»• \y • • \ //j >;»'RD. With two neccflarieTablcS;, the o«f prefixed, (hewing thcRcfalutionor Analyfics of the Texr, with the Daflrines arifing put of every vcrfc. Tht ether annexed, contaiiiing ihe principall matters, alphabetic ally fet downc. i^oe this^ vpe have fear ched Itjfo it u : heare ityAud k^ow then it for thy good Job. ^,27* Legantfritu c^foflea def^icimt^e videanturnon exjudiciff^ fedexodijprafumjitione ignorata damnare .Hier^ I frdfat.inJfa.adPaul.^Efifiocht f \ LONDON, Printcdby TX:6tes for /. B, and are to be fold bmB^»]mm AUen dwelling in Popcs-hcad Alley^ i ift. ' .$ '^ -^^—^ i I y ^^^ m ? »!!*■ TO THE MASTER, VV^ A R D E N S, AS. : SIST.ANTS,andothers,ofthe Worfliipfuli Companie of Stationers. T s the faying of Saint Taul unto the Corlnthi* aris y that whether wee eateor drinke^ or l^hat- foeyer wee doe wee mujl doe all to the' glory of God : ^i implying that it's the part andduty of Chrijlians at all times ^ and in e'Very thing to ayme at the prayfe and glory of God^ Ac- cordingly was his owne pra(5life: Accor^ dingly his prayer for ethers. At this aymed he himlelfc ^ hereat in like manner miift A 2 we I Cor.ip«3i« Aft 24»i^. Piuli.io.IK vf' fmrn MM 111! ri ^r* sad 2« io« ira.6i«3> E}rod.9«I^* Pn1l.33.l4* lSain«2.3o. Roro 14.7.$. wc. Thk, even rfe muft bcc the ew^ and. fco^e of all our actions J this the marke and jw^m^j the hent and ^i. Dedicatory. their further impenitencie and continuance in iinnc, as who narrowly obferve our courfes, and would be glad by our falls or flips to juftify their owne evil pradlifes 5 Be- caufe thus (as the Centurion who was prefeut ^tthQ death oiChnJl^ could not but acknow* ledge that he was the Sonne o^God^ [o) they (hall be even forced to acknowledge us^, that IPC are the feed which the hordkath blejfed^thc ve- ry ferf ants of God. 4Becaufethus we (hall make ufe of all opportunities to winne them^asby fpeakingto them with all reve- rence) dehberation, compaffion • carrying our ielves towards them wich all affability and courtefie,- performiiTg all necdfull offices ot Idvc and kindiiefle. reproving them with all genclenefTe^yet neither yeel- ding to them in the leaft finne^ by our owne practife^ nor conniving at the leaft in theirs. 5 Becaufethus throughGoi. goodnefle we may winne them ^ howfoever fliall leave themintxcufable. kfoUoweth hereupon^ In the nrgcttive. 1 1^ Thatwemuftnotafcribetheprayfeand glory of any partkblar worketoany^ fave unco ira,(;i.9. lA3LU^*\€i L^- TheEftfik unto Go^ alone, i that wcmuft not efteeme anything as Goi, or rcfpcft anything more then Goi. 5 That wee muft not in frme things onely, and zt /ometimes ,2ymQ2it the ^lory ofGodJ^ut in 4/?tihings^and at all times zym^ thereat. 4 That we muft not rafhiy goe about any thing ^ without premedita- tion;,or confideratioH;, whether the fame wil tendtothc^/oryofGo^ornot. 5 That wee muft not mcerely in hypocrifie performe the worfhip and feryke of God^ as who doe therein more ayme at our owne then the glory Q^God. 6 That wee rauft not for the nonce doe any zCt tending to the dip?onoHr of God, though in all likelihood the fame ! may tend much unto our owne private gaine. We muft not though it were even to gaine a«?or/^ be Infiruments in thofc things whereby Ged may be dijhonored. 7 That being lawfully called thereunto wee muft not at any time fhnnke from the perfor- mance of that^ whether: in doing or /ujfering^ whereby God mxf he glorified. In the jiffir^ niitiye^t That we muft ib4/Ae according to thiiruky circumfpcdUy, hccdfellyp carefully, ad- 'Mtiifa. Tiyrrf.'W! tN. 1 n -air^iii-Mai' r mi'iii r ■rite "-""•-nTt^r ' Dedicatory. adriledlyj before hand pondering,what we arc to thinke fpeake or do, as who arc in all thoic to glorifie God. t that as God fictcth our callings for «^sand us for them^ fb wc muft ufe our c^i?m^xasthe principallnaeanes where- by we may glorifie him, 5 1 hat tho(e efpe- daily by whofe callings God may be cither moft honoured or difhonoured, fhould narrowly watch over their owne wayes;, that they may procure not diflionour, but honour unto /;/j name. 4 That as we are in particular to glorifie God in our owne cal^ lings, Co alfo to endeVonr hy all mednes, that even others in like manner may glorifie him in theirs. The f^olafi mentioned ^ haue occafi* oned a*; well the enfuing Vifcourff; ^zs this prefent Dedication^hat^ zs whereby I concei- ved no fmall glory might redound untoGoi in the inftrudion^edincation, confirmation of his people^ ^/;i^^as whereby I might ftirre you up in your particular calIing(Q\tn your Printing and Venting oiSookes^ to ayme at the prayfeznog^oryofCod. Thanthis, thers no- thing more /^roy^^itWe, nothing tnovQpleafan!:, ^oxhitx^tnoxc honour ahk:, this being theve^ j A a ry Mmoei ff>»li iL,J JH«IP».,M Afch^m his Schoolemas ftcr. Ti^^ ^/i/?fe 1 ry m^j; and f^^/:> leading unto true hapifinejfe: what benefit hath redounded unto the (^hurch of God^ by good (Bookes, who kno weth not ? what hurt by fuch as are feditious, conten» tious,(uperfluous, lafcivious^ prophanc, or heretical 1^ woefiill experience flicA^ech. ^hat Erafmui of Ovids lewd lines , may bee truely fpoken of fuch kinde of bookes . T1:ey bring ha:^^rd to the youngfter^ and danger to the Reader. Ten Sermons (faith one) laptU not doe Jo much good tn moving vten to true doHrine^ Moneofthojedoe harme by entiftng them toiUli- M^. Mbe^apijis^^thei/is^and Epicures (faith the fame Author j^re made by the merry Bookes ofjtaly^thanby the learned lines ofLoVaine. By thofethc Viyell kept people in the igmra?ice znd darkenejfe of Popery for many ages toge- ther^ as hy the fame he doth no (hiall hurt in theie our dayes-^ herein dealing with man as Hippomanef with Jthalantct^ who feeing her earneftin her r^^re;, threw here on^golden ba/l^ there another toy?^yherin herco/«■ pro* iiK Dedicatory. propfianc^or hereticall (Booke^m our ufay-^he- ing Co much the more dan^erom ^ by how much they are pleafing unto mans corrupt nature. Their end is to tnfeSl xht^eahy ofFend the gQod^ confirme the bad Oh that there were among us feme zealous Ephejlans^ that 'Bookes o(Co grc2itVamty might be burned up I The Spirit of God wrought in them fo migh- tily. thsLt they contemned the price of fb great inicjuitie in one Citty^ that at one ^re^ they brought together the ^ookes valued u fifty thou/and peeces ofSilrver, and burnt them all ac once. If imnyfuch fires were kindled through- out the Landy not a few both f^opps and Jiu^ dies would appeare^nfurnifhed^as being in- deed ftuft for the moft part with ledicious pamphlets J dangerous treatifes^ ridiculous le^ gends^ fained hijiories^ amarous Toems^ ^l^y- bookesy merry jefls^ and fuch like Traj^ : As Eilijha unto his fervant^ Js it a time to receive money and to receive garments^ and 0 lively ards^ and Vtne-yards^ andjheepe and Oxen and mmjer* Va?its ^ and maydjervants ? fo fay I unto you- J i it now time to print or rvent fuch unfaVoyie Juch unprojitable Tamphlets ? we have now long e* A a 2 Aft,ip.l9, 2, King, 5-25. .-^ — Urf^ nough L u The Bpijlle i.« Hag.i.(<. Mat^lCalC. Mat. (5 .3 3. I Tim 4,8. nough played witli our ownc fancies, ^the^ ifme encreafeth [ofaj},^ that it needs no further meanes oi growth. Such bookcs I confefle fell beflj are moft fought for, (as amon, ft Jajhions the moft rvaine zndgaudie doe for the moft part give beft content) but fearefull is the condition ofthole that thus gaincOb be not) out of a covetous defire of filthy lucre guilty of the blood of any one perlbn after this fort. As in the dayes of Haggai^ hee that earned wages ^ earned wages to put them into a bag with holes : [b the gaine which you reape bythismeanes will prove in the end deait:^ full, 14 hat will it adV47itageji ou if you Jhould gaine thel^hole ivorld^ and lofe cither your ol^ne or the I foules of others? Seekeyee fiyjl the f^ingdome of Cod^and his righteoufnejfey and alt the/e things fhall he added untoyou, (Bodily exercife profiteth little^ but godlinej?e is profitable unto aU things ^ . haying promife of the life that noli? is^ and of that f^bich is to come. Too too many there are which pre- ferre the hookes before mentioned, not onely untobookes o£Diyinity^ but even the Scrip' tures themfelveS;, f as. ^{^4w^« the SjW^w pre- ferred Amana and fharpar before.all the mters ' of 3: _ ^ttm-mfrtr^r^^' ^ntate« " " I I -■ 11 ,, I ., «• i>ill' M l>"i»»i» ■■Jin" Dedicatory^ ofJ/rael) whereby they arefbbcwitched,tha« aTiile of l^ohinhcodj^kifeth them better than a. Chapter of Job, a hlthy Sd/7dt/than one of Davids'Pfalmes;^ but ofyou^ whom I conceive to be endued with no fmalliXore of ^^aow- /^/g:e;,atleaft who have the means thereof in greater pkntie than any others, I hope better things. Starve not your felvesCr^wfrf/wUike) amidft the itk the bow of his holy Spirit', this my diUgenceme thinkeSi [b^uld not turne to my to the Reader. THirepreieh. 6 ThateveffbyweakemeanesGoAuplea- fcieftcnto tffe6i great matterSy who hath chofen tlie fooliffi things of the world to confound the wife, andthewcake things of the world to confound the things that are mighty, and bafe things of the world, and things that arc defpifed, yea and things which arc not, to bring to nought things that are. On my hooVcs^hthfor the Matter, Method, W Phrafe, Mat- ter, tbAt its grounded on the facred Word iy^God, the fame being an expofi t ion upon an Epiftle not handled bj ^ny throughottt in eur owTxc language: Method, that its plaine and hmiYvsiV ^brevitie and perfpicuitie being i^y- ned together J the propofitions being (omd andjh&rt^ the pxooks plaine and evident , the applications j/ir^/^i^/^ and naturaUPbrzkj that it's ecok't after cur country fa» ^/^/!r, for we preach not ourfelves, but Chrift lefus the Lord lyea that inallthofe^ I have bettered myfelfeby the writings cf ethers nvhom I coM meet withjili. Let thofe rcadc which are willing, let fuch as will nor, chufe. JV0» omnes \ifdem vefci debent ctbis. One kinde of mcatereliflies not every mans palate. Theri km lejfe need o/p/aine Indtudiiotis to entice men to holincffe^/ Xvie^han of accurate Treatifcs to difcerne truth/r3 crrour. ln]udgeing^]udgelhefeech thee righteous judgement. Itseaficrforaman to condemne amthers worke^ than to doe the like him/el fe^ whofe hands are tied from writing^ let their mouthes be alfofrom cenfaring. Si quid novifti redius iftis, Candidas imparri, fi non^ his utcre mccum. what right er things thou knowe/i^ impart^ Or what I bring take in good part. To conclude:^ If I have brought but the leaf! ftone or * 2 fticke I Gor,i.l7« i9« om'tjpi opinio' Etclef, Fdte§r auna jf^m me in mtnduipfo^ credidigie^nec hahu^eypHl* onem meam, fede^netiamde ^Tfibus fart! mr arkftrabattiHi- terrogare me faiitum-^qttdnto fn^£i» dfi his fi*ptrqt$ihMi ancepseram, Hter.praf tff^ Legdntqui Hur^prdfiit H$er% Mdrceff^ ^*i » llBiH ■■ The Epiftle to theReader. fticke^ thdt wdy/ervefcr the promotmg of Gods buiU ding: if j have prefented but one threed^ that may bt ufedin /^^garniiliing ^Chrifts Sa0i5^uary : Jfifhalire- cUime hut or\^ Jlf^ner from the path ^perdition unto thetPajefPavadiicj fothatheJhaU hereafter unfainedly aekmwledge that he hath heene hettered hereby^ iha^e . my de fire, J f this /^kejlhe other may faradventme ere Hefa.15.to. ig^g f^^g ifs owne pUce. The God of peace that brought againe from the dead the Lord lefus, that great fliepheard of the flicepe, through the blood of the everlafting covenant, make you pcrfeft in every good worke to doc his willj v^orking in you that which is well pleafing in his fight, through lefus Chriftj to whom bee glory forever and ever I Thine in the Lord lefus / .: I'lll Ji! Ik^ A necedary Table, (hewing as well the Ana- lyfis or resolution of the text^as the Do(ilrines or oblervations (either briefly pointed at, or more largely profecuted^ at ifing from the fame ^ directing unto the pages where they may befound. The letters ^^^'^,&c. fhcw from which word in the text the dodlrines or obfervations Co marked doarife. The Dodrines marked with this ftarre *,that they are generall,arifing from the whole verfe. The Do-. drines with this °.that they arife cither from the coherence, or fomc circumftance in the text neceffarily imph'ed. CHAPo I. The fir ft Chapter confifls ofthefefonre parts ^ /. the preface, verfe 1.2. 77. a C^ftfrination of them in the hope of the en'creafe of (jods graces ^ verfe J. 4. ///. an Exhortation vnto the ftudie tf fait hy and other Chrifiian duties and graces ^Toith diverfe Reafons to enforce the fame from verfe ^,to verfe 16* II I h an E:>chortation to be conflant in the fanh -ef Chrifi the Senne of Q^dfrom verf 16 Jo the end of the Chapter , * The Text. ibe ^naljp. Dodrines. Verf. ^-* Simon Pe- vantandm He Preface is hid downe in thefe two vcrfes 5 containing the Superfcripticn , Infrriptionjand Salutation. The Siipericription containeth a De- fcriptionof the penman and writer, from his name Simoc, SirnamcP€/er^ OiS-gss, genc- rall "" Jt'sthedutieof Chrt/lfcms ta leade their lives diifwcrable to tjeir Cbri/lidn mimes. ^ The Preachers of Gods yvord are in JpeciaU toe Servants of Chrifi. c Such as enter into the Mini- fierie>mufi have their particular r& arrant from Chrifi' * I c Such Pag. 7. I IJI" I "fc « "■! I I 1 illTl '' ■ *■ m^mt^mt^mmai The Text. TheAnaljfis. Chap^L ThcDoftrincs. pag./ to them ih.'it have ^ obtai- ned slif^e ^precious faith rt>lthvA, through the- » rigbteoitfaes ofGad^and our S.i'viO'vr Jcfis Chrtfi. 2, ^ Graci ^ and peace he ^ /mi I tip lied unio ^ you, " through the kno-rvkdge of God, and of lefm our Lord* r all, /3 5erT;^«f 5 Particular J an ^poftle oflefui Chrifi, The In- icripcion containetKaiefcripti- on of thofc to whom this Epi- ftle was written, whom he ce- fcribeth from their faith >2m^\i- fiedj I .from the certaincty of it , they had obtained it. z . from the qualitie and woi'th of It, It yva^' oflil{e price nrith the faith of the ^pofilcs. 5. from themeanes whereby they didobtaine itjcvea the r'jgijteoufricjfc ofJefu^ Chrifi. Whom he commendeth. i.from theworth of his perfon, God. 1. from his CiRce, our Saviour. The Sakitation containeth a narration of thofe things which our Apoftle wi(heth unro them. Where's, i . the perfon wilhing thofe graces. 2. to whom he wi- iheth them. 5 . the graces which he wifheth them, being three in number, i. Grace. 2. Peace* 5. the ac^inoTvledgingof God> and of Jefui our Lord. Text. Verfe. 3 According ai 3 his divine porver hat.) 'giicn unto c Such as would enter into the i f. Minijierie muji not onely be the ' fervants of ChriJ^, but be law- 1 fully called thereunto. \ '^ The chief e/^ Offices in tJte .^^* CmiTch are for thefervice there- j of. ^ « Sucfj as would be good Prea- ["^S' cherSi mufi frji be the- fervants of Chrifi. ^ True ]u/?ifying faith is of'iS, great price and wrth. B Faith in all Gods Children it 1 8. alif^e precious. h Through Oods providence we 2,0. obtaine that meafrre of faith which we have. ^ The children of God ohtaine ax. faith through the righteoufne/fs. of Chrifi. Chrifi is true God} and Savi9ur 1 1 . of the eU6f, • Such as have experience of the ^. worth of Grace, and Peace in themfelves ydefire alfo that others may have the lilie , ° The Preciclfers <%f Gods WOtd ought by their labours and endeavours ; by their prayers and t»iJhes,to vonr of God is the chiefefigood to be fought after. « f^here there is ajjurance of Gods favour, there is peace of confcience. ^ Gdd doth by degrees befiow Grace on his children. " Grace and peace may be obt.iined,contimed,cncreafed,throughtlK\nowlcdge 9} Godj and hid Sonne lefi/A Cinifi* The Anal^fis, The Dodrines* /-, 'TrKe confirmation of them in the hope of the incieafe of Gods graces is laid downe in thefcvcrfes- Wherein, i. the ground of this confirmation. 2. the circumft.mces cbfervable atout "* The experience ofGodsgood- nejft in befi»win^ graces upon us, is an ejpeciall rneanes to incite us to depend on him for the evh creafe^f the fame. ^ God is the giver of jpirituall things. Go-i 15. 29. 29. 51. P^g- H' 3? The Text. The Analjjls. Chap, I. The Do^rines. pertainc iinto^ c e life and ^gQdlincJfc, ^rbroug'ij the j J^nonvledge of him that hath B called Hi to ^'glory (^ver- tue.iSrvhcYe- bj are given unt9 m excee-* ding ^ great and ^preci9i^ ^promifes> '"' tflat by thefc you might bs ® partakers of ti7e -divine na- ture,^having ?efciipedthc eorruption that is in the Kvorl^ through lufi. labour the ramc. The grcunt^^ tnken frcni the exr.n'>j)le cf Godj whofe goodnefib and kindnefle tovvattis them, in Qivin" unto th^m .lU things pertaining to life and' ^ocihncfle> thev had al- ready tried , The circumlunces obfcrvable abo^'t the fame j con- cerning, i. the Giver, hisdlviije power, z. the A& ion, ha fh gi- ven. ^. the Gift, all things that pertaine unto life and gcdlinej/e, 4. the per fens to whom, unto us. 5. the meanes whereby, //jroi/^^ the f^owledge of him that hath called U4 to glory and vertue. 6. the effe^ of thofe benefits, or the benefits which wee reape through Chri ft, w2q/? great and preciom promifes. 7. the end, t'oat by them Tve may be part alters oftbc Divine nature, having ef- caped toe corruption that is in tbe TV or Id through lufi- God bcfioT^eth biejjhg^ upon bis Church freely. ^God'b^lloiftth hiJi b'.ejftng? hounti fully ^ " • c God in giving bcfiQT»ethupon his owne cbildrevJhe befi things. ^ Gods children (land in need of mw^ thill gs> ^ Gods gifts are to be embraced and to be employed m helpes unto life and godlineffe, Godlineffe here, and happineffe ° hereafter :to be preferred before all things. ® Grace preceedetb glory. ^Gods gifts appertains to his OTvne children- "^ God by his Tflvine power dotb "^ jreely be/^cw Upon. his orpne children all thofe things which may further them in the cciirfe of godlheffehere^and crc-'/vne them in everlajiing happineffe hereaf- \ \'.er sThe ek6f effc dually called by Chrifi. h Such as are effe^aally calledyarejjere partah^rs of Grace, andfhall be hereafter of Glory. 1 By faith in Chrifl we attaine fiicb things,aimay further zci towards grace and vertue here, and glory hereafter. ^ God doth be/fow upon his owns children many promifes. ^ The promifes whidj God befioweth upon his owne children, are mofi great andpreciom, ^ Gods children are furthered thereby in thofe things which appertaine unto life and godlineffe- « God befroweth upon Vj^ his promifes in and through the meanes of Chrifi. ° By the pro- mifes ofGodsgiven and performed unto m, we become pMtakers of the 'Divine nature, p By the promifes ofG od, we efcape the corrupt tion that ii in the world through lufi. The Text. Vcrfe, 5 -^nd be- fidcs^this, \ The Andjfis. TheDoflriucs. ?3. 44. TO. 5S. P3g' o We mufl endeavour to appro- t ^i* hcnd tbe hleffwgs of G od. ^^ ^ (^ By our endeavour in holy du- * I ties we further our owne falvor •yHefe verfes containe the cx- "■• hortation unto the ftudicof faith ^Ti^ other chriftian graces, I which is twofold, the former in I thcfe words, andbefide this,gi- \tion. \ 'oiyig all diligence, or therefore I ^GodbeJlowethhisbieffingsUp- \ci^ ' ^ give on \ The Text* ThsAmlyfis. , Chap* I. TheDoflrines. pag' Verfe, giving c ^ all "^ diligence i ^8 adhto y our <= f /drY^:, ^njsrtiLeiand to venue y ^ fiww ledge : <^. And to l^nOT^ledge, ^temperance i and to tempe- rance.^pati- enceio^dto patience (god- lir.ejje ; 7- And to godli??.esAbro- therlie t^ind- nejfci and to hrotherlie J-iindnes iiha- ritie. give even all diligence thereunto, which may be confidcred^either as it doth cohere with the for- mer verfes, or with the follow- ing words J with the former ver- fes, either generall/ or particu- larly, generally with both third and fourth ((or as in thole God teliethuswhat hee hath done, Sc doth for us^fo herein fliewech he^what he would have us to doe for our felvcs,^ particularly with the iaft part of the fourth ; fo conrammg an argument for fandificationcWith the follow- ing words, as the manner how we are to performe the duties re- quired therein. jThe latter m tht[Q,Adde unto pur faith y ver- tueiiinto vertue,linowkdge,(^c. conGdercd both in gcncralL and in particular. In generall three things are handled, i, the graces commanded, i. the order of their placing, 3, their connexi- on and coupling together. In particular thcr's required the in- crcafe of fpirituall graces, to joyne orxe with another, to adde one unto another, to minifter^ fupply and furnilh our faith with the others, yea to aide and fup- portit with the fame. Touch- ing every of which graces foure things are handkd. T.what ihcy are. z.the Reafons whichmay moove us to labour for them. 5, the meanes whereby to ob- on m, that we may apprehend 61^ them andpartaf^e of them. °God doth by degrees perfe6i ^^^ his Tvortie of grace in hii onvne children, ^JVitbout mort if cation, no af- ^^* fiirance of our acceptance roith God. «The Tvorf^e of mortification, ^z, hard Aahoriom, and difficult. ^ Vnto the dutie of mortificati- ^l* on other graces mufi he added. o By nature 7ve are Jlothfull in 6^, the performance of holy duties. ^ fVe cannot ohtaine the graces ^l of Gods Spirit roithout diligence. ^ The gifts and graces of Gods 62. Spirit are\'i^orthy of our hefi en- deavours and greatefl dili- gence, oAstvearenot at allto feel^e 54. after the unlaw full pleafiires of this world, fo mufi' not roe with all diligence feeh^ after the law- full pleafUrcs of the fame. ^ The diligence which God re- quireth of ui, mufi he hothdnward and outward. c Of graces faith hath the pre- cedencie* 1 ^Gods graces are as a golden chaine coupled and linlicd toge- ther, B True faith cannot fiand alone, Gods children have fiiU needeto adde thereunto. h God would have va to grov? in faitj. taine them." 4,the fignes whereby ) o The more grace we have,-tt)e to difccrne them. more is our faith fitengthned and encreafed. o The Divell labours by all meanes to deprive mofv faith, o Chrifiian? mufi labour for every grace. oFertue, linow- [7^. ^4, 7: 6^. ledge i:mperance,(^c.are handmaids to faith. oSuch as duly labour for faith fhali obtains, it, o Tne graces here mentioned are mofi excellent andnecejftry. The 70. 70. 70, wmf »IIM«I^ I- The Text. Verfe. 8 * for if I the fe things )keinjouand aboun d, they ma^eyou, thatyee JhaU not be bijrren, nor unfruitful in the l^noiso-^ J Ledge of our Lordlefu^ Chrifi, T^c Reafons cnforcine the tormer exhortation are of rom the matter to which, the latter^trom Che perfon by who^ they vverecxhoued, there beTr^ ^^9^thchcterfonre,,,.^-; M.thehr(toftheformcr'?orc* tS^oV^" ^ taken from toe ^zor^ledg, olourTold/J'^r^ ""^ u ^^^>'J^^P^^^ '^^'^^J^ even "^^A^^^i.^^l^^rr/^^^^^^ '^ performethcfanie, by,^.- * y ""^'i^t^^mddboundiniinui. * Chrifiidm m\*^ neither he barren nor unfruitfuU in the knoivledge of our Lqrd lefy^ Chrifi. * Such as would be fruitfuUin the h^ow Ledge of our Lord Jefm Ciorij2 Ynuji be endued 'aithfaitrj, vertue, (^o ■o' ledge, (jTc. aboun- ding is tnem. Text. The AnAlj^s, "heT^oElrines^ I J'His verfc containeth the fe- coad and third Reafons both taken from the dangerous and Verfe, 9. Buthee ^'?^f "^ /JC^^/-/; miferablc condition of tho'l tiJefe things, which want the forcmemioned ii^ blind, and] g^^^''^^ the former in thefe cannot /?. words , He ii blind and cannot Cee farreof,. where two thinoj arc confidered, i that hce compa- rcth knov^lcdge unto feem/or light, z. that he compareth ,2- norance.unto darknefle, the lat- termthefe, ^«i,,^,^,, ^;!-t>^ey..^ purged f^oLhu old ^«fi,wheit,ntbree things,!.: toe perfoas ,^ho^^ God doth purge from their old ilflnc5,z. tije time whc« he doth purpe them, 3. the manner how h?e /dothpui:gechem. pa,<^ ^* 37. cannot fee ^farreeff.f:^ hath n for- gotten that^he Tvas^ purged from bis ''old ^ fnnes. ^ot 9mly the profit etfuin^ mtofucoMhavetne forementt med graces, but alfo ti^c d.in^er befalUng fuch as lac^e them, in^ J cite »i unto the fiudy thereof I "^^'^J^^^t the gifts and \ l^racesofGods spirit are zg^o^S \ rant tn matters of falvation j ^ Such as -want toe gifts and I graces of Geds Spirit have thetr ^^ i hearts and r^inds ivhoUy fit upon \ tne props ^nd pleajures of thii Tvorla. ' ■' ^Naturally -we are polluted c^. <2nd defied with finne, ''''^ .^^' ^ Our naturall uncleamfn is L <= Jt can no otherTvife be done a- \ rpaj but bj t) e blood of chri 1. ^^"^ o Many are externally piyged from toeit fmnes, rvoo are nct')n- terrtally * * till .1 r ,1.11 .» ■ ■ >j '!■ 1*' TheTt^xt. TheAnaljfu, V^hap* i ' ihcDoflrincs. r^g* _- -^ ;.^N-'Art/ f such ■:Psdoenotkadetnm lives in I 7rt'mL'//e n^^rv^t''^ .^/^t'^^^f i^'^^^'•/*** ^, r Text. The^ AnoUnnes^ Verfe. * io.« ;^/;e?- ^ fore, the ra- ther ^ brefb- reriigivs dili- gence to rmhie your calling andelecfion fure .* c for if yee doe the/e things, yce fbail ne-ver falLii' ^for fo an entrance ifljall he mini- fired unto you aboundjintlyy into the ^ ever- lafitng l(tng- dome of our Lord and S or 'uiourJefii Chrifir 1 * rhri3i.tn5 ouz!(^tto ende'vour AfourthandfiFtReafonofthe ^'' ^ faJ^^atm. and by former exhorution,bothanfiiig f'^^^r orvne j^ „:^.^,.d fiom ths great profit enl lung up- on thofe graces, the former in thefe svords,wbere/ore the rather atvediitTence to malie your cal- ling mdek^m Jlire, confvftmg of three parts, i. an exhortation to mcik.^ Qur calling and ele^ion /Mre,wher'i i. the duty to bee performed to makp our calling and ele^ion fure. in the exphca- tionwhereof isfhewed^^l.what our Apoftle mcaneth by caUing and ekaion, z. what it is to make our calhng and ekaion rure,.5. for whofe fake we are to perform? the fame,i.the manner how it's to be performed, even by living diligence thereunto, II. the meaner whereby to come to this afturance laid downe in the wJDrd -therefore even^by at 98. PSg- 104 their good roork^s to mantfe/t t,7e fame both unto themfelvei and others, , ., . « Chrijiians by the gijt sand gj4- ce9 of Gods Spirit may ajfure thmfel'ves of tWr eleCfion and ijocation. ,, , , JfnJndgmes ,f God: spm, ^"fi'od r^ill .iomd^ntly fur- ther ruch in the ptrjemif'^'/ lencefct themfilvet About t,ie nepared for hU owe chMv^n.'- 106 108. 1 III. IZ3- 1*7^. d wherefore even^by at=- W^^J^^ ^ to an endevour tainmgthe foremennoned gra- ff /^^^^.j,^, ^e ra,n V^rtak^ rpc 11 V a twofold motive to ajnr^f^ r„for«;herho«ation,thcfor- of. he fame. mev laid downe in the word ra- . ^^(^^ for if yet \ doethefi thing: yeefhM ''.'■'" ff/JZhnz^H^^'"'' 'f '"' ^X \ *i,;„c^nme, the kingdomeot our '- , . ■ twofold. the kingdome ofheuve^, f"",' ' ", of our Loi^ ^"^ ^ c\i MilM The Text. Thi An^ljfis. Chap. I. ThcDoarincs. ^Pag form, holy duties, wticrewithall in like manwr,its God alone that furnifticthus. ^1 The Text. The Analjps. ThcDodrines* Verfc. 11,* fVhere- fore^I rvitnot he negligent to way ej in re- membrance of « thefe thing! y though yee ^ i^norathem, and be s/^j- blijhed in the h preCcnt h truth. The Text. Verfe, t?. r'eayi * thtnh^e it * mzetCi I npHis containeth the firft of the fecond fort of Reafons , taken from the pcrfoa of him which doth exhort them , which IS from his refolutioa to admo- nilh and put them in remem- brance of the (ame graces wher- unto he had formerly exhorted th2m,wher's i.thereafon,2, the prevention of an objedion, the reafon in thefe words, where- fore 1 reill not bz negligent te putyoualrvayes in remembrance of thefe thing^i whcr's i. t/ie ground of it, implied in the word wherefore y even the bene- fit and utilitie which he knew, would redouad. unto them by thofe graces, i. the mittGv of it, / will not he negligent to put you alwayes in remembrance of thefe things, whcr's the vice, which he avoydeth, negligence ii\ his calling, 1. the verrue wherea- bouts he fetteth himfelfe, dili pag' » There's not a more forcible argument to per fwade unto holy duties, than to propound the pro- ft arifmg from thefams. ^ The mtnifiers of Gods word ought not to hi negligent in their calling. ^ They mvift be diligent in tmir callings c people have neede againe and againe to he put in minde of the fame duties, whereuntothey have beene already exhorted. i The worieof aminifierisa daily worl^e. c Chrifiiins mufi J^ow, and be wel acquainted with Gods graces f Minifiers m.iy teach and write even of things vulgar and well l^nowm. 8 ff^e mujf not onely f^now hut be e/^ahlijhed in the truth. ^That's the onely truth which was preached by the ^pofiles in the primitive Church. 132. gence therein. 3. the adion wherein hce would be diligent, to put them in minde, &c. 4. his conftancie, alwayes. The preventi- on of the Objeftion^in thefe, thoughye {now t,jeM andbe efiablijlj- edi(3'c. The ArMyfis. The Dodrincs. •tHIs containeth the fecond ^ Reafon, taken from the con- fide ration of the duty whereunto by reafon of his calling and office he was bound,which con- fifteth of thefe tlirec parts, i. the ground and caufe which mo- ved 1^4. 1 3 7.1 158. 13^. P3g- * The confederation of the duty, which God requireth of Prea- chers, ought to incite people un- to the performance oj holy duties. The'confiicration of the equity andftneffe of thofe duties which Godrequireth of va in our parti" ■*! CUltl[ 141, 44. mff\mm,im^i The Text. ThtAmljfii. Ch»p.I. The Dodrines. pag. 06 long Oi I am in this bed efl/ii- bernac!e>fo hfiirreyou upihyhpui- iingyouin h remtm- brance. The Text. Veife, 14, '*■ IQioyv- ing thatjhort- lyi^ mufl put c offthU my Tabernacle, eijen as our , " Lord J e fin Chrifl hark Jhfpeedm^' The Text. ved our Apoftle to put them in remembrance of the foremen- tioned graces, the ftnejfe and equity op)u fallin^^ 2.. how long he found himfelfe tied unto the peifoimance of this dutic, during imnaturall Ufe-S' ^^^ hz^c^t which they were to rcape there- hy^td befiirredup' cuUr calling, u an excellcM meanes to further m in the perfor- mance of the fame. b Our bodies are fraile. cU^e hdfve much neede of the helpe and ajfijfance of G od. i Our ej?afe m mutable and changeable' « /» this world our foulcs are but as guefts in our b^ies.. raledMitmon h Godi cnitdrm have costM»aU mede of the tre- performance of holy duties^ 14^. 146. 14^, M47. A9' The Jnalyfi. s. ThiDfiBrines. Vcrfc, 15. * Mofe- pver J ypill endeavour that you may be able after [ mydeceafeyto have ^ theft •-pHis containeth the third rea- •*■ fon.taken from the brevitic of his life, the ihortneffe of the time wherein he was to Uvea or areafonwhyhe refolvcd not to be neghgent in admonifiiing them^even bccaufc he was {hort- lytodie, where two things arc tobcconfidcred. 1. the certain- ty which lie had of the propin- quitieof his death, i^aomngthat fhortly I muji put ojf this my Ta- bernacle. ^. a confirmation or proofe of this his .ccrtaine per- Ivvafion, even as our Lord leftsi Chrift hath fljCT^ed ms. 4 pajfaie from this rtorld unto ^ People ought hbe femuch the more diligent in obeying the exhortations of Gods IVordyOs in lilielihood they are to be deprived of the preachers of the fame. "*" Preachers mufi be fo much the more diligent in performing I the vporl^esof their calling, as in \ livelihood by death they are to I be difcharged thereof. * Gods children may undoub- tedly^perfw^e themfelves of the eertainety andaffurance of thofe things iwhereof they have a war- rant from Chrift. j ^ We muji all die* ' ^= Vnto G ods children death u the J^ingdome of heaven^ pag. 151, The Jn^/j/fs,. The^oUrines^ 1^5. 1^6. \ 157. 118. pag. T His containeth the fourth or laft rcafoHj taken from the care which he had of them^, that even after his deceafe they might have the fumme of Chriftian doctrine comprifed by him. * the Preachers of Gods y^ori muftnotonely be carefuUforthe pre fent good of their people, but alfofoT the time to come. • People muff be mindefuU of the txhortntion: md admoniti- ons 160. 1^1. tta "«»< M««>ll«1 II. ■!■ 1 >■■»-— 1^ ■illl * !<»>■—»—»■»■ rXbcTexN ThetXnaiyfis. Chap. L TheDodrincs. Pag.i ' things '°al- waiCi in re- merehrance. The Text. Veifc, i6.For yft havenotfoi- loTved^ cun- ningly c devi- fed^fabUs. when « 7V£ unto ym the 8 jpowcr and s comming of OUT Lord It- fnfii hut fttxt ^ eye-T^itnef- fes 9f his h msjefiie. ows of deceafed Preachers. "" By the fVord of Ggd revealed in the\ j6 Scriptures ivcare inJfruSfcd and provokjd unt9 the performance of \ holy duties.. ^ People mu/l ht atffayes mindefuU oj holy 164, duties. The AnAljfts, TheDodrincs. pRom this unto the., end of the « Chapter, thcr's I.iyd dovMie an exhortation unto conftancie in the faith of Chnft, and con- I feflion of the do^nnc which was delivered unto them by the Apoftles, backt by a twofold ar- guments whereof the former is taken from thcexcellcncie of the Preacher: ou^f)t to deliver 90- thing hut the truth of God. ^ The T>offrine9 ivhich in out- tvard appearance feeme mofi piaufihle, are not alwayes mofi rvholefome. c The doMnc offalfe Teachers. is deceiveahk' ^ Such as yvant the preaching of matter whereunto he doth ex- I Gods word, are ignorant of trie hort them, the latter from the commingofChrifi ccrtainctic of the fame. The excellencic of the doArinc is layd downe in the former part of the verfcjwhercin three things arc to be confidered. i, adiffc- rcnce bctwcenc the do^rine of the Apolllcs of Chriflj and others, in thcfe words^ we fol- io wed rM cunningly devifed fa- bles. 1, the end of the Apoftles office and callings to mal^e i(ntwne the poTver and comming of the Lord lefu Chrifi, ^. how farrc om* Saviour Chriftdidma- nifcft himfelfe unto his Apoftlesj with OUT eyes t»e faro hit maje- fiie. The certainty thereof P3g< 170. I7i. ^7^ 174. 174. The ^pofiles did diligently mal^e i^oyone the i^orlies of tijcir caUi)f.g. ^By the ^po/?les lahours they, 17 S» learned the f^noro ledge of Chrifi. 8 The do^frine of the ^po/fles doth concerne the porver and com-. fnii?.g of our Lerd/efis Chri/^, ° The do^rine of the ^pof^les certaine and excellent. ^God after a Jpecialltjta§ner dothreveale himfelfe unto hii orvne children. h Gods fhiidren behold and oh- ferve that in Cmfi.yphich ethers doe not. certainty made apparent by three Reafons. x. from his owne and the teftimo- nic of two other Apoftles, James and John, in thcfc words,t«/ were eyewitneJTesofhinnaje/^ie.z. from the teftimonie of his Father, verl. 17.18. J. from the teftimony of the former Prophats ,verf. 1 9! The I. !ayd downe in the latter part of this bcin^ amplified by an Antithefis betwtcne it, and the fables of Phi{c|?pherx, or falfe teachers. lU Thel 175. 17^. 177. ^77»\ I mm UimdhM KMiMMdAMttMiaMMW TheText. The AnAlyp. Chap. I. TheDoflrines. Pagf i7'^forhere- ceivedjrom G od the { fa- ther }C honour and glory 3 when there camefucha loycetohim from the ^ ex- cellent glory » «*« This is my ^helovedSonne h in yphom I am yveU flea- fed. ^iS, ^nd^thii 'voyce which camefiont heavefJj w# 1 heard^'o^hen roe yv ere rpith him in the ^holy^ifiomt' I npHe 1. rcafon proving the certainty of his Doftiinej is taken f<.oin the teftimony of God the Fathci', laid downein thefe verfes, which may be in like manner conceived as a proofe ofthe words immediatly going before, namely that they were eye-'Witneiiss of his maje- 1 {lie, the one pait of his proofe Jconcemeth the mijeftie of / Corift. verf.i/. the o:her the manifeftation thereof unto them, verf.iS. In the former, thefe particulars arc fct forth, i. the reafons whereby the Apo- ftles did apprehend the majeilie ofChriftjthe tefliaiony which the Father gave of him, implied m the particle/or. i. theperfons giving and receiving honour and glory jgivmg, the Father, recei- vin? the Sonne, z . what the fa- thcr did beftow upon the Sonne, honour and glorjy 4. at what time, the trans figur at ion j J. the manner by a rjoice jrom heaverij 6. the matter or teftimony it felfe, Thii ii my beloved Sonne in rphom i am welt pleafed, heare htrt, whereof there are foure parts the 1. concerneththsper- fon of Chrift, thii U my Son: the 1. the difference betweenc Chrift and the other Sonnes of God,in the word beloved: the 5 . the benefit which wee receive through Chrift, in whom Jam ■wellpleafedj^. the -dutie which we owe unto him, or manner how we ought to apply this be- nefit, heare him. In the latter, the I. their hearing of the voice. And thii voyce which came from (heuveni we heard, 2,. the time: whenwe were together with him, ^ .the o The Do^rine of the Apo flies ^ concerning the md]efly and excel- lency of Chrifi ii mofifure, eer- taine and true. ^ Gods Teftimony from heaven confirmed the Apoflles in their faith in the CH:fftah. ^ G&dii mofl excellent and glo- rious, c The teflimonie which God the Father g-ive unto hii Sonne, did redound unto his honour and glory. °God befloweth up onhis chil- dren, Juch things oi do mofl tend unto their good. « God wen alwayes carefull of Chrifl. ^GodhMth his ownetime "mhere- in he will honour his children. ^ Gods wifedome and power was by that his voyce from hea- ven minifcfledunto the Apo flies. ^ Chrifl ii both God and man in one perfb/i. ^ God did acl^now ledge him for his Sonne iWhom the world would not talie notice of. ° No man can attainc mnto a true i^nowledge ofChrtfl, unleffe he be inflrulfed and taugljt of God. ^ God is the father of Chrifl. 