CHRISTIAN CONSTANCY CROWNED BY CHRIST. A Funeral Sermon on APOCALYPS 2.10. Preached at the burial of M. WILLIAM WINTER, Citizen of LONDON; Together with the Testimony then given unto Him: By THOMAS GATAKER, B. of D. and Pastor of ROTHERHITH. LONDON, Printed by JOHN HAVILAND for WILLIAM BLADEN, and are to be sold at the sign of the Bible, at the great North door of Paul's. 1624. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Mr. ROBERT OFFLY MASTER of the company of Haberdasher's, and the right Worshipful Sir JOHN GARRET Knight, Mr. Alderman HAMMERSLY, Mr. Alderman WHITMORE, Mr. Alderman RANTON, and other worthy fathers and brethren of the said Company, all prosperity in this world, and happiness in the world to come. Right Worshipful, ALbeit the expressions of a gracious heart by lively voice breed deeper impressions, (God attending his own ordinance of preaching with a more special blessising) yet writing hath in this respect a prerogative, that holy truths thus conveyed to the world spread further, and continue longer. Those therefore deserve well of the Church that this way impart those things to public and future use, by which God wrought on the hearts of the hearers for the present. In which respect this funeral Sermon preached out of love and honour of the graces of God in a poor, yet well esteemed Christian (Master WINTER) may gain acceptan●●, as being not only for matter sound, for handling clear, but for the times seasonable. For what more necessary in these times, wherein many are ashamed of the downright profession of that religion by which they hope to be saved, than to press constant faithfulness in known truths, unto which all promises are entailed? Particular points have been much and long urged amongst us, it is very needful that constant clea●ing to all those blessed truths likewise be enforced. And from what stronger encouragement can this be, than from a crown of life here promised to the crown of all graces, Perseverance? Since the fall, one dangerous disease of the soul, is unsettledness in good purposes, especially when either discouragements or allurements are offered. But what will not a soul break thorough, that hath in the eye of it a crown held out to all that hold out to the end▪ by him who hath both obtained it for us, and keepeth it for us, and us for it? There is a mutual passage of trust between God and us (for thus graciously he condescendeth to us.) We trust him with the salvation of our souls, he trusteth us with his truth, which if by grace we be enabled to keep, it will keep us▪ and raise up our hearts to an expectation of all good from our faithful and good God, even at that time when our soul's gasp for comfort, at the hour of death. And at the day of judgement the sentence will pass, not according to greatness of parts and place, but according to faithfulness, Well done, not learned, wise, rich, but faithful servant, etc. This Sermon entreating of things thus useful, is presented by me, as entreated by the widow of the late deceased (Master WINTER) and some others whom I respect, and to you as chief of that Company whereof he was a poor member: and this by willing consent of the author, my reverend & ancient friend of whom I am not willing to take this occasion to speak: his long, faithful, learned labours in the Church have made him sufficiently known. He gave her full power of the copy for her use. Which in her behalf, and at her desire, I offer unto your worships as a testimony of her respect, as likewise if there be a blessing in your hands in the behalf of the Orphans of such as have been of your Company, I was not unwilling to take this advantage of presenting her estate to your merciful considerations, considering she traineth up a son at the University for the future service of the Church. It is a special blessing of God where he hath given power and a willing mind to do good, to offer likewise the opportunity of fit objects that bounty be not misplaced; which here undoubtedly you shall have, and the blessing of the fatherless and widow shall come upon you. The Lord lead you on in a course of faithfulness to which we are here encouraged, that in the end you may receive the crown of life which is here promised. Gray Inn, jan. 2. 1623. Yours in all Christian service, R. Sibbs. CHRISTIAN CONSTANCY crowned by CHRIST. APOCALYPS 2.10. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. IT shall be needless to make stay upon any curious Analysis, either of this whole Chapter in general, or in particular of that Epistle, whereof my Text is a parcel. It containeth an entire Sentence of itself, and may well therefore be handled by itself. They are the words of our Saviour to the Angel or a Frustra est 〈◊〉 Origenes, qui de Spiritibus coelestibus interpretatur 〈◊〉 Luc. h●m. 13. & 3● Pastor of the Church b Vers. 8. of Smyrna: and they divide themselves into two parts, Parts 2. a precept. a promise. Precept. The precept is in those words, Be thou faithful unto death: Promise. The promise in those, And I will give thee a crown of life. Part 1. Branches 2. There is the work in the one; the reward or wages in the other. 1. Duty. 2. Stint, In the precept we may observe, Extent. 1. The duty required, fidelity or faithfulness: Be thou faithful: Part 2. and Branches 2. 2. The stint, or extent of it; Unto death. 1. Giver. In the promise likewise we may consider, 2. Gift. 1. The giver; Christ: I will give thee. Part 1. 2. The gift; a Crown; and that of life. Branch 1. For the first branch, the duty required or enjoined; Duty. Be faithful. The word faithful, is ambiguous, Fidelity. and may be taken two ways; and in a twofold sense is it given to the godly. For as the word c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Faith is taken sometime for credulity, Faith twofold. Credulity, Confidence. and sometime for fidelity; sometime for trust, and sometime for trustiness; sometime for confidence in another, and sometime for faithfulness to another: In the former sense it is taken in those phraeses so usual; d Act. 24.25. Faith in Christ, and e Act. 3.16. Faith in his Name: Fidelity. Faithfulness. In the latter sense it is taken in those words of our Saviour, f Matth. 23.23. You neglect judgement, mercy, and faith, or fidelity; and in those of the Apostle, g Tit. 2.10. Let servants show all faith (that is, Faithful two ways. In regard of Belief and Confidence. faithfulness) to their Masters. So God's Saints and servants are termed h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. faithful in a twofold respect: sometime in regard of their faith; that is, their belief and confidence in Christ: i john 20.27. Be not faithless, but faithful; saith our Saviour to Thomas: And, k 2 Cor. 6.15. What part hath the faithful with the Infidel? In regard of Fidelity and Faithfulness. saith the Apostle; that is, the believer with the unbelieving. Sometime in regard of their fidelity and faithfulness unto Christ: l Matth. 24.45. Who is a wise and a faithful servant? saith our Saviour. And, m 1 Cor. 7.27. I have received mercy of God, to be faithful; ●aith the Apostle: which of the former n Non quia ●ram, sed ut essem, ne meritum fidei Dei misericordiam praeveniat. Aug. de great. & lib. arb. c. 6. & 14. & de praedest. sanct. c. 2. & 3. De fide iustificante intelligens. some mis-expound. In this latter sense (as I take it) is the word here to be taken. For so is Antipas o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, contractum ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: sicut 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Lucius, Lucas. Ar●emidorus, Artemas. Numerius, Numas, etc. vice Var. de ●ing. Lat. l. 7. & Scalig. ad Catul. a little after termed p Vers. 13. Christ's faithful Martyr: and what is here said of being faithful to death, is in the next Epistle called, q Vers. 26. the keeping of his works to the end. So that the Point then of Instruction that we observe hence, Mea●ing. Point I is this; that Fidelity or faithfulness is required of all Christians. Faith in Christ must be seconded with faithfulness unto Christ. As we must have Faith in him, so we must keep Faith to him. For r Apoc. 14.17. those that are with him, are s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. elect, called, and faithful. And as some in this Book are commended in this kind for their t Ver. 19 C. 14.12 patience and faith: so some are said elsewhere, to be condemned, for breaking their faith, to wit, formerly plighted unto him. Now that we may the better conceive, Necessity of Fidelity. and see the necessity hereof: Reason 1. 