through the blood of his Son the Chapters also of Genealogies in Numbers and Chronicles are of good use for the understanding of the rest of the Scriptures though but a few understand the same Of the Grace He calls Salvation Grace and that most worthily as being freely both Elected Redeemed and Effectually called 1. This condemns 1. That Luciferian conceit of Merit or Worthiness in us poor miserable sinners 2. Them that challenge part in Christ and all that he did and yet shew no part of thankfulness and duty again but live as they list and will not onely not part with their lives but not with their lusts for his sake they are lyars and deceive their own souls 2. It should teach us to acknowledge the whole work of our Salvation to be of Grace and thereupon to walk the more thankfully and zealously yea often meditate of this Free-grace and Salvation whetting up our selves thereby That should come unto you Why were they not partakers of Salvation themselves Yes as we have heard but they never saw the time of Christs exhibiting in the flesh nor so clearly They received not the promises onely saw them afar off aâ—d were perswaded of them Verse 11. Searching what or what maner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signifie when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow SEarching what or what maner of time They took great pains to know Christ would gladly have learnd that he should have come in their days so they should have had a clearer Revelation yea seen him whom they so much longed for and loved Simeon waited for the Consolation of Israel as many Prophets and Kings desired to see and hear thereof and this was lawful unless God had enjoyned the contrary If then we know a thing to be good and profitable to be known we must refuse no pains in searching it out but Study Meditate Pray Confer Read c. We must call for Wisdom and cry for Understanding we must seek and search for her as for silver The Word is like a Noble man that one must make some suit and use some means to come unto with which being once acquainted wherein can it not pleasure us when we have sued to it by pains it will be beneficial unto us indeed whereas prophane Books easily enough attained unto usually work much mischief many of us read much of the Scriptures but take no notice whether we understand the same or not or take no pains to come to knowledge to be inquisitive of the meaning of this or that place of Scripture were profitable when Christians meet together whether Ministers or others or both As they desired to see Christs first so should we long for his second coming The Spirit of Christ which was in them See how they sought into this matter not of their own heads but by the guidance and direction of the Spirit and that 1. Because it was a matter so high and above their reach as in which they could know nothing without the help of the Spirit 2. To avoid curiosity searching no further then God should see good to reveal unto them This teacheth us that when we search into any point of Doctrine or to know any thing we must not go to work by our own head or wit for that were Pride and the way to Error but by the help of the Spirit and therefore no further then the Spirit shall guide us this we do if we keep our selves to the written Word of God for Gods Spirit teacheth us according to the Word and no otherwise This condemneth the frenzy conceits of the Anabaptists which boast of Revelations of the Spirit counting whatsoever comes in their head and they conceive though contrary to the Scriptures to be a Revelation which is wicked for the Word and Spirit cannot be divorced either the one contrary to the other We must hold us to the written word searching thereinto according to sobriety proceeding no further then it and there staying where it stayeth This is also contrary to the Papists that will have their humane Traditions and unwritten Verities whereby upon the point they overthrow the Scriptures Again in that the Spirit of Christ was in the Prophets when they prophesied see the authority of the Old Testament the Spirit of God is the Author of it therefore is it to be highly esteemed as the New and all questions are to stand and fall by the sentence thereof Read believe and obey it and be out of all doubt of it without ifs and ands As the Papists most wickedly would have the authority of the Scriptures to depend upon the testimony of the Church and because they say its Scripture therefore they believe it and otherwise would not they would give no more credit to Pauls Epistles then to Esops Fables if the Church did not give testimony thereof which is a blasphemous Opinion The Scripture is above the Church and that whereon it s grounded and hath no greater testimony then from it self we testifie that God is the true God from all Idols and Christ from all false Christs do they therefore depend upon our testimony and are we above them Though the Church discerneth the Word or Scriptures from false writings and therefore rejecteth a great many of Epistles and Gospels of Bartholomew Thomas Thaddeus as adulterous yet this proves not that they depend on the Churches testimony A Kings Letters come to a City the Officers thereof by the stile sign or some other thing whereunto they are accustomed accept of them yield to them and testifie that they are not false or counterfeit are they therefore above the King or his Letters Further here is a testimony of the Divinity of the third Person for the whole Scripture is given by inspiration from God and here it s said it was by the Spirit and who could foretel things so long before but God confer Acts 1. 16. with 4. 25. When it testified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ Namely That he was to suffer for us and so to enter into his glory This we finde in the Old Testament both plainly expressed and under types and figures as of Isaacs offering the Brazen Serpent the Paschal Lamb Jonas c. This serves to answer all prophane Infidels that scoff at Christians because they believe in a crucified God for so do they contemptuously speak of Christ. A. He suffered what was necessary for the Savior of the world to suffer and what the Scripture foretold he should suffer and though he suffered and was abased yet he overcame it and entred into glory Had not these things been foretold they might have been offended at his dejected estate for so were the Disciples notwithstanding but being foretold they are not yea if he had not suffered for us
the very Angels as they wondred at the wonderful mystery of Christs Incarnation and learned as is very probable something by the Apostles Ministery which they knew not before so into the fulness of this Salvation they desired to see So we have a commendation of the Gospel or the way of Salvation therein preached 1. By its antiquity the Prophets knew and embraced it 2. The Apostles not of their own heads but by the Spirit extraordinarily sent upon them preached it 3. The Angels desire further to see into it In the Prophets search we are to observe 1. The substance they sought 2. The circumstance of time for the substance it was privately for their own benefit who therefore enquired into it and searched it our diligently and publiquely for the benefit of the Church who therefore prophesied of it Of which salvation the Prophets have enquired c. In that the Apostle to prove that this was the true way of salvation produceth the writings of the Prophets in the Old Testament learn That for all matters of faith that we reach the people and would have them receive we must ground them on no other proof but the Word of God no point ought to be admitted touching salvation whereof God is not the author and author he is of nothing but of that which is in his written Word which is a perfect Rule able to teach all truth and confute all error 1. This confutes the Papists who lean so much on Councels as they banish the Scripture as a dumb Judge Of those howsoever the more ancient of them are to be reverenced and did worthily oppose conclude against the Heresies of their Times yet even in them some things are left rawly whether those worthy men intending the greatest less regarded smaller matters or whether they erred as men that we might not put too much confidence in them or give too much to them But for many latter ones they are patcht by the Pope and his Adherents which will be sure to do nothing against him and the greater part overcomes the better part Therefore we are not to rest in these but go to that Law and to that Testimony which alone must Judge and bear Rule in the Church For though Christ hath promised that where two or three be gathered together he will be amongst them yet they must be mâ—t in his Name which is when they all submit themselves to the Word of God and suffer Christ to be President of their Assembly by his Word and not when they will set up Conceits of their own devising 2. Ministers must learn in all matters of faith to bring forth the written Word of God and not mens Judgements which are of no force to stablish the Conscience neither Popish Traditions by them termed Apostolical and unwritten Verities 3. People also for their part must receive nothing but that which they see grounded hereupon To this end they are to search the Scriptures and with the Bereaâ—s to confer place with place to finde out the truth If an Angel from heaven should bring any Doctrine contrary to this we are to hold him accursed Assuredly for want of Catechizing publikely and reading the Scripture privately if a cunning Heretique should in most Congregations open his pack of Wares they would go for currant few or none being able to control him Enquired and searched The words imply the great pains they used herein as Daniel by prayer fasting and meditation They had a little hint from God and they found the savor of it so as they followed it most earnestly to get out more and plodded upon it to see further and further What then are all of us to beat our heads and to set our hearts upon even upon the mystery of our Salvation by Christ that we may 1. Know it and every part thereof 2. Give full assent thereto 3. Labor for a particular perswasion thereof by faith These things belong to us whom it much concerneth to know this by an effectual knowledge feeling the power of Christ in us causing us to dye to sin and live to righteousness and this we should do 1. For that its the chiefest thing in the world Its life eternal to know him and all is dung to this yea we should desire to know nothing but Christ and him crucified 2. Because in seeking we may finde more in one day then all the Prophets and Fathers could finde by all their diligence all the days of their life This condemns the monstrous Unthankfulness of our days that make no reckoning of this so blessed Gospel of those glad tidings that should be the glory of the world without which the world is dead in sin and comes to confusion O how few regard to hear the Word Many run to Sports and Pastimes others to Markets and Fairs but in many places what thin Churches their Oxen and Farms draw them away Others hear yet it is without any regard any life Israel never loathed Manna more then most do the preaching of the Gospel O they have had Sermons in many Congregations until they have even loathed them O how few can be brought to see their own misery how few to prize Christ and to whom he is indeed welcom how few that will stoop to his yoke Sundry in shew would have him their Savior and talk that they hope to be saved by Christ but that 's but a Bawd for their sins whereby they may go on the more freely in them yea are not the truest and painfullest Preachers and Professors of the Gospel hated what this will come to is easie to see assuredly being like Châ—raziâ— and Bethsaida we may justly fear some iudgement at hand Time was when Christ was welcom amongst us and the kingdom of heaven suffered violence as haply it doth still in some parts of the land but O dead hearts and unthankful in most places Those under the Law saw but a little yet took it thankfully we have much revealed yet little regard it To prize the Gospel and seek after Christ will be our wisdom and welfare then to enquire for Salvation by Christ there can be no greater thing it becomes us well if for this we be counted fools well we be such fools as the Prophets were who enquired and searched after Christ God be thanked for our so doing let us continue in Gods name this shall bring us comfort living and dying when carnal Wordlings shall perish for want of comfort and go to hell But did they onely enquire after Salvation and the way to it and found it not Yes as they foretold Christ to others so did they finde that in him they sought for and were saved by him The Prophets and old Fathers were saved by Christ as well as we This confutes two pestilent Opinions 1. That of the Anabaptists That the Fathers had no other but earthly Promises and Rewards and
must settle 3. It teacheth us to search the Scripture laboring by all means that the Word of Christ may dwell in us plentifully that so we may be grounded If we hear God speaking in his Word we must sit down by it all mouthes must be stopt if not we must not be carried without it Again He alleageth the Old Testament as Christ and the other Apostles did for the Old was the same in substance with the New and of the same Authority Further In that he nameth not the place nor the Prophet it sheweth their skill and rebuketh our ignorance that have not the book of God clasped against us as in Popery but open if we can take our time for the place it self it s alleaged with some alteration of the words though not of the sence 1. He leaves out a word or two and takes that which fitteth his purpose 2. He turneth these words of the Prophet He that believeth shall not make haste into these He that believeth on him shall not be confounded The Prophet sets down the effect the Apostle the cause for unbelievers being ashamed it makes them run up and down in their misery for some other help seeing themselves disappointed and deceived The occasion of that promise there was to comfort the good in respect of the great threatnings against the bad and contemners namely that they should not be destroyed and cast off among the rest and that the wicked might not scorn them and think all Gods promises made to them fallen to the ground Behold This being a word to stir up attention implieth that What the Lord saith he doth He is true of his word the Almighty and who cannot be hindred He saith not Such a stone shall be laid but Behold I lay it whereby he confirms the good and puts them out of doubt who by reason of the threatnings were grown weak fearful and in doubt Here see our infidelity in Spiritual things especially if we see any things against us such was Zacharias So was not Abraham he looked not to carnal lets but rested on Gods Word had enough that God spake it so should we If we have any promise of Gods mouth we should be of good comfort and believe and not be dismaid at our sins and unworthiness Come unto me saith our Savior all ye that are weary and laden and I will refresh you c. What promise more comfortable and yet many seeing their sins and danger cannot be comforted and perswaded But we must give God the glory to believe him on his word and know that nothing can make him break promise or change his minde either any hinder him from performing what he hath promised I lay It s God that layes the Foundation of his Churches Salvation All the Men and Angels in the world cannot lay one stone in this building unto this Foundation Though God use the Ministery of his servants Men to this purpose yet its God that by his Spirit makes them fit and couples them hereto therefore much less could they lay this corner stone Paul saith he laid this Foundation By Preaching the same to the people not otherwise That Foundation which God had laid before the world and appointed to be Preached that he taught to the people and that was all he did If God gave Christ generally for his Church then for every humble soul that seeth his need of Christ and cometh with an heavy heart to him and desires him above all the world assuredly he will give him to such In Sion That hill in Jerusalem is put for the Church whereof it was a type and because the Gospel was first preached there Christ there revealed and from thence conveyed into all nations far and wide so that now by Gods mercy we have him no less preached unto us then the Jews had and have also our part in him as largely O unspeakable mercy A chief corner stone A chief stone a foundation stone This is the principal point in this first part of the Verse but of this on the fourth Verse where was shewed That he is not a stone as others be in the building but the foundation on which they are all built which sustains and holds them together there being no other foundation but he This the Papists overturn and that both in respect of his Kingly Prophetical and Priestly Office For his Kingly Office which is to rule over the consciences of his subjects by his Spirit and to have power to make Laws to binde their consciences they take it from him for with them the Pope may also make Laws of his to binde the conscience as much as any of Christs and doth and may repeal some of his at his pleasure For his Prophetical Office which is to be the onely Teacher of his Church and to reveal all his Fathers minde in the Books of the Prophets and Apostles this they take away by adding as if the Word were altogether imperfect unwritten Verities and mens Traditions which say they are of absolute necessity to be obeyed to Salvation For his Priestly they abolish both parts of it 1. His Sacrifice All sufficient and once offered on the Cross for all by their blasphemous Mass wherein they offer Christ daily as they say as a Propitiatory Sacrifice for the sins of the quick and the dead 2. His Intercession wherein they joyn many Saints with him What Salvation can there be for such le ts pray for and keep our selves far from them Elect Christ is chosen of God to the work of our Redemption and furnished for it therefore make we choyce of him for our portion wo to them that refuse him He that believeth on him shall not be confounded Hereby is meant a true particular justifying Faith Such as have this shall not be ashamed or seek at any time as confounded or deceived of sufficient help and Salvation therefore he shall never be put to make haste to seek any other The true Believer shall never be confounded but finde enough in Christ to satisfie him to the full to deliver him from all evil and make him partaker of all Happiness Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption and enough to make his minde peaceable and quiet and to stablish him against all that his own conscience or any yea the Devil himself can lay to his charge but he findes enough to answer all at large As Thou art a sinner and hast deserved Damnation and God is just R. I grant all but I have a surety able enough who hath born all Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect It s God that justifieth c. His heart is fixed he believeth in the Lord In his life he hath that wherein he may quiet himself and never be to seek but may draw new life and grace from Christ to enable him to
acknowledge Christ Jesus and our Faith and Hope of Salvation in him as of whom the Prophets foretold and who did every way for time place maner c. fulfil their prophecies of him This we must believe with our hearts and confess with our mouthes in this Faith we must both live and dye The like might be instanced about Justification if by Papists we should be called to an account Thus Moses came often before Pharaoh to justifie his demand thus Elias did acknowledge and maintain the true God and his pure worship against Ahab and his false Prophets so Daniel and the three Children so the Apostles so the Apostle Paul so the Church of Pergamos so the holy Martyrs they could not be drawn from the truth either by promises threats or torments so in this Land in the days of Queen Mary Gods servants shewed good skill in the Word and made known their Christian courage Reasons hereof may be these 1. That it may appear God hath some that know and love and will defend his Truth as the Devil also the contrary 2. That we may declare we be not ashamed nor afraid of men to confess the cause of God 3. That we may confirm our own consciences and may also if possible win others to the truth as Paul had almost done Agrippa No doubt many standers by were won by Pauls defences and the Martyrs and not a few weak ones confirmed the rest being left without excuse 1. This condemneth that horrible wicked practice of the Church of Rome in keeping the people in miserable blindeness and holding it a deadly fin for them to read any part of Scripture in a tongue they understand or any book touching the true Faith and Religion nay read both Scriptures and Prayers to them in an unknown tongue and lock up all knowledge from them and means thereof like the Scribes and Pharisees that took away the Key of Knowledge How shall they then be ready to give an account of their Faith They must believe as the Church believes and that is all they can get onely they preach to them in their own language which yet is but lyes and errors for truth This is most gross robbery of the people Christ bid Search the Scriptures they charge the contrary and curse them that do It s cruel tyranny and murther of their souls they take away their weapons that they may make a prey of their souls as the Philistines did from the Israelites to keep them under Those are not of Moses his minde that wished That all Gods people might prophesie nor of St. Pauls That the Word of Christ might dwell in them richly in all wisdom c. None have need to be discouraged from seeking knowledge for most be too careless and lazy 2. This rebuketh the gross ignorance of most part of people that notwithstanding this light that we have and so many helps of preaching liberty of reading and so many Books of all kindes and of the grounds of our Religion yet know not what they hold nor what be the points of their Religion but as Market news they hear they must serve God and come to Church and must be saved by Jesus Christ but to prove that he is the true Christ or that they must be saved by him and by no other in whole nor in part or that the Scripture is the Word of God they are altogether ignorant and so might be carried away to any Religion This is an horrible sin especially considering the helps and liberty which we enjoy What notorious carelesness is this must we not buy the truth prize the truth know it hold it fast not part therewith Most have such skill in worldly businesses that they are altogether unskilful in the Word regard not the means of their Salvation This is condemnation that light is come into the world and men love darkness more then the light O how many perish for want of knowledge yet are there some which having knowledge but not the love of the truth nor Faith in God will flinch from it if ever they be tryed for there is no hold of him that loves not the truth though he have never so much knowledge as we may read of Dr. Pendleton and others in Queen Mary's time Such if they be in company of Papists of Cavillers or Railers they can stand or sit still and say nothing How would these confess the truth with peril of their lives when they be affriad of a great man c Let such know that Christ esteems them as his enemies For he that is not with him is against him they being ashamed of him in this world he will be no less ashamed of them on the last and great day 3. O then let all of us labor for knowledge and to be grounded in our Religion and to know the points of Catechism and be able to prove them by some place of Scripture so as we may be bold to believe them and stand to the defence of them To this end we must give ear to Catechizing read the grounds of Religion and study the Scriptures in humility and with Prayer having a care to know the will of God and to be guided by it and to stand in the defence of it to Gods glory against such as oppose it This is the glory of a man of a Christian to make confession of his Faith in Christ and stand to the defence of it this God may justly expect of us it hath been performed by them which had not the hundredth part of the means which we have O let us both love and live in the Truth sticking close thereto whatsoever it cost us And if at any time we shall hear it spoken against we must have the zeal of God in us to stand in the defence thereof Thus confessing Christ here among men he will confess us before his Father in Heaven and his holy Angels Of the hope that is in you Faith and hope must be rooted in our hearts ere we utter the same with our tongues In vain do we talk of things whereof we have not the inward feeling With meekness and fear Here 's the maner for good things must be done in a right maner we must temper our courage and zeal in setting out the truth with meekness and fear we must avoid pride and insolency by forgetting our places or those we have to speak to or breaking out into violent speeches mockings gibings or such like for so we may do much hurt and this is unbeseeming the Spirit of Gods Servants Besides the things we speak of being the matters of God our speech and behavior must be sutable thereunto This rebuketh the preposterous zeal of some which defending the truth and a good cause forget duty and respect to their Superiors and break out into violent and unseemly speeches and be at defiance by and by and straight condemn
A GODLY FRUITFUL EXPOSITION Upon all the FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER BY That Pious and Eminent Preacher of the WORD of GOD JOHN ROGERS of Dedham in ESSEX JOHN 5. 39. Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testifie of me 2 PETER 1. 20 21. Knowing this first that no prophesie of the Scripture is of any private interpretation For the prophesie came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost LONDON Printed by JOHN FIELD and are to be sold by Peter Cole at the Sign of the Printing-Press in Cornhill near the Royal Exchange 1650. To the Reader THe Name alone of the Author of this Exposition and Commentary doth put a great price and value on it yea command thy reading and study of it It is the work of John Rogers Minister of Dedham in Essex written by his own hand Being dead he yet speaketh that is his Name is as a sweet savour poured forth and his praise amongst the Saints in all the Churches of Christ wheresoever he is spoken of this may be said of him That he was a burning and a shining light having a heart inflamed with love to Christ Truth and the Souls of men his words were as sparks of fire As his light directed his zeal so his zeal wrought with his light and made it powerful Animum non faciunt qui animum non habent Some Books are like a frosty day clear but dry and cold and leave the Reader in the same temper As in preaching so in writing also the stirring of the heart and affections should be endeavored as well as Information and such words be used and so set as may rather make a Sermon then a Tract and beget rather a love to the Matter as this Author endeavoreth then an opinion or an esteem of the VVriters abilities He was a Scribe indeed taught of God instructed and prepared for the Kingdom that is the Church of God having yea being a Treasure of things both new and old that is of all sorts of Doctrine and all ways of Application of them He was a Boanerges a Son of Thunder for the power and efficacy God gave unto his Ministry and a Barnabas a Son of Consolation too As the Thunder shaketh the Pillars of the Earth overthroweth the Rocky Mountains causeth the wilde and savage Beasts to fear and as the Lightning powerfully insinuates it self breaking the bones but not the flesh So was it the pleasure of the Lord to bring down by his Ministry the high and stout hearts of many rebellious ones and to lead them in subjection to his wil through Christ To throw down and to build up by him even as high as Heaven As the Scriptures give us the Genealogies of the Saints so many came out of Adam Abraham c. How numerous are the Children whom this Author hath had given him by God Many Families persons of all sorts and ranks in many Counties and Nations even so far as his sound went forth will and do acknowledge him to have begotten them to God and call him Blessed Reader read his VVorks and thou shalt know him work what thou readest on thy own heart that thou mayst be like unto him one of his children also which is the hearty desire of him who cannot but make this honorable mention of the Author and is May 1650. Desirous of thy good in Christ SIDRACH SIMPSON THE CONTENTS OF THIS EXPOSITION Page THe scope of this Epistle both general and particular with the several parts thereof and matter contained therein 1 CHAP. I. Verse 1 2. 1. THe sum and parts of the Preface 2 2. The several names of this Apostle and why so named ibid. 3. What names Parents are to give to their Children ibid. 4. Such as set forth Books ought to set their names thereto ibid. 5 Why some worthy men have not done thus 3 6. Wherein the Apostles differed from all other Ministers ibid. 7. A Minister must have an inward calling and an outward ibid. 8. Why our Apostle nameth his Apostleship 4 9. Repentance wipeth away our sins 5 10. Why the Jews were called strangers ibid. 11. Among them there were sundry believers ibid. 12. Gods Church here on earth is under persecution 6 13. Lawful to fly in the time of persecution 7 14. The large extent of the Church under the New Testament ibid. 15. The Apostles diligence and care in his charge ibid. 16. God hath chosen some to salvation 8 17. How we may know the election of others ibid. 18. Christians must so live as that even others may be perswaded they belong to God 9 19. Why God decreed to save some ibid. 20. The ends why we were elected 10 21. Sanctification the end of our Redemption ibid. 22. Christs obedience and sufferings the meritorious cause of our Salvation 11 23. Christs death is to be particularly apprehended by faith 12 24. A proof of the holy Trinity 13 25. Election the work thereof ibid. 26. Why Gods favor is to be sought ibid. 27. Ministers must labor that their people may be brought into Gods favor ibid. And may grow in grace 14 Verse 3. 1. THe sum and substance of the whole Epistle 14 2. Gods blessing man mans blessing man and mans blessing God 15 3. Gods mercies to be thought on and spoken of with admiration ibid. 4. We must not think or speak of God but with reverence 16 5. Why God is termed the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ibid. 6. Gods Son why termed Jesus Christ our Lord ibid. 7. What meant here by Hope 17 8. Assurance of Salvation comes not by nature 18 9. The means whereby God works Faith ibid. 10. Why termed a lively hope 19 11. Gods free favor the cause of all our good 20 12. Man could not be saved without abundant mercy ibid. 13. The means whereby we are begotten to this hope 22 14. Benefits arising from Christs Resurrection ibid. Verse 4. 1. THe Kingdom of Heaven why termed an inheritance 23 2. The happiness of Gods people in heaven abideth for ever 24 3. Why termed undefiled ibid. 4. The Kingdom of Heaven always one and the same ibid. 5. God hath appointed to glorifie his Saints in Heaven 27 6. The prevention of a conceit of the Jews and of an Objection 28 7. Gods Children shall not miss of Heaven 29 8. To be particularly assured of Heaven a special comfort ibid. Verse 5. 1. THe prevention of another doubt 30 2. Gods Children have many Enemies to hinder their salvation 31 3. Christians cannot stand of themselves 31 4. Gods almighty power is sufficient to uphold us against all our enemies 32 5. Gods people are kept through Faith 33 6. How Faith bringeth us to Salvation ibid. 7. Christians must not look here for outward prosperity 34 8. The fulness of our happiness not to be had here 35 9. The
