Die Mercurii 27. July. 1642. IT is this day Ordered by the House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament, That Sir Christoper Yeluerton do return thanks to Mr. Hill from this House, for the great pains he took in his Sermon this Day, Preached at the entreaty of this House, being the Day of public Fast, at Saint Margaret's Westminster; And that he do likewise entreat him from this House to print his Sermon And that no man presume to print it, till the House shall take further Order, but whom he shall appoint. H. Elsing Cler. Parl. Dom. Com. I appoint John Bellamy, Philemon Stephens, and Ralph Smith, to Print my Sermon. THOMAS HILL. THE TRADE OF TRUTH ADVANCED. IN A SERMON PREACHED to the Honourable House of COMMONS, at their solemn Fast, July 27. 1642. By THOMAS HILL, B. D. Pastor of the Church at Tychmersh in the county of Northampton. Published by Order of that House. John 17. 17. sanctify them through thy Truth; thy word is Truth. 2 COR. 13. 8. For we can do nothing against the Truth, but for the Truth. LONDON, Printed by I. L. for John Bellamy, Philemon Stephens, and Ralph Smith. 1642. TO THE honourable house OF COMMONS, NOW ASSEMBLED in PARLIAMENT. WHen I first heard that I was designed for this solemn service, being conscious of my own insufficiency to Preach to so awful an Assembly, I couldnot entertain it without trouble; yet resolved with Luther, rather to undergo others Inveniar sanè suberbus &c. modò impit silcutii non arguar dum Dominus patititur. Luth. Ep. ad Staup. censures, then to be reproved for ungodly silence, in such times when the Lord suffereth. And now I have as much reason to be full of blushings, to think that this plain Discourse should be exposed to more public view; but herein I must resign up myself unto your disposings, to whom I owe, & quod possum, & quod non possum, much more than my meanness can perform. This Sermon, such an one as it is, I humbly tender to your Gracious Acceptance, who have adopted it; I put it into your Honourable Protection, who have listed it; I commend it to your practical observation, for whom I intended it; heartily desiring God's Blessing upon your spirits in the perusal of it; that you may read and act it, turning words into works, that you may repeat it over in your lives, which is the best repetition of Sermons. Our present breaches, call for a contribution from every one, for the repairing of them; but much is expected from you, who are called to be public Counsellors, and thereby obliged to express a public frame of spirit (which is the beauty and strength of a Great council), swallowing up your private interests, in the public Welfare. Not with Baruch, seeking great things for yourselves, which is most incongruous to Stormy times, but rather resembling Melancthon, who Ier. 45▪ 5. professed, though he had many domestical troubles, yet the public wounds of the Church most deeply afflicted him. England is more bemoaned, by many with that language in Austin over the poor man. Quomodo huc cecidisti? Alas how camest thou into these distractions? She may answer as Aug. Ep. 129. the poor man there, standing in more need of relief than discourse. Obsecro cogita quomodo hinc me liberes. think how I may be rescued out of th●se troubles. Towards this blessed work, I have cast in my two mites, moving in the proper sphere of a Divine, as an Agent for the Truth, persuading you, who are betrusted by others, and have far engaged yourselves in the Reformation of Religion, that with all your might, you would promote The Trade of Truth. It is not for me to suggest a method in the execution of your counsels. He whose name is counsellor guide you; yet I shall still pray that in your Intention, the purging, the settling, Isa. 9 6. the advancing of True Religion may be most Dear unto you. It is one main end, and a precious fruit of government, that we may lead peaceable and quiet lives in All godliness and honesty. This is well worth people's wrestling prayers, and your most active endeavours. The stability 1 Tim. 2. 2. of all our blessings must come by the True Religion, God's presence is the best security, who is most powerfully present where there is most power and purity of Religion. Would you have a flourishing kingdom, advance the kingdom of Christ in it. Let the State maintain Religion, and Religion will bless the State, could you settle all our State liberties, yet if the ark of Truth be taken from us, Our glory is departed, we may write these mourning characters upon all our Comforts, ICHABOD, where is the glory? 1 Sam. 4. 21, 22. It is too high a compliment in the Lord Cordes, a French Commander, who often said, that he would willingly lie holinsh. in Hen. 7. seven years in Hell, so that Callice were in the possession of the French again. We bless God for that real self-denial and activity ye have expressed, abating so many personal and family contentments, in your long attendance upon public affairs. Be not weary of well doing, in due season ye shall reap if you faint not. Gal. 6. 9 Never had any PARLIAMENT more work to do; Ireland still bleeds, the affairs thereof find unhappy obstructions. To subdue Rebellion, to plant Religion there, are great matters. England is very much out of frame. The Church calls for Truth; the State cries for Peace, they who sowed in hope, reap in fear, out sickles are turning into swords. Now to effect an happy correspondence betwixt our sovereign and his people, a blessed compliance betwixt England and Religion, here's work for the strongest shoulders. Never had any PARLIAMENT greater opposition. As Nehem. 4. 17. our builders work with one hand, and hold a weapon with the other. Achitophel's plot, Rabshekahs's rail, Sanballats mock. Yea since counsels of Reformation, there is a more malignant antipathy appears against truth in many places. As 2 Tim. 3. 13. evil men and seducers wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Yet be encouraged Worthy Sirs. Never had any PARLIAMENT so many thundering Legions of praying Christians, to assist them. when others insult and blaspheme, Jacobs' posterity are wrestling with God for you, resolving not to let him go till he bless you. And whilst you are pursuing peace, allow this plain Sermon that humble boldness as to whisper you in the ear, beseeching you still to maintain your former zeal in the cause of Truth. When did your counsels prosper more, than when you were most active about religion. When you were building the Lord's House. For he builded yours as Hag. 2. 19 from this day I will bless you. Be pleased therefore more and more to engage yourselves for the Truth, so shall you engage God for you; let your cause be His cause then his Attributes will be yours, his providence will work for you, his spirit will work in you; then will you 2 King. 6. 16. have more with you then against you, though the devil and the Pope combine. Do your own work, trust God with his; duty is ours, Events, success are his. Commit the keeping of your souls, of the Church, of the state, to him in well doing as unto a faithful creator. Truth will yet Triumph, Babylon 1 Pet. 4. 19 and all her Crutches must down; the fight of faith is a good fight, because such soldiers are sure of the victory. 1 Tim. 6. 12. The kingdom of Christ shall prevail, though second causes be impotent, yet the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isa. 9 7. When Jerusalem is restored it will be a city of Truth Zach. 8. 3. O that all our Parliament worthies, might be so valiant for the Truth that England might become a kingdom of Truth; following Chronicles will then give you a share in that Honour of being the church's Saviours, as Obad. v. 21. and God will put Zerubbabel's high dignity upon you, making you as Signets. Hag. 2. 23. The Good Lord guide, unite, act and bless your counsels, And think upon you for good, according to all you have done, or shall do for his people. So prays He who desires to be found, Your faithful servant for the Truth: THOMAS HILL. A SERMON PREACHED AT the Fast before the Honourable House of Commons. PROVERBS 23. 23. Buy the truth, and sell it not. THE eternal happiness of our immortal souls is to be found only in union and communion with Jesus Christ; Religion is that which gathers and binds up the spirit to close fellowship with Him; This bond is twisted out of those materials, which the several penmen of Holy Scriptures have prepared; Wise Solomon hath contributed a good share to this blessed work in his three Books, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Canticles. I will not confidently with Jerome and others, entitle Salomon's three books, to his three Names; Hierom. in Eccles. Cornel. a L●p. in Prov. Argum. As he was Solomon peaceable (say they) he scattered proverbial sentences among young men, to discipline them in ways of righteousness and peace; As he was {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, Ecclesiastes, the Preacher, he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, a pithy Sermon, teaching men of riper years, the vanity of vanities in all worldly excellencies. As he was Jedidiah, 2 Sam. 12. 25. Beloved of the Lord, he acquainted greatest proficients, with the sweet communion betwixt Christ and his Spouse in the Song of Songs. But of this I am sure; The book of Proverbs is suitable to its Title, worthy of Wise Solomon the son of David king of Israel, Prov. 1. 1. In the first book of Kings, Chap. 3. vers. 9 11. Solomon was an earnest suitor unto God for understanding; and because he sought it from God and for God, (so much doth the Lord love to see a public spirit in our private prayers.) He gave him a large portion of wisdom, with an overplus of other rich advantages; he obtained both the wisdom of a Prophet and of a King, whereby he spoke both prophetical and Kingly sentences. So much the original word {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} rendered, Proverbs seems to import; raiguing commanding sentences, being so full of wisdom gravity and authority; and that style of being Master of the {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, sive dignitates, hae doctrinae quae suo merito vitae nostrae veluti dominae & moderatrices esse debent, Cartwr. Sentences, may well be translated from Peter Lombard, unto King Solomon, who was the Author of so many Master-sentences. Much of the wisdom of a Nation, is oft found in their Proverbs; and much of Salomon's in this book of his Proverbs, it being a cabinet of such Jewels, as is fit for the closet, of so wise a King, full of short and pithy sentences, like Jewels indeed, containing magnum in parvo, much value, virtue, and lustre in a little room. And for the better discovery of their excellency, it is observable, that herein they differ from most other Scripture; Their Harmony is in discord, their beauty in a kind of contrariety. If you would understand our saviour's parables, mind the scope; if you would reach many other places of Scripture, attend the dependence, but if you desire distinctly to apprehend the Proverbs in them, consider the opposition; which though it appear not so full in this my Text, as in many other of these proverbial sentences, yet here you may find two disagreeing parts. First an Injunction, Buy the Truth. Parts of the Text. Secondly, a Prohibition, Sell it not. This opposition, such as it is, begets two Propositions. 1. All the sons of wisdom, must be careful to buy the Truth. 2. Though all must be buying, yet none may sell the Truth. I will follow the method of the words, beginning with the first proposition. All the sons of wisdom, must be careful to buy the 1. Proposition. Truth. Herein by God's gracious assistance, I will take a view of several branches, enquiring by way of explication and confirmation. 1. What is the commodity itself, this Truth that must be bought? 