1. Consider we what terms of relation there are between Christ and us. Fidelity and loyalty is in more special manner required u Prou●. 17 Ho●●. 3.3. jer. 3.20. in the Wife toward the Husband; and in x Tit. 2.10. the Servant and Subject toward his Master, his liege Lord, and his Sovereign. But y Ephes. 5.23. Christ is our Husband, our Head, and every Christian soul is his Spouse: z Hosh. 2.19, 20. I have espoused thee unto me, saith he, in mercy and in fidelity. He is a 1 Cor. 8.6. our Lord and b Matth. 23.8. Master: c john 13.13. You call me Lord and Master; saith he, and you say well; for so I am. We ought therefore to bear all loyalty▪ to show d 1 Cor. 4.1, 2. 1 Pet. 4.10. all fidelity and faithfulness unto him. I might add, that as Christ is Gods, so e 1 Cor. 6.19, 20. we are Christ's. f 1 Cor. 3.23. You are Christ's, saith the Apostle, and Christ is Gods. As Christ therefore is to God, so should we be to Christ. But * Heb. 4.2. Christ was faithful in all things to God his Father: and g Vt enim i●se fidelis est in reddendo, ita fidelem exigi● de promisso, Chrysost. nom. de fide, spe, char. faithful therefore should we be likewise in all things to him. He was faithful to God for us: and so should we also be for him. Reason 2. 2. The faith that must save us, must be h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1 Tim. 1.5. 2. Tim. 1.5. faith unfeigned. But faith severed from fidelity, is no faith, but a mere fancy. i Fides enim ab eo dicitur, quia id fit quod dicitur. Ex Cicer. de repub. l. 4. office l. 1. & ad Tir●n. ep. 10. Nonius de propr. serm. Aug. de mend. c. 20. & ad Hieron. ep. 6. Herv. in Rom. 7. Haimo ibid. 1. & 5. Ergo ubi non fit quod dicitur, non est fides. Petr. Cant. de ver. abbrev. c. 7. Faith without faithfulness is a false, a sergeant faith; like k 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Plut. de ●●ulat. Copper coin that hath the lustre, but not the worth of good Gold. It is l Infidelis quaedam fiducia. Bern. de temp. 50. a faithless faith, saith Bernard; and a trust without truth, ( * jerem. 7.8. You trust in a lie; saith jeremy;) whereby men expect that God should keep covenants with them, when they have no care to keep the like with him. Rabsakehs' Argument against Ezekiah had been good, if his words of Ezekiah had been true. Little cause could Ezekiah have m Esai 36.7. to trust in God, had he taken down his high places, and demolished his altars. Reason 3. 3. When we surcease to keep faith with God, we free him from performance of his promises to us. For howsoever it be true indeed that the Apostle saith, n 2 Tim. 2.13. Though we be unfaithful, or, though o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Vide notas Piscat. we distrust, rather; yet doth God abide faithful; nor can he deny himself. p Rom. 3.3. Man's distrust or incredulity cannot annul his fidelity. And it is a devilish position that the Romanists hold, and such as cutteth asunder the very sinews of humane society: that q Fidem cum haereticis non esse servandam. Videantur quae ex Simanch. institue. catholic. habentur in. Thesib. Romano-Cathol. à D. Thom▪ Mort●no editis. & in Alex. Cooks More work for a Masse-Priest, num. 7. Faith is not to be held with Heretics. For even r Etiam infideli rectè servatur fides. Taxatq●e Cic. offi●. l. 3. Atrei illud apud Accium. Neque do infideli, neque dedi, cuiquam fidem. with the unfaithful is faith to be held. Howsoever, I say, we may not s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Plut. in Lysand. & Aemyl. play the Crete's with Cretians; that is, lie and dissemble, because others so do: nor in regard of any man's wickedness or ungodliness otherwise, hold ourselves discharged of such t Gen. 21.32. & 26.28, 29. & 31.44, 53. bonds and covenants as we stand obliged in unto him. Yet where agreements between parties are founded and grounded on conditions or covenants (for I stand not now on the precise distinction of Lawtearmes) to be mutually and interchangeably performed on either side, u Frustra sibi fidem quis postulat ab eo seruari, cui fidem à se praestitam servare recusat. Bonifac. PP. in 6. reglur. 75. Frangenti fidem fides frangatur eidem. Fidem frangenti l●citum est fidem frangere. Petr. Fous reg. jur. ff. de inoffic. testam. Quanquam hoc revera non est fidem fallere. he that in such case breaketh first, doth thereby free the other party. Nor is it any unfaithfulness therefore in God, (whose promises of life and salvation are so conditional) to deny to make his promises good unto those, Reason 4. that have no care to keep touch with him. x Heb. 8.9. They kept not covenant with me, and I regarded not them: saith the Lord. 4. As there is nothing among men generally more odious, than falsehood in friendship; infidelity in those that we are in league and amity withal: y Viri f●●deris tui praevaricati sunt. Obad. 7. Thy confederates, saith the Prophet, have dealt treacherously with thee. And, x Ps. 55.12, 13, 14. It was not a professed enemy, saith David, that did me this wrong: for than could I well have brooked it: but it was thou, my guide, my companion, my sworn brother; as we say. So there is nothing that God taketh to heart more, or can worse endure, than y Esay 24.5. jer. 3.20. & 5.23. & 11.10, 11. disloyalty and breach of covenants in those that be in league with him. z jerem. 34.17, 18. Those, saith he, that have violated the covenant which they solemnly made with me, when they a Ritus, qualis ille Genes. 15.9, 10, 17. cut the calf in twain, and passed between the two sides of it; I proscribe them to the famine, the sword, and the plague; and their carcases shall lie rotting above ground unburied. b Eccles. 5.5. Better not to make covenant with God at all, than to make, and not keep. Use 1. Examination. From hence then may we learn how to try and examine the sincerity, and the soundness of our Faith. c 2 Cor. 13.5. Try yourselves, saith the Apostle, whether you be in the Faith: whether you be sound or d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. unsound. (The word would not be translated reprobates, as we commonly use that term.) Here is a Touchstone to try it by. If our Faith and Confidence in Christ be accompanied with fidelity and faithfulness unto Christ: if we be careful as well to observe what he requireth of us, as to expect what he promiseth. It is e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Chrysostom. in 1. Cor. hom. 2. Fides Deum individuat. the Nature of Faith, saith Chrysostome, to single out God; to make him as Thomas speaketh, f john 20.28. My Lord, and my God: and as to single out God himself, so to apply his promises in particular to the faithful party: g Galat. 2.20. Who hath loved me, saith the Apostle, and given himself for me. But we must know withal, that true Faith is careful as well to apply God's * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. precepts, as his “ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. promises. h Psal. 27.8. When thou sayest, Seek my face; my soul answereth thee again, Thy Face, Lord, will I seek. Yea, to that end saith Chrysostome, doth the Apostle make that particular application of God's grace and goodness to himself, * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Chrysost. ad Stelech. & in Gen. hom. 34. to imply thereby his own particular engagement to God for it. And it is no true Faith that regardeth not the one as well as the other. Hence it is, that it is said of some, that g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Act. 6.7. they became obedient to the faith: and of the Romans, that h Rom. 6.17. they had from the very heart obeyed the form of Doctrine delivered unto them: or (if you will) i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. that they were bound unto. Who are commended also more than once for their k 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Rom. 1.5. & 16.26. obedience of faith, or their faithful obedience. Which faithful obedience is a sure note of sound faith; nor can it be true faith where such obedience is wanting. Then may we know our Faith to be sound and sincere, when our faith in Christ breedeth and produceth in us a faithfulness unto Christ, a carefulness to please him, l Rom. 8.9, 14. Galat. 2.20. & 5.25. a willingness to obey him, to be guided and ruled by him. But alas, Use 2. Conviction. how many will be found, to have no true faith, who yet make profession of Faith, if they be brought to this Touchstone, if they come to this trial. Every one is ready to say with him in the Gospel, m Mark. 6.24. I believe, Lord. But, n 2 Thess. 