7. Christ is a living foundation 200 8. The prevention of an Objection 201 9. Christ disallowed of whom and why ibid. 10. Such things are often disallowed of men which are allowed of God 202 11. There 's an union between Christ and believers ibid. 12. How to come to be stones of this building 204 13. The whole Church makes but one Spiritual House 205 14. Every particular believer is a Spiritual House ibid. 15. Such as are united to Christ ore made holy 206 16. Believers are Priests to God ibid. 17. The prevention of an Objection 207 18. Christians are not now without Sacrifices and what they are ibid. 19. Why called Spiritual Sacrifices 208 20. Our service of God must be dòne in a Spiritual maner 209 21. The prevention of an Objection ibid. 22. Spiritual Sacrifices are not regarded of carnal men ibid. 23. Through Christ our Sacrifices are acceptable to God 210 24. Our works though imperfect accepted through Christ ibid. Verse 6. 1. THe Testimony of Gods Word is that which settles us in any point of Doctrine 211 2. The Old Testament of the same authority with the New ibid. 3. Of old people were more ready in the Scripture then they are now 212 4. What the Lord saith he doth ibid. 5. God lays the foundation of his Churches Salvation ibid. 6. The Papists take from Christ his Kingly Prophetical and Priestly Office 213 7. Believers do always finde enough in Christ ibid. 8. The miserable condition of them that believe not in Christ and who they are 214 9. Believers can never fall away wholly nor finally ibid. Verse 7 8. 1. GOds promises are to be particularly applyed 215 2. Christ is precious unto all those that believe 216 3. Such are unbelievers which are disobedient 217 4. Why the Jews did reject Christ 218 5. Succession is of Doctrine or Person 219 6. Such as do least good challenge the goodliest titles 220 7. Such as would be reputed builders are usually enemies to true builders ibid. 8. Ministers must be builders ibid. 9. Every man must be a builder 221 10. The impiety of these times ib. 11. The carelesness of these times 222 12. The enemies of the Church unable to hinder the building thereof 223 13. Ministers must divide the Word aright and give every man his portion 224 14. How Christ and his Word become stumbling blocks to unbelievers 225 15. Nothing so good whereat corrupt nature will not take occasion to stumble ibid. 16. The world hath ever stumbled at Christ ibid. 17. The Papists stumble at him also the ignorant civil prophane and such as will not part with some beloved sin 226 18. Such as stumble at the Word stumble at Christ 227 19. Offences taken against the Word removed 228 20. Scandals of the Papists against it 230 21. Why and wherein they charge our Doctrine 230 22. About auricular confession fasting days marriage ibid. 23. Offences at preaching the Word 231 24. Which the true Church 237 25. Offences against the Preachers of the Word 239 26. Offences against Professors of the Word 241 27. Offences arising from mens selves hindring their zealous profession of Religion 244 28. No end of the Devils devices 248 29. Why so few be saved ibid. 30. Why people have no minde to Religion ibid. 31. Gods word is therefore bestowed on as that we may be guided thereby 249 32. How we are to obey the same ibid. 33. Four sorts of disobedient persons the prophane 251 The meerly civil the ignorant and hypocrites 252 34. Why Christ proves a Rock of offence unto most 253 35. Whether it be lawful and meet to handle the Doctrine of Gods Decree 254 36. God hath ordained some to destruction 255 37. This was of his own will and for no cause out of himself 257 38. The Lord hath done this most justly 258 39. The Lord hath done this unchangeably 259 40. Marks of such as are reprobates 260 Verse 9. 1. MInisters must speak comfortably to the good contrarily to the bad 262 2. And warily deliver the Word that each may take his due portion 262 3. What election is ibid. 4. God before the world hath ordained some men to salvation ibid. 5. The cause hereof was because he would 263 6. The number of the elect small ibid. 7. They that be elect cannot but be saved 264 8. A man may know and be assured of his election 265 9. Notes of election 266 10. Whether we may be certain of anothers election 267 11. Christians through Christ are made Kings Priests Prophets 268 12. Christ and his Gospel preached in time of the Law ibid. 13. The promises and priviledges laid down in the Scriptures belong onely to Gods elect ibid. 14. Election is the foundation of all the good comes to us ibid. 15. Christ how our King Priest and Prophet 269 16. Believers are others then the world thinks for ibid. 17. The Jews why termed an holy Nation 270 18. All that be the Lords company are holy persons ibid. 19. Comfort and counsel for sanctified persons 271 20. The misery of those that are unsanctified with advice to them to come out of this condition ibid. 21. The Church Gods peculiar people ibid. 22. No marvel though he set much by it 272. 23. Gods glory the end of all the priviledges bestowed on us 273 24. We were elected of God that we might shew forth his praises and not to be idle c. 273 25. Gods glory the furthest end of our election ibid. 26. Effectual calling a certain argument of election ibid. 27. Two sorts of calling outward and inward ibid. 28. The Word the outward instrument hereof 274 29. The parts of effectual calling ibid. 30. Gods free mercy the cause hereof ibid. 31. Every one must endeavor to prove his calling ibid. 32. What to understand by darkness and light 275 33. Every unregenerate person is in darkness 276 34. Every true believer is brought to the saving knowledge of Christ ibid. Verse 10. 1. FOr a people or particular persons to look to their beginnings is of good use 278 2. No priviledges can exempt the contemners of the Word from Gods wrath 279 3. Gods mercy power and truth in making the Jews a people again 280 4. Impenitent persons not worthy the name of people ibid. 5. No outward affliction doth nullifie Gods Church 281 6. To be the people of God a choice blessing ibid. 7. Sin unrepented of lets Gods mercy 282 8. What God did for the Jews was of mercy and so all we have ibid. Verse 11. 1. HOliness in heart and conversation must go together 283 2. Ministers must love and affect their people ibid. 3. The Saints are to be the objects of our love 284 4. Wisdom requisit in the Preachers of the Word 285 5. What meant by fleshly lusts ibid. 6. There are remnants of sin in the very best ibid. 7. Two sorts of sinners 287 8. Evil thoughts cast in by Satan or from our selves 288 9. The causes of evil
have some extraordinary motion of the Spirit of God to the contrary as it 's written of some of the Martyrs or finde themselves as yet not strong enough to endure their rage Those I say may slie to be reserved as a seed to propagate the Church afterward Throughout Pontus Galatia Cappadocia Asia and Bythynia The places whereunto they fled for habor were Regions and Countreys in Asia the less where there were then famous Churches Note hence 1. The large extent of the Church of God in the time of the New Testament that whereas before it was kept within the pale of Judea in the New since our Saviours ascension it 's dispersed over all Nations far and wide from the Sun-rising to its going down that it might be fulfilled which God spake to Abraham that in his seed all the Nations of the world should be blessed But what 's become of those Churches of Asia now They are all lamentable to be spoken under the tyranny of the Enemy of God and Christ Jesus the Turk They are now no Churches but Synagogues of Satan cages of unclean birds so are also the Churches to whom Saint John wrote in his Revelation Be we not therefore high minded but fear for if God hath not spared the natural branches take heed lest he also spare not us yea considering our luke-warmness unthankfulness contempt of the Word and such other our crying sins we have cause to fear the like judgement 2. The singular diligence and care of this holy Apostle over the charge committed to him Not onely did he preach to them being present with them but wrote also being absent being in persecution and scattered throughout strange Countreys he encourageth them unto constancy and that they should not faint under their troubles of such helps there is great need in such cases and at such times He was careful not onely to gain them to God and the Faith but to hold them fast that as they were begotten so they might be nourished up in the faith as they were converted so he was careful to confirm them this being no less necessary then that For Non minor est virtus quam quarere parta tueri having offended but again put in trust with the sheep he is now careful of his Commission which is set down for the example of all Ministers even as we love Christ so will we must we feed his sheep and lambs We must labor by all diligence and faithfulness to convert and build up yea in times of sickness or any affliction when Satan waits to tempt them and they be weak we are to come and strengthen them we are to shoar them up that they reel not to comfort them that they despair not But how do they perform this duty that never come at their charges seldom or never preach put it off to another though never so unfit how also they that either preach not or but unprofitably which come not to a poor or mean mans house upon any occasion How shall they be able to answer the great Shepherd of the sheep when they shall be called to an account See Heb. 13. 17. Elect c. Here he describes them by their inward estate to God-ward I will not here handle the common place of Election I have done it at large and I reserve such things to Catechizing onely now of such things as are necessarily occasioned by the text whereof this may be one That God hath chosen out some men to salvation as he did of the Angels which are called the Elect Angels Before the world he Ordained and decreed some persons to obtain salvation even the vessels of mercy which he had afore prepared unto glory See to this purpose Acts 13. 48. Eph. 1. 4. 1 Thess. 5. 9. This must needs be so for whatsoever falls out in the world universally or particularly God in his eternal and unchangeable decree Ordained the same And if wise men do not especially great things whereof they have not before deliberated much lels doth God Let us hold fast this truth inviolable according to the Scriptures casting away all carnal conceits of cruelty or the like in the Lord and with the Apostle Paul what we cannot understand learn we to adore and admire Q. But how could the Apostle know they were Elect may one know the Election of another A. For our own we may as we shall hear by an by for others we may also though not with the same knowledge and judgement of certainty because the heart of man is known to none but to God only and a man may go far who yet may fall away but with the judgement of charity which hath degrees according to the fruits we see in them if they only profess Religion and be in the Church we may hope but it is but weak hope where we see no fruits where we see some good likelihoods of religion some good beginnings we may more strongly be perswaded for to such a man may say If these things be in you in truth you are the very Elect of God Now when we see the fruits of faith sanctification and godliness in men and that they shew it not by fits but constantly not in some things but in all not in prosperity onely but in adversity too in persecution and under the Cross we may the more yea very boldly judge of them as the Elect of God and so doth out Apostle here as appears by the next words Unto Sanctification of the Spirit He saw good signs of Sanctification in them and that they suffered persecution for Religions sake therefore he so hoped of them he so stiles them We should not onely labor to have sound testimonies to our selves of our Election and Salvation but so live as we may get a good and full testimony thereof in the conscience and minde of the Church and Brethren with whom we live For a good name in the Church is a precious thing and much to be desired The voice of the Church is the voice of God We are so to live that whatsoever befalls us as to die suddenly or strangely or to have great and extraordinary afflictions while we live our lives notwithstanding may have spoken so well for us as we may have good report while we live and when we be dead So have many poor godly ones in Scripture and in our times when great and mighty ones that have been wicked their names be rotten and so not at all or else stinking and so as a dunghil or puddle which the more it is stirred the more it stinketh They therefore that live vilely in their lusts bring an ill name upon themselves who can judge they are Elect or shall be saved yea many be desperate they care not what men say as bad a sign as can be such also as walk hollowly and by halfs in some things well and in some other taking
Angels were unable to help us herein This hath Christ done for us and that fully the dignity of his person being such that he is both God and Mâ—n in one person Of this the blood of the lamb sprinkled on the Israelites houses was a sign all Sacrifices tended hereunto our Sacraments point thereat all Scripture layeth our Salvation in the Cross Blood and Sufferings of Christ. Here see 1. An admirable mixture of Justice and Mercy so that God is not all mercy as the world imagines Therefore for prophane impenitent ones they shall bear the just wrath of God themselves and not by every late forced Lord have mercy have God at command as they imagine For if Christ was feign to suffer and the Father would not be intreated notwithstanding his strong cries but when he stood as our Surety laid on load and spared him not at all shall his prophane enemies think to escape as they list 2. Gods infinite mercy to mankinde to appoint a way to save some of them whereas no Angel that fell shall be saved 3. It sets out the depth of our misery therefore they that are still in it have no small piece of work to bring to pass 4. It teacheth us how to esteem of sin as being of that weight that nothing but the blood of Christ will satisfie for it 5. Its sets out the infinite and unspeakable love of God to give us his Son and of Christ to give himself seeing no less means would serve Who can sufficiently either admire or express the same 6. Here 's matter of endless consolation to all troubled sinners when Satan and the terrors of Conscience shall pursue them to flie to Christ Jesus and his sufferings This is their Castle their quietus est send Satan to thy Surety all is fully discharged in his death But this is only for humble bleeding sinners that turn to God with all their hearts but as for proud persons that live still in their lusts what have these to do to talk of Christs death yet have these it in readiness Christ hath died for us What for such prophane ones as make his death a packhorse and lay on more load which is to crucifie Christ again No let these know they shall bear the burthen of their own sins but let the true penitent be of good comfort and know that all his sins how great soever be done away Neither let such think that their afflictions are any part of the punishment of sin for it is all done away once in Christ and therefore shall not again be demanded of them but they are loving chastisements to humble them for their sins past and prevent others for the time to come both furthering their Salvation 7. For all that know they have their part in Christs death how should this work with them 1. For sin past it should vex and grieve our hearts for we were the Crucifiers of Christ Judas the Soldiers and Jews but our Servants whom our sins set on work It 's our great fault that we can think of our sins without being humbled shall Christ shed tears of blood for our sins and we not be troubled for our own 2. This should make us hate sin for ever being as it were the knife and spear that killed Christ what father could ever love that knife that should kill his childe 3. How should this inflame our hearts with love to him again and carry us on in a zealous care of obedience all our days our woful coldness in Christs cause and service deserves to be rebuked Alas how little will we do for his sake we ought to be ready to leave Goods Liberty and Life for him we should herein but do as he hath done for us yea who began thus to do for us when we were even his enemies How much more any other thing And may not this stop the mouths of all prophane persons which will be talking they hope to be saved by Christ when they shew no love nor thankfulness to him but live yet in their sins to anger him 8. An exclusion of all feigned and false satisfactions of mens own devising whereof the Church of Rome is full which would strike in for a part with the merit of Christs death which makes a great stir about the Cross when in the mean time they make void its efficacy Sprinkling c. By this word he alludeth to the sacrifices of the Law which all pointed at the sacrifice of Christ and to shew that as it had been nothing that a sacrifice had been killed unless the blood thereof had been sprinkled upon the people for so was the maner so it avails us nothing that Christ died unless his blood be sprinkled on us by the hand of a true faith applying Christ Jesus to our Consciences It s not Christ that saves but Christs death apprehended by a true and lively faith for a particular perswasion hereof are we to labor Here also in this verse is an excellent proof of the holy Trinity three persons and one God which is so to be worshipped all that do otherwise worship an Idol and not the true God Again observe That Election is attributed to the Father Redemption to the Son Sanctification to the Holy Ghost It 's not but that they be the common works of the whole Trinity as all the works of God towards the Creatures are in which respect Sanctification is also attributed to the Father but because of their immediate working The Father elected in the Son and by the Holy Ghost Father Son and Holy Ghost elected The Son is the immediate worker of our Redemption he shed his blood as the Holy Ghost the immediate worker of Sanctification Grace unto you and Peace be multiplied The usual salutation of the Jews asking the favor of God as the root and peace that is all happiness as that which flows from thence for so by peace the Jews meant Peace be with you Peace be to this house c. Hence note 1. That we should seek the favor of God as that which draweth on other things yea all things for in love is no lack Men may have other things without this but they will have an ill farewel as they that have possession but no right title to that which they possess 2. What a Minister should chiefly desire for his people even that they may be brought into Gods favor by Christ have their sins forgiven Christ made theirs and they assured thereof with so much prosperity as may stand with happiness So Husbands and Wives each for other So also Parents for their Children The favor and grace of God is the principal and root of all good Men may have abundance of outward things but if they flow not from Gods love they will have a hard farewel This brings sufficiency In his favor is life yea this were sufficient if it came alone but in
if Preachers alleage Fathers Councels School-men c. O how they applaud them but if any shall alleage Scripture properly and plainly Oh he is a plain homespun Preacher he may do well in a Countrey Town but Christs sheep do otherwise they reverence and adore above all the Word of God This condemns the Papists that deal most treacherously and will not have the scriptures to be judge but Fathers Councels the Church And who is the Church but themselves and the Head of Councels but the Pope and so upon the point the Pope is the Church and so its like enough to go well on their sides And in their Councels who is any thing but the Pope and his Consistory as he will have every thing so it shal be as in their last Councel of Trent which they so magnifie as the most sacred Assembly that ever was which indeed was nothing else but a conspiracy of Traitors against the Crown and Dignity of Christ Jesus and his Truth there such were pickt as were fast to the Pope and the Religion of Rome and such as were sworn to be true thereto and when some few spake somewhat more boldly in some things then was well liked of they were quickly packt out and this charge they had after they had sate a while That they should interpret no Scripture but such as might stand with the Doctrine of Rome this was good stuff that whereas they should have brought their Doctrine to the rule of Scripture they must bring Scripture to their Doctrine as if the Carpenter should cut his rule according to the piece and not the piece according to his rule And howsoever they sate there at Trent disputing for a fashion yet nothing was concluded but such as the Pope and his Consistory at Rome devised which being set to them they were to publish and thus the parties become Judges and they that should stand at the Bar to be judged sit on the Bench to judge their own cause therefore it must needs go well on their side They cannot away that the Scripture should be the Judge because they then know how it would go with them and their Doctrine but we must receive it and try all Doctrine by it and stand to the sentence thereof as being the onely Judge So here the Apostle enjoyning holiness takes this as a sufficient proof It is written though that was against their nature and disposition though by following after it they might be counted Puritans Singular Proud Hypocrites c. yet they must not stand reasoning the case with flesh and blood they must be holy for so it was written If then we know any thing once proved by the Word of God we must make no more ado if the Word command a thing we must yield and obey if forbid a thing as vile we must dare no more meddle therewith then to eat poison For the Word of God is the Royal Law that Rule of Righteousness that must command all the world Prince and people must stoop hereunto This is the Law of his Kingdom whereby all we his Subjects must be ruled If the Lyon roar the Beasts tremble and if the Lord speak who is our Soveraign is it not meet that we should take knowledge hereof and yield obedience thereto this was ever Preface enough to the Prophets in their Sermons Thus saith the Lord The Word of the Lord c. and his Word not being left us in vain to shake it off at our pleasures the same may command obedience 1. This condemns the prophane and dissolute world do men go by any such rule and try ere they do any thing what God saith of it in his Word O that were too much preciseness But by what rules then If it stand with my pleasure with my profit with my ease with my credit most do so I shall be accounted a fool if I do not so O cursed rules What shall Profit Pleasure Mammon and our Lusts become now as it were our God dare we cast the word of God behinde us do we provoke the Lord to anger are we stronger then he Oh let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall It s written we must be holy therefore we must be so why then it s written we may not swear therefore we must not swear so oppress deceive commit uncleanness c. because the contrary is prescribed in the Word And yet how dare men live in those very sins against the Scriptures Hath not the world smarted sufficiently yet whereat to take warning What threw Adam out of Paradise drown'd the old World brought such variety of Judgements upon the Jews from time to time if not their disobedience have there drunkards enough swearers prophaners of the Lords-day Usurers c. been plagued and sent to Hell already This rebelling against the Word of God hath made all the racket and havock in the world and hath brought to confusion the Proudest and Mightiest If we had not the Word but were left to the light of nature God might condemn us for our sins how much more when by the Word he hath told us all his minde Well let us look to it if the Word may not be a light to guide us it will be a fire to consume us If it be not strong enough to make us yield obedience it will be strong enough to throw us headlong to confusion as whereby we shall be judged at the latter day If when God smites any one part of us with pain in extemity we be weary of our selves when yet we have many comforts and many to pity us and hope also of an end thereof what shall their care be that are smitten and plagued in all parts of Body and Soul there being no eye to pity them nor hope of an end which yet ensueth upon the disobedience to Gods Word Then will they fret and vex themselves O beast that I was that took not warning at such and such a time c. 2. For as many as are willing the Word should guide them and be it with or in appearance against them are willing to be ruled let these be of good comfort It s a good mark of Christs sheep they hear his voyce and follow him and he is of God that heareth and obeyeth his word Again in that it s said It is written we note That the Word of God is the rule of all Truth and Doctrine This condemneth the Papists which as if the written Word of God were insufficient and imperfect and the Prophets and Apostles either would not or could not or might not leave a perfect direction for us divide the word into written and unwritten Thereupon imposing a great number of Traditions Degrees and old received Opinions and Customs upon the people as matters whereon to ground their Faith and binde their Conscience as much as any of the written Word and that upon
