things yet they â—…nowledge me in their deeds just as those â—â—rds of Paul Rom. 9. 32. Wherefore because 〈◊〉 sought it not by faith but as it were by the â—â—â—ks of the Law for they stumbled at that 〈…〉 bling stone Now this word as it were â—â—t were unfolded as now it lyes sealed 〈◊〉 should finde most men seeking righteâ—â—snesse if not absolutely by the Law 〈◊〉 as it were by the works of the Law 〈◊〉 Believ In this that thou hast said O â—â—w I have nothing to except against for â—â—e we both agree though there was a â—â—s-understanding between us at first yet it true the fault is not in thee O Law that â—â—n put thee in the room of Christ no â—…ore then the brasen Serpent was in fault â—â—om the people did Idolize the fault â—â—s in the people and not in the Serpent at this day mens seeking righteousnesse 〈◊〉 thee becomes their own evill not thine â—â—d as thou hast said though men will not knowledge that they seek righteousnesse 〈◊〉 the Law yet they doe seeke it as it were by the workes of the Law Now here lyeth one of the greatest 〈◊〉 ferences between the Law and the Gospâ—â— both speak of working and both speak resting onely herein lyes the difference â—â—der the Law before Christ was come 〈◊〉 people were to work first and rest aftâ—â—wards that is they were to work six dayâ—… and rest the seventh when they had dâ—â— their work then enter into rest nâ—â— under the Gospel we are to rest first 〈◊〉 work afterwards for as the Sabbath of 〈◊〉 was the last day of the week so our Loâ—â— day of rest is the first day of the week 〈◊〉 are first to receive a Kingdome that cannot moved Heb. 12. 28. and then next to seâ—â— God acceptably with reverence and godly fâ—â— We are first to believe and then in thenâ—… place to shew our faith by iâ—â— works 〈◊〉 are first to see our interest in the promisâ—… and then to cleanse our selves from all filthiâ—â— of flesh and spirit Into what soever house 〈◊〉 enter we are to say peace be to this house first fore we are to shake the dust off our feet as a wâ—… nesse against them So much concerning frâ—â—dome from the Law by Christ that fulfill the Law c. What Christ hath delivered us from and restored us unto Shall onely speak of two things more 〈◊〉 briefly viz. First what we are delivered from by â—…hrist Secondly what we are restored unto First what are delivered from and here 〈◊〉 I might instance in many things I shall â—â—ely make mention of two First we are delivered from sinne Secondly from death the wages of sin First we are delivered from sinne Isa 〈◊〉 6. it was all laid upon him and so we came free Rom. 6. 18. 22. verses comâ—â—red together 1 Pet. 2. 24. 2 Cor. 5. 21. â—…atth 8. 17. Rom. 6. 11. Col. 1. 22. 1 Thess 〈◊〉 13. Secondly those and onely those that â—â—e in Christ are delivered from death the â—â—ges of sinne O death saith Christ I will â—â—thy death Isa 25. 8. He hath swallowed up â—â—th in victory 1 Cor. 15. 55 56 57. O death â—â—ere is thy sting O grave where is thy victory â—â—e sting of death is sinne and the strength of â—â—e is the Law But thanks be unto God who â—â—eth us the victory through our Lord Jesus â—…rist c. So then by Christ a believer is â—â—ed from the Law First from the curse Secondly from the condemning poweâ—… Thirdly from sinne and Fourthly froâ—… death Secondly let us a little consider as whâ—â— we be delivered from so what we are râ—…stored unto I shall not undertake to 〈◊〉 forth this in the heigth and breadth depâ—â— and length but onely give a hint to it 〈◊〉 I have ability and time knowing that I aâ—â— straitned in both Ye were servants you be now friends 〈◊〉 Christs Joh. 15. 15. And if that be too little ye are Sonnâ—… and Daughters If that be too little are calls you his Bâ—â—thren and Sisters Heb. 2. 11. If that be too little he calls you hâ—â— Chosen Spouse and Wife Rev. 21. 9. If that be too little he tells you that yoâ—… be members of his own body 1 Cor. 12. 12 If that be too little he tells you that yoâ—… be heirs with him Rom. 8. 17. If that be too little to expresse the abuâ—…dantnesse of his love to you he tells yoâ—… That the glory which the Father gave to him 〈◊〉 hath given to you that you may be one as 〈◊〉 Father and he is one If that be too little he tells you Thaâ—… you be joyned to the Lord you are one spirit 1 Coâ—… 6. 17. If this be too little he tells you indeed â—…hat all these things above-mentioned are â—â—t a taste of what you shall shortly be Joh. 3. 12. Oh thou most noble overcomming Saint â—â—rvant of the most High God heir of proâ—…ises and Son of Sion Consider what â—â—ou art come from and now by Christ â—â—me to Heb. 12. 22 23 24. But ye are come â—â—to Mount Sion and to the City of the living â—…od the heavenly Jerusalem and unto an innuâ—…erable company of Angels to the general assemâ—â—y and Church of the first born which are writâ—â—n in heaven and to God the Judge of all and to â—â—e spirits of just men made perfect and to Jesus â—â—e Mediator of the new covenant and to the â—…ood of sprinkling that speaketh better things then â—â—at of Abel Now manifestly and truly mayest thou â—…ay I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine â—â—e that toucheth me toucheth the apple of his â—â—ye My Father is so tender of me that he â—…akes all the wrongs done to me as done â—…o himâ—…elfe he that persecutes me perseâ—…utes him Act. 9. 4. And he that hath pity â—…nd compassion on me the Lord takes it as â—…one to himself Matth. 25. 40. David said Who am I that I should be son in â—…aw to King Saul but I may say Who am I that I should be Son and heire yea coheiâ—â— to the King of Kings I was a dry aâ—â— barren tree fit for nothing but burning bâ—â— I shall flourish like a tree planted by tâ—â— rivers of water O how often did he call how earnestâ—â— did he knock how powerfully did 〈◊〉 strive how long did he wait upon me bâ—…fore my stubborn heart would yeeld If 〈◊〉 had never loved me I had never loved hiâ—… If he had never drawn me I had never râ—â— after him If he had never sought me 〈◊〉 had been straying in the wildernesse of inâ—…quity and feeding in the fields of vanity 〈◊〉 most are but now he hath avouched himself to be mine and I have avouched mâ—… self to be his Hos 2. 19. I will betroth thee 〈◊〉 me So I became the Bride the Lambâ—… wife First Christ comes and woes me 2 Coâ—… 5. 20. Secondly he gets my good will and became his 1 Joh. 12. Thirdly he makes my soul fruitfull Joh.
