The proofe of a good preacher the right art of hearing : that good counsel is seldom well taken : that wilful offenders are as witlesse as wicked : with an apologie for wholesome truth, how distasteful soever / by J.F. Younge, Richard. 1661 Approx. 59 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 23 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A67768 Wing Y180 ESTC R8002 13725470 ocm 13725470 101589 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A67768) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 101589) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 855:9) The proofe of a good preacher the right art of hearing : that good counsel is seldom well taken : that wilful offenders are as witlesse as wicked : with an apologie for wholesome truth, how distasteful soever / by J.F. Younge, Richard. [2], 43, [1] p. Printed by William Leybourn, London : 1661. Written by Richard Younge. Cf. Wing ad BM. Caption and running title: Good counsel seldome well taken. Reproduction of original in Cambridge University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Clergy -- Early works to 1800. Preaching -- History -- 17th century. 2005-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-10 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-05 Taryn Hakala Sampled and proofread 2006-05 Taryn Hakala Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE PROOFE OF A Good Preacher . The right Art of Hearing . That good Counsel , is seldom well taken . That wilful Offenders , are as witlesse as wicked . With An Apologie for wholesome Truth , how distasteful soever . By J.F. LONDON , Printed by William Leybourn . 1661. Good Counsel , seldome well taken : WITH An Apologie for wholesome Truth , be it never so untoothsome , &c. SECT . I. PHilosophy teaches , that admonitions and corrections are the chiefest offices of love : That it is the onely true love , which to profit and do good , feareth not to hurt and offend : That to connive at our friends faults , is to make them our own . That sharp reprehension is the healing of the soul ; and that love to the soul , is the very soul of love . Whence Euripides exhorts men to get such friends , as would not spare to displease them . Whence Scipio the Elder , when his friends for so doing turned his enemies , was able to say , I have given my enemies as great cause to love me , as my friends . And indeed he that loves not such a friend , hates himself . And commonly , he that will not tell us of our faults , will be very ready to tell others of them : whereas one that is faithful , will speak of our faults to our face , of our virtues behind our backs . But see farther the sweet fruit of sharp reprehension ; Suppose one should be stung by a Bee , ( when asleep ) whereby he is delivered from a Serpent , which otherwise had stung him to death : Hath he cause to complain ? And not to chide a friend , lest we offend him , is to let him drown , rather than catch him by the hair . Wherefore give me such a friend as Photion , who when a friend of his would have cast himself away , suffered him not , saying ; I was made thy friend to this purpose . All which is found Divinity , neither wants it Scripture-seal to confirm it . Not to admonish our brother , is to hate him , as the Holy Ghost witnesseth , Levit. 19.17 . But to scorn our brother should admonish us , is more to hate our selves ; in that open rebuke is better than secret love . And for that the very wounds of a lover are faithful , and better than the kisses of an enemy , Prov. 27.5 , 6. Yea , experience teaches , that no friend is so commodious in this case as an enemy ; because he tels us of that , which otherwise we should never be so happy as to hear of . Nevertheles , resolved sinners scorn reproof : Admonition to them , is like goads to such as are mad already : or like powring oyl down the chimney , which may set the house on fire , but never abate the heat ; which is not for want of ignorance : for by refusing to hear in this case , they become ( like Amaziah ) wilful murtherers of their own souls , as wise Solomon affirms , his words are , He that refuseth admonition is bruitish , and destroyeth his own soul , Prov. 12.1 . and 15.32 . yea , he goes further , and sayes , A man that hardeneth his neck when he is reproved , shall suddenly be destroyed , and cannot be cured , Prov. 29.1 . and 1.24 , 25 , 26. of which you have most remarkable and dreadful examples , 1 Sam. 2.25 . 2 Chron. 25.16 , 20. Sect. 2. Neverthelesse , how few are there so wise , as to take admonition well ? For , Reprove a scorner ( that is , a fool ) and he will hate thee ; reprove a wise man , and he will love thee , Prov 9.8 . To which we may add Prov. 22.3 . A wise man foreseeth the evil , ( that is the evil of Hell , sayes Bernard ) and preventeth it ; but fools go on and are punished . Now that these Bruits and Soul-destroyers , may the better be known to themselves and others , and the greatnesse of their folly and madnesse , together with what a world of them there are amongst us , ( for to be wise , according to wise Solomons description , is the portion but of a few , as daily experience witnesseth . ) I will paint them out in a small table , or map ; and so expose them to view . In the first place you shall know them by this mark : A man no sooner tels them of a fault , but it works in their brains as yeest in a barrel , until they have requited their Admonisher with a mischief ; being like gunpowder , to which you no sooner give fire , but they fly in your face . Admonition may move them to choller , never to amendment . Who when they have heard an untoothsom truth , like waters after a tempest , are full of working and swelling against their Admonisher . We read that in the Law of jealousies , if the suspected wife were guilty , that drank of the bitter waters of trial , she would presently swell , if otherwise , she was well enough . And it is a sure signe the Horse is gauled , that stirs too much when he is touched ; so when they swell against their Reprehender , and hisse like Serpents , if we trouble their nests never so little , you may justly conclude them guilty persons . For no greater signe of innocencie , when we are accused , than mildnesse , as we see in Joseph , Gen. 39.17.18 . And Susannah , Susan . ver . 42 , 43. And Hannah , 1 Sam. 1.15 , 16. Neither is there a greater symptome of guiltinesse , than our breaking into choller , when we have any thing laid to our charge : witnesse Cain , Gen. 4.9 . that Hebrew which strook his fellow , Exod. 2.13 , 4. Saul , 1 Sam. 20.32 , 33. Abner , 2 Sam. 3.8 . Jeroboam , 1 Kin. 13.4 . Ahab , 1 Kin. 22.27 . Amaziah , 2 Chron. 25.16 . Uzziah , 2 Chron. 