2. Into the nature of the purchase, with the price of it. 3. What Reasons may engage us to trade in this commodity. And then jointly shake them altogether in the application, trying what seasonable fruit they will afford this grave Assembly on this solemn Day. Every one will be euquisitive concerning the commodity Explication. itself: What is this Truth? I answer, Not a metaphysical Truth, that's for Speculation only, not a logical Truth, that's chiefly for disputation; nor a moral ethical Truth, that's but one sprig of speaking; [veracitas rather than veritas] Salomon's Truth here must needs be theological. And that not veritas 1ᵒ prima, God himself, no creature can compass so great a purchase, if God were willing to sell it, but veritas 2ᵒ prima, derived from that first Truth, this may, and must be bought. This is veritas objectiva, as it lies in the Scriptures, both in the principles of it, and conclusions deduced from it; Truth original and Truth Derived. And veritas subjectiva seated in us, which we suck from the word of Truth. Indeed Truth of Religion in us, grounded upon the Holy Scriptures the Rule of Truth; which compriseth Truth in our judgements, when soundly informed; Truth in our wills and affections, when obedientially conformed; Truth in our conversation, when seriously reformed according to the word of Truth. There are things in Truth well worth our Buying, first liberty of Truth, that the True Religion may have 1. Liberty of Truth must be bought. free passage, and not be imprisoned in corners or clogged with difficulties. Veritas nihil erubescit praeterquam abscondi. Truth blusheth at nothing so much as to be concealed. Paul desireth the Thessalonians to pray for him, Sylvanus and Timotheus, that the word of God may run and be glorified. It is a disparagement 2 Thess. 3. 1. to Christ and his Gospel, when that hath so much ado to creep, which should run and ride in triumph from congregation to congregation, from kingdom to kingdom. But a most beautiful and honourable sight to see Christ at the opening of the first seal, Revel. 6. 2. with a bow and a crown, going forth conquering and to conquer, subduing the Heathenish world to the obedience of his Gospel by the preaching of the Apostles. What though a river be full of good water, yet if frozen, if not an open passage, men may die for thirst. It is the motion of the Sun of righteousness, that disperses both light and heat. Liberty of the Gospel makes it a Gospel to us. The Church in the Acts Acts 12. 5. knew how to value this liberty of Truth, and therefore when Peter was imprisoned instant and earnest prayer was made; the answer was as effectual. Peter released, Herod confounded, and truth set at liberty. Of all famines, the Soul-famine, Gospel-famine is the most grievous, threatened as an heavy Judgement, Amos 8. 11, 12. But a most sweet mercy to feel and taste the accomplishment of that promise, Isa. 30. 20. Though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers. Secondly, purity of true Religion, is a good purchase as well as liberty. That we may have an incorrupt 2. Purity of Truth must be bought. Religion, without sinful, without guileful mixtures; not a linsey-woolsey Religion. All new born babes will desire {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, 1 Pet. 2. 2. Word-milk, Purum est plenum sui & immixtum alieni. sermon-milk without guile, without adulterating Sophistication of it, of which Paul glories, 2 Cor. 2. 17. For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. Whose zealous care it was, 2 Cor. 11. 2. to espouse the Church of Corinth to one Husband (no polygamy in the second marriage) that he might present them as a chaste virgin unto Christ. This he endeavoured by pure Gospel means, and by persuading to purity and singleness of heart in the use of those means. The devil is as busy vers. 3. to corrupt people's minds from the simplicity that is in Christ; well knowing the simplicity that is in Christ, is the best Rule for the church's conformity, to this we may subscribe without any check of conscience. Quot supererunt mixturae ex hominum ingenio prolatae, toridem extabunt pollutiones quae homines distrabant à certo eorum usu, quae Dominus in corum salutem instituerat. Calv. Ep. Prot. Angl. Totalis & adaequata regula est scriptura & traditio simul. Traditio parem habet autoritatem scripturae, Becan. And indeed, what are false Religions, but human compositions. The Alcoran compounds Mahomet's fond devices with some fragments of God's word. Popery compounds unwritten Traditions most presumptuously with Holy Scripture; yea it rakes up Heathenish customs, revives old Jewish Ceremonies which are now mortuae & mortiferae dead and deadly, compounding them with the institutions of Christ. You may discern such mixtures in many errors, about the great mysteries of the Gospel, even in every link of the golden chain of Salvation, Rom. 8. 30. Arminians in the Decree of Election compound foreseen faith, with the sovereignty of God's will. In vocation, so compounding man's freewill with God's Free Grace, that with them in the act of conversion prima causa depends upon secunda, the power of God's grace must wait upon the concurrence of our good nature. Popish Doctors do strangely compound works with faith in the act of justification; and in glorification, so compound the merits of the Saints with the merits of Christ, that by a condignity they become meritorious of eternal life▪ let the devil affect vain compositions; the whore of Babylon must paint her wrinkled face with some borrowed beauty, to cover her inward deformities; Christ and his Truth, will glory in no varnish so much as native simplicity and purity. Thirdly, Truth must be purchased as well in the 3. Power of Truth must be bought. power, as in the liberty and purity of it. There should be such a stream as runs purely without mud, and that in a strong torrent. Hypocrites will swerve in the last age, when most Gospel-light breaks out, many painted professions will borrow some lustre from it; This Paul foretells, 2 Tim. 3. 5. In the last days together with many streams of wickedness, there will be a generation of men having a form of godliness, but denying the power of it; a good description of hypocrisy. Hypocrisis est signum sine signato. But the Lord bespeaks power, both in the dispensing and the professing of Truth. Paul desired to preach in the demonstration of the spirit, and of power, 1 Cor. 2. 4. as well knowing that the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power, 1 Cor. 4. 20. It is not wording, but working the power, that will evidence to speaker or hearers, that they are subjects in the kingdom of Grace and heirs to the kingdom of glory. This Paul made an argument of their election, 1 Thess. 1. 5. that the Gospel came not to them in word only, but in power and in the Holy Ghost; much power appearing in the dispensation of it, and the Thessalonians hearts so fully possessed with the power of the Truth, that their carnal principles were confuted, their passions moderated, their lusts mortified, and their self-ends confounded. Most men affect in Religion, either a dull moderation, or an outside pomp, both enemies to the power of Truth. Moderation doth better in other things, then in the practice of Religion, where there cannot be a nimium. God requires totum cor and totum cordis, the whole heart, and the totality of it; that we should love him with all our heart, with all our soul, and with our strength, Luk. 10. 27. Indeed moderation hath its season, but with Calvin's caution; I confess (saith he) there ought to be moderation, yet this I constantly affirm, Fateor quidem moderation ●ocum esse oportere, sed non mi●us constanter offirmo videndum esse ne sub illo praetextu toleretur q●●cquam quod à Satanâ vel Antichristo prefectum sit. Calv. ep. Prot. Angl. care must be had, that under pretence of moderation, nothing be tolerated, which proceedeth from the devil or Antichrist. Neither must we so affect the outward pomp of Religion, as to neglect the power of it. Hilary his counsel was good, who writing against Auxentius Bishop of Milan, complained that the Arian faction had confounded all, and therefore admonished all men to take heed, how they suffered themselves to be led with outward appearances. It is not well (saith he) that Hilarius contra Aux●ntium. Male vos parietum amor cepit; malè ecclesiam Dei in tectis aedificusque veneramini; malè sub his pacis nomen ingeatur; annè ambiguum est in iis Antichristum Sessurum? you are in love with walls, that you esteem the Church in respect of houses and buildings, and in, and under those shows and appearances pretend and urge the name of peace. Is there any doubt of Antichrists sitting in these places? This makes Popery such a Religion as pleases men's eyes, and humours their ears, rather than rectify their minds, and heal their hearts, because they seek not so much to purchase the power, as the pomp of Religion. Having laid open before you the commodity itself to be purchased; Truth in the liberty, purity, and power of it; It's necessary further to inquire into the nature of the purchase, with its price. As all other markets, ordinarily begin at home; so indeed our trading for Truth. The spirit of Purchase of Truth. 1. Begins in Desires after it. God, having convinced the heart, how far it is come short of the glory of God by sin, Rom. 3. 23. and that men are alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that is in them, Ephes. 4. 18. withal, giving the soul an hint and taste of the excellency and sweetness of Divine Truth, the only sovereign Scientia visut, and gustus. means of its recovery, it groans most seriously, and pants most affectionately after acquaintance with the truth and possession of it. And that not only by some cold velleity, by some dull wishing and woulding; but by a peremptory Isa. 55. 1.. Luk. 18. 1. 7. Prov. 26. 15. choice; not by wandering and flashy, but constant and fixed desires; not by lazy and slothful, but operative and busy desires; Truth I would have, yea Truth I must have, else I am everlastingly undone. Affectionate desires, as they live and move in opinions; so they produce actions, inclining 2. Promoted by Diligence. us to take pains for the obtaining of that we would possess. They add wings to the soul, making us to fly like busy Bees from flower to flower, from ordinance to ordinance, that we may suck the sweetness of Truth, which is sweeter than honey, and the droppings of honey combs. Psal. 19 10. The purchase of Truth, is carried on by such an active disposition, as the Spouse in the Canticles had to enjoy her Beloved; I will rise now and go Cant. 3. 2. about the streets, and in the broad ways, I will seek him whom my soul loveth. Every buyer of truth, must be willing with little Zacheus to get up into Luk. 19 3, 4. any Sycomare tree, to take all Gospel advantages, to gain a sight of his Saviour, to behold Christ who is Truth itself. Truth is an hidden treasure, Matth. 13. 44. sometimes hidden from us by the difficulty of Scripture wherein it is contained, God thereby putting a value upon it, and an edge upon our studies and prayers; sometimes hidden by differences amongst learned men. Law may be clouded by a multitude of book Cases; and divinity obscured by a multitude of school utrums. Many times truth is hidden by the scandalous lives of such as profess it. Carnal spectators being much more quick-sighted to apprehend the deformity of Religious men, than the beauty of Religion itself. And too often hidden under great disgrace in the world, being styled, Heresy, schism, Faction. Yea Religion itself accounted C. Sej●s Bonus vir, sed Christianus. the greatest Crime. This Treasure lies often so deep, you must be content to sweat in digging for it before you can obtain it. All they who would purchase Truth, must not only be like Merchant men seeking goodly 3. Managed by Prudence. pearls; Matth. 13. 45. but withal, be able to discern when they have found a pearl of great price, vers. 46. to know whether it be a pearl or pebble; that it is not dross, but gold bearing the stamp of truth. There is much doubtless in that of the Apostle Paul, Col. 4. 5. walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. All good Merchants must be redeeming time, improving all hints of doing good, of enjoying God's ordinances, wherein you may trade for truth. Observe the connexion; walk wisely towards them that are without, redeeming the time. The Church was then under persecuting Governors, and vexed with bad neighbours, both enemies to the trade of truth; yet you must be purchasing; only wherein walk so wisely towards them without. 1. That you violate not the peace and purity of your own conscience. 2. That you deface not the stamp of divinity upon authothority. 3. That by a rigid austerity you alienate not others from truth. 4. Nor by a complying familiarity with them in their sins, harden them against the truth. The soul that thirsts after Truth, having taken 4. Transacted by paction. pains, how according to the rules of godly providence, it may be possessed of that it so dearly loves, is now willing to conclude the bargain by paying the price. Solomon here mentions no price, Haec optima commutatio, da res tuas ut acquiras veritatem; non alienabis à te veritatem, ut acquiras res altas. Cajet. because he would have us buy it at any price. Sometimes it may cost us credit, and liberty, as it did the Apostles, Acts 5. 41. Sometimes it may cost us the loss of goods, as it did those Christians, Hebr. 10. 