3.2. All men, saith the Apostle, have not faith. No: all have not Faith, that make profession of Faith. How appeareth that, may some say? Surely, because as the same Apostle saith elsewhere, o Rom. 10.17. All obey not the Gospel: p 2 Thess. 1.8. all observe not the rules of it. For how many profess the faith of Christ, that yet are wholly q Ephes. 4.18. Philip. 3.18, 19 Rom. 16.18. Christum l●ngua si crepat, cum vita neget, non est fides, sed hypocrisis. Cypriani nomine de dupl. martyr. estranged from the life of Christ? How many thousands (millions, I might say) be there, that having given up their names unto Christ, and made solemn vows and covenants in Baptism with him, never so much as once think on (much less have any care of performing or making good) those solemn vows and promises that then they made, the bonds they entered into in their Baptism? And how are they Christians that keep no faith with Christ? And yet will such be counted Christians as well as the best: and are ready enough to vaunt of, and presume on their Christendom, as if r Ita quidam omnibus fidem Christianam etiam cum mala vita tenentibus salutem promittebant: teste Aug. de Civit. l. 21. c. 21. in regard thereof they were sure to do well. But, to omit that this their confidence, is like that before touched upon of the jews, which s jerem. 7.8. the Prophet telleth them, should never stand them in stead: I would gladly know of some such, what it is that maketh him a Christian. My faith, peradventure thou wilt say, Use 3. Admonition. in Christ. Yea, but that Faith, as hath been showed, that is not accompanied with faithfulness, is no true, it is but a false and a sergeant faith: Nor can a false and a sergeant faith make (at the best, and the most) but a counterfeit Christian; t Christiani nomine, non vita, non moribus. Aug. in Psal. 30. a Christian in Name, but not in deed. If therefore we desire u Aliud est enim esse quod diceris, aliud dici quod non ●s. Chrysost. n●m. de sp●, fid. char. Quid autem proderit appellari quod non es? quid nomen prodest, ubi res non est? Aug. in 1. joan. 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Di●n. Chrys●st. orat. 38. to be counted what we are called, let us approve the sincerity of our faith in Christ by our fidelity and faithfulness unto Christ. If we desire to have benefit by our faith in him, let us be careful to keep our faith with him. If we look that he should keep covenants with us, let us be sure that we keep covenant with him. x Psal. 25.10. All the ways of God are mercy and truth, saith the Psalmist, but to whom? to those that keep his Covenant and his Testimonies. And, y Psal. 103.18. The mercy of God is for ever and ever, upon those that keep Covenants with him, and that think upon his Commandments to do them. But it is an unequal thing for us, to expect that he should keep covenants with us, when we have no care to keep the like with him. An unreasonable thing were it for z Hosh. 2.5, 8, 9 a Wife to require means of maintenance from her Husband, when she liveth disloially, and keepeth with another man: or for a Servant to expect the Wages covenanted from his Master, when he keepeth no covenants at all with his Master, when he refuseth to do his work. Nor have they any reason to expect Life from Christ, when they die, that have no care to keep Faith with Christ, Branch 2. Extent. while they live. But how long must this faithfulness of ours be continued? * Non ad annum, vel ad tempus, sed in aeternum divino te mancipasti famulatui. Bern. epist. 254. Not for a day or two; as some formally would seem to observe it, when they repair to God's board once a year; no, nor for a year or two only; but, as in the mutual plighting of Faith in Wedlock it is wont to be said, a Rom. 7.2. 1 Cor. 7.39. till death us do part; so long as life lasteth, unto death, * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Clem. Alex. in protraept. to the last gasp: as it is afterward expounded, b Vers. 25. until I come; c Verse 26. unto the end. Christian fidelity must continue to the last. Point 2. So David, d Psal. 119.112. I have applied mine heart to fulfil thy statutes always, even to the end. And, e Hebr. 3.6. His house we are, if we hold fast the confidence, and the rejoicing of hope to the end: and, f Heb. 3.14. we are partakers of him, (or, g 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, i. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, ut Cap. 1.9. h. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Rom. 8.17. socij. consortes. Piscat. fellow-heires with him) if we keep firm h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, i. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: quae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 esse dicitur, cap. 11.1. Idem. principium autem sive initium fidei, i. quam profiteri c●pimus, & qua initiati sumus fide. the confidence begun in us to the end. And look what is there said of our confidence in, the same is required in our faithfulness unto Christ, in i Vers. 26. the keeping of his works; that must also be to the end. For even one branch it is also of * Psal. 44.17, 18. our Faith unto Christ, Necessity of Perseverance to hold fast our faith in Christ, and the profession of it, against all oppositions, and all opposites whatsoever. Now as the necessity before of this fidelity, so the necessity of such constancy and continuance may appear; Reason 1. if we shall consider, that 1. k Non perseverare cultus est mutilus. Bern. epist. 24 & 165. & de temp. 56. Not to persevere is a curtailed sacrifice; a maimed service, and such as God therefore will not accept of. l Levit. 22.21, 22. No maimed beast might be presented for sacrifice. That that was offered to God must have both m Psal. 69.31. horn and hoof: yet it must not want so much as the tail: for n Levit. 3.9. the taile-peece by name is in the sacred Rituals disposed of. It being thereby intimated, say o Caudam hostiae offerre praecipimur, ut omne bonum quod incepimus, etiam perse●eranti sine compleamus. Greg. mor. l. 1. c. 40. Been immolat, qui sacrificium boni operis ad finem perducit. Idem in Euang. 25. Caput cum cauda offerri jubetur, quia sine perseverantia nihil placet. Rad. Arden's. in 1.40 ●. some of the Ancients, that no holy course of life is accepted, if it be not concluded and closed up with a good end. 2. p Indicium maximum est malae mentis st●ctuatio. Sen. epist. 120. Inconstancy and instability is an Argument of unsoundness and insincerity. q Prou. 17.17. A friend, saith Solomon, loveth for ever. And, r 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Aristot. rhet. l. 2. c. 21. & Eudem. l. 7. c. 2. Non est amicus jugiter qui non amat. Amicitia quae aliquando desmere potuit, nunquam vera fuit. Martin. Dum de morib. ex Aug. ad julian. Com. de poen. d. 2. He was never a true Friend, saith the Heathen man, that ever ceaseth to be a Friend. Reason 2. In like manner, those that be truehearted to God, will keep constantly with him. s Psal. 78.8, 10, 37, 57 Nor were they ever sincere and upright with him, that ever leave and give over their loyalty unto him. Reason 3. 3. * Christus perseveravit pro te. Tu ergò pro illo perseveres. Bern. de temp. 56. & de ●on. deser. Ibi tu figas cursus tui metam, ubi Christus posuit suam. Idem. ep. 254. Christ persevered for us▪ and therefore ought we to persevere for him. Such a Friend was he to us, as Solomon describeth. t john 13.1. Whom he once loved, saith the Evangelist, he loved them to the last. He was not u Heb. 12.2. the Beginner only, but the Finisher of our salvation. He held out to the last gasp, till x Consummatum est. john 19.30. all were consummated, till all were done that was to be done for the full effecting and the finishing of it. 4. It is a Rule in the Civil Law, Reason 4. that a Factum no● dicitur, quod non perseverat. Pet. Fon● Reg. jur. it is as nothing that holdeth not. Yea that, b Nihil dicitur fuisse factum, quamdiu aliquid agendum superest. Ibid. ex Cod. justin. Incassum bonum agitur, si ante terminum vitae deseratur. Greg. m●r. l. 2. c. 40. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Basil. Cas. hom. 5. Nothing is held done, because all that is done is as good as nothing, as not done, as long as aught remaineth to be done. * Testamentum 〈◊〉 perfectum fuerit, nullum est. Gloss. ad Grat. de poen. d. 3. ex Cod. justin. A will unfinished is no will: a deed, unless it be signed, sealed, and delivered, is no deed. In a Lease made upon condition of diverse Acts, either successively to be done, or yearly to be reiterated, if all but one be done, and that only omitted, or all be observed for many years together, but default then be once made, c Nisi totum soluatur, nihil soluitur. Neque enim absolutus est debtor, qui multa reddit, sed qui omnia Greg. Mor. l. 22. c. 6. that one fail, or once failing, is enough to make all the rest of no effect, and to cause a forfeiture of the whole. 