Beleevers heart may feel it no tongue can expresse it here all language is lost and admiration seals up every lip Principality and powers nature and reason men Angels stand amazed at it 3. Thirdly this holy Spouse begetteth Children to Christ 1 Pet. 1.23 by the seed of the word and ministry of the same therefore is she called the Mother of us all Gal. 4.26 And after they are borne she feedeth her Babes by the same word 1 Pet. 2.2 as with milke and strong meate The sincere word of God being of this nature that without any mixture of humane addition it serves for a most fit nourishment of our soules whence is that saying of old Qui non habet Ecclesiam matrem non habet Deum patrem He or shee who acknowledgeth not the Church for his Mother hath not God for his Father These her Children are a Kingdome of Priests a holy nation Exod. 19.6 The Lords inheritance and his flock 1 Pet. 5.3 Iohn 10. All which and many more expressions the Seripture affords whereby it plainly appears how dear and pretious the Church is to God I am my beloveds my beloved is mine Cant. 6.3 All true believers members of this Church are his by a peculiar propriety Wee are thine thou never barest rule over them they were not called by thy name Isa 63.19 The Divells are his vassals the wicked of the world his prisoners The faithfull onely are his Jewels friends brethren members his Spouse His by all the relations of intimatenesse that can be named CHAP. V. The good things which flow from this neer relation to the Church and place where the same is gathered SAmpson who was a Type of Christ comes not empty handed to his Wife Christ Jesus who hath chosen the Church for his Wife lov's his Wife with a true love and therefore she is sure of abundance of blessings All grace to our souls all good to our bodies all peace that may concern this life or that to come is derived to us through Christ the Husband of the Church Whatsoever good descends from God to us is granted through Christ wee are elected in Christ as the head redeemed by Christ from all iniquity and purified to himself to be a peculiar people that is the Church zealous of good workes Tit. 2.14 Wee are ingrafted into Christ as Members of his Body and at length we shall be saved by him God gives to all gifts but they are onely true comforts to those which enjoy them as members of Christs body the Church Amongst his Love tokens which Christ bestowes on his Spouse the Church for grace and ornament the Jewel of the word and ministery is the chiefest so the Psalmist 147.19 20. Hee shewed his word unto Jacob his Statutes and his judgements unto Israel he hath not dealt so with any nation The benefits of this are expressed in the 19th Psalm by six Couples where your are to note and observe 1. That David speaks especially of the word of the Gospel Verse 7 8. which converts and rejoyceth the heart Marke likewise 2. The names he gives to the word Then 3. The benefits of it by couples and that by way of opposition to all other instruction out of the pale of the Church that is in opposition to all meer humane learning plainly shewing the happinesse of them who are made partakers of the word 1. The first name is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thora á 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 jecit projecit To cast forth from him hence Thora a doctrine uttered cast forth by a Teacher to instruct others here especially concerning the will of God wherefore the word Jehovah is added Verse 7. It 's two excellencies and effects are integrity and restitution or restoring the soul Conversion 1. Integrity the word of God is perfect that is discovers more plainly and fully to his Church or people the will of God then any doctrine or learning that is taught out of the Church by any though never so learned Philosophers had onely the knowledge of God by the Creatures Sun Moon Stars and others on Earth in the Air and the Sea whereby God did evidence his goodnesse wisdome and power his will nature is not evidenced fully or perfectly 2. Excellencie or the second effect of Gods Law is to convert the Soul that is Gods heavenly doctrine discovers the remedy against all evills which proceed from sin withall the way to get out But humane wisdome at the farthest brings only to the sight of our miseries prescribing no remedy but leav's men with great pensivenesse and care of minde to enquire the cause of that horrible ruine in man the little world and chief of all visible creatures which made Theophrastus to utter this complaint that nature was rather a Stepdame then a loving Mother to mankinde Thus men out of the Church are left without any remedy spending and wasting themselves with most sad and sorrowfull complaints Whereas Gods word sheweth to those of the church a plain way to get out of their wretched estate 2. The second name given to the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gnud to testify the Law or word is called a Testimony because it beareth witnesse of Gods will which he manifesteth to us in his word chiefly the Gospel Truth and making wise the simple are the two excellencies of this Testimony The Word of God witnesseth first 1. What is that good acceptable and perfect will of God Rom. 12.2 2. Secondly being applyed to our thoughts words or works as a witnesse in our consciences it either accuseth if they answere not the pattern God hath given in his Word or else excuseth if they be conformable to the word 3. The third generall excellency of the word and first of this Testimony is 1. Truth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 faithfull certain firm incorrupt which is allwayes the same a singular excellency of the word expressing fully the nature of the Author of this word who is Amen yesterday and to day Heb. 13.8 and the same for ever By this Christ prayeth the Father to sanctify his Disciples Ioh. 17.17 Sanctify them by thy word thy word is truth as if he said onely that doctrine which is delivered in thy word is the truth All other doctrines are erroneous whence it is that the consciences cannot be setled by them but are left uncertain allwayes doubting never fixed and setled and so at length are precipitated into the gulf of everlasting despair 2. The other excellency or effect of the word and fourth in number is making wise the simple No humane wisdome surpasseth this of the word and whosoever will be truely wise must repair to the word of God This doth 1. Reveal Gods will towards us which no other doctrine can This 2. Sheweth us our wounds diseases and withall prescribes the remedy 3. This discovers the plots and stratagems of Satan against Mankinde and teacheth us
