead Saints and abhorred the living Matth. 23.29 30 31. Wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees Hypocrites because ye build the Tombs of the Prophets and garnish the Sepulchres of the righteous and say if we had been in the days of our Fathers we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the Prophets Wherefore ye be witnesses unto your selves that ye are the Children of them which killed the Prophets Christ hath not worse Enemies in the World than those that usurp his name and pretend to be his Officers and yet eat and drink with the drunken and beat their fellow Servants Matth. 24.49 Christ will disown such at the day of Judgment Matth. 7.22 23. Many will say unto me in that day Lord Lord have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out Devils and in thy name done many wonderful works and then will I profess unto them I never knew you Depart from me ye that work iniquity And such do most dishonour him in the World A righteous sober godly life is the best evidence of our love to the truth 2. How just this punishment is 1. Because God hath ever held this course on the Pagan World who kept not the natural knowledge of God he gave them up to vile affections Rom. 1.28 The Jews who rejected Christ Joh. 5.43 I am come in my Fathers name and ye receive me not another will come in his own name and him will ye receive When Christ cometh meerly for our benefit the unthankful World will not make him welcome but they will take worse in his room So towards Christians At first men would not receive the Gospel while it was pure and in its simplicity as taught by Christ and his Apostles and sealed by the blood of the Martyrs till it was backed by a Wordly Interest and coâ—rupted into a Wordly design and then they had it and all manner of superstitions together and with these strong delusions there came just damnation So still the pure Gospel is refused and God sendeth Popish Seducers as a just Judgment men only prize the light as it may serve their turn 2. The neglect and contempt of the truth is so hainous a sin that it deserveth the greatest punishment Heb. 2.3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation now it is revenged by these errâ—rs as a just judgment on the perverseness and unthankfulness of the World The duties of the Gospel being so unquestionable shew their perverseness The priviledges of the Gospel being so excellent their unthankfulness is more intolerable 1. Vse is to shew us what cause we have to fear a return of Popery Alas where is this love of the truth 1. Some are Gospel-glutted loath Manna a full-fed people must expect a Famine Amos 8.2
espouse the common prevailing opinions others adhere to them with much false zeal and superstition These are those who are given up to believe a lie Vses 1. Information 1. To shew us the reason why so many learned men are Captivated by Antichrist and live yet in the Popish Religion for this is a great scruple to many The answer is ready The Lord hath suffered them to be deluded by him whose coming is after the working of Sathan in all power c. Rev. 17.2 The inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the Wine of her Fornication It is an intoxication the errors of that State are plausibly defended and supported by Worldly Interests There is the Witchery of Worldly allurements and the intoxicating Wine of errors defended and owned within their bounds and places of their education and abode So that men have seemed to lose their understandings and not have that advisedness which well becomes a man possibly they may have doubts and checks of Conscience but the name of the Church charmeth them and Worldly magnificence strangely inveagleth them They may know that the Religion professed by Protestants is sincere holy and saving but being allured by Licentiousness or intangled by Covetousness or puffed up with Pride are loth to change or are vanquished and astonished with fear of death and other inconveniencies or it may be do not use that advised and serious deliberation which a matter of Salvation requireth Four causes may be given 1. Self-Confidence God will shew the folly of those that depend on the strength of their own wit Pro. 3. 5 6. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understandings In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths And therefore will bring to nought the wisdom of the wise and destroy the understanding of the prudent when it is lifted up against the Interests of Christs Kingdom 1 Cor. 1.19 2. Prejudice The Priests and Scribes could readily tell that Christ was to be born in Bethlehem when Herod sent to consult them Matth. 2.4 5 6. yet who more obstinate against him that was born there They expected a temporal Messias and therefore could not see what they saw What was apparent to Children was a riddle to the Rabbies So they expect some open Enemy of the Church to attacque it by power and force little dreaming of a Bishop c. 3. Pride many of the Jewish Church believed in Christ but they did not profess him lest they should be put out of the Synagogue Ioh. 11.42 43. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God They loved not an hated opinion Many may fear the Pope to be Antichrist but Pride and Interest will not let them submit to a change 4. The Judgment of God is the great cause that men do not or will not know Antichrist God hath not given them eyes to see as Christ was not received in Ierusalem the things of their peace were hid from their Eyes Luk. 19.42 He beheld the City and wept over it saying If thou hadst known even thou at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy peace but now they are hid from thine eyes 2. It sheweth us that the prevalency of this wicked one should be no blemish to providence for the permission of him is one of Gods dreadful providentiaâ— dispensations That it should have such success it raiseth Atheistical thoughts in weak spirits yea it is an offence to the Godly as it is a prejudice to the Truth but God hereby will shew us 1. That there are deceits and errors as well as truth in the World much of choice not chance and lest we should think this an antiquated dispensation to try the professors of the Gospel who lived in the midst of Pagans it cometh nearer to us But he that condemneth all Religion on this account judgeth one â—an for anothers crime which is unjust doth as foolishly as he that thinketh there is no trâ—e money because there are some counterfeit pieces 2. That God in concomitancy with the Gospel will discover his dreadful Justice as well as his wonderful mercy by it that we may tremble whilst we admire grace 3. That it is a great evil to be deceivers or active promoters of delusions and it will not wholly excuse us that we are deceived Matth. 15.14 4. What need all serious Christians have to pray to God not to be led into temptation Alas what would become of us if left to our selves in an hour of temptation 5. Let us fear to sleight the grace offered Among other threatnings God threatneth to smite his people with blindness Deut. 18.28 The Lord shall smite thee with madness and blindness and astonishment of heart 6. What a ready way to destruction it is to measure Religion by Worldly Interests This bred Antichrist kept him up in the World and blindeth hiâ— seduced Proselytes to this day 2. Vse Is caution to take heed of spiritual blindness and infatuation that this Judgment fall not upon us That God leave us not to our own lusts hearts and Counsels without check and restraint It may in part befal Gods people what shall we do to avoid it 1. Take heed of sinning against light either by sins of omission or commission Jam. 4.17 To him that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is sin They will find it to be sin in the sad effects 2. Take heed of Hypocrisie in the profession of the truth God oweth the Hypocrites an ill turn and seemeth to be ingaged to discover him before the Congregation Pro. 26.26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole Congregation and usually it is by giving him up to some licentious practice or strong delusion by which he breaketh the neck of his profession 3. Take heed of Pride and carnal Self-sufficiency God may leave his people to dangerous falls when they make their bosom their Oracle and think to carry all by the strength of their own understanding 2 Chro. 32.31 God left him to try him that hâ— might know all that was in his heart It is good to consult with God continually 4. Take heed of following the rabble Joh. 4.20 Our father 's worshipped in this Mountain and ye say that in Ierusalem is the place where men ought to worship c. But learn to see by your own eyes That you may have sure evidence you are in Gods way Pro. 24.13 14. SERMON X. 2 Thess. 2.12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness 2. THeir punishment in the other World Where first the terribleness of it 2. The righteousness and Justice of it 1. The terribleness that they all might be damned That is filling up the measure of their obduration they may at length fall into just condemnation 2. The Justice and Equity of it which is two ways expressed 1.
Negatively they believed not the truth That is received not the Gospel in the simplicity of it as revealed by Christ and his Apostles and recorded in the Scriptures but wilfully and for their interests sake gave up themselves to these corruptions 2. Positively had pleasure in unrighteousness in the 10 th verse it was They received not the love of the truth Now when the meritorious cause is repeated there is something more added They had a love to and delight in other things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Here two things must be explained 1. What is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unrighteousness 2. What is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 taking pleasure in unrighteousness 1. What is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unrighteousness Righteousness is giving every one his due and denying them their due is unrighteousness There is a giving man his due and a giving God his due Matth. 