26.19 . Herod the Tetrach , Luke 3.19 , 20. The men of Nazareth , Luke 4.28 , 29. The Pharisees , John 8.47 , 48. The High Priests and Scribes , Luke 20.19 , 20. And the like touching a mans wisdome and humility . Plato being demanded , how he knew a wise man , answered , When being rebuked he would not be angry , and being praised he would not be proud . And to this accords that of the wise man , Prov ▪ 11.2 . and 19 ●1 . But for one that is so wise , there is a thousand of those fools I am to decipher , who with Balaam will grutch to be hindered in their way to Hell , and fly upon those that oppose their perdition : even such as think it better to fry everlastingly in a furnace of fire and brimstone in Hell-flames , than to inherit a celestial and eternal Kingdome , and weight of superabundant Glory in Heaven , to enjoy a Paradise of pleasure , where are such joyes , as eye hath not seen , nor ear heard , nor can ever enter into the heart of man to conceive , 1 Cor. 2.9 . This is most mens depth of brain , and thus it fares with all wilful and impenitent sinners . But how hath the Devil bewitcht them ? Is it possible that the reasonable soul of man ( not professedly barbarous ) should be capable of such a monster ? Certainly if I did not know the truth and probate of it , by occular and experimental demonstration from day to day , I could hardly bring my understanding to beleeve it ! But to make this further appear , though I have small hope to prevail with the parties themselves ( for they that have no reason , will hear none ; and he that learns of none but himself , hath a fool for his Teacher . ) Guilty sinners will swell against their reprehender , innocent souls will be cheered and cleered by it , Numb . 5.21 , 22. Resolved offenders being reproved , in stead of penitence break into choller , fury sparkles in those eyes which should gush out with water , and in stead of embracing the counsel , will rage at the Counsellour . Crossed wickednesse proves desperate , and in stead of yeelding , seeks for revenge of its own sins upon others uprightnesse : whereas if anothers simple fidelity shews it self in reproving the honest-hearted , he loves his Monitor so much the more , by how much the more he smarteth , allowing of truth as well when it hurts him , as when it helps him . But unsound flesh loves to be stroked , the least roughnesse puts it into a rage ; a festered conscience will not endure a drawing plaster , a putrid and scabbed limb delights to be scratcht and rubbed , foule faces would have false glasses : Diomedes must have a crooked shooe for his wry foot : Caligula must be adored as a God , forsooth , though he live like a Devil , poysoning his unckle , and deflowring all his sisters . Thorns must be touched with a gentle hand , not grasped ; these ulcers must be no further searched into , than the dead flesh reaches , for if you but touch them to the quick , you shall quickly hear of it , and be sure to smart for it . Sect. 3. But to bring this home to you of this place , with whom my businesse lyes ; for hitherto I have but spoken in the air , as the Apostle speaks , or onely paved a way to my intended matter , or at uttermost but given you a Preparative before hand , as Physicians do to their Patients , that their physick may work the more kindly , your Pastour hath for many years preached in the Metropolitane City , where they are more civilized and better bred , without any clamour ; yea , with much approbation : for they enterteined him as Lot did those Angels , that came to fetch him out of Sodom : but you enterteine him as coursely , as the Ammonites did Davids messengers . Nor did the Devil ever so rage in this rude place , as he hath done since his preaching hath awakened your consciences , and by the looking-glasse of the Law , and light of the Gospel , shewen you the deformity & filthiness of your souls . A notable argument that Satan fears he shall be routed , and his Kingdome more shaken in your quarters , than hath fallen out in former times , or by the preaching of any that have gone before him , for he daily rages more and more amongst you . As for instance , at first he was opposed by a few simple Sectaries , and that was no small honour to him , as Hiram told Austin in the like case . But now his preaching against drunkennes , deceitfulnes , swearing , Sabbath-breaking , ignorance , formality , and such other common sins , hath brought all the parish about his ears ; not alone the wit-foundered Drunkard , but the civil Justiciary , the formal Hypocrite , the ignorant Animal , and all sorts of impenitent sinners . And why ? But because the virtue and efficacie of Gods word , which is quick and powerful , and sharper than any two-edged sword , to divide between the soul and spirit , joynts and marrow , as it is Heb. 4.12 . hath discovered and made manifest to your selves and others , the very secrets and most inward intents of your hearts . Insomuch that your consciences are forced to bear witness against your selves , that you are the parties to whom he speaks , as if he named you , or each of you in particular , as you have an instance , 1 Cor. 14.24 , 25. Heb. 4.12 . whence your guilty consciences suggest , that he aims at you in particular , though he names none , when indeed it is onely the prerogative and spirituallity of the Word above all other writings , to discover the hearts , and speak home to the consciences of all that hear it delivered with power and authority . As for the Messenger , the truth of his heart gives him boldness to profess before him who onely knows it , that he strives against no man but his strife , malignes no man but his malice , envies no man but his envie , as Hierome speaks . Yea , he could be more glad to see any mans ( even his greatest enemies ) amendment , than his punishment . This ( I say ) is the genuine reason , why hundreds of you fret , and chase , and fume , and swell , and storm , and rage , and are ready to burst again when you hear him . Your sins and deformities are so discovered and detected , your presumptuous confidence of being Christians good enough , and of your going to Heaven so questioned , that your peace is disturbed , and you will be revenged of some body . It is observable , that when our Saviour sent forth his Apostles to preach abroad in the world , having first taught them the way , his words to them were , Behold , I send you forth , as sheep amongst wolves , Matth. 10.16 . Are not you these wolves ? not onely wolvish , but meer wolves ; yes , you are , and will be , until the Gospel shall have wrought a change in your hearts and natures , Hebr. 10.16 . Acts 15.9 . and 20.29 . Again , Matth. 7.6 . he sayes , Cast not your pearls before swine , lest they tread them under their feet , and turning again all to reut you . Are not you those unreasonable beasts and swine ? If not , who are ? Yea , you are more bruitish than a swine , or any other unreasonable creature . For whereas Christ by his Ministers , would reconcile you to God , as Joab did Absalom to David , by the woman of Tekoah ; you cry they come to torment you before the time , Matth. 