these fruites Gal 5.22 Love Peace Joy c. Let us with double diligence endeavour to redeeme our former barrennes that so the Lord our God may continue with us 2ly A second means to keep God with us and his blessing is to acknowledge Gods superlative mercy in gathering and setling a Church here passing by the greatest part of the World leaving them Aliens from the covenant without any hope Eph. 2.12 We might have perished in ignorance blindnesse This hath been the practice of Gods Children 1. It was the blessing that Noah gave to his Son Iapheth for his dutifullness Gen. 9.27 God perswade Iapheth to dwell in the Tents of Shem that is to be united with the Churches of the Jews the posterity of Shem which was fullfilled when the Gentiles became joynt heirs and of the same body and joynt Partakers of Gods promise in Christ by the Gospel Eph. 3.6 The partition wall being broken down Chap. 2.24 They became fellow Citizens with the Saints and of the household of God and were no more strangers and forreigners Vers 19. 2ly Ioseph became a great man in Egypt might have made his Sons great also amongst infidels but his chief care was to adopt them into the true Church of God to be partakers of her blessings Gen. 43.13 3ly Moses Heb. 12.24 by faith when he was come to age 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 By interpretation of Stephen Act. 7.23 Full forty years refused to be called the son of Pharaohs Daughter and chose rather to suffer adversity with the people of God Whatsoever Moses did being a Child yet when he comes to discretion he refused to be called the Son of Pharaohs Daughter had rather live in the Communion of the faithfull then to be a Prince amongst unbelievers The expression is singular 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he looked off from 1. The honours riches profits pleasures that were appertaining to a Crown from the pompe and honour of the World 2. Hee looked off from the afflictions and miseries of Gods people which he was to undergo with them 3. He looked to the recompence of reward future Hee looks off from the reproach of Christ which would be but for a season aswell as the riches and treasures to that which would be everlasting Therefore seeing it is such a great blessing to live in the society of the faithfull wee ought to be thankfull to God that he made us members of the Church Be not like to many who have lived died in the bosome of the Church yet have never tasted of the blessings graces of the Church like fishes in the Sea never tasting of the saltnesse of it This is the reason why many depart from the Church because they haue not tasted how sweet the Lord is in the same Seing that God gives more where he hath given much let us praise him all the wayes we can discover The manner of praysing God is six fold 1 st In mind when we bear in mind the favours of God Thus David Psal 77.11 I will remember the works of the Lord surely I will remember thy wonders of old It was cursed unthankfulnesse in Israel to make hast to forget his works Psal 106.13 What can hee remember that forgets the mercies of God 2ly When we erect monuments pillars and Trophies to continue the memory of Gods mercies This shall be writtē for the generatiōs to come Ps 102.18 Thus Jacob reared an altar Gen. 33.20 to be a dumbe Catechisme to posteritie or a gratefull memoriall of Gods favour in giving him power not only to prevaile with himself for a blessing but with his Brother Esau to divert destruction 3ly When we praise God upon instruments Psal 150. 4ly When we praise God with our hearts this enlivens all the rest if it come out of a pure heart Bless the Lord all that is within me Psal 103.1 All that is within me and all that is without me but especially all that is within me bless the Lord O my soule He loves little that can tell how much he loves 5ly When we praise God with our lips or tongues Psal 35.28 My tongue shall speake of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long 6ly VVhen our lives praise God 1 Pet. 2.12 Let our conversation be honest that they beholding your good workes may glorify God in the day of Visitation Noli gloriari quia lingua c. saith Augustine never say you praise God with your words when you dispraise him with your workes A third thing we must doe if we vvill stay the Lord and keepe him vvith us is to pray for the Church and to doe all vve can to keepe the same amongst us I have made it plaine That all vvhich God hath done vvas first for himself next for his Church Now vvill God continue that amongst us which we regard not Remember that in Haggai 1.4 Is it time for you to dwell in seeled houses whilest Gods house lieth in the dust a sharp pointed reproofe O yee filly wormes ungratefull wretches so lately and graciously delivered to delight your selves in your seeled houses your graunges pallaces and to be soe ungratefull to your God as not to let him have his owne house doe you not only seeke necessaries but also your pleasures before Gods honour Did God regard the materiall house so much No it was for their sakes who did meet in it to praise the Lord. I doe not-deny but it is a great blessing the Lord affords us in giving us materiall publike houses which we call Churches from the Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as it were the Lords house which some corrupted in mind or yeelding themselves to be abused so far by Popish Antichristian Emissaries as to destroy those places of publick worship that men might be driven into corners to their no small advantage as the Apostle imtimateth 2 Tim. 3.6 by creeping into houses they worke closely in corners which openly they dare not adventer upon in our publike oratories Pray then with the Church we must with David Ps 122.6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem that is the Church of God the whole Church and every part and portion of the same every branch and member through the world more specially those members that are eminent not in outward profession of religion and Christian name but those that are really such eminent in place worth and service singularly we are to pray for our own Church which we have relation to and the Principalls of it Cities also and Vniversities and Schooles Seminaries of the Church for those now in Parliament for the Common good and so the Churches also that God would strengthen and enable them against all opposition they are like to meet with for all that labour for the settlement of Christ meet with opposition from Satan his Instruments are tormented by them Neither are we to pray alone for Jerusalem mysticall but also for Jerusalem literall the conversion of the Jewes Cant.