8 Chrifl beloved of the Father, in and for himfelfe, man in and forhisfal^e. ^ God is well pleafed with Uiiin and through Chrifl. ° Such as would receive any be- ne ft andproft from Chrifl mufl heare him. °}Fe ought to heare Gods word readily, carefully, conflantly, t^ c. ^ iVe mufl remember A;e word preached. ^ Gods children receive nofmal I bene ft by their converfing with Chrifl. Being 79. 80. ;8i. 8^ 84. 84. 84. 8(5. 87. 87. 87. 88. 91. pi ■^« ^1* ^ t ,m JUm The Text. The v^nalyfts. Chap. I. TkDoftrines. Pag. The Text. ' Verfe, i^.lVe have alfo a more */ure word o/propbicie, yvbereuntoyee doe ^ rvell that yee c taf^e heed, as unto a^ light that fljtnetb in a dari^ place* ^untUl the day dawney and the ^ day (lane arife in yourheaits* Tbc Text. Verfe. lo, jQioroing thiifirfiythat no prophecie of Scripture ucf any ^pri- vate ' intiT' pretation, % I. For the prophecy came not in old time by the fvUl ofc man' but holif men cfGod^alie as thy rvere m^jed by the iholyGbofi^ 5 .the pi ICC where they did heare itjnthenoly mount. Being in t.)e pre fence of God our minds mufi be Lijtedup. ^ JVherefoeier toe LordcQm- meth, hejan^if.cth thefam by his prefence. The zyinaljjis. The D olivines. 'tHc third is layd downe in ^ThewordofGodis of infal- **■ thefe words, t?.ken from the itbletrut.j, teflimony of the Lrmer Prophets ^ such 06 doe well ought to be wherein three thing,s are to bee encouraged and confirmed in their confidered> i. the harmonic and well cioing. confcnt which is betweene the ^ Such doe welLwhichhearlien, dodrine of th A poftles,and the ajftntyohcy, continue, and attend dodrine. of the Prophets, toge- upon the hearing and reading of ther with the certainety and truth the wordof God. of eythcr of them, we have alfo ^Gods word is a li^nt thatfhi- a morefure word of prophe^fie, z, ne th in a darh^e place, a commendation offuch as had ^ After the day of judgement, continuedjtogethcr with an in- there JIM b$ no further ufe of the citemcnt unto them ftill to at- Scripture, tenduuto the Dcftrine of the f Wljatfoever isnow 'trnperfe^} Prophets, whereunto yee doe in ui, fball then attaine per fe^i- well, that ye raf{eheede- 3.^ com- on. mendation of this Doclrine whereunto they flioiild attend, taken from the vtilitie of the fame. As unto a light that flmeth in a darl^e place, untill the day dawne,andthe day ft ar re arife in your hearts^ . 1^3. 1^6. 20X' The tyfnalyjis. TheDo^rineSt 'T'Hefc containe an Amphfica- tionof the preceeding tefti- monie , which concerneth the dodrineof the Prophets where- in thefe two thin t^s re to be con- (idered, i. how tnejr prophecies , yea how the whole Scripture is tobe underftoodj //• U not of any *The Scriptures require Inter- pretation and expofition. ^ The Scripture is not of any private Interpretation, c ^.w was net the Author of the Scriptures. ^ Gcdi6 the certaineand un- doubted Author thereof io6. 210, no. P^E' private interpretation or morion 2,by whom they were moved thus to prophecie, which is fet downcj i.uegitively, r.'e prophecie came net in old time, or at any time by the will ofjnati'. 2. affirmatively , but holy men of God J^ai^ as they were moved by the holy Ghofi. The HI. 214. 215. 217. M4a«Hi««HeMie£SHi^ sr MtaiafaSSHkMi CHAP. 11. Tke fecond Chapter cvftjlfieth ef thefe three fArts. La frofkecte of th&fe f^lfe Teachers, wherewith the Church hGthwss, andknowtreul^led-^ together y^itk fome n9tes yeherebj they might be kjisrvne^of alfo the certainty «f their defirHbtisn^frem verfe I je yerfe I o. I La defcription b$th sfthe kindes and of the manners efthsfefalfe Teachers fy^m verfi^.to verf^tho<^prir 'uilyjl:}all ^ bring in '^ damnakle her e fie s, even ^denying the Lord that bought them, ands bring upon them- felves ^fr^ift defiru^ion, TheTex-t. nrHjs containtth three particu- lars. I. a pi'ophecie of thofe falfe teachers whercwithi the Churck of Gad Wis to be tried, together with a confirmation of the fame. There Jhall he falfe teachers amon^ you eve» as there Toere falfe^ Prophets among the \ people. 2. the ftudy whereabouts ' they would employ themlelves, Tvho privily Jhall bring in damna- ble htrifies ,€vsn denying the Lord toat bought them, i ■ the fruite which they were to rcapc by thofe their damnable herefics, bringing tipon themfelves fwift definition. ■t Falfe teachers bring upon themfel ' ^ * The' Church of 9odas it hath beeMifo ii and jhall be ajTaulted , by falfe teaehers. b ErrQnioas and hereticall do- {frine ii not the do^rine cf the true Church, hut intruded and brought in by falfe teachers. c Falfe teachers are both dili- gent and fuhtile in broaching their err ours. ^ Herefies intruded and hrought- into the Cimrch are daranahle and deadly. ^ Falfe teachers by bringing in fuch da^mnable and deadly herefies deny the Lord that bought them, . f The rereard »/ heretic i^s U /w ift defiru6fion. vesfT¥ift dcftru ^ion. TheAnaljps, The Dodrines* 227. 234. >.• 235^. 140. 244. 14 f. pag- Verfe, - %,And* many jJjallfsllOTP their pernici- oioi roaies^by \ \xzcyfon e/ T^Hcfe verfes camaine a further ^ Defcripiion of falfe teachers, together with a repetition of the punifhmenc which fnall feafe ion them: they arc defcribed. i. from the number 'of their fol- lovYivs.? and mmy Jl:)M folio to ' their ^ The do Brine cf falfe tea- chers ii exceeding fruit full. ^ Falfe teachers blafphcme the y^ay of truths Chrifi^andhis holy Gofpel. * Such as are the folldwers cf falfe t cache n> Jpcah^e evill 0/ Cnrifii t47. 2^1. anaae^fimm^m'mt^ tm The Text. The Analjfis. Chap. 1 1. TheD«armcs. Pa? J -whom the ^ way of truth Jbail be <» enjiU jpol^enof. J. Ani through c CO- vetou/heJTe JiiaL tney with ^fained words mafie '^ mer- chandi/e of you :^who/e judgement now of long time tingereth not, and their damnation JIumhereth not^ The Text* their pirniciom or lafcivioui , ChrifijawdofhisGcJpell. . wayes, z, from the efFed which j ^ By reafon of the bad life and\z^'i» their doctrine worketh^either m \ converfation of falfe Teachers* themfelv€s, their followers, or in others, by them^ or by reafon of them the way of truth h evill Jpolien of. j. from the and the ^poj^afie of their foUow- erSy other unregenerate perfons talie occafion to Jpeafie evill of ChrifiySc hii holy Gojpel : or thus. groun(i and caufe of their here- i» Through the ^pofiafie, bacf^ ticail doArine, covetoufneffe. ^. ^Jlidingy and evill life of profef- from the m:inner of their fedu- ajig,it is through fained words, 5. from th^ir end and ayme in broachins' their erroius, that firs, unregene rate and carnail per fons Jpeafie evill of Chrtfi and his holy Gojpell. . ) c Ccvetou/r2eJfe ii the ground tijey may mafie merchandife of I and caufe of all thofe errours thofe whom they doe feduce. \ which are hro.iched abroad by Their paniihmcntj whofe judge- ' falfe Teachers. met now of long time lingereth not d falfe Teachers doe en/hare 0* their danarion Jlumbreth not . their jollowers through fained words.* Falfe Teachers in [educing their followers, ayme at their own gaine, ^Godsiudgementsfhall undoubtedly and mofl certainely fiafe upon falfe Teachers- » The Analyfis. TheDod:rines. Verfe, 4 For tf God cjparcdnot the abc ^«- gels that fin- ned, but d CO, ft them downe to hell, and deli- vered them into chaiaes of darl^eneffe^to be referved unto judge- ment. 'T'He certainctie of thofe judg- •*• ments which (hall be inflid- ed on falfe teachers^our Apoftle confirmeth by a twofold exam- ple. The 1 . is layd downe in thefe words, being taken from the Angels that finned, whcndn thefe three things are tobecon- fidered. i. the perfons which (inned ajid were puniflied, the -Angels. Z' theiinnc or fall of the Angels implied in the word fin- ned, g. their punilhment ; Toey were cajl downe to belli delive- o Falfe Teachers fijall certain- ly be de/iroy'ed. ^ None can perfevere in good- neffe whom God doth net uphold by his holy and heavenly Spirit. ^.None ought to bee puffed tip •with any gift either of body or mind, wherein they excell others. c Ho beauty,gloi'y,or excellen- cy of the creature, can exempt if from the punijhm'cnt offiiine,fat- z$6. 2<8 i6i. 265. z6j P^'g' y ling thereinto. ^The condition of the evill An- gels is mo/^ jMferablz e^ terrible. red unto chaines of darl^eneffe to be referved unto fudgement, whcr's mentioned,j.their punifhment in this life, deprived of heaven: cafh c/o^ae /»f 0 M,this laft being amplified by their entertainemtnt there, andby the end why they were put there. Their entertainc-^ ment is chaines of dar\-^ejfe : the end why they were put there to be referved in durance unto the judgement of the great dii-y- x.theu" pii-- niftimcnt in the hfe tocom^,Theyfhallbsiudged, The * * * 71 -75 2-74 ^7: k The Text. Th€ Anaijfis, Chap* M-,' -rlhc Doftrincs, 1 , ! Vcife, 5. ^hdfpa- red net the old ? 'ivcrtd, ^ hut the ^ eight perfr/2 a, ^frea- tjiier of ri^hte* cuffiej/cj t krivg'wgtn tije^ Flood upoi? the Tportdofthe ^ ungodly* ! The Text 3 'XHe 2. c:3ca5Tiplt is is ken from the old word J which coRfifi - cth or two paitSj the former conceniing the dtftruclion of j the old worldj vvherein thefe three things are to be ccnfidcred . I. the pericns punifi- implied in the \'woi:d ungodly. S' the punifhment It felfe, G od brought in tDe flood upon them ■ where may be confi- dered the Author Gdh the time, after thejpace of i zo.yeiireSi the mattetja /food ofTyatcrM^^e equi-. tyj-s who were even drowned in ihc p(eafures of fin: the Litter the preftrvation of Noah and his h- milyj whciein three things are I'tt downe^i. the perfons prefer VtrCc, 6 u4nd^tur- rr.nzthe ^ c Cities of red, eight per/hns in all, Noah and his wife, his three fonnes, and their three v^■ives. 2. the dan- ger from which they were prc- ferved the ^encrall delu£;e. z . the meanes whereby they were pre- ferved, outward, the ^r/^^-e, in- wiYdyfaitb. 2 E'^jcna multitude of fnners pattaijng together in fnne, are net exempted fromGcds judge- rnentSi ^ Stnve is the caufi of toofe judgements r?\nch Gcdirifli^eth en rncv ard rpOTrnn. « JVee rrnifl' ahfiaine from the fnnesofthe old nf or id. c Judgements cannot fea^e on manhjnde till God fend them. ° God hath variety of judge- ments to infill en the Tuorhyers of iniquity, ^ God in the execution of his judgements dotn net deale alih^e TV itn every finner. °Gcd7vill not aivp ayes heare reito inipenitent fiuners, ^Geds 'judgements arc ]uj} and equall. « Gtdin the execution of h's judgements upon the rvicl^ed, is carefuU of hii oi^ne children. f The number of the godly fere, ^The holinefle of the godly JhaU ret be buried in ohlivion. JVich^ed perfons fare the better for the cotnpanie of Gods chil- dren. % In mofi fociettes and companies the wicfied are mingled with Gods children, h God in the midfl of danger, can prefcrve 7»hom- foever lice ^Icafcthfrom thefamQ* ""The yiri^e a type of the Church. The zAnalyfis. The Do brines. nrHe 3. example is taken from that horrible . nA fearefull . deftrudion oi Sodsm and Go- morra'a^ ^wheiejn thefe foure things are confidered. i . the fiib- ]^^ of this punifhment, th» Cii- ties OJ Sodom and Gomorrah^ whereunto wc may adde, yidmah and Z ebo)im, -with the inhabitants thereof i and all tha^ they had. 2. the 3 Such as are partakers together in fmne , fhall pa rtake together in punifhment. o c7/lf» and women hy their finnes bring Gods judgements not onely upon them fe Ives, but all things that belong unto them. *> Jt'sufiiall for the ungodly to Jjave fuch as folloyn them in their fmne s* iSo. ^84, .85. 2^7. z88. t ( 288. 280, 189. 290. 2pO. 2^0, 2pl. ?^%' 293. ^94- '9^ . the Text. The Amljfis, « i> c Sodom and^^^ Go- morrah into demned them yvith an overthrorV} m:i'4ng fkem an ^■cnfcim^l^c untQ t'lofi '^^ thatafttr JijGuii'ttvz ungodly > '- crlv" .ii .The Text . Verie. 7 And ^ de- livered ]iifl Lot c vexed . thecaufc or ground of thatpu- nifhmcnt, implied in the word ungodly. j» the punifhmcnt' in- flided upon them. Their Cittks Chap. I r. The Dodrincs. PagM 95. c A multitude partal^ing in ft'i i^ ii net exempted jrom Gods\udge' \ merits, neither doe any their out- 1 word friviledges exempt them we're turned into ajlyes, and con- [jrom the fame. demned with an overthronK^.thc <» Suchasjhould he ■. mfiji thanfi- ehd why God inRi(5ted this judg- \ full unto God y for the moftpart mcnt on them, that they migi)t be prove mofi unthanfiefuU an enfcimple to them that after « The finne^ of the SodomitSy i^6 JJjouiaiiv^'inzddiy*,: ' •■ •■'> ' '' I bothmnny and great. ... -•;a; cJ.inrio :,i.,:>3jr|. 1 iQreatfinnesbr^nggreatjudg- dc'nts. ^ Godis-t{^i^Hni!\kexuufion<)f hii ]udg»rneni2. ""God in theextciitionofmjudgemntSi doth differently dcale with hiiowne children and wUf^dpe/fi}if. ^Gods judgement^ on the wielded arc ' alfo foY t he adn^nition and inftru^ion of others. _- -I LJ^ ' ^The^Anaiyfls^ TheDoElriy^es, ■■n»*.-*^^^- - ■■- ■■■—■ ■4-*— . _^ ^^^^ •yHefe verfcs are a ^xookofT'''' God doth preferie^and c Gods povyer in,.t|ie'pi-e(ei7Ci- ,f xfe^' the ri^nteom from f .'o/e jj deli- \tidf- witbthe ^ fl- .mil Qi" ins ownex^luldcen, ukcri | ments wnicji aief injit^d'uf^oh. fromthe ?3campl in feeing and hcc^'ia^, -vexed hjitigijteo^is. fcUlefii^md:tyt .|) to daymitj thm itnl'^nf^^ jutUkeds.) IfccTcxt. •" coniiftcth of two parts, Tl'^c ; ■.. ^ The ' urfyerfaiion 6f ^tvicJ^d toi-mer containing ,Lo/x prpfer-." pcrfinsis fiit'^j^y , and their deeds vation, ill thcfe word, ajid deli- \ unlawfully henrta^^^.^a^t, rJgpt^OM m^.^for fsods children 't(^ dwell' ^ dwelp^g amoijg them vexcdhis \ rno'v^fi'wic\edperf9ns'i ""''^ ■ i'fg^te^^i^'jillilc fa{7i day to d.i^ I ■'■'■[ \,. ifi^- .,. -, -^ -J . . mh^y%lfun^i^^fulldc£.ds. '^^^nn- Ur uj., TheAnatyfls:" X. zc,7- I 31- 504 s* I 07 ,, 1 5 19- I ioi V • - i ■ '' i.^^J \, .V- i TheDoEirines, p3 tem^ttaiQ^^ 'if^He concTufTon of fHc precce^::;««Tfee g(^dty ia t\ns pi efcnt. world ar-3f{ih}f:dtgjcmptati^ns.. . ^ The Lord fjioweti) how toJe-' liver toe ^cdly out of tcmp-ta-. ffons, 1 ..'QTherefliallisaday of ]udg- j rs'cnt where ih't,he .Ui7jtifijhall te] 2/- - ^ — », pUifi'hflHiikX: 9>thc.L^£hf] ,^^ng..dft;ftnne::TO:i^nc:rhe h^ow^t, how I de^^ruaio'^ o^the..ui1opai^a^d rorferuer f,;e vprerervationofthcgoay, vvhiOi ""gVdlyoutof ^ -~-rn., .- , .a -'/.?.. ,f-oijrifteth of there,"5^;v.(ii'parts. T,% .^.;^c.f^i-er||tf»a jKciprcfcrl vatio^, qt.th.c godiyj "iijir, thetj:^ "^' " ' ■ words.' ;t * :f mmmmti^m^'-tm The Text> The^aaiy/Js, C hap* 1 1 t ^^^ Doarincs^ "T^* and tod re- fcrve r'je tin- }u/^ u/jto the c d.ty ofiudge- mint to he pi- nlfifed. pmtfhed. which having relation unto the laft part of the former verie, imply that the el^ate of falfe teachers is much more dangerous, than the condition of other ungodly perfons. z.their kinds, which may be reduced into two orders or rankcs, for they are eyther epicures which wallie after the ^efh in the hift of unclean^ »e/7t?jor fibertinesjandthat both n\ regard of their judgementjand in regard of their praftifc^of their judgement, /bey c/ejfr/t governmet^Oi ■Angels which 1 thtii^iz&i^t-.xh^y are not affr aid to Jpea\e evill of dignities, ^.theii nature and cjuality. i. they are prefiimptuotis.z. they are felfewilled, ' The Anatyfs, TheDo^rines, nrHis containeth an aggraya-. * There^^e^ which Geds holy tion of the finnesof libertins ' ' ' ^ /2„-^. 7 are greater tn 2 power and "" might, bring ^ot railing ac- <^i^fationa" gMnjithem} hefore the Lord. in defpifing government, and that from the example of the Angels i falfe "teachers dare doe that which the very Angels dare Angels give unto magiftrats doth condtmne falfe Teachers in their contempt of them. The » Angels are mighty and powcrfuU creatures. 328. n4' 319 MO. pag 54^ I M5. a>i «■ The Text. ThetAmlyfis. Chap. I !♦ TheDoarines. Pag- 1 z,But t'oefe as = naturaU bruite benjh, midi ta he- fallen and de- firojcd.^Jpea- {ing eiiil of the things that they under- fiand not) and *ihdi utterly per'ijh i/i their OTvr.e cortup- tiiH, receive the re- vardofun- righteoufnes^i Cos they who count it plea- fiire to riot in the d.iy time : * g Spots they are and h ble~ mijbesi ^Jpor^ ting tijefelves roitiJtlyeir owne * decei- vingSjTvhile theyfeafi iseithyou. Text. Verle, ' I ^.Having * eyes jull of adultery jOni that cannot ceafe from Jji2, ^ c ^ beguiling de unjiakle foules : an 8 heart they have h exerci- fed^ithi co- vetous^raifi- fes i^ CUT fed [children. nct.Though they sre much more powevtull and mightic ihan men, yet doc not they difpraife magiftrats, blame the authority and pow- crvvhich is e^vcnthcm of God. T\)e ^naiyjis ToeTtvCfrineS' nrHcfe containe a defcription , o£the abhominable hfe and corrupt manners of thefe lawles LibertineSj whtrcby they dravv upon themfelvei Gods heavy / wrath & indignation. It conccr- neth I .their briitiflmelie^in theie worHs ,!>«/■ thcfe as natural bruite beafls made to he ta\en (^ defiroi- eiiz.therr ignorance or rafhnefic in thefe, they Jpeafie evil I of the things which they underftand not ' Faife Teachers areas natur rail bruite heafis made to bee ta- f^en and de/lroyed. ^ they IP cake evill of the things they under/land not, andfo are ignordi? t and rajh, c They count it pleajure to riot in the day time, or daily to live deliciouJIyyO'fo are int2?7iperate, ' MI. J. their intcmperancie in thefe,! hearted Chrifiians, t^iey count itplcajiire to riot in the 1 ^They are net ignorant of their day time, or daily to live delici- 1 oycnehypocrifie. ot(y?)'.4.theirhypocryfiej,j(forx/r7ey .oJtrejoyceththemto be eflee- are and blemifbes,Jporting them- med religious. felves with their owne decei-\ & Godwil bewray their hypocri^ vings,\shAt theyfeafi with you, '' fe. whereynto is annexed their la- ^ They are danger om and [can- meiuablc condition, that they daloia to Gods Church. fhall utterly perifh in their o-ane ' o Every outward profcjfor ii corruption^ andliliewife receive [not a true Chri/^ia^. the reward of the unrignteoas. \ The ^nalyfis. Ti)eT)o£frims. TPHefe 'verfes containc two / things. 1. a proportion laide doYvne in the 14. and beginnmc of the i5.verf. z. aconhrmr.tion thereof laid downe in the reft of the I J. and i^.verfes.In the pro- pofition there are rive particulars whereby tliofe lawlefle libertines are defcribed. i. their lafcivionf- nt^t.having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot ceafe from finns where wee hare both the kind of It, adultery, the fubjed of ir, their eyes, the meafure of YfuU, their progreflTe in it/laccurfed. fi^at cannot ceafe from fime, \ P3g- ^ Falfe teachers are lafavious. ^ They are deceit full. c Toey endevour to mik_e others alf partakers of their wickednes. ^ They doe fraudulently Ye duce rnzn and women. ^ Such as are feduced by them ! are un/^able. ^They are covetoia. ° One fime draweth on another. 8 Coietoufnejfe ii rooted in their hearts. ^ foey malie an occupation thereof. ^ They are shflful in their covet 01^ pra&ifes. h they curfe others and are themfehes alfo *: ^ ih 3 They b«ta iTheText. TheAnAljfis. Chap. 1 1. The Doctrines. pag \ \ Vcrfc. have ^foYpi' z.their deceitfulaefle, beguiling I ^ The^are ^pofiats fiomGod. \^^^ i^?7fiiHe /oM/crjwhereinmaybe I ^ Sncha^Tvithdra':!^ t'ociTbe:trrs 5^7' J.-, , .!,„ r„j.,.^... >:^ — .. fi'omGodiO'c,are-^pofiats. n 5wd? ^ foTfiketh^. right m-dj goe afiray. considered, the feducerscompa-^ foulcrs oviijhers, the redu- ced compared unto fijl^e^ ,01 68- lien the ""^^g^'^i 'JQ-aUsy the meanes vvheueby ^ A nuin may I^tv nimjeije tj way^andare ^i^g„ j^j.^ feduced, compared unto | rbe jrtsy -/rwere/a^e Tpealhjtb. ^ 1^9- of Bo for, •fi?r;o ges of'i tin- rir'}tc9iifnss, rrehuked for hii iriifciitj - the * dumhe Afe fpeJtking Tvith rrnns ^ vo'^ceforbjide ofthzFro- pbct. gone^(illrAy> thole fi.^?fei where with /J/;?^ and J t CoijetoiifhejT^t,}erocte ofaU 1370. foUowlngthe fow/erare taken. 3. their cove- L^'ui//. o w^;^ 0/ B.i- toulneft"e,r.B be<;jrr i;^i'e they ex- | 1 Richef got nnlay» fully are hit ^7^. Li^mimfonne ^.^fdrcd n>ith covetous -prrMifcS- -.mri^Uteci/A ^aine. .^ ^.. _■-« ^; their unhappinefle, they are curfidchildreTi, or the dn/ire » 0/ cjir/t'. 5 . their Apofl^ifie, yjhich ha>veforfa\enthe rigot r(^.y,and .are gone afiray, vVncr's i". their averfion from good.i.their con- unrigotec^^igaine r Baliiam kjt incxcufihle^ ^Oftentimes ivife vitnareta- l^cn "with madfts^ £ God can extraordinarily open the mouthes of dumbs creatures. , uvtxuv.x..^...^ o Often thofe that Jljoutd be verfionumo cvill. The cGn^Y-\ gutds unto ether s,f rove /iumblv7g mr- lion IS takenr from the exam- j blocJis. vk of Balaam, who is defcnbed, o Gcds ordinwces mufi he du- I. from his namd 'Balaam, zAly performed. from ms place of birth, B»for . 3 . ' ^ fromthegreatneiTeof his finne, the Tvay of Balaam.^ 4»irom tne 572. The Text. jj. .^ ofth^ P rophef. 6, from his Othce;,he was a Prop/iet. The Analjfis. TheDoUrines. iO-, 1- Verfe, • X 7: Thefe are * "noeis ■xvithGUt n>a- tevi^ Clouds tint arc car- ' ried with a Teoipefi^to vphom t.hz mifi of dar'r^nejfe iirefervedfor e-'jer^ 18. fe? yvhe-r2 they Weake great T^Hefeverfescontnine a further | ^ Falfe teachers mal^e a fbem •*■ dcfjription of the fame per- .1 oftriatn^hiaj U not in. t.)em. fons , wherein two things arc to I ^Tht do^rineoffalfe teachers beconridered.i.apropoiicionhid i tendeth unto carnaU and flefhly downsin the i7.ver.i. acanSr- mation of the fame laid down in the 18 Sii^.The propohrio con- 1 taineth two things, i. the nature, & 2. the reward of falie teachers. Their n.Kurj expreflcd by a two- fold fimihtiidc, whereof the \ tirft cbndemneth their barren- 3.78.1 \ \ liberty. c Many -may goe a great i»ay in the courfe of gndlinejfci and at the ieugii fall amay, ^ Jt's not enough to begin -well, unlejfe »e cvntinue f^ per fever e. « Su ch 05 are overcame offm ure 1 5 8 8 , hond-JIaves thereunto* 581- ■82 i neiTe and itnfruitfulneffe. T^Jey \ lars TveUs "vpithout rtfatir , the iecond their inconltancic andvari- \ lablenQile, clouds that are carrizivit . i^tem^:ft. Their reward, to ■*•> ». iX^Ma^U ■itf W«niH The Text. ThetAnaljfis. Chap. 1 1. ThcDQclrines. Pag. fn-c!lt '^i The conHrmation Tjitie.tbey ' daUuri through the litfi of the Jiej!:,threugh nrjJcAhofe i tosit rvere 1 <= cteane cfca- ■ pcd jr om them ' t'-uj live m err our. ^9-J^inle they promife the m^ liberty, they them- • felves are the fervants of corruption, for* of whom a man ii over- come of the fame is he brought in bondage. Text. Vcrfe, zo. For if af- ter they have cfcapcdthe * pollutions of the TV or Id. through the l^norv ledge of the Lord and Saviour Jejm Cmift^they are againe en- f^tngledtherje- inland Over- come, thelat^ Iter end ii \iDOrfe nvith Tvhom the miji cj darliCiK/fe is refervedfor ever 'words %fva- \ lo^phctH thus much, that as Ws' 11$ allure thirftie palfengci-sthereun- 'yiitie.theM ^^j andcloiids which fwcll by the winde, make an ofler of raine to I'cfrelh the thii fly ground, fothofe men draw many after them:, ^s hoping to attaine fomc great chmgby them, but when all comes ro 'all the'y prove voyd and emptie, wells without Wuter, clouds that arc carried \T!eu- prefent^bemg againe entangled therein and overcome, wher's both their temptation, their yeelding unto the temptation? and by what meanes thty fall ; into the fame. The predicate or what is affirmed of them, xh^ithe I latter P3g. 594' ■iir-.i-'i^^i^^ »— >— — III? II I '«n iiiiri "> |TheTexc. TheAnAlyfis. Chap. II I. Tke Dodrines. pag. • — • — — ■ ' . ■ I ■ . .. I .~ — ^'i'^em than the. Utter end k y^orfe yvlth them tni/i thz h3gimitnr,(^c. The coafirmi- ^^giming. \ cioa is let f juch b/ a conp.irilon and a iimiUtuie 5 the co.tiparifoii z I. * Fori?! beinjbitw-ens the finals ofkiovykclgi ou prefumption, and the iiiinss of ignorance, or infiraiitie. Tn^ fioiilicudw twofold, the toi'm;rii\ceraiU,takenoac of P/'0.i5. ii. thelatterextermUjadded I by oar Apo[tIc,f;'jif taken from the dog wjic/j retiinteth to hh vomite» I this froiti the fbiiVjiiv.iich b:iag rffckjhed willsweth in the mire. had been hct^ ter for them not to have \n3'K>i>nethe wa^ ofrigiteoufheJfe.thM after they have finow/ie it,to turne from the holy command- inent deliveredunto them. ^^. * But it ishaprndimto them according to the true pro- i;erhe •• The dogge u turned to his otvm vomit againe, and the firs that was wajhed to her rff allow i/}g in the mire* CHAP. III. The third Chaffer confifieth oftf^o f arts, In the farmer ^enr ftAfofile affir- met h, and hy confuting the Adverfarie evidently and cleerely confirmeth, that the rv^^rld p^allhave an end, Chrifl com? Hmojud^emfnt, fromv erf. I , te verf.io. In the latter, he deferiheth the forms and manner of the fame^ from verf, 10, to the end of the ^hapter. The former fart containeth thefe farticnUrs, I, a preface^ verf 1.2. / /♦ the error and opinion ofthofe s p;- cHres^andprophaneperfonsyhgstherwith the ground of the famf^ verr,'^,±^ Ilh aeonfutationwf their error, dr awne out of the fonntaine of the holy- Serif t tires ^verf*^ .6.7.8.P. The latter ^thefsy /. the forme and manner of Chrifl s comming to judgement ^and of the end of the world ^ '^^rfiQ^ I !• 1 2 . 13. Ij^an exhortatiSn unto holinefe^and innocencj of life ^confirmed alfo by the authority ofS,V2L\A^uf0nwhich occafton he comi9^endeth Apofiollf^ *T>o. clrine,verfi^, 1^,16* III the cenclufion both of this C^after^ and Sfiflle , exhortingt4nton'atchfu!lnejfe,untoferfeverance, unto the growth in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour lefus Chrift ^ verf,,\ 7. 1 g. The Text. The ^nalyfts. Dodrines. Pag. Verfe, I. ^Thisfe- condEpi/lle C* be ioied) Inoifc^'^yvrite tintoycUiin ' hot.) ivuich nrHcfe verfes containe the pre- | face of this Chapter, fhevv'ing ' the finall caufe of the writing ■ I both of this, and the former Epi- • ; ftle, namely firll to renew the ' j Himc doArine which they had ,' recvivt-d, to admontlh and put 1 them in miade thereof, vcrf. x. 2. to 3 The 1^ teacher 5 of Gods word ought tenderly to affe(f their peo- ple. ^Minijlers mujfuje all meanes , endevour every way for the good of Gods people, c This fecond Epijfle is no lejje caaonicall-than theform?r. d Prea^ 405. 20^. 40 6. The Text. The Analjfis. Chap. 1 1 1. TheDodrines. Pa^! your pure mindes by roayof^re- mcmhrancc. a. That yee may be^mind- fuU of the 8 words tvhich Tvere j^ol^en he fore by the holy Frcphets,and. of the com- mandmmt of Mithe ^po- jiks of the Lord and Sa- z. to inftrud them in the do- I d Preacher: mii/i be psinefull driJic of the Gofpel, as the one- ly true doflrine, conFirmed by the teftimony of the Prophets and diligent, e Preachers 7nuf^ eJpecia.Uy aymeat thofe things nv'oich are The Text. Verfe. gs* l^nowing thisfrfi: that there Jhall come in the ^ lafl dates y [coffers, c e f txi aiding after their doKPne lufis. /^, And fay- ingt^where U the^romife of his camming ? and of the Apoftks of lefus \ mo fi profitable for toe people Chnftjveif.i.ltconfiftethoftwo ( Even Gods elecl havemedeto parts. I. an incitation to receive he put in mlnde of their duties. thedo perfift in the truth which before Cfrine. they had received, verf. 2; . both h It's not enough! to heare or which are enforced by a two- reade Gods word itnlejfz tveebe fold argument a the fovmcr \ ru indefuU of the fam^, drawne from the condition of | thepcrfons, the latter from the nature of the things written: per- fons, boch writer and hearer, writer, whofe care of them and love unto them was not fmalU hcaier, whofe minde was pure^ and lo Tyas not to entertame any other but pure and found do dUi- genccj thiifecendEpifile, wifedome tojfirre upycur pwrc mitids by way ofrtmemiranceihtm^ likewifc pointed at . 408. 4Cf). The Analyfis, The D aerifies* qpHeni verfes containe the fe - "■• cond particular which is to be confidercd in the firft part of this chapter, namely ap.ophc- fic touching Epicures, which deny the comming of Chrift lefusj the end of the world, the reward of the godly, and pu- nifhment of the wicked . Thofe he defcribeth, i . from the time, wherein they would aboimd, in the lafi dayes.'i'. from their na- ' ,ture. Scoffers i rpalliing after their orsne Lujis. 5. from their blafphemous fpecchss,wijere ii the promife of his comming. 4. from their ridiculous rcafon, to con- firme their opinion, for fvace the Fathers fell afleepe all [ things CDntiitue as they were from I the ■ Both preachers an-d people fhould taJie notice of [coffers and mocliers * ^ There hath not beene any time [0 pefired with [coffers and [cor- ners of religion) as toe[e laft dates, c Scoffers and [corners of reli' gion wall^e afscr tneir own lufis. ^ Theteis lujl and concupi[cence in every one, c Mocliers of God have treir hearts filed witij ungodly lufis. ^Mockers and [corners are va[- [als and (laves to their owne lufis. g There is not any point of reli- gion in a mcinner, more cppopd and CQvtradi^ed by t,)€ drjill and his inftrumcntSy th^n t bis oj ■^ "^ ^ ^ Chrifis pag' 41?^ 416. 419. 420. 421. 421 I- r 4-*.!' * * >t * The Text. 7 he Andifis. Chap. I If. The Dodrincs. Pig.| the Fathers j fell ^ aflecpcj ^ all things continue as t^ey ivere. jrom tne hc- ginnwg of tin creation* The Text. / Yerfe. 5'^ Forihii I I hey arc tvU- lingiy igno- rant oj\ that by the T^ord ofGcdthe hca^jctis "were of eld, and the earth fianding cut of the wa^ terandin the yvater. ^. ** whereby the TV or Id that then "ivas, be- ing overfloieo- ed Tvith roa- ter pcrij]?ed. 7. ^ But the heavens and the earth Ti^hich are noTVibythe pime "word CLre ^ept in fiorCi refer- red unto fre againjl the day ofjudge- me-6t and per- dition of un- godly men. the hegimiing of the creation. 5. ficm the csrtauity heieof; hm Chrijisficond cornmmg to judge - ment. h Such as are carnall andfiejh- ly minded are ridiculouA in their ]udglig and reafonivg about points of religion. '^Gods providence is TvOKderjull in the prefirvation of his creatures. ^ Deathiihut a /leepe/i The Tvich^edabufe Gods bleffings to the di^nnout. of his name. The ^yfnahfiSi, TheDoBrines^ 4z6 pag- 453 'J^HefG with the two following ' » The word of God revealed in (42.5. verfvS containe the third par- ' the Scriptures is the ordinary ^' tjculartobeoblcrved in the for-' ejpectallmeanesy both to be pre - mcr part of this Chapter, name- ! ferved from errour, and confute iy a confutation of the preceding all erroniom opinions. argument of the forementioned ; ^ ^s by Gods decree the hea- fcoffers denying the comming of 'vens and earth were created in Chriil. The falfehood as well ' the beginning -.and thereafter the I ofit'spropofitionas afiumption earth was drowned, fo by the oiuApoftledetedeth; the'pro- fame are they referved unto fire position was this, that if the againjl the day cf judgement* woild had already endured for I many ages, it fhouidlikewife endure for ever^ our Apoftlc denyeth it, bccaufe as God was able by his word, to create the world, and all things therein, fo he is able by the fame word to difTolve and deftroy it. Their Afiumption was this, that the couife of nature is sll one as it was from the beginnmg of the creation, this our Apo- ftle dorh in like manner deny. The world that then was ('faith he) being ov^rjiorocdr^ith water perifhed. The parts confidered are two. I. a confutation of errour, layd downe in the J.and6„ verfes, con- taining matter both of reprehendoa, and inftrodionj reprchenfion of their wilfuU,v\alling and afte^ed ignorance, inftrudion in the fame things wherein they were willingly ignorantjnamely, i»about the creation of the world, which both in regard of the manner and matter thereof was by the word of God. z. about the deftrudion of the world, whichis eytherpaftjor tocome,paft by water, to come by fire. 2. anafTeverationof the truth laid downe verf.7. declaring chat this world referved by Gods word, fhall at the day of judgement I and perdition of ungodly men, be deftroyedby fire. In both there being three things layd downe. i . the creation of aH things, wher's he efficient,the time,the matter, and manner, i. the deftruftion of the old world, wher's the things dcftroyed, the meancs whereby.?, y the aaavanc .JThcTcxt. The^^jpr^^ — a-g fhe aeftruction at the I aft judgement, where s the matter to be dc-. Itroyed ; How they are now upholden ; the meancs whereby do- Itroyed i at what time 3 and the portion of the wicked on that day. T^e AnAlj{is^ TbeDo^rines, Verfe, vedjbenotig- noraKtofthis one thing, that one day U with the Lord oi A thoufand yeares^anda thoufind yeeres oi one day. 9- ' The Lord is not Jlac\ie concer- ning his pro^ mife (as font: men count JIac\ncfe) but is Long fufferingto Inward, not rvillingthat ^ anyjhould periJhMt ., that aUjhmld come to ^ re- pentance > TTHefc verfes containe an An- Tweruntoa mame objection o/thofe fcornefull Adverfaries. The objection i$ tkis : If Chnft be to come unto judgcment,as ye pi-each, and hee himfelfe hath proinifed, then why doth hee f© long delay his comming, why hath he not come all this while, many hundreds of yeares bemg palt fince the promife was made ? Sure he is either unwil- Ung,or if willing,yet unable to accompliih his promife.The an- fwer IS twofold 5 The former la^idedowne,verre,8. taken out Ox I'lal. 90.4. for a tmufcind yeares in t\^y pjt are hut as yejierday.whenitispafi, which the Apoftle amplifieth by the like fentence. One day is y,ith t,ieLord as a thou/knd yeares. whereof accordingly he would not have US ignoranti and there- tore doth by a lovmg compelh- tion exhort «s to the knowledge of the fame. Beloved( C^idihl) \'^ott^mm,<^c.Thc\mL aid downe veifc ^. (hewin- the true canfe why the Loi'd doth defen-ehis comming, even JhouldperiJI,, bu^thatltlfl I^ouldcometorepentanc,. ^ P^g' God doth not meafure times andfeafons according to the cor- rupt judgement of man. « God doth net through /lac f^es deferre the promife of his co,n- mi»g,butfiayeth till the appoin- ted time. ^ God doth by hu patience and long fuffering incite ui unto re- pentance, c Gods love toyvards his owne children is unjpeaiiahle. 44^ 44' 4 7" 4^^ ^J^^S^JE^^. Chap. III. 1 he Doarines: ^o. But the .' day olt'jQ L ord TviU (■ 0 rm as a •jHc fecond p^rt of the Chap- j = The day of the Lord -^ill ccr . tzxis. hyd downe in rhis^ and \ tainely come, the enfemg vtdcsy k conccrneth ! ^ The day of the Lord yviU come our Savicurs fccond comming : ojatheefe in the nigot. " f>)eefe int'iP \ "l"'^ /^^'o^menr, wherein two . cThe commhg of Chrifi unto ... , J. : ''^^ I thmys are to be confldeied. i. judgement jhali be mofi iUufiri- thedo(ftrine thereof, verf.10.2. j ous and glorious. £ he iifes which may r.nd ought to ' 4 The tnings yvhich are note m oe made thereof, in the verfes mofi eftimxtion -with the men of following. The dov^rine of the thii rporld, jhM at the day of Wit judgement, containing the judgement be coitfumedyvithf re. dement? fbalt \ u^ ^"""^ "''''''"^'' ^^^'^^^^ ^^ ^slt ypttofer- ^ ^^^ ^^^ ^° heleeve touching the fame^ is layd downe in this ^ " ! t^nrhvcrfcjconfiftingofthcfe three parts. I. the ccrtainety thereof^ T'se d.pj of the Lord K^ill come. 2. the fuddenncffe thereof, as a theefe mt)e night, i- the con fequents of the fame. In the Hfihich thehea- 'vensfb.iU p:ijje a>tvay roith a great noife> and the elements fhaU melt y^ith fervent beate^ths earth alfo and the lyorl^esthat are therein Jhall he burnt u^. '"^ightjifzthe '^dich the l^ heavens Jh^li I M/Te aw.iy "^ith d great ^oife,andt.i€ . '^entn?:ite, f<'>ede.irt4 4/- fi'^nithe "^^rl^s t;ut ^re t<)2rei4 fhaU.b: burnt M. "^ Seeing ^hen that rhefe thU^j fjj^ll hedirfelved, "what manner ofpcrfons ought yeeto^ b3 in all holy cmverCation and godlines ? The Anaijfs, The ^olhines^ Pag- * The confideration of the ««• doubted dljfolution of thefe things on the d^ of ]udgement, fbenld incite tanorff untoholinejje. Te xt. Verlc, J 2.. a Loohjnp' for, and i> ha- j I^ing unto the \eomming of [ the d:iy of ^Godc rffhere- ii the heavBms being on fire fhatlbi pOIlovv the ufes of the pre- ceding Dodrine of the laft judgement, being in number foure. T he I . being unto purity ^nA piety;, is layd downe in thefe ^ words iwhich conGft of thefe two parts, i. an exhortation unto pu- rity and piety, iayd downe by way of interrogation, what manner of per Tons ought yee to be in all holy converfation and godiinejfe ? z.the reafon of the exhortation, taken from the diffolution of all things^ feeing tocn that all thefi things Jhall be difolved> ^c. The Analyp. The D ^Urines. 'T^Hc fecond being unto an ex- pedationofthe day ofjudg- naent, together with our prepa- ration for the fame, is laide downe in thefe verfes, wherein thefe three things ai-c tobecon- fidered. i . what wee arc to doe before this 4ay, namely, roiih patience I « T^e ou^ot TPith patience to ex- pe^3wadt,andUoiie for the com- ming ofthii day, t We imft haften the comming of this day of God, or haflen unto the camming thereof c The day of the Lord Jball ha . zloriomday, \ r d/H 4^9. 470, ■ - ■' *■— " ■ The Text. ThetAnalyfis. Chap. II L TheDoarincs> Tag the^ elcmevts Jljal melt rpittj Jcrvratheafe* 1^, Never toe lejjd Tve ac' cerding to Im « fTomijl looi^e fsr^ nervhed" vensi and a mrv eart',}, rvii^rem s d-(veLleth ■(igntzoufiitjfc' The Text. Verfe, yore 8 beloved t'feeingyee iGokp Jorfuch things, « be c d diligent that yiee may be ^ found of hhimin^p(^^^^ yyit'.jout^jpoti andbUnte- lefc. patience to exte^^^rvatt andloo^ie for it, andtd ba/ien the comming or unto the comming thereof, z. what flliali be done upon this day- The heavens being on fre Jhall be diffolved, and the ele- ments fljcill meltrviti) fervent beate, yea then there Ihall be new heavens and a nerp earth. 