hath these two things in it 1. That we have brotherly and tender affections one towards another 2. That we shew it forth by brotherly actions and fruits answerable both which must necessarily go together 1. Then In vain do any challenge tender and loving affections except they shew the fruit thereof to their Brethrens Bodies and Souls especially 2. It s not enough to do brotherly offices unless they proceed from brotherly affections Many a man will give frankly and do other duties required of him but defiles his liberality with insulting over the parties relieved upbraiding them therewith and thinking thereby to make them subject unto them whereas a gift should be given chearfully and seeing one that stands in need of our help we ought compassionately to tender his estate as our own remembring Gods commandment for relieving such a one and thanking God we may and though the party ought to be thankful yet should not we stain our liberality with any sinister maner of giving It must be frank that 's the nature of a gift and it must also come from compassion and feeling So for reproving admonishing c. an excellent duty I would it were more usual it must proceed from a brotherly affection not proudly imperiously or harshly So we must invite from a brotherly affection else our brotherly action loseth his grace with God yea with men also if they perceive it And though we are chiefly to love Gods servants Christians professors with us of the same Religion and our fellow Brethren yet we are not to neglect any we must love all all that either be or may be the people of God though they be yet Pagans Heathens c. for they are our own flesh and have in them as ye heard some part of the Image of God as in their Soul which is a Spirit and Immortal and the Majesty of their face above all Creatures A King though an Heathen hath a part of the Image of God in his Soveraignty Then we must love the Devil as having some part of Gods Image We are not because he is pronounced of God as his final and desperate Enemy appointed to destruction So if we knew any such men as the Prophets did we ought not to love them but hate them not pray for them but against them as David did For others though Infidels we must love them and if God cast them into our lot we must do good to them to their Souls and Bodies They be strangers to me So was the Jew that fell among Thieves to the Samaritan and in that Christ taught who is our Neighbor Gods Image ought not to seem strange to us but loved wheresoever we see it They never did ought for me But God hath who bids thee love They have wronged me and are mine enemies This is no sufficient ground for thee not to love them for the rule is not to love for that thou art loved but because the Lord commands it God is not our enemy he deserves well of us and to him we owe all that may be and he hath turned us over to pay some of the debt we owe him to our enemy and he will take it as paid to him O that we could learn this Lesson And if we must love that small part of the Image of God where we see it then where its more we must love more Therefore where we see the very face of his Image renewed in Wisdom Holiness Righteousness and the Sanctifying Grace of Gods Spirit vouchsafing to make a man a new Creature and Holy as he is Holy Oh this we ought to embrace love reverence in a high degree we cannot shew a better tokenof our love to God then to love his Image and the more we see it to love it the more such are dear to God as the Apple of his eye 1. Those that make all alike make one as welcome as another make no difference of good and bad in their countenance help assistance they be not endued with the Spirit of God for where it is it will take knowledge of his own work and make a man love it yea though a carnal man should have some natural parts of civility skill c. more then a Christian man yet we must affect grace most These men be neither fish nor flesh 2. But much worse are those that of all persons like the Children of God worst and that for their zeal and forwardness If 't were not for them they could like them and therefore chuse swearers jesters and prophane persons for their companions and cannot away with the society of Christians who in their liberality will rather give to bad persons fitting in the others light and making them fare the worse for their zeal and godliness Of all men they cannot away with these Puritans and had rather their Friends should be any thing then of that number their Sons Daughters and Tenants c. They would love them if they were not so precise A bad sign such are not translated from death to life are not of God are in darkness to this hour they are not led by Davids Spirit who could not abide the workers of iniquity The more of Gods Image a man seeth in another to like him the worse is a fearful sign of no love to God If you will needs hate hate not them which God loves but whom he hates hate them not because he loves them and because of their goodness for God saith to them as to Jacob I will bless them that bless thee and curse them that curse thee even Balaam himself refused to curse Israel If they shall stand at the last day and be damned that gave them no meat then what shall become of their haters imprisoners and that for their goodness Then would they be glad to be with the least of them but it shall be far from them how little soever they regard them in this world and then shall their time of glory be as is their enemies in this world We must therefore labor to be religious else we can never love them that be so because of their goodness Here also observe a difference between the love we ought to bear to the Wicked Pagans Infidels c. we must love them as our flesh not as our brethren for they have not God for their Father the Church for their Mother have not suckt the same breasts with us the Word and Sacraments Therefore look how natural Brethren be affected each to other so ought Christians Fellow-heirs of the same Inheritance as having a better Brotherhood as much as the Spirit is better then the Flesh and Grace above Nature Our Savior prefer'd the hearers and doers of the Word before his natural Kindred This is a more lasting Brotherhood which abides longer then this life even for ever when it shall be with
nourishing nature thereof it s called Milk the purity its sincere Milk and the end thereof that they might grow thereby He had before willed them to lay aside all malice c. now to desire the sincere milk of the word Hereby implying that The Word of God cannot thrive or prosper in an unsanctified heart neither can a man either affect it earnestly desire it or truly delight in it as long as he lives in any one sin For 1. The Word of God is holy and will not abide in an unclean heart no more then Rose-water will keep good in a musty or foul vessel 2. It crosseth all our sins and corruptions whoso therefore loveth any one sin cannot love the Word Hence it is that so few affect the Word soundly even because it crosseth that which they love and so few grow by it because their hearts be defiled with some sin Therefore let us abandon the love of all evil and sin from us if ever we mean to finde the Word sweet unto us or to prosper thereby so far doth any man profit in the love of Gods Word as he profits in the hatred of sin The best nourishment taken into a corrupt stomack yet nourisheth not so it s with the Word The most come to Church with hearts over-grown with rank weeds more or less therefore cannot the Word thrive in them and so the carnal people of the world receive no benefit after long preaching and they that have good things in them yet when they suffer some corruptions in themselves to wax too rank do not thrive in grace The duty required is As new born babes to desire the sincere milk of the word so being much conversant both in the hearing and reading thereof The desire that new born babes or yong children have after their Mothers breast is 1. Earnest 2. Constant 3. Impartial Such must ours be towards the Word 1. Earnest the new born babe hath not only an aptness to suck at the first but makes aym at the dug wrings and turns the head and gapes which is the wonderful work of God nay desires it so earnestly as it will cry for it yea and if it hath it not nothing else will still it and after it hath been accustomed thereto no dancing rocking or gingling will still it but the Big it must have and that satisfieth it Such must be our desire to the Word an earnest fervent desire so as nothing can satisfie us without it but we esteem it above all both profit and pleasure Such as be new born do thus desire it and no wonder for it made David wiser then his Teachers his Enemies his Ancients It makes us wise to Salvation its able to save our souls it s the instrument to convert to build up to teach instruct convince correct c. and to make perfect to every good work Every part of it is so holy and profitable the Promises so comfortable the very Threatnings also able to subdue our rebellious Corruptions and the Instructions thereof to teach us the way we have to walk in O there can be no part thereof spared 1. This condemneth those that have no desire at all to the Word had as leave be at home as thereat no Sermon but for names sake that care not to come to the Word or if they come for company or fear of the Law yet it s without any appetite or desire and therefore they come no more then they must needs for shame or danger Tell whether Papists or others amongst our selves that care not for the Word of profits or pleasures they like it well but as for a Sermon they have no appetite thereto finde no savor therein some had rather be with their Oxen and at their Farms some at Bull baiting or some Play some had as leave be in the Churchyard as in the Church love the Word as one would love a Prison This is a certain sign of carnal persons dead in their sins as if a childe after it were born or at any time should lie a day or two and make no aym for the Big would not every body say it were dead Many other would seem to desire Preaching and wish they had a good Preacher but in the mean time it troubles them not they seek not to compass it nor mourn for the want nor will they take pains to stir abroad to hear elswhere till they have one of their own Certainly these men have no life of grace in them if they had they would not onely wish for it but earnestly desire it Doth the childe onely sometimes make aym for the big No but if it be well it will cry for it These profit accordingly when they hear because they hear not with a desire others can be kept from the Word by every trifle and wonder that others are not For this sin of the contempt of the Word God may justly visit the Land as he doth every year with one Judgement or other and why rather then for this mother sin and great unthankfulness for this most precious and invaluable Jewel 2. It may comfort those that long after it and so earnestly desire it as nothing can please them without it a fair house fertile ground wholesom ayr a good farm all this gives them no content without the Word which should sweeten and teach the use of all O if they had thought they should not have had the Ministery of the Word they would never have come there and now labor by all means not coldly but with endeavor to compass it going where it is till they have it taking great pains about it hot and cold in winter and summer a good sign of health of such as are alive born again when men are not held away by any small occasion are never so glad as when they are at it never so grieved as when withheld therefrom These be they that shall profit 2. Constant A yong childe having newly suckt is quiet a while but by and by will desire the dug and cry for it again and ever and anon must be sucking So should we always be desirous of the Word still hungring after it Regenerate persons or true Christians desire it again and again for why they seek so much to know that they desire still to hear more they finde their Faith feeble therefore desire more still that it may be strengthened They finde many and strong corruptions therefore they would hear that which might subdue them they finde many doubts and much weakness therefore they desire to hear still as often as they can and all too little therefore they think the time long from one Sabbath or Exercise-day to another 1. For them that care not how little they hear with whom once a Sabbath is full enough once a moneth for a need yea once a quarter would serve the turn It s a sign of clung and starved
life and Salvation they will be the more desirous thereof and affectioned thereunto it will draw their hearts to it as the Adamant doth the iron it will ravish them with the love of it so were David and Job who found so much profit thereby as they are most desirous and greedy of gain which have felt the sweetness and comings in thereof as the Israelites after they had tasted of the Grapes could not but desire more after Canaan so they that have tasted of the Word can never be satisfied therewith but still cry for more 1. For those that are much affected herewith it s a sign of much good received thereby It s true an Hypocrite may hear it with joy and have some flashings but a constant desire after the Word with delight argueth an experimental feeling of the goodness thereof that heart is indeed drawn thereby which still desires more comfort more instruction and more grace from thence 2. For those that have no desire after it no delight in it had as leave be absent as at it at play or in their Shops then at Church that are as most be strangers from it strangers in judgement as who cannot conceive thereof though apt enough to conceive of worldly things strangers in their thoughts for of those many they have all day long fewest if any at all be of the Word strangers in their affections as who have no delight herein though in other things too much strangers in their tongues they speak not of it strangers in their actions as not being guided thereby their condition is fearful the Word hath not been effectual to their conversation and so they remain in the state of Damnation to this hour He that is of God heareth Gods Word and that both with affection and obedience And his sheep hear his voyce they then that do not hear are not of God are none of sheep These must desire God to make his Word effectual to their good that it may convert them for then will they affect it 3. This serves also to stop the mouthes of carnal people that wonder at Gods servants for that they are so fond after the Word and take such pains and that so often O would you know they have found it a powerful Word to pluck them out of the jaws of Hell and to save their Souls that before were in the way of Damnation therefore do they still desire it and can never have enough thereof Tasted A borrowed speech from meats which are discerned by the taste Their Souls had tasted the sweetness of the Word and therein the sweetness of Christ in whom is Salvation yea and in him onely O the vanity of all things without him he is sweet to him that hath nothing but him and he also sweetens all that we have without whom we could have but little joy therein This condemneth those to whom Christ is not sweet which favor profits and pleasures but Christ is a sapless and dry thing to them To some he is the joy of their hearts and their very life to others he is of no account such as have not found their sins bitter cannot finde Christ sweet or desire after him Thus are civil persons thus prophane impenitent ones thus worldings these feel no need of Christ they desire him not Oh it had been good he had never been offered to these swine that tread him under foot Oh they that hear Christ preached and have him offered daily and yet neglect him how shall they escape Is this favor granted to all to hear of Christ Alas no but to a few I tell you those that perish in these times shall have the deepest damnation in Hell the fornace will be made seven times hotter for those that perish among us then for others Gracious Great was our Saviors bounty in forsaking the glory of Heaven for our sakes and suffering so much for us here without which our condition had been miserable He was bountiful of his life of his blood for us through him we are delivered from Hell and made heirs of Heaven and was not this bounty and not this onely but to reveal all this to us in his Word and Sacraments which he doth not to the world O how should this unspeakable bounty affect us all that have found their part therein how should they be stirred up unfainedly to be thankful for the same even to the laying down of their lives for his sake if need be and how should it affect all to desire their part in this bounty to finde that the Lord is bountiful and gracious unto them O happy are they that partake hereof and they that shall neglect and contemn the same for profit pleasure sin or whatsoever will have fearful experience of Gods severity Verse 4. To whom coming as unto a living stone disallowed indeed of men but chosen of God and precious Verse 5. Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. NOw he sets out the bounty of Christ to all that believe on him and consequently the excellent state and condition of such above all people in the world This stands in these things 1. That he gives them leave to come to him 2. That having so done he makes them partakers of that blessed and spiritual life that is in himself whereas they were dead before and makes them which were an habitation for the Devil a dwelling-house for the Lord wherein to take pleasure and whereas before they were unholy and prophane he being once come to them will make them holy Priests apt to offer such Sacrifices to God as he will accept of by Jesus Christ. This he sets out in a borrowed speech taken from the Temple of Jerusalem which was the House of God wherein he took pleasure and in which he dwelt after a sort by manifestation of his favors As that was built of many fair stones in a magnifical maner and in it were Priests that offered sacrifices to God such as he required and accepted such a Temple doth Christ Jesus make of all that believe in him save that its every way more excellent The foundation of that was but a dead stone this a living stone Christ Jesus all the stones of that though fair yet but dead stones of this all living answerable to the foundation those joyned together with morter these by the Spirit and Faith that was an Earthly House this a Spiritual House there were Sacrifices of the blood of Bulls and Goats but these be Spiritual Sacrifices there the Temple was one thing and the Priest another here the Temple and the Priest are all one there the Priest one and the Sacrifice another here both are one and the same Now this that he hath said concerning Christ Jesus the foundation of his Church and of the good estate of those that be built upon him
so great names to themselves as those carnal minded men who do least good of all nay rather do hurt Yet will these ever challenge most to themselves as the Popish Priests I warrant you ascribe more to themselves then the most faithful Pastors and so do a number of lazy Ministers at this day 2. That such have been ever greatest enemies to faithful Builders which have challenged to themselves the name of Builders being indeed nothing less The Churches enemies are often in her bosom and godly Ministers as Micaiah Jeremiah the Apostles have lightly no greater enemies then those of their own coat and calling so the Popish rabble hate all good Protestant but especially godly and painful Preachers The Jews had no greater enemies then they that seemed desirous to help them in building 3. That its the duty of Gods Ministers to be Builders of Gods Church so they are stiled they are also called Laborers and Workers We must build by all means with both hands Doctrine and Conversation All must be done to Edification and not to Destruction in the Church all must be done for nothing against the truth We must build by preaching Christ the Foundation and build thereon not Wood Hay Stubble false Doctrine but Gold Silver Precious Stones answerable to the nobleness of the Foundation We must daily edifie by Preaching dividing the word aright which was signified by that Urim and Thâ—mmim written on Aarons breast light of Doctrine and integrity of Life we must keep the Faith even soundness of Doctrine in a good Conscience 1. This rebukes those that build with neither hand but rather destroy like the foolish woman in the Proverbs Thus the Papists who be woful Builders They overturn sound Doctrine and build trash of their own devising as if one would come to an house to build and would put up the groundsels and rear up a house of leaves sticks and boughs so do they Toys and Ceremonies So also those that would build with one hand live honestly but Preach not These be willing guides but know not a step of the way A man cannot be an honest man in that calling that is not an honest Preacher His goodness must appear in his particular calling A Minister ought not only to be a Sheep in the Fold but a Pastor of the Flock not only a stone in the Building but a Builder So those that build by Preaching but pull down by Life O pitiful people and O dreadful answer that such have to make which have undertaken to Build and yet pull down The curse will light on such No Minister can do this as he ought Who is sufficient for these things O le ts labor to Build worthily 2. There 's comfort to them that unfeignedly strive to build both ways As it s a special work they do to help up the Lords Spiritual Temple so their reward shall be great in the Kingdom of Heaven O happy is he that layeth but one stone into the building and holds in the rest Oh it s the greatest honor in the world other men deal about mens bodies or goods we about their souls others build houses for men what though for Kings we a Spiritual house for God himself who would not be encouraged hereby against whatsoever discouragements this world their 's especially which should most encourage us gives us 3. We must pray to God to furnish and send out many wise and able Builders into his Church that may be workmen that need not be ashamed that may lay the Foundation well and build answerably thereupon The Lord send such into his Church But though Ministers be chiefly Builders of the Church yet we are to know that every man also must be a Builder and help the work forward both of himself by working the things that are publikely delivered on himself in private and by other private means as also one of another by Admonition Exhortation Consolation example of Life and Prayer For we are not born for our selves only but to help to save as many as possibly we can Every man must put his hand about this work Being converted we are to help forward the conversion of others As formerly we drew others to vanity so must we now draw them to grace But alas great is the Impiety and carelesness of the times this way Impiety How few seek to build up but rather to destroy by their vile example yea by reproaches discouragements and logs laid in the way of any that would come forward and desire to do better then they have done O how few helpers do Gods poor servants finde There 's none so simple but hath somewhat whereby to discourage and hinder them yea oftentimes even Husbands and Wives prove lets and discouragements to each other O these wicked scatterers from Christ That will neither enter into the Kingdom of Heaven themselves nor serve God nor suffer them that would If they that win men to God shall shine in Heaven what shall become of the enemies of Christs Kingdom which do daily turn men from God he will be fearfully revenged on them These be like Devils that turn'd our first Parents out of the way Herein I may yet go more particularly thus 1. By example they destroy altogether 2. For admonition for any thing amiss they are rather content thereat and if men did otherwise these would not like it so well If any of Gods servants do amiss their admonition is to blaze it abroad in hatred of their persons and profession 3. For consolation if any be afflicted they can say little to it but I pray be of good comfort nay haply utter much idle talk If any be humbled for sin either they give it out that they are mad and that through running to Sermons or at the furthest bid them be merry put away melancholly thoughts ride abroad to their Friends Drink Play c. Miserable comforters in-indeed 4. For Exhortation to them that be going on well they do quite contrary though they loved them never so well before now they hate revile and discourage them all they can Yea the carelesness even of those that profess Religion is to be lamented It s a very lamentable thing to see how every one casts off the care of others as though it concern'd them not who admonisheth comforteth exhorteth c. And for example is it not grievous that some that make great profession of Religion yet walk so loosly or have so foul things fall from them as that in stead of edifying the godly are wounded the weak daunted the wicked hardened in their courses against goodness nay occasioned to speak ill of the Gospel and Profession and professors thereof Such have lived to an ill pass it had been better they had been taken away at the best if ever there were any soundness in them These had need
not onely to repent between God and their own Souls heartily but labor ro recover by all wise godly and most holy carriage of themselves that which they have lost Else it were better a milstone were hanged about their necks and they thrown into the bottom of the sea O what evil examples are some professors for promise breaking ill payment of their debts and work-folks as others for extream covetousness hastiness and the like Christians are as a City set on an hill and have many eyes set on them the Canaanite also and the Perizzite dwelling in the Land and therefore must take heed and be watchful over themselves Oh God hath done great things for them therefore they ought to shine as lights in the places where they live to gain men to God If they will not we have openly discharged the Gospel and our selves of their sin and testifie that they never learned so in the Word of God The Gospel is good let them be what they will and we neither defend nor like them Is made the head of the corner namely The Foundation of his Church or the Head that is the principal part of the same notwithstanding Satans rage and his instruments rejecting of him these great Rabbies and Doctors would none of him yet he was the Foundation of his Church for all that he had still the place that God appointed him to though these great men rejected him and cast him off So God will do with his Church and Ministers and build up his Kingdom as he hath appointed do his Enemies what they will or can fret rage gnash their teeth and gnaw their tongues There is no wisdom counsel nor strength against the Almighty The Lord will do it and who can let it he hath decred a thing and who shall alter it Men may account of Gods faithful Ministers as they please and cast them out as rubbish but God will set them in their own place and accordingly account of them As if a man had a house to build and a great many fair well hewn stones to build it with and the Workman of spight would cast away these good stones and build the house with rubbish will the master of the house put it up No seeing he hath been at the cost to get and fit those stones he will have them laid in their own place in his building as is meet so will the Lord in building his Church How often do great men and others fret and seek to overturn goodness but God will do his will in despight of them Thus he did in the Apostles time though the Scribes Pharisees and Priests gathered themselves oft together and plotted to stop the course of the Gospel but they might as well have gone about to stop the wind or hide the Sun seeing God had set them on work So in Luthers time all raged against him yet God kept him and by him gave the Pope such a deadly wound as he can never recover though Turk and Pope and all fret yet Christ is and will be the corner stone So the Papists fret at us and have sought by many Treasons and blowing us up to overturn our peace and being yet by Gods goodness we continue a Church and if our own sins undermine us not shall do still in despight of our adversaries So in a Town God will have his Word come and continue and prevail to gather out his and do that which he hath purposed though hand joyn in hand to thrust them out He hath the key of David and openeth and no man shutteth and till his work be done no might of men or Devils can shut the door And a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence Namely unto the disobedient as it s in the former Verse Now is shewed what Christ proves to the disobedient unbelievers A stone of stumbling and a rock of offence even a let and hinderance that they should not be saved and lest they should except against it and say They stumble not against Christ as many unbelievers will yet saith he Ye stumble at the Word and Gospel that preacheth and offereth him Not we say unbelievers we stumble not at the Word God forbid we should yes saith the Apostle that you do both against Christ and his Word while you be disobedient to them both whereat that none might wonder he shews that this came to pass through the wise and just councel and providence of God who had before ordained that â—t should so be Even that as some should embrace and obey them to Salvation so on the contrary some should not to the glory of his Justice In that the Apostle divides the people thus into Believers and Unbelievers and shews the note of unbelief Disobedience we may see That The duty of Ministers is to divide the Word aright and give every man his Portion not speaking confusedly to all alike The Word is a fan that will make two heaps where it found but one laying the chaff and corn each by it self It sets down certain notes and marks to know one from another the Regenerate or Believers from the unregenerate and unbelievers these must be observed by the Minister that every man may see his face as in a glass and know himself in what state he stands that none may be deceived but such as willingly deceive themselves that they that be Believers may know it and walk chearfully and give glory to God by a life answerable and they that be contrary may know it to humble them or leave them without excuse Thus did John the Baptist our Savior and his Apostles And this thus set down in the Word and Preached by Gods faithful Ministers is a certain foregoer of their righteous Sentence which Christ himself shall give at the last day to the good and bad Those that now the Ministers of God according to the Word pronounce to be Believers and penitent persons they shall then be found such and have the reward of Believers on the right hand Those on the contrary that they shall thus mark out for unbelievers shall then be found such and have their reward accordingly for that which is loosed or bound on Earth is loosed or bound in Heaven 1. This condemneth numbers which Preach as if all were alike and seldom shew out any except they be the best neither set down marks that every one may know themselves 2. For people they must be willing hereto Oh naturally men cannot away with it they love general Doctrine A sieve thus to sift the one from the other they cannot abide 3. Here 's comfort to all such to whose hearts Gods Ministers shal declare by good and infallible tokens that they be Regenerate persons and Believers in Christ They must not make a small account hereof but rejoyce and lift up their heads in true thankfulness and obedience They shall finde that verified which is now told them it shall never