8.29 . Your case is just like his in the Gospel , that called himself Legion , who having been possest with Devils a long time , was at length very loth to part with his guests : yea , he thought himself tormented , when Christ came to cast out them , and save him , Mark 1.24 . Luke 8.28 . Sect. 4. Now what course do you take to be revenged of him ? For this makes you hate him above measure , mis-construe his actions and intentions , rail on him , slander him , curse him , withstand and contrary his doctrine , watch for his halting , combine together and lay plots how you may do him the most mischief , which is all you are able to do : for else you would bring him before the Magistrate , imprison , smite , wound , and put him to death , as the Jews served Christ , as I could shew you from a world of testimonies and examples out of the Word . See onely John 16.2 , 33. Matth. 24.9 . Matth. 10.34 , 35 , 36. Luke 12.51 , 52 , 53. and 21.16 , 17 : But our comfort is , you have not so much authority as malice ; resembling the Serpent Porphyrus , which abounds with poison , but can hurt none , for want of teeth . Though your punishment shall be never the lesse ; for good and evil thoughts , and desires , in Gods account , are good and evil works , and shall so be judged in that Court of Justice where is no partiality . But since you cannot do as you would , you will do what you can ; as it fared with Zoilus that common slanderer , or as it does with the Devil , Revel . 12.15 . For if the Law binds your hands , yet you will be smiting with your tongues ; and if the Law so keeps you in awe , that you dare not smite him on the mouth , as the High Priest did Paul , Acts 23.2 . Yet you will do what you dare , you will smite him with the mouth , as Ziba did honest Mephibosheth , 2 Sam. 16.3 . And the like touching his maintenance , because you cannot out him of his living , you will defraud and rob him of his means and livelihood , and neither pay him a peny your selves , nor suffer others , so far as you can help it , which is a plot to pluck up all religion by the roots : For how should our Pastours feed our souls , if we feed not their bodies ? How should the lamp burn , if we take away the holy oyl that should maintein it ? and in case it burn not , there will be but a dark house . So that to expect that Ministers should preach without maintenance , is as if you should shut a bird into a cage , give her no meat , and yet bid her sing . Never the lesse it pleases you , that you can ( as you think ) displease him , and withall pleasure your selves in saving your silver , little dreaming what you do ; for look but narrowly into it , and you shall see that this is not onely persecution , theft , sacriledge , murther of bodies and souls , of provoking God to send a famine of his Word , and the like : but you become by it guilty of high treason against God , in thus using his Ambassadour , and against Christ and all his members , as I have elswhere made manifest . Though it is wicked enough for you to impeach his credit , asperse his spotlesse name , and take away his reputation , that so none else may hear him , or regard what he delivers , which is a wickeder plot than your blind souls are able to discern . Besides , A good name ( sayes Salomon ) is better than a good ointment : and to be chosen above great riches , Prov. 22.1 . Indeed his life is so well known , that all the harm you do him is , but as a candle to a white wall : that may much black it ( among such Sensualists as your selves ) but cannot burn it , though that be too much , for a mans good name is like a milk white ball , that exceedingly gathers soil even with tossing . Nor can he expect to fare better , so long as he tarries with you , where Satan hath his throne , in a place that mostly consists of Swearers , Drunkards , and Drink-sellers . He hath by his powerful preaching raised the Devil in many of you , but it will be hard laying him again : yea , once to expect it ( when God hath given men over to their own lusts ) were an effect of frenzie , not of hope . For can he with Crabronius , be ever pudling in a wasps nest , and think to escape their stings ? Or be still blowing in the dust , and not endanger his eyes ? It is no way possible . For , he that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith . He that reproveth a scorner , purchaseth to himself shame : and he that rebuketh the wicked , getteth himself a blot , Prov. 9.7 , 8. See Jer. 18. Though I speak not this to dis-hearten him , whom God hath placed over you : for Gods glory we are bound to redeem with our own lives . And a conscionable Minister is like David , who would venture upon a Bear , rather than lose a Lamb. Or Jacob , who would endure heat by day , and frost by night , rather than neglect his flocks . Or Moses , who would fight with odds , rather than the Cattle should perish with thirst . Onely a Balaam wants this mercie . Nor can I wish him to spare you ever the more , by delivering himself in a gentler tone ; as you , like the men of Bengala , would have onely words of down and honey , have him speak nothing but pure ro●es , preach unto you Peace , peace , and prophesie of wine and strong drink , then should he be a welcome Prophet to you : But this were to fulfill the proverb , Like Pastour like people , Hos . 4.9 . Yea , this were , for the blind to lead the blind , that both might fall i●to the ditch together , Luke 6.39 . Alas , the fault lies nat in the Word , nor in his delivering it , but in the wickednesse of your hearts that are the hearers : who like the Spider , will suck poison from the self same flower that the Bee does honey . Nor will any truth ( be it never so untoothsome ) offend any , but ill minds , Michah 2.7 . Yea , even the same words that are lansets to a bad mans conscience , will be as balm to penitent sinners . The Word being like some mighty wind , that bears over tall Elms or Cedars , with the same blast that it raiseth a stooping Reed , Exod. 20.21 . Sect. 5. Every good line of Gods Word , adds sinew to the vertuous mind , and withall heals that vice which would be springing in it : The very judgements of God to a good man , are sweeter than the honey and the honey-comb , Psal . 19.10 . But alas , the same report , wherewith the spirit of Rahab melts , hardens the King of Jericho , Josh . 