his feet 3. The third place we give to the permission of the fall and sinne having given him not impotentiam cadendi an impotencie to fall but potentiam non cadendi a power not to fall if he pleased which he abusing brought himselfe and all mankind into death and misery by transgressing the command given him and so becommeth a mean to set forth Gods justice and mercy his justice in punishing this rebellion with eternal fire and his mercy in giving his only begotten sonne that whosoever of the now lost off spring of Adam should believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life as a gift of his infinite mercy Iohn 3 16 17 18. but he that believed not should be condemned because he beleeved not in the name of the only begotten Sonne of God And this is a third way whereby God sets forth the outward glory of his Justice and infinite mercy 4. A fourth way is consisting in the free gift of his word and ministry to acquaint lost man with his forlorne estate and to discover a way how to get out of the same The law is given to discover the first and the Gospel shew's a way how to get out 1. 1. the Law The word of the Law taketh place first which being preached doth first bring man to a sight of sin Rom. 3.20 Chap. 7.7 Rom. 3.20 discovering to man his manifold defects and swervings from the law 2. After this it proposeth Gods curse due to sinne Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 3ly Whence ariseth anxiety Deut. 27.26 Gal. 3.10 fear and that grief the Apostle calleth according to the world 2. Cor. 7.10 4ly By all which acts man is prepared to entertain the grace of the Gospel which is appointed for sinners 2. Cor. 7.10 Mat. 9.13 1 Tim. 1.13 for them who labour and are heavy laden Mat. 11.28 Mat. 9.13 Mat. 11.18 For those who are poore and of a contrite spirit Isa 66.2 Then the Gospel taketh the second place 2 the Gospel which Offereth to the sinners contrite with the sense and feeling of their sinnes and Gods wrath for the same the grace of God in Christ revealing the mystery which was kept secret since the world began Rom. 16.25 chap. 10.16 Rom. 16.25 shewing how by faith they may become partakers of the same cap. 10.16 Then secondly the Gospel begetteth faith as an effectuall and powerfull instrument Rom. 1.16 by the word preached and heard Rom. 1.16 chap. 10.17 cap. 10.17 and thus Thirdly it applyeth grace to the beleever according to Christs promise Joh. 5.24 Verily verily I say unto you Ioh. 5.24 he that heareth my word and beleeveth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death unto life From this ariseth in our hearts Ioy because being justified by faith we have peace with God through Jesus Christ Rom. 5.1 Rom. 5.1 Griefe for discovering by the Gospel so great a mercy of God the Father towards us man cannot but grieve and be ashamed of those sins wherewith he hath offended him This is a far other griefe from that of the world which therefore the Apostle calleth the griefe according to God 2 Cor. 7.10 2 Cor. 7.10 Bringing with it a new man in mind will affections and all his actions from evill to good Psal 34.15 Ps 34.15 And here again the Law becomes subservient to the Gospel For seeing this change is not to be wrought after mans pleasure but according to the will of God expressed in his Law Isa 8.20 Ezc. 20.18.19 Mat. 15.8.9 Col. 2.8.18 Psal 119.105 Ier. 31.33 Rom. 6. Isa 8.20 Ezek. 20.18 19. Mat. 15.8 9. 2 Col. 8.18 Therefore the Law here offers it self again to be a Rule to us in this new life Psal 119.105 Jer. 31.33 Rom. 6. Thus it plainly appeareth that God Almighty doth all for man For man 1. All things were created Psal 8. Even Angels to be his Ministers Heb. 1.14 2. Heb. 1.14 Gods Son devested himself for man came down from Heaven submitted to that shamefull death of the Crosse to redeem him Phil. 2.6 7 8. Phil. 2.6 7 8. 3. For mans sake God hath committed to writing his will in his Law and Gospel That so man might See his deformity by sin Rom. 7.7 and punishment deserved to seek for mercy That man might secondly Get faith to lay hold on Christ to be saved by him from the evill of sin and punishment And lastly to Gather men into a society or Company who should be his peculiar people Tit. 2 13. zealous of good works Which people called out of the World and believing in Christ make up his body spirituall the Church of which he is the head And thus wee see all was done for the Church CHAP. II. The Nature and Members of this mysticall body of the Church THe Church according to these premises is an assembly or Company of men whom God by his Word and Spirit calleth out of the State of sin to the State of grace and glory God calls men ordinarily by men his Ministers who are his Ambassadors beseeching and praying men in Christs steed to be reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5.20 The Church then is a number of Called and calling doth make up this Assembly we call the Church From this Act of calling the Church hath her name in Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Congregation or Company called together in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from calling out namely of some from others Ioh. 15.19 Chap. 17.6 vers 14. I have chosen you out of the World because they were given him out of the World And being thus called out they are no more of the World They are now to be a particular peculiar Assembly or Company distinguished from the former Gen. 12.1 Thus was Abraham called out of Ur of Chaldea Paul out of the Assembly of Pharisees others yea all out of the Company and state of sinners the power of darknesse Col. 1.13 Act. 26.18 Col. 1.13 The power of Satan Act. 26.18 To be of the number of Gods people who are in the state of grace to repentance 2 Pet. 3.9 2 Pet. 3.9 To Gods Kingdome 1 Thess 2.12 1 Thes 2.12 We may observe here by the way the high dignity of every one effectually called he is by calling intitled to the Kingdome and glory of God an high or supernaturall calling Phil. 3.14 Phil. 3.14 An heavenly calling Heb. 3.1 Heb. 3.1 Compare Chap. 12.22 Chap. 12.22 23. 23. The Church then properly is the Assembly of the Lord or the Lords Assembly This Assembly hath Christ loved and given himself for her Eph. 5.25 Eph. 5.25 He hath purchased the same with his own bloud Act. 20.28 Act. 20.28 Her he purifieth and bestoweth eternall life upon Eph. 5.23 Eph. 5.23 The matter therefore of the Church is an