their hearts and lives and are more cunning in points of Church Government then in points of Sanctification yet we doubt not but some true servants of God have been misled and their tender consciences have stumbled whom God hath enlightened and brought from among them and who have had more peace in a day in coming to the Word from them and joyning with the Church again then they had before in a whole year 10. Some say There be so many Religions in the world that they cannot tell which to take There be Jews Turks Anabaptists Familists Papists Protestants Lutherans Calvinists Brownists c. every of which say they have the truth and what should such plain men as I do for my part I think it the wisest course to meddle with none of them all but follow my own business till they all agree which is the Truth not troubling my self at all with any thing they say I may come to Church because of the Law but I will never greatly regard what is said or spoken there A. A bad excuse is better then none at all but this will not serve mens turn Though there be many that say They have the Truth yet there is but one Truth and this is to be found out of such as are not willing to be ignorant as these Objectors commonly be Its no marvel that there hath been ever and will be that envious one that soweth Tares where the good husbandman soweth Wheat There have ever been Hereticks and false Teachers in the Church that they which are approved may be known but by the light of the Word which is able to shew men the Truth the servants of God willing to learn the same have found it out Zachary Elizabeth Mary Nathaniel and thousands of others found it out though the Jews at that time were rent into many Sects Scribes Pharisees Sadduces Essenes c. They did the will of God and were Christ sheep therefore heard his voyce and were instructed in the Truth And it is extream madness in any to neglect the finding out of the Truth because there is some difficulty seeing without the knowledge hereof they perish eternally The more falshood there is the more it stands them in hand to search for the Truth or else they shall perish in their ignorance as others do in their error We must buy the Truth we must strive both to finde it and maintain it The Truth must be had else we dye In worldly things men be wiser As if one dwell some distance from the Market and in the way to it he must go over a great Common where lie a great number of by-paths some to one place some to another will he for this stay at home and want necessaries and say I will never go lest mistaking my way I lose my Market No but he will rather get one that knows the way to conduct him therein whereto he will take good heed that he may not mistake at any other time Or will he neglect to buy necessary provision because there be so many deceitful people in the world and so starve at home No but he will say There be false wares and deceitful men but I le learn skill to know the one from the other to discern the good from the bad so that some difficulty taketh not away mens care but rather whetteth and increaseth it This worldly wisdom will condemn mens folly and madness in heavenly things We must therefore get skill in Gods Word whereby to try Doctrine and that by earnest prayer unto God there be plain places of Scripture that will confute the errors that shall be broached by them we must be judge These things I speak because I would have all get over these logs if they have hitherto stumbled and if we have got over we may be able by good Arguments to help over others our weak brethren that are willing to learn that they may be able to confute any caviller or answer any that shall kick at these things And I pray and beseech you look to it let there be none here so ill minded toward himself that having stuck at any of these he be willing and still content so to do concealing the same neither desiring to be rid out of the fetters thereof This is dangerous indeed especially take heed that there be not such an ill minde and vile disposition in any as not to be content alone to cast off Religion upon these occasions and pretences but labor to lay them in the way of others to draw them from God O fearful thing Cannot you your selves be content to cast off God but will you labor to bring others also to destruction O these enemies to God and his kingdom what will be their end and where shall they appear For if they that win souls shall shine as the stars what shall they do that destroy souls As the ten Spies that went with Caleb and Joshua bringing up an ill name and slander upon the Land of Canaan whereby they discouraged their Brethren from going toward it were shut out and perished so they that bring up an ill name upon the zealous Profession of Gods true Religion and discourage their Neighbors from it will assured perish in endless confusion Against the Preachers of the Word Offences also are taken as 1. Some say There is a deal of preaching indeed and crying out against sin and calling men to this and that strictness of life and that it is such an hard matter to be saved but you must give us leave to regard none of this that is said for we see none worse then the Ministers themselves they must say somewhat when they be in the place but they are as proud and covetous and as bad as any other and were there any such matter as they teach would they dare to go clean contrary A. It cannot be denied but that some in the Ministery both of them that do not and of them that preach that yet live so grosly and dissolutely contrary to their teaching that they give a grievous offence to those that wait for such things yea and make many ignorant with Elies sons loath the sacrifice of the Lord and think that Religion is no such matter as we tell them of because they observe the contrary in their Teachers But what though they do thus yet notwithstanding is the Word of God holy and good Is Physick nought because the Physician is a bad man or the meat because the Cook is a swearing hasty fellow There is no calling wherein there are not some bad But there be many Ministers that make conscience to live according to that they teach and as well to be examples to the Flock in holy conversation as to preach which is but one part of a Ministers duty and who setting humane frailties aside may bid their adversaries write a book against them For common frailties who can say his heart is clean even between
for we know not who they be for whom Christ dyed let us take knowledge of Gods Ordinance all be not saved for there is no Election where all are taken Besides if he did Elect all and all be not saved as we know they are not then is God hindred of his will which were impious to imagine He doth whatsoever he will and man cannot over-rule his will 2. That the cause why God ordained some men to Salvation was because he would I will have mercy saith he on whom I will have mercy It s according to the good pleasure of his will nothing out of himself He saves no man but by faith in Christ and new obedience but this was not the cause of Election but the will of God onely for we must put a difference between the Decree of God and the execution thereof 1. This confutes that opinion of foreseen Faith and Works Faith and Sanctification are the consequents of Election and not any thing precedent God could not see any difference between men that some would of their own accord receive grace believe and obey for there is no such thing in our nature we are all alike And could noâ— the Lord as well chuse men to Salvation freely before the World as in the World to bestow grace upon them denying it to others and hereof not mans Salvation but his own glory is the further end 2. This ought to binde us to thankfulness and duty to God for ever that of Free grace hath loved us and to walk humbly before him acknowledging nothing in our selves but wretchedness and that all our welfare past present and to come is of his free and especial grace By grace we are saved 3. That the number of Elect is small Many called few chosen Christ calls his A little flock that shall have the Kingdom True by themselves they are numberless The true Israel of Jews and Gentiles that already are or hereafter to be gathered by the Preaching of Christ and the Gospel is to man without count yet if compared to the wicked they are onely an handful As may appear before Christ when onely the little handful of the Jews was Gods Church and among them most Hypocrices and Idolators few true worshippers of God Since Christs coming and at this time what vast Nations know not Christ What a breadth under Antichrist that know him corruptly and among our selves that have him truly Preached and offered in the Word and Sacraments yet how few believe and obey and have the inward calling which should make Election known And its certain and determined the number can be made neither less nor more How ought this to whet on our care and diligence to know our selves of this number That which all have no man greatly esteems but that which few have most strive after as Wealth Honor Offices c. so should we in this If of Twenty Traitors a Pardon were but for six what earnestness would be in all to know whether they were of that small number Is it not therefore fearful to see how desperate the world is that this being so yet so few lay it to heart but rather are so secure as if very few were appointed to miss of Salvation and as if all mens names were written in the book of life But we must give diligence to make our calling and election sure 4. That they which be Elect cannot but be saved they cannot perish God will certainly call them out of the world and their bad estate and being effectually called he will keep them to Salvation that they shall never perish He will not lose one but call them either ordinarily by his Word Preached if it be in the Church or by some extraordinary means if it be among Gods enemies Among our selves they that belong to God shall at one time or other be brought to the Word or the Word to them and hence comes the removing of the Gospel from place to place How many have been brought to the Word upon occasion of a Marriage or to see their Friends or to wait on their Masters or to speak with some body at Sermon or to make their Market or being provoked by some Neighbor c And hence it is also that when the Word is Preached some have their hearts opened humbled converted others remain blinde and impenitent namely because God hath elected those not these True it is that the Elect before their calling are as other men as bad as the worst yea commit any sin that a Reprobate doth save that against the Holy Ghost What were Abraham and Paul the one an Idolator the other a Persecutor Hence the World lasts still to gather up the Elect behinde Whosoever belong hereto shall certainly be called 1. This confutes that blinde and desperate speech of them that say If they be Elect they shall be saved howsoever they live This cannot be for whom God hath Elected he will call they shall have the means and they shall be effectual therefore thou must come to the means and pray they may be effectual If thou contemnest the means and wilst not be obedient thereto it s a certain argument of no Election for whom he Ordains to the end he Ordains also to the means so also having once effectually called them he will never lose them His gifts and calling are without Repentance The foundation of God standeth sure having the Seal The Lord knoweth them that are his They may indeed stumble and fall but by vertue of Gods Election they shall rise again as did Peter and David Their falling shews their own weakness their rising the unchangeableness of Gods Election The Apostle speaketh to whole Churches that they were Elect of God and yet many fell away 1. He so speaks in respect of the better part the true Elect among them 2. In the Judgement of charity for that they did outwardly profess the Word of God and live within compass and so we do and must esteem of such till they shew the contrary It s said Him will I blot out of my book It s no more but declare by my Judgement that they were never written therein by discovering them to be but Hypocrites But Moses his wish was To be blotted out of the book of life and Pauls To be accursed from Christ. These were but to shew their fervent affection to the people and exceeding zeal to Gods glory not that they could so be But saith our Savior I have chosen you twelve and one of you is a Devil This is meant of an outward choyce to the office of Apostleship and not the eternal decree of Gods Election And 2. This is matter of exceeding comfort to all that can prove themselves of this number They must not be dismaid though they be weak and see
drink at every Alehouse they come at It s grace that puts excellency in a man without which he is worse then a Beast for he is degenerate from his Creation hath understanding but serveth not his Creator but rebelleth against him and his end will be a thousand times worse then a Beast A wicked man is called in Latine Nequam which signifieth no body and so he is indeed in Gods account No body and happy were it with him if he were indeed no body but he hath a being here to sin and hereafter to be tormented Do not we therefore rest contented with our natural state but labor for grace in our hearts But are now the people of God Though scattered yet became they the people of God So that no outward affliction doth nullifie Gods Church as no outward pomp nor living together in wealth make a Church Gods Church scattered is yet one Houshold one Sheepfold Further in that he reckons it for a great priviledge and blessing that they were the people of God Note That It s the greatest blessing in the world for a Nation to be the people of God even to enjoy the Word and Sacraments and other Ordinances of God the means of Salvation so for a particular person to be one of Gods true people for as for all outward things they are common to the wicked yea the Beasts partake of many of them but the means of Salvation they are happy things It s the fearfullest thing in the world not to be the people of God for if we be in Poverty Trouble Captivity under Tyrants yet it s nothing so we enjoy the means of Salvation and if a Nation have all Plenty and Peace yet want the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus it s nothing So for a particular person if he be never so Poor Sick Imprisoned Hated yet if the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus be in his heart and true holiness he is not misrable and if all Wealth Honor Health whatsoever can be put upon a man if he be not the childe of God it s nothing St. James bids the poor Christian rejoyce because he is made a Christian exalted and the rich man to rejoyce because he is by the grace of God made lowly not because rich 1. This may stir up in us thankfulness to God that hath vouchsafed to make us his people in this Land for which we cannot be sufficiently thankful But most regard not that which makes the Land happy namely the Gospel This is that which makes this Land the people of God and nothing else 2. It teacheth us particularly to labor to be of his true people effectually Called Justified Sanctified Zealous of good Works loving the Word affecting it and finding it sweeter then the honey and the honey comb more precious then gold and silver delighting in the Sacraments and Prayer walking in true Holiness c. thus shall we be happier then Kings without it He that is one of Gods true people is dear to God he will protect him provide for him that he shall want no good thing here and be glorified with him hereafter every one will be challenging this to himself the worst of all will take the best names to themselves and be termed Christians but let them win it and wear it Which had not obtained mercy What then were under Gods Wrath and Justice and why not under Mercy because of their sins So that Sins especially unrepented of are a wall of brass to keep Gods mercy from us Therefore repent of them for without Gods mercy we are utterly undone for ever But now have obtained mercy This is the same for substance with the former words and there remain no several Doctrines our of these besides those there handled excepting this Namely that What God did for them in making them his people was of his meer mercy He had no need of them they deserved no such matter Learn then that All that we have or have had is of meer grace That we Gentiles are called to be the people of God That this Land hath the Gospel That our selves particularly were Elected was of meer mercy So were we redeemed so effectually called Nothing in us to move him to shew any mercy first or last nay all to move him to the contrary nay it was not onely mercy but abundant and wonderful mercy 1. This confuteth Popish arrogancy that teach mans Merits to be in part the cause hereof 2. It teacheth us to walk so much the more thankfully and obediently in all things as we especially take kindely the good turns of a Stranger O say we I am exceedingly beholding to him thus and thus he did I never saw him before I shall never forget it What thankfulness then owe we to God for his love towards us who were altogether ignorant of him The less desert Mephiâ—â—â—heth found in himself the more he found himself bound to David so may we to God 3. We must learn to imitate the Lord to be merciful as he is and to do good to those that never deserved ought of us nay to do good to those that have deserved ill of us and this men can hardly be brought to O say some and those not of the worst I could be content to yield and to do any thing but he hath thus and thus abused me with his tongue But have not we done so by the Lord Verse 11. Dearly beloved I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. HAving laid Doctrine for his ground he follows now with Exhortation both these go necessarily together to the doing of good and may not be sundred The Doctrine was about the great things that God had done for them and therefore hereupon he Exhorts them to holiness and purity of heart and life before he shewed what God had done for them now he shews their work before he shewed that the end of those priviledges was that they should shew forth Gods vertues now he shews how that should be done namely in laboring to be pure in heart and life in token of thankfulness and so that being advanced to such dignities they were not to be idle but work for God and walk according to the benefits bestowed In this verse he exhorts to purity of heart in the next to holiness in conversation and these he joyns together Holiness in general is and must be the life of Gods people These two parts of it in heart and conversation must go together one as the Mother the other the Offspring that as the Root this as the Branches like two Twins that are born and dye weep and laugh together In vain doth any man boast of purity of heart whiles his conversation is naught In vain doth any man strive to have a good conversation whiles his heart is suffered to
with that which followeth contain the Subjects duty towards their Magistrates wherein we have 1. An Exhortation in these words Submit your selves to every Ordinance of man That is whatsoever kinde of Government you shall live under for all Kingdoms Countreys Provinces Cities be not govern'd after the same sort termed the Ordinance of man not because it s ordained by man for its Gods Ordinance but because its proper to man and is so much for his benefit This submission consists as well in our willing bearing their Superiority over us and patiently bearing our inferiority under them as in doing all the duties of our places to them and that whether they be worthy of it or not Those are distributed into the Principal and Supreme the King or those that are Subordinate by him Governors 2. Reasons to enforce the same 1. The Lord is the Author of Magistracy and requireth our subjection therefore we ought to yield thereunto 2. They are appointed for the great good of Church and Common-wealth the punishment of evil doers and praise of them that do well without which no Society or Kingdom can stand 3. It s Gods minde that hereby we should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men Before I come to the words in particular consider we two things in general The first from the Coherence As before he would have them in their whole conversation to behave themselves as Christians and exhorted them to a godly life so he doth now require them to shew the same in their particular callings and in those special places wherein they were put Whence note That Every mans duty is to shew his godliness in his particular calling As the General of a Field appoints every one their places and standings Horsemen Footmen Gunners Pikemen c. accordingly requiring and expecting of each the performance of his duty in his several place So hath the Lord appointed some Superiors others Inferiors and accordingly every man must shew his goodness as in all things so in his particular calling especially and be faithful in the trust reposed in him therein as one friend should be to another especially in great and weighty businesses Every place whereunto a man is called as to be a Husband Magistrate Minister Housholder c. hath a special trust going along therewith so that whoso will shew himself godly if he be a Magistrate he must be a godly Magistrate if he be a Minister he must be a godly Minister c. Thus Abraham was a godly man which he shewed in being a godly Housholder So Joshua in being a godly zealous couragious Captain So David Jehoshaphat Hezekiah Josiah in being godly Kings suppressing Idolatry and setting up the true worship of God 1. This sheweth and unvizardeth many to be bad which would be counted honest men They being Magistrates do alas either take against goodness and defend evil or at least like Gallio care for nothing So being Ministers have no will nor skill gifts or ability to teach the people nor give example of true godliness So Housholders if they be not ill examples of swearing idle-talking prophaning the Lords-day and the like yet make no account to govern their Families aright in reading the Word instructing them therein Praying with them and the like Therefore let none so think of themselves as of honest men and godly which be not godly in their special Calling neither let others commend such for such though haply endued with some good qualities O he is a very honest man It s a foolish and lying commendation whosoever is a godly man will be good in his particular Calling Before they enter thereinto they will finde themselves fit for the same or if they must needs take the same upon them they will labor to fit themselves and therein for all are not fitted alike do their utmost endeavor So if a man be godly he will be a good Housholder and where Gaming and the Devils Books were wont to be rife there have Gods Books read and Prayer exercised Therefore whereas the godliest Preachers and Christians are wont to be blamed as men that cannot abide Government and would pull the Scepter out of the Magistrates hands as Korah with his companions this must needs be a foul slander for be they godly men yea in the conscience of their adversaries then can they not but be good Subjects and are indeed the best Subjects who pay to the King according to their ability most willingly that pray for the King most often and heartily that break fewest of his Laws and they lead a godly life to keep Gods wrath away from the King and Realm whereas others live badly and thereby provoke God against both 2. It s necessary that men labor first to be godly ere they enter into their particular Callings O then would they be godly Magistrates Ministers Housholders and the contrary is the cause of so much wrack in Church and Common-wealth Why be there so many wicked Husbands and lewd and disobedient Wives so many careless Housholders that care not for the souls of their Servants and Children and why so many bad Ministers even because they be bad men and have not first endeavored to be holy The second The reason why the Apostle is so earnest with them for duty in the place of Inferiors Its twofold partly upon a conceit that was in the minde of the Gentiles that Christs Apostles and their followers were Enemies to Government and could not abide Caesar which came to pass as well through wicked men raised up by the Devil which feigning themselves to be holy men did rebelliously set themselves against Caesars Government and drew the people away as Judas of Galilee who feigned himself to be Christ and was an Enemy to Caesar and perswaded the people that seeing he was an Heathen Emperor they needed not pay him tribute Hereupon when Christ came he was asked Whether it was lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not and notwithstanding of his wise and Subject-like answer yet at his arraignment he was accused as an Enemy to Caesar and because he said he was a King as indeed he was though no worldly King and his Kingdom and Caesars might well enough stand together they thought he could not but be Caesars Enemy as for that the wicked and Heathen Emperors would try their obedience in unlawful things as by commanding themselves or their Images to be worshipped so were Daniel and the three Children tried which they not daring to obey though they yielded patiently in the punishment inflicted on them were therefore counted Rebels though to try men in bad things be no true tryal of believers and partly because of a disease of the Jews whereof they were somewhat sick and in part faulty which notwithstanding was not occasioned either through Christ his Apostles or the Gospel even that they thought they should not obey these Heathen Magistrates and the Romane Empire
