not deny thee if I should dye with thee 4. The effect of it drawing all the Disciples into the same sin with him likewise said they all Note 1. In that Peter falleth into the same sin againe and against the meanes used by Christ that the Child of God through strength of his corruption may fall often into the same sin notwithstanding good meanes against it For 1. It is a very hard thing to lead them out of themselves almost nothing but experience of their former fals which is the Mistris of fooles bringeth them to see their folly so here in Peter all Christs warnings too little and so long they must fall sense of weaknesse is their greatest strength 2. Till the judgement be changed the Actions be the same Peters judgement is disguised with an erroneous misjudging his owne estate he is the same man after Christs speech as he was before and so contradicteth him as before as the most of the Fathers lived in Polygamy not because it was ever lawfull but their judgement being darke and erroneous in it their practise was answerable and who of Gods Children see not that they know but in part and grow dayly to see errors in themselves which they never saw before as Peter saw not so much in himselfe as he did after 3. Weakenesse of grace and regeneration in part causeth even the best to goe every day over the same wants and common infirmities as wandring thoughts idle speeches unjust anger c. which frailties as they be daily renewed so they must daily renew their repentance and daily lay hold on Christs perfect merits for justification this weaknesse of grace gave Peter up againe to this sin of contradicting his Lord. 4. The same ends remaine still which may move the Lord to leave his Children to themselves and to fall in the same sort to try excite humble them worke more serious sorrow make them more watchfull c. which was the issue of Peters fall here Vse Not to enbolden any in sin or unto sinne for we speake of frailties not of presumptions for which we can give small comfort but to raise up to the comfort of the Covenant such as are toyled with their corruptions and finde themselves mastered with the same lusts sundry timeâ— notwithstanding their strife and watch against them To thee I say the sense of thy weaknesse is a great part of thy strength labour to grow up in soundnesse of judgement and in strength of grace and though the Lord thy God for good ends sometimes let thee slip into the same frailties his right hand is under thy head and thy condition is not worse then the rest of the Saints in the world Christs dear Disciple here is moiled in the same sinne but not cast off for it Note 2. In that Peter more vehemently denyed and contradicted his Lord that every repetition of sin maketh sin the stronger for as the body the more it is nourished and fed the stronger it groweth so sin in the soule every new act is an addition of strength till it come to an habit it is the Apostles comparison Jam. 1. 15. speaking of the conception and perfection of sin when lust is conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Beside corruption is cleane contrary to grace as grace if it encrease not iâ— decreaseth so corruption if it decrease not it getteth strength and encreaseth Vse Against them that say they will repent hereafter plucke up a twig let it not grow to be a Plant dash the braines while a childe a Sore the longer it is let alone groweth more incurable finne fashioned by continuance groweth to another nature Take heed and feare thou hast an holy God to doe withall and a corrupt heart of thine owne though some grace And God observeth not onely the sin but the sinfull manner of doing and degrees of sinning carelesnesse carnall confidence pride of spirit slacknesse in use of holy meanes relapsing all very dangerous If I should dye with thee I would not denie thee Note 3. PEter thinks himselfe strong enough to be a Martyr now when he hath not learned the first principle of Religion nor to know himselfe before he promised though all men should be offended he would not Now before he will deny him he will dye the death it is nothing now with Peter to be a Martyr Peter considereth not of what metall he is made that he is dust earth and a lumpe of sinfull mire unable to any thing 2. He considereth not his present danger though forewarned that he is now ready to be made a prey to Satan and in the Lyons mouth 3. He considereth not that every good and perfect gift is from the Father of lights but hath power in himselfe to stand out the greatest of all trials and therefore within a few houres the contempt of this power of God drives it quite from him Vse Let us well watch the pride of our owne nature Nature is so proud in every one of us that it will build up a tower to heaven though it prove but a Babel and Confusion Pride of heart will make us sacrifice to our owne Nets and rob God of his glory Peter had good things and true grace in him but not acknowledging them in the giver puffes him up and darkens them whereas grace received and acknowledged in the giver are so far from puffing up as they make humble Grace in Abraham comming neer to God maketh him say I am but dust and ashes Gen. 18. 27. 2. In good things take heed of preposterous and rash zeale which here Peter fals by guide it by the Word by Faith by Prayer by thy calling by considering our selves and thinke it safer to fear then to be very confident of thy self Likewise said they all THE fourth is the effect of Peters presumption he drew in all the Disciples into the same sin 1. which was the stronger 1. Because they had heard our Saviour reproving Peter for his rash confidence 2. They had never yet tryed their strength 3. If they had they should not at all have contradicted his word who had said all yeâ— shall be offended 4. This terrible threatning of themselves and Peter should have set them out of themselves and clung unto him and said O Lord we know our weaknesse if we doe not thou knowest it we know thy truth and cannot but beleeve thy Word oh therefore doe thou take care of us thou that art the faithfull Shepherd keepe us silly Sheepe from wandring from thee But they imitate Peter they must be as constant as Peter and must never seeme more fearfull then he They must not be behinde him neither in comforting their Master nor in professing their zeale to their Lord. Note 1. Frailty in the best no graine without some chaffe no flour without some bran no rose without some thorne there is in the best matter of humiliation the
beginning Note also the contrariety of the wicked from God himselfe he provideth safety for his Children by night Esau was admonished by night not to speake roughly to Jacob. The Wicked alway tend to destruction of themselves and others And the Cocke crew NOTE 1. It appeareth it was in the Night that Christ was apprehended â—nd in that how watchfull and diligent Christs Enemies were to worke malice and mischiefe against him so were the Sodomites busie all Night to abuse themselves and doe mischiefe Gen. 19. Solomon saith wicked men cannot sleep till they have done evill Prov. 4 16. and sleepe departeth from them unlesse they cause some to fall Judas will watch an opportunity against Christ even in the night to betray him Reas. 1. Because they are carried wholly and naturally unto evill without any inward restraint it is a sweet morsell and perhaps the Lord seeth them not 2. Darkenesse maketh them more bould and fitter for a worke of darkenesse as Judas apprehends and Soldiers lead him away 3. Malice against Christ and his Members in the wicked never sleepeth but watcheth occasions against them they resemble Satan their guide 4. Having got occasion they will not slip it but execute presently though at midnight they breake their sleep for it 5. Yet God overruleth that it should be typifyed by a Paschall Lambe killed by night Exod. 12. 6. as himselfe was slaine in the evening of the World Vse Good men on the contrary learne to watch in the Night for good and gracious purposes let thy reines teach thee Wisedome in the Night David professeth he will not go up to his Bed nor suffer his eye lids to slumber till he have found out a place for God Tully saith it were a shame for him that Catiline should be more watchfull for the destruction of the Common-wealth then he for the safety and preservation of it In sparing sleep for good purposes is a recompence Gen. 19. 