Assembly of men elected and called 1 Pet. 1.1 2. 1 Cor. 1.2 1 Thess 1.1 2 3. Rom. 8.28 If the Church be 1. An Assembly one alone cannot be a Church as Elias conceived 1 King 19.10 For one is not a people flock a multitude of believers 1 King 19.10 a holy nation City of God the Congregation of the just as the Church is said to be 1 Pet. 2.9 Chap. 5.2 3. Eph. 2.19 Act. 4.32 2. The Church again is an Assembly of men not of Angels who neither are men nor chosen or called as men 3. Thirdly the Church is a Company or Assembly of the elect or chosen 1 Pet. 1.2 Rom. 8.28 29 30. 4. Fourthly It is an Assembly of men elected and called therefore it is not sufficient to be elected calling is required also Election appoints them but calling makes them actuall members declares them Thus Paul by destination was a member of the Church in his Pharisaisme even then when he persecuted the Church But by calling he became an actuall member Gal. 1.15 To the contrary whereas excommunicated persons and such as are newly come into the Churches pale to be instructed but are not as yet baptized may be elected called as may appear by the example of those who were excommunicated by the Jewish Church Iohn 9.22 Of the Thief on the Crosse Luke 23.43 And Cornelius Act. 10.2 34. These therefore may be also members of the Church and are indeed as many as have true faith Children also and mad men belong to the Church Outward by Condition of their birth which causeth them to be called holy or Saints being born of faithfull parents either one or both 1 Cor. 7.14 Secondly they belong to the Church inward or invisible by the gift of inward calling Rom. 11.29 By which known to the Lord are those who are his 2 Tim. 2.19 2 Tim. 2.19 Those who are deaf may not onely be partakers of the inward but also outward calling not by hearing indeed but by sight as often as Christ Crucisied is set forth to the faithfull in the Gospel and Sacraments Gal. 3.1 CHAP. III. What it is that makes the Church with her true markes THat which gives being to this holy Assembly the Church is that the same is called by the word and spirit of God out of the State of sin into the state of grace All and every member of the Church are such by calling Thus Abraham is called out of Vr of the Caldeans Paul out of Pharisaisme all that are Members of the Church by being called out of the state of sin into the state of grace Outwardly by the word whereby also are called evē these that are not elected Mat. 20.16 and 22.14 Inwardly by the holy Spirit according to Gods purpose Rom. 8.28 and of election Chap. 9.11 belonging onely to the elect Rom. 11.29 2 Pet. 1.10 Hence is the Church called and said to be 1. Visible according to outward calling by the word being sensible or subject to sense And 2. Invisible in respect of the inward calling by the Spirit not being sensible or subject to sense onely known to him who calleth 2 Tim. 2.19 The Lord knoweth who are his and is also discerned by those who are called Rev. 2.17 For none knoweth that new name in the white stone saving him that hath received it Christ therefore saith the Kingdome of God commeth not with outward observation or shew but is within Luk. 17.20 21. that is in secret Psalm 45.13 The Kings Daughter is all glorious within and so we confesse in our Creed to beleeve the Church and faith is of things not seen Heb. 11.1 Yet the Church is visibly known by a marke purely divine the word which marketh out the Church two ways infallibly and sensibly 1. Infallibly because the Church is a body or company of those who embrace the word of God and every company or body embracing the word of God is the Church according to Christs word Joh. 8.47 He that is of God heareth Gods word and vers 31. If you continue in my word then are you my Disciples indeed Chap. 10.27 My sheep hear my voyce and v. 5. they know not the voyce of strangers 2. Secondly the visible Church is known sensibly by the word which may be seen read and heard The preaching of the word and profession of the same as also the use of the Sacraments are secondary markes together with order discipline flowing from the former which is purely divine But these are of a mixt nature partly divine and partly humane in respect of mans help in the administration of the same whence they are more or lesse pure and incorrupt according to the dispensers of the same CHAP. IV. Of the Prerogatives of the Church HAving shewed the nature of the Church in the next place let us view the priviledges and dignities of the same for God hath graced this Assembly we call the Church with special prerogatives above all assembly's in this vniverse all must be subservient to her Kings must be nursing Fathers and Queens nursing mothers Isa 43.23 These dignities may be considered either in 1. Generall Isa 54.1 we read of the enlargment and advancement thereof under the name of a tent wherein anciently they dwelt the stretching out the Curtains the lengthning of the cords the breaking forth on the right hand and on the left inheriting the Gentiles and making the desolate Cities to be inhabited what meaneth it but the enlargement of the Church Christian consisting joyntly of Jew and Gentile There was a time when it did belong to the Jews and to those that did joyn with them but now Christ hath broken down the partition wall and hath laid all the world common Eph. 2 13. now he hath enlarged the Church and spread it all the world over This is that Peter speakes of Act. 10.34 Of a truth I perceive that God is no accepter of persons but in every nation he that feareth Him and worketh righteousnes is accepted of him see Mat. 8.11 The particular dignities and priviledges of the Church are these 1. First the Church is Christs body namely mysticall whose head and very soule is Christ quickning the same with his spirit Eph. 1.22 23. Hence whatsoever is done to any of the Church he taketh it to himself Act. 9.4 Saul Saul why persecutest thou me Membris adhuc positis in terris caput clamat in coelis non dicebat quid persequeris fideles meos August Serm. 11. de anct Whilest his members were as yet on earth the head cries out in heaven and he saith not why persecutest thou my faithful ones but why persecutest thou me 2 Secondly the Church is Christs Love Ps 45.20 Eph. 5.31 Spouse Sister and Queen Daughter of a King yea his Wife This is a neere relation and partaking A man shall be joyned to his Wife saith the Apostle and they two shall be one flesh This is an ineffable mystery the