set up their Inferiors in them yet are they to use them kindely and with respect Yea a man is bound to honor himself for he is the workmanship of God he may not therefore defile or abuse himself at his pleasure He must therefore keep his hands free from cruelty and oppression his tongue from lying swearing railing mocking as his whole body from evil and filthiness Its Gods will that we should possess our vessels in holiness and honor we must not disgrace or deface the work of the Lord they that thus do shall not enter into Heaven for no unclean thing shall come there And as we desire to procure honor unto our selves we must labor in all things to honor God and in all our doings aym at his glory them that thus do God will honor Contrarily they that seek themselves and not God in that that they do living even openly to his dishonor and not regarding at all to glorifie him disgrace and shame shall be cast on them the honor they seek flies furthest from them yea such have often fearful and shameful ends Dishonoring God he dishonoreth them and as we are to labor to be approved of God so also to have good report in the Church of God for a good name is greatly to be respected is of much worth and an especial blessing of God Thus as men are to us As they are in themselves they are either good oâ— bad both which we are to honor Honor all men saith the Apostle good bad Jews Gentiles Believers Unbelievers Regenerate Unregenerate Christians Pagans c. for the good there is no doubt and that is to be spoken of in the next Exhortation but the doubt and difficulty is of the bad how and why we must honor them We must have a good respect to all though not to all alike and there are none so bad but there is something in them to be regarded some scratch of Gods image if ancient men an image of Gods eternity reverence that and speak to them as to aged men if wealthy an image of Gods infinite abundance if wise to manage matters of the world reverence Gods wisdom if a Father or Master an image of Gods Fatherhood and Authority Besides they have many active parts of good use for Peace or War by Sea and Land are skilful in the Tongues in Arts and Sciences are Civil Kinde Courteous Pitiful and the like for every of which we are to honor them to reverence them to give them their due so much as in us lies living peaceably with them In their prosperity we must use them friendly in all points of Neighborhood Lending Borrowing Commercing Dealing Justly and Righteously with them to bring them to the love of Religion in their adversity we must be helpful to them if hungry give them meat if thirsty drink if naked raiment at all times give them a good example pray for them and give them their due for any thing that 's in them that they may see themselves regarded not despised and so keep peace holding out contention which is the floodgate of all evil Thus dealing well with them and walking wisely towards them we may bring them in time to a liking and love of Religion 1. Therefore for Christians let them not reject men altogether whom they see to be bad but give them their due we know not what good may come by our amiable and wise carriage towards them but if we shall despise them we do thereby harden them against us and Religion too 2. For them that be yet carnal let them labor for grace which deserves true and large honor If God will have you regarded for your natural parts how will both he himself honor you and cause you also to be honored of others having grace ye see Christians use you kindely and respectively for your common and natural gifts O how should they embrace you if they saw the lively image of God in you Love the Brotherhood More especially he now teacheth our duties to godly men to the true servants of God These we must embrace with an intire and hearty affection we must love all and do good unto all but especially unto the Brotherhood brotherly kindeness which is a very natural and intire inward affection is due to the children of God Speak we first of love to their persons then to their fellowship and Company For their persons We must love them with a more then ordinary affection The more lively we observe Gods image to be in any the more we must love such others we are not bound to love with the like affections Those did David love in such did he delight a fit patern for our imitation We must love such 1. Because of their nearness to us if we belong to God They are our Brethren we have the same Father God the same Mother the Church of God born of the same immortal seed nourished up with the same sincere milk of the Word have the same Sacraments the same Savior our eldest Brother Christ Jesus and look also for the same Inheritance in Heaven and is not this very near They are also members of the same body that we be fellow-members with us and of the same Houshold and Family even the Houshold of Faith 2. In respect of their excellency They are washed in Christs Blood covered with his righteousness are more glorious then the Sun endued with the sanctifying Spirit have Angels to their attendants all the Creatures theirs they live under the hope of eternal glory the world was made for them and abides for their sakes If a man saw the honor of a Christian and Childe of God he would fall down before him and kiss the ground he stands on 3. For that they are in great favor with God He loves them dearly and hath rebuked even Kings for their sakes He that toucheth them toucheth the apple of his eye Now those whom God loves we should also love yea whatsoever is done to them good or ill he counts it as done to himself 1. This rebuketh those that are so far from thus affecting them as that of all persons they cannot away with them but mock them as Ishmael did Isaac and Michol David but rail on them as Shimei tell Tales of them as Doeg persecute them as Saul seek to entrap them as the Scribes Pharisees and Herodians yea and like Judas betray them of this sort all places are full neither is there any so base in a Town or so ignorant that he cannot say the Lords-Prayer but he can mock and rail on them that make conscience of their ways yea the Devil is such a cunning School-master as that though we can beat nothing into some mens heads they be so blockish yet the Devil can teach them to be very expert to jest at them that fear God and this hath ever been the fashion of the world
as it was in Adam but it s in Gods keeping and we are by him kept as in a Castle we are kept by his power which is Almighty above all power but how long for a few years and then left to our selves O if we were left the last year last day last hour we would fall from God if occasion were offered but kept we are by the power of God to Salvation till we come to Heaven O let us be thankful to God for this safe and happy state and keep our selves close to him and continually seek him and commend our selves to his keeping and then we be safe Here is no cause indeed of security or boldness for though we cannot fall finally yet dangerously and to our hearts smart we may if we wax careless as many times even Christians come to the sheepfold yet keep not so close to their shepherds voyce as they ought but are bold to be straying into one by-way or other as of pride covetousness contention and the like and this costs them dear who if they would have been ruled by their shepherds voyce outwardly in his Word or inwardly in his Spirit no question they might have spared this 2. Let those that be yet wandring hasten to come home to Christ and be in this most safe and happy estate let them confess and humble themselves and seek for pardon and listen to the voyce of their blessed shepherd Christ Jesus who calls them to him if they so do they shall make a happy change But when we require this of a number they set light by it and think they are well enough and better already now they may have their will and be merry and speak what they list and do what they list and get gain as they can but if they should be convert and be ruled by the Preacher they should then be tyed too short as they should do nothing have no liberty but be in bondage c. O poor Creatures that think that liberty which is deadly bondage little do those consider that their sweet meat Sin will have with it a great deal of sowre sawce And the service of God is perfect freedom tying from nothing but from sin and to nothing but that which is good and holy to our comfort here and Salvation hereafter and doth not this shrewdly hurt us Do not therefore let the foolish and beastly pleasures of sin keep you from turning to God for it will be woful in the end If we saw a man going to Execution in brave apparel with musick and his companions bringing him bowls of wine would we delight herein or count him happy would we not rather pity him for all this more need have they of pity that will needs run on in sin and following their lusts and pleasures refuse to return unto Christ the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls Shepherd c. Christ performeth the office of a Shepherd and Bishop to his people outwardly by the Ministery of his Servants the Ministers of the Word and inwardly by his holy Spirit His Ministers be the inferior Shepherds under the chief Shepherd Christ Jesus He useth them to feed his people with green Pastures to lead them to the still waters of comfort to fetch home the wandring c. who are therefore called Watchmen and Shepherds It s the duty of all Ministers that have the charge of souls to be most vigilantly watchful and exceedingly careful over the people committed to their care As watchmen must be careful in keeping the City from their Enemies as those shepherds to whom the Angels appeared in the Gospel were watching over their Flocks by Night yea as Jacob in tending his Flocks endured both the cold by night and the heat by day so much more must they in Preaching in season and out of season praying holy living and by all means seeking to gain men to God fetching home the stray ones binding up the broken comforting the feeble c. 1. This rebuketh those Ministers that in stead of watchmen are blinde and careless sleepers that delight in sleeping in stead of shepherds are wolves devouring the flock eating the fat cloathing themselves with the fleeces Those as either they cannot feed or come not at their flock to feed them so do they not care to fetch home them that are astray but rather by their ill example keep them from returning and so far are they from comforting the weak and binding up the broken as they have no skill herein or list hereto but rather set themselves against such There are but few that make Conscience to hear the Word abroad when they have it not at home yet those are more baited at for going to the Word then all they that sit in Alehoâ—ses or are gaming or ryoting on the Lords-day Those are also to be reproved that feed with froth in stead of sound meat as those that are negligent in feeding feed them to halves and half starve them O Lord what shall become of those when the great Shepherd Christ Jesus shall come to Judgement where shall they stand for even they that have been most careful yet are far short of all mens answers that I know I would be loathest to have the answer of a wicked and unfaithful Minister to make 2. As the Ministers must do their duties so ought the people like sheep that wander suffer themselves to be brought home into Christs flock and sheepfold and not let the Ministers labor with them year after year and yet they never the nearer being brought home to Christ And those that be brought home to Christ must be careful that they be led out still and fed in the green Pastures that they listen to their shepherds voyce and follow it carefully that so the Ministers may yield up their account with joy and not with grief and that is good for the people Heb. 13. 17. Thus if we do God shall have the glory Ministers the comfort and the people shall save their own souls And the great shepherd shall say to us Come ye blessed of my Father and set a crown of immortal glory upon our heads CHAP. III. THe Apostle proceedeth in his special Exhortations belonging to special persons namely to Wives and Husbands shewing the duties which they owe each to other from the beginning unto the eighth Verse Thence unto the eighteenth he heapeth up divers general Exhortations to sundry Christian duties belonging to all Christians Thence unto the end he entreateth sweetly of the Passion and Sufferings of Christ with the benefits redounding thereby not onely to us but to the Church in former Ages CHAP. III. Verse 1. Likewise ye wives be in subjection to your own husbands that if any obey not the word they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives IN this and the following Verses unto the eight the duties of wives and husbands are laid down and enforced with many
the world to come He calleth especially the weak and despised ones for the further manifestation of his glory This is an high and honorable calling taking hold of election before the world and of glorification after we are called to live holily as well as to be saved never happy hereafter except we be holy here This a Christian may know and is bound to labor to make it sure It s our best riches it gives us a right unto all Gods promises it furthers our Sanctification it stays our heart in the evil day it enables us to suffer persecution to set light by the world and chearfully to do such duties as God requires of us but this is no idle thing it hath hard work belonging thereto He that is called must requite good for evil being cursed of others bless He that doth not thus is not called Thou art effectually called if thou groanest under the burthen of thy sin and desirest more to be rid of it then of affliction If thou receivest the Gospel in the power of it if thou art inwardly quickned in thy spiritual senses if thou forsakest the society of the wicked if thou art renewed throughout thy whole man and become a new Creature And though a Christian may be assured of his calling not a few notwithstanding are often unsetled the grounds are for that either they are false Christians or as yet but weak or careless and lazy or for that they are doubtful and full of unbelief or for that they be too worldly or for that they give way to some corruptions or for that they conceive afflictions befal not Gods people and the like That ye should inherit a blessing Another Reason It s for our profit we shall be so far from being losers hereby as we shall be great gainers If we shall lay aside our own wills and do good to our Neighbors according to Gods will we shall have Gods blessing both here and hereafter The Word ever perswades to our benefit and will be so found in the winding up howsoever for the present we can hardly believe the same O that we should lose our part in Gods blessing rather then yield up our will and obey God! O who would not hereby treasure up blessings to himself Note further That Christians are a blessed people none like them Therefore should Christians rebuke themselves when they be discouraged or think basely of themselves The blinde world judgeth Gods Servants miserable because of trouble but they are of all others blessed Hereunto they are called being by nature children of wrath neither shall any partake of this blessedness but they that are called and such are heirs of blessing The godly bless them for their graces pray for them and praise them The loyns of the poor bless them for their liberality Their own consciences also comfort them They are also blessed of God which may swallow up all the crosses they meet with This in a restrained sence may be his comfortable speaking to them He speaks unto his Servants peace and as God speaks thus unto his so should Gods Ministers thus speak unto them and as God speaks not onely comfortably to them but well of them so should we also In an enlarged sence They have Gods blessings on themselves on theirs on all they take in hand He blesseth his Ordinances for them he blesseth them with grace Many a poor Christian carries more Treasure in his heart then all the great ones in the world have being without grace The Church is glorious within though black without by reason of affliction for his blessings in the life to come who can express the same Would'st thou be blessed of God attend on Gods house let the rain of the Word soak into thine heart Turn from thy sins and evil ways fear God truly Art thou now blessed of him walk so as thou mayest enjoy it make high account of it endeavor that thy children and servants may fear God and so partake of it Verse 10. For he that will love life and see good days let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile Verse 11. Let him eschew evil and do good let him seek peace and ensue it ANother Reason in these and the following verse to perswade to patience and requiting ill with good We shall procure to our selves a longer and a more comfortable life in this world besides it will be the way to eternal life in the world to come This he proves by a testimony out of the Psalms which is here by the holy Ghost very fitly applyed to this special which is first affirmed then proved Affirmed That if any man desire life with comfortable and peaceable days he must refrain his tongue from evil c. Proved For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open to c. their prayers So we have 1. A Proposition That the patient and loving man shall live and see good days 2. The proof thereof from the care that God hath of such 3. The same illustrated from the contrary disposition of God against the wicked In the Proposition we have the blessings to be desired and obtained Life and good days with the means to compass the same A Christian and patient conversation consisting partly in the shunning of evil and partly in the doing of good In the Proof we have the love and care of God towards such set out by two actions of the Lord His looking to them and hearing them the contrary being affirmed of the ungodly We will speak first of those in general then of the several branches thereof in particular In general Note that A patient and peaceable man shall live the longer and the quieter See for the proof of this Prov. 21. 21. Isa. 29. 19. Mat. 5. 5. Such take the way to stint strife and as wood being kept away the fire goeth out so by this means contention ceaseth Thus also are the parties vanquished who would contend with us therefore we see that of all sorts of men such have fewest to trouble them Besides God takes the care of such hath an eye to them preserves them notwithstanding all their enemies can do as may be seen in Jacob and David On the contrary such as are not thus they do either shorten their lives or at least make them full of trouble for thus they stir up strife and make more work for contention and so shorten their days as is seen by quarrellers and such as vex themselves by Law Suits Evil hunts the violent man to overthrow him The terrible one is brought to nought c. whoso hath his hand against every man every mans hand shall be against him yea if men would let such alone God will not he will set his face against such quarrelsom and shameless persons to destroy them 1. This confutes the common Conceit of the world
happy indeed but Moses had respect hereunto and did clearly discern the same Q. May we then offer our selves to trouble A. Ordinarily we must not If any in extraordinary times should feel an extraordinary zeal and desire hereto as it seems the Apostle Paul had when he would needs go to Jerusalem questionless they should have joy in their sufferings we must tarry till God call us Q. May we flee persecution A. If God make make us a way we may as who haply are not as yet so fully fitted and resolved to suffer as were meet or who know not whether God will have us scatter his truth further or remain to be as feeds thereof for afterwards but if we see that its Gods minde we should be sâ—ffer then it s our duty willingly and chearfully to put forth our selves This confuteth the foolish world that judging it to be a most miserable thing thus to suffer will therefore never come at it either not professing Religion at all or else revolting therefrom in time of trouble yet would they be happy but they take a contrary course they being ashamed of Christ here he will be ashamed of them hereafter In saving a transitory life they lose life everlasting yea how do we our selves shun sufferings as if they were miserable which do suffer whereas the Spirit of God hath pronounced them blessed Happy are they that suffer for a good cause for righteousness for Religion for conscience sake such as stick fastest to the truth provide best and most wisely for themselves what can their enemies do to us If they take away our goods we shall have a thousand fold more in this world and in the world to come life everlasting If they mangle our bodies God will raise up the same gloriously If they separate our souls from our bodies by death the Angels will carry them into Abrahams bosom If our cause be good we have cause to rejoyce in our sufferings so are we enjoyned so did the Apostles in their sufferings so also the holy Martyrs I might to this purpose alledge the story of Alice Driver of Priests wife in Exeter of the Christians in Edessa c. but that they may be read at large in the Book of the Martyrs O that we should be so discouraged at a mock at a frown of our betters O that we should be as soon ready to give over as to begin to do well though the more religious we are the more we esteem of the word the better both God his angels and people like us yet is it not so with the world they liked us better before but do not now approve of our course howsoever this is our duty hereof shal we have the benefit yea to be disliked to suffer for this will be our honor our advancement As David being mocked of Michol resolved to be yet more humble so should we be so much the more for goodness as we see the world oppose it and set themselves against us because of the same We must not be discouraged at the very greatest much less at small trials We know not what we shall suffer For yet we have not resisted unto blood onely let us be careful that we suffer for Righteousness and for a good cause for though we have some good things in us yet haply we may be brought to suffer for some fault in us and therein we can have small peace Beware we suffer not as Separatists that flie out against and from the Church that we suffer not for contempt or usual neglect of our Ministers if they preach the Word truly that we suffer not for rash heady hasty and violent carriage of our selves that we suffer not for our censuring for our meddling with things or persons wherewith we have nothing to do or for passing our bounds in things beyond our reach Servants must beware that they suffer not for their carelesness in their places as those which having liberty granted them to hear the Word upon their not profiting thereby are restrained therefrom so if they shall suffer for being negligent untrusty sloathful stout in answering again c. they suffer deservedly not for righteousness sake yea this their carriage makes the godly housholders to grieve and those that be not so well seasoned to think ill of the profession and it makes the name of God and his Gospel ill spoken of and hereupon many say Oh I le never meddle with these Bible-wenches c. fie upon it what a fearful thing is this The like may be said of the poor which neglect their callings and are caraless of their Families c. Note further That A godly man is blessed happy in what condition soever He is happy not onely in prosperity but even in sufferings even in the very lowest abasement nothing can make them miserable having God and a good conscience though they meet with affliction from God or persecution from men as here yet are they happy Imprison him fetter him let no creature come at him put Lyons to him c. yet he is still and shall be the childe of God the member of Christ the heir of Heaven a Kings son c. and how can he be miserable that hath the Comforter within For the wicked nothing can make them happy let a wicked man have Sampsons strength Absoloms beauty Ahasuerus his wealth Nebuchadnezzars stately Babel Dives his costly apparel c. yet is he miserable he is under the curse of God there 's but a step between him and Hell As Jonah was asleep whilest God was offended with him the winds raged against him the Whale was ready to swallow him so do the wicked eat sleep and are jovial while God is offended Heaven is shut up against them Hell gapes for them and the Devil waits on them as his prey Their security will end in a fearful wakening they shall be snatched from their beds of ease and cast into everlasting torments 1. This may encourage Gods servants to suffer for righteousness They shall not be the less happy let the world do its worst it cannot make them miserable They are every way happy in poverty sickness persecution and the like O who would not labor to attain this honor and happiness 2. It may disswade the wicked from their mischievous plotting against Gods servants For why do they pursue them To make them miserable its impossible They may indeed make them the more to shine forth through their constancy in Faith and increase their glory in Heaven and so make them more happy but to make them miserable they cannot O that they would break off this their course and be weary thereof for so long as they be wicked how rich soever or how high a pitch soever of honor they have clambered to they are miserable yea these and the like make them more miserable as being fuel to their lust being to
comes not after humiliation nor proceeds from apprehension of Gods love but from a false imagination having no true reformation of life accompanying it Now that the consciences of such may be awakened here whilest there is help though usually most shun the same they must 1. Labor to be acquainted with Gods Law wherein they shall as well see the smallest as the greatest sins Therein they shall perceive their own error as who thought that they did love God above all and their neighbors as themselves that they did ever serve God and put their whole trust in him that it was lawful for them to swear so it were true that it was lawful to go to wizards that on the Lords day they might walk about their fields and do their other businesses and yet serve God as well as they that went to Church that they might do with their own what they list c. 2. Labor to know and believe that the least sin is damnation yet do most bless themselves in their evil courses and are not a whit moved by all the threatnings of Gods Word that thereupon they may be humbled and terrified and flie out of themselves to God for mercy which is the onely way to come to good To this end let them make use of the most stirring sermons meditate of Gods judgements go to such as are afflicted or lie on their death beds consider that there be thousands in Hell which have not committed the tithe of their sins and that if they themselves should dye suddenly this night their condition were miserable If any shall say My conscience hath been quiet all this while I do not mean to call my estate into question let such know that many go snorting to Hell and that a troubled conscience is better then a drowsie secure conscience for that may come to good the other is out of all possibility of mercy Indeed to stay in terror of conscience is fearful yet not worse then to have a benumb'd conscience there 's hope of them that be troubled of the others but a little Physitians prescribe their Patients sometimes to go to sea to be sea sick and that to purge away some ill humors for the health of the body no less needful is it to be soul sick for the welfare of our souls yet is it a common speech of most at the visitation of the sick Oh I pray do not trouble him he is in a very good minde c. but the Prodigals condition though he had ragged cloaths and a rent heart was better then his elder brothers and the Publican justified not the Pharisee Thus of the quiet ill conscience The stirring ill conscience is either when it stirs by excusing or by accusing Excusing upon the doing of some evil whereof John 16. 2. or the omission of some duty as the hearing of the Word Prayer and the liâ—e Thus was it with Saul when he was questioned by Samuel for not obeying Gods Commandment thus hath it been with some Papists when they have practiced Treason against their Prince and Countrey A good conscience doth excuse indeed but rightly not amiss in all things not in some onely for the maner as well as the thing it self Accusing and that 1. When it should not as an Idolator is troubled in conscience for leaving undone some piece of idolatrous service 2. For trifles and not for matters of weight as the Pharisees made great conscience of going to meat with unwashen hands but not of murthering Christ as Papists make great conscience of eating flesh on a fasting day who yet make no conscience of Whoredom Swearing so Civil persons would be much troubled if they should be but accused for wronging their neighbors who yet are no whit moved for prophaning the Lords day not coming to the Sacrament neglect of Prayer and the like 3. When it is forcible and violent causing horror and fear gastliness terror in the dark or at the sight of any of Gods Judgements trembling at the ratling of a leaf yea and desperation it self This though it be not good of it self yet turns to the good of the godly God brings them this way onely he leaves them not here but by the voyce of the Gospel doth relieve their mindes and perswades them to seek mercy upholding them with the hope thereof Some have checks of conscience but so as they can bear them out some again so as they cannot endure them Who so finde their consciences accusing them for their sins and know no pardon but their consciences still tell them of their sins and that their course is bad let such know that they have evil consciences which being let alone will accuse them worse If their consciences accuse them God is greater and knows more Therefore let them seek to pacifie God and their consciences too To this end consider That God hath provided in his infinite mercy an all-sufficient remedy in the death and bloodshed of Jesus Christ then which there is no other way to satisfie Gods displeasure nor to stanch the terrors of conscience let such bewail and lament their state to Almighty God confessing their sins and judging themselves as the Prodigal for the same thereupon craving of him with strong cryes and humble prayers the pardon and forgiveness thereof To such as thus come in the truth of their hearts God hath made many gracious promises Thus suing to him he will in his own good time send down a comfortable answer This is the onely course to come to good to still conscience with forgetting our sins and mirth is but to deceive our selves to wear it out by head and shoulders it s but as the putting away of the tooth-ake with cold water which will still it for a little but after it reboundeth more violently this is the way to get peace After this will our consciences begin to be quiet and thereupon excuse and comfort Then will Faith purifie the heart and work an hatred of all sin with a continual care to please God in all things Then shall we be quite altered and changed from that we were I cannot but wonder at a number of men whose consciences witness against them who yet seek not to pacifie them by assurance of pardon but adde more daily unto their sins whose consciences bear witness That they have no care to please God but their way and works be naught assuredly their consciences will one day cry louder O lay up no new matter of accusation all the profit and pleasure that comes of it will be dear bought It s as to drink pleasing poyson it goes down pleasantly but afterward wounds the bowels If a man had never so much wealth yet if he have an ill conscience what shall it profit him It were as if a man had a costly banket rich apparel and attendance c. and one with a sword drawn were standing ready by