here spoken unto is A It is a doctrine of Grace and a doctrine of Free-grace I know what be the judgments of many knowing men concerning this thing If you ask them what the doctrine of Christ is they will tell you it is a doctrine of Faith and Obedience but this is the effects of the doctrine rather then the doctrine it self For the doctrine of Free-grace being preached to a soule and having gotten entrance to lodg in the inward man then it works faith and obedience as the effects or fruits of that Spirit of grace Hence it is that when Christ sent forth his Disciples to preach this doctrine of Grace he commands them saying Into whatsoever house you enter say Peace unto this house Lo peace is the first word which word is full of grace Christ doth not bid them fire the people out of their nests by preaching the Law and then heal them with the balm of the Gospel no they must first preach peace for God is in the still voice that so the love of Christ held forth in the doctrine of Free-grace Tit. 2. 11 12. might teach them to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and constrain them out of a principle of love to live godly and soberly in this present world Now that the doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace it will appear by these and the like Scriptures which I shall but name Act. 13. v. 39 43 compared together Act. 20. 24. Rom. 3. 24. Rom. 11. 6. Ephes 2. 5. 8 compar'd together In a word as was said before Creation Election Redemption and Sanctification â—…it is all of Free-grace Now me thinks I see most men in a sense give their assent and consent to the truth of this that the doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace and they will tell you further that they do abide in this doctrine Now then let us examine our selves a little by the effects of this doctrine for as a tree is known by his fruit so is this doctrine by its effects First then it is a doctrine of grace enlightening the soul Secondly it is a doctrine of grace working faith in the soul Thirdly it is a doctrine of grace workin love in the soul Fourthly it is a doctrine of grace working upon the will and affections to will and affect the things of God 1. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace enlightening the soul Luk. 2. 3 2. A light to lighten the Gentiles This is spoken of Christ and his doctrine Luk. 1. 79. To give light to them that sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death to guide our feet in a way of peace Joh. 1. 9. That was thaâ—… true light that lighteneth every man c. Now if thou dost abide in the doctrine of Christ thy soul is enlightened by Christ hence it is that the children of God are called the children of light Eâ—â— 5. 8 hence it is that they be exhorted to walkâ—…s children of the day Are you enlightened You will say I am What mean these works of darknesse then 2. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace working faith in the soul Joh. 14. 1. Ye believe in God believe also in me Joh. 6. 29. This is the work of God that you believe Joh. 14. 11. If you will not believe me for my words yet believe in me for the very works sake that you have seen me do 1 Joh. 3. 23. And this is his commandment that we believe on the name of his Sonne Jesâ—…s Christ No obedience like unto the obedience of faith no disobedience like unto that of unbelief for it makes the God of truth a liar 1 Joh. 5. 10. â—…e that believeth on the Sonne of God hath the witnesse in himself He that believeth not God hath made him a liaâ—â— because be believed not the record that God gave of his Son But most men and women will say they do believe but there be but few that can shew their faith by their worâ—…s for faith without works is dead Jam. 17 18 c. 3. The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of grace working love in the soul First to God Mat. 22. 37. Christ told the Lawyer that came to him to know at least â—â—s he pretended what was his doctrine and what was the most principal part of it why saith Christ Mat. 22. 37. Thou shalt love â—â—he Lord thy God wiâ—…h all thy heart with â—…ll thy â—â—trengâ—…h and with all thy soule Secondly it works love to the people of God Joh. 13. 34. A new commandment give I â—â—nto you that you love one another as I have loved â—â—oâ—… I loved you when you were in your â—…lood and filthinesse my love was free let yours be so I loved all mine do you love all the Saints I laid down my life for the â—…rethren you ought to lay down your lives for the brethren I loved you with a constant love having loved my own I loved them to the end so do you My love carried me forth to become servant to all even to wash your feet you if you will be followers of me and be known to be my disciples ought to do so too Thirdly as the doctrine of Christ is a doâ—…trine of grace working love in the soule first to God secondly to his people so thirdly to our enemies See and well consider that place Mat. 5. 