34. Yea, sometimes life itself, must be the price of Truth. We must be content to follow that cloud of witnesses, which appears in that little book of Martyrs, the 11th Chapter to the Hebrews, we must write after that heroical copy which our own Worthies have set us, who sacrificed their dearest lives, to the cruelty of Bonner's flames, that they might possess the Truth. Truth is so precious a jewel, you must never Truth seldom bought upon cheap terms. expect to have the markets cheap. The devil at first laid siege against the Truths, which were most fundamental, that so he might have ruined all the buildings; he would by the subtlety of ancient heretics have huckstered up those Truths, which concerned the Natures and Person of Christ, this cost very dear, before the four first counsels could settle Truth against the heretics of those times. Afterwards, when popery invaded all the Offices of Christ (such a dangerous gangreen is it) undermining him, as the Prophet, as the Priest, and as the King of his Church, it cost no little blood in England and Germany, to vindicate the Doctrine of Divine worship, and of the Holy Sacraments, from such errors as opposed the prophetical and Priestly Office of Christ. That branch of Truth about Church Government and Discipline, so much concerning the Kingly Office of Christ, is of rich value, if the Markets should rise, we must drive on the bargain what ever it cost. No price too great for the obtaining such a Purchase, to see our dear Saviour advanced in all his Offices; as the church's Prophet, without being beholden to unwritten traditions; as the Priest of his Church, without the satisfactions of any Meritmangers, without any purgatory, any Bridewell of the Popes making; as the King of his Church, above mitres, above Canon-laws, or any Church usurpations whatsoever. After the discovery of the nature of this purchase and the price of Truth, its fit to consider Confirmation. what Reasons may engage you all to trade herein; which are divers, according to the various reference▪ Truth hath to things of high concernment. Never expect to have the spiritual and eternal good of your own immortal souls effectually 1. Reason. promoted, unless you buy and be possessed of Truth. 1. The Word of Truth, is the seed by which we are begotten again, Iam. 1. 18. Yea incorruptible Seed, which liveth and abideth for ever, 1 Peter 1. 23. until the Truth hath delivered us, what are we poor sinners, but an heap of dry bones, so many dead carcases rotting in the grave of corruption. 2. It is the milk, by which new born babes are nourished, 1 Peter 2. 2. by this they grow in the habits, in the degrees, in the exercise of Grace. Strangers to the Truth, like the prodigal, live upon husks, and lay out their money for that which is not bread, Isa. 55. 2. 3. Naturally, as the sons and daughters of Adam, we are stained with many spots, steeped in corruption, polluted with filthiness of flesh and spirit, 2 Corinth. 7. 1. Truth is the water by which we are cleansed, Ioh. 15. 3. 4. When we go groping up and down in in the dark, exposed to errors, besieged with terrors, Truth affords us direction and consolation, Psal. 119. 105. 5. Truth is the Armour, by which you are defended against your spiritual Enemies, and enabled for offensive war. Amongst the six pieces of our spiritual Armour, three of these have special dependence upon the Truth. You must have the girdle of Truth, Ephes. 6. vers. 14. beshod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, vers. 15. and take the sword of the spirit, vers. 17. 6. And indeed the word of Truth, is the gospel of your Salvation, Ephesians 1. 13. The Charter by which the Corporation of Saints, challengeth such rich privileges; the Articles of that Covenant, which doth entitle them to such blessed hopes. You cannot hope to find God's gracious acceptance 2. Reason. of your service, nor enjoy any soul-refreshing communion with him in the duties of his worship, unless Truth direct and animate your spirits therein. When David was engaged in a pious and plausible service, in fetching the ark from Kiriath-jearim, 1 Chronicles 13. he consulted, vers. 1, 2. the people consented, vers. 3, 4. there was much confluence and triumph, vers. 8. The Oxen stumbling, Uzzah upon a fair pretence, put forth his hand to uphold the ark, yet God would not accept of his fair intention, but smote him that he died, vers. 10. the reason is rendered, 1 Chronicles 15. vers. 13. because God was not sought after the due order, his Truth was not observed, in the carrying of the ark, as vers. 14. with reference to this Story, Peter Martyr commends it, to the care of Queen ELIZABETH, that Church Governors P. Martyr. Ep. 36. Regni. Eliz. endeavour not to carry the ark of the gospel into England, upon the Cart of needless Ceremonies. There are two flies which mar the most precious pots of ointment. Hypocrisy and Superstition, as Isaiah 29. 13. Wherefore the Lord said, forasmuch as this people draw near to me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men. In both a great defect of Truth. hypocrisy is lip-labour, and lip-labour is lost labour; no duty acceptable without truth of heart in it; Superstitious worship, taught by men's precepts, may be devout enough, yet because it wants the authority of God's Truth to steer it, how marvellously doth God curse it, vers. 14. Therefore behold, I proceed to do a marvellous work amongst this people, a marvellous work and a wonder: the wisdom of their Wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their Prudent men shall be hid. When the devil hath made men Superstitious, God will make them foolish, he takes no pleasure in them. The best of our practical Christianity, even our most solemn addresses to God (upon such a day as this) joose their vigour and blessing, if custom only or formality act us herein, and not conscience to God's Truth. What are good Christians, but Rules of Truth, become examples, yea living, walking pictures of Divine Truth. When the wantonness of human wisdom, will multiply Will-worship, and Wit-worship, thinking to please God with better devices then his own, it turns to gross folly, and ends in much mischief, rather than acceptation. Witness Gideon's Ephod, judges 8. vers. 27. Yea, such men take much pains to lose their labour, and Matthew 15. vers. 9 In vain do they worship God, teaching for Doctrine, the commandments of men. Never expect the gracious presence of Christ in his Churches, unless you purchase Truth, 3. Reason. and set it upon the Throne, Revel. 2. 1. He walketh in the midst of the golden Candlesticks, whose office it is to hold forth the Truth. The beauty and efficacy of Church Government and Discipline, depend upon their conformity unto Divine Truth. It must Regulate Church Power, and Discipline Church Administrations, else they will soon lose their Lustre and authority; Degenerating either into empty formality, or into Church Tyranny, which of all other is most grievous, because so oppressive to the Conscience. Hence such uncouth Catalogues of Church Officers amongst the Papists: Pope, Cardinals, &c. Hence such swelling Volumes of their Canon Law, because not Divine Truth, but carnal wisdom drew the platform. Hence so many of our Temples, made houses of merchandise, wherein, as in the darkness of Popery, Indulgences were, Absolutions are bought and sold. Yea, hence the sword of excommunication which was wont to be formidable, Gladius Ecclesiae venerandâ raritate formidabilis. Petr. de Alliaco. because drawn with so much solemnity, is now made contemptible, because so familiarly abused upon trifles; and all this, because Divine Truth hath had no more power in our Consistories. And this doubtless doth much foment the present distractions of the Church, that either fancy or affection should put such high claims upon things, as suddenly to style them Institutions of Christ, or usurpations of Antichrist, not sufficiently consulting with Divine Truth. If our prelatical Power, and cathedral pomp, be of Divine Right, let us see a Divine word for it; what need we such violent arguments to maintain them, oath upon oath, subscription upon subscription? Let Christ himself be acknowledged as King in his Church, as Lord in his house, let the word of Truth be our book of Canons, our Books of Discipline, and then if. Paul were our visitor, he would rejoice to behold our order, as Colossians 2. vers. 5. Yea, than we shall undoubtedly find the broad-seal of Heaven, confirming what is done, when we follow the guidance of Christ in his own Truth, Matth. 18. 15, 16, 17, 18. The best way to promote the most public good of all the Churches, is by advancing the 4. Reason. trade of Truth. This public counsel should move in the most public sphere, seeking good for themselves and others, both at home and abroad. The eyes of all the three kingdoms, yea, of the Protestant world are now upon you, expecting much from your influence. You can never contribute fully to the work, of Reformation here, unless you set Truth at liberty; neither shall you be so effectually helpful to all the Protestant Churches, though you should recover their lands and regain their territories, unless you re-establish their Religion, by opening a free trade of Truth amongst them. truth's advancement is one of God's great designs; kingdoms are for Churches, and Churches golden Candlesticks to hold forth Truth, that therein Christ may appear in his most glorious lustre; when the banners of Truth are universally and victoriously displayed, The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever, Revel. 11. 15. How came Popery to be advanced to so great height, but by suppressing Truth; The mystery of 2 Thess. 2. 7. iniquity wrought in the Apostles times; It went on by steps; the Pope was first Antichrist nascent, than Antichrist crescent, after Antichrist regnant, but when he was made Lord of the Catholic Faith, so that none must believe more, nor less, nor otherwise then he prescribed, he became Autichrist triumphant. The Pope is guilty of the grossest thievery, he robs the See Crakanthorp of the fift general council, chap. 13. Sacrament of the Cup, the Scriptures of their authority, and the Church of the Scriptures; as thieves blow out the candles, the better to conceal themselves, and carry on their designs; so He suppresseth, as much as he can, the light of Truth, that with more advantage, he may play his pranks, and creep undiscerned in the dark. If you would lay siege to the devil or Pope's kingdom, and undermine all the crutches and supporters of it, set Truth at liberty. Zachary 4. vers. 6. the great mountain of opposition must be moved, not by human power and might, but by the spirit of the Lord of hosts, not only by his power but by his spirit, because Church works must be carried on in a way of enlightening and revealing the Truth. Thus the wise providence of God wrought formerly, when a general council (though by many groaned after) could not be obtained with the consent of the Clergy and Court of Rome, to whom Reformation would be a certain ruin, He stirred up divers heroical Worthies, Waldus in France, Wickliff in England, Luther in Germany, Knox in Scotland, to despise the light of Truth; And Revel. 14. vers. 6. After the flying angel, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto all that dwell on the earth, than verse. 8. there follows another angel saying, Babylon is fallen. doubtless the Pope must fall not only by the Sword of Princes, but by the Sword of the Spirit, 2 Thessalonians 2. vers. 8. That wicked One must be revealed, and consumed with the Spirit of the Lord's mouth. If you would have the mystery of iniquity unmasked, see the Pope's Triple crown tumble, and the thick mist of Popery vanish, help forward the bright sunshine of God's Word, promote the liberty, purity, and power of Truth. You have had a discovery of some few sprigs, growing upon this first Proposition, let us in the Application. Application, gather the wholesome fruit which hangs upon them. It is the good hand of God upon us, when so many of our brethren in Ireland, are still 1. Use. Self-examination. bleeding under their enemy's cruelty, that we are at liberty in this solemn Ordinance, to plead with our God for mercy. Oh that this day of Self-humbling, might be to us in the use of it, according to its nature, a self-searching, or soul-purging day. My Commission is, to hold forth the glass of God's Truth before your eyes, that you may may discover your spots and defects. Let it be your work, to read over yourselves, as well as your Bibles; to speak and write retractations of your former errors, and confessions of your miscarriages (I wish we could all be Augustine's herein.) The Lord knoweth what Volumes many of us might fill, if we were but well studied in ourselves. And together with the long Catalogue of all our other sins, our neglect of Truth must come in, as having a great influence into the rest: for this we may blush and bleed, yea rivers of tears are too little to bewail this, that in all our designs, we have so little minded to purchase the liberty, the purity and Power of true Religion. Adam and Eve began to make very bad markets, to sell themselves and posterity, for the forbidden fruit. profane Esau, sold his birthright for a mess of pottage, Heb. 12. 