forward in profession more then before then we should live answerably that they may boldly converse with us but the common sort of the world also they expect it for though they will take liberty themselves yet they look that we Ministers and Professors of Religion should lead a strict life in all things If we do otherwise we shall hear of it and surely we are beholding to them for this though they do it of no good minde and may make good use thereof to look to our selves as questionless Abraham did when in the matter of variance which arose between him and Lot For that the Canaanite and Perizzite were then in the Land 4. It s an honor to our profession when with Job we dare bid our adversary write a book against us and the contrary is a disgrace not to our selves onely but to our profession yea our Religion it self in the account of the wicked whereat they blaspheme yet ought not they to judge ill of all for the fault of some but especially of Religion it self though the professors thereof were naught No man blames the Trade for the fault of the Tradesman nor all for the fault of some yet here they do it when they see men make a shew of Religion but denying the power thereof If professors differ not in their lives from others it makes the world think that there 's nothing in profession and yet they may perceive some few walk without exception 1. This rebuketh some that having good knowledge and are very ready to speak yea and to censure and blame that that is not good and are very forward in profession yet halt foully in their lives as the Brownists that are very hot and so holy as they not onely censure others but condemn the Church it self not onely as impure but as no Church and yet themselves besides that they are Proud Scornful and Obstinate not to speak of their living out of any Church and their spending their Sabbath they foully sin against the second Table they borrow what they can not caring to pay again are breakers of their Word and Promise think to live of other mens labors and yet that herein they should be born with as being extraordinary persons they would say in being idle and negligent in their callings yea there are some of them which will swear steal and break the Sabath A woful Generation 2. It reproveth such among our selves which place all Religion in hearing Sermons and talking as some servants do which yet perform not the duties of their calling are idle untrusty lazy stubborn disobedient as if all should be born with because of their hearing sermons whereas on that very ground more is to be lookt for at their hands And this is grown to such a pass that many of the common sort of people say of all they will not meddle with these Bible-wenches of which before Is not this a good report you have brought upon the Word yea many godly Christians are weary of such not but that I know there be godly servants of both Sexes that have learned to shew the fruit of their hearing by all good carriage in their particular calling and are as jewels to them they be with but these be rare Do these things agree as well as Harp and Harrow Doth God take pleasure in this that you should hear his Word and yet not minde to be guided thereby How can you approve that there 's any more in you then in Hypocrites and Reprobates can you shew your Faith by your works Dare you bid your adversary write a Book against you Do you not set men off from Religion and make them speak ill You all that usually resort hither to the Word I bescech to shew the fruits of it when you come home your neighbors look for it your lives be pryed into it may do you good we see your faces onely and think well that you will hear but your neighbors they see your lives and God seeth your hearts and if your faces were like Angels and your hearts corrupt and lives unreformed you shall have your portion with Devils And here I think it requisite to speak of an abuse amongst us that they which bring in here because of the concourse of people their commodities to sell raise the prizes and sell dearer then in any of the Market Towns round about us whereby they wrong the poor here and raise the prizes elsewhere for if a price be up it s a president straight yea and also raise an evil name on the Gospel I do not mean yet that Christians going to Market are bound to sell at lower rates then the ordinary though I take them so bound at home in dear times to their own poor Neighbors yet is it not the part of a Christian to be the raiser of prizes especially in dear times It s indeed a note of a wicked worldling 3. This rebuketh even good Christians that walk not so wisely towards them that be without as they ought nor yet so strictly in their lives but are too forward hasty strict in their dealing slack in paying their work-folks are careless of their words c. O let all such professing themselves the Servants of God shew forth the same by all good conversation in their particular Callings Thou must not be a zealous woman and yet an unquiet wife a zealous man and yet a cruel husband a zealous yong man or maid and yet an unfaithful Servant a zealous man and yet a false dealer in your Shops and Trades Good This is fitly added and well required for one of wicked life will never stand to the truth but fall from it for Heresie is the punishment usually of foul sins but a godly man will stand most to the truth They that speak evil of you as of evil doers Here note That The wicked are very apt and much bent to speak ill of Gods Servants Thus Elias was said to trouble Israel Elisha termed a mad fellow and called bald-head Micaiah said that he never prophesied good and Jeremiah that he raved so Steven was said to have blasphemed as Paul to be a pestilent fellow nay the perfection of innocency Christ himself was most foully spoken of termed a Samaritan a friend of publicans and sinners one that had a Devil c. Thus was it in the Primitive Church thus is it still If the godly do any thing amiss how do they toss and encrease it If they do but groan under an infirmity they will be sure to set that abroach against them if they know nothing they will devise some evil of them or if they hear of any from others though never so unlikely or on never so a bad ground yet shall it go for payment and currant yea though they can make their own vices go under the name of vertues yet they will call their vertues by the name of vices If zealous then hot and rash if
couragious in a good cause then stomackful if patient then blockish if wise in their matters then subtle fellows if diligent in their place very officious busie medlers troublesome if they run not to the same excess with others then precize fools c. Thus even for their godliness do they speak evil of them and so call light darkness and darkness light 1. Therefore Gods people must walk wonderful warily 2. They must not think it over-strange nor be discouraged if notwithstanding all their care of well-doing they be ill spoken of 3. We must not readily believe of men that have carried themselves well all that we hear but try it out ere we censure or change our minde 4. For ill speakers It s a woful badge of Ishmaels generation that shall be shut out of Heaven and of Satans brood who accuseth the Brethren Cursed are they God hath appointed a time to judge them for their cruel speakings Nay the world will not only speak ill of Gods Servants but do ill to them slay them as Cain dib Abel imprison them and pinch them as Ahab did Micaiah cast them into a dungeon as the people did Jeremiah into the Lyons den with Daniel spoil them of their goods as those in Heb. 10. 34. rack them torment them torture them even such as the world is not worthy of and that for their good works so Herod dealt by John Baptist and thus were the Apostles served and after the Martyrs in the Primitive Church and since multitudes under Antichrist If therefore we meet with hard dealing and doing as well as speaking we must not think it strange If we can hardly bear a few ill words how shall we bear stripes how Imprisonment and loss of all yea toturings and death ye have not yet resisted unto blood or undergone the fiery tryal we have infinite cause to be thankful together for our governors for if they were so minded as many particular persons there would be no peace for any zealous Christian If I had authority will some say I would hang up all these Puritan knaves c. Neither must we think the worse of those that be troubled for the the very best have been thus dealt withal They may be ashamed c. The best way to stop the mouthes of the world and to make them think well that they have done otherwise is not by goodly great words but by a good and constant godly conversation Thus David convinced Saul for he spared him when he could have once and again killed him Thus have many who have thought very hardly of such and such upon reports which they have heard of them upon the view of their godly and innocent carriage been much grieved that they were so far abused Thus were the Martyrs thought well of by the common people yea by great ones yea by their very Jaylors 1. As therefore we would muzzle and stop the mouthes of our adversaries that they may have nothing to say against us nay may be brought to acknowledge and love the truth and be converted and glorifie God in the day of their visitation let us live holily and innocently else if they finde us halting we set open their mouthes to speak ill continue them in their ill minde and hard conceit and set them further off from all goodness Too too many professors fail this way either they fall into foul sins or live not so christianly or else at least with zeal they are very rash and indiscreet by every of which much hurt hath been done from time to time 2. This sheweth them to be odde persons that knowing and seeing the innocent conversation of Gods Servants yet cannot be satisfied nor quieted but still speak evil of them a sign of a very bad heart who therefore will hate them because they be good whereas those that be but indifferently minded and civil seeing their good conversation will think and speak well of them Cain had no other cause to kill Abel but for his godliness nor Ishmael to mock Isaac but because he was the Son of the promise nor these to speak evil of those but because they are godly Assuredly a life agreeable to their profession should stop their mouthes Verse 17. For it is better if the will of God be so that ye suffer for well-doing then for evil doing NOw follow some reasons to perswade to willing suffering for righteousness sake which was then common and the profession of the faith dangerous 1. For that this being a world wherein we must suffer its better a great deal to suffer for well then for ill doing 2. Because the Lord will have it so to whose will we must be subject For its better c. Naturally we will chuse the better if we know it so should we in this seeing we are subject to suffering and that we are apt by nature to evil and so to suffer for it we must chuse rather as being far better to suffer for well then for ill-doing It s every way better better as being more pleasing to God he delights in the one not in the other pronounceth those blessed these accursed Besides it s no credit to suffer for ill doing but matter of shame and reproach whereas its honor to suffer for a good cause That of the penitent Thief seems to import so much we indeed justly for we receive the due reward of our deeds and so have cause to be humbled but this man hath done nothing amiss Again there 's no comfort in suffering for ill-doing as there 's for well-doing Suffering of it self is ill and grievous therefore there had need be somewhat to mitigate it but if it be for well-doing a good conscience will bear it out it s for Gods sake it s that wherewith all his servants have met and hereof the conscience takes notice and that to this there 's a reward none at all for the other 1. This rebukes those that suffer for their foul offences Theft Adultery and the like howsoever they be punished yet have they cause of hanging down the head not for the punishment but for the cause O how many refusing to be ruled by God and his Word bring misery upon themselves and ruine The Gaols are full the gallows catch many It s a fearful thing when they go to their punishment impudently and be not ashamed and humbled it s but the forerunner of fearful judgements When therefore men have brought themselvs into trouble justly their best way is to be humbled and repent so shall they finde favor with God and men We must avoid evil as we would avoid suffering for ill-doing avoid the sin if we would avoid the punishment We are also to be careful that we suffer not for Railing Slandering Backbiting Meddling with other folks matters 2. This may comfort them that suffer for well-doing its pleasing to God they
what he calls the power of God our Apostle calls the Spirit both which are in effect one 2. Hereby cannot be meant the Fathers and godly for he speaks onely of the disobedient and Reprobate ones 3. He speaks onely of those that lived in Noah's time and no other age of the world 4. This Prison was an unhappy and miserable place and not Abrahams bosom nor the place of the Fathers 5. Even after our Saviors Resurrection when our Apostle wrote this they were then still in Prison therefore Christ had not delivered them nor fetcht them out but they that had been there were there still And where they say he went to Preach to the Reprobates this will not stand neither for he speaks here onely of the Reprobates of Noah's time and why should Christ in his soul go unto them rather then unto any other Besides to Preach to them and do them no good nor intend any is against the nature end of preaching But that there are any such places as Limbus patrum Limbus puerorum or Purgatory the Scripture gives not any inkling 1. That the Fathers went to no such place is certain but that their souls loosed by death went to Heaven Jesus Christ yesterday to day and the same for ever They had the same benefit by Christ as we after their death 2. They also believed in Christ as well as we Abraham saw my day and rejoyced They ate the same Spiritual meat and drank the same Spiritual drink and so were partakers of the same benefits of Christ. 3. Their Spirits went to God that gave them they enter into peace and so not into the Prison 4. Abrahams bosom into which Lazarus was carried by the Angels was above not beneath an happy not a miserable place Christ therefore went not to fetch them out thence there being no such place For Purgatory they say there 's such a place in the brim of Hell where the pains be almost as bad as Hell pains and the fire as hot into which are sent the souls of the godly that dye in faith and repentance but yet have not suffered the punishment of their sins in this world therefore must make up their sufferings in Purgatory for they teach that for our sins and punishments both committed before Baptism Christ suffered but for those after Baptism though Christ takes away the sins yet the punishment must be suffered by our selves and that partly in this life by penances c. and the rest by suffering in Purgatory that for every sin is due seven years of payment in Purgatory and therefore the Pope gives Pardons sometimes for fifty sometimes for an hundred years c. and therefore they say Masses for the souls of them that have been dead many 100 years and when they have suffered for all their sins paid the utmost farthing then come the souls out after they have been a while refreshed in a fair green field ful of pleasant flowers which is hard by Purgatory then they go up to Heaven notwithstanding oftentimes through the mercy of the Popes those pains are mitigated We say 1. That as they themselves do not agree about the place c. So neither is it otherwise grounded but on unwritten verities The Scriptures mention but two places whereinto the souls go immediately after death Heaven which is for the godly and Hell which is for the ungodly for the godly that they do immediately go into an happy place all the Scriptures sound with Simeon they depart in peace go not to Purgatory scorching pains Christ is to them as in life so in death advantage Having finished their course henceforth there 's laid up for them a crown of righteousness They have after the dissolution of their earthly Tabernacle a building of God an house not made with hand eternal in the Heavens Christ hath prayed for them that they may be where he is even in Heaven The thief on the right hand had as much need to have gone to Purgatory as any other yet on that day wherein he dyed he was with Christ in Paradice Blessed are they which dye in the Lord saith the Spirit for they rest from their labors After death presently comes the judgement that every man shall stick to Among all those things which God spake to Moses there 's not a word of this among all the Sacrifices that God ordained there were none appointed for souls in Purgatory and amongst all the cleansings and purifyings of all kinde of impurities of Leprosie and Issues c. there 's not a word of this What was God so unmindeful of his Church and people then Neither is there in all the new Testament any word for it 2. What a wretched thing is it to hold that our sufferings should satisfie the wrath of God and punishment of our sins when the least sin deserves eternal destruction both of soul and body And for their distinction that Christs death gives power to the pains of Purgatory to satisfie is an idle and ridiculous conceit 3. To say that Christ should satisfie for our sins and take them away but not our punishment is it not a wicked abuse of Gods justice where he forgives the sin doth he not also forgive the punishment True he chastens his servants but they are no part of satisfaction of his justice onely a means to prevent sin to come and humble for that which is past as if I had a quarrel against a man I might forgive him and yet if I see him in an Appoplexy or Swoon I may hit him a blow to fetch him again The truth is Purgatory was devised partly of a blinde and curious devotion of some Monks that thought that they that had some beginnings as they thought of goodness and so dyed it were no reason they should be damned c. who were therefore to be purged in Purgatory and so come to Heaven and that seeing most men have much sin in them even when they dye it were unreasonable they should go straight to Heaven for no unclean person shall come there and therefore they must suffer and be cleansed in Purgatory Who doth not see the absurdity of these conceits when the Scripture saith Whosoever believeth in him shal not be condemned that whosoever dyeth in the Faith all their sins and corruptions are done away and they received into Heaven But principally the Pope and his Clergy out of covetousness were chief founders hereof for hereby they did infinitely enrich themselves and every where enjoyed the very fat in the Land It was devised for the pampering of the living not the punishing or purging of the dead Through their covetousness meeting with the peoples ignorance Purgatory was hatched But what a cruelty is this of the Pope who hath power as he saith to deliver as many as he lists out of Purgatory yet will suffer so many so long to
lie there frying But he knows well what he doth if he should make it too common or let out too many then would the people care the less and say Though I go to Purgatory yet the Pope of his clemency will deliver me and so I mean to give my goods and lands to my children and not beggar my posterity by giving them for Pardons or Masses c. Thus indeed their trade would go down 1. This may stir us up to give thanks to God for his mercy in delivering us from those cousenages and revealing unto us his truth We ought to be so much the forwarder in every duty towards the worship of God the Ministers maintenance the poor c. you save it an hundred times over through the preaching of the Gospel truly It s a foul fault in people that they cannot be content thus to enjoy their goods lands and leave them to their children which they could not do but pull and rake from the Minister care not how little they allow him yea and are so miserable as they will scarce allow their part to keep the house of God upright or in decent sort neither give the poor without grudging or upon necessity It may comfort the godly There is no delaying place by the way to keep them from the joys of Heaven 3. It may teach men in any wise to look to themselves how they live for as soon as the breath is out of them they go presently to the place where they shall abide for ever as the Tree falls so it shall lie Neither went he down to Hell to preach to the Reprobates for as its absurd for one soul to preach to another so preaching is to do some good and thereby onely to do hurt is against the end thereof But say they he onely went and preached experimentally by his presence and shewed himself to them to convict them but they were already sufficiently convicted condemned and put in their place of torment if Christ should have gone thither to convict them again they were not sufficiently convicted before But if they say he went to triumph over the Reprobate there c. it may be answered That he triumphed on the Cross and shall triumph over the Reprobates mightily on the day of Judgement I proceed unto the Doctrines of the Text. By which also he went and Preached Here note 1. That when Gods faithful Ministers Preach it s the Spirit of God that preacheth in them Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost He that heareth you saith our Savior heareth me 1. Therefore Ministers must endeavor so to preach that it may appear unto all that its the Spirit of God which Preacheth in them their matter must be sound and wholly agreeable to the will of God and for the maner it must not be with enticing words of man wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power we must not seek our selves but Gods glory in the Salvation of our people Such as for their matter Preach contrary to the Word it s not the Spirit of God which Preacheth in them but the Spirit of Error and for the maner such as use a dark kinde of Preaching or curious and quaint terms or in such sort as the people cannot understand or profit do they woo for Christ or rather do they not speak for themselves Such kinde of Preaching is blasted and cursed of God and the Preachers thereof shall have their reward accordingly 2. Let people know that when they come to the Word they come not to hear such a man whosoever he be but to hear what the Spirit of God saith to them a great priviledge we must therefore prepare our selves rich accordingly with all reverence and fear as having to do with God himself laying the same to heart and endeavoring to be profited thereby in yielding obedience thereto O how many come hand over head sit sleeping at Church and are no whit moved with whatsoever is said Did we but believe that it were Gods Spirit that did Preach to us we would give better heed If we speak according to the Word in rebuking you for your sins you are not to fret and say O some body hath told him hereof or he doth this of ill will but acknowledge that its Gods Spirit which rebukes you and that God is there indeed 3. Gods people may be comforted by the promises delivered in the Word as the wicked may be terrified by the threatnings thereof They shall come to pass for that the Spirit of truth hath uttered them 2. That God will finde a time to right things when they be disordered Though the wicked may prevail for a time and iniquity abound and overflow yet will the Lord in his due time come to visit and reform all Thus did the Lord deal with this people Let the godly have patience and wait Gods leisure and for the wicked let them be never the lustier for that the Lord is patient and defers for a time for he will come to give every one his due and will come too soon for their turn In prison That is Hell the place appointed for the souls of the wicked a fearful place of Gods own preparing and whereof the Devil is the Jaylor For the wicked 1. They shall be separate and cast from God in whose presence stands happiness that as they regarded not his presence here so hereafter they shall not enjoy it 2. They shall be cast into the society of Devils and Reprobates whom they have served and whose society they have loved Yet 3. Not in their company to be with them in jollity and merriment c. as here but in torments howling and wailing c. those are both intollerable and eternal their souls are presently after death cast hereinto as both their bodies and souls which have been companions together in sin shall be on the day of Judgement And for that though many be called few be chosen and in the parable of the four kindes of seeds onely one of them was good as most of the old world perished so shall and have most of every age of the world Though Israel be as the sand of the Sea yet but a remnant shall be saved O how might this cool the wicked the proudest that live in jollity and set all others at nought Now they are lusty and swear and curse and do what they list poor woful creatures There is a prison prepared for them that will pull down the proudest of them sour sauce to their sweet meat but most live as if there were no such matter O what fools be they that for a few short profits ill gotten or onely sought after or some transitory pleasure or honor sell themselves to this woful place These count themselves wise and Gods servants fools but the contrary will be seen one day and that they themselves