4.5 6 7 8. I have taught you statutes and judgements even as the Lord my God commanded me that you should do them in the Land where you go to possesse it Keep therefore and do them for this is your wisdome and your understanding in the sight of the nations which shall hear all these statutes and say surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people for what nation is there so great that hath God so nigh unto them as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for And what nation is there so great that hath statutes judgements so righteous as all this law which I set before you this day By these and the like Moses evidenceth that hee is not able to expresse the greatnesse of the blessing of the word which God doth grant to some nations it is a privy blessing which the Psalmist in a singular manner sets forth Psalm 147.19 20. Having mentioned many temporall blessings God had afforded to the Jews whereof some were 1. Common to them with other nations Vers 16.17 18. Snow hore-frost and Ice all for the fruitfullnesse of the earth in common to all good and bad within the pale of the Church and without 2. Peculiar to the Jews onely and the same 1. Temporall the building of their City ruined before by the Chaldaeans and the bringing them back out of the Babylonian Captivity Others were 2. Spirituall Vers 19 20. The giving to them his word wherein he reveals his will to his Church a favour not afforded to any nation besides The Jewes had three Crowns which made them renowned and famous The Crown of the Law King and Priest of all three the Crown of the Law was most glorious because by her Princes reign Prov. 8.15 16. David therefore meditat's therein night and day Psal 1.2 and makes the same his Councellour in the morning when he rose and at night when he went to bed Psal 119. I will adde one excellencie more assorded to this Nation before all others in the World 1. This Nation was one of the first received the Gospel 2. This Nation did yeeld to the first Christian Emperour Constantine the Great born at York who gave peace and honour to the Church 3. The third and greatest Light that did shine forth in darkest Popery to all the World was Wickliffe 4. The first royall Martyr was Oswald who united the two Crowns of England and Scotland after hee had much enlarged the bounds of Christs Kingdome with his own in the end exchanged his Princely Diadem for a Crown of Matyrdome and so signed the Christian faith with his royal bloud 5. It was the first Kingdome that shook Antichrist fully out of the Saddle Now besides these blessings afforded the Church Empires Kingdomes States and Commonwealths prosper and flourish with the Church God hath a speciall care of such Lands where his Church and true religion find entertainment The Kingdome of Israel flourished even to the admiration of others as long as true Religion flourished in the Church But assoon as they fell off from God and gloried onely in the Temple the place was turned into an heap of stones the people were dispersed without a King or Prophet or any shew of a people of God Asia was once famous through the World by reasō of the Churches in the same the fame of their faith sounded far and neer Their place now is become a Receptacle for Mahomet a Synagogue for Satan and a Temple for Turkish Idolatry That Nation then Empire Kingdome State flourisheth where the Church flourishes in maintayning the truth of the word CHAP. VI. Sins exposing a Church and Nation to the wrath of God 1. FIrst Barrennesse 2. Cruell Usage of his Saints and Messengers 3. Light esteem of the word of God These strip a Nation of those blessings wherewith God hath graced them and expose it to scorn and contempt 1. Barrennesse whether carnall or spiritual hath alwayes been accounted a Curse Johns Mother insinuateth the one Luke 1.25 The Lord hath looked on mee to take away my reproach amongst men and vvhen God gives salvation he is said to take avvay barrenesse Sing O barren thou that didst not bear Isa 54.1 But vvhat are our fruits the Catalogue of them vve have Gal. 5.19 20 21. vvorks of the flesh specially these variance hatred emulation vvrath strife sedition heresy envyings murther drunkenesse and revellings better to be barren then bring forth such fruits These vvere the fruits of Sion and Jerusalem the Jevvish Nation and Church in our saviours dayes therefore in his love to the people of Israel zeal of their salvation knowledge of their finall destruction at hand in grief and pity he burst out into tears Oh that thou hadst known in this thy day a passionate speech abrupt or broken off he could not speak out the rest for vveeping by reason of those things that were to come upon them Abundance of affectionate thoughts as it vvere thronging the heart like some violent presse of people at a door hinder each others passage he blames and vvithall pittyeth them O if thou hadst known at least in this thy day that is thy visitation this time wherein God calleth thee to repentance and offereth peace to thee understand hovv happy hadst thou been thou had'st escaped the determined destruction Our saviour shevveth the end of such barrenesse plainly John 15.1 In the parable of the Vine which speaketh of every one in the Church into vvhich they are implanted by Baptisme Wee 'l note these follovving degrees 1. They are barren bear no fruit this is the first step into Hell After vvhich 2. They are cut off from the Vine cut it dovvn saith Christ Luk. 13.7 Why cumbreth it the ground as if he should say they do vvith their bad example but marre others and make them unfruitfull 3. Being cut off from the Vine they are cast out of the Vineyard that is the Church they are not suffered to suck in Vaine the breasts of her Consolation nor partake of her prayers The Lord is moved to reject them his labour not being answered he vvill pull down the fence break dovvn the vvall leave his ovvn Vineyard to vvast ovvn it who will Isa 5.6 What more fearfull then for a man to be left by God to become a Lodge for Divels lusts and vvasting sins till at last by death he is cut off The Lord brings on them this judgement in manner follovving 1. By death cut him down bring the axe the pruning knife hath done no good hew him down by death from the Ministry under which he hath been so long fruitlesse 2. Taking away the meanes of fruitfullnesse the Clouds shall not rain upon it Isa 5.6 The means of salvation his word and Ministry shall be taken away 3. Blowing on the gifts they have already they shall doe them no good the unprofitable servant had his Talent taken away This curse is so eminent upon many