22.21 Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesars and unto God the things that are Gods Righteousness is often put for giving man his due Titus 2.12 That we should live soberly righteously c. and giving God his due which is worship and reverence Psal. 29.2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name And again Ps. 96.8 Give unto the Lord the glory due to his name bring an offering and come into his Courts Now this unrighteousness here spoken of is principally meant in the latter sense False ways of worship are the greatest unrighteousness that can be practised For the duty that we owe to God is the most righteous thing in the World Now by false worship you withdraw the Glory of God from him and communicate it to another Worship is his own proper due both by the light of nature and Scripture and therefore the Gentiles which had the light of nature are said to detain the truth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 1.18 why the reason is rendred in the after Verses 23. They changed the glory of God into an Image made like a corruptible man Ver. 25. They changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the Creature more than the Creator This was their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their unrighteousness or injurious dealing with God So the Antichristians that had the light of Scripture though under palliated pretences changed the truth of God into a lie loved their own errors more than simple and plain Christianity or the true knowledge of God and diverted the worship from himself unto an Idol 2. They had pleasure in unrighteousness in these things they please themselves not lapse into it out of simple ignorance and error of mind And so the Apostle parallels the two great Apostasies That from the light of nature and that from the light of the Gospel Light of nature Rom. 1.32 Not only do these things but have pleasure in them that do them Light of Scripture Have pleasure in unrighteousness they are mad upon their Idols and Images not only are Idolaters but delight in Idolatry and Image-worship Psal. 97.7 That boast themselves of Idols Now to observe some things 1. Errors of Judgment as well as sins of practice may bring damnation upon the Souls of men All sins do in their own nature tend to damnation Rom. 6.23 For the wages of sin is death And Errors of Judgment are sins for they are contrary to the rule or law of God 1 Joh. 3.4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the Law for sin is the transgression of the Law Any swerving from the Law is sin And they are inductive of other sins for if the eye be blind the whole body is full of darkness Matth. 6.23 It perverâ—s our zeal There is nothing so mischievous wicked and cruel that a man blinded with error will not attempt against those that differ from him Ioh. 16.2 They shall put you out of the Synagogues yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he doth God service A blind Horse is full of metal but ever and anon stumbleth Therefore if a man be not guided by sound Judgment his zealous affections will precipitate him into mischief As the Jews that persecuted Christ and his Apostles had a zeal of God but not according to knowledge Rom. 10.2 So the Popish Zealots with what fury have they persecuted the innocent and sincere servants of Christ The Papists would be angry if we should not reckon St. Dominick a zealous man and the poor Albigenses felt the bitter effects of that zeal in the destruction of many thousands by inhumane Butcheries and Villanies about Tholouse c. The Lord deliver us from the furies of transported brain-sick Zealots 2. Though all errors may bring damnation upon the Souls of men yet some more especially than others may be said to be camning As 2 Pet. 2.1 Some shall bring in damnable Heresies Now this may be either from the matter or manner of holding them 1. From the matter if destructive of the way of Salvation by Christ. Some are utterly inconsistent with Salvation and eternal life as errors in the fundamentals in Religion As suppose that a man should reject or refuse Christ after a sufficient proposal of the Gospel to him there is no question but this is damning unbelief Joh. 3.19 And this is the condemnation that light is come into the World and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil But yet we are not to say that alone damneth There are other things necessary to Salvation contained under that general truth The Scripture saith Joh. 17.3 And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent There is the sum of what is necessary to Salvation That God is to be known loved obeyed worshipped and injoyed and the Lord Jesus to be owned as our Redeemer and Saviour to bring us home to God and to procure for us the gifts of pardon and life and this life to be begun here and perfected in Heaven Other things are of moment to clear these necessary truths but they may be all reduced thereunto The truth is the question about the matter to be believed is not what divine Revelations are necessary to be believed or rejected when sufficiently proposed for all points without exception are so but what are simply and absolutely necessary to eternal life and these are points of faith and practice and obedience The points of Faith are a knowledge of God in Christ and practice that we be regenerated Joh. 3.5 Except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God And live an holy life Heb. 12.14 Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. 2. For the manner 1. When men profess what they believe not and voluntarily chuse error for Worldly ends though it be a less error against the Scripture and consistent with the main tenour of Salvation yet it taken up against Conscience for by-ends