5. what (hall be perpetiiall after this day, ypherein dr^elUih righ- teoufnejfe. d itflmil be a day of exceeding ttrrour. e Vpon that day the promifes of GcdfociU abfohttcly bee fulfUcd .andacccmpltfhed, (The heavens and the earth jljal be changed from the pate and conditicn,rpbereinthey arenojv, even bee purified and refined by fre. , g m thofe new heavens the rtgH^ teo'/AfJjaU dwell, among whom Ifhall be nothing but right eoufnes. 471. 471. 471, 47J. The Anadjfis. TheDo(5lnn€S. •"pHe third ufe of the preceding dodrine being unto innc- cencieof life, is layd downein thcfc words :, wherein thcfe two parts arc to be considered, i . an exhortation, be diligent thatyee may be found of him in peace without ffn andblameUJfe. 2.. a rcafon to enforce the fame, fee- ing yee loolie for fiich things 5 even for new heavens, and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteoufnclfe. Herein foure particulars are implyed. i, the dutie whercunto wee are ex- h«rted, to be in peace, to he: without fpct and blamslejfe. i.the m .inner how we at c ro performe it J with diligence i even an extra- ordinarie, earneft, ardent ende- vour towards the atraining ot the fame. g. the mcanes where- by to enforce it ^ our expe>flatioji of thofe new heavens and new canh, wherein dwellf th righte- teoufnefie. 4. the motives indu- cing to the performance there ofs the former, from our Apoftks * IVe mup he now renued that ' we may inherit ioofe new hea- vens. '^ True hope is fruit full. * Jfs not enough to bee at peace or enemies to fmnefor a timcy un- lejfe we he fo found of him. » JVe mufi labour and endev our to be in peace. ^ With God. ^ With OUT neighbours. a With ourfelves. ^ We mufi labour to he found without JpGt and blamelcjjc. ,1,^ Holy duties are to be perfor- med with all dili^ente. ^ ^fs not an eafie matter to at- taine unto true peace, and fb to he found without liot and hlame- leJTe,. ° Their condition ii miferable which are at variance with God, their neighbours :the/njelves. « /t dot:) well hefeeme Chrifii- ans to fct thcmfelves about ^)ii dutie, (Our expectation of thofe new heavens a^a effeciail furtherance ^ pag- 474. 474. 475- 475- 476. 478. 479- 481. 485. 485. ■H^ 4^3, 484. \ love and care in urging it, hclo- , that wee may be found without vedy ' **** ^ fi^^f TheText. ThsAnAljfis. Chap. II I. The Doadaes. pag< Text. ^et/.The latter Gcds expeaati- ilpot and blame lejfe, * Oil of the fame at our hands ,im- s Our ApofiUs can and lo-t} e in pUed in thefe vvords> found of urging this duty, Jhould provokie ^l^jj^ ' w to the performance of the fame, I h Gods Loo fling for theaccom- pliflment of the forefaide dutie, Jhould incite tu thereunto. 486. Verfe, 1 5 . '^ And account that the long fiiffe^ ring efthe Lordupilva- tion, ^ even loved brother ^ Faulalfo, aceordingto the e r»ife^ dome given unto him, ^hath^ r»rit' ten unto c fyou, 16, As alfo in all hiiEpi- fllestfpeafiing in them of thefe things i in which fomz things are hard to he n> underfiood which they that are^ ur^ learned and unfiahk) » toreft:,a5 they doe alfo the ^ other Scriptures unto their 1 ononede- jfru^ion. The Anal J (Is, The Dodrines* T^Hefe verfes containc a confir- , 'J^ Chrifiians Jhould account that mationofthepreceedingufe, " -' '' " '^ 486. P3g 487. and that both by a repetition of thedodrine laid downe in the ^.verfejwhich conccrnerh Gods patience^as alfo by an allegation ojthe fame do^rin nrged by the Apoftle Paul in all his Epiilles: from vvhich hee takcth occafion to commend both him and his writing unto them^which by the unlearned and unftable were fo much wrefted unto their owne deftruction. Herein thefe foure parts are to bee confidcred. i.a dmiQ, Ac count that the long-fuf- feriugof the Lorc( is falvation. i.a confirmation of this duty by theteftimony of the Apoftle Paul, who had written unto them of the fclfe fame things. ^ , a commendation of Paul and the patience and long-fufferanct of God tendeth to their falvation. *The Apoftles confent and it- |494' gree in their doitrine. ^ It's need full that tve Jhould he 494 infiru£fed in thofe things rfhich concerne our falvation, cThe fame points of doSfrine \ac\K. which are prof table for one peo-^ pie, are proftaiU alfo for[ ano- ther. «J Peter not ajhamed to reade 4^5. and alledge the writings of Paul. o Peter manifefieth no fmdll 496. wifedome anddifcretion in com- mending Paul. ^ Peter hy this his commendati- 49^.[ on of Paul, manifefieth Wslove unto him, \ e TheApofiles different fome his vwntin^s iEven as our beloved of writing proceeded of Cods brother Paul alfo> (^c.^.om A- poftles judgement touching the writings oiPaul, together with the unlearned and unftable their abufeof the fame5& other Scrip- tures, in w'nch are fome things Spirit, ^PaulbyliJielihood n>as Au- thor of the Epifile to theHe- hrewes. 8 Pauls Epifiles were written before thefe of Peter. 5s>^. hard to baiinderfioodywhich they yo Such as would profit hy the that are unlearned > andunfiable Scripture mu/^ have a r^nffi^^A 2fiable wrefi, as they do alfo the other Scriptures § unto their owne de- flru^ion Scripture muft: have a fanmied ufe of them. h Such as wreathe Scriptures, are either ignoranr^or unfia^icy or both. » Tne Scriptures are t,ien wrefied^ when they are mad ' 8 to prove 49 498. ^..^...l— . The Text. The ^nalyp. Chap. 1 1 1. The Docliines. Tag The Text, move cver^ thing.to confirm any arot. J' The igmrant and unftable offer vielenceunto the whole Scripture,^, ^Sticb 06 pervert the Scrip- tures, mefi them unto their orpne de/hurrion. "^The Scriptures are notfo ohfiureMt that they may be underj^ood of the jaitnfulL Vei-fe, 17 '^Tether ' fere beloved , feeing yee l^noTv thefe things before , c f beware lefi^yee^alfo being d led away with the errcur of the wic^ecti * fall from y9ur owne ftedfapnejfe* i8.h but ^gr^w in grace^and in the l^owiedg of oui' Lord and Saviour Je/ui Chrifiy to ^ him be gleryyhoth now and for e-verjAmeu. The Analyps, TheDoElrines» 'T'Hcfe vcrfes containe the 4. yfe of the preceeding do- ctiine, which is unto watchful* neficiperfevcrancc jthe gro,wth in grace ,&c. as alfo an Epitome of the whole EpiftkjWith the con- clufion both of it^and this Chap- ter. It confifteth of thefe foure parts, 1 .an exhortation, beware left ye alfo bei/jg led away with the error of the wielded fall from your owne fiedfafinejfe. 2. the Rcafon of the exhortation^ See- ing ye i^now thefe things before, g.themeanes whereby to per- forme the forefaid dutie, but grow in grace) and in the f^now- ledge of our Lord and Saviour Je/ui Chrifi. 4. the clofe or (hutting up of the whole Epi- ftle^fo him be glory both now and for ever^^inen. * There are a great many which fall away from their Cnriftian profeffien. ^ the falls of others Jbould mal^e m more caiefull of our felves. c It' s exceeding hard and diffi- cult to goe on and perfevere in the courfe ofgodlinejfe, ^ The ungodly by their erroniou^ do^rine endevcur to withdraw me n and women from the truth of God. . c Such oi fujfer themfelves to he entangled by falje teachers, will at length fall from their owne /ledfafinejje. ^ Chriflians fhould ertdevour to goe on in the courfe ofgodlinejje carefully avoyding all hereticlis and herefies-, which m%y with- draw th em from the fame* 4^8 498- 498 502. 502. 502. s The admonitions and warnings of Gods word fhould incite m unt^ perfeverance in the courfe ofgodU-' nejft. ^ Gods grace the ejpeciall fheanesto f^eepe u^from Apofiafiem » Chrifiians mafl daily grow in grace, and in the {now ledge of our Lo^rd and Saviour lefm Qhrift. ^ * Ma]e/lie, power, dominion andglo- ryaretobsafcribedto Chrifi both here in the. Church militanTi and hereafter in the Church triurr*phant. The ro3 J 07. 508. .1 I «iaai iiii — mil The Piin-cer to the Reader. ^ecAtifek is in a fnamerimfofftbUthat hokes of any ^ftantitie 1 (in thefirfi imprejjlon) Jhouldefcape All faHltSyande^tcially in the akfence sfthe ^mhor. There fere itJhaUpleafe the Chriftian Rea- der to avoyd farmlity,JHdge eharitablf ^artd c&rre^ diligently fuch errors as (on ofir heha'fe) unmllinglj have efiaped eur corre^ion. All which (Godmlling) at another time we [hall amend mofl at ^ te»tively, LiteraR faults ^points mijplaced^ words either to be ad' dcdorfHteut^not mnch marrtng thefenfcyandeajte to he percei^ ved of thejudiciom Reader, we leave mte thine owne cenjlderati' en: others merematerialljamend as followeth* VTofds to he addecfo pAgc, lo.Iine, i7.paincfulljp.^9.l.iz.bccaufeof, p.pi.l.i4.The god- ly jp. 1 5 i.z8, The fecond is this thatjp.2i4.1.z i. i.I fay to take notice of falfe teachers ;p. 13 i.l.3 5.not,p. 23i.I.i.not.p.4o6.l,3 j.asif icwere not canonical I. fiords to he put out. page, 20 S.line. 2 3 .yea we have darknes within our felvcs ,p. 3 8 6.1. i j .& I iifingthc meanes whereby thou maift be drawne,p.4i4.1.37.not,p4496 1 6 . both of people. JVords to he amended. * Page, i4,line3i.for new^tcade true>' p. jo.l.zo.thc famc,r.thofe which we havcjp. 3 2.1.1 .more jr.bothj p.y^.l.y.heaven.r.hearken^p. 264.1«s8. murderersjr.arejp.2 8i.l.7.ioD»o.r. looooo. p. 28 1.12. Ephefians^r. Egyptiansjp. 3 o j.i. 3 /.godlyjr.ungodly, p,^ x 5. 1.2. receive him in that, i-.prefervehim in the^p.j 30.I.27. downej witness r. downe within> p. 34i.l.22.23.ApoftleSjr,Angelsj p.362.3 5.redcccivingjr. in regard of our bodies and goods : donotcofen one another^do not deceive one ano- ther:,p. 3 7 8.1. 1 5.forceSjr.forccrers5p. 3 So.I.^.fro truthjr. truth;, the truth of Godjp.jS^.l, i.affc<5lions5r.aflertions,p.39 1.1,3 i.defpifeftjr.difper- fcth5p.404.1.3 3 .foirow r.foes,p.42 5.36.moorc5r.raoone, p. 43 5.I. 20. fpeake5r.fiiake3p.4^o.l.i7.cace,r.care,p.468.1.3.ftoniejr.fandie, p.4p^. 1. lo.deftru^ftionjr.difcretion. In the mar gent. CarelefneS5forcarefulnes;)p.i6o.madneSj for manner ,p2 24^, Tem- plumAot ff«p/ 307, ..^. iJ rtMBMli Chap.t. A FAMILIAR AND plaine Exposition on the fecond Epiftlc of Saint Peter. Lejfed S/tini Peter, having in I his former Epiftle partly com- forted, and partly adoioniflied the faithfiiU in his dayeso gro- ning under the heavy burthen of perfecution , patiently to en- dure the fame, and conftantly to perfevere in the truth of God which they ha^i received, ex- horting them all to holinelTe of life, and putting them in minde of their mutuall du- tie one towards ancnher ; left after his death they might bcfcduced by falfe Teachers, and drawne away by the cor- rupt and evill example of others, hce doth alfo direcfl this his fecond Epiftlc unto them , exhorting and perfwading them, having once received the knowledge of the Gofpell, and made profelHon of the fame, to confirme it by good B workes, The Cohe- rence cfihis ffco d Epiftle with the for? mcr. Teteri dilii gen ce in the execution of his miniftcti- all fiin6lion, Ioh.2i.15, / Vfe^ Aft 2 5.IP, Ibsd^iSi I Tim. J. I J^ 16. Tit.2.I5« 2Tim.4..i« OhferVattons from the coherence Cbap. i , wortes, encreafing daily more and more in Chriftian graces, . continuing and pcrfevering therein, notwithftanding of all lets and impediments,even unto the end* Whence may be noted. Firft, The care which this our Apod le had of the Church of God, hi5gr«at painefulnelTe and dihgence in executing that CommiiTionandlnjun^flion which our Saviour prefcri- unto him , as it is recorded by Saint lohn^thM beloved Difci- pleofChrift, in thefe words: Veedmj lamhs^feedmyjleep,^ feed myjheefe ; He was painfull in preaching , he is alio painfull in writing. Yea, thenigherhe drew unto his end, ' he was the more carefull for the good of Gods people ; hee wrote unto them before, he doth alfo write un»t:o them againe, and if he had lived longer, he would no doubt ftili haueimployed his talent for their good. Herein indeed the Minifters of Gods Word jfhould im- ploy themfelves ; herein they ihould endevour with all their ftrength ; herein they fhould be painfull and watchfuil ; here- unto they fhould by all meanes take heed, even by their painefull labours and endevours in their feverall places, to fecke the good and profit of G o d s Church and chil- dren. Herein Saint *P^/y/impIoyed himfelfe al the time he was m Apa\ Serving the Lord with all humilitj of minder and vpixh many tcares^4na temptations which he fell him hj the lying in wait of the letves : Keeping hacke nothing that wa^ profitable tin- to them, bm (hewing them ^and teaching xhem ptihhkilj ^ anifr om- houfeto ho life ^ teflifjinghoth to the hwes and alfo to the Greekes^ repent OKce towards Qod, and faith toward opir L&rdlefw flri^ : Yea^hs waroed alfo the Elders of c he Church, To take heed unto themfelves, and tQ all the flocke^ over the which the holy Ghofl hadmadethem over-feers yto feed the Church of God^which he had purebafed with his owne i/eud : thatfo they folio wing^ his fteppes, might in his abfence benefit the Church of God. The like duty did heprefcribe both unto Timothy zn<\ TitWo Its not enough/UnlelTe v/eimploy our felfe about this worke. / charge thee therefore ( faith Paul unto Tim^^thy ) iff fore God and the Lord lefm Chrif^ ^whofhall judge the quicks and the dead I At in 'I II I nt hii appearing and hU kingdof»e : preach the JVordy he infiant infeafen , oHt offeafon^ reprove^ nbuke, exhort with fi/l long frfferingand do^Hne, Secondly, The necedltie wherein wee (land of frequent and often admonitions : we have (b many pull-backs, (o ma- ny lettes and impediments to withdraw us from godlineflc, that we have need not once or twice only, but often to be put in mind of our duty^more &: more to be grounded & cftabli- fhed in the truth of God. We have need of line upon line^ precept upon precept ^now a littlcy and then a liitle, 1 f <»ncc wri- ting had beene fuiHcient, our Apoftle needed not have trou- bled himfelfe to write unto the the fecond time,but knowing their neccHitie, and how behovefuli it was for them , he ad- dethunrohis fir(t, this fecond Epiftle. We doe often under- -goe new erodes, and therefore have need of new comforts ; we are often aflaulted with new temptations, and therefore have need of new diredionSjadmonitions^exbortationS} Yea, moft are fo glued unto their old finnes, as that they have need againe and againe to be dehortcd from the fame. •Great therefore is their folly which doe murmure and grudge, ifthcy doe not daily heare variety of new matter, chough they themfeives continue in their old finnes , adulte- ry covetoufneflejdrunk^nneffe, and the like ; It liketh them well tocontinuein their finnes, but to heare ©f them more than once (if once) they cannot €ndure,and therefore if hap- ly the Preacher (as its his dutie) doth continue his dchor- tations,or multiply reprehenfions, they inveigh againft him asa buii-body,ccn(iirehimfor an ignorant, as lacking matter j notconlideringthat oncedreflingofa dangerous wound is not fuificient to hcale it 3 that they themfelVes have not for- fakcn their former {itines,or(if forfakcn them) are in danger againe to fill into the like. Thus of the coherence of this fe- cond Epiftle with the former. Touching the Epiftle it ftlfc, howfocvex theanthority thereof hath beene called inquefti- on,as both Nicephortu and Snfebm doe teftifie, yea,and »nto thisdaythe5>ri4ff/doe nor admit of the fame; Yet is it no lefte Canonicall than arc the other Scriptures : containing B 1 much People ft an the Infcription in thefe words. To them that have obtained like precioiu faith withw^ through the riohteoufneffe of god arJoHT Saviour Chrifl, Thirdly, the Salutation in thefe, Grace a»d peace h multiplied untojou^ through the k^o-wledge of Ced^andoflefui our Lord. The Superfcription (heweth the Writer ,the Infciiption, theperfons to whom he doth write, the Salutation, what he doth wifn unto theni; of which three in order. Concerning the firft, the Superfcription , it containeth adefcription of the Pen-man or Writer of this Epiftle : and that firft from his name, Simon,or(^s its in the Original! ) Simeon • fecondly , from his firname , Peter, Thirdly, from his offices, general!, a fervant, particular, an Apoftle of lef us Chnft. Touching his name Simon or Simeon^ given unto him at his circumcifion, it fignifieth obedient ; vvhereunto according- ly hedid anfwer, he was obedient, in leaving all and follow- ing Chrift : he was obedient in feeding the Lambes and Sheepe of Chrift : he was obedient in laying downe hislife for the cauie of Chrift i whence may be inferred ^that /// the duty of every one ofu* toleade our livts ^cording unto thofegood names given unto us at our 'Baptifme* Is thy name loh» ? be gracious : Is it Simon ^ht obedient : Is it Andrev^f be manly: hit Hannahs be mercifull, degenerate not from thy Three parti- culars obftr- ved ia thefe verfes. I 2 Three p^rtjcu lawobfcrvcd in the fipcr- fcription, I 2 5 His name Sh Matth.4.10. A Its the duty ofChrifli^rs to ]e:adc their lives an/vvcra- ble an to their Chriftian namet* iW 8 Hisfinidme. Cbap. Hisfirname Peter, Gen. 3 2.2 g^ Who Pefer VVhy^our Apos ftleprefixcih. hisnatne.. 2T]ieir,2'2» thy veiy name, icQ it in the laft judgement rife up as a wit- ncfle againil thee* Touching hlsCwmvat/Teter^ which our Saviour did im- pofe upon him, it is by ibaieiaterpie:ed,acknowIedging, by others, ksovvnc, by others, loofing; bat iroft cotnnionly rod"W, and the like. This our Apoftle, by Nation was a Galidean , borne in the Village 'Bethfaidi^ whofe father was lohn or lona, a FiiLcr- man, and his brother, Andrew ^ohht fame profcffion , with whom he wascallcd. If any demand why our ApoRlc doth here prefixe his name: ranfwer, fKft, to declare,that he was neither afraid to deliver the truth, nor afhamed of the truth delivered, yea, that he was ready both tojuftific his writings, and to fatisfie to his power, all fuch as would make any fcruple againft the fame. Secondly, in regard ofthe hurt .which commeth unto the Chut ch by namelede writings, which are worthily to befuipefled, it being the ancient pradife of Sathan to de- ceive the Church by counterfeit and nameleffe bookes , of which Saint T^/writeth unto the T^tf]f^/!?'?#^»J: yea., and at this day, thole hypocrites that areaffraid orarhamed,openly tomakeconfe(!ionof their Religion, doe powrc out their poyfon in the Church, fupprefling i heir nzuKs : witnefle thofemany fedidous and hcretic^ll Pamphiers fcattered abroad by Anabaptitts, Families, and other?. Yea , hereby he fheweth himielfe to be the undoubted Author of this Epiftle, whereof, how'foever iome doe doubt, finding the penning more obfcure, and the ftiie divers from the firft, yet if welook^ unto the lime when Peter writ it, in his oldc age with one foot in the grave ; or to the things contained in it, no whit unworthy an Apollles fpirit; or chiefely to his owne witnelTe^word and warrant prefixed here ; the doubt win be eafily diffolved, and we allured that its Saint Meters Worke. Touching MlPli mmmilmmmmmim f uMiunnasrwiw^'**^— ' chap. I. Servant by office. ■AMMVl Touching his offices , generall a Servant , particular sn Apoftleof lefusClirift ; the former being a nanic of humili- ties the latrcr of dignity. Touching the former, he nameth himfelfe a Servant of Iefu:3 Chnfr, th?tt is, a Minifler or Servicour of Chrifl: , in publifhing his will by preaching the Gofpel], and not oiiely a Servant (as other Chriftians) by common profellion. And this our Apofticmcntionetbj both to bring his dodrine in- to greater requeil ( doclrine being feldome c fk^u?ll when the perfon of the Mmifter isdcfpifed ) as alfo that it might appeare,tbat in writing unto them he did bat performe his office, and that they were bound to accomphfh thofe things which he m his Mafters name, according to bis Mafters will required of ihcm. In general) jC very man is the fervant of Chrift by creation, and fo muft fci ve him whether they will or not. In particu- lar, every true Chriftian is the fervant of Chrifl, and fo ought to acknowledge themfclves, endeavouring by all meanes to pleafc God and his Sonne 1 efus Chrifl. But Infp^ciall^ the Preachtrs ofCjo^.s. fVord^ they are the Servants ofC^nfl, Thus Saint Panl ftilech himfelfe ; thus Saint Umes-^ thus Saint Inds^ and thus our Apoflle, Thus doth the Lord HilciM'ofis; thus doth he fli'e the Prophets, thus doth our Saviour ftiic his Difciples; thus doe the twenty foure El- ders ftile Gods Prophets ; thus the Angel, at whole feet foh^i fell to Vv^oriinip him, f'aid unto him. See thou doeit mt^ t am thy fellow Servant^ and of thy brethren the \Prophets ; yea, this acertainc Damofell pofTcfled with a fpirit of Divmstion, aclAnovvIedgsil.8. Ier.7S2j. Mar. lO 24, K.C12.11 .18. K-eu.22.9. Aa.26ol7* R^afcrl :2i.. lO JnflruBion. 2 Tim.2< 15, I(a.<0. 17. 1 Gor.4.r* \ Cor,?. 10, 2 Cor.j.20. Phil. 2.2 5. Aa.20.28. Mar. 9. 57. Vfssoflnftru- I 2 Cor,2«i 5. Pral.i45.2, I 2. \Ct$ of Rcpre- henfion unto Preachers. his workemcn, his officers, his ftewardsi his Ploughmen, his Paftorsjiis Builders, his AmbaflTadourSjhis Souldiers, his Overi-eers, his Har\reftme4i; all is for him and his ferWce, v.'hereunto they are called. Hence it folio weth For inrtrudion ; firft, that the Midifters of the Gofpell, the Preacher.? of Gods Word ought onely and whrlly to im - ploy them felves about the fervice oflefus Chrift, whofe fervantsthey are after a fpeciall manner. This the Apodles well conlide red, when they fa id unto the multimde of the Difciples, It is not reafon that ws (hsnld leave the PVord of Qody to ferve Tables ^ H^hersfore brethrcf) looke out Among yoHy [even men of honeU report, full of the holy GhoTt and m[edome , rirhom we m^y appoint over thU bufine^e^ bat roe will give our felves con» iinHdlljfiHt'ypyfijer^iiinitothsAfiniHsrisofthe Word. Second- ly, that the Calling of the Minifterie is both honourable and painefuH, honourable, in as much as Minifters are the fer- vantsof lefus Chrift, the Afflibaffadors and Heralds of the Living God, Stewards of the King of heavens houfhold, admitted,as ic werc,into his Prefence-Ch amber, and Coun- ccU table, Guardians and Watchmen over mens foul es ; ha- ving power to binde and loofe, to open and fliut heaven, to be unto Qodthe Crveetfavmr of Chrifl, in them that ^refavedy and in thtm that pen/h : S(5that a MiniOer and Paftor in his p!ace,(thoiigh out ofthe Pulpit) is no contemptible perfon, but worthy of honour, his very name of fervant of lefus Chrift, being full of honour and authority, wherewith even King iyavid move than once or tvvice ftileth himfelfe, as be- ing a fervice, wherein is required both diligence and faithful- nefle ; diligence in imployir.g themfelvts wholly about their Matters bulincfle, cheerefully undergoing j and valiantly overcomming all thofe croffes , lettes, hindrances and impe- diments, which they (hall meetewithall in the performance of their lervicejfaithfulnefle, in gaining Difciples unto Chrift in feeking to pleafe and approve tbemfelves unto Chrift. For reprehenfioo , both of Preachers and of Peoples of Preachers, that they doe fearefuliy (inne againft God , if they doe imploy themfdves and their labours, othcrwifc than in in =^S9m T^e^rehmfion, II the fcrvice oflcfiis Chrift, and tbus alas doe too too many in ihefe our dayes imploy themfelves, foir.e being iinskiiful, others being unwilling to feed their hunger ftarved ficckes. Huw many (pcnd and imploy tbemoft oF their time in hea- ping up oF richer, makinj^ their children great upon earth? how many doe live in ftriFe and contention wuth their neigh- bours ? how many doe preach lies in the name oFthe Lord, fovving Cockle and Tares in Gods field, even drawing away Gods ptop'e with their erroneous and hcreticall dodtrine ? how many live fcandaloufly, abiiiing themfeives by intem- pcrancy; chieFe examples oF drunkenncffc, prophanenede, idienefle, pride, and the like monftrouslinnes? Of people, that they aifo doe fearefuUy Fmne againO; God, which doe eith-rdeFpifethe Preachers,ordiFobey their preaching, the Preachers being his Fervants j their preaching his ferviccj and yet alas,thouFands offend every wayj deFpilingthe Prea- chers, difobcying their Preaching. Oh how contemptible paore and plalnc Preachers are in the eyes of mDft men , they may now |uiU ' complaine with the Prophet IfaUh^ xhdLuhey Tvere wsmed rvtth miH '^ with the Prophet Zechariah , that thej wdrewonh'edat ; and with the Apoftle Pafil, that they are n) de a fps^acle unto the war Id y and to ty^^geb , end, to men, mide dsths filth of the world. And the off^fcoming of all thinas unto thU daj, Yer a -e they the (ervancs of lefus Chriii. See- meth tt unt 3 you flight ^^/;?^ (Faith T>avi.d unto S.mfs men ) toi'c a Kir.gs forr/7€ i - Law ? So Fay I^ Seemcth it unto you a Fmali thing to be after a Fp:cic.4i maiiiier the Fervant of leFus C hafv. Hcare what our Ma'ier (aith oFus ; He tkn heard h jo'.i, hearethm', and h^ that dcfftfeth yon ^ deff)i[ethmff,andhe th^itdeffifito me^ deffifeth bim th .t [int me, Th~ Pi eachers oF the Word, tlicy are the AmbalFadours oFlefas Chriil: : the men oFGod , dilpoFersoFthe Fecrets oi God , yea, workers together with God, how darellthou thendelpiFe them ? As theirperFons, Fo their Doflrine is no lefle miF-regarded, what loathing, what contempt, whatdiFobedieiice of Gods Wordisamongftus, may be eaFily perceived, by comparing mens pra^ife with our preaching. We invite you unto the marriage /• Vnto people. ira.7.13, Zech.3.3, I Cor,4. 9, I Sam. l8,2 3 Eph,6.2o, 1 Cor^4..I. 2 Cor.6.i. .S.. IZ Qonfolation and Exhortation, Chap. i . Mac 22 .3* ^^♦f?.I. Mat, 14.;. Lu^^e 16.14. VfesofCon* relation, I Pfal.io^.t^ 2 King. 9.7k 4 V/es of exHor- tarion. ..Vnto Prea- chers. In what things Misii*- fters rauft mz- nifcft therns Telves to be the fervants of Chrift. marriage of the Kings fonne, but ye will not come; we ttll yoaagaineandagaine, of your drunkenneffe , prid^hypo- crifie? fwearing, covetoufneflejand thelike^ but in vaincjwho regardedi it ? who hath beleeved our report ? doth not the Drunkard continue in his drunkennefle ? doth not the Swea- rer multiply his oathes ? doth not the adulterer goe on in his whoredome ? as the Oppreffour in his covetoufncfle ? He- rod will company with Herodi^ for all lohn 'Bapttfl : the Tharifees will remaine covetous , for all that Chrift fpoke. Are we not theMinillers of God ? are we not the fer vants of Icfus Chrift ? doe wt tell you any thing but that which our Mader wilieth us ? but that which rendeth unto the falva- tion ofyour foules, if you would imbrace it ? Why doe yec then continue difobed lent ? will ye dill goe on in the con- tempt of Gods Word? our Mafter will not endure it,he will let out his Vineyard unto others, and remove hisCandleftick from you. For Confolation, fuch as are painfull in their Minifterie ; Firft, howfoever the world refpecleth them, yet are they efteemed of God, imployed by him after a fpeciall manner in his fervice. Secondly ,the Lord protecleth and w-atcheth over them, whereof both Saint Faul and Saint Teter ^ had particular experience. Thirdly , God will revenge all their wrongs, even h^ whichhd.lhizxd.'Doer/iyPro'phets no harme, ThoH j'halt fmtte (fzidonQ c? ihQ chil^ii^n oft he Prophets un- to Z^^/^, when he annointed him King over Ifrael) thf koufe of jih^bthy UHafi^r, that I m^iy avenge the blond of my fer vants the ^rophetSy an^ the hlouii of dl the fer vants of the Lord, of the handof lez^dheL Fourthly^they fhallobtaine a glorious reward, even the Kingdome of heaven. For Exhortation, bo:h unto Preachers and people.' Vnto Preachers, to performe the fervice of Chrift , and to behave themfelves as the Minifters and Servants of Chrift . Servants, we know muft fpend the leaftparc of the day about their owne bufineHe, imploying their time about their Mafters affaires ; fo muft we: fervants muft be painefull and faithful!, not with ^7^-y^mc^ 3 bfitwithfnglenejfe ofhe^.rt. So fliould i MotiuMtoin: cite them to performe his rervicc. Mat.io«2 8, Chap. I . T'he Superfcri jetton. 1 5 fliould we; fervantsmuft beaffraidto difpkafc their Maftcrs, | fo ilioiild we.Scrvants muft not tRurmurcnor grudgingly goe about their worke, lb neither muft we. Servants nauft not be afhamed of their Mailers fcrvice, fo neither tnuft wc. Ser- vants muft not be their Mafters enemies, or have amitie and familiarity withfuchasare, fo neither muft we. Oh that all of us could thus doe, even behave our felves in every thing, in our talking, walking,eating,drinking,apparell,and the like, as the fervants of Chnft ! We want not motives to perfwade us hereunto, vvehaveaMafterthat is not onely able to kill the body, but throw both body and foul e into hell fire; a Mader that hath moft abfolute power of life and death over his fervants, we have a Mafter tliat at all times beholdeth our adions; a Mafter that will render unto every fervant accor- ding to his worke ; a Mafter by whom we fhall be called to an account, and to whom we muft give an account of our Steward fhip. Vnto peop!e,account and efteeme of the Preachers of Gods Word, as of the fervants of Chrift, efteeme them, though notfor their owne , yet for their Mafters fake. Its Gods owne commandement : Receive them in the Lord tvith all gladnejfe^ and hold/nch in re^mation. And againe. Wee hsfeech J OH hrethren to k»on> them rvhich labour among you , and are over jou i» the Lordy^ndadmomfhyoti^andtoefieeme them very highly in love for th fir workes fake. And againe, £^/ the Elders thutruU TveBj he countedworthy ofdonble hononr ^eff easily thej who labour in the Word and Dotlrine. I^oe not difcoursgc chcm,either by contempt ofiheirperfonSjOrDoflrine, but further them lo much as in yon h>etb , towards the gaining of your owne fouies unto Gods Kingclome. -Touching the later, he nameth himfelfe an Apoftle of lefus Chrift, that is. One called to be a T^Ltnt^ ^pc Ate, The excellen- cy of their ofs . fice. Mat.28.20. I lohn 1.3. Mat. 16. 19, Aas8.l3.18 lohn 1 5,13^ Why our A- poniementio: ncrh his Apos ftlefliip. Heb ^.4.. D, Such as enter in*o the Miniftciy mufthave their particu- lar warrant from Chrift. A (ervant and Apoftle of lefus Chrift. to plant the Gofpell; all which were the notes of a new Apoftk. I he exallency of this office did principally confift in thefe particulars. They were immediareiy called by Chrift to prcac'i tlie Gofpell through the world; they were (uch as knew Chriii in the flcfh, and were eye-vvirnelTes of his mi- racles, and hearers of his Sermons; they had the Keyes of the Kingdome of heaven, after a more fpeciall manner ; they had power to w^orke miracles, they had the gift to Ipeake with divers tongues and languages, they had power by lay- ingon of their hands to give the holy Ghofl:, their dodrine was free from errour^ in the knowledge of the myfl;eries,and high things of the Gofpejl, they exceeded others : yea, they had this fpeciall prerogative, tobeludgesof eien at the day of rLidg,.ment;that is,by their word and dodrine which they have preached, and the world refufed, fhall men be judged. This his Apoftlefliip our Apoftle mentionethi firftin regard of the falfe Apoftles^and fecondly,that it might appeare un- to the Church,that not onely he was in his Calling , when he taught or wrote unto them, but that thsy thcmfelves were in duty bound to receive his doflrine, as Ipeaking from Chrift,an Apoflle, AmbaiTadour or Meflenger from him. This being moft certaine , that unlefle Minifters and Prea- chers fpeakca« the words of Chrift , people are not to re- ceive them, nor their dodlrine, are not tyed or bou«d to giv e obedience thereunto. In the words,an Apoftle of Icfus Chrift , both his calhng andthe Author of the fan^e are fct do wnc, his Calhng, an Apoft!e,the Author ofhisCaUingjIefus Chrift; an Apoftle, that is one fent, implying his Commiffion, and the warrant he had for the difcharge of his office, for without a warrant no man ought to intrude himfelfe into the office of Minifte- ry of lefus Chrift,implying,that fuch as enter into the Miniftc- ry,maft have their particular approbation and warrant from him,he being the Mafter of hisowne vineyard , and Lord of his Church. To conclude this Superfcription , in that both thole arecon;oyncd,afervant andaa Apoftle of lefusChrift: Their TItc JnJcripttoJi. Chap. I. Three things .may be noted , firft. That it u vot enough or fuf ficierttfor teaching erf reaching the U^ordto he afervam ofCh/ifij tfp/efe al[o there he affeciall Calli»g^ Warrant ^ andCommiJfton for the fame. Secondly ,f^i;i^ mm can he goodTeachirsor Preachers ^unleffe they he firft thefervants oj^hnfi. Thirdly, r/;^f the chicfch offices ofthi? Churchy are for the fer* vice of the fame ^^re to he impUjfedfor the i^ogdof the fame. Thus ofthe Superfcription. Concerning the 1 1, the Infcription, To them that have ohteiined Lk^ -precmtsfmh mth us ^ through the right eoufneffe of God^ and onr Saviour Qhrifi* It contai- heth a Defcriptionof thofe to whom this Hpiftle was writ- ten, which were the faoie to whom he wrote the former, as may be gathered out ofthe firft verfe ofthe third Chapter, of this fame Epiftle, in thefe words; This fecond EpiflUI now write fifjto yo0 he/ovedy namely, to the Grangers which were difpcrfed throughout Pontes, Gaiatia^ Cappadociiy /i^a, and 'Bj/thima^ whether Chriflian JeweSyOV (gentiles, Thofe he defcribcth here from their faith,vvhich is amplyfied ; firft, from the certainty of it, they had obtained it^ that is, got- ten it as by lot,asthe Word (ignifieth , namely, through the fingular providence of God, who had beftowed upon every one of them , that meafurc of faith which they had. Secondly , from the quality zwA worth of it : it was of like price with the faith of the Apoflles , worthy of the fame refpecfl that theirs was. Thirdly , from the meanes whereby they diA obtaine it , even the righteoufneffe of Chrfft, that is^his fidelity and truth in keeping his promi- fes. Him he commendeth unto them; firft, from the worth of hisperfon^God; fccondly, from his ciBce, our Saviour. To you which have obtained like precious hith with us^ through the righteoufnelTc of our God, and Saviour lefus Chrift. To you, which by the ordination and fingular pro- vidence of God, have gotten true juftifying faith, ofthe like price with ours, ofthe like eftimation as ours, and that throughthefidelityandtruth of Chrift, who is both GoA and the Redeemer of his ownechildrer)> even to you which arc »5 Z>,Such as would enter intoihcMi- niflerynauft notoncly be thefervantc ofCiirift, but be lawful- ly called ther- unto. D. Such ai would be goodprcas chcrsmuft firft be the fervantsof Chrift, . ^.rhe chics feft offices in the Church -■ are for the (er- vice thereof. Three parti- culars obfer- ved in the Iftfcription. I 2 3 t6 The Jnfcrtptton. Preciousfauh, f>. true;'uftifi- ingfaichisof greacpriceand worth. I Pet. 1*7. Reafons I F rom the Cduresoffaich, Rom 10. 174 1 P^c.1.9. 2 From the effeas, Ioh.i2.4.<. lohn.f .29. Ioh-^i(j, Heb.10.99. Eph,6.l5. Rom.3.28. GalM6» Eph 3 2^« Eph.2.8^ Rona.C.i* Phil.^.7. 1 I0I1.2 1. 2 Chron.20j 20. Rom. 5.2. Chap., I . are the children of G od, the faithful! in C h r i s t. Hence five particulars may be oblerved. Thefird is ibis, that True jfifiifjingfaith ii cf great pries and worth, ftiled here a precious faith. This our Apoftle eKewhcre confirmeth ; that thetryallofyour faith being much raore precious than of gold that pcrillieth^ though it be trjtd with fir e. It may be alfo confircned by thcfcparriculars. ^ Firfijfrcm the cauies of taith, whereof the eixicicnt is God, by whom it is wrought and prcferved, it being the worke ofGodthat we belceve in him whom he hath fent; the inflrumentali Gods Word, by which faith is begotten (faith commmg hj hearings and hearivg by the Word of God) the Sacraments and Pra; cr encreafing the lame: the flnall,the falvation of our foulesjthis being the end oftlie fameiwhcnce I thus reafon, That which God woiketh and prefervcth, ihe Word begerteth, the Sacraments and prayer encreafe, and the end thereof is (dlvation,mufi needs be of grtat price and worth. But true juflifymg faith is wrought and preferred of God, begotten by the WordjCncreafed by the Sacraments and prayer,and the end thereof is falvation j therefore is it of great price and worth. Secondly, from the ^^c^s of faith: It delivereth us from darkeneiTe and blindnefle. It delivereth us from thofe wofull evils, which as fo maay abhooiinations doe de- file both the underflandirg and affedion. It delivereth us from the power of the firft death, yea, from eternall dcflru- dion. Hereby wc are preferved from many fearefuli difea- fes in the foule. Hereby w^e are preferved from the fiery darts of the Divell ; hereby we are juftified ; hereby we be- come the fonnesof God : hereby Chriftthe Sonne of O'^ d.velleth in our hearts ; hereby we are faved, hereby wee have peace with God : even that peace which paflcth all underflanding ; hereby we are perfwadcd that we have an advocate with the Father : hereby we reft on God , cafting our care and burden on him: hereby arifeth true fpirituali joy, hereby God alfo is pleafed: divers the like effeds are rccor- I Verfe.T. The Jrifcri^tm: ^7 i-ecoi'dcd//^^^.Ii. Thcrefortis f'^ith of great price and worth. Thirdly, from the ffil^jccl offr^ith^or perfcns^-hkh hauc faitfjythok arc not every one, for all men have not faith. Ont'ly the children of God are beleez'ers\ a.i many 06 were or- •damed to eternall life, ( faith the holy (jhojl ) beleeved. Hence is faith named, the faith of Gods Eledl ; Now if onely the Eled have faith,it followcth that its of great price and worth. Fourthly, from the properties orquaHties of faith* Its a faving faith ; Its a /uftifying faith \ Its a fandifying faith: Itsthe faith of Gods Eled; It hath great boidnede in it; ItsaBreaft-platcJtsaShield, yea, itsthe moft holy faith, iHfle 20. Therefore is it of great price and worth. Fiftly,from theObjed of faith, which is kfus Chri{l,rti- led therefore thefaithcflefus Chrift : Therefore i% it of great price and worth. Sixtly, by comparing faith with other graces , hope, love, humilitie and the like, they are precious. Therefore is faith (the mother grace, the Lady and Miftrcfle on whom the reft waite) of great price and worth. Seventhly iby comparing it with thkigs^xtcrnall which are accounted prccious,goid,{ilver5precious ftcnes, and the like. Thofe often prove hurtful! unto the owner s,yet are-accounted precious, lb is nor faith. Thofe ofcen for fake the owners, flying from them, when they have moft need of them, fo doth not faicht Therefore is faith of great price and worth. HercoFmay be made a fourefold Vfe. For Inftrudion; Hrft,rhat faith is diligently to b^ enquired I and fearched for. Secondly, that faith is much to [)e refpe- ded and l.o'iourcd. Thirdly, that fuch ashave obtaineth faich, arepoiTeribrs of a Ic well or great price, of inefticrable value, by rc^afon of which they are in an honourable and happy con- dition, ForReprehenfion;firftjUntofuch as cavil! againft faich, as if fo much preaching and learning of faith were an hindrance to goodworkes, and made men and women careleffe of all C Pietie 3 From the iub;e£loffAith i TheflT. j ,2 . Tit.1,1. 