5. * Cedunt prima postremis. Tacit. Annal. l. 13. Vltima primis cedunt. Bern. de pass. Dom. c. 14. The former part of our life yieldeth unto the latter: Reason 5. and d Vita posterior priori praeiudicat. Hieron. ad Furiam. the latter part of our life carrieth it away from the former. e Ezech. 18.21, 22. If the wicked man, saith God, return from his wicked courses, all his former iniquities shall be forgotten, and shall be mentioned no more. And on the other side, f Ibid. 24. Neque enim ex praeteritis, sed ex praesentibus judicantur. Hieron. in Ezech. c. 26. vides profunda oblivione sepeliri, quae perseverantia non insignivit. Bern. de grad. obed. If the righteous man, saith he, give over his good courses; all the righteous deeds that he hath done shall do him no good; but for the evil that then he doth, shall he die. Reason 6. 6 g Terminus ad quem dat appellationem. Non quaeruntur in Christianis initia vel exord●a, sed finis & perseverantia. Paulus male co●pit, sed benè finivit. judas benà coepit, sed malè finivit. Ex Hieron. Bern. ad sororem. c. 20. The end of each thing is all in all. h Psal. 37.37. Mark the end of the just man. And, i Psal. 73.17. I saw the end of these men. It is that that maketh or marreth all. * Cu●us finis bonus est, ipsum quoque bonum est. Bern. in Psal. 91. ser. 17. Every thing, we say, is well, that endeth well. And indeed, k H. Smith on Psal. 90.12. Tota vita discendum est mori. Sen. de brev. vit. c. 7. the main end and aim of our whole life, should be this, to make a good end of our life; to put a good conclusion to it, l 2 Pet. 3.14. that we may be found then holy and unblameable in peace. 7. m Perseverantia sola virtutum coronatur. Bern. epist. 32. & 109. & 129. & 353. & de 〈◊〉. 56. & 114. It is perseverance alone that carrieth away the Crown. Unless we be faithful to death, there is * Finis, non p●gna, corona●. Id●m. de pass. Dom. c. 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Themistocles. Plut. apoph. no Crown of life for us. Reason 7. n Heb. 12.1. Christianity is compared to a race. o 1 Cor. 9.24. In a race, saith the Apostle, all that run, win not. Those only get the Garland that get first to the Goal. But in this spiritual Race, saith Chrysostome, p Non qui primus ven●●●t, sed quicunque pervenerit. Chrys. nomine de fide, spe, char. tom. 4. not he that cometh first, but each one that holdeth out to the last, is crowned. q Matth. 24.13. Mark 13.13. Non qui ●●perit, sed qui perseveraverit. Bern. de grad. 〈◊〉. Non in hoantibus, sed p●rseverantibus praemium promittitur. Isidor. de sum. bon. l. 2. c. 7. Nec coepisse, vel facere, sed profi●ere virtutis est. Hier. Gloss. ad Matt. 10. He that persevereth to the end, shall be saved. r Galat. 3.4. He that doth not, loseth all that he hath done. s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Basil. Caes. hom. 5. Nec ad bravium victoriae pervenit, qui in magna parte sp●ctaculi velociter currit, si juxta metas veniens, in hoc quod reliquum est, deficit. Greg. mor. l. 22. c. 6. Coming but a foot short, may make a man miss the prize, and lose the wager he ran for. As t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Basil. Caes. ibid. Nec ad quaelibet des●●nata loca pergentibus ●nch●●ndo pr●desset longum iter carpere, si non etiam totum valerent consummare. Greg. ibid. in journeying also, a man doth but lose all his labour, Reason 8. if he get not to his journey's end. 8. * Deus aeter●us: praemia aeterna. Quid levitati & aetern●tati? Aug. God himself is eternal, from whom we expect our reward: and the reward that we look for, is itself also everlasting. But what hath levity and inconstancy, saith Augustine, to do with eternity? u Aeternitatis ●maginem perseverantia prae se fert. Sola est cui aeternitas redditur. Bern. de consider. l. 5. Our fidelity must therefore hold out to the last, if we desire to have an everlasting reward. Yea most equal it is, that we continue to the end, if we look to enjoy that x Gaudium in fine, sed gaudium sine fine. Id●m de diverse. 19 joy and bliss in the end, that shall be without end. And, Use 1. Information. is it so then, that without such perseverance nothing in this kind is available? How miserable then and deplorable is the stare of those that with Ephesus, a Apoc. 2.4, 5. forsake their first love; that with the Galatians, b Galat. 5.7. run well a while, but then c Frusta velociter currit, qui priusquam ad metas venerit, deficit. Greg. mor. l. 2. c. 40. give over; that d Galat. 3.3. begin in the spirit, and end in the flesh; that e Luke 9.62. Retro post aratrum aspicit, qui post exordia boni operis ad mala revertitur quae dorel▪ quit. Gre. in Ezech. 1. hom. 6. put their hand to Gods plough▪ and then look back again, as f Luke 17.32. Gen. 19.26. Lot's Wife did toward Sodom; that with Demas, g Coloss. 4.14. Phil●m. 24. follow Paul a while; but then h 2 Tim. 4.10. leave him again to embrace the world; that i 2 Pet. 2.20, 21, 22. having escaped the defilements of the flesh, and the world, by the acknowledgement of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, do afterward turn away from the holy Commandment, and return k 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Prou. 26.11. like Dogs to their vomit, to their former filth, and l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●ambus est, & poeticum spirat. like swine after washing to the wallowing again in the mire? They are not only in as bad ca●e as before, (and yet were m Ephes. 2.1, 2, 3. & 4.17, 18. that bad enough) but in worse case now than ever. n 2 Pet. 2.20. Matt. 12.45. Their latter estate, saith St Peter, is worse than their first was. Use 2. Admonition. And let it admonish us therefore o Vers. 25. Chap. 3.11. to hold fast what we have; p Acts 11.23. to cleave unto God with full purpose of heart; and q Hebr. 6.11. use all diligence, to keep firm our assurance of hope to the end. For as it were better for us never to have entered into Covenant with God, than to make Covenants with him, and not to keep them: So * Ille plus delinquit, qui interruptam causam dimittit, quam qui nunquam ad illam perveni●. Bromyard in oper. trivio ex Authent. collat. 8. de Litig. it had been better for us never to have made show of observing them, if at any time after we cease and give over the observation of them again. And therefore r 2 Pet. 3.17. seeing that we know these things, saith S. Peter; since that we see and have heard what s Ing●us praeiculum ad deteriora redeundi. Sen. ep. 72. john 5.14. Gravius aegrotant, qui cum levati morbo viderentur, in eum de integro incidunt. C●c. famil. l. 12. ep. 30. the danger of it is, let us take heed lest we be drawn away by the error of the wicked; and so fall from our steadfastness and our faithfulness to our Lord Christ jesus. And because, as Gregory saith, t Quid ista proderit praenosse, si non contingat evadere? Greg in Euang. 36. it is to little purpose for us, to be informed how dangerous it is, if we be not taught how to prevent the danger: It shall not be amiss to add some few Rules for the furthering of us unto perseverance in those religious courses that either we are to enter, or are in some measure entered into already. Rules for Furtherance. Means of Perseverance. Means 1. Wouldst thou therefore continue faithful to Christ thy Master, and hold out in thy Christian course to the end? 1. Enter with resolution. a Luke 14.28, 29, 30. Cast up thine accounts before hand. b Et aequissimum ●●era; & ad iniquissimum te para. Sen. ep. 24. Forecast the worst, and prepare for it. c Luke 14.33. Unless a man, saith our Saviour, leave ( d Quantum ad affectum, licet non quantum ad effectum. Ludolf. de Vit. Christ. proposito tenus. Adrian. qu●dlibet. q. 10. in resolution at least) all that ever he hath, e Luke 14.26. father and mother, and wife, and children, and land, and living, and his own life too; he can be none of my Disciple. The want of this is that, that maketh many a one turn head and set sail back again, so soon as they see storms towards, and opposition begin to be made: they never were minded to go further, than they found the way clear before them. It fareth with them as with those that go to sea upon pleasure, “ Nondum era● tempestas, sed ja● inclinatio maris, 〈◊〉 subinde crebrio● fluctus. Cepi guber●natorem rogare, 〈◊〉 me in aliquo litor● exponeret. Senec epist. 