it is a matter of sad consequence for this is living in a known sin Some may be blinded for a time out of terror and compassion and their case is sad till they express solemn repentance but when there is a reluctation against clear light and an obstinacy in that reluctation this man is condemned in himself Titus 3.11 Such a man is subverted and sinneth being condemned of himself There cannot be a greater argument of a will unsubdued to God than to stand out against conviction out of secular respects This is to love darkness more than light and argueth such pravity of heart as is inconsistent with Faith and Salvation Some ignorant Souls may hold dangerous errors and which to others would be damnabâ—e yet they may not actually damn them because they do not rebel against the light and may be retracted by a general repentance or seeking of pardon for all their known or unknown sins Psal. 19.12 13. Who can understand his errors Cleanse thou me from secret faults Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins Let them not have dominion over me then shall I be upright and I shall be innnocent from the great transgression 2. When they are vented by some Professor of Christianity to the seducing of others and rending of the Câ—â—â—ch and drawing Disciples after them this aâ—deth a new guilt to their errors and maketh them the more damnable Actâ— 20.30 Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away Disciples after them There are properly Hereticks and Ring-leaders of Sects therefore Heresies are reckoned among the works of the flesh Gal. 5.20 Emulation wrath strife seditions Heresies increasing their own doom and Judgment these under a Christian name seduce and lead away the Church from Christ they pervert the holy ways of God and draw his people from serving him in Spirit and Truth 3. When though they should not err fundamentally they so far debauch Christianity as that God giveth them up to believe a lie and to take pleasure in unrighteousness that is to defend and maintain apparent corruptions of Christian Doctrine and Worship Of Doctrine for it is here said they believe a lie and they believe not the truth Of worship for it is said they take pleasure in unrighteousness A party thus given up by God we should shun as we would shun a Plague or come out of Bedlam for these men have lost their spiritual wits and â—ee not that which the common light of Christianity doth disprove however they retain the name of Christians and make a cry of the Church the Church as the Jews did of the Temple of the Lord and retain some truth among them for such a party is here described 4. When there is gross negligence or not taking pains to know better It is equivalent to reluctation or standing out against light Crassa negligentia dolus est there is a deceit in laziness or affected ignorance Joh. 3.20 They will not come to the light lest their deeds should be reproved 2 Pet. 3.5 They are willingly ignorant Those that please themselves in the ignorance of any truth err not only in their minds but their hearts It is the duty of Gods people to understand what is his will Eph. 5.7 Be not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is And it is their practice Rom. 12.2 That ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God Psal. 1.2 His delight is in the law of the Lord and therein doth he meditate day and night We should be searching still But when men will not know what they have a mind to hate it argueth a secret sore and suspicion of the truth and are loth to follow it too close lest it cross their lusts and interests 3. That the way and errors of Popery are damnable and it is very unsafe living in that Society and Combination I prove it 1. Because they live in wilful disobedience to God They violate the manifest Commandments of God while they hold it lawful to worship Pictures and Images to make Pictures of the Trinity to invocate Saints and Angels to deny Lay-men the Cup in the Sacrament to adore the Sacrament to prohibit certain Orders of Men and Women to marry to Celebrate the publick service in a language which ordinarily men and women that assist understand not In all these things they offer apparent violence to Gods Precepts And that their whole worship is polluted with a gross Superstition as for instance to worship Images is expresly against Gods word Psal. 97.7 Confounded be all they that worship graven Images that boast themselves of Idols Worship him all ye Gods The Scripture you see denounceth confusion to all Worshippers of Images and they are reckoned as Enemies of Christs Kingdom for it is applied to Christ Heb. 1.6 And let all the Angels of God worship him That would set up the worship and service of them in his Church in the exercise of their Religion especially those who glory in them and boast of them and set them forth as the glory of their way and worship No he disdaineth all this relative worship at or before Images which men would give unto him and sheweth that all the Powers of this World and the other Angels and Potentates should immediately worship Christ. For the second point picturing the Trinity God hath not only forbidden it but argued against it Deut. 4.15 16. Take therefore good heed unto your selves for ye saw no similitude when the Lord spake to you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire lest ye corrupt your selves and make you a graven Image the similitude of any thing Male or Female See how cautelous God is to prevent this abuse and yet how boldly men practise it For the third instance the Invocation of Saints and Angels Our Lord hath taught us how to repel that temptation Matth. 