4.Fr©mths properties. Ephef.2 8. Xom, 3.23. Aa 1^.9. Tu.i,i. I Tim ^. I ^. I Thcir.5,8, Eph«C6.i(J. 5 From the Ron3.5.2 2. 6 From the worth of o- thergr ccs^ ' 7 FronsitseKi cclleficy above all outward things cf greac tcftv^oith. Vfcs of Inlln:- jrlioi?. I 3 yCfi ofRci prehcnfloH. I ■ ■■^wn 18 njcrtptton Cb ap.i ,1 2 2 Cor.4..3« 3 4 Vftof Confo? 1 ation. Vfe of Exhors tat2oo« faith. D. faith in all Gods children is alike pre Cl- ous, Pietieand Charitie, whereas by the contrary , no other do- (flrine, makcth men more confcionablc in performing their duty towards God, and their neighbours, than the dodrine of faith, from which all good workes doe proceed , and whereby the love both of God and cur neighbors is wrought in our hearts. Secondly, unto fuch as doe not labour or ende- vour for this faith, y^hozx^ blinded by the god of thu -worlds that the light of the gloriom Goffel fhonld not Jhine Hnte them. Thirdly ,unto fuch as fpeakeevill of the faith ^ yea, mocke and J eft both at faith and fuch as are faithfuU. Fourthly, un- to fuch as content themfelves with any faith , fained , dead, temporary,and the like, thofe being of no worth , the true j unifying faith, being that onely which is in refped with God,moft worthy and precious. PiftIy,unto fuch as by too much ufe of faith abufe the fame , they profeffe the faith, they profeffe that they have faith; yet can they not fpeakeiwowordsalmoft, but faith muft be one. Jewels ufually arelcckt up left they be ioiViy fpoifd, loft or ftollen, faith is a Iewell,ir muft be ufed as a levvcll , left the Divella notorious pickpurfe fteale away the fame. For Confolation unto poorc bcleevers , though with Fe^ ter gold aw i^ftlverthoH hafl none i yet needeft thou not be dif- ccuraged, having the leaft dramme of true faith , thou haft that which is more precious than all the gold of the world. For Exhortation, let all of us conceive and belecve that faich is precious,that thus we may love it, long for it, feeking the fame, in the ufe of the meanes prefcrifaed of God , never giving over till we obtaine it, and become pofTcfTorsof the fame. Thus of the firft particular. Thefecood is this, that Faith in all Qodt children U alike pyeciot4S ; To them- ( faith our Apoftle ) that have obtained like freciom faith ipptth ui . Alike, I fay, in price, in worth, in nature, in fubftancc, in kind, though not in extent and meafure. There is a wcake faithjandthereisaftrong faith, and yet both alike precious, ?ettr no doubt had greater faith,than all or moft of thofc had to <^«F m^m Verfe.i. The Jnfcri^tlon. 19 to whom he wrorc, yet doth he acktiowledge that they had obtained iike precious faich. Some attaint unto a great faith, vv<=^ may be copared to a great riame,a great fountain, a ftrong mans holding or griping of a thing ; Some againe have but a vveake faith, hkc a^fparkle, likcadropof v^ater, likea childe holding of athing; the fparkleis as truely fire as the flame is , the drop as really water, as the fountaine is , the childs griping,asthe flrong mans : cvcn{o fatth in the leaft chUde ofgody though it were but as a graine ofL^Iufiard feed, is as truely fmh , as the fatth of the ApoflUs, the faith of the great ej} m the Ktngdome of Heaven, So that fatth is alike preciofis to alL T his may be confirmed by rhefe reafonsy i because there is but onefaithione Lord^one Faith,one ^apttfme , faith Saint Tau/, 2 Becaufe (/od which is the giver of fait hy is not a re^ fpeSier ofperfons, 5 Becaufe by the \tz[ifaithy ( if true ) we become acceptable before god, 4 Becaufe it is faid indefi- nitely, that Without faith it isimpoffible to fleafe god , not mentioning either a great or a fmall faith. 5 Becaufe every one that belceveth, fhallobtainethc felfe-fame reward inkl^de and fahftance , though happely, there may be dif- ference in the extent and meafure, Ob, Then it fcemeth, that it is but vajne to labour for incrcafe of j^/>/?,feeing the leafi is fufficient^ R. I Alchojghthe/^^/ were//^jpr/>;^^^ yet fuch have no tn\e faith , which have not a care daily to grow and encreafe inthejame. 2 The moreyv2^r/; we have, ^nd the fir onger it is, the more ab/e we fhall be to rejifi the Devt/i, the fVor/d, andthcF/efj. 3 Thtfircnger our faith isy the more profita- ble mfirnrr^ents iliall wee be in the (fhurch of god , and fhall have the more comfort in the time oidiflreffe. The \'^es of i his point arethefe. For Infir. i Th t people may attaine the like {zviv.ggraces as are in their OVttmfiers, 2 That Gods children doe ail rpeare one Livery, 5 That gods children ought to love and efleeme one another. T or Reprehenf. I Votofuch as ^Arf D Others ^t^^Qming others in regard oithemfilves as noibing* 2 Vnro fiJch as hth^rejpe^ers of per f on s , regard the ykh, but conrcmne foo>^ Trofepys,Y/h^t haft thou which others have not ? i^w^ in others , is of as great Tvorth before G^^, ^s thine. W hat fecft thou in the ^/^/^,inore than in the p^^^^/ Faith 16 alike frecious in hothi For Exhort. Let us labour to be the true children ofgody that fo \vc may attainc unto a like precious faith with others of gods children : that we with them may be of ofic conditi- on, weare oue and the fdfe-fame Livery. Thus of the 2 far^ ticular^ The r^ Wis thisjthat Every childe of God doth attaine unto that meafure of faith tvhich he hath ^through the fmgular providence of god, God is the Author of ^Z/^?'^^^ which we receive, who givcth to one a greater meafnre of grace ^x.0 another a l^fiy according to h/s oTvne pleafure. This is iaiplied in the word obtained, which (I have already fliewed) fignificth to obtaine by lot. This Saint l.^aul ilieweth. For I fay ,through t he grace given unto ms, to every r,%an that is among you, not to thinke more^ highly of htmfelfe than he ought to thinkc , but to thinke fober- ly, according as god hath dealt to every man the meafure of faith. And againe^H^'^^^^ then gifts, differ i^tg according to the grace (riven to us, "whether prophecie,let m prophecie accor- ding to the proportion of faith. And againe , '^ut unto every one of us is given arace, according to the meafure of the aift of ChriJL Hence we are taught I Nottoenvythe^^/^Jtf/^//:'^. Thus of the 3 parti- ciilar^ The ■ imim Verfe.i. The jfnfcription. 21 The fourth is this.tbac The children of God obtaine faith 'through the righteouf^ fie^e oflefm Qhrifh, that \s^ through his trufi and fidelity i keeping hisfromifes, (it being an efpeciall motive unto God^ to give grace unto his Eled) or through the nghteoufneffe ofjfhrifl: imputed unto uSy ifeft-owed upon us ; For wce could never have attained unto faith , unieffe C^rifl had hctwc faith full to bellow the fame upon us, and to worke it in our hearts. Neither yet could we througb/^^>/^ have beene ;«- /lifted in the fight oiGod, but by the imputation of (fhnfls right eoufneffe^y which we SirQJufiified , accounted righte^ oHSy and delivered from the gilt and puni[hment oi finne. He being made unto m right eoufne^e ; God for his fake be- fto wing upon us,faithJovej and f uch other graces ; yea, all r^/«^j"jas Saint P^/^/fhewcth ; He that fpared not his orpne Sonne, but delivered him up for us all, how [hall he not roith him alpj freely give us all things? Hence it folio weth. I That gods fromifes are moft certaine and infailible^that what he promifed fhaU undoubtedly be performed. 2 Thatthebeftway toattaine/i^f^at the hand of God, is to urge him with hxsfromtfe, 3 That the confideration of gods truth, and fidelitte in kQQ^ing hispromifesyis an excellent mcancs to encreafe faith in us, as alfo daily to confirme the fame. Thus of the ^ far^ ticular. The fift is this,that Chrifl is true God,the Saviour of the faith full, of his orpne EleEl : where god\s placed before Saviour , to (hew that our Saviour mufi be God, That he \s true God may be diver fly proved, i from te^ flimonies of Scripture. Thy Throne, O God^ is for ever and ever. 'Behold ^a Virgin {hall conceive and beare a Sonne , and pjall call hi^ name Immanuel, god with us. Of Tvhom as con^ ceming the fi^[h (^hrifi came, who is God, blejfed for ever, ^men. So in divers ether places, where the name Jehovah is giveu to him. 2 From relation: he is the onelj begotten C 5 Sonne Through tht right eoHfneJfey IJ.Thechils dren of God obtain e faith thrcugh the righteoufneflc oflefus Chrift. ^ I Cor.1.3 o. Rom. 8.3 2; Vfc. I a 3 OfCoddndour Sa^iomr Chrifi* JD.Chriftis trueGod,the Saviour of the Prooftfsoffcij Godhead. I Pfal4.^(J« ira.7.I4« Rom.9«^# 2 ■ m* 2Z Tl^e Salutation. Cb lobn 1 .1 S. 3 Phil. 2. (J. PrOf1.I2. Ioh.i^,l8. Mat. 9.4.. 4 Proofestl«t he was the Stus viour of the Luc.2.11. Mac. 17.5. Ibid.17. Reafojfi (es. Vfe, i Three things oKcrved ii> the Salutati- on, Eph.t,8« 2 rinfl.l.9» Tit.3*7» ap.i f. Sonne of God : the expreffe Image of the Father. 3 From the Epithets and titles given unto htm, equall to God, Eter- nall,ihc Author of eleBton, 1\\C Searcher of hearts, aadthe like. 'Bejlde, both his tvorke o^ (^reattonjoh. I .^ . and prefer- vation,(fol.\.\C. together with the ^J'or/^/p given unto him from time to timc5doe manifeftly prove that be is God. That he is the Saviour o( the f ait hfu/l,mzy bealfo divcrf- \y confirmed, by the teftimony o{ Angels, by the teftimony oF men, by the teftimony of God himfelfe. Vnto the performance of this rporke, , there did con- curre/^^^^f^r^ of confciencewhich.paffeth all 'natural under- flanding : So that as Ccds grace toward us , begettcth this knowledge in US, cven fo there iffueth from this knowledge, the peace which wc have, both inwardly with God, and our owre confciences, and outwardly with others. When there- fore the ^r^/?/>ii?J but*^^ all that hear e me this day, were both almofl ^and altogether fuch a^ I am, except thefe bonds. This agreetb with our Saviours fpeech, unto our Apo- file, when thou art converted, fi^rengthen thy brethrem Hence it folio weth, I Th^it thofe have no true grace , which envy that others Jhould partaks of grace, which ufe no meanes at all where- by others may partake thereof. 2 That the befh way, whereby to maks it appeare that wee have grace, and that God is reconciled unto m in his belo- ved, is by our daily endevourmg m the ufe of the meanes • to works ^^ others a love of grace, andof their attonement to God, Thus of tht fi^A Thcfecond is this^that The Preachers of Gods Word ouahr by their labours and endevoursjby their wifhes and prayers, to point out unto their people mmmm people thofe things ^ for which they [hculd ejpectally labour andendevour. Thus did the 7><>/?/7^/-x , thus the aApoflles^ thus our Saviour himfelfe unto his Dtfcifles, Thefe things ( faith Saint 'Paul unto Ttmothie ) command and teach. Thefe things ( faith the fame unto Titr^^ ) Speaks and ex- hort, andrehuke with all author itte. Thus Our aApofile here, he wifheth unto them thofe things , for which he would have them efpecially to endevour. Are not then thofe Preachers worthy of reprehenfion and blame, which having ignorant ««/^^/>^nW^ doenotwich- ftanding (cldome inftru(8: and teach them in the grounds of Chriflian Religion? and may not the like alfo be concluded of many feople , which cannot endure that the Preacher fliould bcatupon that ftring which doth moft neerely con- cerne them, which being unable to digeft ftrong meat , are notwithflandingoffended,if?»//^^ be prepared tor them, if the Preacher condefcending in rvifedome unto their capacity, doe principally handle catecheticall Do^rine , informing themplainely in the grounds of Chnflian Religion ? Oh how many likewife there are w'^ living in contention cannot endure to heare o{ peace, which living in nvh ore dome, cTcanox. abide to hearc of contmency , which loving drunkennejfc, cannot away to heare of Sobriety , which vexing themfelves witbcovetou/neffe, cannot endure to hcarc the DoBnne of content ation , although tbofe venues are principally to bee fought after by them ? Thusofthey^c-i>;2^from the perfons to whom he wifheth thofe things, being the EleEi children of God, vsho had obtained like precious faith with the yipo^ flies, this one (yhfervation may be gathered,that Spirituall things doe onely belong unto Gods children, Grace and peace be multiplyedunto you, through the know- ledge of God, and oflefus our Lord : Give not that ( faith our Saviour ^ which is holy unto the dogges, neither cafl you your pearles before Swine, lefl they trample them under their feet, Andagaine, It ii not meet to t^ike the childrens bread, and cafl it unto dogs. The Keafcns hereof are thefe. 1 becaufe God hath onely pre- laboursand endevours, by their prayers and wifhes,to poiat out unco the people thofe things, for which they (hould chiefely endevour* I Tira.<}„li, Tit»l.lf» Vfe. I 3 Obfcrvations from the per- sons to whom hewilheth thofe graces. Z?.SpirituaII things doe onely belong unto Gods children, Wat,7,(J. Mat. 15. Reafom^- x6 The Salutation. Chap.T. 2 3 4 5 I Cor.2.l4. Vfis. 1 >Gen.2i.5.(>. I Sam.i.8, M?>/^^// things, wihd rawing fomepartof that time which vv c fpend in fleefe, ia eating, in drinking , yea,a]lthat time which wc fptnd in finning and feeking the fuferfluou^s things of this tvorld, that we may obtaine^^,nd btcoii^C parta^ ksrs ohh^fame. Thus of the ^r/?. The VCii,^o.U}J7 Observation, from the gras CCS wifhcd unto them* Cracf and D. Spirimall things are the bcA things. I Titn.^^cJ", Phil3,8, Reafons* I 3 4 5 6 ffii. I ^s Tl^e Salutation. Chap. I, ZJ.The grac« and favour «fGodisthe chiefeft good thing to be £bught afcer« PraI.4., Thy loving kindneffe is better than life. This may be confirmed by thefe Reafons. i Becaufe hereby we may be certainc of our ownc falvation, z Be- caufe hereby we /hall obtaine fuch other blelTings, as {hall be necdfull both for body and leule, this being the caufe of all ble(fings which we receive, j Becaufe hereby we fhall be upholdcn in the time of trouble, hclp'tin the time ofneede^ even then , when riches will leave us , friends and chiefe outward things forfake us. 4 Becaufe hereby even outward things become blellings unto^us, which elfe would prove curfes. Hence it followeth, I That they doe badly imfloj themf elves and their time, which fref err e any thing before the grace and favour of god, which doe more eagerly feeke for other things, than for thofe. Ofthis fort, I might name divers, of which fome with the rich man in the g ojpe I ^orcfcvve their frofits,othcrs v^kh Herod ythcir pleafures, and others with cx^^y2>/ which Chrtjt hath bought with his owne blond j that peace which is the procurer of fellowship with Cjod • that peace which hath its foundation on the promifes of^od ; that peace which followes upon great humiliation^ ; where I fay thercisafluranceof (^ods favour, there this peace is to bee found. The very /w^/^ Wand .Whe« there isaflu- rance of Gcds favour,tliere is a pface of- conCcicnoc , Col. 1.20. Luc.2.29t Rom .17. />. By all which we may at'Hiae an aflu- rance diVavopir^ tranquillitie ofmmdc, and encreafe ofjpiri- tfiall graces. Touching the letter, the meanes whereby we miy actaine the k^iowledge of God, and his i'tf/^/^/f /^//// Chrifl ^ are thefe j eipecially. i lo get Gods Spirit into our ^."^/v , which may re vcale the fame unto us. 2 To be Crirn^ ft with 6'(?^ in prayer, crying for knowledge, and lift ing up our vojce for un^ derflandmg. g To be diligent and paintfuUin fearchingfor iufearchmgfor the fame, even as for filver.' 4 In being con- v^crfant in :he due and daily peruiall as well of the booke of Gods VVord, as the booke of Gods Workes. 5 In pradti- fing that which we knovvah-cady. C In getting a know- ledge of our want of knowledge, with true humiliation for the fame. 7 To t^alk£ Tvith the wife, even to keepe company with fuch as fearc God. Hence itfolloweth I That the mainc reafon why fo many complaine of the want of peace of ccnfciencc, and of their not profiting in Gruce, and of their not beholding Gods favourable counte- nance and tht Ijike, is their not^gro wing and encreafing in i'Sivmg knowledge. 2 That fuch as want the, true knaw- ledge o? God, and his Sonne lefm Chrifl, zvc in a miferable eftate and condition, they have no affurance oi Gods favour, no peace of ^onfcience ^no true andfavmg grace , and fuch is the cllatc of thonfands inthcfeour daycs. Ignorance is fo far from ^^>tm% the mother ofdevotion,t\\ix. it is the mother of perdition and defirfin:ton , whereby the Dcvill doth daily ^^/ ;?orkes inthe godly. ?5 and confidence in God* 3 That whofocver doth depend and wait upon god for £r ace, {hall undoubtedly obtaine the 4 That therefore feeing already we have received fo ma- ny bledings and benefits from God, as wdlfiintual/ as tem- porall, wc muft ftrive more and more to rely and depend on him : whereuntohehimfdfeby the multitude of his blef- fings doth daily provoke every one of as. Thus of the ground of this confirmation* The circumflances obfervablc about the fame, arc (as yce have heard )y^z/^«, of ^which it remaineth to fpeakc in order, at tbepleafureof^^^- The I circumflance concerneth the giver,hi^ Divine fow^ er ; whereby fome doc underftand lefpts Chrifi, as he is God and cJJ/^;?, and that by his one/j power, hee givcth us a// things, which are requifite both to eternallHfe, wherein hec hath appointed to giortfie us, and alfo unto godiifteffe, m that he (ioth fHrmJh us with true vertue. But others, God the Fa^ ther, by vvhofe power, faith is wrought in our hearts : every good thing, and every perfeSlgift, being from above, zxA com- ming downefrom the Father of light. Either cxpofition may be admitted, both comoiing to one end. S^fi' Irmaybedemaunded why he faith not God, but the divine power? ^yfnfw, Becaufe this is more fignificant and cmphaticalf, fuch as that, the Lord ofhoJ}es, noting unto us , the abilitie and might which this Giver hath, thereby the more to con- firme our confidence in him, in that he is able to bcftow fuch things upon us, ^odthen through Chrifl is the giver of fpiri- tuall things , they proceed from him , are beftovved by him. The a circumflance, concerneth the aElion^ hath given ^ fyt2^kxn^ of the time which was pafh , intimating unto us thefe two things, i That the hleffings which God had be- flowed upon his Church, were yet fre/h m his minde, 2 That they were not purchafed bj their merits, b$tt were the gift of God in lefns Chrifl. * D 2 The Hii Divine power* Rom.T.i^« Quefi. Anfw. O^/^God i« the giyer of (piri- euall things Hath given* 0^r*Go6 be- ftowet'i blef fings upon his Church freelj. r^ ?^ God the Giver ofholineffe here All things that pertaine unto life and god* linefTe. 0^/G odbcs ftowethhis blefsing&bounss tifwlly. Olf/.God in gis ving beftows rth upon his owne children thcbeft things, O^f Go h chils drenflandin need of man y thiogs- 0^/7Gods gifts arecabeiai- braced £nd employed as hclpcsunto life and godlinefle. Oif, Godlines here, and haps pineffeliereafs t7^ 5 this life hereafter fuccecdeth znholy IfehcYc, The 4 circumfi-ance ^conccvntlh the perfons to whom fuch gift s 2iVC given, ^otiinioth^wor Idlings not unto the f^z'/- oui '^ not uv.to the fVhoremonger , not unto the Drunkard, but unto us , even the Eleli children of God, his Divine p^ower hath given unto us all things that pertaine unto life and oiodlineffe. From thofe preceding circumflances , making one entire propoj7tion jthis cbfervation may be gathereci,that Godbyhis*^Divi'riepower,dothfeely beflow upon his owne children, all thofe things which maj further them in their courfe ofgodlineffe here, and crowne them in everlafiing hap- pinefe, hereafter* That there is a Crowne ofglory^ a life ever- l^flmg^ none of you I truftwillder^f;: ih^x onely fuch as live .1.1 ■ ii» itve the life of grace, fisall live the life of glory , \s noleffe apparent, and i\xi\,there are many things frof table for men and women^to fnnher them inthe courfe of godlinejfe , that they may ohtaine the Kingdome of Heaven, and be partakers of life ever laf^ing, who doth not fee ? Herein oncly ftands the difficptlty, JVhether God be able to beflcwfuch things ufon us , and whether he doth freely beftorv the fa me. The former^ blalphcmous Rabfeketh, rebellious Pharaoh, and proud Ne- buchadnez^i^r, did wll in queftion, yea, and even Gods chiU dren oftentimes in the time o(Comc heavy temptation ^ make ^^//^/- of, and fo are provoked unto depuration; the latter ^s \wc\hhQP apijls sisignor ants amon^h our fclves, doe in eflfed dcny^ when as they aflirmc that they obtaine bleffmgs through their merits ^ fatisf anions i good rvorkes , and the like. That god is able to beftowuponus all things which per- taine vnto life and godlineffcj may be proved from the very names ^nd attributes of God^ from the workes and miracles which Cjtd hath formerly done, from the daily experience of Gods children in their obtaining of fuch things , and their many deliverances from the fierce ajfaults of Sathan , and fre/ervation in the time oi trouble. That he doth alfo be- ftow them j6^B» Vfif. iii>f l^ SimiL Throttg^i the kflorvledge of him that hath calUd vs to glory and ver- tui. The EleEl effeElually wim CI 3 a P-»i /^.TheElea are cifeilually called by Chrifb. B.QrH.i.C;, ludez. Kom.3.10, 21. Tvhom likewifeh'e dothfodireU: hy hii i fir it.^ that they attaine the fame, though in the mcaiie time ( as the Ifr^^lnes before they enjoyed the lane! of Canaan ) tbey miy meete with ma- nifold croffcs and affliflion^^. So that its mt m vaine ( as ma- ny judge ) toferve the Lord, 5 That therefore we muft be earneft with God in prayer, thgt he would be plcafed to bellow upon us, faith , hope. love, repentance, and the like : Together with all other things which may htfrojitahle for our furtherance in godli- ne^e here, unto everlafling life hereafter. He that is to tra- vai/e unto farre countries ^nrdi\ before-hand /^^^^'t^^W*? for his journey. He ehaX is lofatle through dangerous fe as, muft be- fore-hand make his t ac kjings ftre. So muft nvee , wc arc to travaile towards heaven,tofiile through the dangerous fea ofthisworld. We muft therefore by prayer unto god , pro- vide for things nccdfull. The 5 ctrcumfiance conccrncth the meanes , whereby we atraine thofe things which pcrtaine to life and godlinejfe, through the kj^owledje of him that hath called us'^to glory and vertue, that is, true fatth in lefus Chrifl, hy whom we are- effeBually called, leadingan holy and godly life here , and at the lengrh ol?tafmna everlafling happinejfe hereafter: unto tliis efiate are wc called by Chrifl, yea, we are hereunto cal- 1 led by his owneprjyper and glory, d.s tbe^^^^^ are alfo rcndred byfome. From this circumftance three ohfervations may be gathe- red. Ihcfirfi is thisjthat The EleEl are effeElually called hy Chrifl. Amongft whom are yee alfo ( faith Saint l^aul ) the called of lefus Chnll. To them ( faith Saint lu^de ) that are preferved in lefus Chrift, and called. When I fav,^^^>, they are the (f/^<^ ',toanci\ate oi immumtie free pardon,^nAzV faftie^ to thcglorious Ktngdome of heaven, which therefore is (liled ledge Cbap. i • 1 Partkulir knowledge of oar eiF.(ftuaU calling is pof- 2 Pet I.IO. I Cor 2,12. SirniL may exceedingly comfort themfelves ia all diftre&s, in as mach as their eftate , ( howfoever themfelves may be out- wardly perfecuted in this world, yea, in the midfl: of crolTes and affliclions ) is honourable and. hapfj. 2 That as we defire a -particfilar ajfurance of our EleEli^ on, we muft firft of all gct^parttcu/ar ajTurance of our effe- Buall calling by C^r//7', howfoever it's the opinion of fomc, xh.ztnor/^antnthiis life can he certainc of his falvation , yet hereby(contrary both to their opinion and dodrine) may we get aifurance of the fame. Vocation is the middle Un^ of the ^/'^^W, tying and knitti-^g^/^^/^^and (glorification to- gether. Hereby our eUBion fecret in it felfe , is manifefted unto our felves and others. Its a mar.ifeHation of our eleBi^ on, a fore-rtinner of our glorification. The besl way in a maine land to finde the l^ea, is by walking along the lide of any Ktver which runneth unto it. So it x^ our bed way by our vocation^ to rake notice of our eleBion* Its the fernici- OHS doUrine oifome, that Cjod doth e^eVtaally call all men, gi- 'i^ingthemafowcr to beleeve if they will: which contradi- Cxtth the holy Scriptures, where it is faid. It is not given to all to under fiand the myfteries of the Kingd'^me, And againe, Thefe things are hid from moH of the wife of this- world , and revealed tmto Babes, By this doftrine maft not we try our vocation, it will but ditQ,t\vt and feduce us. For, this faving grace, may enter into a land, but not unto every Citie, into a OW?*^ ufeth not the like /w^^«^^ in the calling of every one- Some he called withotit me ane s yZ^ Abraham -OiRd Taul^ fome 41 ilgnesofeiFe-) ^. They are partakers of Jantltficatton. Thty are partakers oF /ot^^. They are parta- kers oihope, "Not to inftance ntore. Saint P^f^l thanl^th God for the Romans ,ihdXt hetr faith was fpoken of throughout the Tvhole world, ^ or the Corinthians ^ thsittn every thing they Tppere enriched by lefm Chrifi, in all utterance, and in all knorvledge. For the Ephefans , in that the LORD had bleffed . them tvith all fpirituall blejfmgs , tn heavenly places y in CHRIST, For the Coloffians , becaufe ^/ their faith m Chrifi lefus, and love which they had vnto all the Saints, For the Th^^ffalonians, remembring without cea- fing.their worke of faith, and labour of love ^ and patience of hope in our Lord lefm Chrifi. Alfo, becaufe their faith did grow exceedingly, and the charity of every one ofthen^ towards each other did abound ; aIlb/e<^cdof him. None are ejfe- iiua/!yca//ed, but the SleEh -^ None arc partakers of true grace ; but fuch as are effeStuallj called ; None are, or fliall be partakers ofglorte, but fuch as have beene^or [hall be par- takers of grace: arid None either have beene or pjall be heere partakers of grace ^\v\\\.{^ either now are not, or Jhall be here- after partakers of ghry^ of ever lafting life, e{ the Kmgdome of heaven. Hence D. Suchasare cffedluaUy called arc fiere pai takers of giace^and flail be heres after of glory. A<^.Il.2o* Rom, 1.7^ CoI.r.<^. iPet.i.^, Rom, 1. 8. I Cor. 1,4^ Eph.1.3, Col. 1.4.^ 2Thefl;i.4. RottJ.S.jo* 1 Pet. 1, 9. Reafcn^ '? 44 Vfes. I Ghriftwc ats taine fucli things as may further us to-* wards grace and vcrtue here and glory here* after. loh.I.I*. Gal.2.2o« Eph.3.17. I loh.5.4. rfis. Faith furthers grace and glory, Chapo i Hence it folio weth, 1 That ^y the gifts and graces of(jods Spirit within pfs^tve may be affured, as well of our effe^HallcalUno-, oi of our un- doHhedfojfeJfionofheaven.Kxt wc endued with ih^ gifts SkVii graces of Gods Spirit ? Without doubt we are effeBually called , without doubt we iliall be perpetually glorified. Whereas by the contrary, are we not partakers' of ^r^revill f Wah- eft thou intheway to heaven, andyetleaveft no wickednejfe unper- formed? Doftthouthinketobe^/^^^^'2/^- The 6 fircumfiafice jCOnccvncth the ejfefi of thofe bene jits ^iven unto us^ we have by them mofl great and precious pro- mifeSy ^)[{i(^agreat and precious promt fe 5^%:^ ht underftood either as the inflrumentall caufe of our ejfe5lua/i calling (faith and th^fiudy ofholinejfe being wrought in us by the promtfesofGodyVjhilil thcy are out of the ^Jf,l8. K.oai«i$«8« Tit. 1. 2, .Ioh.(>.i7. hefromifedin Chrifi lefus. So unto T^Vw , Vntathehofeo^f eternall life, which God that cannot I te, hath f rami fed before the world began. Hence ^^^/^ comfortable conclnfiom may be gathered. I "Watthefe promifes are fro f table and needfull for Hs^ ^^ fnrther m in the courfe ofgodlineffe. All his w&rds arc fonde- red, his workes done vajftdgement; no radi, vaine, or nnad- vKc^ word doth proceed from him. 2 That thofe fromtfes are nndoubted fignes and tokens of Gods love towards us, I That the fromifes of God are unchangeable, and [hall be undoubtedly performed in their time, he which hath fromi- fed^ is fully able to doe them ; he that hath fromifed, u faith- fully he cannot deny himfelfe ; he which hath fromifed can- not lie , all his fromifes are in Chrifi lefm, yea, and Amen, God is as well able to performs them all, as one of them , and therefore r/?9' are named fometime in the fingular number, the fromife "^ yea^to confirme US in the infallibilkic of Gods fromifesy-vjt have the fVordofGod^^hich is true and righte- ous altogether, Wc have the oath of God, that the heires of fromife might have abundant confolation, Wc have the Mi-- niflry of Chrifi confirming them unto us. We have themfea- led unto us , both in the counfellof god, httottlh^ world was,and in the Sonne of God, and m the Sfirit of God,i called alfothe Sfirit of fromife. Soalfoin the ff^o Sacraments. 4 That ffo childe of Cjod ought to doubt of Gods fromifes, but beleeve them^rely ufon them, and waite ufon the fame. Thus of the giver. Vox the lithe gift, fromifes. Is this all, may fomc fay, which god beftowcth on his owne children ? I anfwer^they are more than we deferve, nay, they arefo much, as Gods chil- dren need no more, they bringing with them all things need- full. There's a difference betwcene the fromifes of man, and the fromifes of god y men may lie, men may refent, men are deceit fuU, men are changeable, many make f^ire frrmifes, bur doe not f erf orme them^their fromifes being but as wtnd andfmoake;yea, and if they mcane ^U(^m^x\iQiit fromifes, divers things xm,-^ be confide- red, as naintlyy the kinds of them ; the differences hetweene them ; the nfe which may and ought to be made of them ; by what meanes we may get affurance of them ; and how God doth f erf orme them unto us, lonchxn^ihtkiffdsofthem^ They are either Z^?^^//, or Evangelic all ; fuch asfertame unto this life, or ft^ch as per~ taine unto the life to come ; promi/es abfolute , and promifes conditional I ; promifes principally and promifes leffe princi^ pal/ ; promifes generally and promifes particular ; promifes temporall,JpiritHall, and eternally either of which diftindli- ons doth comprehend all the reft. Gods legall promife is, when he pafleth his word for the giving of cternaJl Life, and other tcmporall good things, upon condition of fff(fillt^g the LarwiEvangelicall, when he pafleth his word for ih^ giving of Chrtfi^ and together with him, remtjfton of finnes, right e^ f>Hfneffe,^ndeternall life, as alfo the bleffmgs of this life, yx^on condition oh beleevmg the (jofpel, which therefore is called , the promife of grace , of the Spirit ^of Faith, and of Chrift* The promifes pertaining unto this life , are either fptritHall concerning ihcfoule, fuch as the promifes of Qods- graces ^ or temporal/ concerning the body, fuch as health, wealth, and t he Uks- The promifes appertaining unto the life to come, zxt eternal I life,thccrowne of glory, with thofe joyes , which ^od hath laid Hp for his owne children, T^romifes abfolute, are fuch as conc^Tn*^ cur fpirituallTmdeterna/lcihte; conditionally our temporal r. The promifes principall ,zxt rtghteoufneffe, remif- fion of finnes i life everlafling, and the Hks l the leffe princi-^- pall\ deliverance in a^iElioni , fafme in dangers -^ healthy wealth. 1 Pct.3 .^, Note. Tlie divers Ici«d$ofGods Lev.iS.y^ GaI.5.i2o 4S Comfortable ufe oj Godspromifes. Chap, I. Differences between Gods protBirc$,legall and Evangeli- The comfort table ufe which may and ought to be made of Gods promi* fes. Inpzolperity. In advcriitk; In time of temptation/ wealthy and the/i/^'. l^romifesgenerall, are thofe th^thelone unto all Gods chtrldreh.fartic filar unto thU ox that man or woman, Trofnifes temporall, are fuch as concerne ouvMtes, ^irittiallomfoules, both in this life : €ternaHS\lc\k^% concerne bothhsdy ^xAfoule, inthe/*/^ to come. Touching the differences betweene Gods fromifes. The legall are made upon condition off fulfilling tht Lojf , they are made anddireded to the ferfon of every man particularly : but the fromifes of the gojpell ,^xt firft direfled and made to C^rifi, and then by confeqnent, to them that are l?) faith in-^ grafted into ChriJl.Tht iegall alfo doe not proceed from Gods free mercy in Qhrifh /^f/^/i, which the Evangeiicall doe ; yea, and ihtp^omifes of the Licrv , were ineffeSlnall , which the Sv angel icall arc not. BctwcQnQ£vangelicaJl fromifes , there is alfo a difference, thQfpiritua/lgivz abfol^te, the temporaH fliall be accomphfhed to farre forth as they ferve for the glo^ ry of god, and the good of all them that heleeve. Touching the Vfe which may and ought to be made of Gods promifes, it's exceeding great, in all places, at all times, upon every occafion, in projperitj^ in adverfttie, in temptati^ on, at the hofire of deaths In projperitie, we are many times afraid of adverfttie • we are many timtcntifed by tlie plea- fures offnne , we grow often dull,zvid negligent in the per^ formanceof holy duties, V7Q zvQ of tQn provoked by the com^ fany of wicked men to ungodly c our fes «/on whom ^i'^beftowcth his premie fes, they are the ilefl ^tht regenerate ; They onely arc parta- kers of Gods abfolute Evangelic all promifes^ The unregene- ratc which live in their finnes without repentance , they are flrangersfrom the covenant ofpromife. Gods children , they are the heires ofpromife. The wicked I confcffe may be faid in fome fort to be partakers of Gods promifes, as when they heare the Word ^ xcccivc the Sacrament, and the Z/^; but D thev In the houre of death* Meancs where- by to get aflu- ranee ofGods How God per- formeth fait proBuIes. ■ TJieperfons on wkom God beftowcth his promifes, £phe«2cl f • Gal.) .22 0 5<» Vfi- Keafbns why God beftow" etb on bis chiU drenHich pros mifes 3 4 Via. Hcb.io 2J. />.Thc proroi- iesvvhich God bedoweth tip? onhisovvne child ren^are moft great and precioui. '. '"- • I Gods promifes moji great and preciom: Cbap. i . they are not intended for them, they are not profitable unto them, they turne unto their further condemnation. Gods fromifes are the childrens kread, not to he cafi unto dogges : they 2LX€fr^cioPt6fearles, not to be cafi unto hogges. Hence we are taught. To endevor for an affurance that we are the children of God, and having obtained this affurance, tocomfort our ftlvesin the meditation o(Godsfromifes,yN2XVin^vjoxthy of the fame. Thus havine; (hewed you the Giver, ihtgift, and the per^ fons upon whom (jod doth bedowhis fromifes, take notice in a word or two oft he Reafons why Cjod beftoweth on his children/uch fromifes, they are thefe. 1 The manifold dangers, troubles, aud miferies, which we undergoe in this prefent world , in which his fromifes doe uphold us. 2 That when wc have the thing promifed , wee may not afcribe the fame unto chance and fortune , but unto Gods faithffilneffe, I That wee may perceive the great benefits which wee have by ^V//?. 4 That wc may ftill goe on in the performance oF holy duties, m faith J hofe,chartrie,frayer, and the//Af' Seeing he is pieafed to afford us iomany fromifes, NOvV in that God beftoweth upon us,fo mmjfrom^fes,v^z are hereby taught. To be rruely thankefull unto ^od for his fromifes, to ac- knowledge his love in giving them unto us , endevourmg to performe thofe duties which hee prefcribeth unto us,in as much as he isfaithfull who hath fromifed. Thus of the firfl obfervation. 