44. But I say unto you love your enemies do good to those that haâ—… you pray for those that despitefully use you aâ—â— persecute you Never think that you continâ—â— in my doctrine unless you observe my commands My commands are that you shoulâ—… not only love God but also your brother and it must not be limited only there buâ—… you must love your enemies or else yoâ—… will not be like unto me and my Father Mat. 5. 45. That you may appear to all thâ—… world to be the children of your Father which is in heaven for he maketh his sun to arise 〈◊〉 the evil and on the good and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust For if you love onely thâ—â— that love you the vilest man in the world goeth so far this is no character or badge oâ—â— my servants the Publicans and Harlots did 〈◊〉 much as this Fourthly it is a doctrine of grace working upon the will and affections to will and affect the things of God First it works upon the will it resigns it up unto the will of God nay it makes him live in the will of God 1. By doing his will 2. By suffering his will to be done though it crosse thy will Again it works mightily upon thinâ—â— affections thy affections are taken off the creatures and fixed upon the Creator thou seest more and more beauty in God and â—…nd lesse and lesse beauty in the creature â—…he things of the world would satisfie thee â—â—eretofore Now thou cryest out None but â—…hrist none but Christ Nothing will satisfie â—…ut his presence nothing will
Some would â—…ave God not only to give them ability â—…ut to perform the action and then indeed â—â—ey might say it was the will of God it â—â—uld be so when they did evil for then â—â—ey would be carried on as the Sun Moon â—…nd Stars are without resistance But God â—…aving made man a rational creature and â—…iven him power to act he requires him to â—â—t by vertue of that power given him and 〈◊〉 commends him for acting well blames â—…im for acting ill And though our ability â—…e but small at first yet if we improve that â—…ccording to the strength we have God hath â—…romised to increase it and we shall grow â—â—om strength to strength But if we be unâ—â—ithful in that which is least he will not â—…ust us with more It is good therefore to â—…o what we can and ask and seek for what â—…e cannot do It was possible for the sons â—…f Jonadab to obey their fathers command 〈◊〉 not drinking wine and it was as posâ—â—ble for Israel to obey their Lords comâ—…and for God reproves them by that â—…xample Jer. 35. 14. I suppose that the â—â—ghteous God never commands impossible things The word is nigh thee in thy mouth aâ—… in thy heart saith Moses that thou mayest do 〈…〉 Deut. 30. 13 14. Therefore in the book 〈◊〉 bids them choose life Choose saith Joshuâ—â— whom you will serve as for me and my house 〈◊〉 will improve our selves to the utterm 〈…〉 to serve the Lord Jos 24. 15. And therefoâ—â— the Lord complains because they did nâ—â— chuse the feare of the Lord Pro. 12. 9. Theâ—… want of ability is not once mentioned as aâ—… excuse Again let me ask thee O man whosoevâ—â— thou art that readest these lines Dost thoâ—… not think and believe that God hath giveâ—… everyman power and ability to do so mucâ—… as he requires of him For the proof harâ—… of read understandingly Rom. 1. 19 20 â—… For the Lord is so just and his wayes 〈◊〉 equal that he never requires impossibâ—â— things of his creatures He dealeth witâ—… man according to what he hath and coâ—…mands what he knowes he may perforâ—… He is not like Pharaoh to command Brick 〈◊〉 be made without Straw He gives forth hâ—… Talents and commands the Receiver 〈◊〉 improve that and when he comes to caâ—… them to an account he doth not demaâ—â— five talents where he gave but one only 〈◊〉 blames that servant for not improviâ—â— that one he that was not able to bring â—…old or Silver Silk or fine Linnen to the â—…ilding of the Temple if he brought â—…asse or Goats haire or such as he could â—…tha willing heart it was accepted Again 〈◊〉 finde that he that was not able to bring â—…amb or a Kid for his sin Offering must â—…ing two Turtle Doves or young Pigeons â—…he could not bring those then the tenth â—…rt of an Ephah of fine flower should serve 〈◊〉 where the Lord gives much he requires â—â—ch and where he gives little he reâ—…ires but little Now is the Lord so tender of the people â—â—t he would not have them to stretch â—â—emselves beyond their abilities in point 〈◊〉 Sacrifices and is not he as tender of â—â—ir weaknesse in other points of obediâ—â—ce Doth he command impossibilities â—â—n the Creature may have a just execuse at 〈◊〉 last day when every man shall be judged â—â—â—ording to his works saying If thou 〈…〉 st given me power to doe that which 〈…〉 u gavest me a command to doe then I 〈◊〉 done it and so his disobedience is cast â—…on his Judge for not giving strength to â—…e that he required If this be true then â—â—me not those that say that God is the au 〈…〉 r of sinne But shall I aske thee again O vain man hast thou done so much good and refraiâ—…ed so much evil that thou mightest haâ—… done Put this question to thy Consciencâ—… saying Conscience I doe charge thee in tâ—â— presence of the Lord to deal truly with meâ—… Have I done so much good and refrained 〈◊〉 much evil as I might have done me thinâ—… I hear thy Conscience saying to thee aâ—… mine hath often to me No no thou haâ—… been a sloathful servant in the Lords Vinâ—… yard O poore filly man art thou like tâ—â— Bruites that doe not know their owâ—… strength Why dost thou not know 〈◊〉 vain man that God that made thee haâ—â— indued thee with power and abilitâ—… suteable to thy