16. How many with Absalon, to humour their vainglory, will set the Peace of a kingdom to sale? How many with Haman, to gratify proud revenge, will set a whole Church to sale? Some with Judas, will set up their Saviour to sale for thirty pieces. Others with Diotrephes (the first cock of the game) that they may fill their sails with church-pomp, and Church-power, will set the keys of Church and Ordinances of Christ to sale. Lay your hands upon your hearts. To be purveyors for your lusts, as the profane, Romans 13. vers. 14. To be Merchants for the Pope, as the superstitious Innovators. To be Proctors for the devil, as Gospell-opposers, what saith conscience? Is this to buy the Truth. Give me leave (Honourable and beloved) to come nearer you, with three plain Queres. I study not alta but apta proferre. Have you gotten your own hearts possessed 1. Quere. Concerning the persons. with the power of the Truth? Hath God's word a throne in your Consciences, Colossians 3. 16. Let the word of God dwell richly in you. If it dwell there. First, it must intrare, then residere: it must dwell and abide there, exercising a sovereignty over you, ever drawing open into an humble familiarity with it. What fruitful knowledge have you gotten in the mystery of doctrinal and practical godliness. They who know the Grace of God in Truth, will bring forth fruit, Colossians 1. vers. 6. Doth the Truth of your Religion appear in your relations, in the uniformity of a gospel conversation? as Phil. 1. vers. 27. Ask your hearts, whether in all your undertakings you move upon Religious grounds, and for Religious ends. God doth not only number, but weigh our actions, and observes not only what is done, but why it is done. The The word of Truth must be our judge; therefore now let it be our Counsellor. It is Philpot's gloss upon John 12. vers. 48 (The word that I have spoken shall judge him in the last day) if the word shall judge us, then much more ought it to be a judge of our doings now. Have you set up Truth in your own families? 2. Quere. Concerning your Families. It is most odious for a Minister of Christ to flatter, to daub with untempered mortar at any time; but most abominable upon a Day of Humiliation. You reckon your house, your little commonwealth; by what law is it governed? Doth the word of Truth, the sceptre of righteousness bear sway there? Whence then so much licentiousness tolerated in the servants? so much dissoluteness in the children? so much oppression, tyranny, and (too often) other wickedness in yourselves, and such distempers in family relations? Psal. 101. vers. 2. David would walk in his house with a perfect heart. Such as served him, he would either find them, or make them God's servants. You would have others think your houses are Churches. What thy house a Church to God, and thou a covetous idolater? Thy house a Church to God, and thou Ephes. 5. 5. an unclean son of Belial? What concord hath Christ with Belial? what agreement hath the Temple of God with idols? The argument is as strong 2 Cor. 6. 15, 16. for Magistrates as for Ministers, 1 Tim. 3. 5. If a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God? How can you be good Reformers both of State and Church, unless you be first Reformers of yourselves, and your own Families? Light is a great advantage to an house, especially the light of Truth. The Father of Lights, is not pleased to dwell in a dark habitation, such a corner is fitter Delicata res est spiritus Dei. for Satan, the Prince of darkness. It was a very honourable report, which Melancthon giveth of Prince Anhalt, Cubiculum ejus erat, Academia, curia, Templum; His bedchamber was an academy, a Court, a Temple. The Lord gives you a share in this honour. Let not your Chambers be Academies only, for the advanocment of learning; or Courts, for the daily dispatch of public affairs; but Temples for the worship of God, and calling upon his name. Give the people not only Rules, but examples of Reformation. Let Religion be first advanced in you, it will the sooner be settled by you. Have you employed and improved your public 3. Quaere. Concerning the public. interests to help forward the trade of Truth, to promote Religion in the liberty, purity, and Power of it? Never was any Parliament the son of so many prayers and tears. Never had any a larger share in that blessing of the Lord upon Joseph, Deut. 33. vers. 16. feeling the good will of Him that dwelled in the bush, so often burning, yet not consumed. What reciprocal real love have you expressed unto God, and the Cause of his Truth. When Moses proposed that question, Exod. 32. vers. 26. Who is on the Lord's side? The sons of Levi gathered themselves together, vers. 27. and by their zeal, obtained a blessing in Moses his Catalogue, when their brother Simeon was left out, Deut. 33. vers. 9 We live in shedding, discriminating times, it is a frequent question, quarum partium? On what side are you? If this be the question, who is on truth's side, what echo, what answer will you return, oh you great Counsellors? Suppose this day, God and thy Conscience held a Closet Committee, the Lord saith, I have put such a rich price into thy hand; I have betrusted thee with an influence in the Grand affairs of the Church? what saith Conscience? What hast thou done? what wilt thou do, by speaking, voting, by hand, heart, purse, for the Truth? David's question is most seasonable, 1 Chron. 29. vers. 5. Who is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord? Oh that you might return the same pious answer, with the chief of the Fathers, and Princes of the Tribes; who all offered willingly, vers. 6. Could you find this fruit upon your Self-examination, doubtless though you may serve this day in sorrow (as you ought to do upon a Soul-afflicting day (in sighs, in groans, in tears) yet you shall reap in joy. To engage and quicken your utmost endeavours for the happy purchase of truth. Use 2. Exhortation. You may please to look upon yourselves (Honourable and Beloved) in a double capacity. First, as Merchants, trading for your own everlasting good. Then as public Factors, betrusted with the best good of many hundred thousands. In a Merchant or Factor there are some special Requisites, 1. Wisdom. Three Requisites in a Factor 2. Activity. 3. Resolution. First, wisdom, to discern both the Commodities 1 Requisite, wisdom. themselves, and opportunities of trading. The first use of wisdom is to discern the Commodities themselves. Religion must not be taken 1. upon trust. Faith is God's way to save us, credulity the devil's method to undo us. 1 Thess. 5. 21. Try all things, hold fast that which is good. And by sound knowledge possess yourselves most carefully of such truths, as are most necessary. Those that are Fundamentalia in fide, or in Praxi, buy them at any rate, but sell them at no rate. There are Magnalia, and minutula legis. It will argue much hypocrisy to be substantial in circumstantial truths, and circumstantial in the substantials of Faith and Repentance. Maximis dissidiis non sunt minores istae redimendae veritates. Acontius de St. Sat. Let us wisely proportion our zeal, according to the nature of the truths themselves. This counsel Paul giveth his Titus. Matters of consequence, he must affirm constantly, but, avoid needless questions, Tit. 3. 8. It were a seasonable improvement of your wisdom and Power, to hinder the Devils or Pope's Chapmen, from opening their packs of adulterate wares, and to put an high value upon such precious parcels of Truth, as have a great influence both into doctrinal and practical Religion. Give me leave here in the behalf of Truth, to suggest some brief hints. First, Put in caveats against Arminian errors, 1. which do so extenuate original sin, and magnify the power of nature, that they feed our hereditary disease of pride, and eclipse the glory of God's grace. Oh trade for the doctrine of free grace. Maintain the King of heaven's Prerogative. In the spiritual building, grace laid the first foundation, in God's free, eternal purpose. Grace erecteth the walls, yea and addeth the top-stone. Eternity will be little enough to admire, to adore, to cry grace, grace; Therefore carefully possess yourselves of this truth against the enemies of grace. Secondly, mind the promoting of those truths which justify The purity of Divine Worship, according 2. to God's own will, against Popish and superstitious innovators. There is a bewitching pomp in the out side of popery, which entangleth some. Ancient Writers used many wanton Metaphors, and such a liberty of expression, before the mystery of iniquity was discovered, which deluded others. There is a disposition in all corrupt natures, no less to spiritual then bodily fornication. Vindicate therefore the second commandment, which Papists have expunged, and others so much clouded. Where God hath professed himself jealous, let us be zealous, of trading for such truths. Thirdly, Put a value upon such truths as discover the dangerous errors of Socinianism, which is 3. no better than a Complication of many ancient heresies, condemned by ancient counsels. A Doctrine that undermineth the merit and satisfaction of our saviour's death; that will scarce allow faith to swim, where reason cannot wade; that will so far bring down Religion to reason, that we must believe little more in Divinity, than we can see in reason. Arminianism gratifieth the pride of will; Popery the pride of outward sense, and Socinianism the pride of carnal reason. Fourthly, Let truths for the sanctification of the Lord's day, be precious truths. God's institution 4. of that day, bringeth with it a special Character of holiness, and an influence of a peculiar blessing, God hath sanctified and blessed it. Yea, in the primitive times it was a badge of Christianity. When the Exod. 20. 11. question was propounded, Servasti Dominicum? Hast thou kept the Lord's day? The answer was, Christianus sum, intermittere non possum; I am a Christian, I cannot neglect it. There was no little danger in the Anti-sabbatarian doctrine; seeing upon God's own day, we profess publicly our communion with God in his Ordinances. Then we expect to enjoy the richest influence from him. And if men could dispute away our Christian Sabbath, we should soon lose the vigour of our practical Religion. God having Ezek. 20. 10. made it holy by Institution, by Ordination, let us keep it holy by Observation. The second use of wisdom in Factors, is to know and consider their opportunities. Ephes. 5. 15, 2. Opportunitas est maximum talentum. 16. See that ye walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time. Jerusalem in this was, as unwise, as unhappy, that she knew not the day of her visitation, Luk. 19 41, 42. Who did expect such nutus providentiae, hints of divine providence, as God hath afforded to unworthy England in these two last years, to repossess her of that Truth which many thought departing? The Philistines had almost taken our ark. Our friends, our enemies, ourselves, our own guiltiness passed a sentence of death upon us. We discovered so many leaks in ships of Church and State, as if both were sinking. The tempest was great, our Saviour seemed to be asleep, our only refuge was to cry, Lord save us, we perish, Mat. 8. 25. The sword hath rid circuit for above twenty years in Germany; many candlesticks of Truth thence removed; that Paradise almost turned into a wilderness. Poor Ireland is in danger to lose that Religion they had, with their estates and lives, Preachers hanged, Professors murdered, Bibles burned, and all with prodigious cruelty and blasphemy, &c. Yet sinful England, like Gideon's fleece, dry in comparison, when others sleeped in their own blood. Observe, I beseech you, like wise Factors, the seasons to trade for the settling true Religion. It Judg. 6. 40. is true, we are now full of sad distractions; black and bloody clouds begin to gather; yet, may not Faith (through them) spy out the sun of righteousness shining graciously upon unworthy England? As Hag. 2. 