4 29. Consider that Night-sins have day plagues 2 Sam. 12. 12. consider Job 35. 10. God giveth Songs in the Night and his mercyes walke round about thee all night long he keepeth watches for thee he thinketh on thee and doth for thee that thou doest not for thy selfe keepeth thy house Body Goods Soule while thou sleepest and therefore in the night do thou thinke of him Psal. 119. 55. In the night season oh Lord I thought on thee In the night commune with the Lord by prayer meditation and confession Psal. 77. 60. In the night I commune with my heart and search out my spirit in the night desire after the Lord Isa. 26. 9. so the Church with my Soule have I desired thee in the night yea with my spirit within me will I seeke thee early in the night praise the Lord at midnight I will rise and praise thee Examine thy imployment of thoughts in the night when thou goest to bed and risest whether thy thoughts run after money and mucke world and businesse whether on revenge pride hatred sports or whatsoever A good heart hath a better treasury within it selfe and without it for thee to feed on meditate and be serious and remember still how diligent we should be in Gods woâ—ke cursed is he that doth Gods worke negligently Jer. 48. 10. Note 2. God would admonish Peter according to his word by the Cocks crow if so be Peter will take knowledge of himselfe but Peter doth not Quest. Why it may be being midnight he was sleepy and could not hear Answ. But Peter had got his first sleepe before Christ went thrice and found them sleeping besides Peter was now afraid and feare and danger kept him waking enough and therefore the cause was 1. His heart was asleepe and regardlesse of his sin and so long all the Cocks in the World cannot wake him 2. The time appointed for his wakening was not yet come he had denyed but once as yet he must deny thrice let the Cock crow never so often Note A fearfull consequent and Companion of sinne is induration and blindenesse here we see even the godly themselves sleep fearefully after sin how did David cast hit conscience asleep after he had committed Adultery his heart is hardened and after the Adultery he falleth into Murther and yet along time he is not wakened till the Lord by his Prophet wakeneth him Gen. 37. 24 25. when Josephs Brethren had taken him and stript him and cast him into a pit then they sat-downe to eat bred a man would have thought they should have sat downe to weepe for their sin but their sin hath so blinded them they rejoyce together as if they had nothing offended nay now almost twenty yeares they carry their sin and never take notice of it Reas. 1. Because mans heart naturally is hard being infected with the poyson of originall sin and this hardnesse is increased by our owne sins conceived or consented to or committed or repeated or continued there was no deadnesse or dulnesse in Adams conscience in innocency 2. Sinne hath a property to stun and benum the conscience and Soul of man for as a man falling from an high place lieth a great while in a swoon or trance and cannot help himselfe so the Children of God in their fals of Sin David afteâ— his Sinne was a dead man without sence of sinne or of comfort he had lost his heart his joy his feeling till God created and restored him againe Psal. 51. 3. The supposed pleasure of sinne doth drowne Judgement disturbe Reason and blinde Conscience so as it can sooth it selfe and thinke his owne sinnes lesse or scarce sinnes every man thinkes his owne breath sweet and delight in sinne brings on custome and custome in sinne taketh away the sense of sinne Vse 1. Beware of a sleepy heart and benummed conscience a most fearfull fruit of sinne and far worse then sinne it selfe most men are in love with their Consciences when they lye still and quiet and this is the case and conscience of the common Protestant who takes that for quietnesse and peace which is indeed death it selfe or a deadly lethargie of Conscience But this dead Conscience is like a dead body layed in the grave sleepes lyeth still and is cleane forgotten but shall awake and rise again be more active then ever it was either in Mercy and in season as in the godly when they shall sustaine sorrow enough and taste the soure sauce of their sweet meats and out of deepe sorrow recover their joy as in Peter Or in Justice and too late as in Judas who slept all the while he conspired against his Lord but no sooner wakened but he went and hanged himselfe here was the most fearefull wakening because his denyall of his Lord was of maliciousnesse Peters of infirmity Many living in grosse sinnes thanke God they never were troubled in Conscience proclame their shame and misery Vse 2. If a Conscience renewed in part can be so blinded
Christ himselfe Reason saith they cannot be deare to God who are so afflicted and smitten the Spirit from thence concludes them Sons of God Heb. 12 6 7. Vse 1. Vnsafe therefore it is to follow our reason for our guide in divine things no be ordered by the word and rules of Religion 2. And we learne to deny our selves which is the first lesson in Christianity Mat. 16 24. I will smite the Shepherd WHO is the Shepherd Christ himself Iohn 10. I am the good Shepherd Christ hath as many names as Benefits 1. He redeemed us and thence called the Redeemer of Israel 2. He rules us by his Spirit and grace and thence called the King of the Church 3. He feeds us and called thence the Bread of life 4. He refresheth us and thence called the Water of life 5. He enlightneth us and thence called the Light of the World Iohn 8. 12. 6. He eternally appeaseth the Father so called our high Priest and here our Shepherd Quest. Why Answ. Because promised Ezek. 34. 23. I will set up one Shepherd over them and he shall feed them and accordingly performed all offices of a good Shepherd So here called a Shepherd a name of great love and sweetnesse 1. As descending of ancient Patriarks who were Shepherds and they Types of him Abel Jacob David Moses 2. He knows his Sheepe and markes them for his owne Iohn 10. 3. 14. And God sets his seale on them 2 Tim. 21. 19. knows them by name as Cyrus his Souldiers 3. He feeds their Soules and bodyes in greene pastures Psal. 23. and drives them to the sweet streames and waters of comfort by the paths of grace and righteousnesse 4. Defends them from the Wolfe and enemies being timorous simple weake shiftlesse creatures to flye resist or save themselves as David met the Lyon and Beare and slew them and saved the Sheepe 1 Sam. 17. 34. so this Shepherd goes on to meet the Adversaries and to give his life for the sheepe Oh wonderfull love and accordingly to be much magnified this good Sheepherd watcheth over his Flocke with his eye never absent day nor night sleepeth not by night as other Shepherds but keepeth our bones Psal. 34. 20. numbers the haires Mat. 10. 30. observeth Enemies and turneth them back Psal. 56 9. One Sheep may forget another as the Butler did Joseph but Christ cannot forget any of his Flocke 5. Nourisheth the young and tender Lambes Isa. 40. 11. breakes not bruised reedes suffereth not his to be tempted above their strength Seekes them straying rejoyceth in finding as in the Parable of the lost Sheep seekes and saves them that are lost cures the diseased if the diseased be contagious removes it till it be cured washeth them in the streames of his blood and every way saveth 7. He bringeth them to the Fold 1. Of grace 2. Of glory So of Christs Title 2. This Shepherd must be smitten namely with ignominy reproach grievous strokes death and the Sword so in Zachary Sword arise and smite c. Quest. What had he deserved Answ. He was fellow of the Lord not onely in familiarity of grace but conformity of nature for none can be Gods fellow which is not of the same nature what fellowship betweene abhorring natures therefore he was more pure then the Sun and no spot in him from top to toe but all perfection of grace he was not therefore smitten for his own sake but ours so Isa. 53. 