2. Sergius Paulus was converted , Elymas obdurated at the same Sermon , Acts 13. Yea , even the same face of the Judge , without any inward alteration , is seen with terrour to the guilty , with joy and confidence by the oppressed innocent , The same rod that brought plagues to the Egyptians ▪ brings deliverance to Israel . But I dare refer the case to thine own conscience to determine , ( if the custome of sin , and the god of this world hath not totally blinded thee ) where the fault lies , and who is to be blamed in this particular ? Is the Physician to be blamed for the pain of his Patient , or the disease ? The Chirurgeon or the wound , which he endeavors by all means to cure ? Yea , what is the genuine reason , why the worst men and members of a Parish evermore regard a good Minister least ? complain of his bitterness , and seek by all means to remove him ? Is it not because they are feet , and legs , and thighs , and arms out of joynt , and so cannot endure the touch of the Chirurgeons hand , & the acrimony of his medicines . Alas , every good Physician h●d rather cure a disease by sleep and diet , than by Scammony and Castorium : but an intemperate sick man maketh a cruel Physician And in case the disease be desperate , he must use the extremity of physick . Nothing will ease the Pluresie , but letting of bloud : and to such as are sick of a dead Apoplexie , they are forced to give a double quantity of physick , or their faculties will not be awakened . Which is the very case of these desperate sinners , who if they wanted not brains , would in stead of complaining be thankful . The Physician and Chirurgion heals us not without pain , and yet we reward them . Yea , had any of you but a leg , or an arm putrefied and corrupt , you would even give money , and think your selves beholding too , to have them cut off , because it is the onely way and means to preserve the whole body . And if so , what love and thanks can be too much , that is exprest to them who would ( would you give them leave ) pluck you out of Satans clutches , and bring you to life eternal ? Nor can he ever be thankful to God ; who is not thankful to the Instrument , or means , by whom God does , or would do him good . Besides , it were a breach of Justice , not to proportion the rebuke to the crime : For , for a Minister to use gentle reprehension , in case of capital offences , that is in case of thefts , rapines , sacriledges , adulteries , and incests , to say to his people , as Eli to his sons , Why did you so ? Is no other than to shave that head which deserves cutting off . For as it is with ill humours in the body , that a weak dose doth but stir and anger them , not purge them out ; yea , if physick be not strong enough to purge out choller , it encreaseth choller ; the humours it would have purged and expelled ( if it had been strong enough ) it inflameth , exasperateth and sharpeneth . And as the Sun in the Spring-time breedeth agues , and other distempers , because it stirreth humours and doth not waste them ; so it fareth with sins in the soul . An easie and gentle reproof doth but encourage wickedness , and make it think it self so slight , as that rebuke importeth ; which is to patronize evil in stead of reproving it . And experience shews , that cold Preachers make bold sinners . However , such being like ill Archers , that draw not their arrows up to the head , seldome convert these sinners . Nevertheless , resolute sinners would have dissolute Teachers ; would have the Law according to their lives , not their lives according to the Law. That pleas●th them which is sweet to the sence , not that which is wholesome to the conscience , as the Holy Ghost informs us , Isa . 30.10 . 1 Kings 12.8 . Mich. 2.11 . Like wanton children , they care not to be mended , but to be commended : He that praiseth them , pleaseth them . But wo to such Preachers , as shall heal the hurt of these people with sweet words , saying , Peace , peace , and give them comfort ( as Jezabel did Ahab , 1 Kings 21.5 , 6 , 7. ) when they rather deserve a curse , Jer. 8.11 . For this is no other than guilded treason , like that of Hazael to his Master , who told him with his mouth that he should recover , when on the morrow he stifled him with his hand , and a wet cloth , 2 Kings 8.14 , 15. Whence the Holy Ghost brands all flattering Preachers , that sow pillows , for false Prophets , Jer. 8.11 . And indeed it is but a Mountebank trick , to heal an ulcer , and leave in the core . A good Physician , either for soul or body , first tels the state of the disease with its symptomes , and then prescribes ; and in prescribing , first puls down the body with purgatives , and then raiseth it with cordials . And take this for a rule , such as fear God , & are Ministers of his sending , wil think is better to lose mens favors than their souls , and be sure to discharge his conscience from the burthen of any ones bloud , Ezek. 3.18 . and 33.8 . Yea , an ingenious Patient should be so wise as to know , that the stomack should ra●her be pleased than the pallate : and experience tels us , that those things ( for the most part ) that are least pleasing , are most wholesome . Rue is an herb most bitter to the taste , yet in regard of the vertue which is in it , we usually call it Herb of grace . And Physicians find , that though Mithridate , of all other Electuaries it be the most distasteful , yet of all others it is the most wholesome . And so it fares touching spiritual truths . Whence a good Preacher cares not so much to stroke the car , as to strike the conscience : being like a good Physician , who gives sharp medicines , and bitter potions , that he may make sho●t diseases , and procure sound health . The true method of preaching , and the likeliest way to undeceive the deceived , and ( with blessing from above ) to pluck sinners out of Satans snares is : for a Minister to deal with his hearers , as the Prophet did by Hazael , when he plainly told him the abominable wickedness of his heart , and what evil ( even beyond beleef he should shortly do or execute , had he been wise enough to have been warned thereby . Or as Nathan did by David , when he so cunningly made him pronounce sentence of death against himself . Or as Jonah did by the Nin●vites , when with that short thundering Sermon of eight words , he converted that great City . Or as Peter by his Converts , when he told them they were the men , that had crucified the Lord of life . Or John Baptist by Herod , and all that came unto him . Or as Christ by the woman of Samaria , when he so represented the very thoughts of her heart unto her conscience , that she was forced to confesse , He hath told me all thing● that eve● I did . Or as he did with Saul , when he spake to him from Heaven , which wo●ds made him tremble , and fall to the earth with astonishment . Which makes one of the Fathers say , that The crown of Preachers is the tears of their hearers . And Saint Basil , that Sha●p reprehension is the healing of the soul . And Chrysostom say to his hearers , If I make you smart give me the more thanks for it . Nay , says Busil , It may well be feared , that Ministers open not the word aright , when wicked men kick not against it . And Luther was of that judgement , tha● he thought if Ministers should preach