7. I will shake all Nations, and the desire of all Nations shall come; and I will fill this House with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts. Historians report, that about the year 1517. when Leò the tenth was making some thirty Cardinals, there was such a terrible tempest in the Church, that shaked the Babe out of the Virgin Mary's arms, and the keys out of Saint Peter's hands, which they interpreted as ominous, and indeed so it proved; shortly after Luther arose, who so much battered the Pope's power. The sword is already shaken out of our great Church-mens hand, by parliamental power, the keys do not hang so fast under their girdle, as they did, &c. We dare not but hope, these are engaging providences of God, earnest-pennies of some great payment yet behind. Oh therefore know, and redeem your Opportunities to Trade for Truth. Activity, to pursue occasions, and follow all advantages. 2 Requisite, Activity. If you would be fully possessed of the knowledge of the Truth; you must seek for her as for Silver, and search for her as for hid Treasure, Prov. 2. 4. By a most unwearyed industry, search every Mine. Plato calleth Merchants, Planets, that wander from City to City. You will never trade for Truth in good earnest, till you express an inquisitive, active disposition, in the cause of Religion, knocking at every door, plying every M●●ket, where you may purchase any acquaintance with the Truth. First, go not only to the shop of Nature, or the school of Philosophy. The candle which Nature affordeth us, is good; but it will be burnt out before we come to our journeys end. Philosophy may seek Truth, Theology findeth it, Religion doth Veritatem Philosophia quaerit, Theologia invenit, Religio possidet. P. Mirand. possess it. Philosophy is not the field wherein the pearl of Truth lieth, but rather a hedge and ditch about the field, to defend it, from the invasion of subtle Disputants. Clem. Alexand. Licet Christus post caenam institue rit & suis Discipulis administraverit sub utraque specie panis et vini hoc venerabile Sacramentum; tamen hoc non obstante Sacrorum canonum autoritas, & approbata consuetudo Ecclesiae servavit & servat. Caranza sum. Concil. Sess. 13. Secondly, Neither must we seek Truth, only in the decrees of counsels, in the Traditions and testimonies of the Church. counsels are like Rivers of water, very profitable, so long as they hold themselves within the compass of the banks, but if they swell and overflow (as too often they have done) they prove very hurtful to the field of the Church, even to Truth itself. The council of Constance cometh in with a non obstante against Christ's institution, withholding the Cup from the Sacrament. Our Faith and Truth was at first delivered to the Saints, Jude ver. 3. And we hold it still per Ecclesiam, though not propter Ecclesiam; by the ministry of the Church, though not for the Authority of the Autoritas Ecclesiae est autoritas numeris, non jurisdictionis. Camer. Church, John 4. 42. All they who are genuine children of the Church, not only by the mother's side, but by the Fathers also, will not only believe as the Church believeth, but as their Heavenly Father teacheth them, and because he teacheth them. Thirdly, But in searching out for the Truth, go to Christ himself, who is Truth itself, John 14. 6. Ego sum via, quae ad veritatem duco; ego sum veritas, quae vitam promitto; ego sum vita, quam do. Bernard. Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Attend upon Christ in the use of his Word, which is a Word of Truth, Prov. 8. 34. Blessed is the man that heaneth me, watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. If ever God ripen your counsels about a Synod, we hope to receive the same direction from you, that Constantine the Great gave the council of Nice. Take {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} the Resolution of things in question, out of Divinely inspired writings. do not only bid us inquire what Reformation was in our▪ Josiah's time, King Edward the sixth; nor what in our Deborah's days, Queen Elizabeth's, (though we must for ever bless God for the light that appeared in those times) do not only put us upon inquiry what Ignatius said, or what Cyprian did; they must be very wise Children who know their father's faces and writings, after so many of their adversaries scratches. Rather bid us give you an account, what Luke holdeth forth in his story of the Acts of the Apostles, what Paul intimates in his Epistles, that so divine Truth may triumph, and we enjoy a Scripture Reformation. In divine things we may attribute somewhat to antiquity, yet in matters that concern Church pomp, and Church power, we must be jealous how we trust the Ancient Fathers, because (good men) they saw the mystery of iniquity but darkly, and at a distance, which wrought strongly, not only in corrupting Doctrine with errors, but Divine Worship with Ceremonies and Church Government with tyrannical usurpations. Then, and then only, is Truth like to triumph in Church-Assemblies, when God's Word is there advanced. Cyrill saith, in a Synod at Ephesus, upon a high Throne in the Temple, there lay, Sanctum Evangelium, the holy gospel, to show that Christ was both present and precedent there. Resolution, to backe a public Factors wise Activity▪ 3 Requisite, Resolution. This would make you willing to grapple with difficulties, to expose yourselves to troubles and hazards, and to be at any cost and charges, that you may possess yourselves and the kingdom of the true Religion. Poor England hath long been in a travelling condition, felt many bitterpangs, findeth now twins in her womb, jacob's and Esau's, wrestling for the birthright, high contestations betwixt Eliah and Baalls Priests; now it is a day of trouble and astonishment: 2 Chron. 29. 8. Great things are come to the birth, only there wanteth strength to bring forth. What will you resolve to lay out to possess this disjointed kingdom of the Truth? Imagine the casting of the balance, the composing of all Church difference depended upon thee alone, what wouldest thou contribute to purchase Truth? Nazianzen put this price upon his Athenian, learning (wherein he was very famous) that he had something of value to part withal for Christ; Oh that you could say the same of your Honours and Estates, reckoning this the goodness of all your good things, that you are enabled to do good with them in the cause of Christ and his Truth. It was heroical zeal in Basill, who for his constant and bold defending of the Truth against the Arian heresy, being threatened death by Valens the Emperor, answered, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, Oh that I might die for the truth! I beseech you (Noble Worthies) by the many Petitions you have had from men, by the solemn Protestations you have made to God, by his wonder-working Providence about you, and by the dependence the Protestant cause abroad hath upon you, stir up your Resolution in the behalf of Truth. Would you have the name of this Parliament embalmed with everlasting perfume? Improve your power for the true Religion. Justify our Magna Charta, the grand Charter of Scripture truths, that doth entitle us to Salvation. Confirm unto us our Petition of Right, establish upon Pastors and Churches, so much interest in the power and use of the keys, as the Word of Truth doth allow them. Maintain amongst us a free course of trading for eternal happiness, set and keep open those shops, such Pulpits, such mouths, as any prelatical usurpations have, or would have, shut up. Secure to us not only liberty of person and estate, but also liberty of Conscience from Church tyranny, that we be not pinched with ensnaring oaths, clogged with multiplied subscriptions, or needless impositions, which will rather increase then compose distractions. Together with privileges of Parliament, let us have church-privileges vindicated, help us to purge out that old leaven, whether of Doctrine, of Disposition, or Persons, that we may have Sacraments more purely administered, according to the rule of Truth; let us be sure of this Militia, inviolably settled, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, Ephes. 6. 17. Guard that Magazine, wherein are laid up the weapons of our warfare, that are mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds, 2 Cor. 10. 4. So shall we be put into a good posture for Reformation. Act undaunted resolution, in the prosecution of these religious designs, then may you confidently expect Christ's glorious and gracious presence amongst you. Luther would assure you thereof, Where the Word of Christ doth reign, saith he, there are the eyes Lu●her de abrog.. miss. private. of Christ fixed on the holy Professors of Truth, but where the Word of man reigneth, although there were as many Popes, as there be leaves in the wood, and as many Card●nals, as grains of corn, &c. As many Bishops, as drops of water in the Sea, and all of them glittering in Gold and Jewels, Gemmati, purpurati, mulati, & asinati, to maintain their own laws, yet are Christ's eyes turned away from them. Truth, though it must be bought; yet it may not be 2 Proposition. sold. The wisdom of Scripture directs us to several purchases, Isai. 55. 1. Every thirsty soul is invited to Come and buy Waters, Wine, and milk; seek to Christ upon his terms, for variety of sweet soulmercies; Rev. 3. 18. We are counselled to buy of Christ, Gold tried in the fire, the pure graces of God's Spirit, and the purity of Ordinances; Ephes. 5. 16. We must be redeeming the time, not only taking opportunities of doing and receiving good when they are offered, and seeking them when they are wanting, but buying them at any price. And indeed Christians should be Chapmen to buy, rather than Salemen to sell. We are commanded to buy, that we may possess, the end of this possession is use; what spiritual commodities we have purchased, we must Improve for God and our souls, but not alienate them from ourselves. There are three sorts of Hucksters will be ready to Three sorts of of Hucksters. engross the Truth from you, if you be willing to sell it. Malignant persecutors, are engrossing Huckesters', 1. Sort of hucksters of Truth. who watch to interrupt the liberty of the Truth. These, even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, resist the Truth, men of corrupt minds, Reprobates concerning the Faith, 2 Tim. 3. 8. And indeed, therefore resist the Truth, because their minds are so corrupt. Such the Apostle calls {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, absurd, men, Qui {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} faciunt, quae minime conventunt. Pisc. 2 Thess. 3. 2. Men compact of mere incongruities, solaecising in opinion, speeches, actions, and whole life, yea unreasonable men, For all men have not Faith, ver. 2. Religion is the highest Reason, nothing more irrational than irreligion. From such spirits arose those conspiracies against the Apostle, endeavouring Acts 4. & 5. ch. to scotch the Charriot-wheeles of Truth, when they began first to move. No sooner did Steven plead for Truth, but some were suborned against him▪ Act. 6. 11. No sooner did Saul begin to Preach the Truth, but opposers began to consult to kill him, Act. 9 23. Though not long before he had been a busy Apparitor and pursuivant, to Arrest the Saints, and drag them to their High-Commission, Act. 9 1. [A strange and sudden change in them, as well Origen, Num. hom. 27. in hoc corum omnis flamma est, in hoc uruntur incendio. as in him.] Origen saith of the Devils; No greater torment to them, then to see men addicted to the Scriptures. The same temper of spirit appears in the devil's agents upon the killing of the witnesses, Rev. 11. 10. They that dwelled upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another, because these two Prophets tormented them that dwell on the earth; And therefore they will adventure peace of Conscience, and hope of Heaven, yea, the whole stock upon it, that they may buy up Truth out of the Churches hands; and sometimes malice rises to such an height, that even in England the Bible must be burnt, as strange Doctrine. Tanquan Doctrina peregrina. Seducing heretics, whose endeavour is to corrupt the purity of Truth. The great Apostasy from the 2 Sort of Hucksters of Truth. Faith, 1 Tim. 4. 1. is brought about by giving heed to seducing spirits. The Pope hath many Emissaries abroad, who join with the devil, studying a method of Soule-deceiving, and Truth-betraying. Compare Ephe. 4. 14. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, with Ephes. 6. 11. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, you shall find the devil and deceivers artificially methodizing their snares to draw us from the Truth, 2 Pet. 2. 1▪ False teachers have always practised to bring in damnable heresies. The beginnings of gross errors may be modest; yea, the foulest Heresies may at first appear with fair faces. The Serpent creeps into the Paradise of the Church by degrees: as 2 Cor. 11. 3. his plot is to corrupt people's minds, From the simplicity that is in Christ; First, he will puzzle them with a question, as he did Eve, put a command of God, a known Truth to be disputed, then help them to mint some distinctions, (which are not always so happy in Divinity as in Philosophy) thereby to relieve and help in an error. And here it may be observed, though these men have the same design with malignant persecutors, to engross the Truth, yet cunningly they will buy it up by parcels, that they may be the less discerned. They will trade first in names, than in things, first habituate us to call our Ministers Priests, our Communion Tables, Altars, before they impose superstitious gestures. This was the Rhemists strain of policy. Rhem. Test. 1 Tim. 6. 20. Let us keep our old words, and we shall easily keep our old Faith. This gradual Huckstering up the purity of truth, is most clear in Image worship. At first, Images and pictures of Saints were used in private, for Memory, History, or Ornament only; Afterwards with like colour of pretence brought into the Church in Gregory's days, yet with express prohibition of worshipping them; Afterward the second Synod of Nice enjoins it, though more modestly, and respectively only in regard of that which they represent; But since the council of Trent, it's risen to gross Idolatry. Bellarm. de Imag. Sanct. l. 2. c. 21. neutral Politicians, who will be buying Truth out of our hands, by formalizing and enervating 3 Sort of Hucksters of Truth. Plut. in vita Solon the power of it, till at last they leave us an heartless and sapless Religion. Among the laws of Solon, there was one which thundered against such, who in a civil uproar amongst the Citizens, sit still as neutral spectators. It were happy for the Church, if there were a more strict course taken against all lukewarm Machivillians, who by their neutrality undermine Religion; of this strain was Jeroboam, that grand Politician, who created to himself a State Religion; out of Love to his crown, he set up golden Calves, he hindered the people from going to worship God at Jerusalem, lest they should turn again unto their Lord, unto Rehoboam King of Judah. 1 King. 12. 27 28. Worldly wise men, as they are time-servers, so they are self-server, and whatsoever become of Christ and his truth, self shall be advanced into the Throne; such men's heads over-match their hearts, their policy out-runneth their Religion; when the glory of Christ and his gospel come in competition with their self-ends, self shall first be gratified; most unlike to Paul, who Phil. 1. 20. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, stood as it were on up-to, looking earnestly after the magnifying of Christ, whatever became of himself, Whether in his life, or in 〈◊〉 death. I may produce three Reasons to fortify you against felling Truth to any Hucksters. Truth is in itself a precious jewel, of most incomparable worth, gained into the possession of the 1. Reason. Churches, not without much difficulty; and therefore cannot without great disparagement to its excellency, and to the zeal of others, be alienated and chaffered away. Gospel Truth at first cost the blood of Christ, then watered with the blood of many Martyrs, which made it throng up so plentifully. It is observable, the Church hath been seldom fully possessed of any Grand Truth, without much debate, Niltam certum quam quod post dubium certum. without some bloody sufferings. How dear did it cost Athanasius to justify the Divinity of Christ, against the Arians? and shall we suffer any of that kindred to buy it again out of our hands▪ How courageously did Augustine rescue the Doctrine of Grace, from the Pelagians hands, whom he calls the Enemies of Grace? and shall we suffer it to be betrayed to their Brethren the Arminians! How far did Luther hazard himself, to advance Justification by Faith in Christ? It is a gross shame that sweet Truth should be lost in the language of any Innovators, who will have works to concur in eodem genere cause, to share equally with Faith in the very act of justifying. Many of our ancient Worthies, like wisdom's Children, Matth. 11. 19 set themselves to justify wisdom; they have endeavoured with much sweat, and many tears, yea, with their dearest lives, to settle the church's landmarks by evidence of Scripture Arguments, and to bound the Truth by Decrees of counsels; we must not prodigally dispossess ourselves of such a Treasure. We reap the fruit of our Reformers zeal, who bestirred themselves so much against Popish Altars, and other Church usurpations for the purging of Religion in England. God forbid, that we should sell for trifles, what they possessed us of with so much difficulty. It concerns us rather to concur with them, yea, to promote their beginnings with all our might, that we may have such Churches, such Officers, such election and ordination, such jurisdiction, such exercise of Church power, and all such administrations as are most agreeable to the Truth. Truth is the church's talon; committed to her trust, and therefore must not be sold. Trust being a strong obligation to fidelity. Upon this ground 2 Reason. Rom. 3. 2. the Apostle, Jude ver. 3. Exhorts Christians to Contend earnestly for the Faith, once delivered to the Saints. You must never expect another edition of the Faith, (God reserved that solemn change from Jewish to Evangelical worship, for the Inauguration of his son) zealously strive for this Faith you have, against all opposition. In that known place, so much abused by Papists, 1 Tim. 3. 15. The Church of Ephesus (this cannot be appropriated to the Church of Rome) is the pillar and ground of Truth. Not a pillar {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} not sensu architectonico but forensi. to uphold, but to hold forth Truth, not so much {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, the seat of Truth; every pure Church being a depository of Truth, where it is to be found, as the candle in the candlestick. All the fonnes of wisdom have a share in that of Paul to Timothy, 1 Tim. 6. 20. O Timothy keep that which is committed to thy Trust. This made the primitive Worthies so conscientiously zealous in the cause of Truth; and that not only of many truths, but even of forms of speeches, of syllables, yea of Letters. The difference betwixt the council of Nice and Arius, was but in a Letter, whether {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. The controversy whereupon the Greek and Latin Churches broke, touching the proceeding of the Holy Ghost, depended upon two prepositions, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} and {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. The monstrous heresy of Nestorius lay but in one poor letter, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, when he would not gratify the Church therein, as Cyrill desired him, many Bishops rose up against him, so religious were they, that that they would not exchange a letter, or syllable of the Faith, wherewith their Saviour had betrusted them. Selling Truth is the worst, the most undoing 3 Reason. Selling Truth opens a door, Trade; it sets to sale both God's glory, and your own Salvation, being it opens a door to both extremes in Religion, to profaneness, and to Superstition. The school of Christ is indeed a school of affection, 1 To profaneness. and of action, but first of knowledge; we must have science before we shall make conscience of our ways. This makes the god of this world, the devil, bestir himself to blind people's minds, Lest the Light of the glorious gospel of Christ should shine into them: he well knew that darkness of mind, betrays us to works of darkness. When men walk in the dark, They know not at what they stumble, Prov. 4. 19 They will stumble at Christ himself, at the strictness and purity of his ways, and soon plunge themselves into the grossest wickedness. In a Synod at London Anselm forbade Priests Marriage Alsted. A●n●. 1102. in England, and in the next year were discovered a great company of Sodomites amongst them. Such is the woeful fruit of selling Truth, which would be a spur, quickening to good, and a bridle restraining from evil. It is no wonder to find such treacherous practices amongst the Papists, their erroneous doctrines open the sluices unto them. Upon a slight confession of sin, they may receive a cheap absolution, and thereby are emboldened to renew the commission of it. That Taxa poenitentiaria, amongst the Papists, that low rate which is put upon the greatest sins in the Pope's custom house; so contrary to the word of Truth, Rom. 6. 23. The wages of sin is Death, encourages people to the greatest profaneness. Ignorance of the Truth is a fruitful mother and helpful nurse, both to profaneness of practice, 2 To Superstition. and to superstition in devotion. See it at Athens, Act. 17. 22, 23. There they were fondly superstitious, where their Altar had this inscription, To the unknown God. Aquinas attributes the inchoation of Idolatry itself, To the inordi●acy of our affection, and our Ignorance of the true God. Whence came superstition so much to swarm in the dark ages of the Traditiones pontificiorum sunt pandectae errorum et Superstitionum. Chemnit. Church? because they neglected the word of Truth, and followed Tradi●ions. Hence it is observed that Learning and Religion have fall'n and risen together. When the light of Truth hath been eclipsed, by the decay of learning; the heat of Religion hath much declined. The weeds of superstition, sponte nascuntur, will grow of their own accord in dark corners; as having advantage of the soil, so much connaturalness to people's corrupt hearts. The Pope's chaplains need not take much pains to teach ignorant souls to be superstitious; If orthodox Preachers of the Truth be but suspended, we shall soon have reason to complain with that great man in the council of Lateran; Piety is almost sunk into Superstition. Beware of expressing any indulgence unto such, or 1 U●e of caution. holding any compliance with them that sell the Truth. The whole Tribe of Benjamin came to be extinguished, except about six hundred, only for countenancing a few sons of Belial in Gibeah, who had abused a Levites Wife, Judg. 19 and 20. chap. Christ was angry with some of the Churches, not only for being active in evil, but passive of evil, Rev. 2. 14. 20. The wisdom of this great council hath been inquisitive after monopolists, or any that encroach upon the commonwealth. Give me leave to discover an unhappy Church-confederacy, whereby Truth hath been shamefully sold in many places. There are four sorts of persons, herein deeply engaged. 4 Sorts accessary to the selling of Truth. 1 Scandalous professors. First, Scandalous apostate Professors of the Truth, who alienate the Truth from themselves, and alienate the minds of others from the Truth. They make the word of God blasphemed, Tit. 3. 5. Such are described with black Characters by Jude verse 12, 13. These are spots in your feasts of Charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear; clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the Sea, foaming out their own shame, wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. They are employed in evil works, and they receive answerable wages. What unhappy markets such carnal gospelers make for the Truth, you may read in many stories; amongst the rest, an American nobleman, being persuaded to embrace the Christian Religion, demanded, First, what place was ordained for such as were baptised? Answer was made, Heaven, and its joys. Secondly, what place for them who were not baptised; Answer was returned, Hell, and its torments. Thirdly, which of these places was allotted for the Spaniards, it was answered Heaven; whereupon he renounced his intended baptism, protesting he would rather go to Hell with the unbaptised, then be in Heaven with the Spaniards. Many fall out implacably with the Truth, because they find many professors such unsavoury salt. Secondly, Ignorant and vicious Ministers. Some 2 Ignorant and vicious Ministe● even idol Priests, like the Idols of the heathen, The work of men's hands, they have mouths but they speak not; eyes have they but they see not; they have ears but they hear not, neither is there any breath in their mouths; they that make them are like unto them, so is every one that trusteth in them, Psalm. 