6.13 Returne returne O Shunamite an earnest invitation and perswasion which the Church of the Gentiles makes to the Jewish Synagogue to come off from her former worship and administrations to the Evangelicall Covenant that so both may be made one in that fullness and union this is promised Rom. 11.25 and not yet fulfilled therefore it is our dutie to pray for it And as we are to pray for Jerusalem the Church so likewise collaterally against all enemies of the Church for it is with the Church and her enemies as it is with a paire of ballances when one scale goeth up the other goeth down so that those prayers that are made for the Church directly reach collaterally against her enemies Quest But what is the thing we must wish or pray for in behalfe of the Church Ans Dauid calls it peace in the fore-quoted place which according to the Hebrew phrase comprehendeth in his lap all good things protection of the Church freedome of those who are in dangers preservation of those who are out of it That God would restore those that are over-runne refine and purge them which remaine That God would enlarge the borders of Christs Kingdome and adde dayly to the Church such as shall be saved But more properly if we consider the peace we are to pray is threefold 1. Peace with God to cause his Churches to walke in the puritie and power of his ordinances to maintaine true religion in doctrine and worship which being left all other things must needs decay Tamper with that and all other blessings will be gon they will betake themselves to their wings and fly away Except we keepe our peace with God all other peace will fall asunder 2. We pray also that we may be at peace amongst our selves enjoying civill peace free from dissention divisions and distraction that all thinke the same thing goe the same way and all unanimously minde the glory of God 3ly We understand also peace forraine from all opposition from without that there may be no hostilitie no invasion of forrain enemies upon the Churches of God and our Church specially One thing more by way of Caution and that is if we dreame of temporall peace only and the blessings upō that it is not worth the while to pray for the peace to the Churches of God It may better prosper in warre and misery The primitive Church as long as it was persecuted by the Dragon was clothed with the sunne crowned with a Crown of twelve Stars having the moone under her feet shee contemneth worldly things But that woman Chap. 17. is all cloathed in scarlet and gold outwardly rich poore and beggarly within we must therefore pray for a sanctified peace and that we may make good use of it I had almost forgotten that which David remembreth in his 51 Psalm 18. That God would build the walls of Jerusalem walls are fences against enemies the Churches walls are discipline and order this is that hedge keepes out the wild beast out of the Lords vineyard late experience hath made it good I will say nothing but as that Roman Emperour si disciplinam amittimus nomen Romanum amittimus and as it is in an Army and Commonwealth so we dayly find it in the Church Motives to pray for the Church 1. In Generall There cannot be a better imployment for Christians then prayer and we cannot ayme at a better blessing then a sanctified peace and settlement both of Church and State There is not a neerer relation we have to any for whom we should wish all good then the Church The neerest relation that a Christian hath to any for whom he should wish good is the Church the greatest blessing is a good peace and settlement The most effectuall meanes to attaine this is fervent prayer 2. He that loves the Church will pray for her it is a most certain signe we doe not love the Church nor Gods glory if we will not so much as pray for her even then when others seeke her ruine 3. Our prayers for the Church give us a share in all the Churches prayers no prayers no share 4. All our prosperity depends on the prosperity of the Church all the good that God doth is for the Churches sake Out of Sion God blesseth and true prosperity belongeth onely to such as love the Church The Church I have shewed is 1. Gods house the spouse of Christ and can there be a neerer and dearer relation to a Christian then this to tender the house of God and spouse of Christ 2. The Church if we be true Christians is the Mother of us all all saints Sons and Daughters Gal. 4 26. have the Church for their Mother whosoever denies her denies also God to be his or her Father In her we are born in her we are new born He is an unnaturall Son and she an unnaturall Daughter who will not pray hard for her Mother in danger who will not open their mouth to keep harme from their Mother 5ly Such is the efficacy of fervent prayer that it stayes the hand of the Almighty and with greatest reverence be it spoken to the divine Majesty in a manner binds the same Prayers rule God Let me alone saith God to Moses Exod. 32.10 The prayers of the faithfull stay his punishments not by the prevayling of humane force above divine but by condescending of divine grace to the desires of the Godly By prayer we obtain all things of God whatsoever Gods divine power is able to bring to passe a Godly Christain may obtain by his fervent prayer 6ly We must of necessity pray if we will obtain Look for no blessing of God without prayer Psal 50.11 Thou shalt call on me 7ly In praying for the Church you pray for