state and quality Hatâ—… thy wise Creatour given forth a power tâ—… the Fishes of all sorts to swim and to tâ—â— Fowls of the Ayre to flye and the Beasts 〈◊〉 the Earth to go from place to place yeâ—… hath he given wisdome and power to tâ—â— meanest of Creatures the Ant and Pismiâ—… Crane and Swallow c. and thou O maâ—… whom the Lord of Lords hath made Loâ—â— over al these things hast thou no ability aâ—… thou a meer dead lump doth God call aâ—â— canst thou not heare nor answer wilt thoâ—… tell him when he shall judge thee that 〈◊〉 dâ—…d not impower thee Wilt thou charge â—â—y Omissions and Commission upon him â—…ilt thou make him worse then wicked â—…haroah which made the Children of Isâ—â—el make Brick without Straw let me tell â—…ee O man thou art able by the power â—…hat is given thee according to Gods comâ—…on Providence I say thou art able by â—…ertue of that power received to speake or 〈◊〉 hold thy peace to go or to sit still and â—…hen thou and I shall both appear before â—â—e Tribunal Seat of God at the day of â—…udgement thou and I shal not be charged â—…ith what we could not doe but for leaâ—â—ng undone that which we ought might â—…ave done Now that I might not be mistaâ—…en I shal make or propose these few excepâ—â—ons or limitations to what hath been said 1. There is a power in God incommuâ—â—cable I doe not say there is any such â—…ower in us there is a power also in him â—…ommunicable which dwels in us accordâ—â—g to the measure thereof communicaâ—â—d c. 2 We are to consider that this power in â—â—e Creature as it was given forth from â—…im so it is limitted by him 3 I doe not say or affirme that natural â—â—wer can act in supernatural things for I know the contrary that it cannot buâ—… only in naturall 4. Although I doe affirm that all meâ—… have a natural power yet I doe not saâ—… that every man natural hath it in the samâ—… measure for I see men transcending oâ—… another in gifts natural as men exceeâ—… and goe beyond one another in gifts Spiritual Truly friends it is worth our consideration a litle to study or enquire into our natural abilities that so we might improvâ—… them to the bâ—…st advantage for naturaâ—… improvements shal have natural rewards aâ—… spiritual improvements shall have spirituaâ—â— rewards If Ahab repent with a natural râ—…pentance Ahab shall receive a natural reward as you may see 1 King 21. 27. It wiâ—â— further appear that
plantâ—… his Spirit by vertue of which these men aâ—… women can pray in the Spirit rejoice 〈◊〉 the Spirit and in some measure worshâ—â— God who is a Spirit in spirit and in trutâ—… These can read and understand the letter 〈◊〉 the spirit they can discourse of spirituâ—â— things understandingly and feelingly bâ—… this power they can pull down strong holâ—… cast down imaginations Read for the proof 〈◊〉 this 2 Cor. 10. 3 4 5 6 7. By this power thâ—… can keep down their natural or corruptâ—…ble body as Paul 2 Cor. 9. 27. But I keâ—â— under my body and bring it unto subjection left should be found to preach that to others that should not practise my self Now this spiritual power as it was râ—…ceived from God so it is to be improvâ—… for God which if we be faithful and diâ—â—gent so to do then First the Lord will have the glory Mâ—â— 5. 16. Secondly it will redound to our greâ—â—est good Mat. 21. 22 23. And that there is a spiritual power it â—â—ll further appear from the several comâ—…ands from the Lord to his people to be â—…ing in spiritual things which were all 〈◊〉 vain if there be no ability given forth to â—…e Creature to do that which is required â—…ight instance in as many places as there 〈◊〉 Chapters in the Bible to prove it but â—…r brevities sake I shall mention but a few â—â—t 11. 23. Barnabas exhorted them all that â—â—th purpose of heart they would cleave unto the â—â—rd They did not answer him and say â—…at they had no power they could not doe it â—…il 2. 12. Work out your own salvation with â—…re and trembling These people did not â—…y there was Free-will in the Text. As King â—…AMES once said upon the like occasion â—…ere was Treason in the Text when a â—…inister that preached before him had taken Text of Scripture that did treat of the aâ—…se of Kingly power the King burst forth 〈◊〉 a passion and said There was Treason in the â—â—xt But if Kings will not cast down their â—…rowns at the feet of Christ Christ will â—…uck them off and lay them at the feet of â—…en If there be no power in man Natural nor 〈◊〉 man Spiritual then away with all the â—…dmonitions Instructions Informations and so with the whole Bible cease to teaâ—â— Man As good go teach the Sun Moon anâ—… Stars which way they shall go the Wind 〈◊〉 blow or the Sea to ebb and flow go teaâ—â— the Fish to swim and the Bird to flie fâ—â— they have power but man hath none And indeed if man regenerated if maâ—… spiritualized have no power to act go anâ—… race out these ensuing Scriptures as requâ—…ring that of man which man hath no abiliâ—â— to do Luk. 13. 24. Strive to enter in at tâ—â— strait gate Many shall seeke to enter â—… Rom. 15. 30. Now I beseech you brethren fâ—â— the Lord Iesus Christs sake and for the love 〈◊〉 the Spirit that you strive together with me yoâ—… prayers to God for me Hâ—…b 12. 4. You have nâ—â— yet resisted unto blood striving against siâ—â— Heb. 12. 1. Let us lay aside every weight and tâ—â— sinne that doth so easily beset us and let us 〈◊〉 with patience the race that is set before us 2 Peâ—… 1. 5 6 7. And besides this give all diligence adâ—… to your faith vertue and to vertue knowledge aâ—â— to knowledge temperance and to temperance paâ—â—ence and to patience godlinesse and to godlineâ—â— brotherly kindnesse and to brotherly kindneâ—â— charity c. 2 Pet. 1. 