53. who no sooner see a black cloud rise, or find the sea begin to work, especially * Nausea me segni torquebat. Instit itaque gubernatori & illum, velle nollet, coegi ut l●●tus peteret. Ibid. if they begin to grow Sea-sick with it, but they are crying by and by to make back with all haste to the shore; whereas the Merchant or Seaman † Cui propositum 〈◊〉 navem▪ in portune perducere. Idem e●pist. 85. that is bound for his Port, will not be driven back with a storm or two, (he looked before for it) with a little foul weather, or a little sea-sickness, but goeth on through fair and foul, Means 2. till he hath made his voyage, till he have gotten to his Port. 2. Labour for sincerity. Endeavour to be that inwardly, that thou makest profession of outwardly. Else there is no hope of continuance. For f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Greg▪ Naz. Nihil fictu● diuturnum. Amb● office l. 2. c. 22▪ Caduca sunt quae● cunque fucata sun● Cyprian. ad Donat▪ nothing that is counterfeit, will last long. Sergeant pearls may make a fair show for some time; but their lustre will not last. And this is one main cause of the Apostasy of many, they were never but g Psal. 78.37. Hosh. 6.4. hollow-hearted; they were never sound at the heart. h Mattth. 13.20▪ 21. Nam quod ra● dicatum est etiam ardente Sole ares● cere non potest. So●le nutritur & vi●rescit, non arescit Aug. in Psalm. 43▪ & in 1 joan. ●r. 3. The seed on the stony ground, therefore withereth away when the heat of the year cometh, because it had no root. And therefore i 1 Tim. 4.1. many shall fall away, when k 2 Tim. 3.1. the dangerous days come, that had made a goodly show of profession before; because they had (when they were at the very best) l 2 Tim. 3.5. an outward show and semblance of godliness only, but inward power of it. Yea, that is one cause why Read the 〈◊〉 of Sanders and ●ndleton, in 〈◊〉 Acts and Monuments. many that have seemed very forward men in times of peace, have in times of persecution fallen clean away, when some others that made no such great show before, have stuck close to it. There was an outward blaze only in the one, that was therefore by and by blown out: there was an inward spark in the other, that being blown up by the bellows and blast of opposition, hath broken forth, and blazed out to the wonderment of those, that little looked for such things from such, as had made no greater flourish before. Means 3. 3. Be careful to 1 Tim. 1.19. keep a good Conscience. ●ebr. 13.18. Holding the mystery of faith in a good conscience; saith the Apostle; 1 Tim. 3.9. 1. Tim. 1.19. which some casting away, have made shipwreck of Faith. Perkins of Conscience. He compareth Conscience to a Ship or a Bark; and Faith to Treasure therein embarked; Rectè itaque con●ra Papam ratio●natur Nilus ep. ●●ess. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. which must needs therefore miscarry, if the Ship or Bark be castaway. And in this Bark, Sins against Conscience make foul breaches, which if they be not speedily repaired, (and that is not easily done neither) may soon undo all. Better it is to prevent them, than to hazard the making of them good again. The rather, because when they are grown frequent once, they bring a kind of retchlessness with them. It is with our Conscience, as it is with our apparel. While it is fresh and fair, new, or new washed, we are very chary what we lean against, where we sit, or what we touch with it; but when it is once soiled or sullied, we have no such regard of it, we little pass what we do with it, we care not now where we cast it. Means 4. 4. 'Slight no sin; make light of no evil course. For to omit that t Nihil leve quo Deus laeditur. Salvian. de provide. l. 2. no sin is light or little in itself. Some may seem u Matth. 7.3, 4. motes, and be so termed in comparison of some other. But there is none but may well be deemed a beam, being considered in itself. As the earth, though but x Terram hanc cum populis, & urbibus, fluminibus, atque ambitu maris puncti loco ponimus, ad universa referentes. Sen. ad Marc. c. 20. a centre or a point to the heavens, yet is an huge body of itself, y jer. 31.37. Ambitus terrae totius, quae nobis immensa videtur, ad magnitudinem universitatis instar brevis obtinet puncti. Ammian. hist. l. 15. by no art or skill of man exactly measurable. And again, that in every sin, great or less, there is rank poison; there are a Peccatum quodque in se & ex natura sua mortale esse docet Gersees de vit. spirit. lect. 1. Idemque fatetur joan. Fisher Roff. Ep. in re●ut. Luther. ar●ic. 32. V●dentur Vasquez. in Thom. tom. 1. disput. ●42 num. 7●. no sins that are in themselves not mortal, as the Popish sort imagine: b 1 Cor. 15.55, 56. a deadly sting there is in every sin; which c Pro●. 10.23. & 14.9. may not therefore be dallied with. Not to stand, I say, upon these things; even those little sins, as we reckon them, if we give way to them, will make way soon for greater. The Devil useth them (it is the comparison of d Author Oculi moralis. an ancient Writer) as thieves, some little Boy that they put in at a window; who though he can do no great matter of hurt himself, yet when he is once in, can open, the doors and let them in, that may both rob the house and kill all that are in it. Or e Idem. ibid. as Hunt 〈◊〉 do their little Beagles, which they ply the D●ere withal till he be heated and blown, and then clap they on their great Buck-hounds that may pull him down and pluck out his throat. And indeed, in these smaller matters decay of grace first discovereth itself, as f Easly on Esay●. 5. the decay of a tree, appeareth first in the washie boughs or the twigs, and so by little and little goeth on further into the bigger arms, and at length pierceth into the main body. And as we say, that a man's truth and honesty may be seen as well in a small matter, as in a greater: So g Luke 16.10, 11. even in these trifling things also, as they are commonly esteemed, as well as in weightier, may a man's unfaithfulness be discovered. He hath hardly a faithful heart unto Christ, that counteth any thing a trifle that may tend to his dishonour; as h 1 Tim. 6.1. Tit. 2.10. Rom. 2.24. all sin, in a Christian man especially, more or less doth. 5. Be jealous of thine own weakness▪ trust not too much to thine own strength. i Matth. 26.33, 34, 35. john 13.37. Praesumps●t nescio quid, quod in illo nondum erat. Aug. in Psal. 55. Pos●e se putavit, quod nondum potuit. Ber. de temp. 88 Mean 5. It was Peter's oversight, and we know how k Matth. 26.73, 74. foully he fell. And his example is left upon record l Vt ●uina majorum si● cautela minorum. Greg. mor. l. 33. c. 15. Scr●p●ae sunt enim ruinae priorum ad cautel●m poster●erum. Rad. Arden's post Trinit. 9 〈◊〉 naque debet reddere, non s●qu. 〈◊〉 error ali●nus. C●ssiod. Var. l. 7. ●p. 2. to make us the more wary. For this is the ruin of not a few; * Multos imp●dit a firmitate praesumptio firmitatis. Aug. de verb. D●m. 13. Infirmior is est, qui suam non considerat infirmitatem. Greg. registr. l. 6. indict. 15. ep. 4. Means 6. that they presume too much of their own might, and so are bold to offer themselves unto those provocations and temptations, that prove many times their utter ruin. They are m Stella in Luc. c. 11. like sick folks, who when they have had a good day or two, think that they are perfectly well again, and make bold to cast off their sick kerchief, or put on thinner apparel, or venture out into the fresh air, and by such means fall into relapses, which they hardly, or never (it may be) recover again. 6. eat evil occasions. n Non vitat peccatum, qui non vitat occasiones peccatorum. Stell. in Luc. 11. & Melanchth. loc. common. 22. Exponens se periculo peccati mortalis, peccat mortaliter. Gersonde vit. spirit. lect. 4. He shuneth not sin as he should, who is not careful to eschew the occasions of sin, as well as the sin itself. By carelessness in this kind many fall into relapses. Which St Peter also intimateth, when he saith of some that o 2 Pet. 2.20. having escaped the defilements of the world, by the acknowledgement of Christ, that is, by the profession of Christianity; by being p 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Saepe familiaritas implicavit. Saepe occasio peccati voluntatem fecit peccandi. Isidor. Soliloq. l. 2. entangled, they come to be the second time overcome. As David saith of himself, q Ps●l. 142.3. In the way that I walk, have they hid their snare for me. Satan hath his r Omne iter istius vitae plenum laqueort most. Ambr. de bon. mort. c. 6. snares and his gins set in all our ways for us, in our meat, our drink, our apparel, our recreation, our lawful delights, our trading, our traffic, our buying and selling, etc. In regard whereof, as those that s job 22.10. walk among snares, we had need t Prou. 4.25, 26. tread warily, and u Ephes. 