4.10 It is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve That religious service and worship is due only to God no Creature can claim it without Sacriledge nor can we give it to them without Idolatry And God being so jealous of his honour every Christian should be careful that he doth not divert it from him They have many distinctions to excuse themselves to the World but I doubt how they will excuse themselves to God For the fourth particular adoring the Sacrament I shall speak to again anon that is a mean not an object of worship The Fifth prohibiting certain Orders of men and women to marry which the Apostle calleth Doctrines of Devils 1 Tim. 4.1 2. In the latter times some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and Doctrines of Devils speaking lies in hypocrisie having their Conscience seared with a hot Iron forbidding to marry c. For the Sixth Celebrating publick Service in an unknown Tongue it is contrary to the Apostles reasoning 1 Cor. 14.15 16 17. For
concerned all the rest of the World they were by them to be attested to others Matters of Fact can only be proved by credible Witnesses and this was the great Office put upon the Apostles Acts 1.8 21 22. and Acts 2.32 Acts 3.15 Acts 10.39 40 41. 2. As it is matter of Faith or the Doctrine built upon this Matter of Fact We cannot propeâ—ly be said to believe a thing but upon a report and testimony I may know a thing by sense or reason but I cannot believe it but as it is affirmed or brought to me by credible Testimony As we are said to see those things which we perceive by the Eye or the sense of Seeing and to know those things which we receive by Reason or sure Demonstration so we are said to believe those things which are brought to us by valuable Testimony Tradition and Report As for Instance if any one ask you Do you believe the Sun shineth at noon Day You will answer I do not believe it but see it So if any one ask you Do you believe that twice two make four and twice three make six You will say I do not believe it but know it because certain and evident Reason telleth me that two is the half of four and three of six and every whole consisteth of two halfs or moities But if he should ask you Do you believe that the Sun is bigger than the Earth You will say I believe it for though your Eye doth not discover it nor doth an ignorant Man know any certain demonstration of it yet having the authority of Learned Men who are competent Judges in the case you judg it a rash and foolish obstinacy not to believe it Apply it now to the Mysteries of Godliness revealed in the Gospel they cannot be seen with the Eye for they are invisible nor found out and comprehended by any humane understanding because they exceed the reach of Man's Reason and depend upon the Love and Arbitrary Will of God Iohn 3.16 yet you believe them because God hath revealed them to the Prophets and Apostles And God being Truth and Wisdom it self cannot deceive or be deceived and therefore you believe them with the certainty of Divine Faith and do no more doubt of them than you do of those things which you see with your Eyes and know and understand by a sure demonstration The sense of Seeing may be deceived and Humane Reason may erre but 't is impossible God should deceive or be deceived It oftentimes falleth out that Men do prefer the authority and report of a Man whom they judg to be Wise and Good before their own Sense and Reason As for Instance That Man who by his Eye judges the Sun to be less than the Earth yet doth not obstinately stand in his Opinion when he hears a knowing and skilful Philosopher assert the contrary Now If we receive the witness of Men the Witness of God is greater 1 John 5.9 And this Testimony of God is brought to us by his Authorized Messengers as the ground of Faith And what is that but Tradition We believe in God by hearing of him and we hear by a Preacher Rom. 10.14 Ordinary common Preachers give us notice but Christ and his Apostles give us assurance and by their Testimony and Tradition our Faith ultimately resolved into the veracity of God 2. That holding this Tradition is the great means of standing fast in the Faith of Chriâ—t and the Confession of his Name For in the Word of God delivered by Christ and his Apostles there is sure Direction to walk by and sure Promises to build upon For whatever they made known of Christ was not a Fable but a certain Truth for they had the Testimony of Sense 2 Pet. 1.16 17. 