135. 15, 16, 17, 18. And indeed it is too often true, like Priest, like People, Ier. 5. 31. Such a creature is not to be found in Christ's catalogue, who gave some Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers. No Prince ever sent dumb ambassadors. Bernard reckoneth Ephe. 4. 11. Bernard. up these four as strange things, Speculator caecus, praecursor claudus, praeco mutus, doctor inscius; a blind Watchman, a lame Harbinger, a dumb crier, an ignorant Teacher; And indeed a Minister of a vicious life, though not grossly ignorant, is as dangerous an enemy to true Religion, if not sometimes worse, as not barely withholding, but corrupting and perverting Truth, like Elymas the Sorcerer, Act. 13. 10. Yea like Eli his sons, 1 Sam. 2. 17. who made the Offerings of the Lord to be abhorred; their ungodly lives are often such confutations of their own and other men's Sermons, that many thereby are hardened against the Truth, Ezek. 9 6. the destroying angel was to begin at the Sanctuary, and there, too often, begins profaneness. There hath been long expectation, as there is indeed great need, of a Parliament visitation; to find out those Chapmen, who will sell God's Truth, people's souls, Church-purity with State-liberty, for the satisfaction of their lusts. Thirdly, Such Prelates as ordain or support these 3 Prelates supporting Ignorant & vicious Ministers. ignorant and vicious Ministers, I appeal to you, what gross betrayers of Truth they are. How happy had it been for the Church in England, if they who pretend to succeed Timothy, had walked by that rule which Paul commended to him, 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man? but alas! many are aposcopi, rather than Episcopi, as Espencaeas, by-seers, rather than overseers; hence such swarms in the Church of backe-friends unto truth. If you inquire when so many gross deformities crept into the Church, Damasus will tell you; even Field. on chap. l. 5. c. ●9. than when the Bishops put over the care and performance of Church affairs to others, that they might take their own ease; like Harlots that put out their own children to be nursed by others, that themselves in the mean time might satisfy their lusts; by such remissness Truth was much smothered, with a multitude of weeds, that overgrew the Church. Fourthly, self-seeking Patrons are many times 4 self-seeking Pations. deeply accessary to the betraying of Truth, in presenting most unworthy Ministers. The Lord knoweth how many are so far from considering the concurring consent of judicious Christians (which was much valued in primitive times) that they neglect Plebs ipsa maxime habet potestatem, vel eligendi dignos Sacerdotes, vel recusandi indignos: quod & ipsum videmus de divina autoritate descendere. Cyp. ep. 63 their trust for the good of others, and their own souls. They will obtrude, too often, one of jeroboam's Priests, one of the lowest of the people, 1 Kings 13. 33. They would not choose a cook to dress their meat, that were like to poison them; nor a physician (though a Kinsman) which would probably kill them; but, too often, prefer a daubing chaplain, that will comply with their covetous, or licentious humour, though in the mean time the people be betrayed, and the Truth be sold. Will you please to consider what a sad meeting this unhappy fraternity will have at the day of judgement, if still they persist in truth-betraying. Scandalous professors, will curse their wicked Ministers, whose examples poisoned them. Wicked Ministers, will cry woe, woe upon such Prelates, who were indulgent to their unworthiness; and doubtless the Prelates will be as ready to complain of many Patrons, who first made the livings scandalous by withholding maintenance, and then by importunity thrust a scandalous Minister upon them. Oh let it now appear, that you will not suffer Religion to be betrayed by the least indulgence to any of these evils. Consider what Sigismond the Emperor said in the council of Constance, where the council pretended to make a Reformation; one stood up and said the Reformation must begin at the friar Minorites; No, said the Emperor, Non à Minoritis, sed à Majoritis incipiendum est, Let Reformation reach Patron, and Prelate, as well as Minister and People. If you would discourage scandalous livers, suppress scandalous Ministers; if you would prevent a succession of them, regulate the power of the keys, took to ordination and jurisdiction: though your Bill against scandalous Ministers were ripened and executed, yet if the door of admission into the Church, continue as large as now it is, the next age will swarm again with the like Drones. And for the truths sake, that you may silence all clamours, as if Reformation would discourage learning, and undo the Church, make good your own Orders. For the support of an able ministry; let Patrons and others deny themselves, to raise a sufficient and certain maintenance, at least open a vent to others piety and Charity, who will concur with you, to afford oil for burning and shining lamps, by reviving the hopeful design of the Feoff●es, or what other ways, your zealous wisdom shall suggest. A great Civilian telleth us how Church-maintenance Sir Tho. Rid. View of civil Law. part 3. c. 4. Sect. 3. came to be appropriated to the cloisters of monks, and how such lands as they held, in sundry Parishes, were freed from the payment of tithes to the Ministers thereof; namely, it sprang from this root, they insinuated that Preaching was not so necessary for the salvation of men's souls, as their Praying, in their Religious Houses; Preaching, they said, breedeth schism, Disputes in Religion, &c. It lieth as a blot upon them, That by their undervaluing Preaching, many Congregations were robbed of their Ministers maintenance, Let it be Your Honour, who have expressed such a high esteem of Preaching, to endeavour the re-endowing those places with such means, as may encourage faithful witnesses unto the Truth. To awaken Your compassionate affection towards many persons and places, where truth is chaffered away; 2 use of direction. Religion is a riddle, a paradox, yea, a reproach among them. We should appear this day, as public mourners, laying to heart, not only personal, but State evils, even Parliament sins. Is not this just matter of grief, that in so many former Parliaments, the liberty, the purity, and the power of Religion hath been so much neglected? Ancient laws have established Church pomp, Power, Dignity, and Revenues; these are twisted into the several Statutes, as if they would put in a politic caveat against after alterations, without shaking the very Foundation, which is now one of the great objections against Reformation. Yea, how much hath Truth suffered by the indulgence that Old Parliament laws have expressed to nonresidency, Pluralities, and Insufficiency of Ministers. It hath been enough if Legit ut, Clericus; if he can say the Confession in Latin, he must be betrusted with souls. Allow something to the necessity of these darker times; yet now the very reason of such being altered, God forbid that truth should any longer be betrayed by an unwarrantable latitude. Oh pity your many thousands of expecting Petitioners, who have had many years of sad Sabbaths, and sit down still in much sorrow, complaining for want of Truth. You may hear their groanings in the words of the Prophet Jeremiah, chap. 8. 22. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? What? cannot, will not, the Parliament heal us? It was a strange and doleful vision that Ezekiel had from God at Jerusalem, when he saw so many sinful spectacles; an image of jealousy, Baal's idol, Ezek. 8. v. 5. then, a company of grave ancient men, every one in the Chamber of his Imagery, ver. 11, 12. Ezek. ●. the Jewish High-Commission, according to some, in those times deeply corrupted; poor Women weeping for Tammuz, ver. 14. weeping for the death of Polan in locum. Osiris, King of Egypt, and idolatrously adoring his image, which Isis his wife had advanced; and worships towards the sun, ver. 16. Would it please you in your serious thoughts, to run over this Church, this kingdom, you might see in many places such objects, that Your eyes would much affect your hearts. Though in all abominations, we do not run parallel with Jerusalem, in Ezekiel's Vision, yet such woeful fruits of truth-selling, and truth-betraying, as may stir up your affection, and awaken your Parliament actions. First, Cast your compassionate eyes upon the schools of the Prophets, the church's Nurseries. do 1. not petitions inform you that divers have there chaffered away Truth for errors; were Whitaker and Reinolds then in vivis, doubtless they would blush to see Bellarmine and Arminius justified by many, rather than confuted. If no Chambers of imagery be there, yet are there not some chapels, polluted rather then adorned with Images, Altars, and Crucifixes. If no worshipping of the sun there, yet do not too many plead for, and practise, an ungrounded worshipping toward the East? It cannot be thought unnaturalness in a son to represent the distempers of his Mother, to a college of physicians especially when the experience of the deep infection, which some of your beloved sons got there, of the corruption of judgements, profaneness and superstition of practice, which many of your Ministers brought thence, will witness the same, that Truth hath been shamefully betrayed, by too many in the Universities. Munster reporteth, That the Jews were banished out of many countries of Christendom, principally for poisoning Springs and fountains. All Friends to Truth had need pray that God would either remove or heal such as have poisoned the schools of the Prophets, the fountains of the Land. Our hopes are that God will put upon you (Noble Senators) the spirit of Elisha, and help you to cast into those waters, such salt, that the Waters be healed, that there be not from thence any more barrenness, or causing to miscarry, 2 King. 2. 19, 20. In Exod. 15. 23, 24, 25. when the people were come to Marah, They could not drink the waters, for they were bitter, and murmured aga●nst Moses, saying, what shall we drink? ver. 25. The Lord showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet, Plant, and uphold wholesome Lectures, in the Pulpit, as well as in the chair, (A Service worthy of the wisdom and Power of a Parliament.) Such Trees will sweeten the waters there, and drop such fruit, as will much promote the trade of Truth abroad. How many living stones, yea how many Builders did famous Perkins hew, by Preaching a Lecture in Cambridge? many Children and Fathers begotten by his ministry in a few years, to the great advancement of the Truth. Secondly, Behold with the same compassion, cathedral Churches, and the woeful effects of selling the Truth in too many of them; The strange Vestures and Gestures, Images, &c. in some of their Quires, intimating too much affinity with those Chambers of Imagery, in their abominations, mentioned Ezek. 8. 10, 11, 12. Former Reformations left such nettles growing there, that have since unhappily seeded many other Churches; yea, left so much dust, not only behind the door, but even in the very choir, as hath been easily blown about into many corners. They glory in being called the Mother Churches, but they have too often proved stepdames to their Daughters, engrossing the maintenance, that should provide the word of Truth for their souls. What pity is it that cathedral Societies, which might have been colleges of learned Presbyters, for the feeding and ruling City Churches, and petty Academies, to prepare pastors for neighbour places, should be so often Sanctuaries for non-residents, and be made nurseries to many such Multitudine levissimarum seremoniarum pene est extincta pietas et vis spiritus Sancti. Gerson. Drones, who can neither Preach nor Pray, otherwise then read, say, or sing their Prayers; and in the mean time Truth much obscured in a Non-edifying pomp of ceremonious service. It was a notable design of those Bishops at Bononia, that gave Pope Julius the third this very counsel, how to establish the Roman Religion; Let the people (say they) have pompous Prayers, Images, Tapers, Organs, and divers musical instruments in their Temples; These are things with which the people are much delighted, and being taken up with these, they almost forget that doctrine Hae●●uus quibus vulgus praecipue del●ctatus, et quo●●● gratia doctrinam ●llam quae ●ol●s 〈◊〉 est fere obliv●●itu●. p. 4. which is so destructive to us. Let your compassion move you to counter-work all such plots; as Church-deformers sought to corrupt Cities, and places of confluence; so let those that profess themselves Church-Reformers, when the Harvest is greatest, express the greatest care to send forth most faithful Labourers for the Truth, Matth. 