1 hcfecond [s this, that The fromifes which ^od beftoweth Hfon his owne children, are mo ft great andfrecious. So called, both in refped: of the aAmhor of them^ Cjod , who is the King of Kings y and Lord o(Lords;ihQ ground of them, lefus Chrift j for whofe lake we obtaine them ; the manner how thej are given,fteely\ the meanes whereby they are affrehended , faith ; the g^^^^ I and Vcrf 4- ^^d t^e ufes to bemade of them. 5« and inefltmaUe -projite flofping from them i and the end why they are beflovped upon ;^,thit vpe may be partakers of the 1)/- V trie Nature. Befide, they are of infallible truths yea, the deeds and evidences of a Chrtfttan for hxsfaivation , and for all other good things ; for,what elfc have any of us to fhew, whereby vvc may challenge heaven , remijftr^n of fmnes, and {i\ch\i\.Q frivil edges, but onely Cods promifes entitling us thereunto? Whatfocver ^.GedscIiiI« dren are fur- thered there- by \n thofe things which pertaine unto lifeadgodlio neflc. ReafoHn Vfe. Through the knowledge of hira who hath called us to glory and rightconfncfle* O.God bes ftoweth upon us his promifes il^ and through the meanes of Chrift. 1 Cor.i.io. CoUg,ii, 5^' Comfortahle ends of Gods promifes. Chap. I* F/e. j. Tt^at by tKefc you might be par rakers of I the Divine na- I ture having ef- captJth^ cor- rupt ion that is in thevvorid ■ tlircLigh luft. i Pilil.39.^. A twofold end of oar dF^tTlq-. allcalli'ir, and of Gods promirBii»lllmi«-^J««HW»»Wg world through liffi. Either of wluch doth afford unto us one profitable ohfervatton, The/ tvtne Nature may be ta- ken two manner of wayes, either for the e^ence ^ccAfubftance of God, or for the qualities which are in him. Touching the fub fiance znde jfence o£god , we cannot be faid to be partakers o£ the fame : for then all the former ab- furdities would foUow- Touching the ^//^A>/V^ and f r^/^m they are of two forts, I Such as are incommunicable, 1 Such as are communicable* Touching thofe which are incommunicable, they are of two forts, either thofe which are here incommunicable , but ihall be hereafter communicable ; fuch as immutabiUtie, eternitie, immortalitie^ -pf thofc we are not here partakers, but hereafter fhall : or thole which are both here , and Oi^l rer[\^me hereafter incommunicable, {uch SiS omnipotencj/ , im- menfitie, and the lik^\ of thofe we neither are, nor lliall be partakers. Such as zre communicable, wee may partake of, I as of power, wifedome, knowledge, goodnejje , mercie , right e^ oufneJfe,holineffe,and the l^kf ; which are put into our na- ture by ^Divine power, whereby we refemble God, sls chil- dren doe their parents^ bearing the Image of his wifedcme znAptiritie, So then when I fay, that by thepromtfes of God given andperfom^d unto us, we become partakers of the di- vine nature, v^^e muft underftand not the fub fiance of the ^Dei . tie, but the partaking of thofe qualities, whereby Gods Image isrefioredunto us here, and we become glorified hereafter, tm- mortalljholy, pure righteous, and the like, E 3 For Z?.By tljeprofl naifcs of God given «nd per- formed imto us, we become partakers of the Divine «a- ture. Ob. Sol. By the divine nature we are to underfjrand the partaking of thofe quali- ties whereby Gods Image is rcftored unto ushere^and we be con3e glori- fied hereafccr. ■w-^ U H Hjl 54 Wliatthel- mage&fGoJ in man was ♦ Gen. t. to, Gen.i.^J. £pk.4«24» What the Jma^ of God in mm limits. Cbap lOap.r For the further underllaiiding of this DoBrine , thcfe foure points are to be handled. 1 Wlhiitthe Image of God jf^ man w.tf. 2 How CMan iofl the Image of god, 3 How the fromifes of God refatre this Im/ige in Man, 4 How the fromtfes ofGoda^nre m ef haffittejfe, glory immortalttte, and ever laftinor life. For the i man might have bccnc called the Image ofGo^d, in a threefold refped. i In refpctfl of the fubftance of his foule, whofe nature isjpirituall^ intelligible, incorforeall , im- mortall.tnvifihle, which being but One in man , endued with fnemorj , cogitation , and willy doth in Saint oAugnftines /udgemcnt reprefent the Vnitie of the Cjodheadjzn(\ the Tri^ mtie of the Ferfons. 2 In refpccfl of the excellent gifts, wherewith he was indued : his minde was reflenijhed with fuch heavenly wifedome^ that he had a perfect knowledge of God, of his Ti^iily of his worlds, and of the nature and proper- ties o^clW creatures. So that he could give aft and proper names unto the creatures , and ks^ew whereof Hevah was^ made, ^ndmthCnch free-will znd power to obey (yod, that if he wouldjhc might have continued in that efiate , and not h'SiVQ firmed I yea, h^was created in right eoufnejfe and holi- nejfe-y altogether without finne. jlf n refpeifl of hM dianitie^ dominion,2iX\A eminence 3 dhovc^l Other creatures, hee had fuch 3 n imperiall majefiie^ that all inferiour creatures did re- verence, and obey him as their King Sind- cjl'iafier; hee cal- led the creatures^ and they came unto him -, herein did Cjods Image oi man, confift- For the i^^J^^tan loft x\\\^Imageo{Cjodx}i\tovi^finne,God gV7tzyfdamzxid Hevah TiCommandement to eate of all the trees of the Cjarden, the tree of knowledge, of good and evill excepted. The '^D evill envying the felicitie and happinefie of Man, cntred into the Serpent, and feduced Hevah, by whom al(b her ^/^^^^W was fcduced, whereby borh^^^ c^te of the f or bidAen fruit, and thereby became deprived oiCods Image. Their foule htc^mefiained znd polluted withfinne, thtirmind bcCiitnc da?' kcr^cd and igftorant ofthc knowledge o[God^ their Gen.2.l9<, How ram I'^fl the Image of God. Gen.2.l7» Gen ja 2,13. Wi t> ' *mu^*%m ■»■ M^HEaiaBsse Ycrf.^HoTt? G ods promi/es repaire thislnntge. 55 Will became altogether ferverfe, and refn^nant unto the wtll oiGoi^', ycz, the very creatures made for their nfe, turned dtfohedient^ and became their enemies. For the 5 , by the fromifes of God , this Ima^e becom- tneth after a fbrt,cvcn in this world repaired in «f . I prove it thus, (?^^afrer the fall of cJ^^«, promifed that the feed of the woman Jhohld treade downe the head of the Serpent; when the fulne^e of time came, according to hispromife , ChriH le- fns wa^ borne, the exprejfe Image of the Father, in whom dwel- leth all the f nine \fe of the godhead bodily: who of god is made unto us, wifedome andrighteoufneffe , and fan^ification and redempt%on\ who was madefinne for i€S , which k^ew no fmne, that we pjould be made the righteoHpneffe of Cod in him : hy whom we which were in times pafl flr angers and enemies , are Howreconciledunto god,inthat body of his fe[h through death, that we might be holy and unblameable, and wiphout fault in his fight. In and by whom we arefanElifed, Saints by calling'. For who fe fake, we [hall be confirmed unt a ^he end,that we may be blamelejfeintheday of our Lord lefm Chrifl, Briefelv, by the promifes of CodinChriJl, given and performed unto us, we become hofy, righteous, upright, wife, religious, pure, though not inabfa/uteneffe and perfe6lto» , yet in truth and fwceritie- and therefogfcavc this Image of G^d through C^r//? repaired in w:?. ^1^ For the 4, thepromifes of God ajfure us ofever/afiing hap- pinejfe, and glory in the kingdome of heaven: Ik^ow f faith lob rdyingupon go^s promifes ) that my Redeemer liveth, and that hee [hall fiand at the latter day , upon the earth, and though after my skin,wormes defiroy this body ^ yet in myflejh [hall I fee god ; for our light affli^ton ( faith Saint P^/^/j which is but for a moment, worketh for us, a farre more ex- ceeding and et email weight of glory , while we looks not on the things that are feene^ but at the things which are notfeene. And againe,/^^ we know, that if our earthly h'jufe of this ta- bernacle were di^clved,we have a building cf God, an houfe not made with hands, eternall in the heavens. I preve it thus, God hath promifed us, glory, immortalitie , and everlafling E 4 ///)?; How the pro HiifesofGod repaire this iraageianian. I Cor.Kji. tGor^y.21, I Cor.1.2, iCor.i.S* Howthtfpro~ mi{esofGod affure us of evcrlafling happineiTe. 2Cor«442;. 2Cor.;.X* 5^ The happy ejlate of the godly ^ Cb ap. i A«Ss7,f 3 ^iiii T~ r irr" t i >^si /^/^; t:\0\V th^ nature o^ God is immuta^/e and unchangeahie he cannot lie , fo alfo hhfromifes arc mofl://^r^ ^/^^ conftant, without 2iny (hadow of changing: our fauh alio doth appre- hend and apply them, yea, and wee eiW.evonr in our lives andconveriations to wdlktfyorthy of them , comforting and encouraging our lelves in the midft oitrouhles, crojfes , and ^j^/(^/■*»=»>«■ wsmitmi Kttsnm toxhc fiefi^j/ pots oi Egj/pt,xhsin unto them; like unto pro- phane BJan, which had more irindt unto a mefife(j{fottage, \.\\zvi unto them. That which unro ac/?//*^^ o(Godh^a/me Jrofff Gt/ead to itiicfhlhQin, Zfreciom treaff^re to enrich thcWyJweeter than the hcny dr the hony combe .more rejpeEled than thoufands of Gold and fi/ver yth^t they fcorne and re/ed". 2 Vnto- inch as dei pife the divine nature , even the gifts and graces of Cods Spirit bcflowed upon his cwfte children, tiittimngfa/fehood wore than truth, pj eferring profanenejfe heiOYc ho/incffe, 3 Vnto fuchasfct themfelvcs againft the children ofC^od, reviling, backc-biting , belying, mocking, fcorning, perfccuting, and bafely efteeiDing of them, how dai'ft thou dot thus ? doft thou not beleeve that it ^^/i?^rf - fullthina to fall into the handi of the living ^od? doft llioii thinke that Codwtll falffie hu prcmtfe ? 1 ttUthce , though thou wcrt as rich as the rich man in the Cojpcl, though thou hariftas muchfubftanccj^s /^^/W, though thon wemft in Ttirfle and Scarlet every day ; yet a poore fervant of Chrifl is more refpe(^ed ot G^<^than thou art ; yea, he will \ avenge whatsoever rvrongs and injuries rhou doeft unto fuch, they being partakers of his otvne.ofthe divine nature: For C^?//6'/^^/<7;^,hercby G^i^^chiidrtnmay be exceedingly encouraged ^agdinft all tro|^les& croflcs whatroever,againfi the feare of the T> evilly the rr^^r/^, and the/'7^j^;againft ihe feare o^ falling away^ anc^ finall ivine na^ ture, here of gr ace, hi^i2i&ir of glory. Compare the eftate V. herein thou art, the etlate wherein thou fialt be with the cftatev herein thou -w?^/, both a, igmally in aAdam, and aBually befort thy converfon ^ and then tell me , whether thou hrtd not great caule torejoyce ? Thou tvafi: a firebrand of Hell d fldve untojtnne, a captive of the IDevill, 2i firanger fron^lhclifiofGcd', now thvu haft Gods Spirit dwelling "^tthi:-; thee, rhou art a child of God, ingrafted in Chrifi le- f^', ore which partakefi of the Divine nature , haft thou not then great caufe K.f]oj f yea, how canft thou be difc our aged, havit>g fuch caufe ot encouragement f For Hcb,lo.3I, Matt.19,22, lob I. 3, Vfeof Confo- lacioAi^ 58 Godspromifes an ejj^eciall helpe Chap, i ^ VfesofExkor- I 2 4 D.By the pros miCe of God weefcapethe cerruption that is in the world through Gcn,6'4ll« For Exhortation, i Let us endevoiir and labour by zf arti- cular faith in Chrifi , and apfUcation of (j;- vels nature-^ to forfake thofe,\S\^x. they may be partakers of the Divine Nature. Thus of the/ andjhunne evill, is fuiRcient. 2 The difference betwccne the^hathev^Q\Aii^ have «# to doc for our felves. Hijdoi;fgs towards ui Tittadmirahle, his loveuyi^eakeahle^ ht^ bounty exceeding great , he doth of his free grace, and lone in Chrtftybefiow upon m, ail things ivhtch perfatne unto Hfe & godiineffeigrAce here, and glorj hereafter ; he doth effeBti- ally call Hi in his Sonne Chrtfi Jeft44, by the ejfedtnall preach- tngofhii holy and heavenly word, he doth be flow Hpon m mojl great and preciow promifes^ that by them leve may be par- takers of the ^Dtvme nature, that by them we may be deliver red bothf'om our cvme corruption, and everlajling deflruSli- 0 u, the fruit STiVid effeEls of the deceitfull world, ofour Ovvnc fepyly lufis; our part is to give all diligence hereunto ^lo flrive andendcvourbya particular application and apprehenfion to findc the benefit, the fruits, the effeds of tnofe gifts of God in cur felvcs. Whtticcfoure things may be noted, 1 That,leeing G.By ouren* devour in ho» lydutieswe ilirther^ur ovvnefalvatii on. SimiL AGodbe* ftowethhis blefiings upcn us,thatweniay appreLeiid thcro,andpar» taJceofthem* 4 Z> Qoddcth by<^egrcespcr- fc(flhi» worke parta- dren. Two things obferved from ht coherence with the laA: part of the i'ourtfa vcrfe, I ZJ.Withcut ■lortifleation noaHurance ofouracceps tance with God^ Mat.i^.I^. lob 3 1.2.2. Mal.^7. I Cor,5,7, The workcof mortiiication, hard,laborious anddifHcuIr. pzTtAtvso^ the "Divide nature y and that they may minde thefaDr]cefpeciaIly,hcftirreth thcmup, by fhcwiiag them their dutie.about their diligence in the ufe, and application of the fame. Thus it cohercth in generall with the ^ and ^ verfes. In particular it cohereth with the Ufi words of the former verfes,\^\\\c^\ as hyfome they are trzn^3X^A,havtn(T es- caped the corruption that ii in the rporld through iufi ^ fothey are as well rendred by others ^in that ye flee or renounce, oiab^ flatne from the corruption which is in the world through luft , It may be thus laid do wne, as if our Afoftle had faid. Itir- commeth all you which are the children of Qod , earneflly to ftudy J and diligently to endevour for true fan^ifrcation, to flee, renounce J and ahflaine from worldly lufls, that foyeemay be more and more partakers of the T)ivine nature. Whence typo things may be noted. I Thzt, uniejje we be care full to flee from the corruptions of our nature , endevouring and flriving every day more and more to mortifie our finffillluflsywe fjall never have any af- furance of our acceptance with God, Moft needfull is this 6uX.y o^mortiflcationyVjhcrchywc become viEiorious over the fruites of our corrupted nature, even our flnnes, our frnnes I fay, whereby we are defiled , and become loathfome both before God and «^««; whereby wc become free from thofe ftrange punifhments , which arc for the workers of inicjuitie. Oh how fearefull is their eftare and condition, which lie ftiU in their flnnes, which doe not mortifie the lufts o^ihtirfl^fby but give way unto their corruption ! a p'^efage ohhdr defrruflion ; what portion can they have of ^^^ from SibovCy T^ndwhat inheritance from the ^yflmightie , from on high ? Shall not Chrifl be ifwiftwitnefe^^^iniksWfearelefe and careleffe men, which being guihie of vices , make not fpeedto breaks them off' by repentance ? iuch fiall not enter into the Kingdome ofCjod. 2 1 hat the work^ o^mortiflcation is hardy laborious, and difficult, it req iireth a great dcale ofpaine and labour , wee muft not goe about it coldly ^ndflow/y, but muft doe it dili- gently y with our whole endevour; flnne hath Z flrong hearty it Yeift ^Fnto "Ufhich other graces mujibe added. ^? I Sam.4,9, \l\snotfi one killed: It hath %TCZX. forces, many adherents, m2inyhelpes, and thcrtforc we murt give even all diligence thereunto, that u c may weaken it more and more , till ic die, till the i^odj oifinne be deftroyed. The Thi/ifttms encoura- raged one another top/ay the men, that they might vanqnifh tht Ifraeiites : encourage \\ c our filves, encourage we one I another to flay the men in our mortification and vane^tjhino ^offmne. Thus as it cohercth in particular wiih the former verfe. It cohereth alfo with ih^follcwtng wcrds, according to our »erv Tranflation,zvid. be fides this giving all diligence^ adde to your faith ,vertHe ,^c . implying divers things. I That it is not enough to flee and abftaine from our fefhly Infls^andfoperformethe duty of mortification , vnlejfe ai/b Tve adde unto the fame , faith ^ vertue Jznowledge ytemperance^ and the like Chriftian graces. It is not enough to performe one duty , lea v ing the reft undone. King Agriffa rt>as almoft perfrnaded to become a Chriftian ^z rich man thit came unto Chriftj^ had many commendable things in him, T)emas went a great way with Taul^ but becaufe they went no further in the way o\ Chrifltanity , that which they did was nothing. 2 That naturally we are fluggifh^fLoathfuil^ and dull tn the performa'fice of holy duties^ and therefore ha 7e need to bee often roufed upje\horted,perfaadcd,admoni{hcd , and war- ned to perforine our duty with all diligence. In temporall things we are for the moft part too too carefull , we can Gt up late , and rife early , but injpirttuall things (being y?/z^- gards) ,\ c have need to be awaked. 5 That wc cannot attame unto any of the graces of (jods Spirit without dilKPence.faine- full labour and travaile. The Husbandman^thc Gardner^ the 0\farr i-ntr ythc Souldier, they mu{ltake/>^*^.Vrtotli and Gods gra- ces live in us« 5 Becaufe if we doe not thus flrive againft pur owne corruptions , and wifh our whole might and ftrength beat downe our manifold vices , they will in the end draw (jods judgements on us here, and everlafting tor-' F ments Why God res quireth fuch great diligence intheappre- henfion and application of his benefits. I 2 3 4 5 6 Why God res quireth Hi ch great diligence in tke mortifiis cation of out lufts. : Prov.i^.H, 4 5 I I r 66 Why Ged requires diligence in hisferVtce^ Chap, i . Why God re- quireth fuch diligence in the encreafe of fpirituall gras ces. '; I 2 z 4 m The Utter, ^ddetoyour I Thccracfc* comaiaaded» ments hereafter, l^vjt kill not finm, it will furely ^^^7/ us, : iiwcAoc not vanqntjh it, it will furely vrnquipjus^ and m^ktusbondjlaves^ 6 Becaufe this duty oi^ njonificaticnis not either cafily attained , or foone performed^ it being a long r/>«i? before in en caif be pcrfwaded to part with their fimes,2nd a long r/>«^ before they can utterly Wc-,and whol- ly al?andon the lame. To the ^W<^,thatG^^ doth alfo require this diligence in the mcreafe of (ptrltHall graces, i That we may hereby te- ftifie our Z^*^^ and Z/^^iV^^ unto them. 2 Becaufehcdoihnct alviayes continue the raeaKes whereby to obtaine them. % '^Qcmit htxth"^ CJods children are difierned g^nd l^owne ivomy^ickedmen, they onely hzvm^fahh,zertue,kfiOw/edge^ ^nd the I tks graces, 4 Becaufe the more^^ grow and *5 and iw the encreafe ofjprrituallgraces,Thus of the former exhortation^ or if yOU Will , the manner how the exhortation next following is to be performed, together .with its coherence ^ both with the f receding -dndenfmng verfes. Touching the latter, adde unto jonr faith y vert He ; unto ymY vertHe.kno-Kvledge ,c^c, 7"/?r^,ofthe encreafe of o- ther traces, For the %* h^\h.o{t graces are conjoyned and coupled togcthcVy^At^^Qr particularly one with another-, faith muft be accompanied with vertue, knowledge^ temperance, o-c. Bccaufe ellc ir were no true but a dead faith. Agnlntjoith, oiuft have vertne, even an hone ft and good life accompany mg the fame, without which faith could not elfe be manifefted: and becaufe a man cannot doe wellwithont dtfcretion, verttu muft therefore have knowledge ,. and becaufe knowledge F 2 avat^ ' Tit.2.12. E#eIv';4.o*3l. The order ob- ferved m plas cing thole gra- c€$,«f all which fiith hath the precedency. t *» D Gods graces(as a golden chain) are coupled and linked togca ther. 68 Vfes. I, Aadetoyour fskhvertue. caiuiotfiand 1 alone. T'rue faith cannot Jiand alone^ Ghap.i . availeth not nvithout ahflinencefrom evill, it iniift therefore be accompanied with temperance ^ and that temferance may the better endure all ofpofition dnd mtferies of the -world , it muft Yavcpattence adjoyiied ; and becaufe patience cannot he without go dlinejfe,th2Lt's annexed to it, and becaufe aodli- nejfe ij principally manifefied towards thofe that are tn mife^ ry , he addeth brotherly kindneffe ^ which excludeth that feemingTiety towards the miferable done out of feare^ orfome other rejfe^ : and becaufe brotherly kindnejfe ought to be founded in love^ he addeth, as thecnd andconclufion of Q^^Qharttie^ Thofe are a golden chaine fo coupled and linked together, that the one cannot be without the other. No true fatth without vertue ; no true vertue without knowledgei no true knowledge without temperance ; no true temperance Vj'lthout patience-^riQ true patience ^without godltnejfe-^ no true godltjtejfe yYjithoixt brotherly k^ndneffe-^ no true brotherly kind- nejje without charit)t. Whaicc all of US are taught, 1 Nottodisjoynewhat ^od hath conpyned 5 as faifh^ from vertue ; vertue^ from knowledge • knowkdge frem temper ance^O'Cy 2 To try our f^ith by our vertue ; our vertue h^ our knowledge-^ Our knowledge by our temperance ^ by our pati- ence qtc. ■ 5 Toendciiourthat/^^>^ and vertue -, vertue and kn'^w- ledge^ knowledge and temperance^ temperance and patience^ patience and godltnejje^ godlinejfe and brotherly kj:ndnejfe^ brotherly kjndneffe and charity^ may ftili accompany one ano- ther. Thus in generall. Come we now to fpeake ©f this Sxhortationinparticular^ adde to yeur faith ^ vertue^ and to vertue knowledge ^o-c. /Wherein our ex^^//^requireth of us, ihtencreafe o^Jpiri- tuall graces ^ to joy ne one with another -, to ^dde one unto another j to minifier,fupply , unifufficientlyfurni/b our faith wtththeGthers : yea, to aide and fupport it with the fame, for a?l thofe waves the orig'rnall ypord may be uft d , whence ' divers things ciiay be noted. I~ W)3kCtrH€ faith cannot ftand alvne-Jaith without works, (faith -«?!*?' Vei fe 5. t^n in creafe in faith required. 69 need to aicJc unto their faith t (faith Saint lames) is dead ; t\\%t faith which is not ac com- ) Um,i,io^ panicd with vertne^knoivied^e, temper a nee, and the like gra^ >/7,which cannot manifeilthe/^?«^,by other Chrtflian graces ; /« t/^/;?^ doe the ypuk^d both oi fmth^ wanting '^^^/^/^r ; 2;2 z/^t>jf doe the ignorant boaft oH faith, wanting knowledge ; ^« 'z/^f«^ doe drunkards and glnttcns boaft of/^/>/7jWanting temperance ; ^>? i/^/;/»;>^- r/>;f^ boaft: 01 faith, w^ntin^paticnce \ in vatne doe the w^^//- 0^/// and enviom, boaft oF/<^^f^,wanting brotherly k*ndneffe and ^W/>i>. Where trwe/^/>^ is, r^^/^ cannot be wanting, wanting r/;d?/#, thouIackeft/^^V^, hx^mgthofe thou haft />. 2 That no child of God can attaineuntofuch a meafure of faith in this life, but he hath ft ill need to adde thereunto, Fatth in every childe of Qod in this life is imperfeU:, though not in regard of the7^^7?^«r(* and ^/^^/<>?>, yet in regard of the meafure a»d quantitie. No faith fo great, but hath needtobe^r^, and therefore are to give their atten^ dance w^QX\ faith, 8 Thaty^r/; 04 endevour for vertue, knowledge, temperance^ and the like, pj all undoubtedly attame the fame. The Ccm- mandements cf God are not grievous. God doth alTift the di- ligent,he blefleth their labours and endevours» This we may finde by ^A^/>m^;^rt', in fomevv ho having but fmall ftore cf learning , yet walking confaonably before Cjod , begging knowledge hy p'^ayer-^ in thciY praSlife, walking according to their knowledge^ its wonderful! in how fhort a time, what a great meafure oi^fan^ification ^xhcy have had. P 1hktf-^ith,vertue,knowledge, With the other graces here mentioned,arefo excellent, as that we ought to endevour for them : fo needfuU as vpithout which we cannot enter into the Ktngdome of heaven, Doft thoii refpecfl worthf they are more worthy than all the worlds doft thou refpefl neccffnie? without ^^f-w thou candnotj^^the/^f^ of Goi, They are the Chriflians rpeddtng garment ^ they are the ornament ^^ badge , and cognniance of Cjods children* The Bphraimites were difcerncd from the (jtleadites by the'ir Sibboleth; Saul was knownc amongft all the people by hu highfiature, as lo- feph differed from his brethren by his particoloured coat : %od.oc Gods childrenhytho^e graces y differ from all other /^rrj«?//?^ -^ have j they/^f>^,with the other ^r^c^/ here mentioned ? thou art, they are regenerate • otherwife not. Thus of the dutie or aBi, jVerfe 5. Faith thefirjl linke of this golden chaine. •«>iAa 71 Vnto youf filth. Wbat/uftify- ing faith ii. a^ton, adiie :h\lo\V the graces to he added ^ nnto faith, ver^ tue I unto vertfu , h^ovpUdge '^ unta knowledge, tempe- rancCyC^c, Touching the particular ^r^c^/ here required, 4 things are to be confidered, 1 ivhat thej^re, 2 the /^^^/ow/ which may move us to labour for them^ 3 the meanes whereby to obtaine them, 4 the fignes whereby to difcerne them , and firft o^ faith. Fntth, Not to infill either upon the diflferent acceptation of this word fatth in the Scriptures y or the divers forts and ktndes oi faith, in thxsplace it fignifieth ^favtng faith, com- mon unto allGodsthildren, ufiiaily called and knowne by the ngi^Q oijfiflify ing fatth, This^'afirme and conf\:ant appre- henJionofChrtfh and ail his merits, as thej are promifed and offered in the Word and Sacraments, This^-^ certaine con- fidence wrought in our hearts hy the holy ^hofl:, through the pr caching oftheGojp el, whereby we refi upon God, certainly perjwadtng ourfelves, that not onely unto others , i^ut unt9 us m particular, remiffion ofpnnes, and et email life is given freely , by the mercy of God, through the merits of lefus Chrifi, This i$ a true perfwafon of the heart , grounded upon thepromifesofGody that w hat f sever Chrifl hath wrought for thefalvatton of man ^ he hath done it OfS well for me , as for any other. This \s a wonder full grace of God^ whereby a man doth apprehend and apply ^hrifi^andaU hi^ benefits unto him^ Me. Whence may be gathered, 1 That Gods Spirit is the worker of faith in the hearts of his owne children, according CO that of OU^»y^^'/^/^r, This is the works ofCod^thatyee beleeve in him, whom hee hath fent , 2 'IhtXt the faith which Gods Spirit worketh in us , doth apprehend and apply the merits and righteoufhejfe of lefus Chrtfi. 3 Thsitthtre doth proceed from this apprehenpon and ap^ plication, a full a ffurance of the vertue of thefe merits which we doe apply, Reafons to enforce this duty arc divers, of which I have F4 rpokcn I lohn^. 29. Feafbns inci- ting to an en- devour after faiUi. 7^ Vertm thefecond linke: Chap . i. 2 RomJ4.23 ^ 3 Ioh« l.I2« M canes vvhcrs by to obtains faith. Outward*' Rom. 1 0.17* Inward. The fign€5 whereby to difccrne faith*. Vertue* WhatY«rtueis« Phil.^S. Rutkg.ll. Pro.^ I.29* Rea(bnsJo eOc fores it. I fpokcn inthc'fiyfiverfei for the f?-^/^;?/- rake we notice of thefe three, i Becaufc wn horn faith it is impffible te fleafe God, 2 Becaiife whatfoever u not of faith, u fmne, 3 Be- caiife hereby we ztej^fitfiedin the fight of God j and become his children, ^ The J9;^/t;?fj whereby to obtaine//^?//-^, are cither onty^ard or inward ; outrpard.'^^t freachi'/ig of Gods Word^ for faith commeth by hearing, and. hearinq; by the fVord of God -^ in- ward, Gods Spirit, going along with his owne ordinance, without whofe bl effing the cutward are wholly unprofitable, and inefe^HalL This alfo being wrought in the hearty is daily increafed by adminifiration of the Sacraments and Prayer. The fig^es whereby to dtfceme it, are both by the proper- ties thereof, and the effeEis proceeding from the fame. It's undotibtedd.r\d certaine^ it's confiant 2S\A abiding^ vCs fruit- full and effeEluall ^ yea, feeling our confidences aSiired by the Spirit of Cod ^ that the punifiment of our Z^^^, is fully in Chrifi dlfcharged ; and that whatfioever he hath done for man ^appertaineth not onely unto others y but even unto us aU T^j it's an evident/^^i? and demonftration offatth. Thus of faith. Vertue ; Adde unto your faith ^vertue. Venue is attributed, either unto God, and fo it is either perfionali,2iS r Cor, 1, 24. or operative ..as LMat, 22. -29. or unto ayfngelSj Rom,S''^S' or unto the Heavens , Mat -i^.itf. or unto men : and fo it is taken,eithcr for God himfelfe, who i^xhefi-rength of the faithfulLT^fial,i6' I. or for miracles, CHat,'j.22 i or forfirength, Pfial. 1 7. 3 ^ . orfior an honefi and well ordered lifie, as ix\ th\splace,i[\ which fenfealfo the Word Js ured.T^/7.4.8. This is that , whereby we live unrebukea- ble, and are jufltfied before men. This comprehendeth all kindes of good worlds, meekfnejfe, affabtlitie , uprightnefje, and the Itks- By this is underfcood an hone ft and good life, or an univerfallpraEiifie of aH thofe graces which Cod hath put in m-, vvhereunto Saint T^a-^l doth exhort us, wherewith Ruth was endued, and iht good woman in the Proverbes, A^/^^/^>??^- to enforce this ^/^z^, are thefe; i becaufe it. is a proofe M^^am Veif 6. fQjd^ledge the third linke. 7? I 2 3 4 I Pet.ia* I proofe of our/^/>^. i Becaufe ^^r^^j wee abflaine from uncODjely,bale,and vile thirgs. 3 Eecanfe herci^y wee draw unto our felv^es the love of others. 4 Becaufe hereby ^od is glorified. ^ Becaufe where th^ is not, efpecially in luch as are ^rofefors, Religion becoxnmeth fcandalized, for '^er- tfie isthQ power oi prof efficn^whkhhciiig wanting in Pro- fefforsy their profeffion is oiwov altditte, of \\.o fores , yea, is indeed, meere hyfocrtfie , zftamhiing-bhckf unto the ungod- {^;vvhcrcas by the contrary^noihing will fooner convince the Kvtcked, than for us to be vertuous; yet/i^//?^ which will not be •vponne by the Word:, will be convinced by a goodconverfation. The meanes whereby to obtaine the/^w^ , arc thefe* i By confidering out of C/^'fl^j ^^^^ our duty to our neighbours. Meanc$whcr«i 2 By coniidering the neccflitie of the performance of this by to obtaine duty, 3 By immitating thofe which have in this ^mA^, ' ^^* gone before us. 'Xh&fignes hereof are apparant : who fo is truely vertu^ ^'w, hath both the approbation o? god , witnefTed unto his confctence, the approbation of his confetence, of good peo-^ f^^^y^^iy and often of the very wicked thcnifelves ; whatfo^ I ever things are trne, whatfoever things are honefl^whatfoever things are jufi , whatpjever things are lovely , whatfoever things are of good report, on thofe they thinke^ thofe chey doe. Thus o^Vcrttie. Knowledge-^ Audio vertue knowledge; This doth moderate and guide our vertuom anions , and therefore is j Oyned thereunto. There IS a knowledge of God, ^ud ^knowledge of a mansfelfe.mi a kriow ledge or prudence in a mans outward carriage to wards others- This l^fisth^t which is here efpecially to be underftood. It is that grace, whtrebj we doe circumjpeElly .and to good purpofe, with judge- rrient.dtjpofe our fives, and our af aires, Rcafons to enforce this duty, are thefe. i Becaufe by it, ReaTonsto en- our vertue is guided and direoled. x Becaufe without it, j forfeit, we could not but failejin our outward carriages tow^ards our neighbours. 3 Becaufe by ^>, all that wcdoe^niay tend unto the good of our neighbours. _^^ The : I 2 Signes where^ by to difceine I 2 4- 5 PHiI,4.?. And to ve?fue ifnowledge. What kaovys ledge is, I 3 -V ■s^?^ i'M»llll Ab '» 74 Temperance the fourth linke. Meancs whereby teats taineit, I -t 3 4 2 Tim,? ♦ 1 5, 5 6 7 Pral.2^.12* 8 Pro.t.J. Iam.lej, AfTgneto diC: cerne it. And to Itnow; ledge tempos ranee. What tcHBpes ranc^v* Reafoni to ea- tbrceit. I 2 s The memes whereby to attaioe it are diverfe ; i Wee muft get the tme k>}ovo ledge oiGod, whence this 'p-weth, as From iisfouni'Mne, 2 . We mail ponder and weigh the car- riages of others. 3 We miift converfe with the T»ife and vatKidiknowledge. 4 Wemuft ponder and weigh all our aclions h^ the rule of Gods Word, even the holy Scriptures y which arc Me to make H^ wife to falvatiff^t, y We mi it get a love of it, diligently fearchtng after the fame, 6 Wee cnaSt labour for htimUitiejocmg fooles in our own opinion,for the Lordteacheth the humble his way, 7 We muft endcvoiir for Godsfeare, tow/;/t'^ e'Whath made the promife of the Re- velation of hi^fecrets, and to teach fuch the -way that they Should choofe, Laftly, wcmuft call upon ^od by prayer for the fame yCrying after knowledge j^nd lifting up our voyce for under flanding: obferving that/^r^fce-pf of che^hat k^ndefoever he fhall thinl^efit to chaflice «/. Of which Solomon.^^t'i fonne dejpife not the cPjaftening of the Lord, neither be weary of his corre- n-ion* Patience towards me7t,\s th^it grace, vvhereby we mo- derate our anger, conjlantly continue in that which Chriflian patience doth perfwade , cheer efully enduring adverfity , trou- [■ le , grief e ,perf€cution at the hands of men , for the caufe of Chrifl. Rcafons to enforce both kindes are rhcfe. I In regard of I ^^^Cq^^ the manifold rr^/f/and/-re7»^/^j-whereunto we are fubjed, j force it. which hereby become light and eafie, 2 In regard of the great profit and benefit which we reape by thofe croffes, ac- knowledged by David, and others of Cjods children, 3 In regard ol the honour which we doc give hereby unto Cod, in divers of his attributes^ }Vill,]uf ice. Tower, Wife dome ind goodneffe. Qf his Will, both commanding and approving if* Of his Ifijlice, as acknowledging really, that ail the affit- tlions which we fuffcr, are It^t without comparifpn , than ourfinnesdeferve. OihisT^ ower, both over vLSy with which we Mranesto at- taine it« I I 3 Signe« to di(^ cerne it* AndtotCttpfis rance,patience. What pacieuce is* Proj^ii. « to ens I 2 P/4l.Il9,7l* 3 It ^ B 7^ 4 5 lam* ^^104 MeaneswHere- bytoofataiiie it* Signes to dir» cerne it. I Pral.59.^; ira.53»7. 2 Mat,2<>.59. 3 Iobl«2I. 4 And to pati- ence godli. nefle* Wkatgodlia nclTe ii« GodlineJ^e the Jlxt llnke. t^-m-ttmiimm^ we ftiuggle not,but quietly bcare what he layes upon us,and /'»us,fo(uftainingus, that we faint not under our burthen. Of his "yvifedome.m QSQ^mWacknovfledgement, that he hath his good and holy ends of his fo dealing with us, though of- tentimes not fo particularly made knowne unto us. Of his goodne.(fey in dealing with us in our chaftifeuients , as with fonnesfor our -profit, that we m^J hfartaks^s ofh^ holme ffe. 4 BcCBXiCcit u the patience of Chrjfi, he hi.ilfclfe com- manding it, being the author of it, being a partner with us in ali our afflidlions. 5 Becaufe in the ead all things /ha/I tend to oHr good-y zndo( Patience, we have no fmall itore of ex- amples in the booke of (^od, as oilo^, David.Ta^il, c^e. The meanes whereby this may be obtained , are the confi- deracion of the necejfitie, conveniencie , and vtilitk of the fame. Ho w comely, and Commendable it iz^ yea, that our ^mnts deferve the infliding of greater crofles, thanasy^t (^od hath laid upon us. This may be difcemed by thcCcfig^f^^ i By not murmu- ring in the time of afflidion, whereof we have "jDavtd^ yea, C^r//f hitrjfelfe our/^/-/-^r;/^. 2 By fubmitting our wils to the will of 6"^^ in the very greatefl extremitie of trouble^as did Chrifi our Saviour, in that his agony in the Garden. 3 By blcflfingC^o^inthcvcry fire of affliftien, as lob did. 4 Bymakii^ganholyand Chriftian ufe of all thofe crofles which are laid upon us 5 whether proceeding immediately from God, or (through hisprovidence ^ndfermiffion) from men, even by tht fame, drawing nigher unto him , befeech" ing ^/??? that thofe affliflions which /^^layeth upon ^, may tend to omgood, yea, that God would ( if in his ypifedome he fee it fit) continue his hand upon us, till we be as tryed gold out of the for nace. Thuso^ Patience* Godltneffe ; we can- not performe orher duties aright, ^<7^//>f^]f^ being profit able for all things. 3 Becaufe by /> we doe not afcribe unto our i'elves, the glory, and praifeof any adion, hwx^eld all unto the Lord, 4 Bccaufe true godlinejfe is a fure marke of Sle- ^'ion, and bath becne the pradife of all Qods children from time to time. The meanes whereby to ob taine it, are by the confciona- ble hearingjand careful! reading of the TVordo( God , by the imitation oiGods children in their godly courfes , by daily mortiflcatiomnAY^nlting aivay o£Cmm ^hy being carefull in keeping o{Gods Sabbath, by accompanying with Cods chil^ dren,hy daily and earneft prayer unto Cod. The rngft evident/^i?yfnd to godline^e brotherly ki.nd" nejfe. This is that mward affeBion of love ^ "whereby wee embrace the (^hriflian brethren more neerely than we doe all others. Love rc^chtth to all men, to whom it may doe good, but brotherly ktndncffe onely to Chrtfiian brethren, unto whom of all other men, our love and bejl affe^ions are due, LoVe is as the Hfz//,\vhercinto all eommcrs are received, but brother- ly kindneffeis as the lUrlour, whereinto more neere friends, andfuchasare of tnoH Jpeciall acquaintance are admitted. Thiscomprehendeth ihzt fer vice which we owe one /■(?- wards another, th^it care which wc ought to have one oiano^ ther, Reafons to enforce this dm^, are thefe.. I Becaufe wee are brethren, ^vcn ihz, adopted Sonnes of ^god through C^yrifi, new borne o^ont and the fame mother; brought Up in the fame/#ia»i/rf, partakers of they^w^/K^fr/>^»f^. 2 Becaufc Its Rcafonito ch- force it* I I Tim.