10. Give all diligence 〈◊〉 make your calling and election sure 2 Phil. 1â—… Work out your own salvation with fear and treâ—…bling Jer. 4. 14. O Ierusalem wash thine heâ—◠〈…〉 m wickednesse that thou mayest be saved â—â—r 18. 11. Return from your evil wayes and â—…ake your wayes and doings good saith the Lord. â—…at 11. 28. Come unto me all ye that labour and â—…e heavy laden and I will give you rest Jâ—…r 3. 13. â—â—ly acknowledge thine iniquity I wil pardon it Now as many as have received this spiriâ—â—al power are able according to its meaâ—â—re to doe the thing required As to inâ—â—nce The Lord said to David Seek my face â—…avid's heart being enlightened and imâ—â—wered by God makes this answer to the â—â—rds command Lord thy face will I seek â—â—d sometimes God conveyes the power â—â—gether with the precept to enable them 〈◊〉 do what he commands them to do And â—â—en if a man do it not or do the contrary â—…e Scripture tels thee thou art slothfull â—â—d dost not use thy power or covetous â—â—d so abusest thy power 1 C or 9. 18. Now let me ask thee O thou enlighten 〈◊〉 Christian hast thou since thou wast enâ—â—ghtened by Christ done as much for Christ thou mightest have done Doth not thy â—…nscience tell thee thou hast been negligent â—â—d slothful and left undone those things â—…hich thou oughtest to have done and done â—…ose things which thou mightest have left â—…done In a word hast thou avoided so much evil and done so much good as thâ—â— mightest have done What thou wilt 〈◊〉 now I know not but when thou anâ—… shall appear before the Searcher of all heaâ—â— atâ—… the last day we shall not tell the Loâ—â— we wanted power to obey him in his coâ—…mands Surely if there be no life vigor powâ—â— in men and women regenerate then in vaâ—â— are all those stirrings perswafions and iâ—… treaties in Scripture as to instance in a feâ—â— 2 Tim. 1. 6. Wherefore I put thee in remembraâ—â— that thou stirre up the gift of God which is in thâ—… 2 Pet. 1. 13. Yea I think it meet as long as I 〈◊〉 in this tabernacle to stir you up by putting you remembrance c. 2 Pet. 3. 1. This epistle 〈◊〉 loved I now write unto you in which I stiâ—â— up your pure minds by way of remembrance â—… Heb. 3. 13. But exhort one another daily whilâ—… is called to day lest any of you be hardened throâ—… the deceitfulnesse of sin Heb. 10. 24. Let us 〈◊〉 sider one another to provoke one another to lâ—â— and good works 1 Cor. 4. 16. Wherefore I seech you be ye followers of me 1 Pet. 1. 15. 〈◊〉 as he which called you is holy so be ye holy in manner of conversation 2 Tim. 2. 19. Let eâ—â—â— one that nameth the name of the Lord depart frâ—â— iniquity Ephes 4. 22. That you put off the 〈◊〉 man which is corrupt Mat. 5. 16. Let your l 〈…〉 â—…shine before men that they may see your good 〈…〉 s and glorifie your Father which is in heaven Tim. 4. 13. Till I come give attendance to â—â—ding to exhortation to doctrine c. Now if there be no power in a man reâ—â—wed to do what is commanded then rase â—â—t all the Commands for they be all in â—…in they be worse then Pharaoh they reâ—…ire heavenly bricks to be made of earthly â—…aw Away with all exhortations perswasiâ—â—s intreatings
Law Christ was made under me anâ—… did observe me so as to obey me and hâ—… commanded thee to learn of him Mattâ—… 11. 28. and to walk as he walked 1 Joâ—… 2. 6. Believ If Christ was made under thâ—… Law and did yeeld obedience to the Law why it was for me that he might set mâ—… free Gal. 5. 1. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath set us free and bâ—… not intangled again with the yoke of bondage O Law wilt thou turn Extortioner to take thy due in my Surety and imprisoâ—… me too when Christ hath paid the debâ—… that I owed thee to a penny and hath takeâ—… up the bond and can celled it Col. 2. 14. Law But saith the Law I would have thee to know that the dearest servants oâ—… Christ as well as Christ himself have been under me what fayest thou of David Psal 38. â—… I having shewed him his sin and pronounced his terrours he cryeth out My sinâ—… are too heavy for me to bear And Jeremiah 〈◊〉 Prophet lay a long time under me 〈◊〉 the whole book of the Lamentations doth â—â—undantly testifie I could instance in alâ—…ost all the Saints in the Old and New Teâ—â—â—ments that lay under me And dost thou â—â—ink thy self wiser then they and so make â—â—e also of none account Believ The Lord for bid that I should â—…ake my self wiser then they or coâ—…pare â—…y self with them David and Jeremiah they â—…ere both glorious instruments to set forth â—â—e praise power and wisdome of God â—â—t O Law this let me tell thee I have now â—…eat cause to praise magnifie and admire â—…od in his wonderful love to me in that he â—…ave me a being in this latter day wherein â—â—ere is greater light and a clearer maniâ—â—station of his free justification by saith â—…ithout the works of the Law Rom. 3. 28. â—…nd that he hath freed me from thee O â—…aw and spirit of bondage that I and oâ—…hers have a long time lain under Rom. â—…0 4. Gal. 4. 4 5. Rom. 6. 14. Rom. 〈◊〉 6. Law But wilt thou not own me so as â—…o take me for thy rule of life Believ No by no means and that â—…or these reasons First thou art dead to me Rom. 7. 6. anâ—… I am dead to thee Rom. 7. 4. Secondly because thou wouldest be uâ—… profitable to me if I should observe the for save me thou canst not for that is 〈◊〉 grace Eph. 2. 5. 8. Thirdly I will not serve thee because am not under thee Gal. 3. 25. but after thâ—… faith is come I am no longer under Schoolmaster Law Well for all this mind what hoâ—â— and heavenly David said of me Psal 119. Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respâ—â—â— to all thy commandments Believ He that believeth on him as tâ—â— Scripture saith shall not be ashamed Rom. 1â—… 11. 28. Isa 16. Law Though thou and others do 〈◊〉 little esteem of me because you do not 〈◊〉 the excellencie that is in me yet let me tâ—â— thee that I am glorious so that the chiâ—…dren of Israel could not behold the face 〈◊〉 Moses when he received me 2 Cor. 3. 7. Believ If that which was done away wâ—â— glorious much more that which remaiâ—… is glorious even the Gospel 2 Cor. 3. 11. Law But saith the Law If thou caâ—â— clearly prove by Scripture that the Loâ—â— that gave me to Moses did limit me a timâ—… and that I was not to continue to the end 〈◊〉 the world in my full power force and â—â—rtue I will be silent Believ That I will presently prove Gal. 〈◊〉 19. Wherefore then serveth the Law faith â—â—ul why it was added because of transgresâ—â—on till the seed should come c. Now this â—â—ed is Christ and this Christ is come whereâ—â—re O Law give place Law Have I been so strictly observed in â—…ll ages ever since I was given forth and â—…hat by those men that were accounted the â—…ost religious men upon the face of the â—â—rth and dost thou O sally mâ—…n and a few â—…uch as thou that art ignorant and dost â—…ot know the Law dost thou I say think â—…o make me void Believ I do not make thee void but raâ—…her establish thee in thy place and room â—…om 3. 31. and so in 1 Tim. 1. 8. But we â—…now that the Law is good if a man use it lawâ—…ully Again if I had lived in those dayes in which thou wast in force I had been under â—…hee as well as those you name before and 〈◊〉 do conceive that thou O Law wast in full â—…orce power and vertue from the time that Moses received thee upon the Mount untill Christ came in the flesh Nay and after he came in the flesh thoâ—… wast in force until the Lord Jesus had suâ—…mitted unto thee in all thy demonstrationâ—… and obeyed thee in all thy precepts so thâ—â— there was not one thing that thou requireâ—… to be done but he did do it till at lenghâ—… there was no more required so Christ dâ—…clares it was finished Joh. 17. 4. I have finisâ—…ed the work that thou gavest me to do c. Nay O Law he did not only yeeld obâ—…dience to thy commands and so fulfillâ—â— thee but he did suffer all thy torments anâ—… judgements as if he had broken thee Thoâ—… couldest but require a compleat and intiâ—â— obedience both in principles and practiâ—â— and in case of disobedience to suffer tâ—â— punishment due to such a sinne or sinne this was all thou hadst to say Now tâ—â— Lord Christ took mans nature and waâ—… made under thee and in all things obseâ—…ved thee in point of action and submittâ—â— to thee in point of suffering And if thoâ—… ask me how this obedience of Christ thâ—… second Adam is become mine Let me as thee O Law how was the transgression 〈◊〉 the first Adam imputed to me was I not 〈◊〉 his loyns and so partaker of his sinne 〈◊〉 natural generation and am I not also 〈◊〉 the second Adam by spiritual regeneratioâ—… aâ—…d so partaker of all his obedience and â—â—â—hteousnesse by communication Read â—â—derstandingly 1 Cor. 1. 30 31. 2 Cor. â—…1 Law If thou and a few such as thou art 〈◊〉 winde and twist your selves out of my â—â—wer as not to hearken to me in my pre 〈…〉 s nor fear me in my threatnings yet let 〈◊〉 tell thee O man That the greater part â—…en and women that ever have heard of 〈◊〉 are yet under me and shall be judged 〈◊〉 Christ according as they keep me or â—â—ak me Believ That the greater part of men â—â—d women that ever heard of thee are still â—â—der thee I have granted before in what I â—â—â—e said in answer unto thee And whereâ—…hou sayest they shall be judged by thee 〈◊〉 by Christ according as they keep or â—â—ak thee there is something in it though â—â—nnot fully grant it First there is someâ—â—â—ng in it for our Lord Jesus Christ â—â—aching to the Jews which were under 〈◊〉 Law
Hope your Patience and Selâ—… denyal is not the Faith Hope Patience and â—…elf-denial of the Gospel your assurance 〈…〉 r Heaven is unfound you have been daw 〈…〉 d with untempered mortar the day is alâ—…ost come that thou must die after death 〈…〉 me to judgment and then be judged acâ—…rding to thy works Then if thou doest â—â—ant Oyle in thy Lamp which is Grace in 〈…〉 e heart thou wilt be shut out it will be 〈◊〉 vaine then with Balaam to fall a praying 〈…〉 ord let me die the death of the righteous and let 〈◊〉 latter end be like his No no He that will 〈◊〉 the death of the righteous must live the life of 〈◊〉 righteous Those that he appointed for â—â—ory hereafter shall have the beginning of â—â—ace here for they be chosen to salvation â—…rough sanctification of the Spirit and be 〈…〉 ef of the truth and without holinesse no man â—â—all see the Lord. Your Leaders have caused 〈…〉 ou to erre the blinde hath led the blinde and 〈…〉 th will fall into the ditch unlesse you beâ—…are in time O poore Souls I cannot blame you to â—…omplain of bad suffering times to be thus â—…heated on every side you have but a Body â—…nd a Soule and to be deceived and depriâ—…ed of the comfortable being of the one â—…here and to have no assurance of rest for â—…he other hereafter is a sad condition indeed Oh how be the people destroyed for want of knowledge Like Priest like People as in Hos 4. 6 9. The Prophets there of doe teach for hire and the Priests divine for money and you poore simple ones love to havâ—… it so O you simple ones how long will yee lovâ—… simplicity and you scorners delight in scorning 〈◊〉 you are deceived and by those that you least mistrusted namely the Prophets Mich. 3. 