9 36, 37. This were to resemble your Saviour. Thirdly, Behold with weeping eyes the many hundreds of Congregations, in the kingdom, where 3. millions of souls are like to perish for want of Vision; Truth is sold from amongst them, either by Soule-betraying-non-residents, Soule-poysoning-innovators, or Soule-pining-dry-nurses. In too many places the very Image of jealousy, the idol of the mass is set up, yea, the Comedy of the mass acted, because there Missae Comoedia in P. Martyr. wanteth the light of Truth to discover the wickedness and folly of it. Do not some of you that live on the Welsh coasts; cry out with your Neighbours, Woe is me that I sojourn in Meseck, and that I dwell in the tents of Kedar, Psalm. 120. 5. Do not some of you inhabit the North parts, where you may complain (in the word of Nicholas Clemang. pag. 15.) How many Priests came to their Benefices, not from the schools, and their study, but from the ploughs, and servile Occupations, which could neither read, nor Understand Latin? Where in many miles, not a Minister that can {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, and {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, Preach, and live, Sermons. I wish every Parliament-man had a map of the soul-misery of the most of the Ten thousand Churches and chapels in England; I hope it would draw forth your compassions, and stir up your endeavours to rescue Truth out of their hands, who would sell it, and set up the trade of Truth in poor dark Countries. Had I the favour to prefer a Petition unto You in the name of Universities, chief Cities, Country Congregations, yea, the whole kingdom, and were sure of a propitious ear from you, I would sum up all in this clause, in this one breath: Improve Your Power to help forward the Word of Truth, that it may 2 Thes. 3. 1. run and be glorified. This would maintain love and loyalty to our sovereign. Where hath he most hearty Prayers, but where Truth most prevails? This would teach men to justify the power, and comply with the Authority of Parliaments. Who have more undermined and maligned Parliaments, than such Ministers as first betrayed Truth? This is the way (if any) to reduce seduced Papists. human Contra Pontificies pa●um ●●gibus aut libris profici, quousque firmum etidoneum ministerium in ecclesiis constitutum fuerit. Whitak. laws will pinch their purses. Send divine Truth amongst them, that may satisfy their consciences. This is the most sovereign means to compose Church-differences. Why do we contend? (saith Augustine) are we not Brethren? Our Father died not intestate, let his Will be publicly produced, and all men will be quiet. This is the best way to make the Reformation thorough and lasting, because this would engage the people's hearts. 2 Chron. 20. 32, 33. Jehosaphat did that which was right in the sight of the Lord; Howbeit the high places were not taken away; for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their Fathers. Josiah, a good King, did much, yet because the people's spirits were not wrought to concur with him, the work soon vanished, and God's Judgements broke in upon them. Go on, therefore (Honourable Worthies) improving your influence to prevent the selling of Truth. First, Provide that every Congregation may have an able Trumpet of Truth. 1. Secondly, Especially let great towns, places of confluence, have Lectures, Markets of Truth. 2. Thirdly, Afford any faithful Paul and Barnabas encouragement, yea, Power, if Sergius Paulus desire 3. to hear the Word of God, to go and Preach, Act. 13. 7. 8 though Elymas the Sorcerer should be unwilling; such ambulatory exercises have brought both light and heat into dark and cold corners. Fourthly, What if there were some Evangelical, Itinerant Preachers, sent abroad upon a public 4. stock to enlighten dark Countries? Thus might you reap glorious fruits of all your Counsels, tears, prayers, and pains, in seeing Dagon fall down before the ark of truth. I have endeavoured, (though in much weakness) 3 use of Dehortation. with words of Truth and soberness, to plead the cause of Truth. I must end as an importunate solicitor: O sell not the true Religion upon any terms. Much of my rhetoric to persuade you is within you. I speak to your self-love, as you are Men; to your conscience, as you are Christians; to your wisdom, as you are statesmen; to your Honours, as you are Noble: Be always buying, but never selling the Truth. England hath had an happy taste of your zeal for Truth, and against the corrupters and betrayers of the true Religion. The Lord from Heaven hath appeared mightily for you, when you appeared much for him in the cause of Truth. God forbid that ever this Parliament should lose any of its first love to Religion, and the Reformation of it, then may you expect to drink of Solomon's bitter cup, The Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared to him twice. God forbid that Rhehum the Chancellor and Shimshai the Scribe, should outstrip Zerubbabel; That 1 Kings. 11 9 Tobiah and Sanballat, should outbid Nehemiah in any cause of God. Rather let the malignancy of malignant opposers inflame your zeal for the Truth. O that we could now all close this day of humiliation, with the proper work of the day, covenanting with our God, making it our sealing day; Nehem. 9 38. At a solemn Fast, Princes, Priests and Levites, did make a sure covenant, write and seal unto it. Let us this Day, not only give earnest, for the purchasing of Truth, by the fixed purposes of our hearts, but even give as it were hands and seals, that we will never sell the liberty, purity, or power, of Religion upon any terms. W●ll you please to these particulars? First, That you will not sell Truth out of carnal fears; you have a good 〈…〉 it, Rev. 21. 7, 8. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, he that is overcoming, not he that hath overcome, shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son, But the fearful and unbelieving shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone. Read over the story of Francis Spira with trembling, who out of such fear betrayed the Truth. After he had gone to Venice to the Pope's Legate, with whom, out of carnal fear, he complied, craving pardon of him, and yielding to recant that religion he had publicly processed; when he returned to his house, he could not rest an hour, no not a minute, nor feel any ease of his continual anguish; from that night he was much terrified with horror, and as he confesseth, He saw plainly before his eyes all the torments of hell and the damned; and in his foul did hear the fearful sentence, being drawn before the Judgement seat of Christ. Hold fast the Truth, let faith triumph over fears. If Peter will deny and forswear his Master, at best he must return by weeping cross: many are irrecoverably smitten with that Thunderbolt Matth. 26. 74, from the Lord, Heb. 10. 38. If any one draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Secondly, That you will not sell Truth for your own private advantages. It was a wretched carriage in Demetrius, and his fraternity, who out of love to Act. 19 24, 25. their own gain, did combine and consult how they might undermine and betray the Truth. Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth; This made them so zealous for their Diana; and so fierce against the gospel; If Truth do prevail, Diana must down, and then farewell their profit. Resolve rather to resemble Moses then Demetrius, who, Heb. 11. 25. Chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, then enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. His Faith did so rightly inform his Judgement, that he counted the Reproaches of Christ, (which seem the bitterest thing in Christianity) greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, ver. 26. How much did he then prefer the Consolations, which come by Religion, before all worldly excellencies? Such a spirit was in Luther, who when he was offered to be Cardinal, if he would be quiet, replied, no, Not if I might be Pope. He had an holy scorn to be put off from his Religious designs, by such withering petty things. Thirdly, Sell not Truth for politic State ends. When you come to settle Religion do not deal only like politicians, but like Christians. Worldly wisdom in the things of God is a rule too short, too 1 Cor. 3. 19 crooked, too partial, yea foolishness with God. Jeroboam would play the politician in Religion, he sold the true worship of God for his State ends, and for ever inherits this as a blot upon his name, 1 King. 15. 30. Because of the sins of Jerohoam which he sinned, and which he made Israel to sin, by his provocation wherewith he provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger. Most renowned was the zeal of King Edward the sixth for the Truth, when upon reasons of State he was pressed by Cranmer and Ridley, to give way to the mass; he refused it with so much resolution, with so many tears, that they acknowledged he had more divinity in his little finger then both they. In things about meum & tuum, that concern our own interest, we may be more liberal, but in Church affairs the word of truth must guide us. It is not in our power quicquam hic aliis dare, aut in aliorum gratiam Calv. Epist. prot. Angl. deflectere; we may not therein gratify one another. Fourthly, Sell not Truth for pretences of Church peace▪ I confess the name of peace smells very sweet; and now especially (in the midst of such Church distractions and such wantonness of opinions) were to be purchased at any rate, except with the loss of Eph 4 3. 13. Truth; It is a most lovely sight to see unity of peace embrace unity of faith; to behold the household of faith, the family of love; O that we could all observe the present breaches with the same affections He●●nth●, qui vos 〈◊〉 simul inventre non possum. Aug. Ep. 15. that Augustine did the differences betwixt Jerome and ruffian. Woe is me that I cannot find you both together, I would fall down at your feet, with much love and many tears I would beseech you for yourselves, and for one another, and for weak Christians for whom Christ died, that you suffer not these dissensions 2 King. 17 33. to spread, &c. But, in the mean time, we must not be such reconcilers, as to bring in a Samaritan Religion, an Interim, an uncomfortable mixture. We must not receive Babylonish inmates into the Lord's House. Light and darkness, Truth and error, will never long dwell quietly together. Fifthly, Sell not Truth for the pomp of human Ceremonies. Admit that Ceremonies were first let into the Church, with the fair intention of the guiders and leaders; and entertained by the credulity of well-meaning people, before the mystery of iniquity was much known; yet since, being so superstitiously abused by the Pope and his party, and so rigidly pressed, for the upholding the pomp of Prelacy, with no small disadvantage to the Truth; let us part with them, rather than sell any spark of Truth for them. Never say they are ancient. Jesus Christ is my antiquity, {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}. Ignat. epi. ad Philad. saith Ignatius. We must look for antiquity of Institution not only of custom. Never say, they are indifferent. If indifferent only, and not expedient, they may the better be spared. Others will say, our Doctrine takes off the scandal of the Ceremonies. However, better have the stumbling block removed Quid si vel pigri vel non satis attenti sint monitores, vel frustra plerosque moneant? Beza, ep. 8. Grindal. Anno 1548. out of the way, then to have a monitor appointed to give you warning of it, he may fall asleep, and then you are in danger. Many tender consciences wish the same success about our Ceremonies, that was in King Edward the sixth his days, about the Images. Some people contending for one Image, others for another, gave occasion, that the King took down all. Who knoweth whether God hath called Ester 4. 14▪ you to this Parliament to accomplish this amongst other services? If you do fully come off, to give in your hands, your hearts, yoursealing actions, that you will not upon any terms sell the Truth, as you tread in good Hezekiah's steps, I doubt not but the Lord will crown your piety and pains with his Diadem, 2 Chron. 31. 20, 21. Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right, and Truth before the Lord his God, and in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the Law, and in the commandments to seek his God, he did it with all his heart and prospered. FINIS.