(S4" *5'^'z^/e in number , laidc downe in the 8, 9, 10, and 1 1 verfes ; of ih^ latter f our ehiidiO\^ntViithe li^igji^.and 1 5 verfes ^^z ( Cjod willing ) yee iliall heare. Thefe words containe the firfi reafon, taken from the ejfeSl o{tho{t graces whereuntohe did exhort them , from the gracious ufe and frii it which they ohmncd there by. If thefe things be tnyou^( OY prefent with you) and abound (or fu per- abound) J Cor.11.294 Iam.1.27. Rcafbnstoin- force it, Ioh.fi.34i' 2 Iloh.j.if, 3 4 Meanestoob;; tainc ic, Thefigncs whereby to diCcerneit. Ttvo (brtv of KeafoRs ena forcing the former txhois tacion. Thafifilo^ the former K lir iiji ^1 80 Meanes to pre vent unfruitfulnejje Chap. T abound) they m^ksy OH, that yee [hall neither be ba,rr en (ox idle) nor unfrmtfHll in the kn9wledge of our LordlcfmChrifl, that i^, by thofe graces your knorp ledge ofChrifl [hall be fur- thered, [hall be manifefied unto others, to be fincere and true, which otherwi-fe would appeare to be but idle, vaine^ empty , barren, dnd unfruitfuiL As t\\^^Q graces doe fpring from the true kn^rpledge of Chrtfl ; fo in like fort by them, the knorv- ledge of Chrijl, aboundeth and encreafeth more and more, even by them diily growing, encreajlng and abounding. The Reafon may be thus framed. If yee ought to be fruit- full and diligent in the knswledge of our Lord lefm Chrift, then yee ought to labour that thofe graces may be in yoK , and abounds But yee ouarht to be fruitfull and diligent in the knowledge of 04ir Lord Iefu4 Chriji, Therefore ought yee to labour, that thofe graces may be in you and abound. The that we [hall neither be barren nor unftuit full in the fame. Or, wee have a duty in x!tit former partyget thofe graces in you, aboun- ding in the fame, with tht ft uites and ejfeB o(thcfame-/m the latter, they make you that yee [hall neither be barren, nor un- ftuit full in the knowledge of our Lord lefus Chrift, But (as I talce it) i^t former is to be preferred. Twopartsof this reafon.^ f That ye /lull neither be bar rennorun? fruit^l. For mmtmm Yeife 8. in the knowledge ofChnH. Si b^ barren,nor unfruifuiUn the knowledge of our Lord Icfui Chtift, Mat.3.8. Mar. 8. 1 8, Mat. 15.?.^ lohn 17.17, For the i.T^hc duty prcfcnbcc!. It affordeth us this o^-^ D-Chriflians fervattott ; that Chy'tftutns mufl neither be barren nor un- f\- tilt full in the knoyp ledge of our Lordlepus Chrifi.lhcy muft nczbarefj QV^f^^kedl) m'^X^^^f^ofeJfton of their knowledge of Chnfl,^x\6 faith inhivn, buimuft fhevv forth the /^wavid^ Teach me thy -way, O Lord, 1 rpiU -walks in thy truth, vnite my heart to fear e thy Name. He defireth fuch a knoTvledge of God , that hee might feare his Name. To this end Saint P^*/ faith, wherefore my brethren, yee alfo are become dead to the Layo, bythebodyofChrifi,thatyeeJhould be married, to another, even to him who is raifed from the dead, that we fjould brin^ forth fiuit unto (jod : And againe. That ye might ypalke wor- thy of the Lord unto all pleajing, being fi-uitfull in every good worke, and encreafing in the knowledge of God. tAbraham had a knowledge of Chnjl, hefaw his day and rejoyced, but it was l^ol barren, idle, or unfi^uitfuUin him ; hee taught and inftruBed hiS familie, David had this k»owledge , hee em- ployed ?>, in teaching tran/grejfors the wayes of god ^t hat they might be converted unto him, "Philip had a knowledge of Chrifi, he iniployed it, in teaching the ignorant ^^thiopian. By all which it will follow, that we mtifl neither be barren nor unfiuitfulf tn the hiowledae ef our Lord lefns Chrifi. ^ ^ J J The /^^^j^«j hereof are thefe. i In regard of the nature G of K.om.744 CoI»l a Oi) Gen, 1 8, 19, PraU)X.l_5, A that we may forfak£ that which i merits and ver^ tue. For the illuftration of this pint , note vve two things. I Th^ manner, Oi how "^Qtow^liokl^ow, 2 The matter, or y^hat we onght to k>i-'iv. Teuchini^ the former, it muft not be idely or unfmitfully, ■ ^ but } Veifc S. Hofl>^a}id what we ought to knolls* 8? but to good pffrpofe^ Our knowledge muft not lie obicured, but further both oaxfil'^es and others. It murt be frmtfull^ yea, the more kr^otvledge god beilovveth on us, the greater /?:///> he expecleth from us. Touching the /^f/- V/es 6f Inflni- I 2 VfescfRcpre* henfion, I 2 I Cor.2«2* 4 5 §4 ? — 6 Vies of Exhor: tation. I An infallible iigneoffavin knowledge, I lohn2.3. 4 lohn If. 8. Iohniy,i(j. Mat.7.2|. I I Cor, 2^8^ An infallible figne of facing kmlUedge.Chzp.j , ihztsigencr.rll know/edae oi: Chnfi, is fufpicknt unto fakati- on. 6 Vnco fuch as being indeed tgnora:^/^, are yet netwitbftanding (o p^//^ uf^ as if their knowledge v^tttftich, whercunto nothing needed to be added, as if they ki^ew fo mptch alreadie, that they need not to feeke for any more knoi» ledge, Vox Exhortation, i Get alove an^h'king of the /^^zci??. /^^^^ of C/jr//?j that thoa maiit not be unfmitfull therein*^ confidering the ncceffitie^ the excellency, and the utiUtie of x\\^fame^ iIiq happi'/iejfe offuchas bave/^S the ^J^^y^^jK of fuch as want tt» 2 Labour and endcvour for the/V^^ , in the ufe of the meaneS:, which are xh^ycordread^freacpjed or ex founded, catechijing^ccnference,'^\ih^uch2,'s\viVt knowledge , frayer unto god, and the like. 3 Examine andtry your feives,whe- ther as yet you have attained unto this knovrledge. I y^iW gvj^ you but one/^?^f jWhich is infallible, if you doe ksepe the Qf>m- ?nandementsofGod,thenhaveyoH attained unto this knorp^ ledge. Saint lohn fheweth it. Hereby we are fure tvee knorv htm, if yve k^epe his commandements . 4 If thou findeft that thou haft in fome meafure this l^^owkdae of Chnfi, then do I defire thee to manifeft the fanic, by thyfruitfulneffe there- in. FruitfulKefje ; whereby thou maieflmanifeft thy felfr, to be^iDifeiplc Q^ChriJl, whereby thou maift /peed ^ vvhen thou haft 2inyfute unto God, Let us not CmsRc our felves with any meafure of knowledge , the greatefl, being little enough. Wch2iVtxhQmeanesc{ knowledge. Let us in time make ufe of the fame. As our Saviour fhall fay , unto many verelj I know you not So I feare. it may be truly faid unto ma- ny o^yo\X:s'verily yee know him not, my reafon is like unto that of the ^poft-leipQgiking o[tYiQl^rpes,Ifthey had knowne, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. So if ye did truely know Chrtjl^^yc would not live in fin, follow the lufls of your own heart lyQ would notentertaine malice,i^Q?c drunkcnnes, dc follow prophanenes,QxQrci(c vnaodlines ,\ovQCcvetoufnes ,^ tke///^^;your praftife being fuch.it argueth diredrly/hat you have not the kz^owkdge ofChnJl, Thus of ^ duty prefcribcd. Forthe 2,thc mcf^nes whereby to performe this duty^^v^n to 'i* to hcfiuitfuUm the knowledge of our Lord lefm Qhrtfi ; are by getting/<«^>/^3 vertne, k!}ow ledge, and the refi of the/or^- menttoned graces^ to ^four Lord lefm Chrijl, they mufi get the fore-mentioned graces to be in them, they muft get an oShxcd foffejfion of the fame^ they aiuft hauethcm alwayes frefent with ihctn^^lfv ayes in a readinejfe. The Reafons hereof are thefe. i Becauie where thofe are, they fro voke andfiirre up to well-doing : cither of them per- forming their feverall offices, according to their nature, 2 Becaufehaving/^/^t?/?-, wemay ever find new matter, to Icarne touching C^rtfi y to fet onworke outvertue, know- ledge ^temperance, and xhtltke. 2 I fay, we mujl- not one ly have thofe graces in us , but a- bound, ycay(zs I {siid) fuperabound in the fame, tAnd thid 1 pray ( faith Saint Paul ) that your love may aboundyetmore and more tn knowledge, and in all judgement. And againe, 06 yee have therefore received Chrift lefus the Lord,fo walke yee in him ; rooted and built up in him, flab lijhed in the faith, as yee hive beene taught, abounding therein with thankefgi- ving. Howfoever/T^/^^w^f^w/^may eftcemefach a de- gree offlriElneffe, curiofitie, yet muft not that dant US , from our abounding and encreafmg therein. Hence wc arc taught, I To endevoiir by aU meanes to get thoft^^^/ , fowcn G I and For if thefc things be in you flc abound they nil make, &c. Z?, Such as would bee fruitfull iti the knowledge of our Lord lefus Ghriilouuft bf endued with faithjvertue, knowledge, &c,abounding therein! Reafinsl I 2 Phil.1,9, CoUz.ar. V/c. I S6 Thefecoftd and tbird Reas I I How c{a?mrotis it is to lac he grace. and planted in our hearts, tbatfo we may htfruitfull m the knowledge ofChrift) for this caiifc u-e muft abound in the %^ of the msanes, and irnploy thofe talents well^which we have received^ 2 Not to content our felves with a bare /^ betimes to get ioold of xx^ifame, but alas, how aiany prefe>re their profits and plea fr res before /■>6-9/> <* how many dejpife them ? how many put of the fee^ king after f/;^ ;;?5 from day to day ? Doe not wee thus delay but betimes get a particular affurance of the p^jfejfion of thoje^ih^t daily aboundi ug tn the fame ;rve may not i^e barren in the krio'ivledge of Chrifl, Thus of the i reafon, Vcrfe 9. 'But he that lacketh thefe things, is blinde, and cannot fee a farre off, and hath forgotten that he yfiMpurgedfomhisoldfnne, Thefe words containe the fecond and third Reafons where- of thc/or«?^r is laid downe in thefe words, he that lacketh thefe things is blinde^ and cannot fee a far re ojf; the latter, in thefe 5 and hath forgotten that he was pureed fr 9m his old fins: both being taken frcmthe dangerous and mi fr able conditi- on of thofe which want the forementioned graces. They may be thus framed. ' -^ ^heformer^ Iffuch 04 want thofe graces be blind,e.and cannot fee a far re ojf^yee ought to labour and endevour for the fame. But fuch 06 re ant thofe graces are blinde, and cannot fee farre ojf,Thereforeyee ought to labour y and endevour for the fame. The latter^ He that nameth himfelfe a (^hriflian, and yet is dot endued y^ith thsfe Chrifttan vertues^ is far get full of the great benefit rtcei- ^■M^w^wnutiu "jy- *» V Vei fe 9. t\}ioy>Aedge compared unto light. 87 received, to wity that hee voxs purged from his old fmnes, '\Bt4t fee oH(^ht not to beforgetfull of this great benefit. 'Therefore ought je to labour that jee may be endfted rvith them, Tbefe reafons coiijoyned unto the former aftord us this Obfervation , that God doth allnre us unto the findj and fra^ife of thofe Chriflian graces, not onely bj the profit c en- fuing untofuch as have them-, bnt alfo by the danger befalling unto fuch as lacke them. As he that ^^^^ them ^^^»^^^ excee- dingly by them, fo he that lacketh^Qva , lofeth exceedingly through his ve>^.nt oithem, Thoie troo are the maine motives which incite men unto the performance of this or that w'OiV^^hofe of game ^ and fear e ofloffe. Propound we them unto our {elves in ourft'f^dy after thofe^^^^^-f, gaine, ifthefe things be in us^ and abonna, they make ui,thatvpe jhall neither be barren, nor Hnfruitfull in the k^iowledge of our Lord lefus Chrifi'^ lo^e, if we fpant thofe things, tve are blinde, and can- not fee farre off, and have forgotten tk^t we were -purged from our oldpnnes : thatfo by one of them, or both of them wee may endevour for xhtfame. But leaving this^ handle we the reafons thcmfclves Contained in this^'^^^ are fpiritually dtfcerned. 4 Becaufe they doe not receive the witneffe of God, 5 Be* cmfcthey arefoolifinejje to them. 6 Becaufe they neither do norwiUhcare the Word o^god, JVhj doe yee not under fl and my fpeech f (faith Our Savicur) even becaufe ye cannot heare my Word^ Sonne of man ( faith the Lord unto E<>ekiel) thou dvpelleji inthe midfl of arebellioui houfe , which have eyes to fee^andfeenot\ they ha'&e ear^s to heare ^ and heare not , for. they are a rebelliom houfi. Hence vvc arc taught. I To bevvayle the wofull cftate and miferable condition of thoufands in thefe our dayes, in regard oi'Jpirituall mat^ ters, as bliyide as Beetles, 2 That the fpcciall caufe why fo few k/t'>'^ the thingstcf God, isythdrw^inioi faith ^vertue^ andfuch Chnf-tan gra- ces, ^ 3 Th^t carnall ir\cna:e unfit Judges \n matters of ReHgi^ 0^, in matters appeitaining unto (jods Kmgdome , ^hlinde man cannot-: judge of colours^ neither they of the Word of God, For the ifuch 04 want the gifts and graces of Gods Spirit, have and graces of G oosSpirir, arc ignorant in matters of fab vation, Matjj.ii. I Cor.2.14, Ephc.4.18. Rom,i.2l. A(^s 26.24.. Toh.3.4« TheKea(bns» I Mat. 13.1^^ lohaj.ip. % 2 lCor.2,14:* 4 John 3.1 1, I Cor,2.i4, 6 Iohs3.4j. E2ek.i2.2, Ffe. I 2 Z>.Suc)i as want the gifts 9° Want of grace ^canfe of worldly /ove# Cbap. i J and* graces of Gods Spirit have their hearts 3c minds whojly fet ups on the profits andplcafures of the world. PhiI.^I9. laoijaj. Reafons, I 2 3 Heb.11.2y. z;/^ Ezek.313.31, Lulcc 10.4.2. Mat. 1 5, 2 CT, ^^^'^ their hearts <^nd mindes wholly fet utoon the profits and fleafures ofthisworldi their not feeing farre ojf, thditis^hea- venlj things, argiieth t\\€\t feeing nigh at hand, that is , the things of this world, as the Ui'tole (eeth under the ground, not above, fo they,^^r/-/;/;', not heavenly things , They mind earthly things. Their wife dome is earthly fenfuall^ and devil- lijh ; Such a one was Nabal, the rich glutton, the rich man that came unto Chrtfl, Demos, with many others. The Reafons hereof are thefe* i Becaufe they are whol- ly carnall and naturall. 2 Bccaufe they beleeve that true happinejfe confifteth in thefe earthly things. 3 Becaufe they onely which are cndaed wirh Gods graces , have overcome the world ^ and know the vanitie o^th^f^^e. As CMofes^ who choferathertofuffer aijii>Eiionwith the people of^od^ than to enjoy thepleafure offinne for afeafon, efieeming the reproach ^fC^^^fl^ g^^^^^r riches than the treafures in ^gypt. Hence we are taught. To labour and endevour for the gifts and graces of Gods Spirit, \vithoiitwhich\vec2innot withdraw oat hearts from thisfalfe world ^ from the hurtfu/l profits, and vaine pleafures of they^;??^'; without /^/7«>/2' thou canft not forfake thy drun^ kfnnejfe : thou canft not ceafe to be covetous, thou can ft not perceive the folly of tbofe things wherein thou doft chiefcly delight. Yea, without tjiofc thou canft not receive any pro- fit by the Ordinances o^Qod. The Ifraelites heard the words of the T^rophets^ but wanting thofe, they would not doe them, thoughwith their mouthes they [hewed much love, yet their heart went after their covet on fneffe. Labour then I fay , for tht graces of Gods Spirit^ be morc painfull in feeking after thdfe,(^thofebeingthat one thing that u nee dfull ) beeleife carefull in feeking f^^/^ earthly things, they hd'^^ uncer- taine, and often exceeding hurtfulh^vQ we notftrangers and Tilgrims in this wdrld ? why then fhould we fet our hearts upon the things of this world ? what will it advantage m, though we fhould gaine the whole world,tf we lofe our owne foules ? QVQiixhQwhok world, is not a worthy and RzobjeH: of our defres. If we have thofc graces,, we are al wayes hap- pte. »tpmmmm "%> »■» *. YccC^.The per/d?2s pureed : time and ??iamier how. 91 I pie , but when wc ^te mofl: happy ; whereas bcin^g/^ed unto thisw'cr/^^, we are at a// ti^es in a mifer able condition, but at death , f which undoubtedly vvill come, yea, bappely when we arc ieaft aware of it) moft finhappy , The portion ofwcrid- lings beinghell^thetrrtivard everlaftina condemnatien. Thus of the former, sind fo o£ the fecoftd reafori. Touching the latter, or third reafon^iVs laid downe in thefe words, ^ndhathforiTotten that he wa^ purged from hu o/d fnnes, for the Hnderflandtnnr o^which, three thmgs are tO bee confidered. i J^he perfontwhovn God diOthpHrgefom their oldfnnes, 2 The z-/???^ when he doth purge them, 5 The manner how he doth purge them. For the l y the perfins whom (J«d dothf^^^^, are of ^t?'^? y^?'/-j-,the^d7^/>', and the ;^?2^^^^/7, according to that of Saint Paul ^py ho gave himfelfefor us, that he might redeeme usfom all tniquitte , and pflrge us to be a fecnliar people untohtm^ felfe,3:,ealom of good yperkesi^^ht ungsdly ^^^CCOxHm^ to that of tiiis our (i^poflle, for if they, after they have efcapedfrom the filthinejje of the vrorld , through the acknowledging of the Lord, and of the Saviour lefus Chrifl,areyet tangled a gaine therein, and overcome, the latter end is t^orfe with them^than the beginning, 2indfuch our zy^pofle hcrementionerh. For the 27the time when they are purged, k*s hid and fe- cret. The godly they are purged, fornc times before their baptifme, ( as lercmlah and lohn Bapttfi wCTcfanttifiedfrom the Tvombe) fonrjctimes no doubt at their b apt tfme, gods Spi^ rit /wK'^r^/^ accompanying his owne ordinance, the outward figne of regeneration ; but moft times after their baptifme, whznhc doxh eff equally call them by the preaching of the Word, The ur, godly they are purged ^ when at their baptifme they ^\vt up their names unto Chrifi^ and afterw^ard by the preaching of the JVord, abftaine from fomefinnes , though it bebutforafeafbn* For the "^^ the manner how they are purged. The godly they ziepurgedhozh externally and internally. The ungodly onely externally ^ when by the preaching of the Word inciting them unto holtne^e, they doe in fome me a fur e forfake their finnes. Tl, ; third rea-* Ton. And hath fors gotten that hce waspuiged from his old finnci.. The perfbns whom God . purgeth, of two fortj, Tit2«I^ 2 Pct,2,2o. The time when they are pur- ged. I^M 5*. The manner how they arc purged* >*•«■ m m w I p2 Man naturally defiled withfinne. Chap, i ' /?.KaturAlIy w« are all pol- lutectahiHe:: filed with finne. Iobi5,T4. PfaL^X.J* Eph2.2« finnes , wherin they did formerly Tva/ksj but yet neither jvho/lp trnly, nor c onft ant iy ^s^ho are therefore faid here to be ftirged from their old finnes, that is, to he jufiified by Chrtfi:, not bccaufe they were effe^mlly infi-ified. For if fo , then withall they fliould have becne fanhified ; but becaufe;////- fication is freely offered unto them, & becanfe they make ac- count, that they haue as good part in it^s any ether. Hence may we conceive our oyfpoft/es meaning to be this, as if hee had faid. He that nameth himfelfe a Chriflian, and yet is de^ ftittite of the forementioned graces , is altogether for get f nil andunmindfHllofhisfromife and vow , rphich he made unto God at the time of his Baftifme,when he was externally fttrged from his [innes, yea, is altogether unthankeffill unto God, who hy his Word moved him to ceafefrom thofe his finnes, wherein formerly he had continued. This Reafon afFordeth usfoure profitable Obfervations, ^Ihcfirfi' is this, that Naturally we are allfolluted, and defiled withfinne j with I finne I fay, both Originall, confeffcd by lob, who can bring acleanethingoutoffilthine^efthereis not one* by £lipha^ the Temanite, What is man, that he fhould be cleane, and hee that is borne of a woman that he fhould bejujlf By *T>avid, Behold^ I was borne in iniquitie, and in finne hath my mother conceived me. ^Eluall, acknowledged by the fame -£'//- fhaK,, How much more is man abominable and filthy ^which drinketh iniquitieliks water ? By Saint Paul, or Idly -min- ded man, covet oufneffe^&c. And therefore arc defiled there- with. Thatwedoelb^^-r^finne; may be proved by our dtligence'm committingche fame, wee thatch for imquitte : yve drmkc in ini quit ie like water, yveturne unto Jinnc, 04 an horfe rufheth into the hatteli,yea^ our heart ts defperately wic- kfd; Finally >/^^ to doe evil/; yea, if we would but take no- tice of our thoughts, 7v or ds and workes, we might finde that for the moft part they OiVcfinfulL 2 Becaufe naturally we are enemies unto goodnejfe , wee are "ii^eary ofwell^dotng, we thinke any time, any thmgy-vjhlQh vvefpendin thefervueofGod , to be too long, too^uch-, we thinke leffe preaching' , leffe praying , lejfe devotion wight v/cll enough ferve the turne ; and thus with Elimas the Sorcerer^ ivee arc enemies of all righteoufnefje, 3 Becaufc naturally vpe are children of -wrath, and is there any thing I pray you, which maketh us offenfive unto god, but onelyy^^?^^ : tvcnfinne , which is enmitie againfl God^ which provoketh the Lord unto anger, vjhichfeparateth be- tvpeenem and our God, making him hide his face frorn as^ that he will not heare^ For the iHufiratton of this pointy two things are to be con- sidered. 1 That this cur natural! contagion and uncleannc^e is uni- verfalU 2 That it can no otherv;ife be done away but by the blood ofChrift.^ I iCay.th^tthis our natural/ contaaion and uncleanneffe ^ ^f^tverfall, both in regard of all men^ and in regard of ivhcleman: Q^all men,t{:&\{it&hy Saint Paul ^Wherefore as by Riofons^ ! I(a.29.So. lohi^aj, Ier.8.(j, Ter.r7«9. Ecdef.g.ii. A(n;.Ij,lo- Rom.8«7.j Neh.9.2(5'. Ifa 59,:. Ohf.CuT natuc rail unclean- ne/Tcis uniyer- CaXU ■^r^mt^^"'^ ^ammmmi 94 ' Mans naturalluncleannej^e^miverfalLChap. i Rom, ^.12. Gen.5.K, Rom. 5^1 9, Gen«cr.5. SimiL Ournaturall contagion can no otherwi£e effectually be done away, but by the blood c£ Chrift. Zach.n.T. Col.i.i4« Tit.2.14. lPvt.1.19, Ay one manfinne entredtnto they^orld^and death by fmneyand Jo death r^ent overall men, in whsm all men have finned • yea by the mouth of God himfelfe, certifying, that all fie [h 'had corrupted his re ay ufon the earth. Oi 'ppfoole man : Thev are aitoaethercorrHpt. Of which ailbSaint P^/z/fpcak-th,^ v^^ have given your members ferv ants to uncleanne^e, and to ini- qmtte^to commit iniquitte, fo now give your members Cer- vants unto righteoufnejfe in holinejfe, I might h^re lay down© 2l particular enumeration^ of all the faculties of the fioule, of all the members of the body, and pro'^e by rhe JVerd of God ^ that through finne^ive are defiled in t hem all. To \x\- ftance a/^^, The Imaginations of the thouirhts of our heart, are onelj eui II continually . Our minds are corrupt , our w// is pervcrfe^QWX memory naught, ouriinderftanding^^r/^;^^^, om hands defiled with blood, our fin(rers with iniquitie , our tifpej with lies, our ton(rue murmurinq' iniquitie ; So that »ve may fay, not our feet oneiy, but our hands, headland all farts, hoth outward andinward^have need of wapnng , unto whom it may be faid, Clenfe your hands ye finners^ andfurifie your hearts ye double-minded , Even as leprofie fpreaderh over the whole man, iofinne feafeth upon whole man^ defiling eve- ry member ot the body^tv^tyfacultte of the fou/e, 2 I fay, that this our naturdll co'ntagion can no otherwife bee ejfethually done away but by the blood of Chrifi , though by other meanes it may for a tt^/t:' be hid and covered, at Icaft from the eyes of men ; yet it cannot by any other meanes bee covered from the eyes of (jod, hwxh)^ r^t blood of Chrifl \ Even x}c\7Ltfcuyitaine which is opened for finne and for un^ cleanne^e. In v:hom we have redemption through his bloody Xh'i^hythe for(^ivene^^e of our finnes , by whom we are redee- med from all iniquitie , and purged to be a peculiar people unto hrmfelfe : but we were redeemed, (^faith our ^//j not confidmng that /w^^ is of an infeEliom ndture : that the leafifin dorh defile us, and make ^od angry with us. a Vnto fuch, w^^ doe not in time labour and ende- vour to have thdr fins purged and done away »w*^^ is tlie con- dition a^moft oi all mankinde. We Hndc by experience that foule things, the longer they rcrr?aine unwajhen , the more hard it is to make them cleane. So the longer our finnes re- m^iim f^npurged, the cnov^ difficult (hciW u'ee finde it to do'e themr^v^y , nay, if we fct our felves never fofoone about them to get them ^/^r^^^:, wee /Lall finde v,^orke enough to doe fo Ung as W'c Ih'e, For sxhartatlon^ I Let us confidcr , and take notice of our naturallcorrpiption^flthmeffe, and uncleannejje j yea Jet us feelingly apprehend the fame, that we may even agamft our felves conieffe the fame unto C^?^. For I am perfvvadcd f there area gr^.a: many, who with their mouthes acknow- ledge themfelves miferable creatures/mFull and polluted peo- ple, which did never /•?'/z^/; take notice of their pollutio??, 'i Let us in time take notice of the meanes whereby we may hz purged^ particularly applyjiig the fame unto our cwnc foules^^r^tXl the precious blood of Chrtjl ^ without v.hich all other meanes are in vaine*, by it our teares may be profita- ble unto us, o.w crones and troubles exceedingly further us, P5 Vfesoflnftru: I 2 V Vfes of Rcprcs hcnnoii« I Note. VTesofFxhorj: tation, I LlW"^ 11 — iji*n*.ujuemai, He is externally purged from his/^;/i?J',which is baptised, which doth in fome meafure abftaine from them^and of this fort there are w^^yj butonely thofe are inwardily cleanftd, W'^ Hnd ^cporsfer of C/jn^, working in them to the mortifi* cation and aboliflnng offinne, w^^ do from the very bottome of their hearts ibh^r/^^, w*^^ doe with all their endevours fct themfelves againft/»; which do truly and unfainedly grieve, when they do^finne, in whom finney hath not the dominion^ | doth not rule and raigne-^ in wY^ocnfinne doth daily more and more ^^cr^^/d'jwaxeth every day more & more tveake^ thofe oncly I fay^are ejf equally cleanfed from t\\t\vfinnes. H This lPet.t.20, V Ezek.as.jT^ p8 Outl}i^ard jitirgmg hifufficmt tofahatmuChzip.j . I ficramenth fed cmttrnptus dAmfMt* Z>. Such as doc not lead their Hv€8in holi- ncfTe /Iicw them(elve$ ^ forgetfull of \ GtxJs mercies. This may be further confirmed by thefe Reafons, I Becaufe if all fuch as are externally purged from their fimes^ were inwardly clenfcd from th^ fame , then would it follow that it were fuperfluous to lookc for the inward wa- [hing\ biit after thn we are in fpeciallto labour, the o/^^rr without f^/^, being infuificient. - 2 Becaufe ic would follow, that all fuch w^hich are exter- nally purged werc/^T/^^j which isahfurd, 3 Becaufe, we may obfervc by daily experience, thst ma- ny externally purged, doc againe retume to their finnes, and continue therein. Hence we are taught, 1 Thzt it u not ffifficient unto falvation , to be outwardly ypapjen, unle^e we be inrwxrdlj clenfed frojn our finnes : not fuflicient in baftifme to be wajhen with water, unlcffe our foules be Jprinkled aniwajhen from finne , by the blood rf Chrifi, either muft the inward zccotnpzny the outward , or elfe the outward is but further unto our condemnation, 2 That therefore we muft not content our felves with the externally unleHe we do alfo find the internally wc muft not attribute thit unto the outward^ which is proper, pecu- liar,and efientiall unto ih^inward: as too-too inany attribute unto the Sacraments ^ the power of conferring ^J^^r«f, o^jf^fii- fy ing^ remitting fmne, fanEltfytng ^ndjaving'^ yea, are fo fuperftitious, as that they thinke thdr children damned, if they (LcHjId die without ^aptifme. Let us cndevour to fcele theverrueandefficacie of the inward, whereby wee may trucly hare and abhorrc/;/;?/^^^/-,not performing the condition icL\mxtd of us in regard of thofe mercies, not making that ufe of them for which they were beftowed upon us,not returning prai^ y^-f and thankcfgiving unto God for thtfame. Be we carefuli therefore to iivehoUly, and unrebukeably ^ to performe our vowes unto ^od, left we draw upon our i^e\ye$,t\\Qhx2Lvy judgements oi God. We have beene *i?- tifed in the Name ofChnfi, been partakers of the preaching ofzhc JVord, God in both manifeiiing his mercies towards us: live we not then otherwifc,than it becometh Chrif^ians, left wee become forget full of Gods mercies. Thus of the j third. The fourth is this, that TheforgetfulnejJeofCods bleffinffs and benefits is an heavy ^nd great finne. This is the fumme ^ndfubflance of the Rea-- fon, namely, that 7ve ought to labour aad endevour for thofe H 2 graces Gen.<}.o*25* Vfi. D Thiiotgtt" fulnefleof Gods benefits, an heavy and great (Inne, I I oo Forge tjulnejfe of Gods mercies ^a great fin^Chsip. pfai.78.1r. Pfal.io<.Ij» \tTi,2U Icf.2.3;. Ier.3.il. and 8.ii« Reafons^ I - 2 Vfe. I Ecclcf,i2.i* graces Jefir^e he for get full of the mercies ef God, Yov this finne the Lord doth often taxe the Ifraelites. They for gate ( faith I he Tfalmtft) his aBs and his -wonderftiU work^s that he had /hewed them. They foone for gate his reork^s : they -waited not fer his comfelL And againe. They for gat god their Saviour, vphich had done great things in Sgypt, So by Jeremiah, Can a maide forget her ornament, or a ^ride her atiire f Yet my people have forgotten mc , dayes -without msmber. And againe, s^T^^^r^ from and follow our eleUion. For whom hee hath predejlinate,them he hath alfo called. By eleElicn two things may be underftood, either that which is before time ; even Goh eternall decree freely chufing asfome zy^ngels ; So alfo a certaine member out oflofl mankind to obtaine falvation by faithinChrtll lefus, un':o the praife of his gloria fu grace; or that I What we arc tounderftand by calling and eledion« Rom.? .3 c. ■^^>- Vcife 10. '&'hat it is. 105 Whatitista irakc our cal- ling and elc-jetgwa=3y-c 104 works to mas nifeft the fame both unto themfelvefand ethers. 2 Cor.1.7, lTheff".i.5>4.. Iobi9.25« iCor.^,1. ReafenS' I 2 Cor.ij.^. Ron).8.I<>4 lloh.J 2, 3 SimiL 4 Particular ajfurance of Chapr. 1 manner how it is to be performed, and the <^«^ why wee ought to perfonue the faoie, aAnd our hofe of yon. (faith Saint P^«/, writing unto the Corinthians) isfiedfa/f, Know- ing that AS you are partakers ofthefiijferi^ng s, fo JhaH yee be alCo oftheconfolation. The [^orinthians as they had this aflu- ranee in themfelves^ ^oby their patient fujferrng of afflidion, they did mantfefl the lame unto others. So alfo the Thejfa- lomans^RemembringiiVtthout ceafingyoHrworke of faith ^and labour of loveyandpati^nce of hope in QPir Lord lefns (fhrijh, inthefeghtofGod^andourFather^ kno^ving brethren belo- ved j our eleUion of God. By this endsvonr, ioh attained unto ajfurance. So alfo Saint Papu, For ive know that tf our earthly houfe of this tabernacle were dijfolved^we ha ve*a buil- ding of ^od, an houfe not made with hands, eternally in the heavens. And 3.g^inCf I have fought a good fight ^ Ihavefini- nijhed my caurfe, I have kept the faith , henceforth there ii laid up for me a cronvne ofright^oufnejfe, "which the Lord the righteous judge will giv^ me at that day. That we ought thus to endevoar for this ajfurance^ may be proved by thefc Reafons. I rrom the commandement of God, S X amine y our f elves , whether you be in the faith : prove your ownefelves : know ye not your owne felves , how that lefus Chr'iji is inyoH^except yee be Reprobates, 2 From the pojftbilitie of obtaining this a^urance , whereof thefe Scriptures are undoubted proofes. And the Spirit of god (faichSaiutT^^/J tefiifieth together with our ^irits J that wearetheSonnesofGod, 'beloved (^ faith Saint John) nfiw are we the Sonne s of God, and we know (that is? arc undoub- tedly per fwaded by faith) that when Chrif [hall appear e %n glory,wepja!lbeltkfH}itohtm, forwe [hallfce him as he is - So alto the py'hole fifteenth Tfalme. 3 From our owne care- full endev our about ^zthmgs of this Hfe ; if we give dili- gencetom^kcthemfffre,(^2iS they doe which buy houfe s or landy which take Leafes , put out money ^ er the like) then much more ought we /•^J"i'5' t^, there can i)c no true thankefHlne^e unto (jod : yea, where it n y there can be no frogreffe in the cour^^o^ go dhneffe, J V'iOmih.&CGmm'jdtties axid benefit s vj\vx\\ flov^ from this affnrance^ unto oMfneh as have tt. They are fi^holden in the r/;;?^ oii^fHttlion^ IJhould have fainted ( faith ^avtdj un^ /ejfe Ihad l;e/ceved to fee the goodftejje of the Lord tn the land ff the living. They can with confidence 2nd faith in Chrifh lefif^, rcfilt xhQ temptations of the ^evilL Th^yflrive to walkc 7vorthy of this a (jurance. They czercome the world^ and z /"//./j^ the things of this Itfe. 7 he Vfes hereof zxtfonrefold^ For InflrntJioKy It*s Kot enough for us to hxve the name of ^hrtflians, and agenerali knovoledcre of redemption by Chrifl lefus.tinle^e -TV efinde a particular ajfurance of our eleUion and vocation. But how may wc attainc unto this^may fome fay ? I anfv;er. i That we may be afured of the truth of Oi\X vocation ov ejfeEluallcalitng , by thcfe tokens i namely, if it be of God^\^ wctyeeld unto ir, if we ahhorre and abf^aine iiOmfi^ne and wickednejfe, if wc prafllfe holinejfe and rtgh' teoufnefefifby the voyce o^ God J we are ftill changed from one degree ol grace to another^ Finallyjif by the fame we are trnd^fHitfuUin gGod-K^or^cs, 2 That wee may be ajfured of our f/rc7;£???, by thefe, namely, if we finde that thtJVord of C^.^hathcomein/j-pTrfruncous, ifwefinde that we have f^itth to belecve Cjods iVordfzvmgly^ if vve Hnde that we are trHcly2};ideffe^HMly oMzd, if wee finde OUr fclvcs endued with \hz gifts and^r^r^j- of 6^5^j" Spirit. For Rcprehenfion, i unto fuch as thinke it impoffihie to be afured 0*^ ones falvation^ contrary to lobsy I know, snd Saint T^auls, rrek>Jow, a Vntofiichas thinke that it's fuffictent to hope wclliind not trouble ones felfe further. 3 Vnto fuch as doe not endevour at all for this ajfurance. 4 Vnto fuch as thinke that if s^l great fault to make ^uefticn of this afu- ray;ce, or at any time to doubt of the fame* 5 Vnto fuch as doe Pral27.i3» Vfe of lailrus (ftion. How to be af- (urcd of our effcanaUcals ling. How to be aG: fijrcdofour eIefcrt in thinking o^ heaven^ in meditating of the hfe to f-ow^ . Thus of the Bxhcrtation, Touching the meanes whereby to come to this ajfurance^ they are laid downe in the word v^herefore, nacBely , ^y attai- ntng the forementioned graces » Whence this 0^/<^?"z/^?j<7//^7'^»/, both difcerne of his ovpne eftate^ and ofthe condition q[ ethers. By tht gifts zrA graces o^^ods Spirit in htmfclfc, he was afftired of his cwne falvation; by thcgfts 2nd graces of Cods Spirtt'm others \\Q was ajfured of thetrs. The Reafons hereof arc thefe. I In regard of the promt- y^-/ of C'^ia^ annexed unto thofe^r^^^/ , being moft certaine, infallible '^zs unio fatth^ Verely, verely, I fay unto yon ^ hee that bel'eeveth on me hath everlaflmg life, VntO knoyv ledge. And this is life et email (^ or the mcanes whereby to obraine life cternaU) to know thee the onely true Cjod^ and lefts Cnrijl -mbom thoH hafifent. Y ntoT at le nee. To them who by patient contintMncetnypill'doingyfeeke for glory , andhonOfir,/ind tm- tnortalitie ^ y J^ VctCio.Gods^racej(^hri/liansfurep EVtdence. 10* mortality, ctern/zll life. V nto gedline^e , Godline^e u profit talkie u^to all thifsg^.^y havi»g- promife of the life that now is, I and of that yrhich is to come. VntO "Brotherly kj:^dfie^e , And v?hofcever pj all give to drinks ^^^'^ o^^ ^f thefe little ones ^ a cHp of cold water ondy, tn the name of a ^Dtfcipley vercly I fay unto yon, he f jail in no wife lofe hts reward, VntO Love, If we love one another, Cjod dvpelleth in us, and his love isperfeifed in t*^' 2 III regard chacno wicked perfon ordained unto dcfru- ^lon^ can arraine unto any ox)(to^thofe graces, 5 In regard of the t.^flimony o{ Gods Spirit yWitneJfmg unto fuch as have thofe graces ^thsLt they are the Sonnes 'ofCjod, S^ But how ihall I knOv\s whether this teflimony doth proceed from the holyGhofl .' Seeing even the Dtvill can \ trans forme himfclfe into an ^ngel of light, cx^. We may know it. I BythQperfvaJi9H,Gods Spi^ rit doth not fimply fay, that we are the children of God, but dothperfwade ns unto the fame, refolvtng all objeU:ions which we b^'mgfcrupfilous^ or doulfting can a/ledge, 2 By the nufn- ffer of this perfwaf on, which is not drawne from our 9wne workes or worthinejfe, ( as in the *Devi/s fuggeftions ) but from the alone love of(jod in Chrtfl leftss . W hereunto wce may adde the effeBs of this perfwafon , wee rely up9K God^ CalUn^ffponhim^as adopted children^ (tAhha Father, Wce hatefnne, wee endevour to performe Gods will, wee labour to goe on tn Godlinejje. 4 In regard that fuch as have thofe graceSyZrt ingrafted into Chrifi^are made members of him. 5 In regard of the necejfary dependance Jjctwixt thofe .Tfltre*sa fpiritiiaUhro» thcrhood and kindred as tBongft Chrir ftians. Pral.21.22. Gal. I.?. Mat.25.8. Rea/bni, I 2 them (as hogges Aotmoflfreciom f carles ) deprive them- (dvQS of this Evidence ^zndyct alas, iucli are ml aOiair.ed to fay, that they (hall heftved ^ well as thel;ejt^ preiuming on Gods mercies, on thciv owftefupp 0 fed worthintiTe. 2 That Trr «?«^^/- /1? m^kf afpectall ufe of them in the time efSathnns temptations, when ftiggefting and alUdgmg that f^e are Reprol;ates, he would drive us into the Gulfe of desec- ration. Thus refi fling him by fliewing the truth oUhofe gra- ^^s within us, he will fee from us, $ That 'ive ought hy all meanes to labour and endevonr for the fame, abounding daily therein, groiepinff and encreafna ih them more and more, that thus iwe may make our calling and ^leElionfure, even have a particular affurance of the certain- ty of our oTvnefalvation, Touching the motives enforcing this Exhortation to give diligence to make our calling and eleUionfure , they are ty^^^, th^former, hide downe in the v^'otd Brethren ; the latter in the vjoxd rat her. For the 1 5 there arc three forts of ^rethen ^ brethren hy ^^^^,-as were Efau and lacob-^ brethren by place, as were the Ifraelitcs^ -:S.x\d i^ethrenhy grace, 2lS arc ^^11 C^ods children, vjhkh ^afi is here meant. This v^rd our ftApeftl^ ufcch to infinuate himfelfe into their rcjpefls , thereby manifefting hothhis humilttie,his mildnejfe, and his ajfeElion ^ as moft forcible perfe^aftons mdmotives to incite them unto the per- formance of this. £A-/7a ,/ Vcrf^i o.Jj}irituaG kinredamongjl Chrijlians. 