5. he was wounded for our transgressions 3. Who smit him I will smite him Object The Original in Zachary saith Sword smile and rise upon the Shepherd Sol. The Evangelist or our Saviour respecting sense rather then words thus changeth them 2. The Prophet speaketh prophetically Allegorically obscurely in a compared sense But now the accomplishment of a Prophecy being the best Expositor he speâ—ks according to the accomplishment plainly and without obscurity 3. In both Phrases nothing else is signifyed but that all that trouble and persecution of Jesus Christ was moved according to the will and counsell of God as Act. 4. 28. Herod and Pilate met to doe whatsoever thy hand and counsell determined the Prophet in the commandement to the Sword expresseth the counsell of God the Evangelist the hand of God in the death of Christ. Object But he was smitten by the high Priests and Jewes who slue him Answ. The hand and action of God was in it latent the actions of the instruments were apparent Gods hand was secret and hid to them and therefore they sinned highly in bringing Gods purpose to passe Object That God had a counsell ordaining and permitting this sin we grant but that he had a hand in the sin is hard to say Answ. Saint Luke addeth also that God had a hand in this action but more improperly then counsell for this hand wrought not with them in the sin but moderated guided restrained and over-ruled the sin to his glory and Christs advancement Vse 1. In that Christ is the Shepherd comfort our selves in his 1. Love 2. Care 1. Love more Love is included in this word Shepherd then if he should call himselfe our Father Brother Kinsman the good Shepherd gives his life for his Sheepe which every Father and Brother will not doe 2. Care the Sheep need care for nothing but the Shepherds presence Psal. 23. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall want nothing that is nothing that is needfull and good Jacob was a carefull Shepherd as any was yet lost some Sheepe some lost some stolne some torne Gen. 31. 39 40. But the care of this Shepherd is such as he loseth none whom he hath chosen Iob. 17. 12. Moses was a carefull Shepherd of Gods People but sometimes weary sometimes grudged at the great burden and charge Numb 11. 11. But Christ was obedient even unto the death Vse 2. In that Christ was smitten with the Sword learne patience in all afflictions and crosses ordinary and extraordinary Heb. 12. 2. Run with patience the race before us looking at Jesus Are we smitten with tongues of men swords of men so was the greene Tree the dry may be contented 1. He suffered for no necessity or desert but by voluntary humility we deserve even fiery tryals 2. He not for his cause but ours and shall not we for his 3. He despised the shame and why should not we doe so 4. The end of his crosse was the exaltation at Gods right hand and we expect the same end Vse 3. Of admonition in that he was smitten for us see it affect us with sorrow that we by sin drew out the Sword against Christ Oh that we could cry out of our selves and sins who brought Gods companion and as the Apostle saith one who thought it no robbery to be equall with God to abase himself as a Servant as a Sinner to be smitten and suffer death as a malefactor Phil. 2. 6. how should it humble us looke on him
whom we have smitten and mourn Againe we should stir up our selves to thankefulnesse that he who was Gods companion in grace and nature would be content to be smitten for us that by his stripes he would heale us had the stroke for the least sinne light upon our selves it could not be but eternally mortal now he having put himselfe betweene the blow of Gods sword and us who had deserved the deadly blow to him belongs all the praise of our peace and freedome if a man should keep a blow off us with the losse of his life we would be sorry and thankfull for such a friend nay if losse of a limbe c. Againe was Christ the Shepherd smitten who was equall with God and that by God see that all are not hated of God who are smitten of God never was there such an object of Gods love all creatures were not capable of that love which his Father poured upon him yet he was smitten with temptation persecution and all kindes of affliction to sanctifie all kindes unto us and not spared to the death Let none say he is cast out of favour because of afflictions never any so smittenas Christ never any so deare to God Againe note who they be that are most smitten by the World in the World even those that are likest unto God and most conformable unto Jesus Christ. If Christ had not been Gods companion he had escaped better so acquaintance with God brings many a blow from the World if thou wilt converse with the World which knows neither him nor thee he hath rods in water to lash thee as a Wâ—nderer or Stranger What marvaile is it that godly Pastors whose lives and doctrine come nearest unto this chiefe Sheepherd be most smitten in the World if Jeremy be lying in the Dungeon if Herod smite James with the Sword and take Peter and vex others if the whole rout of Drunkards Usurers and bench companions say come and let us smite this Jeremy with the tongue let us slander him Towne and Country we dare not with our hands but our tongues are our owne say lewd fellowes who can controll us Let us say to our Preacher that he never did or thought of somewhat will sticke if we can doe it boldly enough and with faces of brasse for even thus was our Lord and chiefe Shepherd smitten who saith they layd to my charge things I never knew so may we so may I. Though Christ was smitten it was not by chance fortune or altogether by malice of wicked men but all by the counsel and decree of God comfort thy self 1. It is Gods hand not so heavy as Divels or wicked mens Iohn 19. 10. nor shal alwayes lie on thee nor so long as they would Psal. 125. 3. 2. As in Christs smiting God is now executing by evill men some of his good purposes towards thee all workes for good 3. He suffers them to try and exercise thee for a time as Christ but not his councell onely is in it but his hand to moderate it that they cannot doe what they will but what he will And the Sheepe shall be scattered THE effect or consequent of the Shepherds smiting 1. Who be these Sheep Ezek. 34. 10. 2. How they are scattered These Sheepe be the Disciples and faithfull Believers in the name of Christ under the Rule care and custody of the chiefe Shepherd 1. The Church is the great Sheepfold Iohn 10. 16. for out of the Church is no salvation the fold is a defence for Sheepe and because the Members of the Church live in concord and peace as Sheepe not as Lyons Wolves Tygars c. The marke of Christs Sheep is love John 13. 13. Every Christian resembles this creature in the Text 1. Simple foolish subject to stay and to be scattered yea quite lost without the care of the Shepherd Isa. 55. 6. seeke the Lord while he may be found so are the faithfull not onely before conversion 1 Pet. 2. 11. I beseech you as Pilgrims wherein the whole life is but a straying from God but even after never so little left of the Shepherd as Noah Lot David Hezekiah and here all the Apostles and can never returne without the Shepherds call partly in the word as Nathan to David partly by corrections which are as the Shepherds Dog to fetch us in as Josephs Brethren 2. Beset with all manner of enemies Dogs Wolves Lyons Foxes and destitute in it selfe of all meanes of safety without speed courage and natural weapons as other creatures are armed with to resist so many Adversaries so as their whole safety is in the presence and care of the Shepherd So the Members of Christ beset with Tyrants Hereticks Hypocrites Seducers false Brethren and cannot put back violence with violence their safety and defence lies not as many beasts in their Hornes Hoofes Nayles or teeth they are onely armed with the mercy and care of the Shepherd without whom they are sure to be a dayly prey to the Divell the roaring Lyon and his instruments 3. Harmelesse patient beare all wrongs offer none lose the Fleece their lives with meeknesse without strugling Thus Christians resemble the Shepherd himselfe he bare all wrongs he never did wrong he was led as a Sheepe to the slaughter and before the Shearer opened not his mouth and his Members must receive a second wrong rather then revenge a former and still possesse their Soules in patience Vse 4. Acknowledge our selves after grace received silly Sheepe most easie to stray away and become a prey to all the ravenous Beasts of the field take notice of our wandring and straying disposition resembled in the parable of the lost Sheep Luke 15. that unlesse the good Shepherd leave the ninety and nine to seek us up we never come back Let this 1. Make us depend on the Shepherd 2. Be more watchfull 3. Pray that he would seeke us out of our wandrings and reduce us Psal. 119. 