5.15. walk wisely, and circumspectly, and x Hebr. 12.13. make strait steps to our feet. Remembering that Satan prevaileth more against those that make any conscience of their courses, by the unlawful, immoderate, or inordinate usage of things in themselves lawful, than by the practice of things merely evil and unlawful in themselves. And that it is safer, and easier by much ordinarily, y Nam vitare plagas in ●moris ne laciaris Non ita difficile est, quam captum retibus ipsis Exire, & validos veneris perrumpere nodos. Lucret. de rer. nat. l. 4. to pass by the snare, than z Non avis utiliter viscatis ef●ugit alis: Non bene de laxis cassibus ●xit aper. Saucius arrepto piscis retinetur ab ham●. Ovid. art. l. 1. to wind out when we are once wrought in. You know what was Eve's overthrow. Satan suggested unto her, that though she were forbidden to eat of it, yet it was not unlawful to look on it. And so by a Gen. 3.7. Oculos tendo, non manum. Non est interdictum ne videam, sed ne comedam. Bern. de humil. grad. 4. gazing on it, she came to have a liking to it, and from taking liking to it, fell to a longing after it, she had b Etsi culpa non est, culpa tamen occasio est ● & indicium est commissae, & causa commit tendae. Bern. ibid. tasted it in her heart, ere it came into her hand, and so at length by eating of it, c Hausit virus peritu●a, & perituros paritura. Ibid. she took in that that proved the bane both of her and hers. In regard whereof, the Prophet promiseth eternal happiness with God to that man alone, d Esay 33.14, 15. who not only e Psal. 15.2. speaketh truly and walketh uprightly, but f D●ut. 16.19. Ne iniquos accepto munere, si non ●●verit, ingratus; si foverit, i●●quus habeatur. Author ocul. mor. c. 6. shaketh his hands also from taking of gifts, and g Sep● spinis aures tuas. S●rac. stoppeth his ear from hearing of blood, and h job 31.1. Psal. 119.37. Vitijs nobis in animum per o●ulos est v●a. Quint●l. declam. Itaque 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Clem. Alex. paedag. l. 3. c. 11. shutteth his eyes from seeing of evil: shuneth those things as well that may be occasions of evil, as the evil, whereof they may be occasions, itself. Means 7. 7. i Luke 18.1. Rom. 12, 12. Coloss. 4.2. 1 Thess. 1.17. Be frequent in prayer unto God for support. k Matth. 26.41. Watch and pray, saith our Saviour, that you may not enter into temptation. Watch & pray; because l Psal. 127.1. all our watching will be of no force or efficacy at all without prayer. For m Ephes. 6.10, 11, 13. from God it is, that strength must be had to stand steadfast and firm: n Rom. 8.37. Phil. 4.13. it is his power that must support us. o 1 Pet. 1.5. We are upheld by the power of God through Faith, saith the Apostle. It is the p Ephes. 3.16. Colos. 1.11. power of God then that must enable us to persever: and it is q Ephes. 6.18. prayer that must procure this power. This holy exercise therefore we must be diligent in, if we desire thus to hold out; praying, as David doth in the Psalm; r Psal. 86.11. Lord, teach me thy ways, that I may walk in thy paths: O knit mine heart unto thee, that I may fear thy Name. As on the other side we may observe, that when men grow negligent herein, a general decay of grace usually ensueth. s Psal. 14.3, 4. They are all gone aside, etc. saith the Psalmist: While they call not upon God. And how can we hope to have strength thus to stand, if we be not careful to seek it, where it is only to be had? 8. Keep the fear of God fresh in thy soul. Means 8. t Psal. 86.11. Knit mine heart unto thee, that I may fear thee, saith the Psalmist. The fear of God, if it be fresh in us, will make us keep home with him, u Deut. 10.20. cleave and cling close to him, be afraid to stir but an inch (as we say) from him, x Deut. 6.2, 13. & 5.29. Eccles. 12.13. be careful to use all means of retaining his favour, of approving ourselves and all our courses unto him, and y job 1.1. & 31.13, 14, 21, 22. Nehem. 5.15. Prou. 8.13. & 16.6. of eschewing whatsoever may either offend him, or savour of any disloyalty and unfaithfulness in us towards him. z Qui op●ratur ut accedamus, id●m operatur ne discedamus. Aug. de bon. persever. c. 7. God, saith Augustine, that hath wrought on us to bring us home to him, must also work in us, that we departed not again from him. But this he doth by means; which he pointeth at, when he saith by the Prophet, a I●rem. 32.40 I will put into their hearts such fear of me, that they shall never depart again away from me. b Fides facit formidinem: sormido facis solicitudinem: solicitudo parit perseverantiam. Tertull. ad Marc. Faith breedeth fear, and fear breedeth care; and carefulness causeth perseverance. The Devil could never prevail with our first Parent to withdraw her from God, till he had c Gen. 3.4. wrought this Fear out of her. Nor had he ever been able so to prevail with her, Means 9 had she been careful to keep this Fear fresh in her soul. 9 Take heed of standing still. Think not with thyself, that having run thus long, thou mayst now stand still a while; or having gotten thus far, thou mayst now sit down and breathe thee. d 2 P●t. 3.17. Take heed, saith St Peter, l●st you be drawn aside, and fall from your steadfastness. And if you ask him, what you must do to prevent it: e Ibid. 18. But grow, saith he, in grace. f Vnum ● duobus necesse est, aut semper proficere, a●t prorsus desicere. Bern. de diverse. 36. Qui non proficit, deficit; qui non progreditur, regreditur. Nolle proficere, deficere est▪ Idem epist. 25.4. If we be not growing, we are decaying: if we be not making on, we are going amain back. As g Non aliter quam qui adverso●● flumine l●mbum Re●●g●s subigit, si brachia forte remisit, Atque illum in praeceps pron● rapit ●●veus amni. Virg. georg. l. 1. & Apud G●ll. noct. Attic. l. 10. c. 29. Vide Greg. mor. l. 11. c. 8. in rowing up a River, that runneth with a strong current, if the Oars do but stay, the Boat falleth backward. There is no staying of our hands: h N●hil stat, nihil sixum manet. Aug. in joan. 31. There is no standing at a stay. i Inter profectum & desectum nihil medium invenitur. Bern. ep. 254. Between mending and pairing there is no medium, saith Bernard. * Damnum parata sentient, si para●e cessaveris. Pelag. ad Demetr. That we have will be gone, unless we strive to get more. 10. k Mica. 6.8. Walk in humility. When we have done all this, take heed of pride: (Remember l 2 Chron. 26.16. Vzziah; remember m 2 Chron. 32.25, 26. Ezekiah:) It is a deadly poison that spoileth and killeth all where it cometh; Means 10. so dangerous, that n 2 Cor. 12.7. of another poison is a counter-poison confected, to preserve St Paul from it. And o A●a quaecunque iniquitas in malis operibus exercetur, ut fiant: superbia verò bonis operibus insidiatur ut pereant. Aug. epist. 109. we are never more in danger of it than when we have done most, and made greatest progress in the profession and practice of piety. For it is as p Quod de fisco julianus Imper. Fiscus ut lien. Ammian. hist. l. 25. the spleen in the body, that groweth most when the other parts waste; q Multis quippe vitia conculcasse, & virtutes acquisivisse fit occasio superbiae. Rad. Arden's post Trinit. 5. it groweth fastest oft, when other evils decay, and out of the decay of them, sucketh matter to feed & foster itself with. This therefore must be carefully eschewed and avoided. When we have done well, we must take heed, how in that regard we begin to think highly of ourselves. r Humilitas est conservatrix virtutum. Et qui sine humilitate caeteras virtutes congregat, qua●i pulverem in ventum portat. Idem. ibid. ex Greg. mor. If we do so, all is gone, s Qui gloriantur vitia devicisse se, ipsi devincuntur. Arden's ibid. we are undone. Be affected rather as Paul was. After he had gone so far, done so much: t 2 Cor. 11.5. I make account, that I come not short, saith he, of the very chief Apostles. Yea, u 1 Cor. 15.10. I have laboured more than them all. For, x Rom. 15.19. from jerusalem round about, even unto Illyricum, (that is, from Syria to Sclavonie) have I plentifully preached the Gospel: Yet, a Phil. 3.14. I forget, saith he, what is past. I regard no more what I have done, than as if yet I had done nothing, or had clean forgotten what I did. And b Ibid. I put on forward to what is before; pressing on toward the high calling of God in Christ jesus. He did as men in a race that c Instat equis auriga suos vincentibus, illum Praeteritum temnens. Horat. satire. 