the same sins which they rebuke in others not fearing those judgements which they denounce on others nor doing those duties they call for of others these as the Scribes and Pharisees are blinde guides these make the people think Preaching is but for a fashion and they must speak somewhat when they be in place but it s not to be regarded for if it were they would not do thus and thus themselves Thus as Eli's Sons they make the Lords people loath the Sacrifice of the Lord yet must not people thus stumble Do as they say take the good and leave the ill men will take up money out of the dirt Miserable is the condition of such Ministers as give this foul offence weak are those people that take it 2. This may instruct people 1. To be duly prepared by prayer ere they come to the hearing of the Word being come they must with all reverence attend thereto It s Gods Word they hear the Lord himself with whom they have to do O how few come thus nay most men behave not themselves so well as they should to a man advising them of good will There are now few such as Cornelius want of preparation is one main cause why so few profit by hearing How many hear unreverently or as if they were weary and sleepy Is this to hear it as the Word of God Hence it is that men not taking notice of their miserable and damnable state or that the way to Heaven is so strait content themselves with their present state Would not men be thrust out of doors if they did so before their Prince should he speak unto them 2. People must not be afraid to frequent and attend on the Word preached they must not be ashamed hereof 3. They must shew their account hereof by their obedience hereto O look to it you have not to do with us that cannot tell when you be gone hence whether or not you practise the same but you have to do with God whose Word you hear who will go hence with you and knows your sitting down and your rising up yea and all your ways and both can and will deal with you accordingly In the fear of God let us look better to this and resolutely set down with our selves That whensoever we come to hear the Word we come to hear God himself speaking to us If it were not so we durst not speak it for our lives the matter concerns us no less then you If any men minister He proceedeth to other Offices in the Church and ayms no doubt at them whose Office it was to distribute and look to the poor The word minister signifieth to do service and so may be taken more generally even every man in his Office and Calling must be a minister to his brethren The Magistrate is so called Rom. 13. 4. and so the Exhortation also may concern them However the point may be this that All that have Office one way or other in the Church must do the same faithfully we have them that answer in some sort to the Officers in the Primitive Church Churchwadens must look to mens Maners and spy what is amiss who prophane the Lords day neglect the worship of God be idle and riotous c. These they must admonish and if thereupon they amend not complain of them Constables must suppress filthy houses break the knots of lewd persons prevent and root out disorder to the utmost of their power The Overseers of the poor ought to be wise and faithful and not think it enough to take money with one hand and pay it out with the other but they must distribute it with wisdom to every one according to their need to the best most and with best encouragement to the other with gentle rebuke and admonition even those of best quality report and credit have been entrusted with this business There are prophaners of the Lords day such as then lie in bed and regard not the House of God There are Swearers Railers Riotous persons such as bring not up their Children in any Calling There are idle persons c. these would be well lookt to and often admonished and no more given them then needs must There 's a company of idle Wenches which keep at home with their friends where there is no need of them or crowd into one house or other and live at their own hand and that either because of idleness they refuse to go to service or having been in service because they may not do as they list they will no longer be Servants but live by themselves This is a foul and dangerous abuse not to be suffered in Towns Headboroughs and chief men in Towns ought to provoke Officers to their duty and encourage them doing well yea countenance and stand by them as whom God hath lifted up for this end 1. This rebuketh the exceeding coldness and carelesness of Officers that take no pains to prevent or redress disorder Thus Overseers think it enough if they gather and pay out the money and bring in a true account what 's this It were hard if men should rob the Poor a curse would follow it but for looking into their state and maners and with relieving their bodies to do good to their souls Who doth this This is rare indeed But if we have an office we must wait on our office we are not altogether born for our selves Every office is an honor and carries a burthen along with it we must bestow some time thereon it s not lost God will requite it and cursed is he that doth his work negligently though others have been careless and though haply you may be counted more busie and curious then needs yet whether your office be great or small set your selves with care and diligence about it Hereby much good will come to the Town and Poor in particular God shall be glorified and you shall reap much comfort with a good report in Gods Church 2. This bewrayeth a great fault in Towns for making choice of such to Offices as be no way fit nor careful to execute them A common practice The chief men shift them from themselves Solomon saith He that sends a message by the hand of a fool that is one unfit for it it as he that cutteth off the feet That is as he that cuts off a mans feet and then bids him go when he hath not wherewith As of the ability which God giveth All ability to discharge any Office or Calling comes from God we have no wisdom or ability this way of our selves every good gift is from above God gave Saul another heart that is fit to rule which he had not before and Solomon craved of God a wise and an understanding heart and as Magistracy is of God so the Ministers Office so the Deacons so others 1. Call upon God for endowments for such places as he calls thee
indeed can it be well decided this we are sure that there is no more weighty part of any Ministers duty nor none like unto it then to Preach the Word of God about which the Pope with his Popelings have no minde to take pains Those that have been godly Bishops have exercised themselves diligently in the same 2. It condemns the lawless freedom of the whole Popish rabble from the Civil Magistrate which is wicked for though our Ministery be above Magistrates and all even Princes are to be subject thereunto and our duty is to discharge our duty in rebuking sin in all yet as we be Citizens so we are under the Magistrate and he hath power to punish faults in Ministers as well as of any other 2. That Ministers must not carry themselves proudly highly and disdainfully accounting of others as a company of Clowns and simple fellows but account them the people of God and such as they must care for serve and attend in all painfulness for the Salvation of their souls carrying themselves so lovingly and amiably as that the meanest may be bold in good sort to speak unto them Nor 3. Must a Minister rule them rigorously and with violence and subdue them with suits or strong hand God cannot away with such Shepherds Neither will any rule more Tyrannously over people then those that take least pains to seed them but they must win men by the Word If any be obstinate they must deal more roundly with them yet still after a Spiritual maner and no carnal kinde of violence which is not so fit for a Minister nor so like to do good if they be unbridled and unruly let the Magistrate deal with them A Minister must be kinde to those that have any good they that be not as he would have them yet must not be cast off but wait with patience shewing all good desire of winning them for though a Minister is over the people yet not so as that he may do with them what he list but as God requires So is the Father over the Children yet must not he provoke them to anger and Husbands are over their Wives yet must not they be bitter to them The Minister is over the people as a Shepherd over his sheep he must feed them catch them with his hook see what they ayl dress them binde their legs being unruly if they range out fetch them in if they come not at his whistle set his dog at them to scare them but he must not pend them up all the day and starve them break their legs or their backs worry them with his dog sell or change them away c. The Minister is over the people as the Nurse over the Childe committed to her namely to feed it tend it and take pains about it but not to hurt maim starve it 1. This rebukes the contrary in some Ministers who because they are over the people therefore like some yong Husbands that having married before they were wise misuse their wives because they be their heads carry themselves haughtily what are they but a company of Clowns Swains a company of simple fellows what are they They are those you are appointed to tend and such as you must give an account of to God such as may belong to God as well as you haply rather then you Members of Christ as dearly bought as you and Heirs of Heaven such as must put a Crown upon your head at the last day such as maintain you of their labors that you may attend their souls you must win them by the Word by publique and private perswasions by a good life and not by a strong hand by suing them at Law and contending with them 2. If Ministers must not Lord it over the people then much less people over them a Minister hath some colour they none To set light by him to check or controll him to insult over him use him at their pleasure because they have purses c. is wicked what is he will they say he is but a Minister a Parson a Priest c. what is he but a Minister Is that a disgrace to him Is that a base Calling Is there any more high and honorable what is he He is the man you must depend on for the means of your Salvation by whose Ministery you must be pulled our of the jaws of the Devil and power of sin and converted to God It s he that hath power to binde or loose you and as he doth so shall it be done in Heaven he hath power to open the door or shut it against you as he seeth your behavior To the good that be converted he is their Spiritual Father to whom they owe more then to their Natural Father of the one they had a being of the other a well-being of the one born into the world a man and a childe of wrath of the other born again into the Church a childe of grace To these also a Nurse to cherish them confirm strengthen and comfort them and an helper of their faith to the Kingdom of Heaven But for the wicked he hath power to shut them out as dogs from partaking the Childrens bread yea to deliver them up to Satan if they deserve it therefore say not who is he or what is he For he that despiseth them despiseth Christ himself Touch not my Prophets and do mine anointed no harm He hath rebuked Kings and the greatest for their sakes nay even the least as those Children that mocked the Prophet have not scap'd free yea to misuse them in body goods or name and offer them indignity is the ready means to provoke the Lord to wrath and indignation Over Gods heritage A reason against Lordly and Tyrannous dealing People be Gods Heritage The word signifies elsewhere a lot because Heritage used to be divided by lot The word is of the plural number whereby is meant particular Congregations over which God appointeth particular Ministers as being parts of the Heritage of God which is the whole Church of God in Heaven and Earth and every particular Congregation is a part of it and as a Farm or Manor committed to a Spiritual Husbandman to yield the Lord the fruit thereof The word here used the Papists apply onely to Ministers but improperly for the people also be the Lords lot portion and the rod of his inheritance though indeed Levi was Gods part in a special maner set aside for Gods service in his Temple yet then and now all Gods Church are his Heritage The people is the Lords Heritage He hath bought his Church at a dear rate he plants it waters it and hedgeth the same in 1. This rebuketh those Ministers that use them at their pleasure kill them sell them misuse them c. but they shall be countable to God for them as Jacob to Laban for those sheep that were lost or torn We must use them as
none All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution There 's none so tempted but others have met with the like Thus will the Lord have all to be humbled thus prove them thus set their graces on work yea thus encrease grace in them We must therefore be the more comfortable seeing we have so many and such Companions would we go to Heaven an easier way then all the Servants of God have gone we are well if we go the same Sanctified way And as we go in no harder way then others so we must not look to have a soft and fine way strewed out for us alone this were too much daintiness True it is the Devil that will perswade us and we are ready to think no bodies case like ours O I have had such temptations That there is no God that the Scriptures be false innumerable blasphemous thoughts so to rebel against God to hurt my self c. O be not discouraged others of Gods Servants have met with all these So we are ready to think our pain or cross or kinde of life to be more painful then any others whereas it is nothing so and this the Devil perswades to that we might conceive that God hath pickt us out for his Enemies and so might move us to distrust and put us out of comfort Are accomplished That is both suffered and overcome by them Hence note That God lays no temptation on his but he enables them to overcome it They have no power of their own but by his they are able to do all things yea even such as our selves have gone through the fire it self This may encourage us to fight and resist manfully for as others have overcome so shall we who do no more fight in our strength then they did we have had many a temptation that we feared sometimes we should not have prevailed over which yet through Gods goodness we have now outgrown So shall it be with the rest Obj. But seeing they knew this before why doth he urge this as a Reason to comfort and hearten them and not rather some others which they knew not Answ. Because though they knew it yet they had not so the use of it as to be heartened by it It s one thing to know a thing another to be able to apply it and make use of it according to our need The common sort know many principles and many truths whereof yet they make no use of their lives and live as if they knew no such thing whose knowledge doth but procure them the more stripes 1. It s therefore the Ministers duty not to inform the understanding onely but to labor and work upon the dull affections and to bridle the unruly lusts of the heart and bring them to stoop If people could make use and apply a thing as soon as they knew it a Ministers life would be more easie then it is but the wisdom and skill is to winde into the peoples hearts and to work a love to that they know is good and an hatred to that that is evil 2. People must not content themselves to know but look they put in practice that they know If ye know these things saith our Savior happy are ye if ye do them O how many promises do Gods people know whereby yet they are not comforted In your brethren There 's a near conjunction between believers They are fellow-brethren of the best brotherhood God is their Father the Church is their Mother they are begot of the same immortal Seed nourished by the same food of the Word Heirs of the same Inheritance are Members of the same Body 1. This rebukes them that scoff like Ishmael at the term of Brethren or Brotherhood who yet can be content to have a Brotherhood between themselves in swaggering lewd companionship c. such scoff at the language of the most High 2. It teacheth us to embrace each other with brotherly entire affections and express them by brotherly actions as good counsels admonitions exhortations prayer example rejoycing with them that do rejoyce and weeping with them that weep c. 3. This rebuketh not onely the want of these which is very common but also and especially the contentions and jars that are often between Christians If Parents should have of their children some going together by the ears and that before the rest of their Brethren and Sisters yea before the servants and strangers how would it grieve them so doth it God if we shall before his face and our Mother the Church our fellow Brethren and Sisters to their grief yea before the Canaanites and Perizzites who will laugh thereat If I say we shall thus contend and strive together how monstrous is this either we must unchristian our selves and one another or else we offer violence to Christs body pulling one member from another which he will not indure What if there be a sudden offence or falling out between any is there not a time to forget to be reconciled and to heal up all That are in the world That is dispersed here and there in the world Hence note That God hath his Church far and wide in many places In former times indeed it was hemmed within the compass of Jury but since our Saviors time it s spread into all Nations though not into all at once This in some Countreys more visible in others less because of persecution wherein yet no doubt are Seven thousand that never bowed their knee unto Baal We must therefore pray earnestly for all Gods people that be in other Countreys they have as much need of prayers as we and as many yea the same temptations with us yea most of them far greater They love the same God and Jesus Christ that we do are led by the same Spirit look for the same glory have the same hearts to God have the same Devil for their enemy therefore pray for them for so we may do them good though they be thousands of miles from us and love we them when we hear of them for they be our Brethren In the world As if he should have said There are some of your Brethren indeed that are not under these temptations namely They that be out of the world they which be triumphing in Heaven They rest from their labors and are blessed They triumph with palms are out of danger No temptation no trouble toucheth them but all that be in the world be in the same troubles 1. Therefore whilst we are in this world do not we look for any time of truce we may be foiled in our old age if we look not to it as many worthy men have been We must not therefore lay away our weapons we may hap to have a sore combat on our death-bed 2. Long to be with God and so to be out of temptations though not so earnestly but that we be content to tarry the
preach to them he writes which would stick to them and whereunto they might resort again and again at their pleasure Hence I might speak of the profitableness of writing Epistles how much good Gods servants may do to each other being absent by Prayers by Letters How much good hath been done by the Letters of the Fathers and of godly men in latter times as of Calvin Beza the Martyrs c. who knoweth not what a fault is it that it s no more used as Parents to their Children being absent friends to friends c. whereas wanton Letters and Letters about worldly businesses are frequent enough Written Thus God moved the hearts of his Servants and assisted them extraordinarily to pen the parts of holy Scripture O what a a benefit it is that we have the whole and most holy Word of God written and before us and how should we in token of thankfulness be exercised therein But most busie their heads with other matters namely Their worldly profits and pleasures fools bables in the mean time little using or regarding the Bible Briefly 1. Because he would have them the oftner in it and take the more delight to read it over 2. Because he sent Silvanus to open and unfold it at large by preaching out of it and making application thereof for their good Here see how God in his infinite wisdom hath provided us his Word wherein is all his minde and that in few words to provoke us to be exercised therein for if the Word had been written as large as we had need for our understanding the world could not have contained the books that must have been written but the Lord hath revealed his will briefly laid down much in few words yet for our further benefit God hath Ordained the Ministery of his Word and given gifts to men to preach it expound it apply it to every bodies use so that both together do most happily How should God have provided better for us If therefore people profit not their answer must be heavy Exhorting and testifying c. These words afford sundry points as 1. In that the Apostle testifieth by sound Arguments that they were in the right way note that Its needful for every one to know and be well assured of the Religion he professeth that it is the truth of God for there be many Religions yet but one truth miss that and perish we must not go by guess in our Religion It s not enough that we have the true Religion except we know it to be so that we be not wavering and carried about with every wind of contrary Doctrine 1. This rebukes those that take occasion because there be so many Religions therefore they will meddle with none but take their ease and tarry till all agree 2. It rebukes those that profess a Religion as all do but know not whether it be truth or not but believe as the Church believes as they be told but have no ground from the Word for the same Turks may not its death to question about their Religion Papists may not especially the Laity who are forbid to read the Bible or any good Book that way but we may yet how do the most in this Land profess the Gospel which by Gods goodness is the truth indeed alas how few know and are able to prove it 3. As it s our duty to testifie and prove our Religion to be the onely true way of Salvation so it s yours to know and acknowledge it that if an Angel should come and inform you otherwise you might not give ear to him 2. In that the Apostle thought it not enough to prove to them that that was the true Religion they were in but exhorted them to continue constant in the same note that They that know the truth ought so highly to esteem it and be so thankful to God for it as they never suffer themselves to be removed therefrom whether for hope of gain or fear of trouble c. we must buy the truth not sell it The Martyrs would rather lose their lives then the truth if we let that go we lose our Souls 3. In that the Apostle takes such care and pains with those Jews that now stood in the truth to hold them therein we may note that Its an hard matter for those to hold out stedfast that have begun to do well for our heart is deceitful the Devil is subtile and strong and there are also many Seducers many baits many discouragements c. What are they then that say there 's too much Preaching and Reading They know nothing that belongs to true Christianity A little means may serve to keep men in a loose carnal and prophane course but to keep us in a good course there must be precept upon precept line upon line c. and all little enough Therefore Ministers ought to continue with all diligence not onely to gain home more but even to hold on and confirm them that be gained that they fall not away into error sin and security and people have also need to use all good means to this end 4. In that his Epistle consisteth in testifying by sound reasons for the confirmation of their judgements and then of the Exhortation for the whetting on of their affections Note That Both parts are necessary in Preaching the one still to accompany the other 1. Ministers therefore must labor in and for both 2. People must make use and account of both regard Doctrine for knowledge and suffer Exhortation for practice Some cannot endure Application and Exhortation but are all for knowledge and to feed the understanding and it appears in their lives for they cannot endure but to live at elbow-room as they list notwithstanding the profession some make in hearing Sermons Verse 13. The Church that is at Babylon elected together with you saluteth you and so doth Marcus my son ANother part of the conclusion consisting of Salutations from the whole company of the faithful with him and particularly from Mark. The Church The company of the faithful that were at Babylon knowing of our Apostles writing to these his dispersed Brethren entreat to be remembred to them and pray the Apostle for he would not send their commendations without their knowledge that he would signifie to them that they remembred them loved and reverenced them and were glad of them praying to God for them c. Gods people though far distant one from another yet must be mindeful one of another Which is at Babylon Namely a City of Assyria whither the Jews were carryed Captive by Nebuchadnezzar and there abode for Seventy years There were here now sundry believing Jews as God hath his Church in the worst places where Satans Throne is and though most of the Jews rejected Christ yet some here and in other Cities embraced him The Papists will needs have this meant of Rome but upon
18. 13. Obj. Sol. Acts 16. 27. Simile Use 3. Rev. 8. 6. Prov. 7. 18. Obj. Sol. Isa. 1. 18. Observ. Christ the Foundation that bears up his Church Acts 4. 12. Iohn 14. 6. Gal. 1. 9. Use 1. Object Mat. 16. 18. Sol. Use 2. Mat. 16. 18. Iohn 17 15. Doctr. Christ is a living foundation Ioh. 5. 16. 5. 21. 11. 25. 17. 2. Use 1. Use 2. 2 Cor. 5. 17. Eph 2. 1. Use 3. The prevention of an Objection Christ disallowed of whom and why Acts 6 14. Mat. 27. 25. Obj. Sol. Mat. 13. 3 c. Doctr. Such things are often disallowed of men which are allowed of God Heb. 11. 37. Iohn 6. 35. Acts 4 c. See Luke 6. 22 23. Isa. 8. 18. Use 1. Iohn 7. 7 48. Simile Luke 15. 16. Use 2. Doctr. There 's a near Vnion between Christ and Believers Eph. 1. 22 23. 1 Cor. 6. 15. Iohn 15. 2. Eph. 5. 30. Iohn 6. 51. 1 Iohn 1. 3. Eph. 5. 32. Rom. 8. 38. 1 Iohn 2. 19. Use 1. Object Sol. Use 2. Use 3. Use 4. How to become stones of this building Simile See 5. H. on Mat. 3. 10 pag. 6. Hag. 2. 10. Obser. The whole Church makes but one Spiritual House Use. Observ. Every particular Believer is also a Spiritual House Isa. 57. 15. Iohn 14. 23. 1 Cor. 3. 16. 6. 19. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Use 1. 1 King 17. 16. 2 King 4. 7. 4. 17. Use 2. Hag. 1. 4. Psal. 24. 7. 2 Cor. 5. 1. Doctr. Such as are united to Christ are made holy Rom. 8. 1. 2 Cor. 5. 17. Use 1. Use 2. Doctr. Believers are Priests to God Object Sol. Heb. 7. 27. 10. 2 10 11 12 18. 12. 25 26. Iohn 19. 30. Use 1. Use 2. The prevention of an Objection Christians now are not without Sacrifices which they must offer up to God Use 1. Re. 1. 6 Use 2. The Christians Sacrifices Rom. 12. 1. 2 Cor. 8. 5. Isa. 1. 13. Psal. 51. 17. 1 Cor. 11. 31. Prov. 28. 14. Psal. 141. 2. Heb. 13. 15. Psal. 14 2. Iob 27. 9. Heb. 16. 13. Phil. 4. 22. Mat. 25. 40. 2 Cor. 9. 6. Why called Spiritual Sacrifice Obs. Our services to God must be done in a Spiritual maner Iohn 4. 24. Mat. 10. 41. The prevention of an Objection Dan. 9. 23. Iob 22. 2 3. and 35. 6. Psal. 16. 2. Obser. Spiritual sacrifices are not regarded of carnal men Doctr. Through Christ our Sacrifices are acceptable to God Reasons Use 1. Use 2. 1 Iohn 2. 2. Doctr. Our works though not without their imperfections are accepted through Christ. Use 1. Use 2. Doctr. The testimony of Gods Word is that which must settle us in any Point of Doctrine Use 1. Isa. 59. 3. Use 2. Use 3. Obser. The Old Testament of the same Authority with the New Observ. Of old people were more ready in the Scriptures then they are now See Calvin on the place Doctr. What the Lord saith he doth Use. Luke 1. 18. Mat. 11. 28. Doctr. God layes the Foundation of his Churches Salvation Psalm 2. 6. Iohn 6. 27. Object 1 Cor. 3. 10. Sol. Use. See Psal 2. 6. 8. The Papists take from Christ his Kingly Prophetical and Priestly Office Doctr. Believers do alway finde enough in Christ. Rom. 5. 1. Rom. 8. 33. The miserable condition of those that do not believe in Christ and who they are Rev. 6. 16. Obser. Believers can never fall away wholly nor finally Psalm 118. 22. Observ. Gods promises are to be particularly applied Psal. 18. 2. Iob 19. 25. Iohn 20. 28. Gal. 2. 20. Quest. Answ. Rom. 8. 16. Psal. 22. 1. Doctr. Christ is precious unto all those that believe Iohn 1. 12. Use 1. Use 2. Rom. 1. 16. Rom. 8. 28. Obs. Such are unbeleivers which are disobedient Use. See also Iohn 3. 36. Psal. 118. 22. Acts 6. 14. Why the Iews did reject Christ. Ier. 20. 1. Iohn 7. 9. Succession is of Doctrine or Person Acts 20. 29. Mat. 23. 13. Use 1. Use 2. Obser. Such as do least good challenge to themselves the goodliest titles Obser. Such as would be reputed Builders are usually greatest enemies to true Builders Ezra 4. 2. Observ. Ministers must be Builders 1 Cor. 3. 10. 2 Cor. 13. 1. Mal. 2. 6 7. 2 Tim. 2. 15. Exod. 28. 30. 1 Tim. 1. 19. Use 1. Prov. 14. 1. See Dr. Dounham of the dignity and duty of Ministers pag. 97. Ier. 48. 10. Use 2. Use 3. See Mat. 9. 38. Observ. Every man must be a Builder Iude verse 20. Heb. 3. 13. 1 Thess. 4. 18. Iude verse 23. The Impiety of these times The carelesness of these times Mat. 18. 6. Gen. 13. 7. Obs. The enemies of the Church shall not be able to hinder the Lords building thereof Isa. 8. 9 10. Doctr. Ministers must divide the Word aright and give every man his portion Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. Use 4. How it comes to pass that Christ and his Word become stumbling blocks to unbelievers Obser. There 's no thing so gooâ— whereat our corrupt nat will not take occasion to stumble Obser. The world hath ever stumbled at Christ. Isa. 8. 14. Iohn 1. 11. 1 Cor. 1. 23. Isa. 53. 2 3. Iohn 15. 24. Rom. 9. 32 33. The Papists stumble at him Gal. 5. 2. So Ignorant persons Civil persons Prophane persons Such as will not part with some beloved sin Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. Observ. Such as stumble at the Word stumble at Christ. Offences taken against the Word removed See Downhams Christ. war pag. 329. Psal. 119. 129 130. Mat. 5. 11. Heb. 11. 26. Ezek. 18. 27. Scandals of the Papists against it Why and wherein they charge our Doctrine About Auricular Confession Fasting days Marriage Offence at preaching the Word Ioh. 10. 20 21. See S. H. on Mat. 3. 10. pag. 11 12 13. Acts 4. 32. Iohn 7 7. 15. 19. Rom. 1. 21. Exod. 16. 24. See Neh. 8. 8. Mat. 2. 7. Luke 4. 16. Acts 19. 15. Acts 8. 31. Neh 8. 6 9 3. Prov. 28. 9. See Mr. Hierous Preach Plea 220. Prov. 10. 4. and 11. 14. See Deut. 27. 15 16 17-26 Psal. 9. 17 11 6. Mark 16. 16. Iohn 3. 36. Acts 2. 37 38. 2 Cor. 4. 2. Eccles. 7. 16. Which the true Church 1 Cor. 11. 28. Iohn 7. 17. 10. 27. Prov. 23. 23. Mat. 21. 3. Offences against the Preachers of the Word 1 Sam. 2. 17. Rom. 7. 19. Mat. 23. 3 Mark 6. 2. 3. Offences against professors of the Word Rev. 7. 4. 1 Cor. 1. 26. Mark 10. 24. Iames 2. 5. Heb. 11. 35. Offences arising from mens selves hindring their zealous profession of Religion Mat. 5. 16. Rom. 10. 10. See Dr. Prest Saints daily exercise pag. 32. Mat. 23. 23. Mat. 6. 33. Psal. 127. 2. Mat. 16. 26. 2 Sam. 24. 24. See Hag. 2. 19. Luke 14. 24. See Psal 119. 130. Prov. 1. 4. and 14. 6. Mat. 5. 11. Prov. 16. 7. Heb. 12. 6. See Psal. 50. 21. and 55.