1 Iohn 1.2 3 4. and so could plead both the Authority of his Command and the certainty of his Promise and that with uncontroulable Evidence and without this relation there can be neither Faith nor Obedience nor sure expectation of Happiness For we cannot trust God for what he hath not Promised nor obey God in what he hath not Commanded nor in our Difficulties and Distresses expect Happiness from him without his Warrant and Assurance But by this Doctrine delivered to us we have all that belongeth to Faith Obedience and Happiness and beyond that the Creature can desiâ—e no more 1. There can be no Faith till we â—ave a sure Testimony of God's Revelation for Faith is a believing such things as God hath Revealed because he hath Revealed them 'T is not Faith but Fancy to believe such things as God hath never Revealed nâ—r is it trust and a regular confidence to thiâ—k that he will certainly give us what he hath never promised this were to lay us open to all manner of Delusion And therefore we are never upon sure and stable ground but by sticking so such a Tradition as may justly intitle it self to God 2. Nor Obedience for Obedience is a doing what God hath Commanded because he hath Commanded it The fundamental reason of Obedience is the sight of God's Will 1 Thess. 4.3 1 Thess. 5.18 1 Pet. 2.15 To do what God never Commanded or not to do it upon that account but for other reasons is not Obedience and in difficult cases the Soul can never be held to its Duty till we are perswaded that so is God's Will concerning us Now to know his Will concerning us we are often bidden to search the Scripture but never bidden to consult with the Church to know what unwritten Traditions She hath in her keeping to instruct us in our Duty 3. No certain expectation of Happiness We are never safe till we know by what Rule Christ will judg us that is reward or punish Men at the last Day Now he will judg us according to the Gospel Rom. 2.16 1 Thess. 1.8 Obey the Gospel and you have a perfect Rule to guide you to Happiness but if you neglect this great Salvation or be unfaithful in the profession of it this Word condemneth you and God will ratifie the Sentence of it IV. Prop. That whilst the Apostles were in being there were two ways of delivering the Truth and that is by word of Mouth and Writing So in the Text Wâ—ether by Word or our Epistle The Apostles went up and down and preached Christ every where that needeth no Proof unless you would have me to produce the whole Book of the Acts of the Apostles But they did not Preach only but Write and both by the Instinct of the Holy Spirit who guided their Journeys and moved them to write Epistles For being often absent from Churâ—hes newly Planted and Heresies arising or some Contentions which could not be avoided among weak Christians God over-ruled these occasions for the profit of the Church in after Ages upon one occasion or another they saw a necessity to write 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jude ver 3. It was needful for me to write unto you As in
Temptations to raise the Dead are no slight things 3. It is called everlasting Consolation because it is sufficient to do its Work That is to say 1. To reduce us from temporal and flesh-pleasing Vanities Alas the pleasures of Sin are but for a season not worthy to be compared to the Recompence of Reward which Christ hath promised Heb. 11.25 26. Ghusing rather to suffer affliction wâ—â—â— the People of God than to enjoy the pleasures â—f sin for a season Estâ—eming the reproach of Châ—â—st greâ—ter Riches than the Treasures of Egypt 〈◊〉 had respect to the recompence of Reward Whatever is temporal we may soon see the end of it All carnal Injoyments like Flowers wither while we smell on them and the most shining Glory in the World is soon burnt to a Snuff But Eternal Life and Eternal Glory and Eternal Pleasure is secured to us by Christ's Promise All the Delights in the World are but a May-game to these Eternal Pleasures which we shall have at God's right hand for evermore Psal. 16.11 Thou wilt shew me the Path of Life in thy presence is fulness of joy at thy right Hand there are pleasures for evermore Now will you sell your birth-right for one morsel of Meat part with your Eternal Inheritance for a little carnal Satisfaction We have Souls that will noâ— perish and shall we spend our whole time in seeking after things that perish in the using Temporal things carry no proportion with an immortal Spirit We shall live for ever we should look after things that will abide for ever 1 John 2.17 The World passeth away and the Lust thereof but he that doth the Will of God abideth for ever Otherwise what will you do when the Soul shall be turned out of Doors To what Regions must the poor shiftless harbourless Soul be-take it self Surely then this Consolation though we feel it not always and it be frequently interrupted may be well câ—lled Eternal Consolation because it affordeth Argument enough to check our worldly and sensual Inclinâ—tions and to call us off from Time to Eternity 2. To make us stedfast in the Truth and chearful under Sufferings foâ— he saith here The Lord that hath given us everlasting Consolation comfort your hearts and establish you The great use of everlasting Consolation is to comfort and stablish us in a suffering Condition The loss of Temporal Comforts is grievous but it is recompeâ—ced with the promise of eternal Joys revealed in the Gospel Heb. 10.34 Ye took joyfully the spoiling of your goods knowing in your selves that in Heaven ye have a better and an enduâ—ing substance cast not away theâ—efore your Confidence which hath great recompence of Reward And