the word as they ought , they should stir up all the Furies of Hell against themselves . Sect. 6. Now what 's the reason , why down right truth is so unpleasing to carnal minds ? when none can deny , but it is by far the more wholesome . It is this , All men love the light as it shines , but as it discovers and dir●cts , the most of men hate it None so bad , but they can away with pleasing truths , and promis●s of mercie . Or let the Minister walk in generals , and labour more to fill the head with knowledge , than the heart with grace ; to please the sence , than speak to the conscience , by driving an application close home to them in particular , touching some one sin of theirs ( which is the soul of preaching ) so long they will like him ; yea , he is a fair and good Church ▪ man , a great Scholar . But let him act the part of Boanerges , thunder out the judgements of God against sinners , let him do as God commands Ezekiel to do , Ezek. 4.4 . Answer them according to their Idols , preach to their necessities , presse them to holy duties , reprove them for their unholy practices , make known to them what evil consciences they have ; then they turn their backs upon him , and hate him to the death ; as Ahab did Eliah and Michaiah ; Herod and Herodias , John Baptist , the Jews , our Saviour ; and the Galatians , Paul. See Amos 5.10 . yea , they will say , Away with such a fellow from the earth , for it is not meet that he should live . The case of all incorrigible , and cauterized sinners ; as well the covetous as the riotous ; the civil , such as seek to fill their chests , as those that are all for satisfying their lusts , For let a Minister but rowze and raise them out of their security , saying , Awake thou that sleepest , and stand up from the dead , all are instantly about his ears . Then the wit-foundered Drunkard cries out , saying , He subverts the state of the world , and troubles our City ; then the covetous Oppressour is ready to tell the Prophet ( as the Sodomites Lot ) Away hence , he is come alone as a stranger , and shall he judge and rule ? then the whole Rabble ( furiously raging together against the Lord , and against his Anointed ) conclude peremptorily , that a peece of a pulpit , & half a Benefice , is too much for such an unquiet spirit , such a Fire - ? ? ? slinger . As let Paul but touch Demetrius his Copy-hold , preach down his profit , he and all of like occupation will rore out of measure , Acts 19.28 . Wherein they shew as great policie , as did the Sodomites , who made haste to turn out Lot and his family , that fire and brimstone might make haste to destroy them . A guilty conscience loves application as dearly as a dog loves a cudgel . Sore eyes cannot endure the light of the Sun , nor Bankrupts the sight of their counting-books ▪ nor deformed faces of the true glass . A man were as good take an Elephant by the tooth , or seek to rob a Bear of her whelps , as go about to make them better . For let a Minister charge them from God , like rusty or ill-wrough● peeces , they will recoyl in his face ; and like Serpents , not onely be deaf to his charming , but turn their tails to sting him . Wherein they resemble the mad man , that wounded his Physician , while he was administring physick to him for his recovery . They more seek for a rag to cover their sins , than for a plaster to heal them : as it fared with David , while he slept in that foul sin of adultery , 2 Sam. 11.5 , 6 , &c. Now if they are so startled and terrified at the Ministers telling them of one or a few sins , what will they do when Satan , and the Searcher of hearts , shall lay open all the sins that ever they have committed , & spread them before them ? If it be so dreadful to hear of what they shall suffer , if they repent not , how terrible will it be to feel it ? The Law wasp-like stings shrewdly , but Satan that Hornet will sting worse a great deal . But if men will be warned by the former , they may prevent the latter : only these want that we commonly call reason ; therefore , like children and cowards , they rather shut their eyes , and chuse to feel the blow , than to see and endeavour to avoid it . Owoful wretches ! that had rather be everlastingly damned for their sins hereafter , than endure to hear of them now , to their eternal comfort . But I hope better things of some amongst so great a number . Gods truth , if you mark it , would cry down mens sins , as preaching would have done Demetrius his trade : and therefore ●o marvel , if the Trades-men of iniquity are up in arms against the Gospel , as Demetrius was against Paul. And did not the Gospel crosse their sins , they would not crosse the Gospel : but the waves do not beat or rore any where so much , as at the bank that restrains them . The Pharisees could not endure Jesus , because he came to break their customes , Luke 6.2 . The Masters of the Pythonesse , Acts 16.21 . objected this against Paul and Silas , that they did teach contrary to their customes . For this cause was that uprore at Ephesus , Acts 19.26 . to 31. Paul had never become their enemy , but for telling them the truth , & dealing so plainly and roundly with them . And why did more than forty of the Jews bind themselves with a curse , neither to eat nor drink till they had killed him ? Acts 23. not for the evils they found in him , but for the vices he reproved in them . By all which it appears , that obstinate sinners are as witlesse as wicked : and that they would , if they durst , deal with their faithful Pastours , as the Jews did by Stephen , who in their blind zeal were so furious and merciless , that they put him to death , for shewing them the way to eternal life , and stoned him for a Blasphemer against God and his Law , who was a man full of faith , and power , and of the Holy Ghost , Acts 7.55 , &c. It hath ever been the manner of wickedness , to be head-strong in the pursuit of its own courses , impatient of opposition , cruel in revenge of the opposers . The great spite and spleen therefore , that men bear to the Word , must be wreaked upon the Minister , he must be hated , outed , and persecuted : yea , if they durst , they would stone him to death , as the Jews did Stephen : for as their hearts brast for anger , as they gnashed at him with their teeth when they heard him , Acts 7.54 . so fares it with these touching their Minister . But in the meantime , what horrible , what hellish ingratitude is this , if it be looked upon with an impartial eye ? Are not these the very worst of monsters ? O you sottish Sensualists , what can you alledge for yourselves , or against your Minister ? Is he any other to you , than those three Messengers were to Lot ? that came to fetch him out of Sodome , that he might not feel the fire and brimstone which followed , Gen. 19. Or than the Angel was to Peter , that opened the iron-gates , loosed his