5. Do 〈…〉 but spend a little time and tracethis Tribâ—â— from the Prophet Isaiah's dayes untill now 〈…〉 First Isaiah complains of them in his dayes Isai 28. 7. Jeremy complains of them in hiâ—… dayes Jâ—â— â—…0 6. and Ezekiel the Propheâ—â— complain of them in his daies Ezek. 22. 26. So the Prophets Daniel Hosea Joel and Amos these also complains of the badnesse of this generation Then the Prophet Micah he complains of their sins and prophesieth of their judgements Mich. 3. from v. 5. to the end of the Chapter Then when Christ came in the flesh hâ—… was opposed by them and complains o 〈…〉 them Matt. 23. 13 15 16. then the Apostles themselves were continually persecuted and afflicted from time to time by them as you may read in the Acts of the Apostles And if there be any truth in Histories see what a sort of Ministry there were in Henry 〈…〉 eighth's dayes when the King denied Popes Supremacy how soon did this 〈…〉 be face about and side with the King 〈…〉 en again in the dayes of Edward the sixt â—â—reason of his pious resolution though 〈◊〉 young the Clergie feared a turn and â—â—esently fell a preaching against the Masse 〈…〉 ok and it was soon abolished and the â—â—mmon-Prayer-book set up in its place â—â—d these men zealous Common-Prayerâ—â—ok men And then about three or foure â—…ars after that Queen Mary was made â—…ueen the Clergie bethought themselves â—â—d presently the greatest part of them turâ—â—d about again from Common-Prayerâ—â—ok to Masse-Book for say they the diffeâ—â—nce is not great Then after Queen Mary was dead and Queen Elizabeth had the Crownâ—… preâ—…ently the whole tribe of them except some â—â—w turned Protestants again under which shape and in which visage they have â—…ontinued untill the beginning of this preâ—…ent Parliament Well the Parliament had not sate long but the Wolfe covered with Sheeps cloathing was discovered and after a little consideration it was put to the Vote and suddenly after tumbled down the Prelatical discipline root and branch Wel what follows why our Clergie for 〈◊〉 most part threw aside their Surplisse Hoods and Tippets Organs and Altarâ—â— Bowings and Cringings Tapers and Caâ—…dles and perk up into the Pulpit anâ—… lifts up their voices and preach again those things and so became the reverenâ—â— laborious zealous Ministers of England thou desirest a fuller discovery of this look into what I have written before caâ—…led A word to the pretended Minister and neither of these will _____ satisfie thee if thou wilâ—… see the Wolfe stript of his Sheeps cloathing indeed then look into the Chronicles 〈◊〉 England Scotland and Ireland Mr. Fox hiâ—… book of Acts and Monuments of thâ—… Church and his History of Martyrs c. O then take heed how you hear Luke 8. 18â—… take heed whom you heare Jer. 27. 9. take heeâ—… what you hear Mark 4. 24. Beloved I have not written these things to take off your affections from the true Ministers of the Gospel but to disengage your hearts affections from the ravening Wolves that the Lord Christ hath commanded me and you to beware of Matt. 7. 15 and Acts 20. 29. and Joh. 10. 12. Again Believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they be of God 1 Joh. 4. 1. For many deceivers are entred into the â—…orld 2 Joh. 7. These things have I written â—…nto you concerning them that seduce you 1 Joh. 〈◊〉 26. Now that you might take heed whom you hear how you hear and what â—…ou hear and that you might not believe â—…very spirit but try the spirits whether â—…hey be of God I shall under correction â—…nd with submission to better judgements â—…ive my thought of the one of the other â—…nd endeavour to put a difference between 〈◊〉 Prelate and a Pilate a Feeder and a Fleeâ—…er a Blinde-beetle and a Seer a Butcher â—…nd a Shepheard a Destroyer and an Instruâ—…ter a Tyrant and a Father a Thief and a Keeper a Seducer and a Leader a ravening Wolf and a moderate Shepheard that so â—…ou might cast off the one and embrace the other and truly herein I cannot speak in â—…allibly but give my thoughts at a distance â—…or Satan hath transformed himself into an Angel of light and his works are more myâ—…terious then ever the Lord cannot have â—…is Church but the Devil will have his Chappel if they will have Ordinances he will have them too if they will congregate themselves together by uniting in one spirit Sathan and his company will unite together in one form of communion and afterwards teach union If the true Church of Christ will teach first the Doctrinal par 〈…〉 and then the practical part Sathan wi 〈…〉 allow his Ministers to preach the same onâ—…ly with this difference he will put theâ—â— upon building before they have laid thâ—â— foundation if the true Chruch will builâ—… upon the rock Sathan and his companâ—… will build too but his foundation must 〈◊〉 laid on sand I shall now endeavour 〈◊〉 give my judgement of the pretended Minâ—…ster first and then of the true Ministâ—â— next that so you might hold to the o 〈…〉 and forsake the