1. look not back to see how many they have outstripped, or how far they have gotten, but have their eyes fixed on those that have got ground of them, and on the ground before them, that they are to measure, ere they can come to the mark. Let us d More viatorum nequaquam debemus aspicere quantum jam iter egimus, sed quantum superest ut peragamus: ut paulisper fiat praeteritum, quod indesinenter & timidè adhuc attenditur suturum. Greg. mor. l. 22. c. 6. Oblivis●ere omne praeteritum: & quotid●è inchoare tepu●a: ne pro praesenti die, quo debes servire Deo, praeteritum imputes. Pelag. ad Demetr. not consider so much how far we have gone, and how many others come short of us, but e Summun illud bonum imitari ●onemur: quod quantumvis quis in hac vita vires protenderit, neutiquam tamen consequi poterit. Stella in Luc. 1. how far we are to go, and how far we come far short of that Christian perfection, that we should all strive and contend to attain unto. And as our Saviour adviseth us, f Luke 17.10. Vide Chrysost. in Oziam serm. 3. When we have done all that we can, let us say, that we are but unprofitable servants; we have done no more, nay g job 9.3. Rom. 7.17, 23. Galat. 5.17. far less, than we ought to do, Means 11. than was our duty to have done. 11. Consider we the short stint of time, that this laborious course is required of us; it is but till death. And since that our h Psal. 39.4, 5. & 89.47. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hippocr. aphor. 1. Quid tam circumcisum, tam breve, quam hominis vita longissima? Plin. ep. 7. lib. 3. life here is not long; (it is but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Plut. paedag. Punctum ●st quod vivimus, & adhuc puncto minu●. Sen. ep. 49. Minorem portionem aetas nostra quam partem puncti habet, si tempori comparetur omni. Id●m ad Marc. c. 20. a point, saith the Heathen man, or less than so, that we live here) that employment cannot be long that must end with it. For what can be long in that, that is not long itself? It is but till death only that our Saviour Christ requireth this of us. It is a note of stint, as well as of extent, here. Not that our fidelity & loyalty unto Christ shall not last longer; but * ●inem dico qua vita ista finitur, in qua tantumm●do periculum est, ne cadatur. Aug. de persever. c. 1. because after that there will be no difficulty in our loyalty, no danger of disloyalty, if till than we hold out. k Matth. 13.41. Vbi omni & host & peste carebimus. Aug. nom. de continent. c. 14. All scandals, stumbling blocks and impediments being then removed; and all occasions of provocation and temptation to the contrary being then utterly abolished. It is but for a spurt therefore, to speak of, that this is required of us, it is but l Propone profundi temporis vastitatem, & universum complectere: deinde hoc, quod aetatem vocamus humanam, compara immenso; videbimus quam exigu●m sit, quod optamus, quod extendimus. Sen. ep. 9●. Omnia humana brevia & caduca sunt, infinui temporis nullum spatium occupantia. Idem ad Marc. c. 20. a spurt, in comparison of that that after ensueth. And who would not for a spurt, for a short brunt endure any difficulty, any hardness, to live at hearts ease for ever after? Who would not serve, even an hard and an unkind Master, and much more than so kind and liberal a one as our Lord and Master Christ is, (that m Matth. 20.28. Philip. 2.7. Luke 22.27. came to serve us and for us, ere he required this service of us) with all fidelity and diligence for a day or two, that he might after be a free man, yea an happy man for ever? n Vt non sit hîc necessarium Epicuri solamen illud, Si longus, levis est; Si gravis est, brevis est. Cic. Tuscul. l. 2. Sen. epist. 24. & 30. & 78. & 94. Moras & I●lius in epigr. It is not long, and it is but light, that is required of us, in respect of that that is expected for it, and is promised thereunto. For o 2 Cor. 4.17. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Chrys. de compunct. 1. this light hardship that is but for an instant, saith the Apostle, procureth unto us an exceeding excessive everlasting weight of glory. 12. Be oft * Op●s te terret, merce●e vide. Aug. de verb. Dom. 6. eyeing, Means 12. and meditating on the royal reward, that is both here and elsewhere propounded and promised to all those that thus persever. This made Moses hold out the rather, and p Heb. 11.25, 26. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Chrystom. 8. ser. 13. endure not constantly only, but cheerfully, choosing rather to suffer hardship with the people of God, than to enjoy some sinful delights for a season; and esteeming the reproach, that for Christ's sake he suffered, greater riches than all the Egyptian treasures; because he had an eye to the recompense of reward. And q 2 Cor. 4.8, 10, 16, 18. therefore we faint not, saith the Apostle, though we be straitened on every side; and bear about with us in our body the dying of the Lord jesus, being delivered up daily for him to death; because we look not on the things that are seen, but on the things that are not seen: for the things that are seen, are temporal; but the things that are not seen, are eternal. For though God's children be r Galat. 4.7. no hirelings, to serve him only for hire sake, but out of love, s 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Gr●g. Nazianz. de Bapt. duty, and goodwill; yet are they animated and encouraged, the rather to do that they do the more cheerfully, comfortably, and constantly, when they consider what a blessed issue their l●bours, endeavours and sufferings are like, nay, are sure to have, if they hold out in them. For, t Galat. 6.9. we shall reap in due time, saith the Apostle, if we faint not: Yea, of our Saviour himself it is said, whom we are willed therein also to imitate, that u Heb. 12.2, 3. For the glory set before him, he endured the Cross, and set light by the shame of it, and is now seated at the right hand of God. And x Heb. 10.35. cast not therefore away your confidence, saith the Apostle, Considerations 2. nor give over, say I, your fidelity, that you owe unto Christ; since that it hath so great recompense of reward. Consider. 1. Loss. Yea, consider we as well what we loose, if we give over, as what we win and gain, if we persever. For the former; a Apoc. 3.11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Chrysost. in Matth. ●●m. 24. Hold fast what thou hast, saith our Saviour, lest the Crown be taken from thee. And it is a Question canvased to and fro among the Schoolmen, b Vide Thom. Sum. par. l a. 2 ae. q. 88 ●. 4. Dura●d. in sut. l. 2. d. 33. q. 3. Al●x. Alice sum. p 1. q. 39 m. 3. a. 4. §. 1. & p●r. 2 q. 114. m. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Chrysost. in Matth. ●om. 23. whether is the greater evil to forgo the joys of heaven, or to undergo the pains of Hell. But how soever it be, an heavy thing it will be, if we faint and fail now, hereafter to think, as he sometime said, who for a draught of drink in distress gave up his command; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; Ly●●macl● apud Plut. in ap p●●b. vel u●idem in prac. salubr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. For what a trifling matter have we bereft ourselves of a great command, of a Crown, of a Kingdom? For what a toy (to speak of) have we deprived ourselves of eternal felicity? For the latter; Be faithful, saith our Saviour here, unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of life. The latter clause whereof, containing a free and a large promise, Consider. 2. Gaine. annexed to the precept, which hitherto we have handled, albeit it might well minister much matter of further Consideration, Part 2. Promise. Motive. yet for the present we will consider it only, as a Motive, in its several branches, to induce to, and enforce on us, such constant fidelity, and faithful perseverance, as we have showed to be here required. 1. He that promiseth, Branch. 1. Giver. it is d Vers. 8. Christ. I will give. I will give that have power to give; that have ability and authority so to do. Point 1. Ability. e Mat●h. 4.9. I will give thee all these, said he sometime to our Saviour, who had no power to make good what he said: But he that speaketh it here, is able to perform what he here promiseth. f Ap●c. 2.16, 18. As I have received power, so I will, saith he, give them power. For g Matth. 