bands , brought him out of prison , and delivered him from the thraldome of his enemies ? You shew just as much reason in it , as if those blind , deaf , diseased , distracted , possessed , or dead persons spoken of in the Gospel , should have railed upon our Saviour for offering to cure , restore , dispossesse , recover and raise them again . And are like those wicked , witless , and ingrateful Jews , Judg. 15. who when God , in great love , sent Samson to deliver them from the slavish thraldome of their enemies ; they in requital bind him , ( in whom all their hope of deliverance lay ) and deliver him up to those enemies that kept them under , to the end they might slay him , and still make slaves of them . Here is your case right : Are you not ashamed to be such Sots ? Were there ever such fools , or frenzie men did commit a greater folly ? For shame think of it before it prove too late , before you have sinned away all hope of mercie : In the mean time , as our Saviour said of his murtherers , Father , forgive give them , for they know not what they do : so may your Minister say , adding thereto that prayer of Stephen when they stoned him : Lord , lay not this sin to their charge , Acts 7.60 . Sect. 7. But that I may , if it be possible , fetch tears from your eyes , and bloud from your adamantine hearts , I will yet acquaint you with that which is worse , and more considerable than all , I pray mind it : All the indignities and wrongs that are done to Christs Ministers and Ambassadours , redound to him ; and he that traduceth , or any way wrongs a Minister , for the discharge of his place , his envie strikes at the image of God in him , and he so takes it , as a world of places shew . He that despiseth you , despiseth me , 1 Sam. 17.45 . Isa . ●7 . 23 . Saul , Saul , why persecutest thou me ? Acts 9.4 . Revel . 16.9 , 11. Psal . 89.23 . To spurn at the Messenger , is to strike at the image of God , whose message it is . What saith Paul , 1 Cor. 7.10 I have not spoken , but the Lord : and therefore as the Lord said unto Saul , Acts 9.4 . that he persecuted him ( though in Heaven ) so they who resist any truth delivered out of the Word , do resist God himself , and not his Messenger . But see further what you do , by what your fellow-persecutours have done before you . With such impatience does a gauled heart receive admonition , that when God himself came to reprove Cain for killing his brother Abel ; he had no sooner spake these words , Where is Abel thy brother ? but he returns to God himself this churlish answer , Am I my brothers keeper ? Gen. 4.9 . Again , the Scribes , Pharisees and Elders , were filled full of madness against our Saviour , and communed one with another , what they might do to Jesus , and how they might destroy him , ( the which you would also do , if he were your Minister , & now upon earth ) for being so bitter , Luke 6.11 . ( For if you cannot away with the light of a candle , you would much lesse endure to look upon the glorious Sun. ) Now if God himself was so served , if Christs own doctrine could not escape persecution , no marvel if his Messengers cannot . Here then is some comfort for your Minister , Honey out of a Lion. Nor is it his shame to suffer what Christ suffered , nor your honour to do as Cain , Judas , and the rest did , as Cyprian speaks . But secondly , take notice what our Saviours counsel is to his Ministers , when his holy precepts and prohibitions , do either harden men as the Sun hardens clay , and cold water hot iron : or else inrage them , as a furious mastiffe-dog , is the madder for his chain . What his counsel & method is , may be seen both by testimonies and examples not a few . As , Cast not your pearls before swine , Mat. 7.6 . Into whatsoever citie you shall enter , if they will not receive you , go your wayes out into the sreets of the same , and say , Even the very dust which cleaveth on us of your citie , we wipe off against you , for a witnesse unto you . Notwithstanding know this , that it shall be easier for Sodome and Gomorrah at the day of judgement than for you , Luke 10.10 , 11 , 12. Those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them , bring hither , and slay them before me , Luke 19.27 . And that this is an evident signe of one that shall eternally perish , is plain , Pro 29.1 . read the words and tremble , A man that hardeneth his neck being often reproved , shall suddenly be destroyed , and that without remedy . See more Prov. 1.24 , 25 , 26 , to 33. Whence it is the Prophet tels Amaziah , I know that God hath determined to destroy thee , because thou hast done this , and hast not obeyed my counsel , 2 Chron. 25.16 , 20. And that the Holy Ghost , speaking of Eli's sons , saith , that They would not hearken unto , nor obey the voice of their Father ; because the Lord was determined to destroy them , 1 Sam. 2.25 . Yea , it is an observation of Livie , that when the destruction of a person , or a Nation is destined : then the wholesome warnings both of God and man , are set at nought . And in reason , that sin is past cure , that strives against ●he cure . Herbs that are worse for watering , Trees that are lesse fruitful for dunging and pruning , are to be rooted out , or hewen down . Even salvation it self will not save those , that spill the potion , and sling away the plaster . When men are the worse for Gods endeavour to better them ; the best and onely way is , to leave them to their Judge . Those Beasts we cannot master , we must give up . If Babylon will not be cured , she must be left to her self , given up to destruction without further warning . My people would not hear my voice ( saith God ) and Israel would none of me , Psal . 81. and what follows ? So I gave them up to the hardnesse of their hearts , and they walkt in their own counsels , vers . 11 , 12. All further patience would prove fruitlesse : so he layeth by his rod to take up his sword ; as God hath Messengers of wrath for them that despise the Messengers of his love . Sect. 8. Now to end with a word of exhortation , to as many of you as have heard what hath hitherto been delivered , ( from one that is no party , and so lesse subject to be partial ) and that are not yet given over . In the first place , be not any longer offended with your Pastour ; for he is appointed a Watch-man over your souls , and doth but discharge his office that God hath placed him in , Ezek. 3 17. and he should be guilty of high treason against Christ , and the souls committed to his care , if he should do lesse . As the Centinel or Captain , that doth not what he can to maintain the wals , doth what he can to betray the City The word is no other than Christs , though delivered by a weak Instrument . Who ever be the Crier , the proclamation is the King of Heavens . ( While it goes for mans , it is no marvel if it lye open to despite . ) So that in hating your Minister , and complaining of his bitterness , you do as wisely and justly , as if the people should impute the cause of the war to the Herald , or accuse the Trumpet for all that their rebellion hath brought upon them . Yea , consider who is the Authour of the Word , what the cause and ends of the Ministers delivering it ; and that there is nothing can cure your grief , but the same Word that caused it : and then thou wilt receive him as an Angel of God , yea , even as Christ Jesus ; as the primitive Christians did the Apostles , Gal. 4.14 . who acknowledged to owe , even themselves , to their spiritual Pastours , Philem. 