other A false Prophet or Minister then may 〈◊〉 known viz. 1. He is one that doth cause the peoplâ—… to erre Mich. 3. 5. 2. He doth bark at the Sheep anâ—… bite at the Lambs and teach others so tâ—… doe Mich. 3. 5 6. But God will write shamâ—… upon them Vers 7. 3. He is one that doth seek and seâ—â— up himself 1 Pet. 5. 3. and 1 Tit. 11. 4. He is one that seeks not to gain souls to Christ but rather to make divisions and factions Act. 20. 30. 5. Although they pretend to it they take no care of the flock of Christ Joh. 10. 13. 2 Pet. 2. 3. Acts 20. 29. 6. They may be known by this also â—…ot withstanding all pretences of Pietie â—…ou shal finde them prophane either in â—…rinciples or practice 2 Pet. 2. 14 18. â—…ud 4. 2 Tim. 3. 9. 13. 7. They deny and overthrow most â—…f the substantial points in Religion unâ—â—er specious pretences 2 Pet. 2. 2. 2 Tim. 〈◊〉 18. 8. They may be known by this al 〈…〉 o they will pretend an interest in God and an enjoyment of God and so set up themselves and speak evil of others 2 Pet. 10 vers 18 19. 9. They doe break the bruised reeds and quench the smoking flax strengthen the hands of the wicked and weaken the Saints just as their forefathers left upon record and written for their learning Ezek. 34 2 3 c. 10. When these men doe suffer as evill doers and that justly they will be telling their Congregations it is suffering times and they suffer for Christ when alas poor souls you doe now suffer for being enemies to Christ and his people you are a little buffeted but is it not for your faults have you not of late backslided from Presbyterie to Cavalierisme What would become of England this day if the English Nation had been ruled by you as the Scottiâ—â— Nation was by their Clergie Blood criet 〈…〉 for vengeance in England and Scotland anâ—… as for these things that you cal suffering foâ—… Christ let me tell you these be but the beginnings of sorrow to you Now as for these false Prophets and pretended Ministers and ravening Wolves leâ—… me tell them that their trade is at the best those daies of cheating do shorten apaceâ—… their work is almost at an end they or a 〈…〉 least some of them may continue some moneths but not many years for Antichrist is going down and then I am surâ—… you cannot stand up surely his time is very short death-pangs are upon him he is now breathing his last gaspe for he hath plaied his last game and is discovered in his subtillest defigne Sheeps cloathing and Lambs horns will no longer deceive the Wolf is stript and the Beast discovered and the stormie night of affliction is almost past with the Church the time of the singing of Birds is come and the voyce of the turtle is heard though yee like liars are telling the people that these Birds are Birds of prey Then the true Ministers of the Gospel â—…ay be known by these and the like Charaâ—â—ers viz. 1. He that is a faithful Minister of Jeâ—â—s Christ will seek the honour of Christ beâ—â—re his own good Act. 3. 12 13 c. 2. A true Minister of the Gospel is 〈◊〉 farre from Monopolizing the Trade of â—…reaching to himself a few of his Coat â—â—at he could wish in his heart with Moses â—…hat all the Lords people were Prophets â—…umb 11. 29. And with Paul rejoyce that â—…he Gospel is preached whether it be in â—…retence or truth Christ is preached and 〈◊〉 doe therein rejoice and I will rejoice Phil. 18. 3. A true Minister of the Gospel is â—…xperienced in the mysterie he accounts â—…he historie dark without the mysterie 〈◊〉 Cor. 2 4. 10. 13. and 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. and 〈◊〉 Joh. 1. 3. 4. He is or ought to be faithfull â—…o dispence the Word of God in conscience â—…nto God freely not as pleasing men 1 Thess 24. 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. and 1 Pet. 4. 10 11. 1 Tim. 1. 12. and 2 Cor. 4. 2. 5. and 1 Cor. 9. 16. 5. He is one that is pure in Doctrine and holy and unblamable in life and conversation 1 Tim. 4. 12. 1 Tim. 2. 7. 6. He is or ought to be one that is souâ—â— and well-grounded in himself that so 〈◊〉 might speak from experience Rom. 15. 1â—… 1 Cor. 11. 23. 1 Tim. 3. 6. Tit. 1. 9. 〈◊〉 Tit. 1. 1. 7. He is or ought to be skilfull in dâ—…viding to every one his portion that 〈◊〉 may not give Childrens bread to dogs anâ—… Dogs meat to children as most do in thâ—â—â— dayes 2 Tim. 2. 15. Tit. 2. 1. 7. 15. 8. He that is a faithful Minister of Chriâ—â— may be known by his tendernesse gentlenesse towards his Flock as a Father Shepherd and Nurse Act. 20. 28. I Pet. 5. 〈◊〉 1 Thess 2. 11. 1 Cor. 3. 2. 9. He is one that accounts no time noâ—… place unfit or unseasonable to reprove râ—â— buke exhort with all long suffering anâ—… doctrine 2 Tim. 4. 2. 1 Tim. 4. 15. Româ—… 12. 7. 10. He is or ought to be one that dotâ—… freely and fully dispense the truth and noâ—… thing but the truth 2 Tim. 2. 2. Act. 20. 27â—… 1 John 1. 3. 11. If he be a Scholar in humane schools he layes that by whiles he is preaching thâ—â— Gospel 1 Cor. 2. 3 4. 1 Cor. 9. 19 22â—… 1 Cor. 3. 2. 1 Cor. 14. 18 19. 12. He endeavours to carry himself so 〈◊〉 that he may give no offence to any one in â—…ny thing 2 Cor. 6. 3 4 5 6. 13. He is one that may be known by this â—â—so If he hath ought against any man â—â—ther superiors or inferiors either King â—…arliament or Common wealth he will reâ—…rove them sharply yet with the spirit of â—…eeknesse and that to their faces not raile â—…ehind their backs 1 King 22. 8. 2 Sam â—…2 7. Nehem. 5. 7. Jer. 1. 17. Amos 7. 12. 13. 〈◊〉 Chron. 24. 20. 21. Mar. 6. 18. 14. A true and faithful Minister of the â—…ospel will not do a thing that is lawfull â—â—nlesse it be expedient also See an instance â—â—r this in your brother Paul 2 Thess 3. 9. 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 9. 6 7 8 9 10 11. Here we find Paul â—…ad power and it was lawful for him to â—…equire wages for preaching but it was â—…ot expedient and therefore he would not â—…o it 2 Thess 3. 8. 1 Cor. 9. 12 15 c. Now where there be men of this charaâ—…er whether they have received Ordination â—…rom Prelacie or Presbyterie yea or no or â—…ave renounced such their admission to the â—…inistry as many of them have done upon â—…ound terms and so must the rest or else â—…hey will be laid aside both by God man 〈◊〉 say of such men I am fully satisfied I â—…onour them I love them I embrace them as the servants of Christ and leaders of hâ—â— people