176. I am as a wandering Sheep Oh seeke thy Servant Vse 2. Imitate Sheep in sundry Christian vertues Though they be easie to stray yet being strayed they be easily reduced whither the Shepherd will without resistance and trouble so Gods Sheep having broke out into some sin sometimes a small check of conscience sometimes a light affliction sometimes a word of threatning or reprehension in the Ministry will bring them on their knees and humble them when as all Gods plagues will not subdue the hard heart of wicked Pharaoh not reduced with ten plagues therein like the Leviathan Job 41. 15. Sheep know their Shepherd and no man else they know his voice or whistle and no man else We must know our Shepherd in his Person in his offices and esteeme to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified we must know no man else for Pardon of our sin for merit of righteousnesse for intercession or obtaining salvation but onely Jesus Christ. Vera
gloria Jer. 9. 24. the right glorying Vita aeterna Iohn 17. 3. this is eternal life We must know and acknowledge no voyce but his no word but his no unwritten traditions no determination of Popes Councels Fathers but his Scriptures a perfect guide Gal. 1. 8 9. If any man or Angel bring another word hold him accursed 3 Sheep presently heare the voyce of the Shepherd John 10. 27. my sheepe hear my voyce not the voyce of Satan calling from light to darkenesse not of Antichrist calling to traditions and superstitions But Christs voyce 1. Externall exhortationin the ministry 2. Internal inspirations by the motions of his spirit not quenched 3. Bountifull Largition Christ speakes in his mercies inviting to repentance Rom. 2. 4. 4. Corporal flagellation his hand is his voyce and cals to humiliation and conversion A good Christian heares all this Heare the Rod and who appointed it Mic. 6. 9. 4. Sheepe follow their Shepherd so the Sheep of Christ obey him a fruit of hearing and bring in abundant fruits of obedience abounding in good workes Nothing but profitable in Sheepe fleece flesh encrease profitable in life and death they be nowhere but enrich the Ground Thus did the Shepherd and thus must we So of the Sheepe Secondly How the Sheepe shall be scattered OUr Saviour expresseth it Ioh. 16. 32. Behold the houre commeth yea is now come that ye shall be scattered every one to his owne and leave me alone I shall be this night smitten with reproach ignomy and the sharpest sword of God and men even to the death and now whereas soundnesse of Faith would make you cleave unto me in life and death you shall forsake me some of you shall deny and forsweare me and all flye from me and be scattered every one his way as if you were deceived and deluded in me yea every one of you shall shift for his owne safety and fall both from me and one from another as Sheepe are dispersed and scattered when the Shepherd is slaine and taken from them And how this Prediction was accomplished see Mat. 26. 56. Then all the Disciples forsooke him and fled so soone as he was in his enemies hands and not onely they but other Disciples and followers of Christ as the two Disciples that were going to Emaus whose Faith was so shaken as they say We thought this should be he that should redeeme Israel and this is the third day but now they began to be of another minde Quest. Why were the Disciples thus scattered Answ. 1. In themselves carnall and excessive feare of themselves who were yet weake and had not received the Spirit to strengthen them as afterward they had not cast the costs of their profession nor accounted sufficiently the expence of this building as their Master had long before exhorted them Ans. 2. God in his wisdome would have Christ left of all his Disciples because he was to be knowne to tread the Wine-presse of Gods wrath alone without partner or fellow none must share in the Action or in the glory Ans. 3. Thus it behoved the Scripture to be fulfilled in regard of Christ himselfe who voluntarily undertaking the grievous burthen of our sinne must be forsaken of God and all other creatures and comforts for the time for so we had justly deserved and he must be left alone and comfortlesse Ans. 4. To teach us that all the safety and comfort of the strongest Christians were they as neere to Christ as his deare Disciples is in their relation and dependance on the chiefe Shepherd for without Christ the Shepherd of soules we lie dispersed ungathered and in a forlorne estate If he withdraw himselfe never so little as great Beleevers as the Disciples flye away from him and never come to him till he come to them Vse 1. Are the Disciples scattered when Christ is persecuted and smitten what marvaile if hypocrites be quite blowne away from their profession by perecution who onely as chaffe cleave to the Wheat If the godly be scattered for a time from Christ and from themselves as here the Disciples what marvaile if hypocrites be scattered from both If â—ffliction for Christ shake the Faith of so great Apostles no marvaile if it quite overturne such as be unsâ—tled and ungrounded This is one of the ends of affliction for the Gospell to try them that are sound for as the faire season of the Spring sets and ripens Fruits so the Winds and boysterous blasts of Autumn makes them fall off We may not therefore stumble when we see great Professors fall off in trials for some believe but for a time Luke 8. 13. and so of some 1 John 2. 19. that they went out from us because they were not of us Vse 2. Let no man presume of his owne strength to stand in triall nor be too confident in another in tryall Little knowes a man nor will beleeve the deceit and hollownesse of his owne heart Hazael will not beleeve he can prove such a Dogge and so vile as the Prophet speaks of Little knowes many a man who now continues wel-affected to sound Preaching how soone they should finde their inner disposition and outward too changed if outward occasions were changed but a little So a man would have promised as much as any of the Disciples of Christ as any in the world nay the Disciples would not beleeve Christ telling them how cowardly they should leave him they thought themselves wronged as their answer shewes yet how should a man have bin deceived in them how were they deceived in themselves who immediately after our Lord had forewarned them fall into this their weaknesse Vse 3. Arme our selves well against tryall it was nothing for the Disciples to sticke to Christ while in peace and we now while Christ is with us easily hold up the head but when Christ is smitten then is the tryall sound love to Christ is tryed by continuing with him in temptation Sound love to the Word Preachers and Professours is that which hath endured triall as that is sound Gold which hath passed the fire good Ground is knowne by enduring Arme we therefore our selves with resolution that we must suffer that the Shepherd shall be smitten and yet goe on so with sense of our owne impotency to stand with watching and prayer that we enter not into temptation also with sound love of Christ and Christian Religion or else if the Pastor be smitten thou shalt be scattered Vse 4. If godly Ministers or Professors in time of trouble be left and those that seemed to depend on them to affect them for the best things fall to the stronger side it was our Lords case we must be patient and contented Elias persecuted by Jezabel was left alone Paul himselfe for Christ in his bands had none to assist him 2 Tim. 4. 16. or stand with him it is no new case that faithfull Pastors especially should be conformable to the