19. And would , if it had been possible , have pluckt out their own eyes , and have given the same unto them , Gal. 4.14 , 15. and 6.6 . You have heard sufficiently , that this is the true method of preaching , though it be little used ; because discretion ( with many ) eats up well nigh all true devotion . Their discretion and moderate stayedness , much abates of their zeal , honesty and goodness . Nor can there be a better argument to prove , that a Minister studies more to profit than to please men with his wholesome counsel ; than when he will not let them sleep and snort in their sins , but cry aloud against their abominations . I grant Corrasives are not to be used in all cases , Lenatives and Cordials are of no lesse use to weak constitutions . Whence the care of every wise and able Minister , that hath skill to divide the word of God aright , must be and is , to give to each man his due portion ; comfort to whom comfort belongs , terrour to whom terrour is due : observing the same rule that St. Paul did , who meeting with an Elymas , one that resisted the truth , and laboured to keep others from it , entreats him not with fair and sweet words , as he did Agrippa , who was hopefully coming on to embrace the truth . Wherefore the same Apostle sayes to the one , O full of all subtilty and all mischief , thou child of the Devil , and enemy of all righteousnesse , Acts 13.10 . But when he speaks to the other , it is in a more mild , gentle , and winning tone . Or as our Saviour himself used , ( that Lamb of God , who would not break the bruized reed , nor quench the smoking flax . ) As how doth he multiply wo upon wo , and threaten double damnation , when he was to deal with hard-hearted Hypocrites , Opposers of the Gospel , those Scribes and Pharisees , Matth. 23. And indeed , the best musick is made by a judicial correspondence of sharp and flat . Let all merciful & meal-mouthed Preachers , such as flatter sin and flout holiness , such whose scope of their preaching is but to feed the people with hopes , though they give them no grounds for it : that Heaven shall meet them at their last hour , be their condition never so wretched ; which is the reason that most men walk in the broad way , and yet every man thinks to enter in at the straight gate . Let these , I say , take notice of this . As also scorners of their teachers & Instructors , and more of their godly instruction : then will they love where and what they now hate , and hate where and what they now love . But you have no cause to complain of either extream : for in the Sermons , against which you except , there is matter of instruction , of reprehension , of consolation , of exhortation ; for the ignorant , for the sinfull , for the faithfull , for the despairing soul and drooping spirit : not Gospel without Law , nor Law without Gospel : but a sweet composition of severity and mercie , wherein Law and Gospel meet , as Moses and Christ met upon the Mount : the one to direct your obedience , the other to answer for your disobedience , if you will but repent and turn unto God , with such Christian moderation , as may argue zeal without malice , and desire to win souls , no will to gaul them . For as Sauls servants did not onely tell him that he had an evil spirit , but withall told him a remedy , and helpt him to the party that gave him ease , 1 Sam. 16.16 , 18. So your Pastour , with a discovery of your sins , shews you a means of cure and recovery for your souls . Yea , do but submit , and the very same Word ( like the sword of Achilles ) will heal again , whom it hath wounded . Whereas if you forthwith flye from your Admonisher , it is as if one that is launsed should flye from his Chirurgian , before his wound can be bound up . Sect. 9. Again , slight not him whom God hath placed over you , lest hereafter , when you lye gasping on your death-beds , and come to a sight and sence of your sad condition you wish ; Oh that I had now but the opportunity , to converse with such a Minister ; as Saul slighted Samuel while he lived , but would fain have heard and conversed with him , when he was dead . A case which often fals out , for when godless persons are in any distress , they still pray the people of God to pray for them : and commonly those too , whom they have most slighted , hated , and abused . For the Oppressour is in no mans mercie , but his whom he hath trampled upon ; and injuries done us on earth , give us power in Heaven . Whereupon Jeroboams hand being dried up , for stretching it out against the Prophet , he sueth to the man of God , saying , I beseech thee pray unto the Lord thy God , and make intercession for me , that my hand may be restored unto me , and the man of God besought the Lord , and the Kings hand was restored , 1 Kings 13.4 , 6. And thus it fared between the Israelites and Samuel , 1 Sam. 12.19 . between Miriam and Moses , Numb . 12 ▪ 13. Thus when the Lords wroth was kindled against Eliphaz and his two friends , nothing would appease the same , but the prayer of Job whom they had so contemned , Job 42.7 , 8. Thus Simon the Sorcerer prayes Peter to pray for him , Acts 8.24 . Yea , of whom did Dives , being tormented in Hell flames , expect and seek for ease , but from Lazarus whom lately before he had despised , Luke 16.24 . For though the wicked scorn and despise the godly in their prosperity , yet in their distress they onely are set by for advice , and to pray unto God for them , who are more ready to sollicite God for their mortallest enemies and persecutours , than they to desire it , be it at the time when they wrong them most , witness Stephen when they stoned him , Act. 7.60 . And our Saviour Christ when they crucified him , Luke 23.34 . Yea , they account it a sin , to cease praying for their worst enemies , 1 Sam. 12.23 . To all which I might add , how such as have wronged and persecuted the servants of God , are not seldome forced to confess their own folly , wickedness , and unthankfulness ; the Godlies superlative goodness , &c. As Laban did to Jacob , Genes . 