109 H'ord. 4 \^2iVt6ne ktnde of fptrituall fco^e, ih^Efdy and Blood of Chrifi, 5 Hzwe of^eUl^^ediatofir, Chrifi, 5 Have oyje inheritance, the ksf^gdcme of heaven. Hence it followeth, ' I That th^^ name is not to be difdained , And had in fuch cofttempt among fl Chrtfiians, as tt is in thefe dajes. ■2 That every chtlde of Cod hath abundance ofk^nred, 3 That there 0H(rht to be no jirife and contention amengfi Chriflians^ as being brethren, \ve mtlft hve one another, live together in unity and amity ; wc rauft t^kf ^^^ anothcrs part-^ rejoyce at one another s welfare ; grieving at one another s griefe, with lofeph, with Mofes, with Nehemtah, and Saint Taul. Oh that wc could performe thofe mutuall duties V\ hich our ^ ir it Hall alliance re quireth 1 ■ For the 2. It*5 hide dovvne in thefe words, the rather, which may bee diver fly under flood, either thus , Seeing TPtthcut thofe graces, wee cannot makeof4r caPang and cle^ Eli on fur e , yphich thing is mo ft needfull , rve mufi there- fore the rather by them give diligence, to get this ajfurance, Or ihuSy feeing the a(furance of our elcclion and vocation is fo comfo'rtabte,fo excellent a benefit , therefore the rather wee mufl give diligence about the fame : Or thus , Seei-ng fo many are deceived about their eleBion and. vocation,thcrefore mufi we the rather give diligence to make the fame fur e '^ or thus, referring the words unto the latter part of this tenth verfe where it is faid,/or if ye doe thefe things jee flail never fall, becaufe this diligence in making our calling and elcBion ffre, is ameanes to prevent fallina array ; Tve mufi therefore the rather endev our about the fame ^ Thcs of the former, or fourth Reafon. Touching the latter, ovfift and lafi Reafon, it*slaide down in thefe \v0i(!is- for if yee doe thefe things yee /hall never fill; I fi>'fc an entrance jhalt be minifir-ed unto you ahQUndantly^tn- to the everlafiing ki'^^gdome of our Lord and Saviour lefus Chri^, For the undcrfianding of which Reafon, w-ee are to take notice of the metaphor here ufed by our Apofile, taken from fuch 4 5 6 Vfe. I a 3 I Thefr.2.19. 20. 2C0r.11.1S4 2 Motive, the rather. ThcfifcRca- Ton. . iwc^wna wfrrmt ^"H^n p^^ I to TheperfeVerance of the Saints. Chap, i •! I Cor.^«24., Iam.3.s. j Two parts of I the re^fbn^ ThcfirA part. Forifyci^oe thefethingsyce fliail never fall. il endued with fncb as walking or rnnning, doe hj one or other accident ^catch afali, ff hereby they are letted and kindred in their courfe. The Itfe of a Chnfiian hzrace, 2l great f rife is fet before us, QMQWthecelefliall lerufalem y the ki^gdome ^f^jeaven, the throne andfallace of the great king. We muft rnnne^ clfe fhall we not obtaine • j'ea, we miift/^ rnnne that we may oh tame: m^ny blockes 2indirock£s \\Qmi\it vi^ay , by thofe gifts aad graces oi Gods Sprit ^ we docat the length attaine the eni ofo'Jrdefres, hereby an entrance being minifired unto us, tn^ to this kingdon%e. Though TLtfome time weaiay receive ^tfall or ^r«(/?, whereby we may be in fonfie fort letted in our courfe, yet doe we not fall away totally and finally. But as they which being letted in their courie by a fall , therefore make the more [peed^ redeeming the time formerly lofl: Even fo, though ^xfome times we fall through our fmnes^ ( Saint lames tefitfying the fame, in many things we ojfend ^"^^ ufing the fame TV II I which are contrary unto the IVord of God^or in their life and convcrfatioHy ieadini^ the fame othcrwife phan hecommeth the (jofpcl. There may be, 1 confefrc, even in the i^ej^ oF (^ods children^ 2l partial/ znd temporary defe^ion^ both from fame part o^Doftrjfie^ and/ome part of Obedience , as the exam^ plesoiNoahyLot/David/Solomorij Peter, \mh others ^ doe witncfle ,• but this their defe^tonzndfallm^ awaj, is neither tota/l nox fin4li. They may ( as one fat th, ) bee in a deadfleepe^ yet Hve: faint J yet notfai/e-jbcfci^^yct not unto death • weather-bea- ten, yet not wracked -J /an^uipj, yct not p^rifi •, In them the fruit o( faving faith ^mzy^be for 2 lime fuppre(jed , yet the r»ote notfufp/anted. The aS} of ft may bcfufpended, yet the habttc not iofi, it may be eccUpfed to out fenfe : yc t h^ light Dot lejfenedjOT his courfeftaide, Fatth in thftm may at Jome times be faid to be dimimfjed, in regard of the aci, operation, externali fiuitSyfenfe md apprehenfian of '>, but not in regard ofxht halite ^ndfnBftance of the fame. The Ele^ thus car- J not poHiblyfa/iawajf. This ^r«/^ may be confirmed by di- I vers tef-f monies of Scripture. He that doth thefe things (fsiitk j David J fia/l never he moved, that is, ^^ that performeth the forementioned duties pj^ll never pertp} ^ but undoubtedly bee faved, Whofoever is bcrne ofGod,({zith S*Iohn)doth not com-- mit fn?ie,for hisfcedremaineth inhim, and he cannot finne, {ih^itis, unto death by falling away totally and finally from God ) becaafe he is borne of God* And againe , They went out f cm lis, but they were not of us^ for 'f they had beene of Ui, they wcuidno doubt have continiied with us, but they went out^ that they might be manifeft, that they tvere not all of its. ' There pjali arifefalfe Chrtfis, and falfeTrophets , faith our Saviour, OLndpja/i pjew great fgnes andwonders : info much that if It were poffible(^ note, if it werepofibie) they pjall de- ceive the very fleet, W hence may be concluded that its tm- pojfible that the EleEl pjouldptrifh^ that their happineffe Jhould be lofi , that they popildfall away totally and finally. The Reafons of this DoEirine are of divers forts. The I maybe taken from God. The 2 from Chnfi. The 3 from the the gifts and graces of Go^. Forthe4: the power of God mcntiontdhy this ouvaApO'^ fllej^e arekspt through the power of God, by faith, unto faU vation, which our ^^t^ic/^r likewife confirmeth , 2^0 man is able to plucke them out of my Fathers hand. For >ii% i 5 . — — ■ — »■ jVerfe i o.The certainty of the Saints perpetuity. 1 1 5 For the 5, the vpill of God mentioned by our Saviour Chnfl, Thps ts the Fathers tvill which h.thfent me, that of all, which he hath given mejfijould lofe nothmgybut jhonld r^tfe it Hf at the laft day \ and this u the roill of him thatfent me, that eyc^ ry one that feeth the Sonne , and beUevcth on him, [hould have everLifitng ttfe, and Iwill raife him H^ at the lajb day. Now thi. 4 Ihtinfe far able union betweene /?/;» and them. 5 His care &ndwatchfalnefeovtr the E/e^. 6 His effe^uall pra^ er i'orthe/^. Forihe I , The end of his camming into the rvor/d, it's ftt forth by himfelfe^ ihzfyvhofoever heleeveth in him fhould not ferifh^but have everlaftmg life, and by his beloved Difciple^. that we might live through htm: confirmed aifo by Saint Taut, Chrifi lefm came into the world to fave fnners, Therefere 'sshofoever beleeveth in him [hal notfal away totally Ct finally. For the 2, The end and merit e of his death, let forth by Saint n^aul: And you that were fometimes alienated, and ene-- mies in your minde by wicked workes^ yet now hath he recon^ died, in the body ofhisfiejh through death,tofrefent you holy andunblameable,andunrefroveableinhisfi(Tht, This being the end and merit of his death, it^s impojfible that thofe whsm he hath reconciled unto God^frefented holy and unb lame able, andunreproveableinhk ^ght,[houldfal away totally ^finally. For the 3, The love ofChrtft unto hiiEleSi^ mentioned by Saint lohn ^Having loved his ewne wbich were in the world, he loved them unto the end. Now if the love wherewith hec loveth his EleEihtt^xveternall^xsd^everla^inglove, how is IXfnjJible that they {hould everlajlingly pcrijh ? For the ^i The infeparable unton betweene Chrifi and his Slett ; of which our Saviour fpeaketh. I pray not for thefe alone ^ but for them alfo which jhall beleeve tn me, throuah their words, that they may all be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee .that they alfo may be one in us: and that glo- ry jj7ch fljofi fjaflr (riven me J have give nth em, that they maySe one^even as we are one, I in thee, and, thou ir^me, that they may be made. per feU in one. Such being the union ok the ^l^^ with him,they being branches of this Vine , members of this Body^ fiones built npon this foundation, it*s impojfible that they can fall away totally and finally. For the 5, His care and watchfulneffe over the SleU: whereof he himfelfei^tl\m/d my Chunhf and the Cjates of Hell pj all not prevaile agamft it. True is he^ yea, truth ttfelfe that fpeaketh thi^. For the 6, Hts effeEluall prayer far tHe EleEl mentioned, lohn ij, 20. 21, andfo to the end of the Chapter. Whence this reafon may be colleCled, For whom Chrtfi doth pray that they may not fait away, they undoubtedly Jhall not fall away: bnt Chriftprayethfcr the £le5i,that they may not fall away, to wil.totally and finally. The confe^uence of the propojlti- on is, evident, bccaufe the father will not deny the Sonne any thing. By all which it follovveth that the Ble^ cannot fall away totally and finally ^{h all not per ipi everlafimgly. Thus O^thefecond Reafon. The third i?f^/i?» may be taken /"^^^ the hely (jhofl, con- cerning w?^o»? three things are to be confidcred confirming t\\\s point. I H/s perpetfiall manfion, ^nd cohabitation with the faithfull. 2 His operation and worke in the faithfully 3 ThQ tejl-tmony znd witnejfe y/hichh^Q giveth anto the n^y in whom he dvrelleth. For the -l , his perpetuall manfion and cohabitation in the faithftill, mentioned by Saint lohn. But the annomting which yee have received of htm, abideth myotty andjee neednot that any man teach youy but as the fame annomting teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught yoH,yee [hall abide in him. Andagaine, His feed re- maineth m hira^ and he cannot finne ( that is, unto death ) becaufe he is borne of God, W hereunto Saint ^^aul agreeth. Knovjye not that yee are the Temple ofCjod^and that the Spi- rit of God dwelleth in you. Now,^^c-«r^ and careleffe^ that they may take heed unto ihen^ifelvef. 4 Be- caufe6'<7^j children the more they take heed unto them- feives, the more they make their calling andeleEltonfnre, 0^2' But we reade oi divers^ which being great frofef- fors Aid totally and finally fall away, denying the Lord that bought them, a^ dogges, returning unto their Vfmit , fuch • as T>emas, Hymen<&us^ (iyilexander^ with others, dAnfw. Tht gifts zx\A graces which they feemed to have, w^ere notf^^^,but onely in (hew» They were never truely and ef equally fann:ified^ but onely in their arfne^ and in the ofi- nion of others, Ob. 5. But did not T)avid and Teeter totally fall arvay, in lb much that if their repentance had been prevented by death y they fhould have peri/hed everlafltngly, Anfip, Both of them did fearefuffy fall, were grievoufly rcounded, yet neither vvas thciv fall finail nor totall, Ihe feed caft into the ground^Mts there hid for a tmte, is it there- fore dead f the Sunne eccUpfed,^ will it not therefore pnne ? the fiip covered with rvaves, is it therefore ferifljed ? the/^«? covered with aflies, {$ it therefore extinguifbed ? a man in a deepe Jleepeyis he therefore dead f Thus was their /'«^>^ at thistin::e. Ob. 4» BLitdoch not this 1>octrine open a doore to carnall prefumption ^ndfecuritie, yea^ Itbertie, as it were unto men CO commit the Iike/^^^^* H''il rhraCeo£ confoIation« to fuchi as alledging that they are certaine oft heirfdvation ; 2;hX]\tx x!v\^g^oundQi^t\x cert aim yhoviX their orpne merits and defer ts , and not frcm the gifts and graces of Gods Spirit T^ithm them . 3 VBto fucb as bei ng dotdtfull of their faiva- tion f\n danger Q^ falling away y dee notwithfianding goe OH inth^Vi ev ill c our fes, not /ai?ouring and endevouring for the gifts and graces of Gods S fir it, hy doiv^^O^rvhtch , they pjall never fall. For Confolation unto all Gods children^, affaultcd by the temptations of the Dcvill^ terrified by tlic prickes of their confciences , cafl dotvne through the confiieration of their manifold fmnes^ bein^ endued with the forementioned graces^ they pjall never fall. Thy Jinnes indeed deferve that God (hould humble and terrifie thee n^uch mere, yea, torment >^z/i7/and his Angels \ but thou fhak never faR. defaElor, than a l^ar- ie unto a L^ytarriner lather ? What more (th? or of one led I, than a releafe? thee, than this never fall a- gifts and graces ofGodsSpirtty whereby we may ajjure our i^ivcs oiom perfevcrance in well-doing imto the ettd; yea, unto the daily fraSiife o^ihoic graces^ behaving our felvesas ttmflcs of the holy Ghojl, as mernhers ofChrifi, as the chtU dren ofCjody even as (uchywhtch are ttfholden bj th€ Spirit of God.undonbtedhetres of the kj^ngdome of heaven, 4 VntO thanksffi/neffe for that eftatc whercunto the Lord hath called ^■^i that being wowfanBtfed by ^ods Spirit, endued v;ith trne favinggravCy we can never totally ' and fnally faR awaj.'Wms o£ the former part o£ the reafon y even that which concer- neth the efiate of Gods children in this life, thej fjall never fall ^^aj s folio weth to fpeake of the latter, their ejlrate in the life to comej they obtaine the hv/igdome of heaven. Concerning the 2 then, their efiate in the life to come, they obtaine the kingdome of heaven, even that everlafling kii^g- dome of our Lord and Sainour lefus (^hrtjl,2iS it*S laid downe in the 1 1 verfe, in thefe words, Forfo an entrance [hall bee tntnifired unto you aboundantly, into the everlafling ki^ig- dome of our Lord and Saviour lefus Chrtfi. In the fift verfe, (jod doth require of us, to adds unto our filth, vertue, Hnto onr vcrtne , knowledge, ^c. to minifler^ fupply,andfMrnt[lj our faith, with thofe othtr graces : yea>, to fiide avdfifpportit with the fame j (as the word in the ori^ ginalldoth alfo fignife) exhorting \\s vvithaUr«>^/V^ all dili- gence^ to ^et our whole endcvours, to drive with might and mainc to the performance hereof, that both we may obtaine them, and they abound in m. Now in this verfe hee promi- feth \\s^ that if wee doe thm labour and endev0f^r,t(yadde, furnifli, minifierjand fupply, aide and fupport ov\x faith with thcfe^r^r^/jdoing what in nsly^th to obtaine thcjame^ he Vjillblejfe,helpe, 2ind further our labours and cndevours by bellowing npon Wj his Spirit, by adding unto oux faith ^ thoie graces which he recjuireth to be in us , by minifiring, ft^rnipjing, znd/uppl]/ing them unto us , yea, by ay ding and ff^pporttng use fi^ntinua/ly and plentifully j again ft the BeviH, the fVorldy and the /V^/5 : which aboundantly labour to kfepe us kom getting them, and^i5i-,purchafeduato ^ by /?;>«, beftowed upon us for his /^4fj who ^ both our Lord and Saviour, Though of our felves we be weaks^might qmcklyfall away, and fo be depri- ved of the kingdome of heaven^ yzi our ^od is firong, heeis pittifnllfhc will furnifi us With grace, whereDy wee may w'^/^^ in that w'^/ that /^W^f/? thereunto, and thereafter ob~ taine the/ame, A fentence mod comfort able, emotive mofl forcible to ferjveade unto holy duties. The chtefefl reafon which men and women alleadge againft the performance of them , is the difficultie and imfojfibtltty to f erf or me them. Thus doth the covet om alleadge^ It is hard for a rich man 1 9 enter into the kingdome of Cjod. It is n9Wt0d late for mee, to ipithdraw mine affeflionsf-om the things of this tporld/ny heart i^fo gifted unto it, that it vpillbe imfojfible for me to Tvithdrajv it, and therefor eit is hnt vaine and iofl-labourfor me tofet a- bout it. This the drunkard doth alleadge. It i^ impffiblefor a B lacks- ^^'^^ to change his colour^ or a Leofard his ^otteSy I imfojfible for a ^Doerge not to returns ptnto his vomit, vr a Son? not to wallow in the myre, I have followed this courfe, the mofl fart of my time , my natnr all de fires are bent unto it, my feHoW'Comf anions neither willforfake me , neither can I ever for fake them, and therefore it roiU be but in vaine for mee to tkinkeoffobrietie. This doththt fro fhaner of Gods Sabbath alleadge, both for going about his worldly bufmefes, and bis faftimes on that day, / have done thpis alwayes, I JhaUhardly fp/trs any time ufon the weeke dayes, and therefore it will bee butinvaineformetothinkeeftheflriEl obfervation of the Sabbath. This doi:h the maltciom gaid envious perfon alleadge why he /liould not love his neighbour, Thgre hath beene con~ tention betweene us, thefe many weekes oryeeres, he hath done me fo many and fo great wrongs, that I [haU not foffiblie love him^ and therefore it wiH be but in vaine for me to thinks th^ I can love hm. This doth the Adulterer , this doth the Thief i U, Vcrfi o. objeBed^and anfieered. I2J . Thiefcy this doth the Swearer, this doth the Ido/ater, this doth the Ignorant, this doth thQ Impatiera , this doth the Impemtent, this doth every iS'/z/^f?^ alleadge to keep e him- fe:fe kovayeeldin(T obedience unto God, ( 1 appea/e unto yoiir owneconfctences^whtthtvyoLi have not thus ^ffany a time foothcd up y^MKfclves^ iulh'iig your felves afleepe in the bed o{fecHritj») There's an <«2«/^^r unto ^'^^/J of your objefli- onsy ( which is the generali obfervation arifing from the wordy) that Godvptll aboundantly further fuch in the perform mance of holy duties, -which with ah diligence , fet themfelves abom the fame. No man can fet himfeife about the per- formance of holy duties^ but he iliail meet With many 2Ciid. great impediments, the ^eviU, the fVorld^his owne corrnp- tions, outward crfifjes^ inward troubles ^^Lud the l^ksj neither is any man oihimfelfe able to encounter the leafh of thofe, what then (hall wc doe? Shall we not fet our (elves about the/^^rfi?r;;^^«r^ofthematal], bccaufewce (liall meet with (uch/^r^^/ and ^/'^o/?/-/o«/, which we are not able to refift f farre be it from us : Our helpeftandcth in the lS[ame of the Lord, he will undoubtedly /«?-f^^?^ us ixith^ performance ei thcin, if with all diligence, wefet our fclves about the fame. Likewife the spirit alfo ( faith Sair>t 'l^aul ) helpeth our infir^ mtties^for-yve knorp not vphat ive {bonldpray for o/s we ought. It u Godyphich worketh in m, both to will and to dee's of his goodpleafure. ^y€nd I "will give them oneheart, and one way ( faith the Lord by his Tropbet) that thej may feare meefor ever,forthe goodofthem^and of their children after them. For this caufe, th^ father of the pojjejfed childe faid. Lord I beleeve, helpe thou my unbeleefe. For thi^ caufe the zy^peflle T^aul wvituh unto the Corinthians, that God would alfo con^ firme them unto the end, that they might be blameleffe in the day of our Lord lefus Chrifi ; and to the l^hilippians, Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath becrun a good workeinyou,willperforme it^nntillthe day of lefus Chrifi -^ and to Timothy^ Confider what Ifay^and the Lord give thee 'under fianding in all things. Thus di'^ which God beflcweth owhisowne children, iVsZ kingdome , even the ev.erlafiing kingdcmeof our Lordand Saviour lefus ChriJ^ ; Feare not little flocks, ( feitb our Saviour) For it is your Fathers plea- fur e to give you the kjngdome^ 3 kingdome , not t err e fir tall, but Exod.j.i?, 1 Tin5«4J7, 2 The reward which God beftow efh up» on his chil- dren« •^1* ■*»i ••*" 125 Mat.j.iPf Rom.14.17. Pfal.2.<;. Reu.i4..l. Tjie meanes whereby to obuine the rcvv-ardstv^Otf fold. 2 Cw.j.j, Luc.i3«Z4» 1 HeaVen ho')V obtained* but ce/efiially called therefore ellevvhere often, the k}ngdo?ne of heaven y a kingdeme not moment arte or tern for arte, but ever/afiing ^nd perpetual!, which endnmh for ever, diking- dome, noZpHrchafed by men, but by our X«>r^ ^^i Saviour lefus Chrifl, This kingdome is here amplified, both by the nature oftt, an everlafting kj^^dome^ and ttie owner or pur- chafer of tt,Xi^T Lord and. Saviour lefus Chrtft , who as hec hath here a kingdome of grace , which is exerciCed in the hearts of men, in righteoufhefje and peace, and joy tn the holy Ghofi, the Lawes thereof being the Word of God , which is the Tvordofthe kingdoms ; ih^SuhjeEis, all the 8le^ which are eff equally called, and regenerate : So hath he in Heaven, a ktngdomeof glory, ':^ho{&fuhje Els are not onely the Saints^ but aifo the very Angels \ himfelfe ( ho wfoever defpifed by the men of this world) a renotvned and glorious king, whofe kingdome is not for fome fhort time, but for ever ; where- of there fliall h^no end, yfhofe throne is for ever and ever. Touching the latter, the meanes whereby to ohtaine this reward^ or this everlafting kingdome, they are two-fold, the one principa/l J the othcv lejfe princtpall ; th^former on ^ods I P^rt, the latter on ours. Ours is laid dowoe in the word So, which im ply eth our labour and endevonr to per for me holy duties-^ G^^j-, in the folfowing words , dAn entrance [hall he miniftredunto you aboundantly \ yet have not we Ours of r^urfelves,^ but o't(jod, f being of our f elves unable to thinke one good thought , much Icfie to grow in grace^ by whofe goodnejfe we endevour for^^^r^, he of his geodnejfe inini- rtring and fupplying the fame unto us ; So that if wee ^«^-?- vour^nA labour to ^iniprer unto OWV felves, God will mtnt- fleruntous,zso\iv<^poftledothint\mzte by ufing one and the felfe-fame word both in this, and thxfift verfe, as it's in the originalL 1hovi^^tentrance\nto^\%kingdome of Chrift be un- eafie,^%thegatcisftrait,\}ntxzht\n'^ fo much oppofitton to keepe us from entrtng in^ yet [hall an entrance be mimftred unto us aboundantly through the power of God, being endued wi th the fore-named ^r^^^.>* J nnhingOxS^ h^able to let us from ■Tr»3f, Vcrfi O.Hope of^lory an incitement untograce. 127 from entrmgin ; yea, by the grorpth in thofe graces an Ahonn^ dfint entrance i^ more and moxcp^pfijed. Thus by know/edge arc we entr ed into the light of Chrifis kingdome, and by encreafe in knovpledge are WC led into grea- ter light, '\\\\x%h^ faith 2iX^\\thr ought to the pre fence and fellow fitp of Chrtfiy^d as our faith groweth, wc encreafe in that felloivpjip. Thus by godlmejfe are we hronght to the fuifje^ion and ohedience which is in Chrifis kjngdome : and the wore WC ai^ound ingodlinefle^the ff^rther we w^'^^ ^«- trance into his kintrdome^ Thus by brotherly love ^^nd temfe- ranee zud patience, arc 'vjC entr ed into the border of Chrifis kingdome, and the fweet^j^^^r/>/>,that is,^j' workes ofmercj,zxc wc bro fight inx.o xhtPrectnElso^ihekingdome^ and the wor^ that wee ^^ow in f ^^ kingdome-^ the like may be faid ofvertne. From thofe ni?(? particulars ^thus explained unto you, this gcner all obfervat ion mgty be gathered, that, 7"^^ confderation of that great and glor torn reward , which God hath prepared for hu ororie children, [hould incite and pro- vcke H6^ to labctir and endevcur for the gifts and graces of Cfods Spirit, rvhsreby we may be partakers of th^ fame glorious reward. Wherefore we ( fail h the dy^pofile) receiving a ki^ig- dome which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby wee may ferve Cjod acceptably ^ with reverence and godly feare. And ii^air.eJVe charged every one ofyou.thatye would walk^ rporthy of God, t^ho hath called you unto his ktngdome. Thus our Saviour doth reafen : But love yce your enemies ^and do 'good, and lend, hoping for nothingagame, and your reward fhall be great, and yce fjall be the children oftheHighefi, And agaire, Whofocver {hall give to drinke unto one of thefe little ones, a cup of cold water onely, in the name of a Difciple, verily Jf^y unto you Joe fjallin no wife lofe his reward. Thus Szmi lohnhxs beloved Dtfciple I Lool^ to your felves, that 'p^e Ufe not thofe thtn, even he-re in this lifi, is zn ^^celUnt furtherance to helpe us towards the performance oi holy duties; yea, and upholdeth us in the mid ft both oi temptations and tribulations. - g In regard of the excellency hereof3 which will appeare,ifcither we confi- derit,^ /^ ^^^^'^y^//^, orasit ^ tn comparifon with other things: as it h initfilfe^ itappeareth to be excellent , from the Author of it god; the inflrument wherby obtained yfaith inC^r//?;thep^r/o?2JtOvvhomitbelongeth, the children of ^e e^celkncj ofGodsIQn^dome. 129 houfe : the ff^/r:efe ofJQj : tlie joy of the Lord: the nevt^^holy, andfirme (^\tte of Lerpifdcm : the g/orj/ of Gods children: reft: refcfhwg: feace : haf^iKcffe : the crow»e ofg/or^^ and the //%. Vimlly fiom the pJ^operties, gLn(\ ^ua/tttes o^ the fame y glorious, pov;erf fill J pure J happy J permanent y patent ^ot al (jods children y2<\\everlaflt}ig k^ngdome , even the hin^donte of Chrt(t lefMS, Ksit isincompanfonivith others ^ it excel- leth; compare the rewards which kjngs give untotheir ^i^^r- r/Vrj,/?^^^ ^i>^, though it were all th^it they have, referving onely untothemrelves^<9/>^,as we reade o? t^flexander the ^r^^r; compare it with the ^ , as thofs Cities in Galilee^ which king Solomon gave unto the King ofTynu;^^]:^ in his fight, CaM, dirtie^ not worthy to be compared herewith. 4 In regard of the tneanes whereby we obtaine it. W hich are the gifts and graces of Gods Spirit, according to that cf our i'^Z'i^^rC^r//, Verily, verily J fay unto thee , except a man be borne againe^ he cannot fee the ktngdomeofgod, whereas without thofe there \^ no en- trance into (7'//^^^^/?''?^J^«j*drawne from the ^^t^^^* whereunto he doih ery firfl word, where- fore, which having relation unto the/^rwf r,cleei cly impor- -teththc7^»^(f. That he did /W// refolve with s\\ diligence to put them ahvayes in minde o( the fame ^ is no Icfle appa- rant fromthefillcwtngTvords,Iwt^ not he negligent to put you alvpayes in remembrance ofthefe things , and therefore \l follovvcth, as v\ cJl from ht^ferious confideration of the necef- fitie and utilttie of thef e graces^ as kis refolution alwa yes to put them in mmde ofthefame, that it tpos thctrpart and duty with all dtliaence to endevourfor them. Now left they might have ohjeBed that they had kr^o'iv ledge and were already (lahltjht ocdd confrmedmtheprefent trmh, and therefore had no^ need of fuch faperfuom admonitions ^ he anfwereth ihat although they were thus grounded andfet^ led^yet he would not be negliffenttQ put them alrvayes in re- membrance ofthefe things. So then, the r^ords contalne a reafon^ of the former exhor- /"4//herefore, noting(asl:old you) the^ which our ex^- pofile hd.d found to be in thofe graces, vvbereiinto he doth ca;- hort them* f Jhhobfervation m2y be gathered, th^it There is not a more forcible argument to perfwade unto the performance of holy duties, than to propound the utilitie and profit proceedingfrom the fame. This made him To diligent in exhorting them herunto; and hereby liktmCc did htperfwade them unto a diligent performance ofthefame^ Thus Solomon^, Keepemj commandements and live, Heare inflruH^ion and be vpife^'^ leafed is the man that heareth me, ypatching daily at my gates, waiting at thepofts of my doores\ for who fofin- deth me.findeth life, and fiall obtaine favour of the Lord, Thus Adofes, IfthoHjhalt hearken diligently unto the Voyce of the Lord thy (jOT) ^ to obferve a^d to doe all his com* madem^ntst , -bleffed Jhaltlthou be in the Citie, and bleffed alfo in thefield,&c. Thus ^avid, Hee that doththefe thinfr/'^J being fomv/f, the impediments fo many , the U- bonr more than ordinary. And that the »^/7^^r^, and therefor e hce muft/^^^ hi^s flocks y ^^ks ^ Jbe^heard \ he mufl gather the Lambes vpith his ar?ne, and carry them in his bo fome, gently leadmgthofevphich arevptthyongiheii Gods mejfenger, and thercibi'C mufl cry aloude^and not (pare^ lifting up his voyce liks a trumpet, to jhero people their tranfrreffioriS^and thehoufe of Jacob their finnes. They mujh preach (rood tidings unto the mecke^binde upthe broken-hearted,proclaime libertie ts the captives, the opemnfrofthe prifon to them that are boundSThty muf: root out ^ani pull downe^deflroy and throw downe , build andpUnt, They are ypatchmen appointed by God, and there for Verfe 12, in their Q^Hing. M5 fore rr7fffi - I Tim,4..i3. 2 Tina 2.1 ?• Reafons* I 4 ;?>- Aft.^.4. t^nto the OMi}7i fiery, which thou hafl received of the Lord, that thoufolfil It, And ag^ine,^ 'BtJhop( or Treacher) mptfl be vigilant. And againe. Till I come, give attendance to rea^ ding^ to exhortation^ to ^o^rine^ negleU not the gift that is in thee, meditate on thefc things -^give thjfelfe wholly to them^ take hcede unto thy felfe ^(indto the doiir'me ^continne in them &c. And againe, Study to [hew thy f elf e approved unto God, a workeman that needeth not be afhamed , rightly dividina the Word of god. Thus was Chrifir in hk^ tlms v^ ere the ^^ po files diligent in their Calling* 7 he Reafons hereof are thefe. I In regard of the great- nefe of the worke, i3Qen andwomen are not eafily brought un- to a loathing o^finne, unto a love o^ grace ^ mans heart i: hard 06 afione^ it will not be eafily mollified. The hammer of the Word mufl: againe and againe , he ate and brf^ife the fame. 2 In regard o^t\iQ fencer tainty of our li^fe, the f^orter and fewer our dayes are, the better {hotild they be imployed, Hnp~ py Jhallwe be, if when our L^dafier commeth, he pjall finde m Tvelldoing^tv en diligent in our calling, 5 In regard of the great neffe of our reward ^\^q ^'S^AJhine as Starres \\\ the fir- mament o{God, wefhallgeta crowneo^ glorie that fndeth not away, 4 In regard of the ^^^^^ ^^^^^/^^ which hereby re- doundeth untO others, cwznih^falvation of their foules. Hence it folio weth.that ^s theTreachers of Gods Word omht te bee dilieent in their calling , fo people mufi ayiimate and encourage them untothis carefulne^e, Ks^reachers are to withdraiv their mind.es from tht things of this world^md all other lets which may hinder their diligence, (z^ we reade of the Apofiles which for this caufe chofefeven ^Deacons ^which might take care for the poors) and fo they might give themfelves continually to prayer ^and to the Mini fiery of the Word:) So mull: people avoyde sll fuch occafions , as may withdraw them froro the fame, miniflring unto them in dWgood things. I f we muft bee diligent in feeking your good, yee mufthkewife be diligent about thej'^;^^-, as we muft be carefufl to preach, io muft ye be carefull to heare:2LS VJC mnika^jfolutelj refoive with our | (^pofi/e, I T Vcrfi 2. Tcople have need of daily admonition. Qy^pofi/e not to be xegligetit in the f er for mane e of oiir dutie-j To muft you ahfoluteljrcfolve, not to be foamingwxwo your fe Ives, mihtprforTnanccc^y curs. But alas, how many are there, which prefcrre the negligent before the diligent, which thinkethe worfe of their LMtntflcrs, even for their ;?/^/«/;!^/- neffe and diligence f yea, how many are there Hkewife which require diligence in their l-'^flors, but ( as Tharaohs Xaske- mdflers which exaU:ed a great number of *\Brickes J)Ht thought tt too much to alloTP firaw ) grudge them their maintenance: yea, and ethers there are alfo ( the mare's the ptty ) which doe fb t/^^p^^ to ^ove the Lord^ Often did theTropkets call upon the Ifrae- lites to retume unto the Lord, Often did David invite us to thanks fulne\fe, and to praife God. Often did our Saviour prefcribe hts T>ifciples to love one another, againe and againe enjoyning x^c.^fume precept, in defame words ^^s alfo Iiis be- loveds if ciplc Tohn in his Epifiles^hw^ here out' <*y4pofllc re- (olved to performe ihQ fame. The i?^^/^;^/ hereof are thefe. i Tlic negligence cf moft hearers m ihc performance of thofe duties whereunto they 2itQ exhorted. 2 Thdrforgetfulneffe of them. 3 The many lets and impediments which they meet withall in ^the perfor- mance of them. Hence ^^^7 ■\ Exod j;,l8. Z^.PcopIehavc need againe and againe to be put in mind ofthc fame da- ties, wlierunto they have been already exhors tcd>. Deut.(5.5.and 10. ii.dcii^ 13.22.&19. I(a.3o,i5,and Ier.3.1.7, 12, I4.22«and 4.1, &CC. 1 Ioh.2.Io. and 4.7. 1 1, 2 lohji 5, J Reafons.' I i^WP*C»^* I I5S The l0orke of the Miriiftery^a daily i^ori^e.Cbap. 1 . D.ThcwoTlce of a Miniftec is a day ly vvorkCjn-eTcr dcatiend« HeiKC it foUowetbotbat None o^ght to Oe offended with the Treachers of Gods JVordi for their often and frequent exhortations unto the fame duties. Ii*s not laz^inefic in them ( as manj fuf^ofe) but neg-^ iigeme^ carejefnefe, and forgetful nefe in y our/^/'Z^'^?/ , who have as much neede to be pur in minde ©f the fame things as King 7^hi/ip had, of one to put him in mtnde of death every day. Ifthou remaineft in thy y/««e'j, ^r/^;^^^;?;^^j[f>, malice, eovetoufnejfe, fn^earing.tnpdelity, and the lif knowing their nature , their fffe^s^thcn worth, ihe ^Tt^t ufeoi them, and the /%^- the Ignorance, oi which, occaHoncth for the mcft part our co'/j- tempt of them, for, who will cfteeme ofg'^:ace, but fuch as know the worth ofit ? 2 That it's law full for Minifters to teach er write ^ as well thofe things which are vulgar and well knowne, as thofe things which are rare or leffe knowne^ agreeable with the pra(5lice of Saint lohn,Iwrite thefe things^ not becaufe yee l:^iow not the truth , but becaufe yee know it. And of Saint T^aul^ It grie- veth me not t9 write the fame things unto you, but for you it h fafe. They muft chufe rather to profit, tho^n to pleafe^ though feme know , allknowmt, yea^they that know mofiyh^d need to be incited unto more knowledge, 3 That it's '/iot enough to know the truth^ unlefje we be efia- blipjed therein, we muft hcftedfaft and unmooveable -^ as ype have received Chrift Jcfus the Lord , fo walking in him, rooted and built up, and eflablifhedm the faith '.^fTren(fthe*'ed and well grounded therein, 4 Tha^.,t hat's the oncly truth which was preached and pro^ fiijed by the ay^poftlcs in the primitive Church, There is but one truth ^md they had that truth ^ delivered unto them, by immcdiaterevelation, confirmed by miracles, wherein alfo ^hey could not.^yr^jtbat hdngpeculiar unto their yifojllefbip. Hence Thout,h yea know them andbeAabli- llxdin the pie- Cent truth. O^/C'iriflians muft i< now and be well acquaintsd withGois graces. may teach and write even cf things vulgar Sc welknown^ I lohnz 2. Phil*3.I» oy.VV^nmft not onlx know butbceft.»bli- Hicd in the truth* I Cor,i5, J 8. Col.2.5. O^/'.riiatthat i J the oncly truth which was preached by the Apo- Ales in the Puruiiivej Church. ■HM' / 140 The dally duty of Minijlers. Cb ap. i e ' I Thefecond reafon. Hence it followethj t That, 't^hatfoever T>o[lrine doth not agt'ee ri^ith the T^a^ Elrine of Chrifl and his (iy^pofihs^ is not the truth of God:, but an humane invent ion i the *Do Brine ofDive/s, 2 Th^t T^e o^ght not to admit of any Do Brine but that which agreeth with the ^oBrine of the d^pofiles^ and fi, not of1^&f€rj/j2^,unlcflt;/7^ ^OQfirJt of all meditate ^ and confider o^tht fame? Jhsitfrom iht4 onfideration he found that it was his duty and fart, hy reafon of his office,to put them tn minde ofthofe things, fa long as he did live , appearech al- fo by his owne acknowledgement, I thinks ^^ ^^et, jufl , and equally fo long as I live tofyovokjyou to goodwork^s, to pro- voke you vnto an endev our, after the gifts and graces of Gods ' Spirit, by mine exhortations , And therefore that hce would have them, from the confider ation of his dMtie towards ther» infiirring them up , to f^r forme theirs, in bkin^ ft ir red up: from the ^^^/^^^^^^^» of bis <5^///^/> towards them in prov&^ k^ng 2ind exhorting ih^m to the performance of holy dmes^ to performe theirs, in bew^ provoked and exhorted unto the y^;w7ari(ingfromr^(?Wj, as from the d^tie requiredof himfelfe^ Htuccthis general! obfervation may be gaiheted^tuat The conf deration of the dutte which God doth require of Treachers, ought to provoke people unto the performance of holy duties, Thisisthe very/t^nvof this reafon, the very end and ay me of our (iApoftle in this place, God doth require of r^, to yvinneyourfoules ; to rrarneyou efjourfinnes 3 to feedeyourrith therrholfomefood of his word '^ to beget you unto gbd through the Gof^ ell: totraveilin birth, till Chnft. be formed in y of* : togiveourfeJves wholly unto holy exerci- fes Yw,»an(!t thinlce it meet, Z?.The coTiG- dcration of the duty which Godrequireth of preachers ouglit to in- cite pccplcuit" to thcperfbr- rnancc of ho/y duties. ^ Pro. I r 30. EzcIc.3 3-5. Aa.:o,2g. J Cor.^.i^t 1 Tim, 4. 1 5. ^4^ Vfe. Hab. 2,1. Rom I C.r5'« 1 Tjm.4.. I« Z Cor, 5. 2 0, I Cor.i.i. Pliil.2.2^. I Coro^.^.lO* Ma:. ^.3 7* ira.!i.ll* I Cor 3. (J. Ifk.6l.5- I Cor.9.9. Dan. 12. 3. John J 4,."? 5. jThcir.2>.9. I Pet.:.:;.. Ezek4 3|.6. Ezck,34.2. Mat. 25. 30. Pijii.5«28. As Mimfters pcrjonne their duty y Chap. fes for your good ; tofiand, contmually on the lV^.tch-tower : Tojdcnficcyou unto God : to preach the IVord^ being tnftant in fe^ifon y out of fe.tfon, reproovrri7 ^ rebH'^n(T^exhQrtr/i(T, with all lor^g-fujfenng andT)oElrine : w/ceare Gods ay^mbnf. fkd'urs , jleyp.rrds ^oHlditrs^Ubonrers yhtiiyandmcnJ^Hilders: wee are his jpirttPiMlfowers, reapers^ tvatchmen, planters ^ p/i'rpmef^,threJ7:^ers J 'dn^zll for the good J jve/fare, and benefit Oiy^uxfoules ; yea^that we may verforme thofe duties fiod doth both allnre us by prcmifes^^ud terrifie us by threatmngs. Takea tafteoi either^ if w^tAoo. ^y^dei^JoHr rightly loperforme thofe dntics^ then we [hall [hine^ ds the brightnejje of the Fir- mament^ ^nd (U the Starr es for ever and ever, }Ve gather fi'uit unto life eternalL TVe pjall get a Crort>ne of rejoyciH^-, y^hen the chief e S hep heard (hall apfeare, we fhall receive a crowne of glory ^that fadeth not av^^y. By the contrary fuch as doe not endev&f/rtoperforr/^eihoic duties^ ihQyJhail undoub- tedly per i/b, Jfthe blind leade the blind^ both /ball fall in the ditch, 6'£>^requireth i\\Q peoples blood at thetr hands, a w^e is pronounced dgarnfl them, they pjall be cafl into mt er darke- nejfe, yfhofe end i^ defirHn:ion , tvhofegod is their belly, whofe glory is in their fiame^ who minde earthly things. Thefc and many thzMk^fentences are recorded in the Scriptures ^ no doubt,as well for yours, as for ^ur infl:rud'ioa> that you d jly weigh ing2indconJtdering ihz fame, may endevour toper forme ysur dutie to\w^i'dsGod^2iSwe:^tQ to performe ours towards yoH. To who>n are v^tfent f is it not toyou ? for vvhofe profit are Wc.to ht burning audpjining Candles? is it not kr yours? To what ew^are we appointed watchmen . labourers, works- men, teachers ? is it not for your ^^^^ ? fliould not you then receive us \ being^^^? : learne, being taught ; take warning, bQ\^^%admomJhed? mud WC^ end our felves, our time, our labours, for your^us to entertaine them , and to give them fo much ^^^^/,for fuch and f iich worki^threpnng, floyr'ing^k^efing o^jbeepe^ or th^ like, if he duely confider his duty, hee fliall finde it ^^//^// and w^^f^, that hee himfelfe (hould as well //w to f«^ them in remembrance of thofe things , v\as, Aunnghisnaturall lifey as long- f faith he) iis lam m this Tabernacle , that is, as long ^.