watchfulness is here required What Spiritual watchfulness is A man must be awakened before he can watch Eph. 5. 14. By nature we are asleep in sin which is diversly prov'd Use. Iohn 5. 25. Reasons for watchfulness 1 Thess. 5. 5. Prov. 10. 5. See Ionah 1. 5. Satans malice exceeding great Rev. 12. 12. Satans strength Satans subtilty Matth. 4. 3. Rev. 12. 9. Gen. 3. 1 3 4 c. Matth. 4. 2. Satans Diligence Use 1. Use 2. Acts 26. 18. Use 3. Use 4. Exod. 22. 18. Simile Use 5. Psal. 18. 2. Col. 3. 16. Psal. 121. 4. Rev. 5. 5. Satan is to be resisted Reasons 1 Cor. 16. 13. Eph. 6. 10 11. Iam. 4. 7. Rom. 16. 20. Use 1. Use 2. Faith gives Satan the foil Eph. 6. Use 1. Use 2. Eph. 6. 1 Iohn 5. True faith rare What faith it is that prevails over Satan Use. Matth. 14. Obj. Sol. Simile All Gods children are liable to Satans temptations 2 Tim. 3. 12. Use. God enables his children to overcome Satans temptations Use. Obj. Sol. Ministers must endeavor as to inform the understanding so to work on the affections of their people People must joyn practice to their knowledge There 's a near conjunction between believers Use 1. Use 2. Gods Church is dispersed throughout the world Use. The Saints in Heaven are free from temptations Use 1. Use 2. Note Gods Ministers must further their peoples Salvation by all means Num. 6. 24. Use. 1 Cor. 3. 6. 1 Tim. 4. 16. See also Acts 26. 18. Simile God is the author and giveâ— of all grace See Exod. 31. Rom 15. 13. and 16. 20. 2 Cor. 1. 3. Iohn 1. 16. Eph. 4. 7. Use 1. Use 2. Psal. 4. 6. Use 3. Doctr. Whom God will save those he doth effectually call Use. Eph 1. 4. Luke 1. 75. Iam. 1. 18. Such as are effectually called shall partake of glory Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. God will not forsake them whom he hath called Rom. 11. 29. 1 Thess. 5. 23. Iohn 17. 11. All good comes to us by Christ. Eph. 1. 4. Use 1. Use 2. Gods children must here suffer before they can partake of heaven Psal. 34. Iohn 16. 33. Acts 14. 22. 2 Tim. 2. 12. Reasons Iob 33. 17. Isa. 27. 9. Simil. Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. The afflictions of Gods children are small Rom. 8. 18. 2 Cor. 4. 17. Isa. 4. 5. Rev. 2. 10 Use. 1 Cor. 3. 9. Phil. 3. 13. Gods people must labor for perfection 1 Thess. 4. 1. 2 Thess. 1. 3. Use. 1. Rev. 2â— 5. Use 2. Use 3. Christians must hold out to the end Use. Gal. 3. 1. Col. 3. 3. 1 Pet. 1. 5. Our Election and vocation should move us to praise God Rev. 4. 8. Holy things should be handled by holy persons Note A good name is to be labored for See Heb. 11. 2. Eccles. 7. 1. Prov. 22. 1. Such as are faithful in the Ministry draw their peoples hearts to them Use 1. Use 2. We ought to speak and think so well of others as we have ground for Use. We ought to be wary in our commendations The profitableness of writing Epistles Heb. 13. 22. Gods wisdom in providing for us his Word and goodness in ordaining Ministers to re-reveal unto us his will therein People must particularly know that the Religion they profess is the truth of God Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. Christians must persevere in the truth Prov. 23. 23. Constancy in well-doing difficult Use. Doctrine and Application must go together Use. 1. Use 2. Christians must be mindful one of another how far distant soever God hath some even in the worst places This place not meant of Rome See Dr. Willets Synops. Hereticks wrest Scripture Use 1. Use 2. Election diversly taken Isaiah 44. 1. Iohn 6. 70. It s not enough to live in an elect Church but we must finde that we are Elect. Why the Apostle calls them an Elect company Use. The sending of commendations how useful it is Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. Acts 15. 37. 38. The preaching of the Word is the instrument of Regeneration Use 1. Simile Use 2. Use 3. Ministers must love their people as their Children So people their Ministers Use. It s needful that where love is it should be continued Christians should salute one another Reasons 2 Sam. 15. 6. Use 1. Use 2. Use 3. 1 Iohn 3. 15. Use 4. The ancient maner of saluting among the Iews Our Saluting one another must be in love Rom. 16. 16. Use. 1. Rom. 12. Psal. 28. 3. Use 3. Col. 3. 14. Rom. 13. 10. Hinderances of love Rom. 1 31. See Matth. 18. 28. What meant by peace Outward blessings may lawfully be desired and how See Psal. 1. 3. and 112. 3. 128. 3. and 84. 11. Matth. 6. 33. Christ is the fountain of all peace Hosea 2. 18. Obj. Sol. Iob 21. 7 8 c. Iob 20. 8. See Psalm 37. 2. 20. Iohn 14. 27. 2 Cor. 6. 9. Use. Isaiah 48. 22. Respect is to be had of all Gods people The near union between Christ and true Christians Simile Fervency of affection and faith requisite in Prayer
comfortably commend themselves to God which labor for the good of their persecutors ibid. CHAP. V. THe Contents of this Chapter 613 Verse 1. 1. THe duties of Ministers with reasons to enforce the same ibid. 2. The Scriptures inform every one of their duty 614 3. The calling of the Ministry a painful calling 615 4. Ministers are fittest to teach one another and judge of one anothers actions 617 5. To practice the duties we teach procures obedience thereunto ibid. 6. Peter was no Pope neither challenged any Supremacy ibid. 7. How Peter was a witness of Christs sufferings 618 8. All that we have must be improved for the Churches good ibid. 9. Spiritual wisdom to be used to procure Obedience ibid. 10. The troubles of Gods Ministers procure them more respect ibid. 11. Such as are heirs of glory should be much respected ibid. 12. They that suffer with Christ shall reign with him ibid. 13. Glory is laid up for the Saints in Heaven ibid. 14. How we may know whether we shall be heirs of glory ibid. 15. Through faith we are even here possessed of heaven ibid. Verse 2. 1. MInisters must preach the Word 619 2. Differences between reading and preaching 620 3. Ministers must preach the Word soundly 621 4. Ministers must preach diligently ibid. 5. Christians are Gods flock 622 6. Ministers are to regard all their people 623 7. Every Congregation is to have a several Pastor ibid. 8. Every Pastor is to look to his own charge ibid. 9. Ministers must oversee and look into their flocks 624 10. Ministers are not by constraint but willingly to perform their duties towards their people 626 11. Ministers must not perform their duties for filthy lucre but of a ready minde 627 12. Duties are to be done with a willing heart 628 13. No man is to follow any calling meerly for gain ibid. 14. Most of the gain of the world is filthy gain 628 15. What 's to be accounted filthy lucre 629 16. Usually the Scriptures mention not riches but with some check ibid. 17. Means to help against covetousness 630 Verse 3. 1. MInisters must not exercise any temporal power over their people ibid. 2. Ministers must not carry themselves proudly and disdainfully 632 3. Ministers must not use rigor toward their people ibid. 4. Christians are Gods heritage 633 5. Ministers must not onely preach well but live well 634 Verse 4. 1. CHrist the chief Shepherd 637 2. The great reward of faithful Ministers 638 3. At what time they shall receive their reward 639 Verse 5. 1. VVHat we are to understand by the yonger and the elder 640 2. Wherein the duty of Ministers towards their people consists ibid. 3. People must submit themselves to the Ministery of the Word ibid. 4. Gods Ministers must particularly inform every one of their duty 642 5. Wherein the duties of the yonger towards their elders consists ibid. 6. How Superiors must be subject to their Inferiors 647 7. How equals must be subject one to another 648 8. Humility the fountain of submission ibid. 9. Whatsoever submission proceeds not from humility is hypocrisie ibid. 10. What humility is with the fruits in respect of God 649 11. The fruits of humility in respect of men 650 12. Examples of Humility 651 13. Humility an excellent vertue 652 14. The fruits of pride in respect of God ibid. 15. The fruits of pride in respect of men 654 16. Examples of pride ibid. 17. How abominable it is and whence it comes 655 18. The very best not free therefrom ibid. 19. God sets himself against the proud 656 20. How God resists them ibid. 21. How God giveth grace to the humble 657 Verse 6. 1. HOw Ministers ought to preach and people to hear 658 2. Two other reasons perswading to humility ibid. 3. The consideration of Gods power a good means to perswade to humility ibid. 4. Humility is the way to glory 659 5. God doth all things in due time ibid. Verse 7. 1. THe prevention of an Objection 660 2. Christians must not be careless ibid. 3. They must not be too careful about their souls 661 4. They must not be too careful about their bodies 662 5. They must not be too careful about worldly things 663 6. God cares for his own children 664 Verse 8. 1. VVHat Sobriety is 665 2. What Spiritual watchfulness is ibid. 3. A man must be awakened before he can watch ibid. 4. By nature we are asleep in sin ibid. 5. Reasons for Watchfulnesse 666 6. Satans malice exceeding great 667 7. Satans strength and subtilty 668 8. Satans diligence 669 Verse 9. 1. SAtan is to be resisted and why 673 2. Faith gives Satan the foil 675 3. True faith rare 675 4. What faith it is that prevails over Satan ibid. 5. All Gods children are liable to Satans Temptations 676 6. God enables his children to overcome Satans Temptations ibid. 7. Ministers must endeavor as to inform the understanding so to work on the affections of their people 677 8. People must joyn practice to their knowledge ibid. 9. There 's a near conjunction between believers ibid. 10. Gods Church is dispersed through the world 678 11. The Saints in Heaven are free from temptations ibid. Verse 10. 1. GOds Ministers must further their peoples Salvation by all means 679 2. God is the author and giver of all grace 681 3. Whom God will save those he does effectually call 683 4. Such as are effectually called shall partake of glory ibid. 5. God will not forsake them whom he hath called ibid. 6. All good comes to us by Christ 684 7. Gods children must here suffer before they can partake of heaven ibid. 8. The afflictions of Gods children are small 685 9. Gods people must labor for perfection ibid. 10. Children must hold out to the end 686 Verse 11. OUr Election and Vocation should move us to praise God 687 Verse 12. 1. HOly things should be handled by holy persons 688 2. A good name is to be labored for ibid. 3. Such as are faithful in the Ministry draw their peoples hearts to them 689 4. We ought to speak and think so well of others as we have ground for ibid. 5. We ought to be wary in our commendations ibid. 6. The profitableness of writing Epistles ibid. 7. Gods wisdom in providing for us his Word and goodness in ordaining Ministers to reveal unto us his will therein 690 8. People must particularly know that the Religion they profess is the Truth of God ibid. 9. Christians must persevere in the truth ibid. 10. Constancy in well-doing difficult 691 11. Doctrine and Application must go together ibid. Verse 13. 1. CHristians must be mindeful one of another how far distant soever 691 2. God hath some even in the worst places 692 3. Hereticks wrest Scripture ibid. 4. Election diversly taken 692 5. It s not enough to live in an elect Church but we must finde that we are Elect 693 6. Why the Apostle calls them an Elect
company ibid. 7. The sending of commendations how useful it is ibid. 8. The preaching of the Word the instrument of Regeneration 694 9. Ministers must love their People as their Children ibid. 10. People must love their Ministers as their Fathers 695 Verse 14. 1. IT s needful that where love is it should be continued 696 2. Christians should salute one another ibid. 3. The ancient maner of saluting among the Jews 697 4. Our saluting one another must be in love ibid. 5. Hinderances of Love 698 6. What meant by Peace ibid. 7. Outward blessings may lawfully be desired and how 698 8. Christ is the fountain of all peace 699 9. Respect is to be had of all Gods people 701 10. The near union between Christ and true Christians ibid. 11. Fervency of Affection and Faith requisite in Prayer ibid. ERRATA In the margent PAge 57. line 4 for inherit read merit page 114. for Iohn 4. read Iohn 8. p. 357. l. 14. for hated of r. haters p. 582. l. 7. for above r. about p. 475. l. 19. adde may before do Words to be amended Page 40. line 15. for scourge read scour p. 46. l. 45. for them read thee p. 56. l. 47. for in r. it p. 57. l. 31. for it r. as p. 66. l. 15. for with r. which p. 149. l. 40. for grace r. disgrace p. 160. l. 3. for conversation r. conversion p. 173. l. 39. for of r. as p. 191. l. 40. for to r. doth p. 202. l. 5. for no r. an p. 218. l. 43. for chief r. Church p. 228. l. 30. for we r. he p. 253. l. 11. for of r. to p. 258. l. 6. for the r. they p. 266. l. 7. for Cod r. God p. 272. l. 18. for of r. as p. 274. l. 33. for calling r. called p. 294. l. 40. for the r. their p. 305. l. 48. for wrath r. word p. 350. l. 19. for them r. him p. 360. l. 1. for our r. one p. 363. l. 4. for from r. for p. 400 l. 37. for out r. one p. 410. l. 45. for unequal r. equal p. 417. l. 26. for discharge r. disgrace p. 419. l. 30. for swin r. swim p. 428. l. 30. for good good r. good for p. 453. l. 10. for mans r. many p. 455. l. 7. for short r. store p. 495. l. 43. for course r. recourse p. 495. l. 34. for in r. then p. 497. l. 33. for Son r. Sun p. 507. l. 31. for up r. upon p. 515. l. 36. for one r. our p. 527. l. 41. for he r. we p. 615. l. 44. for fleet r. fleece p. 630. l. 9. for throne r. thorn p. 640. l. 12. for uses r. verses p. 641. l. 24. for world r. word p. 643. l. 43. for which r. with p 619. l. 29. for of r. so p. 661. l. 20. for partly r. party p. 669. l. 5. for trust r. distrust p. 677. l. 8. for of r. in p. 700. l. 3. for them r. they A Godly and Fruitful EXPOSITION ON THE FIRST EPISTLE OF St. PETER THe general scope and intent of this Epistle is To confirm those Christian Jews whom he had procured to the Faith by his Ministery that they might persevere in the same to the end notwithstanding any troubles they should meet with for the same More particularly he layeth before them The wonderful riches of Gods mercies vouchsafed them in Christ Jesus by his Death and Resurrection whereby they were recovered out of their woful estate by sin and brought to an happy and blessed condition even Salvation through him Hereunto he exhorteth them constantly to cleave and not to suffer themselves to be withdrawn therefrom by any means as also that they would walk worthy so great mercy in an holy life and conversation both in the general duties of Christianity and the particular duties of their special Callings and that they would so do notwithstanding any troubles they should meet withal for the same The parts of this Epistle are two 1. The Preface in the first two Verses of the first Chapter 2. The Substance of the Epistle in the following Verses and Chapters to the end This containeth Doctrine and Exhortation Doctrine from the Third Verse of the first Chapter unto the Thirteenth of the same Exhortations in all the rest of the Chapters and Verses and they be of two kindes 1. Unto general Duties belonging unto all Christians 2. Unto special to several sorts of men and women according to their special Callings CHAP. I. Verse 1. Peter an Apostle of Jesus Christ to the Strangers scattered throughout Pontus Galatia Cappadocia Asia and Bythinia Ver. 2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ Grace unto you and Peace be multiplied THese verses contain the Preface in which two things 1. An Inscription 2. The Salutation In the former we have a description 1. Of the person writing and that both by his Name Peter and by his Office An Apostle of Jesus Christ. 2. Of the parties to whom he doth write and that both by their outward state to the World-ward viz. Strangers scattered up and down in strange Countreys namely Pontus Galatia Cappadocia Asia and Bythinia and by their estate to God-ward viz. Parties belonging to salvation which he sets forth by the causes thereof and degrees namely 1. Their Election 2. Sanctification 3. Redemption by the obedience of Christ Jesus which shewed it self in his shedding his blood for them In the latter a brief but pithy Prayer to God for his favor as the fountain from whence all happiness was to be bestowed yea multiplied upon them Peter Three Names are given unto this our Apostle in Scripture 1. Simeon of Simon that he had at his Circumcision 2. Cephas by interpretation a Stone which our Saviour Christ gave him at his calling thereby signifying what he meant to do for him namely to make him a stout defender of the Faith on the behalf whereof though he was born of Parents of small note he proved one of notable courage This is in the Chaldee or Syriack tongue 3. Peter which in Greek is all one with the former so that these two Names were in effect but one In his second Epistle he names himself Simon Peter Here learn 1. Christs kindeness to Peter in giving him a Name to assure him of some grace which he would bestow upon him Though we cannot do so yet it behoves us to give our Children such names as may edifie them and put them in minde of some good thing either to imitate some good man or woman whose Name they bear or else to follow some good that the Name puts them in minde of 2. In that he puts his Name to his Epistle he shews his godliness and innocency which makes him bold for Truth may be blamed but cannot be shamed Contrary to many Hereticks and false
peril of Damnation which is a fearful Abomination They have indeed need of unwritten Traditions to shore up a number of points of their Religion or else they would fal to the ground for all the written Word of God as having no authority from thence But what a Religion is that which must thus be maintained without the Testimony of the Scripture we must learn to detest all such Traditions else what a Flood-gate should we let open to let in all Errors and uncertainties without end Yea were this granted every dream of a Fryers brain and any old Custom would be imposed upon the people for a Law Cursed be they that adde to the All-sufficient Word of God God will adde to their plagues 3. The Text it self It s written where In Leviticus 11. 44. 19. 2. The Word is the Rule the written Word the Canonical Scripture that onely There are other Books called Apochrypha usually joyned with the Bible which are not Gods Word nor of equal authority of the same but are the writings of men of good men and have also good use some part for the helping out of the story of that dark time from Malachi to John the Baptist and other parts for instruction in good maners and to a godly life and are therefore to be read of us yet were not they written by any Prophet are not Originally in the Hebrew as all the Old Testament is but in the Greek neither were received of the Jews to whom were committed the Oracles of God for which they were not blamed of our Savior Christ as questionless they should have been if they had done amiss Further we finde no Testimony of our Savior Christ Evangelist or Apostle cited out of them They have also their weaknesses and imperfections and the best parts thereof savor of a man and have not the majesty and weight of Gods Word Therefore are they not sufficient whereon to ground any part of our Faith or to say This is true foâ—so it s written in such a book No but to read them and try them and where they consent with the Word then say its true not because it s so there but because the Scripture approves it where they jar from Scripture there are we to leave them we must walk in a middle path wisely and soberly as not to match them with the Word of God so not to reject them as some have done for that they observed others magnifie them too much hereby running into a contrary extremity As nothing makes a handmaid so much despised as when she is set in her Mistresses Chair so long as she stands as an handmaid all like her and say she becomes her place well So when the Apocrypha is equalled with the Scripture it is justly to be disliked when made to serve it of good use It is written But he tells not where because they were so well acquainted with the Scripture as they could straightway say Oh we know where it is It s written in such a Book such a Section This sheweth how cunning we should be in the Scriptures and every part thereof reading them diligently as by our selves so with our Families and great cause We have a corrupt heart within us therefore had need have the Word dwelling in us to subdue it We have plenty of duties therefore had need of plenty of knowledge in the Word we shall have plenty of strong and subtile temptations from the Devil and World and therefore had need to be ready herein to resist them Herein must we meditate day and night that we may observe and do and prosper that we may be as fruitful trees that we may become wise in all our ways yea wiser then our Enemies then our Ancients This is unto Gods Children a storehouse of all good things its Food to nourish us Armor to defend us a Light to guide us an Apothecaries shop containing all things for meat and medecine for the food and health of our Soul Purgations to purge out our sins Cordials to comfort us Preservatives against every poisonful temptation of Satan Herein is our Fathers Will wherein are our Legacies in every leaf and line some good 1. This condemns the Church of Rome that make it a deadly sin for the people to read any part of Scripture one of them saith He thought it was the device of the devil that the common people should read the Sriptures which might make all loath their Religion for is it any thing else but as thieves which blow out the candle that they may not be seen 2. This condemns those amongst our selves that say It was never merry world since every Plowman and Weaver could talk of the Scripture and that the world was far more quiet before these be noâ— led by the Spirit that Moses was who wisht That all the Lords people could prophesie and the Apostle Paul who often speaks of the encrease of knowledge 3. This condemns the woful carelesness of most people that regard not to read the Scriptures and therefore are exceedingly ignorant therein so that if a Minister quote a place he had need name both Chapter and Verse nay if it be amongst the books of the Old Testament yea some Epistles of the New they cannot tell whereabouts to finde them but are often fain to turn to the Table of the Book Rich men are so mad of the world that they can finde no leisure Mammon is so mighty with them as God and his Word have no time with them And might they not finde that in one leaf of the Bible whereof if they could make use it would profit them more then the whole world Some are all for the world out of one business into another others can finde leisure to play at Tables Cards Bowls c. or to stand in shops two or three hours spending the time in idle discourses and unprofitable frothy talk if not in hurtful slandering and backbiting their neighbors and reproaching the servants of God who yet can finde no time for the Word Others are very cunning in their Statute Books but not so in the Scriptures As for the poor because they be poor and not Book-learned they think it concerns not them or that God looks for any such thing at their hands and therefore are as ignorant as if they lived in Turky altogether without fruit as the fig-tree whereunto our Savior came foolish and carryed away with every temptation and all for that they meditate not in Gods statutes They live ignorantly and loosly and dye blockishly and miserably yea and they perish worthily for that being offered a guide to take them as it were by the hand and lead them through this wilderness this narrow unbeaten path from all by-ways and bring them to Heaven yet will not entertain the same If the King should send a Letter to any of his Subjects and they would not vouchsafe to open