30.27 . and Pharaoh to Moses , Exod. 9.27 , 28. and again chap. 10.16 , 17. and Saul to David , saying , I have sinned , I have done foolishly , and have erred exceedingly : thou art more rightous than I , for thou hast rendered me good , and I have rendered thee evil , &c. 1 Sam. 24.18 . & 26.21 . Rare acknowledgements from Heathen and Christian Kings to their own Subjects . Yet God will have it so , and conscience will compell them to do so ; though perhaps afterwards , when the rod is off their backs , they are apt to harden again , and return to their old byass , as did the same Pharaoh and Saul . For no longer than they smart , no longer can they see : and unless affliction opens their eyes , there is no perswading them , but the righteous man is worse than his neighbour : yea , none so vile , as Haman thought and reported of Mordecai and the Jews , and Ahab of Elijah , and Saul of David . And this I can assure you beyond all exceptions , that if ever your eyes be opened , before you drop into Hell , when the mask of prejudice is taken from before your eyes , you will be cleer of another mind to what you are : you will love that down right preaching which now you hate , and hate those clawing and Rhetorical discourses , that now you so much adore and admire . Sect. 10. Wherefore , receive with meekness the ingrossed Word , which is able to save your souls , Jam. 1.21 . Entertain it with an honest and good heart , and in so doing , you shall entertain both God and Christ with it , as our Savior himself plainly tels you , Joh. 13.20 . See also Chron. 34.27 , 28. Yea , hear the Word indifferently and impartially , and the rather from such as thou hast hated for their bitterness ; perhaps God will conver● and save thee by no other means or Minister , than such as he hath placed thee under . Saul , if you observe it , when he was possest with an evil spirit , ( as all are that persecute their faithful Pastours ) all his spite was at David , from whom he received more benefit than from any one man in his Kingdome besides : yet by Gods special appointment , none could give him ease but David . Despise not the meanest of Christs Messengers , that delivers his Word purely , aims at his glory and the good of souls . As what sayes Luther , If God speaks to thee as he did unto Balaam by an Asse , thou must have so much wisdome and humility , as to hear him : Gods word is the Sword of the Spirit , that killeth our corruptions , and that unresistable Cannon-shot , which beateth & battereth down all the strong holds of sin & Satan . But above all resist it not , kick not against it , mock not at Gods Word or Messengers . O do not sport away your souls into those pains , which are easeless , endless , and remediless . Do you beleeve there is a God ? Are you willing to be saved ? If you are , Break off your sins by repentance , Dan. 4.27 . Cease to do evil , learn to do well , Isa . 1.16 , 17. Seriously grieve & bewail for the millions of times that you have provoked God , and never more commit the like impiety : yea , as you tender the everlasting happiness and welfare of your almost lost and drowned souls , set upon the work presently , before the draw-bridge be taken up . Provide with Joseph for the dearth to come , & with Noah in the dayes of your health , build the Ark of a good conscience , against the flouds of sickness : yea , do it while the yearning bowels , and compassionate arms of Jesus Christ lye open to receive you , abjure and utterly renounce all wilful and affected evil , lest when it is too late , it vex every vein of your hearts , that you had no more care of your souls . Again , if God by his Spirit shall work this upon your consciences , ( as you will have cause to blesse his name , that ever you met with such a stop , so ) resemble not the rustick Sailour , who when he is in danger of shipwrack , will promise to change his life ; but when the storm is overpast , he returns to his former vomit , making no conscience nor account of his vows and protestations . But remember that perseverance is the crown of graces , and Heaven the crown of perseverance . If you are convinced , and resolve upon a new course , let you resolutions be peremptory and constant , and take heed you harden not again as Pharaoh , the young man in rhe Gospel , Pilate and Judas did : resemble not the iron , which is no longer soft than it is in the fire , lest your latter end prove worse than your beginning , Matth. 12.43 , 45. As it fared with Julian the Apostate , and Judas the Traytour ; for millions are now in Hell , who thought they would repent hereafter . God will not give his heavenly and spiritual graces at the hour of death , to those who have contemned them all their life . If in any reasonable time we pray , he will hear us ; if we repent , he will pardon us ; if we amend our lives , he will save us : But for want of this timely consideration , Dives prayed , but was not heard ; Esau wept , but was not pitied ; the foolish Virgins knockt , but were denied . And so it fares with all such fools , they died as they have lived , and commonly go from despair unto destruction . If you would prevent the like , lay not hold upon mercy , until you be thoroughly humbled . The onely way to become good , is first to beleeve that you are evil . God does not pour the oyl of grace , but into a broken and contrite heart . Would you truly know how evil and miserable you are by nature , and be very sensible how evil & wicked your hearts are , seriously consider these three particulars : 1 The corruption of your nature by reason of original sin ; 2 Your manifold breaches of Gods righteous Law by actual sin ; 3 The guilt and punishment due to you for both . This being done , you will see and find your necessity of a Redeemer , who came to save none but the weary and heavie laden sinners , even the lost sheep of the house of Israel , Matth. 15.24 . and 11.28 . And indeed the sence of our wretchedness , and the valuation of our spiritual helps , are the best trial of our Regeneration . All which , if you would obtain , omit not to pray for the divine assistance of Gods Spirit . For of our selves we cannot think a good thought , a Cor. 3.5 . John 15.4 , 5. Swift we are to all evil , but to any good immoveable . Wherefore beg of God , that he will give you a new heart , and when the heart is changed , all the members will follow after it , as servants after their Lord. Onely let me add , be sure you wholly and onely rest on your Saviour Jesus Christ for salvation , abhorring to attribute or ascribe ought to doing . To conclude , if you receive any power against your corruptions , forget not to be thankful ; & when God hath the fruit of his mercies , he will not spare to sow much , where he reaps much . This do , and my soul for yours , God by his grace , will more than supply what is wanting ; ( as may be seen in his entertainment of the prodigal Son ) and thou shalt be for ever happy , Luke 15.20 . which is the prayer , and hope , and should be the joy of Your impartial Monitor , J.F. FINIS .