all our Pains and Afflictions are sweetned so far as to keep us from fainting 2 Cor. 4.17 18. Our light Afflicâ—ion which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory while we look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen for the things that are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal The end of God's Covenant and Promises is â—o give us strong Consolation in the midst of Temptations Persecutions and Trials Woâ—ldly Joys appear and vanish in a moment every blast of Temptation scattereth them It is eternal Blessedness which is the cause of solid Comfort in all Dangers Storms and Tempests hither we retreat as to our Sanctuary and find relief In the World all is unstable and uncertain but the Covenant provideth for us eternal Joy and Bliss 3. The third Effect which it is to produce in us is an increase of Holiness to stablish us in every good Word that is not only in sound Doctrine but in every good Work in Holiness of Life our Endeavours should answer our Motives and Ends Abound in the Work of the Lord forasmuch as your Labour is not in vain in the Lord 1 Cor. 15.58 Diligence should not be grievous to us when there is everlasting Consolation at the back of it surely this should put life into all our Endeavours Should we trifle away that time which we are to improve for Eternity John 6.27 Labour not for the Meat that perishes but for that which is to endure to everlasting Life Faith in Christ joined with solid Godliness will lead you to eternal Life There should be in the Saints an eternal Principle which is the Grace of the Holy Spirit and an eternal End which is the pleasing glorifying and enjoying of God and an eternal Rule which is the Will of God and they will have eternal Consolation and Reward Vse of Exhortation 1. Look upon the New Covenant as it is in it self as containing the only solid Grounds of rejoicing the Blessings of it are real certain stable and sutable to the great necessities of Mankind The Blessings are Pardon and Life they are real no Fancies or Chimera's The Gospel is not a Dream or well devised Fable but the greatest reality in the World it speaketh much for it self commending it self to the Conscience by rational Evidence 2 Cor. 4.2 By manifestation of the Truth commending oâ—r selves to every Man's Conscience in the sight of God But more by the Authority of the Son of God who came from Heaven to shew us the way thither And if it had not been so he would have told us John 14.2 For he used great plainness of Speech and Fidelity and is more fully ratified by the Spirit Iohn 16. 8 9 10 11. He will reprove the World of Sin of Rigâ—teousness and of Iudgment They are stable and unchangeable as appeareth by the Covenant Form in which the Coâ—veyance is so strong and firm as will make a Plea in Law 2 Sam. 23.5 He hath made an Everlasting Covenant with me ordered in all things and sure in which is all my hope and desire And suitable to many necessities Here is a Cure for our great Sore by Pardon and satisfaction to our Desires by a fit Happiness 2. Let it be so to you do you fulfil the Duties required if there be any room for doubting it must be of your Qualification therefore that must be made more explicit 1 John 3.19 Hereby we know that we are of the Truth and shall assure our hearts before him We miss much of this everlasting Consolation because we are upon such loose terms with God never hope to have peace upon cheaper terms than clear and undoubted Holiness You are not to model God's Covenant and new make it and bring it down to your humour and liking No the Covenant is unalterable and eternal So the Duties as well as the Priviledges You must take it as you find it and chuse the things that please God Isa. 56.4 There is your claim follow that close henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness which the Lord the Righteous Iudg shall give me at that day and not to me only but to all them that love his appearing
short Men please themselves in things received 2. In every good Work or in holiness of Life Here needeth the greatest establishment that we may hold on our course to Heaven and the usual Apostacy and Backsliding that Men are guilty of is from the practice of Religion It is ill when the Mind is tainted but worse when the Heart is alineated from God and commonly it is the perverse inclination to the Will that tainteth the Mind Therefore the great Establishment is to be settled in a course of Godliness 1 Thess. 3.13 That he may establâ—sh your Hearts unblameable in Holiness before God even our Father until the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ with all his Sainâ—s Now this Establishment is very difficult First Because of the contrariety of the Principles that are within us Gal. 5.17 For the Flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and these are contrary one to the other so that ye cannot do the things that ye would The Garison is not free from Danger that hath an Enemy lodged within The love of the World and the Flesh was in the Heart before the love of God and Holiness and these are not wholly rooted out yea these are natural to us whereas Grace is a Plant planted in us contrary to nature And the Ground that bringeth forth Weeds and Thistles of its own accord but the