is but for a moment 2. Finall desertion were above their strength and so against his promise 3. It will not onely endanger the faith of the Elect but quite destroy it which is impossible against all the Gates of Hell it is their victory 4. Vnion betweene Christ and the Christian admits no finall desertion a fruit of it is in John 17. 24. to be where Christ is and see his glory 5. The Covenant is everlasting not to depart but do us good Jer. 32. 40. He marries us for ever in mercyes Hos. 2. 12. and is a perpetual covenant not onely on Gods part as Papists say but on our part also who will never breake finally with God because of his feare put in our hearts never to depart from him Jer. 31. 41. Vse Now as Christ would confirme the faith and confidence of the Disciples by setting before them a certaine end of the tryall so let us confirme our selves with these words If the Lord seeme to absent himselfe he will not doe it for ever his mercy cannot come to an utter end his mercyes are as the Ocean which hath no eb but a flow again sometimes he stands off the longer because his Children stand off with him and the case seemes desperate as Abraham for a Sonne but he will come at length to Abraham in the Mount but not till the third day to Jonas in the third day Christ may lie in the grave till the case seeme desperate but riseth the third day and appeareth to all the Disciples save Thomas the same day Iohn 20. he more glorifies himselfe in his long absence then presence Iohn 11. 6. Note 4. Note againe how Jesus Christ prevents us with his grace he promiseth the Disciples that before they can get to Galilee after they have kept the Feast at Jerusalem he would be there before them The Shepherd smitten will returne to the dispersed Sheep he will gather them againe and he will be found of them in Galilee the place of dispersion He saith not they shall come to him but they shall goe into Galile and there he will finde them surely we never come to him unlesse he come to us first he must come to the Disciples themselves or they cannot come to him much lesse we Note 5. Christ here both strengthens them in the Article of his Resurrection and tels them the end of his Resurrection which is to goe before them he will not onely rise againe but for this purpose to be their guide and leader and to take them againe as companions with him as if they had never sinned against him How this was performed see Mat. 28. 7. the Angels tell the Women Arise goe tell his Disciples he is risen behold be goeth before you into Galilee and Marke 16. 7. As he said unto you c. As Christ at first found them and began to be their guide and leader into Galilee so now after his resurrection he would manifest himselfe an eternall Shepherd Vse And this was their happinesse and ours purchased by his eternall Resurrection that we have an high Priest immortall and higher then the heavens They sled into Galilee to avoyd danger from their persons but he findes them there They goe thither because their Master was dead and betake them to their old Callings againe But their Lord findes them againe at the Sea of Galilee and makes them 〈◊〉 fishers of Men furnishing them with power from on high above all they could have expected Christ raised gives gifts unto men his Death merits them his Resurrection applies them as a great King gives great gifts on the day of his Coronation so Christ. Let us follow so worthy a guide in Faith and Obedienâ—e who rose from death to be our guide to eternall life We proceed Verse 29. And Peter said unto him Though all men should be offended yet would not I. HERE we have an instance as many elsewhere of Peters temerity and rashnesse not well considering his weaknesse and what spirit he was of For this holy Disciple bewrayeth great infirmity in arrogating much above that was in him 1. He directly contradicteth his Lord who said all yee Peter saith no not all he will not not this Night no never 2. Beleeves not the Oracle of the Prophet Zacharie but would shiâ—t it off with pompe of words not as concerning him he was none of the sheepe that should be scattered though the Pastor was smitten 3. He presumes too much upon his owne strength and of that which is out of his owne power never mentioning or including the helpe and strength of God by whom alone he should be enabled to stand he neither considered his owne frailty which will overthrow him nor yet the power of God which should sustaine and uphold him 4. He prefers himselfe too too vain-gloriously above all men as if all men were weake to Peter and Peter the onely champion if all men should deny thee I would not stronger in conceit then all the Apostles 5. He is bold hardy and vainely confident in a thing to come in which he had never tryed his strength he knew his present affection he will take no notice of his future perill nay he disclaimes and almost scornes the danger now when he is next to it and even falling into it and the difficulty expressed John 13. 37. Cannot I follow thee now I will give my life for thee I will be so far from denying thee that I will confesse thee to the death perils dangers feares or death it selfe shall not seperate me from thee Alas man thou that canst not follow Christ canst thou goe before him Object But Peter had a Promise Mat. 16. 18. that the gates of hell should not prevaile against his Faith might not he be bold in this Promise Answ. 1. Promises of God make no man presume but stir up watchfulnesse and excite to prayer which Peter should have done being admonished of our Lord. 2. Though his Faith lwas not quite to be shaken and extinct yet he might for a time be so foyled as might bring him shame and sorrow enough 3. He had promised indeed before this the spirit of fortitude and strength but Peter anticipates the time they were to be endued with virtue from above but not till after the Resurrection which was no priviledge but that in the meane time they might fall dangerously 4. No Promise could crosse the word of the Prophet and Christ himself now applying it to the present occasion which ought to have bin believed Objec But might not Peter be bold of victory standing in so good a cause must Christians stand doubtfull and in suspense alwayes of their standing Answ. 1. Peter must not be bold against so expresse a word of Christ. Ans. 2. No Christian boldnesse may make a man confident in himselfe and neglect prayer to God that is a blame-worthy boldnesse for a Souldier to run into the fight without his
suffer with him nor for him yet forward he will goe 2. Christ had said to his Apprehenders let these go away yet Peter will not goe 3. Christ had commanded them all to watch and pray because temptation was at hand 4. Had particularly told Peter what would be the event if he did follow him for had Peter beene with the other Disciples or hid himselfe from the Tempter he had no more denyed his Lord then they 5. By a speciall providence Peter found the doore of the high Priest shut against him which should have beene a warning to him and not idly passed by for when God casts a stop or bar in every way to hinder us in acting any evill we should apprehend it as a part of his gracious providence and stop our sinnes But Peter will not from the doore till he get in he is hankering about to see what will become of Christ he hath a love to his Master and is unwilling to leave him his zeale is not yet extinct but rash and inconsiderate he was greatly bound to his Master and holdeth it laudable not to leave such a friend in distresse though he could not helpe him yet would shew duty he seemeth mindfull of his promise also though all men forsake him yet would not he and therefore to the high Priests house he will with another Disciple as John 18. 