your selves if you be a lively member of the same By these motives you may easily find of what temper and mould you are off that shall read this all pretend to Christianity and to be members of Christ now try the truth of this by your affection to the Church The Church is Christs body He is the head you and others if believers are members If so then you feel are sensible of the breaches made in this body can a rupture can a breach be made in a body and a true lively member of the same not be sensible It is a dead member that hath lost feeling or at least benummed and stupified for the present whatsoever you have done hitherto yet now remember your duty to pray for the welfare of your Mother the Church observe the sad estate of the same what the eye sees the heart will mind If we do not minde the Church we will never carefully make our expressions to God for her Take heed of the World which like Ivy will clasp about your heart and hinder it from thriving in Christianity Be not like that Canniball of Christians even the best Protestants bloudy Alva who when Henry demanded of him whether he
opposite to tumultuous turbulency and restless intermeddling with things that concerne us not as God hath distributed unto every one saith the Apostle so let him walk and so ordaine I in all Churches 1 Cor. 7.17 1. God hath ordained the severall places and callings 2ly He hath given gifts of abilitie to men to performe the things he requireth in the same 3ly He hath also set the bounds and limits within which every one is to keep himselfe and to walke orderly medling with that which appertaineth unto him this is an holy thing and comely a preserver of unitie wherein God delights A duty much to be endeavoured in no age or Church more necessary to be urged then our owne abounding with so many busie spirits and restless male-contents Athens it selfe was never so madde upon novelties as England now whence it comes to pass that some through their ambition to be singular and popular to draw disciples after them have as it were gone down to hell for new faith and hereticall doctrines not contented with the old Churches in forraigne parts have complained of it divers yeares agoe when things were nothing so bad in this respect as since they have been the Walachian Churches in an Epistle sent to the Assembly of Divines at Westminster set forth the haynousness of the crime Let your conscience judge say they how all kind of heresies can pass unpunished manifold seeds of schismes be sowne and prophane doctrines of errors commonly vented abroad in that Citie yea in that nation which by so express sacred and severe an oath hath bound it selfe before God to cast out all errors heresies and schismes from the house of God I wish with all my heart we had not made our selves a reproach amongst Papists and a scandall amongst the enemies of the Gospel But let the unseduced consider the judgement of Christ his Apostles Concerning such novellists Christ calls them Joh. 10.8 theeves and robbers ravening wolves in sheeps cloathing Matth. 7.15 as if he should say in appearance harmeless but whatsoever shews of good will they make they seek to destroy your soules The Ap. 2 Cor. 11.13 terms them deceiptfull workers because whatsoever mask of zeale they put upon them as if they sought nothing but Gods glory yet indeed they sought their owne gaine and wrought upon advantage Phil. 3.2 Bew are of Dogs that is false Apostles who barked at the light of truth snarled and bit sound and sincere preachers with their slanders Ezech. 13.4 foxes in dry places that is in places where no poultry or other birds are to feed upon whereupon being hungerstarved they gape after prey and seiz upon the meanest food vers 19 handfulls of Barly any light reward and peices of bread Horum genus aliud domesticum oceultum est aliud externum manifestum Illud vero longe nocentius eorum inquam qui in Ecclesia contra Ecclesiam sentiunt Hieron Tom. 6. in Micah cap. 6. Some of them are close within our walls others without and manifest of the two those are the dangerest who being in the Church speak against the Church have not we such as the Apostle saith crept in private persons which would seeme very religious and to seek the holy unitie above others which leave the dutie of their places and callings and busie themselves with those matters which doe not belong to them such the Apostle commands 1. To doe their owne business And 2 ly To work with their owne hands These are meanes availeable to preserve unitie quietness and peace cause the way of God true religion to be well spoken of and winne them that are without the truth that is unbeleevers insidels Although such in things spirituall know little or nothing because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2.14 Yet have they written within their hearts some naturall principles of the Law morall by which they are directed to order their own Lives and enabled to judge of other mens but those account the matters of their trades and sciences to which God by their inclination disposition naturall and instruction of their Masters hath called them too base or as if the Care of their familie were a thing over vile they set these aside and neglect them and take upon them greater and higher business They labour not with their hands nor meddle quietly with their owne business but bind all the powers of their mind to except against Church and State As if God had made them to be overseers of the Governours and Teachers they dispute and reason about Government and the duties of Governours and Teachers wandring about and seeking to perswade and draw others to their mind But who hath given them power to dispute with this rule of the Apostle Let such answere to the following particulars 1. Hath God called them and set them on worke about greater things and freed them from these 2. Is there not labour and paines and care to be taken in instructing their Children and servants in the way of God In providing earthly things necessary for himself them lest they deny the faith and be worse then Infidells 1 Tim. 5.8 3. Is not he more worthy blame that findeth fault with the greater and doth it not in the lesser When the greater is more difficult to