Flowers and good Herbs with mush Tâ—llage and Cultivation if it be neglected the Weeds will soon overgrow the Flowers Secondly Because it is more hard to continue in Conversion than to coâ—vert our selves at first In our first Conversion we are more passive it is God that converteth us and draweth us to himself and quickens and plants us into Christ but in Perseverance and fulfilling our Covenanting Duty we are more active it is our Work though we perform it by God's Grace An Infant in the Mother's Womb is nourished by the nourishment of the Mothâ—r but afterwards he must suck and seek his own Nourishment and the elder he groweth the more care of his Life is devolved upon himself Now that which is more our work is more difficult It is true that God that hath begun a good Work doth perfect it but not without our care Phil. 1.6 When we are fitted and prepared unto good Works God expecteth from us that we should walk in them God establisheth us in the Text but it is in every good Work Beside in Conversion we make Covenant with God but by Perseverance we keep Covenant with him Now it is easier to consent to Conditions than it is to fulfil them the Ceremonies at first consent of Marriage are not so difficult as to perform the duties of the Marriage Covenant It is more easie to build a Castle in time of Peace than to keep it in a time of War Peter more easily consented to come to Christ upon the Water but when he begun to try it his Feet were ready to sink Mat. 14.29 30. When Winds and Waves are against us alas how soon do we fail Therefore a good Spring doth not always foreshew a fruitful Harvest nor plenty of Blossoms store of Fruit. We are carried on with great Life and Earnestness for a while in the profession of Religion we consent to follow Christ but when we meet with Difficulâ—ies not foreseen or allowed for we faint and are discourage Thirdly With respect to the Subject in which it is seated which is the Soul with its faculties The strength of the Body is known by Experience rather than by Description but the strength of the Soul must be determined by its right constitution towards Good and Evil. The Faculties of the Soul are either the Understanding wherein lieth the Directive Councel or the Will wherein lieth the Imperial Power or the Affections wherein lieth the Executive Power of the Soul 1. The Mind or Understanding is established when we have a clear certain and full Apprehenâ—â—on of the truth of the Gospel it is called Knowledg the sure and sound and certain apprehension of them is called Faith or Intellectual Assent or the full assurance of Vnderstanding Col. 2.2 when there is a due knowledg of what God hath revealed with a certain persuasion of the truth of it wrought in us by the Holy Spirit Now the more clearly and orderly and certainly we know these things the more powerfully do they affect the Heart and the more we are established He that hath little Knowledg and little Certainty is called weak in the Faith Rom. 14.1 Him that is weak in the Faith receive but not to doubtful Disputations And those that have a clearer Understanding are called strong As Rom. 15.1 We that are sâ—rong ought to bear the Infirmities of the Weak meaning strong in Knowledg So also for certainty of Persuasion it is said Rom. 4.20 Abraham was strong in Faith giving glory to God When in all his Trials he bore up himself upon the Confidence of God's Word and Promise Well then the Mind is confirmed and established when we have a good stock of Knowledg and do firmly believe what we know of God and Christ and eternal Salvation But alas how few Truths do many Christians know especially in their order and as to their worth and weight and certainty and so that if we know these things we know them not as we ought to know them 1 Cor. 8.2 If any Man think that he knoweth any thing he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know them If we know them Speculatively we know them not Practically If we are able to discourse of these things we do not live by them If we know them generally we do not know them particularly to direct us in all Cases wherein they concern us but are blinded with Temptations If we know them comprehensively so as to look about the compass of them yet not certainly John 17.8 and have knâ—wn surely that I came out from thee so as to venture our Interests upon them If we know them darkly and with an half light we do not know them clearly and with a full light There is many times conviction in the Ore which is not refined into a clear and distinct knowledg such as may awe the Heart if we know these things habitually we know them not actually when we should remember them in their season and Oblivion is a sort of Ignorance Hence come the many doubts we are assaulted with and all the unevenness and uncertainty of our Lives so that the Mind needeth to be established in Grace 2. The Will which is the Imperial power of the Soul Now the Wills establishment is known by its firm and through resolution for God and against Sin For God as Acts 11.23 Barnabas when he had seen the Grace of God was very glad and exhorted them all that with full purpose of Heart they would cleave to the Lord. First choosing then cleaving and this with full purpose when the Will is so fixed in the Knowledg