15 16. whom some thinke to be John who useth in his story so to speak of himselfe suppressing his name but it is not likely that John so poore a Fisherman and Disciple of Christ was so well acquainted with the high Priest but whosoever he was he was a friend of Christ and his Apostles and being known to the high Priest was let in but Peter unknown was kept out till his friend pitying his standing in the cold entreated the Maid that kept the door to let in Peter Thus Peter with much adoe and importunity of his friend gets into the thicket of temptation his friend hath besped him into that place which Christ forewarned him to avoid which is another argument I thinke him not to be John who having heard his forewarne to Peter in likelyhood would rather have diswaded him from his purpose then been an Author in it or if it were he and did not he were blameworthy and greatly sinned Vse 1. He that would avoyd sin must carefully avoyd occasions which are the stronger because of our owne naturall inclination to evill Joseph fled from his Mistresses company and so kept himselfe pure Gen. 32. 10. it was his wisdome not onely to avoyd her filthy desire but her uncleane company The Lord himselfe is carefull to remove occasions of sinning from his People Exod. 13. 17. carrying them through the Wildernesse would not let them passe by the Philistines and see War least they should start back and sin against him And our Lord Jesus would have prevented this occasion in Peter by forewarning him of it he that would not be burnt must not touch fire or goe upon coales stand not upon thine own strength where thou seest so great a Cedar to fall as Peter thou canst not avoyd drunkennesse adultery prophannesse if thou runnest into drunken harlotry and prophane Persons and places beware of evill company consider thy weaknesse and their power to seduce Travellers to see fashions in idolatrous Countryes do therein seeke temptations and by the just judgement of God for wantonnesse find Apostacy returning corrupt in Doctrine Manners or both Prov. 21. 27. He that seekes danger shall fall into it Vse 2. He that would avoyd occasion of sinne must hold himselfe to Gods commandement and within the limits of his owne calling which if Peter had done he had not fallen so fouly Christ had expressed his will and pleasure that he should not have so much as deliberated on it much lesse resolved against it but he forgetteth the word and commandement of Christ and so falleth into sin If Eve had remembred the word of God and kept her to the commandement neither the beauty of the Apple nor the subtill perswasion of Satan had allured her away If Saul had kept him to the word of the Lord 1 Sam. 15. 3. neither sparing of Agag nor the fat Sheep or Oxen had drawne him into that disobedience which was worse then witchcraft the word teacheth wisdome to avoyd snars of sin but if a man cast away the Word of the Lord what wisdome can be in him keepe to the word and buckle this Sword to thee which onely can cut the Sinewes of sin and temptation Vse 3. Peter should have looked to his Calling he was not now called to suffer the time was not yet John 13. 36. Besides he had not received strength and gifts fit for it if he shall now come to temptation he can do nothing but deny his Lord and shame himselfe seeing Christ had foretold him A Christian cannot doe a more honourable worke then suffer for Jesus Christ which is more then to beleeve in him but if it be not the will of God 1 Pet. 3. 17. or if thou beest not called to suffer if he forewarne thee with Peter that thou art not able to suffer the crosse or fire do not suffer Quest. What must I doe must I yeild to Idolatry Answ. No but step aside as Peter was commanded watch and pray and get strength and then come forth if thou hast tryed thy strength and findest it not sufficient to suffer the brunt this is a sure warning from Heaven thou must not put forth thy selfe to suffer the farther thou goest with more shame shalt thou flye back If we must have a calling to suffer for Christ much more look we have a calling to other inferior duties else running out of thy calling thou runnest into danger thou hast no promise to be kept further then thou art in thy way a good duty not warranted by thy Calling is sin to thee though commended in another every man must abide in his Calling and so maintaine Gods order Note againe nature is an ill guide mans owne wisedome deceives himselfe sometimes with shew of good and runs into infinite errors as Peter must follow his Master and who would thinke him blameworthy in shewing his love and affection to his Lord and in minding his promise that he would not leave him if al men should but all was but carnall wisdom he should have beleeved his Lord and Master and relyed upon his counsell not by too much prefidence thrust himselfe into danger and surely as the pride of humane wisedome is great so Satans cunning more prevailes to carry us away with shewes of good then he can in evill is it not a good thing to become like God and if Eve will eat the Apple she may is it not good to offer thousands of fat Sheepe and Bullocks to God in sacrifice if Saul will spare them alive he may doe it Is it not better and fitter one Vriah be
that find fault with them as most faulty the most shamefull Offendors are the most shamelesse Accusers none worse then they Vse 1. Not to be too credulous when we heare religious Persons and men fearing God accused and their faults aggravated for though good men are not Saints exempted from failing or error yet commonly they are not faulty in the matter or in that measure that evill men and scorners most accuse them in 2. Evill men will make mole-Hils swell to such Mountains against godly men how would they insult if they can catch just advantage let godly men be so much the more watchfull and carefull if they cannot stop their malice yet to stop their mouthes and starve their malice leaving it no just matter to feed upon offences must come but wo he to him by whom they justly come 3. Comfort our selves if our conscience tels us we suffer causelesly or for innocency if they beat us with the same staffe they did Christ Luke 23. 24. I finde no fault in him let us chastise him and send him away Note 2. This was indeed Peters honour which they object as a crime his speech bewrayes him a Christian a Disciple Let our speech manifest our selves Christians both for the matter as 〈…〉 all did not and for the manner as his they say did Reas. 1. A note of a true Israelite to speake the language of Canaan Proâ— 16. 23. A wise man will guide his speeches wisely a Christian man Christianly 2. No better way to expresse love to God and man then by speaking for God and for mens edification 3. Imitate Christ testifie thou hast been with him never man spake so nor can speake so but we must imitate him and make him our president his speeches were either for God to set up the glory of his Father or to God in fervent prayers and praises for himselfe and others Or else to man Either for the conversion or confirmation of the Elect. Or for the just admonition or conviction of the wicked His words were never idle or empty but filling and feeding many Vse Happy is that man whose words testifie him a Disciple of Christ would to God a Jew could thus accuse us Christians Meanes 1. Get a good fountaine of a good heart that is a good treasury Mat. 12. 35. Psal. 37. 30. Prov. 10. Psal. 45. 1. 2. Propound a good end that thy lips may feed many and thy speeches minister grace may tend to Gods glory edification of many and discharge of thy owne duty so David professeth Psal. 39. 1. I will take heed to my wayes that I offend not 3. Prayer Lips are sealed till the Lord open the mouth Psal. 51. 15. The Lord must dispossâ—sse this dumb devil that makes us tonguâ—tyed when we 〈◊〉 speak and Psal. 141. 