performe To neglect his own little family and his own defects and to give himself in words and deeds to deprave the publike guides 4. Is the truth obeyed or God well pleased by such wayes When the Ruler guides of Gods people do amisse a man is to be sorry at it he is to look to his own wayes that he keep upright before God But when in reprehending that which others fail in hee neglecteth his own calling how shall he free himself from that of the Apostle Rom. 2.1 Thou art therefore inexcusable O man that judgest an other for wherin thou judgest another thou condemnest thy self for thou that judgest dost the same thing lament and sorrow for evil consent not in any wise follow the wayes of the Lord obey the rules of the word and let all men keep their place and standing which God hath set them in and so walke as that they may Answere before the high judge and give account how they have discharged their duty 6. Sixthly If you would have God stay with you and his blessings separate not from the Church his people God blesseth out of Zion If by the Ministry of the Gospel God daily adds to his Church member society externall communion of the faithfull such as shall be saved then it is a dangerous symptome of their reprobation who separate from the Church I shewed formely some of the priveleges of the Church lo here an other dignity of it There is no salvation out of it it is like to Noahs Ark for as in the World all perished that were not gathered into the Ark their wisdome Towns Castles and goods could not save them so all that are not gathered
giving the brad and his Executioner gave the Cup but remembring one in Prison in the midst of this action hee goeth out and beheads him with his own hand Being returned he ordaines eight and twenty Apostles to Preach the Gospel through the World Who comming abroad were apprehended and executed as Rebells for sowing discord After a long siege famine dayly increasing one of his Queanes discovering her Husbands deceit lost her head After he Prophesied concerning the Cities deliverance but in vain the City betrayed by two was taken Rothoman perished in the tumult King Iohn Cnipperdolling were apprehended and torn in pieces with fiery tongs their carcases were put into Iron Cages and so hanged from the Top of an high Tower for a warning to us and succeeding Ages The Prayer BLessed Lord God who hast made all for the glory and honour of thy most holy name and the good of thy Church which is thy spouse and dear one under her feet thou hast put all in an especiall manner but that which surpasseth all is the Committing to her the oracles of thy word a favour not afforded to every no not to any Nation in that clearnesse as unto us By this wee cannot but take notice of thy love to us in bringing us into thy Church and adding us to them that shall bee saved Lord suffer us not to flatter our selves by reason of the outward luster of thy favours into security cause us to remember thy processe with Shilo Ierusalem and those famous Churches of Asia Teach us thankfullnesse whom thou hast reserved for these times of so clear revelation Oh give us grace to consider the rocke out of which we were hewen our forefathers the Gentiles from whose loynes we all descended O let it be a shame to us in the dayes of so clear light and revelation to be found in the wayes of darknesse as Gentiles in the vanity of our mind having our cogitations darkned Give us grace to make this our chiefest care to please thee with a double diligence in the duties of our calling Generall and particular and so redeem our former time mispent Grant wee may acknowledge thy speciall favours thou hast afforded unto us before others in bringing us into thy Church and unity of faith O leave us not to levity or instability of Judgement in matters of faith let us not be hurried about weathercock-like with every blast of vain doctrine establish our hearts that we may hold fast the confession of faith without any so much as wavering and grow in grace and while means continue in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ Good Lord open the eyes of those that are seduced that they may see give them hearts to bewail and forsake schisme heresy and infidelity that so they may come out of the snare of the divell and fly from the wrath to come Blesse our Governours supreame and subordinate Be thou a Protector to him and us all Grant they may use their power for the incouragement of those that do well and the terrour of evill doers that we under them may lead a peaceable and quiet life in all Godlinesse honesty And because that all who labour for the settlement of Christ's Church meet with opposition Satan and his Instruments are tormented by them Lord be thou pleased to enable and strengthen them make them men of another Spirit Give them humble Spirits that thou mayest delight in them and they that are now met in that Counsel of the Nations may not seek their own glory but be content to stoop for any service of thy Church and people and think no office too mean Give them loving hearts full of invention how to glorify our God further the good of his servants in spight of flesh and bloud that they may evidence to all the World by the fruitfullnesse in their places that they are good Christians living for others and not onely for themselves Let thy Thummim and Vrim be upon thy holy ones Open O Lord a door of Utterance to every faithfull Minister giving him inward faculty and fitnesse all those gifts which may fit him for thy Ministry give him a mouth and wisdome which all his adversaries which are encreased shall not be able to gainsay or withstand none is fit of himself all sufficiency is of thee who dost make able Ministers Open a door to thy word to passe remove all lets and obstacles of Satan the World and the flesh Give thy Gospel a free course Open the heart of every hearer that thy word may enter give him the Spirit of wisdome and revelation in the knowledge of the same enlighten the eyes of their understanding that they may know the hope of their calling and the riches of that glorious inheritance of the Saints Perfect the good work thou hast begun in us to the day of the Lord Jesus and confirme us blamless to the end So be it FINIS