28.18. all power is given me in heaven and earth. Point 2. Fidelity. And, h Apoc. 3.21. To him therefore that overcometh, will I give to sit with me in my Throne; as I have overcome, and sit now with my Father on his Throne. Again, I will give, who am i Apoc. 3.14. Amen, True and Faithful. He that is faithful to me, shall find me faithful to him. k Heb. 10.23. Let us keep the profession of our hope without flitting and wavering, saith the Apostle, for he that hath promised is faithful. What he saith, he will make good: he will perform what he hath promised. He will do it? Yea, he hath done it. He is not like that Antigonus, whom they used to call l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Plut. in Paul. Aemyl. Antigonus that would give. He will give; and he hath given. We tread but in the steps of those that already m Hebr. 6.11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Clem. Alex. paedag. l. 3. c. 8. have inherited these promises. Point. 3. Liberality. 3. He will give. What he doth, is of free gift, not of due debt. Such is his goodness, that though * Rom. 8.12. Quicquid es, qu●cquid pot●s, d●bes creanti, d●bes redim●nti. Bern. de diverse. 19 we owe unto him whatsoever we do or can do, n Rom. 11.35, 36. nor can we claim aught as of right from him for all that we do for him; he oweth us not so much as thanks, as o Luke 17.9.10. himself elsewhere showeth, for it: yet p O magna Dei b●nitas, cui cum pro conditione reddere d●beamus obsequia, ut servi Domino, famu●● Deo, subiecti potenti, mancipia redemptori, amicitiarum nobis praemia repromittit. Aug. de ●erb. Dom. of his mere bounty he will not suffer us to go unrewarded; Branch 2. Gift. but of his free goodness will give us, what we could not otherwise require. Point 4. Crown. 2. The Gift, or the thing promised, it is q 2 Tim. 4.8. a Crown; it is r Luke 12.32. Matth. 25.34. a Kingdom. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Euripid. Phoeniss. Nam si violandum est jus, regnandi gratia violandum est. C●c. office l. 3. Who would not strain hard for a Crown? “ Perpessi sunt exercitus inopiam rerum omnium, vi●erunt herbarum radicibus, & dictu foedis tulerunt famem. Haec omnia passi sunt proregno, & (quô magis mir●ris) alieno. Sen. op. 17. Who would not endure much for a Kingdom? Who would stay by the way, or give over ere he came at it, if he saw a Crown at the goal, and were sure to have it, if he held but out, till he came there? 3. This Crown, it is s jam. 1.12. a Crown of Life. It is not like the Crowns that worldly Kings wear, that cannot t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Plut. de tranq. free them from diseases, much less save them from Death. Point 5. Life. They may die, and u Psal. 82.7. & 146.3, 4. do die, for all their Crowns, and return to their dust. But this is a Crown that giveth life to him that hath it. It is a Crown that keepeth him in life that weareth it. 4. The Life that this Crown giveth (though it be not expressed here) is x Matth. 26.46. Galat. 6.8. an eternal, an everlasting life. y 1 Cor. 9.29. They strive for a corruptible, we for z 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. an incorruptible Crown, saith St Paul. It is a Crown or a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1 Pet. 5.4. a garland of b Est spica purpurea verius quam flos. Mirum in eo gaudere decerpi & laetius renasci. Mi●eque, postquam defecere cuncti flores, madefactus aqua reviviscit & hibernas coronas facit. Summa eius natura in nomine est, appellato, quoniam non marcescat. Plin. hist. nat. l. 21. c. 8. Amarantum, or of Everlasting, saith St Peter, Point 6. Everlasting. alluding to a Flower, or a Tuft ra●ther, commonly so termed. Therefore so termed, because by it, as we are now c 1 Pet. 1.4. kept unto, so we shall hereafter be kept, and preserved in, a Kingdom d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. incorruptible, untainted, that never withereth away, reserved for us in the Heavens. All which laid together; Conclusion. Use. Persuasion, and Encouragement. the giver so able, so free, so faithful; and the gift itself so great; a Crown, of life, and everlasting life: so glorious and excellent an estate, e Rom. 8.18. that all that ever we do, or can endure here, is not worthy once to be named with it; should persuade and encourage us with all constancy and cheerfulness to go on and hold out in the faithful service of our Saviour, f Matth. 19. 2●, 28. Mark 10.28, 29, 30. Luke 14, 26, 33. whatsoever it should cost us, though we should lose liberty, living, life by it, and all that ever we were worth; that so continuing faithful unto death, he may bestow upon us a Crown of Life. Now it is, The Testimony given to Mr▪ William Winter deceased. I know, expected that I should, as the manner is, say, somewhat concerning our Christian brother deceased, to whose corpse we perform now g Acts 8.2. 2. Sam. 3.31. the last Christian office. It shall not be needful to say much of him to those that knew him, as I suppose the most here did. As Bernard saith of one Humbert; his whole life was h Factitium vobi● sermon●m in omni forma sanctitatis Dei servus exhibuit. Bern. in obit. Humb. a real and vital Sermon of that, whereof you have had a verbal and vocal one now; to wit, of piety and godliness, of fidelity and faithfulness to his Lord and Master Christ jesus. He had been an ancient Professor: nor was he one (as i Rom. 2.24. too many there are) that did stain and blemish his Christian profession, either by unchristian courses, or undiscreet carriages; but by his pious and prudent behaviour rather k Tit. 2.7, 8, 10. graced and adorned it. It had pleased God to endow him with singular gifts and parts (for a private man especially) of understanding, memory, and speech; which he was not slothful or negligent to improve and employ, to the glory of God's name, and l Many, I doubt not, may say of him, as Bernard of Humbert, Separavit à nobis dulcem ami●●●, prudentem consil●arium, sor●em auxiliarium: God hath taken from us, a sweet friend, a wise counsellor, a strong helper. the edification of others: As the main course of his life and conversation, so his ordinary speech, conference, and communication being m Coloss. 4.8. seasoned with salt, savouring of sound sanctification, and such as might n Ephes. 4. ●●. minister much grace to the hearers. And albeit, God saw it good to afford him but a mean estate for o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 1 Cor. 6.4. the things of this life, (he will stir up those, I doubt not, that p 2 Sam. 9.3, 7. out of their religious disposition and affection to him, will do for those that he hath left behind him) yet he had made him q jam. 2.5. rich in grace; and by help of that grace he lived with that small pittance r Quod de Cratete Plut. lib. de tranq. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. more cheerfully and comfortably, than many do with large and ample estates. Nor saw I him ever more cheerful, than in this his last sickness. As Ambrose said sometime when he lay a dying to his Millainers; s Non sic vixi, ut ●e pud●at intervos vivere: nec mori timco. qu●a bonum Dominum hab●mus. Ambros. test● Paul ●o in vita Ambr. I have not so lived among you, that I am ashamed to live longer with you; nor yet am I afraid to die, because we have a good Master: And Martin of Tours being now near his end, when his friends stood abou● him, lamenting their loss of him, t Domine, si adhuc topu●o tuo sum necessarius; non recuso laborem; f●●t volu●tas tua. Sever. de Martin ep. 3. & Bern. serm. in fest. Mart. Lord, if I may do thy people yet any service, I think not much of my pains, thy will be done: So was it one of this blessed Servant of God his last speeches unto me, willing to be disposed of by God, though u As Paul, Philip. 1.25. As Simeon, Luke 2.29. desirous of departure in regard of his own good; If God have any more work for me, I am well content to live longer, though my life should be never so tedious unto me: But if my work be at an end, I am most willing to be gone, well knowing, though I be altogether unworthy of aught, what he hath in store for me. What should I say more of him, but as it is in my Text? He was faithful to Christ his Master unto Death; and he hath now received from him a Crown of Life. Which that we may also, in God's due time attain, he vouchsafe unto us, x Apoc. 1.5, 6. & 5.9, 10. who hath purchased and procured it for us, JESUS CHRIST, y Rom. 9 ●. to be blessed for ever. AMEN. FINIS.