3. Set a watch O Lord and keepe the doore c. But how darest thou professe thou hast beene with Christ or art a Disciple or Christian in whose mouth dwell oathes lyes curses rottennesse ribaldry slandering whispering c. Consider 1. Thou that takest no account of thy words the Lord hath a time to call every of thy idle words to account and thee for them much more for hurtfull and deceitfull wicked and poysonfull 2. It is froth and filthinesse of a bad heart skum of a boyling heart 3. So it is a worke of darkenesse as well to speake wickedly as to doe wickedly a good man a childe of light must make conscience of filthy words as well as filthy actions Vers. 71. And he began to curse and sweare saying I know not this man of whom ye speake PETER was now in great danger he heares of the Garden and is in danger to be revenged for his tumult his quarrell and wronging Malchus he is pressed by evident signes that he was with Christ and now if he bestir him not he shall not avoyd present danger or if he do he shall be branded for a common Lyar and perjur'd Person for ever and therefore out of great feare he more stoutly denyes his Master then before and because neither his simple denyall will serve him as in the first nor his binding it with Oaths and swearing as in the second as if he had not done enough he curseth and imprecateth himselfe wishing not onely mischiefe to himselfe but calling on God a just Judge to avenge the falshood and inflict the deserved punishment on him if he knew of whom he spake Oh fearfull sin 1. To deny his Lord and deare Master 2. After so many warnings on Christs part 3. After so many confessions and professions of his owne 4. After so often three severall times so much time of deliberation coming betweene one might seeme infirmity but thrice argues resolution 5. With lying and perjury 6. With cursing and imprecation Thus Peter is in the forwardest of them that make falshood their refuge and trust in lyes Note How a man having begun to fall fals apace and hath no stay of himselfe till the Lord stay him Peter here falls from lying to false swearing from swearing to cursing as Hamans wife to Haman if thou begin to fall thou shalt surely fall so fall followes upon fall where the Lord with-drawes his hand or stands aloofe 2. Wicked men shall fall from evill to worse till they fall into Hell Saul from disobedience to Sorcery from Sorcery to selfe-murther Pharaoh shall fall ten times and not be warned till he fall into the bottome of Hell and even the Child of God may fall fearfully and should finally were he not stopt and staid and supported as in our example Reas. 1. Satan would have every man sins out of measure sinfull and every yeilding to temptation invites his violence and nothing will serve evill men but ryot and excesse of sin 2. One sinne commonly goes not alone but one puls on another a Garden undrest hath not one weed but of all sorts of weeds as graces go in a chaine faith brings love love obedience so vices go in a linke and sins are concatenated Davids security brings lust lust whoredome Adultery murther Solomon first betakes him to Idolatrous Wives then to Idolatrous worship sin as we 〈◊〉 a good fellow one hangs to another as bars one sin cannot well be defended without another or covered 3. One faculty corrupted corrupts another imagination being corrupted by cogitation of sinne that corrupts the judgement the judgement corrupts the affection so as there is delectation in sin affections corrupts the will bringing it to consent the will corrupts the parts by repeating custome and habit thus sin in the Soul as a gangreene in the body eates up the next parts till it speedily mortifie the whole 4. The Lord in justice often punisheth sinne with sin as Pharaohs sin with obstinacy and hardnesse Exod. 9. 12. The Gentiles by giving them up to their hearts lusts Rom. 1. 23. Vse To stay beginnings of sinne sinne as an Infant at first may
more to sinke himselfe into eternall damnation wonder to see the childe of God fall so headlong Where is Peters Free-will that so little besteads himselfe in so great need How can the Pope challenge from him freedome from errour How can they exempt themselves from errour who at this day teach men to imitate Peter in lying swearing and cursing themselves Object Prove it and I will be no Papist Answ. Rhemists Testament in Acts 13. 12. If thou be put to an oath to accuse Catholiques if thou hast no courage to refuse know that such an Oath bindes not at all in Conscience Note 4. Though Peter here sweare and curse they beleeve him as little as before they beleeve their eyes they saw him in the Garden knew him by face and by speech Why doe they let him goe and draw him to no further punishment Answ. 1. Time was not yet when Peter was old then he must be led where he would not 2. Christ had said that his Disciples must goe their way Reas. 1. Every temptation and danger is limited for substance manner measure and all circumstances beyond which the enemy cannot goe Here Temptations come thicke upon Peter one in anothers necke but shall not utterly overthrow him besides these were as restlesse against Peter as against his Lord yet can they not touch an haire of his head because his houre was not yet come as his Lords was Reas. 2. Let the Adversaries be never so violent and busie yet Gods providence is so wakefull as nothing shall befall wherein he hath not a good hand and a good end 3. Gods mighty power restraines Sathans power and his instruments who are as Lyons in chaines A Legion cannot hurt a Swine of Gaderens till Christ say Goe and when he permits Satan to molest Job he commands him in save his life Vse Comfort to the godly who are never so committed or permitted to Sathan or danger but that the Lord watcheth over their life and salvation yea their very haires c. Goe on therefore chearfully in the Lords worke while thou hast a day Tell Herod that Fox saith Christ I must worke to day and to morrow Verse 72. Then the second time the Cocke crew THat the Cocke crew againe was an ordinary and natural thing but at this time ordained for a speciall end First to put him in minde of his promise 2. To reprove him of his sinne for as the dumbe Asse reproved the foolishnesse of the Prophet so the Cocke here reproves the foolishnesse of Peter 3. To beare witnesse to the words of Christ which Peter will not till now believe to be true 4. To accuse Peter to his owne Conscience he should have cryed and crowed aloud and lifted up his voyce to have awaked others out of their sinne but he needs the voyce of a Cocke to helpe him out of his sin Secondly he is admonished by this voyce that the silly Cock kept his watch according to the word of his Creator but Peter hath not kept his watch with his Lord but fearefully fallen in his station Doctr. Note If Peter will not heare the voyce of his Lord and be taught by his Master he shall heare the voyce of the Cocke and be taught by him God puts his Creatures to a threefold use 1. To serve man serving his Lord the best of them not too good the Angels fellow servants 2. To punish man rebelling against his Lord for they all take their Lords part are his Hoasts his Armies as against Pharaoh 3. To teach man many lessons which otherwise he is loth to learne as when Balaam will not heare the voyce of God God opens the mouth of the Asse and she speakes Numb 22. 28. So when Peter will not heare the voyce of his Lord his Lord opens the mouth of the Cocke and he speakes If the stiffe necked Jewes will not heare the voyce of the Prophets the very Oxe and Asse shall be called in to teach them to know their owner and feeder Isay 1. 3. Quest. But have the Creatures more power to teach then God himself or why doth the Lord thus use them Answ. God is the chiefe Teacher what Minister or Instruments soever he useth he teacheth Principaliter Authoritative but all Creatures teach Ministerially and all their voyce is subordinate to the voyce of God as this Cocke was to Christ. And therefore God speakes not to us by Creatures as if they had more power and perswasion to effect what he cannot but hereby to shame the dulnesse and obstinacy of men whose sinne hath made them inferiour to the very Creatures over whom the Lord gave them Lordship and soveraignty Now Balaams Asse is wiser then his wilfull Master and man who was made Lord and Ruler of the Creatures is now become of lesse understanding then they yea must be brought into order by them whom he should order Vse 1. To heare the voyce of the Creatures waking us calling us inviting us to repentance Their voyce in Generall and in speciall not one of them but all in their kinde reprove Mans rebellion they stand in their kinde and station Man doth not The Cocke crowes and keepes his watches according to the law of his Creation so doe they all further then mans sin hath disordered them when as great a Disciple as Peter sleepes and snorts and cannot watch one houre with his Lord not one of them but all of them by their example teach us to grow weary of our present servitude of sinne and wait for promised deliverance Rom. 8. 21. Shall we be more senselesse then insensible Creatures All of them call for our obedience our ready attendance to performe the Lords Hestes and Commandements The Sunne rejoyceth to runne hâ—s course If he speake to the Fire Water to the Frogs to Grashoppers to Winder they obey his word Oh how should his Word binde the reasonable Creature to whom it was delivered In Speciall heare the voyce of the Dove learne simplicity of the Serpent learne wisdome of the Emmet learne providence of the Fowles and Lillies learne contentment and confidence of the Storke Crane and Swallow to know our season Vse 2. But much more heare the voyce of the Creator Peter should first have heard the voyce of his Lord and then the Cocke might have spared his voyce And know if thou wilt not heare Gods voyce accusing thee as Peter would not thou shalt heare the voyce of one Cocke or another one Creature or other accusing and condemning thee If Cain will not hear the Lord accusing him and take up his lamentation he shall hear the blood of his Brother a fearfull voyce of blood accuse him If covetous persons and Usurers will not heare the voyce of Gods Word accuse them they shall heare the voyce of the Rust and their Gold and Silver yea the Stone in the wall and timber in the roofe shall cry against them If Saul will not
heare the voyce of the Lord the voyce of the Sheepe and lowing of the Oxen shall proclame his rebellion If Gods voyce cannot prevaile against thy sin the cry of thy sin shall come up in the eares of the Lord and prevaile even against thy too late cries for mercy Then Peter remembred the words 1. The Time Then 2. The Meanes 3. The Manner Wept NOW we come to Peters Conversion wherein is 1. Agnitio peccati the knowledge of his Sinne by two meanes 1. Cocke crew 2. Christ looking back Luk. 22. 62. 2. The manner of his Repentance 1. Went out 2. Wept bitterly Time Then Note 1. Peter now begins to waken and come to himselfe There is a time when God will awake the Elect out of sinne who suffers none of his to sleepe in death Psal. 37. 24. Though he fall he shall not be cast off for God puts under his hand 2 Cor. 4. 9. We are cast downe but we perish not God is faithfull to give with every temptation an issue Hence we read of the Saints that have layne a great while as if they had bin quite cast off as David Josephs Brethren Solomon Manasses but in Gods time remembred and called to mercy as Lazarus lay foure dayes in the grave but was at length raised the same in this first Resurrection Reas. God loveth with an everlasting love and leaveth not very long not to their losse but good Vse 1. Farre we say he goes that never turnes the godly never goe so farre though Peter went so farre yet repented the Prodigal Sonne went into a farre Countrey but at last came to himselfe and so to his Father 2. Hence take no warrant to venture a River that seemes shallow at brinke may ducke him that will wade along and many adventurers are never fetcht out thinke with thy selfe it is no small power nor mercy to bring a sinner backe out of the depth of any sinne it was a wonder that ever Jonas was brought safe to land out of such a deepe presuming to run from God This Doctrine is for penitent not presumptuous sinners Vse 3. Thou that hast taken a time to sinne examine whether thou hast found a time of Repentance for if thou belong to God thou hast or must and let it be a motive to hasten our Repentance lest delaying too long thou be forced out of anguish of soule to say with that desparing Papist I have sinned with Peter but not repented with Peter a signe of a Reprobate not to finde Repentance as Esau Judas 4. How to understand that and such places 2 Tim. 2. 12. If we denie him he will deny us except himselfe graciously looke upon us to give us repentance and recover us Note Secondly Peter hath no sooner sinned but he returns and repents The fittest time of Repentance is presently upon the sin without delay David 2 Sam. 24 10. had no sooner numbred the People but his heart smote him Luke 17. 8. Zacheus presently made restitution so soon as he knew his sin Motive 1. Consider the Exhortation Heb. 3. 7. To day if ye will heare his voyce hast thou a lease of thy life till to morrow that refusest to repent to day the day may come on thee as a snare Luke 21. 2. Sinne gets strength by continuance thou art unfitted to morrow grace weaker corruption more rooted the nayle is hard driven in conscience more corrupted by custome of sinne now wrath treasured Rom. 2 5. heart more hardned through deceitfulnesse of sinne Heb. 3. 13. 3. Nature teacheth in other things to take the fittest season to sowe in Seed-time to make Hay while Sun shines to trade while Fayre lasts to take the winde and tyde which stayes for no man Let grace teach thee to know thy season thy day of visitation looke on Christ mourning over Jerusalem that knowes not the season of her own mourning 4. Late Repentance is seldome true Repentance we never read of any that Repented at last but one that we should not presume and yet one that none should despaire August For God giving now a call and putting forth his voyce if thou wilt not heare God may be not onely dumbe never to call thee hereafter but deafe never to heare thee call Prov. 1. 28. And it iâ— just that thou who wilt not be at Gods command to repent now shalt finde that Repentance shall be out of thy command hereafter The like of forced Repentance of such as be sicke or distressed pretend a Repentance pray promise cry vow and what not but not rising out of love but forced feare their Feare is slavish and base and so is their Repentance and so they grow worse in time The Divell returnes with seven worse spirits and running away from God againe God is gone farther then ever Secondly the Meanes of Peters Repentance was the knowledge of his sinne wrought by two means 1. Without him 1. Crowing of the Cocke 2. Looking backe of Christ. 2. Within 1. Remembring 2. Weighing the words of Christ. Note 1. The Cocke crowes the second time and by this crowing Peter is wakened Quest. Why had this second crowing effect and not the first it was as loud Ans. 1. So now unto us that God will call men when he pleaseth 2. That he tyeth not himselfe to such meanes as he tyeth us unto 3. That we should looke beyond the meanes for the successe and blessing of them 4. To note how farre a degree of sinne Peter was now entred into who had wonderfully grieved the spirit and hardned his owne heart so far as the former admonition was lost upon him We read of few of the children of God but they have bin moved and wakened by the first crowing of the Cocke as good David by the admonition of Nathan so Hezekiah c. But to Peter the Cocke must crow againe according to Christs prediction Vse 1. Comfort to painefull Ministers who are the Lords Cocks cry out and crow against the sins of men labour to awaken sinners proclaime to them their sinnes and danger but they heare not remember as little as Peter no good is done What comfort have they but that the Cocke may crow the second time and be heard at one time or other the Lord may let them see their labour not lost God hath his set times to bring things to passe The time of Sauls conversion was when he was most furious and this time we wait and pray for to men as furiously bent against Gods word and Gods Ministers as Saul against the Church Vse 2. To shew us where the fault is that the word so little profiteth among many the fault was not in the Cocke at first that Peter remembred not himselfe but in himselfe so when little good is done the fault is not in the Preacher or in the word but in the hardnesse of thy heart Was the the fault in Moses and Aaron that Pharaoh let not the people go was not the