-^^/>/; fo have we of Qeds continuall protedio:i , as be- ing in continuall ^^;^^^^rofthe tQ^pt^uouswirJsolperfecu- tmi, At fierce ajfaults ofoar fpirituail enemies. 2 Our mutable and changeable eft ate , as Tabernacles or Terns h^v^.tiQcertatne place q( abiding, butare in u/^^f/^^ ^ to Verfe i^.Our Tabernacles mujlbe dljfohed. HI to day,tfi another tomorrow ; So neiiher, can ue affure our ith^so^ any ^Wi\)gz$graj[e, growing in the morning ^ cut downeQxtmghty^tB^oiiCn driven to change our d-r^ellings, JhisTa^ernac/eof our bodies will not alwayes^^^W; ^od will certainly take it dovvne, it (hall not continue. A. That ourfoules in this world, are^ut as gnefls^ ftrangers in oHr bodies , fi^om ivhtch for a time they miifl hefepara- ted. 5 That in thps world vpe are a^ T^ il grime s ^ as iVarriours, m a combating rfiate, or finite of warfare y warring againft the Z^^z'///, the-n'6'^-/(j/,andour ovvne ccrrnftions , terrible and fierce enemies, 6 That at the length wejhall have afetled abode, and fixed habitation, in the kvngdome of heaven , even when this our Tabernacle [hall be di^olved. From all \N\{\chzthreefold ufe may be gathered. For InftruEitonj i That we have fmaH reafon , either to pamper our fclucs fo much, to extoll and magnifie our felvcs To much, or to trouble our {tVf^i fo much with the things of this world ^ fcr the maintenance of our badies : what are they, but filly Tabernacles ? a little pame, a little fickneffe^ any ki^d of death will quickly overt urne them. 2 That wec ^fliould be wiWiu^ to have thefe our Tabernacles dijfolved our journey ended, our warfare finijhed, 3 That We ought with ail j^^^<^ and diligence to performe thofc duties which (/''^reLjuirerh of us, in as much as wc are uncertaine when our Tabernacle \\^2i\ 1 b e diffolved, ¥or Cefnfolation, unto'dliihc ajfliflerd ^nd difirefjed mem- bers of C^ri/?/^/^, who^r^^;?^ here under heavy burdens, in \.h:.'\x earthly bodies, brittle tents, fade tabernacle S'^ whofe foule^Dth even longwith the /?/i? reape , by o/r^;^' and feqnent admonitions ^ they are ^irred tip, provoked unto the performance o^ holy duties. To y?/>r^ ^/?doth import, either deadnejfeyfteeping^drowfne[feydulneffe,jlownejfe, or the /^4f • The children of God, before their converfion are ^^W in their fnnesybut God doth raife them uip by the preaching of the f^^r^. After their converfion, they doe many times fall aficepe, b^comQ fiow^ dull ^ and drowfie, m the performance of holy Xj from which C^odaKo by the admonitions oFhis PFtrd doth raife them up, worl^ng powerfully by the fame upon thdr ajfeBions, And this I take to be our Apoft-les meanings \s/hmhe faithfThat he thought It meet Jo fiirre them up ^ by putting them tn remembrance. Hence may be obferved,that gods children have continuallneed efthefiequenf and of- ten adrrtonitions of Gods Word, whereby they may be fiirred up and provoked unto the performance of holy duties. The praBife whereby they may be ft it red uptothepers form^nce of holy duties. Re(*fons. I Verfe 1 5 .Freciuent admonitions of the Word needful!: 1 49 praftife 0^ OUT Saviof^r ChnJi-,gi(\dhisApofi/cs in the New i admonition of Tefiamem, as alfo the pr^a.fe of the Prophets in the 6?/^,noc *" • ^' ■ °- ' cesL^Dg^^^^^^ ^nd agat'/te, by their f^A^rMr/>?7J to ftirre up thGlT hearers iox\\Q performance o^ holy duties , dothfuflici- cntly con fir me the fame. The Reafons hereof are thefew i In regard of the mani- fold oppoftiont which we meet withall in the performance of holy duties, nztncly, OUT natnr all corruption ^dulr:ejfe^ and drowfineffe'y the manifold temptations ot the ^evill , the al- lurements tenttfements, provocations, and evill examples of the tvorld, the repining and rebellious lufis of our oK^ne flejh ; the impoffibiltty and difficulty which feemeth to be in the performance of holy duties ^ omiuabtlity and vpeakne fife 'v\ the performance oHh^fame -^ all which f and the like ) we vanjqmfiy by the frequent and often ^dmonitioyis of ^ads fr-^^f and heavy 'judgment of God, to be deprived of painfull and faith- full Preachers, which/avid, doe manifeftlyconfirme. Qy4mo7igfl a/l Gcds judgements tn^ fliSied here, there is not a. morefevere and terrible judgement than this J even the removeaUof painfull and faith fuR Trea- chers. This being ^l- fore-runner of others , as was Lots removeall from the S»domitesy Noahs from the old 1 world, 1 Becaufe C^^doth many times deprive people of their painfulljabortou^ Tafiors , in regard of their difohedtence^ and contempt of Qpds }Vord, preached l)y them. This Saint (J^fatthew Cbeweth , ^nd he did not many mighty fvorkes there ybecaufe of their unbelief e"^ And Saint Pml , Be it knowne therefore unto jou^ that the falvation- of ^'odis fent unto the Gentiles, and they will he are it7 ; Becaufe oftentimes , when CjodAdCci remove his faiths fullfervants the l^reachers of his Word^ there ^o^ftccceed in x\\z\x places, dumbe dogs that cannot barke ^ blind watchmen that cannory^t?, ignorsint/bepheards that doe not underfland, v\ hich will not tal^epainestofeedthe fiockf committed unto their f^^^^^'.. 4 -BecaufeC?^^ doth oftentimes f/^^^j^ the contempt and difobedience m^^ ^n*«i / [Vcrn 14. It'hat ajudgem ent it is. 55 dtfohedienceoi his fVord ^ by giving over the contemynrs thc^CO^ unto finjlefn^lfe, deadne^e^ hard-heartedneJje,fecHri'. ty, and the //Af ♦ for which caule he doth permit luch to be thdr Jptrhuall Rfticrs , which will goe before them in all manner o^ftnnes, whereby the truth of that Troverbe ap- pcareth, Ltkspeof/e^/tks Trtefi. The /^j of this point are ^K?<7/ahel ? the Priefts of the Crot/^ by ^^^^ i* The Egyptian Priefis by l^haraoh f How are Topipj ^Triefls efteemed by Papifls ? Heathen Priefts eftcemed hjT'agans ? the Mahometan by Turkes .<* And y et alas, the fr«^r/ of Gods Fr«7r^,even amongft Chrifiians, as fpe^acles unto the w^orld, as laughing and ga^ zing-flpcke unto others. 2 Vnto fuch as doe not^ whiift God doth continue the Preachers of his ^(5>r^ amongft them, make ufe ofthtMlabours: They wiUdoe but what they //j?, they wilU^^^'^^^ but fo much of the JVord, as makcth/////^ againft them, being contented to ^^^r# the ^^r<^ , ( as Herod. did( hut unwilling to part with their /'a;^^/, as Hif^W would not part with Herodias, It may befall fuch one day ( as unto Saul , -who fought alfo Samuel when bee was ^ I. II I 154 1 Gen . 27*4' I • Iudg.if5,24. 2King.i.(>« I Sam*i«i3* Vfeof Exhor< /7^ to be made of the Wordpreached^Chz^. r ■■■!■■ ■ . 1 « ...- . - ■ -T "•■'^^^■Lj.— ^-^^^ than we had, Efaw refolved that after his fathers death ( which m his conceit drew nigh) he would kill his brother la- cob, ThQ Phtltftimsre'pycedwheH they had Samffon in their hands y whom they determined to ^2//. The Ifrae/ttes ^ fup- pofing Mofes had becne dead, fell to their Idolatry ',bat Sfaws refplution was abhommable , Sampfons death proved the death o(thoufands of the "T^hiUftims, and the Ifraelites Ido^ latry tended to their owne rnine. So , if thou refolvefl after thy Pafiors death, to follow after finne, thy refolu- tion^ s abhominable , jf thou rejoycefl at their death , thy joy fhall be turned into for row^thy wickednefje, (hall tend un- to thine o vvnc deflruBion: ^fi\\2iXgaine thinkefl: thou to get by the removall,hy the death of thy Taffior, that thou flialt then without controllment^tdk.^ thy fleafhre mdrinking^whoring, fwearing^profamng Gods Sabbath y^iud the likfy isthis<«// / It is even as if thou didft fay, 'By the death of this man, Ifhall without any controllment^unne headlong unto defiruElion. As thofe children commonly prove worfi whichzrc fildomefi rebuked ot correFted, ( as i^y^donijah, whom his father had nat dijp leafed at any time, in faying, why hafi thou done fo ? as alio thefonnes ofSli) cven(bu\oik people prove moft licemi^ oHs and wicked, which want painfull giadfaithfull Preachers^ to inflruU them m the wayes of God, by admonishing thcfO of rheiry/^/,and threatmng (jods judgements againft ihQ fame. For and downcHke Partridges y when they were g^ad to meet in Jhfpfy in uppcv private roomes/intvoods and caves to hearc G fids Wordy 2indrecetve the Sacraments ^ when they were cr/z^fZ/^ burnt inflaming fire ^orthQ tefltmonj of C/7r/^ Iefpt^\ {nchiim^s^cre y{omt few doc yet remember them, many alfo o{thQpofierttyo'^thokho\y m^artyrs^bcmg^tthisdaj^ alive; wh© can lell, whether it may notpltafe Godinjuflue to punifh our great contempt of his fVord,by the //^^ or w'^j^/^ times ? zAntichrift in other places prevaileth , compajpng about theTents of the Saints^ why may ^^ not ^//^ amonglt «f /■ The greater cade we have offeare^ the w^r^ apparent our danger \s^ the ^^^?f r /(/^ muft be made of the IVord , the more refpeB given unto the preachers thereof. Thus of the ^rfi. • The fecond is this,that Preachers ought to be fo much the mere diligent in perfor- ming the workss of their callings as in likelihood by death they are to bedifcharged of the fame. Thus Mofes-^ thus lofhua^ thus Samuel • thus T<^/*/, according to that ot our Saviour Chrifh, I mufl works the workes of him thatfent me, whtlfi it IS day, the nifrht cemmeth that no man can yvorke, 1 he /?r/ hereof are thefc. i Bccaufethey know nor, whether even then, they may not convert feme unto God, cs many even at their ^f^^/? have done. 2 Becaufe after tlieir death they cannot performe the Tvorkjs of their calling. 3 Becaufe hereby their ^^w'W {hall be the greater , howfoe- WQVyaboundantly rccompencing their labours ^ But alas,ihtre are too too many, who being negligentzx. all times , grow cfpecially moft carele^e towards their /-^/f^r ^ytd, as i^then when they are to ivorks moft, they were to live idlely. Thus did not Solomon,v^ho wrote the books ofEccle- fiafies, when he was aged. Thus did not Paul, who wrote divers of his Eptftles, when hee was aged. Thus did not C/6r//?A*wy?/f.Qods chil- dren may un- doubtedly pers fvvade thetns fclvejof the certainty and afTurance of thofe things^ whereofthcy have a warrant from Chrift, Aft*I.4.I2. Mat.10.l9* A(ft.4.i3, Reafcns* 1 Tohn 14. 5« t Com. 20. Mat. -4, 5 5. Numb*2 3.i9« 3 4 T7;e certainty and t^ruth of Gods )^(9r^.Chap.i . ih^threelafljearesofhlilife. Thus did not 6'«r ^^oflU^ as this his refolution iliewed. Thus of tbt/^rfmediatc inJpirationyOV after any other particftlar manner, I doe not determine. 2 K confirmation ^qt f roof e oithis his certaineferfwajlon^QVCnasoHrLordlefHS Chrifl hath Jhevfi^ cdme^ Whether our ^, mentioned, 7*^. 21. iS. i% likewifc vncertainej^isl t2^kcit. But our Marginall Bible quotation^ referrcs us to that place. Itromboth^ parts conjoyiKdjtbree obfer vat inns may be ga- thered. The/r/isthis,that Gods children may undoubtedly ferfwade themfelves ^fthe certainty and ajfurance of thofe things ^ whereof they have a warrant from (%rifi lefm. Thus the aApo files according to thcpromife oiChrift, waited for the Comforter. Thus alfo em- Chrifl promifing to afiiift his Apoflles^ they were hereby boldned to givc teftimony ^ and beare witneffe unto the truth. The i^tf^y^?^^ hereof are thefe. i In regard of his truths whereof we have divers tefiim^nies. Such are thefe , lam the way, the truth, and the Hfc'^ ^yiH the promifes of god are in C^rift lefm^Tea^and ^men : Heaven and earth fhaH fafe away, but my word /baH net pajfe away, God is not like man that he jhould lie , or like the Sonne of man, that hee Jbould repents 2 In regard of his power ^ he is able to performc whatfoever he hath promifed^whatfoever he witleth. 3 In re- gard o(his love unto his Church and children , manifefted, both in their prefervation , and their enemies confufion. 4 In regard of the experience which every child of C?^^ hath in particular of the truth of his }Vord, They found it al- wayes , an undoubted truth , they fonnd it never con- trary. Hence^ iwem Vcrf 1 4. Tl^e certainty and truth of Gods Word. »57 Hence it folIovveth,thac Gods children may undoubtedly ferfv^ade themfehes of the certaimji and truth of the W^rd, \iChrtft faith it ^ wee may, and ought to lay by /^/>^, wee knorfiit to he true , as Marthadid. unto our Savioptr (hom^h'j him inftrnded in the Don:rine of ttx Refurren:ion) I k^ow that he {hall rife againe at the L'fl day. Hereof \\r^ may make fpeciall ufe in the time of«^^^<5i^,toibe comfort oiour owne/^^/t?j'. Arc we in troubled call wc to minde the fremife. Call uf on me in the day of trou- ble ^fo will I deliver thee. Are we ailauitcd by Sathans temp- tations ? Call we to rninde, that (fod. p$ faithfully who will not Jfiffer us to be tempted above that we are able to beare ; Are wevilited by «^/<^/^»/i' Remember we , that w^«j are the troubles of the riq^hteouSy but the Lord delivereth htm^ out of them all, \ o confrme us in the truth of rhis l^oint^ looke we into the very /^/>we/ vv herein we //z^^, are they not the very fame ^ whereof onr Saviour Chnfl long Cmcc foretold us ^ thtrt: being novv fVarres znd rumours of JVay res ^ Nation a- gatrifh Nation. and Kingdome ^gainft Kingdome , the Huf- band again fl the Wtfe^ and the Wife againfl the Huiband\y the love of many waxing cold. Thole and the like things he fore- told y^vhich arc now accompli/lyed y therefl: fhall be in their owtjC time, u hereof wee may imdGi)ibtediyjf>^r/7r<^<^^our (lives, ^ntichr if- HiAJi be defer oyed^tht lewes iLall be conver- ^iev?e mHfi,^\\ythtv\^oe\NQ not daily thinke of death <' why doe we not prepare our felves for death, in the very midft of our delights^not being unmindful! otthc fame ^ lofeph of ^/-^ of our death, as being uncertaine whether we fhall againer/j^in the mornings liedewnein the evening, eate or drinke any more. Thus would not death ftemc fir ange unto nSy nay, we would rather defire it^ a? whereby we might ceafe ftomfmne, poffejfe the kingdome of heai/en? Thus of the/^rt^W. The third is thiSjthat Vnto Gods children death is apanage from this world nnto the kin(rdome of heaven. As JVarrioiirs or tvaj-faring men^ when they leave their Tents and Tabernacles , doe then goe unto their ^^^'^///^^^o/^/^^: So when the Tabernacle of our bodies i% taken dorcne^ the pinnes thereof loofed^ wee become inheritors o'i heaven^ inhabitants of ihzt fir me habitation ^ eternallbmldtng. From this unto that^ death is ^pajfage. No fooner doe Gods children die, but their fof^tes are conveyed into ■sanapiMwi MMM ■»>MaRH Yc^Ci^. Comfort in the death ofour godly friends. into heaven, by the holy zAngels: Verily I fay unto thee ( faid our Saviour vnto the penitent t hiefe y^ To day poalt thou be with me in Taradife, Hence we arc informed, 1 Of a. maine difference hctweerc ihc g^d/y and the un- godjy in ihdr death; unto the former, its a f^jf^^g^ into hea- ven, unto the latter into heli. Therefore ( as it lecaiethjcven Baalam a wicked m^nde fired eanieftly t§ dye the death of the righteoHS. 2 That Chriflians, may have great comfort in the death of th^iv deceafedreligtous friends Jjwbands, rvives, children, parents, or the liks-' ihou haft no rcafon hy grieving to leeme forry for their dijfolffttony they being now welders ef the Church triumphant, death being unto them a p^jf^g^ from earth into heaven. % That \^e ought to ^«^h: be the bet- ter for them, when be was dead. Such fandte foundati ,ns hath thtk Topes fupremacy ^ auricular confejfion, Purgatory, prayer for the dead^ the bla^hemous facrifice of the M^fje, tranfubflantiation, their fev en Sacraments : their communi- cating under one kjnde, together with all their other idola- trous and ridiculom trumperies ; being tryed by the touch- flone of Gods fVord, they prove the fuperftitieus inventions of mans braine : which even thofe which are but meanly gif~ ted,Babes2isit\VQveintheSchooleof(fhrifl,byl\\Q. Word of God, in th^i^C' bright dayes of the Sun-fhine of the (jojpelim2Ly and doe daily difcerne, T his Reafon doth afford usfoure profitable obfervations. The firfi is this.that: The T^reachers efGods Word,ought not onely to becarefftll for the pre fent good of their people, but alfo for the time to come, I will endevour (faith Our ay^pf^file ) thatyee may be able after my deceafe to have thefc things alwayes in remem- brance. Thus the ^poflle Paule , having called th? Elders to^erher , and t^ld them what would befall unto himfelfe ; namely , that they (hould fee his face nornore , nee d' i re- quire them to take heed unto the flocks committed unto them^ to feed them^and be watchfull over the fame, even «orrdci' onsacd adoso* nitions ef dc« ceafedPrca* chers. ioha2»22« ' ^.Ilfltf. I i6z Ho'^ tokeepe in mindthe Word preached.Chzp. Reafins^ I 2 Vfe^ [D^ Byth£ WcrdofGoa revealed in the Scriptures wc areiudnsded John indeed haft iz^cd with water, but ye [hall he haftiz^ed with thehelj Ghofl, ThcA^^>»jliereofarcthefe^ i Becaufe the frW prea- ched at ^/?7 orietimt fervech not oncly for the ttme frefem, hutSiKo^Oxthttimeto come, 2 Btc^uikGod w[\l cstll peop/e to an acccum about their hearing, judging them by that V/erd which they have heard freached, hapiy, wapy yeares before. 3 Btcauk hereby thcy fhall make the bejt and mcHprofitab/e ^fiofthtfFfrdyyid,, manifeftboth their confcionable hea^ riytgo? it ^th^ix diligent praElifeoi it, and exceeding delight in th^fame : yea, and hereby fhall encourage others to bee more painfull ^ndfaithfuU m their mini fiery, O h then fc e di* ligent hearers fov the prefent, that hereafter you may alfo make ufe of xSx^farne, yte have heard many a Sermon alrea- dy, r^// them tominde, yea, pray unto God that he would when yec have mofi need bring the fame to your remem- brance. And that yec liiay the better remember what ye heare nov. ^fAz/^r^^ unto you, ufe /T^f^y^/^iV;? before yee come to tht hearing o^ thtf^ord , ule circumjpeElion in hearing it, ulc repetition, meditation, giud conference vvith thy fellow^reli* giofu-hearers; after the hearing of the fame, what thou ^^^- ^'t/?, put in praFhife, doing nothing bur by the warrant of the ?^<3r^;Still7^r<3//»^ unto6'<7fl/',that thoumaift make a confciona" ble daily ^//^ oi th^ fa^e. Oh that we could be truly humbled for om forgetfulnefje of too too many Sermons already I Oh that we would be perfwaded that it's a duty which ^od him- (elfe requirethofus,tobew^??^ii^//ofhi&?F<3r,^! Muchdoth the T>evill endevour to fleale the IVord outo^onv hearts, and much fhoutd wc endevour to retaine the fame therein, day!}' frying our f elves what we doe now remsmber of fuch 3n6fuch Sern^ons which W'th^ve heard preached, fo many weeks-f, ^^io mai]yj^^;'f J nefore, by Gods faithfnll C^iini^ fters, alive or dead^ . I h\:>soi\htf£cond^ The third is r hi^.tbat' - 'By the Word of God revealed in the Scriptures , we are tK- jf'ruBed and provoked unto th? performance ofhcly duties, Vox how could they hava hzd^ thofe things alwayes in remem^ brance Verfe i ^.The Word continued ^a pledge ofGodsloye. 1 6^ hance, if theycouM not have made ufe of this £ fifth fcnt unto them, and oix\\Q other hookes oil\\tho\y Scriptures , Tvherehy they \Ntxcr/tade able to have them in remembrance^ This the Vfdmift acknowledgeth, Thj Word u a Umfe un- to my feet ^ and a light unto mj path. This Saint Paul (hew- Cth, For whatfoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learnings that we through patience and com- fort of the Scriptures, might have hope. And againc. Now all thefe thtnffs happened unto them for enf ample s , ci:^d they are written for our admonition, uponwhom the ends of the world are come. And 2i^'3i\nQ,(iAll Scripture i^ given by injptration of God, and is pro fit able for Do^rine^for reproof e, for corre- ction, for inftruSlion m righteoufnejje. For this caufe are WC enjoyned by our Saviour , to fearch the Scriptures , for in them ((zkhbc)ye thinkf to have eternall life , and they are they which teftifie of me* This may be further confirmed I By the titles which are given unto the Word, raine, meat, milke, and light in darl^eneffe : a /barpe fword , aftaffe and the lik£ : all which as they art furtherances in temforall things, fo is the Word unx.o\\s in fpir it ualL 2 By the cffeCls of the Word, it nourifheth as : it healeth us , itfanElifieth ws. ; it quickneth us ; it enlicrhtneth us ; it freferveth us fxomftune and the //%. 3 By the matter contained in the Word , confining of perfrvafions , di(jwafions, threatnings , reproofes^promifes, duties towards God, towards our neighbours dXi^th^ like : without the knowledge of ^j^hich we could not performs holy duties. Hence it foJloweth, 1 That God doth exceedingly manifeft his love towards us, by beftowmg upt>n us the Scriptures^ whereby wee may aright ferve him. 2 That the true caufe why fo few doe diligently employ themfe Ives about the performance of holy duties , confifteth in this, that they negleElthe reading of the Scriptures, or if they readethem^tC^dQ them hvLlfuperficiaUy^ or that thereby they M 2 may and provoked Hntothe per- forrrianceof holy dttties. Pral.119.19j. I Cor.io.II* Z Tim, 3 4(7, ioh.j,39,; Proofei, I Ifa.^^.lo. Mac, 24,4.5. 2Pet.i.i9. Pral»25.4.: Pial.107.20* 2 rfi> /: 1^4 3 4 Motives in cii ting unto the love of the Scriptures. Z?.P6opIsmuft bealwaycs roindfull of holy duties, lThcfr.5Jj. eol.1.3, ReafcHS* I 2 3 4 5 Holy duties alwayes to he rememhred.Chz^. I. may mamtame their err oiirs y and iocontinne and goe on in their /»?^^/. 3 That, they are bUme-worthy, doe highly ojfend God, which fpeake againil ther^^^/w^ of the Scrtptnres , which detaine the fame from tliC Lavtte , which ;^^^^?7 , and is now m P^i'^T^ />/^rf/, through the want oUhem. Thus of the thtrd. llKfurth is this,that It IS not fufficient for Chrifiians, once orfome few times to fet themfelv^s about the performance of holy duties, to heare, readc^conficier^or meditate OK the Word , and the like j but they mufl deeit often^have the fe things alwayes in remem- brance. The Bereans received the Word 'PPtth all readine^e ofminde, and fe arched the Scriptures daily , whet her thofe things w^refo. Rejoyce evermore (faith Saint T^aul) pray without ceafing, m every thing give thanl^. This was aaree- ble unto his owne praclife, alwayes prayr/igfor you. The Reafons hereof are thefe. i Becaufe there is f^o time^ wherein CrodctAlh to be ^cod unto us. 2 Becaufe no time can be fpent better, 5 Becaufe no exercife can be more profita- ble, 4 Becaufe no '»'^?'i^^ can be more delightfcme or plea- ; Cant. 5 Becaufe the oftner we v erf or me the fervice of C^ed, ibe«?(»r^//-j^'weareuato the blejjed ^ngels^ ^nd glorified Sfilvts^ Cb, But if I ihouid doe tlius, w^hat would become of my wcrlJly\ jVerfe 1 6.The certainty of the DoBrme of the Gojpel. 1 65 So/kt, Vfe. ■TV or Idly hijirtejfe ? J anfwer^ that even in fer forming the rrorkss of thy calling, thou maifi pr forme this duty. Oh chen,letus^'^//r and ^^^{Tj^et our fdves about the fer-^ formmice ofGodsferviceJi^t us both oil the weeks dajes and SaifUth dayes employ our felves about ihQpime , let us thtts mz.nii^'^^ o^ji^ love to^^2iiAsGod,x.\\us UboHr for the^^o^rine , is laid duwne in thefe words , The power and camming of our Lord lefm Chrifi, which comprehend all other things, which c oncer ne our Saviour Chrifl : Ye^i^thc fumme of the whole Gofpel , a part being pur for the whole. By the power of Chrifl , underftan- ^ix)^ his Divine Nature, w^hercby he ^\^ many miracles '^ asby his^i?;»7»;;?^jhis Incarnation, or f^fi camming tn the flcfh. The certainty ofihe fame is made apparent by three reafons, i From his owne^znA the tefltmony oitwo other (*A' p9 files, lames andlohn, in thefe words , ^utyvere eye-wit- nefes of his Majefiie. 2 From the tefiimony of his Father, in thefe words. For he received from god the Father, honour ^''"d glory ^hen there came fuchavoyce to him, from the ex* M X celUnt The 4. part oF this chapter containing an exhortation to conftancy in the faith of Chnll:,vvith a twofold ar- gument to backe ths Thefir/t. Thefccoftd* I r •t^ 1 66 differences betlPeene Chap, i , ^ The preventi- on of an ob;C- dlion laid dovvneinthi* l6v£Tre, \ cellent glory: This is my yoelheloved Sonne m vphom lam Vfell fitafed , and this voyce -nvhich came f'omheavenwe heard, whenvDev^ere with him tn the hely Mount. $ From the te-^ "fltmonj of the TrophetSyin thefe words, TVe have alfo a mere fure word ofTrofhecy^ wherennto ye doe well that ye take heed , as unto a light that fnneth tn a darke place , untill the day dawne , and the day-fiarre artfe in your hearts. This he doth ampltfie, by fhewing hcfVv their prophecies are to bee underfiood, and by whom they were moved to prophecy ^ in thefe words, Knowing thisfirfi,0"c. j This certainty of the ^o fir me of the Cojpei , is amplified by an Antithefis between />,anc! thQ fables ot Thilofophers^ox falfe teachers, laide downe in thisfixteenth verfe , wherein our Apofllepreventeth a mam objeflion^igzlnf^ hWD cflrine , mmely^That feeing the ^pofiles were unlearned men , they might therefore he eafly deceived, andfeduced by falfe tea-- chers,anrdfo inftead of true ^propound falfe doBrines unto them. Others alio might have thought that they v;ere curious and fantaflickc perfons ,andfo dtd utter for truth ^ what fo ever they conceived in their braine : As others, that ifthe1>onrine which the ay^pofiles did preach, had been a truedoflrine, they would have ufed more eloquence, and had more wifedome of words. Oux^yfpofile anf-wereth. We have not followed cun~ ningly devifed fable s^wh en we made knowne unto you , the power andcommmg of our Lordlefuj Chnft , but were eye- witneffes of his CMajefly, as if he fhould have faici, Tee need not fear e our beings deceived by others , feeing we relate no- thing touching Chyifi, but what we havefeene with our eyes, and heard with our eares : neither needeth our l^oflrine feeme ftrange unto yeu^as proceeding from curious and phan- taflickeperfbns, becaufe even the excellency of our ^oElrine, which we have made knowne unto you, may cleare us from this fujpicion , being concerning the •power and comming of cur Lord lefus Chrtff-^ as alfoyee ought net to r^jcfl or mifcon- ceive of ourd^clrine, i?i regard of its fmplicity , and naked- mjfe in outwa'rd Jhew ^becaufe we are to preach the Qofpel^ not with wifedome of words ^ lefl the Crojjc ofChrijipjouldbe ?»jide of none effeB> ~ The Verfe i ^.theDoHrhie ofthe A^ojlks^and others. 167 Thcparts tohQQon{\AQVZ^2^XQ three. 1 A difference be- tvvecnc the lyoBrine of the (*Apofi/es o^C^jrifi, and the "Z)^- flriyie ot Tht/ofophers /Tagans, HeretiqueSy'Tharifies ^ Sa- dncesy and other/^Z/c' teachers y in thefe words, fVe followed not deceiveahle or cnnningly devifed fables, 2 The ^W of the ayfpoJJ-les offce and calltng, to make k^owne the power and commina of the Lord lefm Chrifi. 5 How farrc our Savi^ optr Chrijl did fnanifeft himfelfe unto his Apopes , Wtth our eyes wefdTV hps C^I^ajefiie* For the j ,tht1> o^rine o? the Apofi/ef of Chrifi , doth differ irom tht'DoElrine o^ Phihfo^hers ^ Tagansy Poets y He- rettquesy^ndlheliks* I In the Teachers. 2 In the thing taught, g In the w^«^' of the teaching. 4 In the ^f^d, Vj\\y kis taught . 1 FirftI iay,it^?jf^r^r/?inrcgardof theTV^rWx, The %Apoflles TV ere men immedtately called If j our Saviour (fhrifl: extraordinarily injpired and endued with gifts ^feparated and fet apart for the performance of that office tv hereunto they were called^confrTmdyfetled.grownded, and eftahlifked in the truth of God, By the contrary ; thofe others ^Philofophers y Here- ttqnes^ andfalfe Teachers y had no calling from Chrifi , went before they were fentybeingfuch as were carried about with e very wind ofT) 0 ^rine, 2 I: dtffereth in regard of the matter taught. The 'Z)<7- Brine of the aApo files is true , theirs is for the moft part falfe.Thc ^oBrine of the Ap^files yhcith his ground and war^ rantixb God,isthcDon:riKeo(God,ii not dec eiv able, by art 0^ cunningdty\{t6'^^\::iltheirs h^thlts ground mdi^arr ant (xo humane reafon, or is of the T>ivels invention.jis deceiveabie, and with j'^'^^f art and cunning devi fed. This We may per- ceive ^/^/??"f/y by comparing in z few inftances , the DoBrine of the one, with the DoQrine of the other. The Stopcke Phi- lofophers taught, that there were more gods than one : that aU things are gutded and ruled by chance : The Epicures taught, that there were divers cods confifiing of humane members, TvhichdidnothingyWere careieffey both of themfelves and 0- thers : ofwhommankindehadnoufe. That the Jsappinejfe of. obfeived in the Tame. I VVc followed not deccivablj or cunningly devifed fables. Difference bctweenffthe doftrineof the Apoftles ofChrHt,and theDo-^rine ofoUiersj&c. I M4 Tuan and be^.^ TO 06 alike \ generally they did all deny the Kefur^ reBton of the dead. Heathenifh writers they teach > that Invi- ter in the forme of a golden fhorpre efraine^ begat T^erfem of T)anae',ih2Ltiiy£fculafiH6by1''hjfickerairedthe dead : that Hercules brought divers captives fi-'^m hell ; yea, and Cerbe- rui bound reith a chaine. The Heatheni/b 'TsetSy they zv'cfuU offuch ridicpilom filter s. The Rw^s they teach that Chrtfi: p-/ all have a temforall kingdome in this world, where w the lewes pjall bcare great rule and dominion : that Cjod hath a fecretrctyringflace, to which at certaine times hee ufeth to withdraw himfclfe every day, where bewailing the defolation of Jfrael, and the miferable di^erfion of the lewes, with ma- ny teares, he doth be^rew himfelfe, that in his anger he fkb- verted the Temple and hclj Citte, The T^harifes tailght,7V^<3^ pjalt love thy neighbour , and hate thine enemy. The Saduces held tliat there was no refurreElion^ neither o6lrtn€s being compared with thu of the Afoflles, thcvc' s no correjponder/cybctv^ctnt them. Thi^ being trHe^ yparrantable^ the very }Vordoi God: Thcfe being cunningly devtpd fables^ having no ^^'^^^ in them , but meerely forged and famed:, f Leafing and flaufble to unregenerate and />r^ God jVe preach unto you (faid 7aulsiV.d Bar- nahai) that ye fhculd turne from theje vaine things , unto the living God, which Tvade heaven find ear th, the fea, and all tinners that in them are, TFus 169 2G0r.l1.13 Aa.14.ij. 70 Minivers to preach nothing hut Gads truth. Gbap. i J Z>. preachers ought to deli- ver nothing but the tiuth t of God. Djltl.II.2* Rom.9.I« 2 Cor.7.14. Danjo«ZI« i Cor.5.7. I Reafons. I Rev,22 18. 2 ' Tit.2.i; I Cor.4»2« I Tim.4..7« Thus yce fee what dtference our Apoflle makcth between huT)oUrine and x\\c I> oEi r tne of falfe Teachers, They foU iovfcd deceiveable, CHnningly devifidfMes, which he did mt^ nor th e other aniel unt© T>ariHs ) I Shew thee the truth. The Lacw of truth ( faith LMaUchy of Levie) was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his iipfes. The T)tfciplesoi the Thartfss, together with the HtrodiansS'siv^ unto (^hrift,AIaJter^we kjtow that thou art true^andteacheflthewayofGodintruih, I fay the truth in Chrifh ( faith Saint Paul)Ilie npt, my confcience alfo bearing me witneffe , in the holy Ghofi, And againe, We jpeake all things to you in truth. Thus our oEtrms the moreplaujlhle^the moyepernicioHS.Cli. ftrines which in Giatward ap- pearance {eeme nioft plaufible are not alwaies mofl wholc- Whyfalfe Teachers ^oc by art gar- niai their Do- ^rine. whole Ghrifiianuy, By thtk two rules may every ordinary hearer j udgc o?that which he doth heare, ( for the learned andfuch 06 can reade^may make ufe ef the whole Svr mures forth^ endandfHrfofe,)liih.tfomts oi^Do5irine delivered be conceraiag matters of /^^>^, they may be examined by the Creed: If concerning matters of Hfe^ by the commander ments . To make this plaine hy a few.examples. If a ^apfi did preach unto you, that tn the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, there isthereall'Bady and^loodof lefhs Chrifl , you are to examine his^oEirine by your Creed, ( it being a ^oEbrine concerning faith) whereby you {hall find that //• u afalfe 1>o^ i?n;^^,becaufe Chrifl hath afcended into heaven , and there fittefh at the right hand of god. If hee fliould preach that Images are to be worjhifped, y©u fhall find this by your other rule, the ten commande?nents to be falfe, it being cx- prefly againft the fecond commandement. If you did heare a /oBrin€ more divelifi^ dangerous i2indfabuloHs , than th 'strs mimmBiimm Quefl, But why doe falfe Teachers thus garnilli their T>otlrine^\Mhy doe they not in platne tearmes expreffe it ? ^yfnfv?. Becaufe i? falfe ^oElrine were apparent in it's owne^^/^^^J",fewor none would r^^^r^^f, and therefore as \fijhers put bait upon the^^^^^^^J", thereby to allure the Ftfhes: And thefew^«^o^hne fUuftbU, that fo they may I decciue. Whereas by the contrary ytruth in it felfe is fo txecU 1 Unt, thititfe/ff is fuffif tent to commend it, Wherctbre I counfcllyou to fufpeft that ^oflrine, which is mo ft flaufthle unto your corrupt nature ^ to fufpeifl thoft Teachers which labour more (or fine words, ihm found mat" ter^zs thofe v/hichfeeke them/elves ^not Chrifi lejlu , diffe- ring in their fpeech iiomth^ language oiCanaan^, the fimflU ctty ofthegofpel'yytdky^rzy unto G^d to ©pen your <7^/,that yc may fercetve tht fitly znifandy foundations $f^ofery^ Fami^ lifme,i^rrianifme, ^indthcltke^ whereby you may rather chufe with the Martyres^ to lay downe your lives for the Teflimony of Chrifi Je/ks , than r^alks ia thofc damnable vfayes. 3 That the ^oUrine offalfe Teachers u deceivtahle, they deceive both themfelues r and others , bltnd leaders pf the bUni, Whence we are taught. To beyparc oithem : to be circUmfjjeEl left we ht caught &t unavpareSy even fome more than ordinarily learned \ more than ^^^/w^r/V; ( in outward fiiew) religious, have beene caught by their ^^/>(f/^ entangled with their errours. They co^paffe Sea and Land, Jpari»g -neither for paines not charges toenlargethc^evilsk^ngdome; be WQ built on the Rocke, that the very gates of Hell may not pr evade over usI\h\XZ of ihefirfi. For the 2. the ^W of the OI« NcvCi6. TheSummeojtheAfofilesDoSime. ^75 By whoCeexamfU.bothPrencherJznApeoj^i^ may learne to hcfaithfull and diUgennxi their valUng. 3 Their frofictencj in the SchooU of Chrifl ^xht frojit which they made by the tAfoftUs labours , thej learned the kne-wl edge efChrtft. By the t^fofiles Meurs , the com- miffg and power Chrifi,wa^ made knovpne nnto them.. They had the Ordinance of ^e^^ amongft them , even the freachtf^g of the Wordy they did accordingly fnake ufe odh^ fame; being ignorant of ^hrifi, they tearned\tokniow him, W hence we may iearne^ t&ytsidoMience unto the Word preached^ to make nfe of the /^w^ , whilft it is continued among fi hs^ God hath fenthisTreachers unto ^^^S hec /^»^ his t^pofi/es unto r^^w, we are ignorant, as they >»*^^« ^^ 'Preachers of Gods Wordt^cpaines for our ^oody as the e^- pofl/es did for theirs^oh then let us w^^ i^/^ of their lahottrs^ I which if wc doe not , T^af people to whom wxtApofile wri- tctb> flia]lrireupin;«^^eitie of our Saviour Chrifi. Touching the comming or mamfejtation of Chrifi in the fiefh^tvpo thwgs2ivt tohcconCidQrtd. i Jh^ certainty of it. Tl Thz Reafo/ts afthcfame, Ihc certainty of it is apparent, both by prophecies ftCC^' ding itjby^'i/wfjffrj avouching it, by circumpances con^V" miDgk;prophecies,by lacoh, Micha^^aniel, and the Other Prophets', mtnejfes the ^Angels, Shepheards,thrccmf^rne», the Apoftles: ctrcumfiances, the time when he was ^orjte, when the Scepter -^at departed from Judahy in the day es of tAugufiia C^/^>';thep^(rf where he was torne^ Bethlehem, bis Mother ^-^ Virgin. The i?^^/^^-> were to fulfill the Fromife of god^ to free us komfnne^ deliver us from tk ^eviJl ^ fat is fie ^ods JU'^ fiice y reconcile w unto God ^ h^ow upon ^/ the ^^^^ of adopion<. 'louxMngtht power of Chrift ^ trfo things alfo may becon- fidered, f ■ Vfi. D.By the Apo» Ales labours they learned the knowledge i ofChrift. Vfi- />.The Do^/ ^ fine of the Apoftlesdotb concernethe power and comsaing of our Lord Ie(usChrii%> The certalficty ofChrifVs comtning in the fleiJi* G€n.4.9.II« LuC*2«I'9 ReaTon^oftht (amc* The eeiuinty ofChrlfts conuftifig* The Realons of die toe. Thi Ooftriitt aftheAp«ftl«i 9toiySA%; K&*»/r/>, partly in regard of «*: in regard of himfelfe, to manifeft his '»««>; »« «gf "^ or««,that hec mpxptve and^^/«oaritie of the Affiles , wWch they taught unto their hcmrs, about which they tm{hj<4 thcm- ftlves. Hence we may perceive, . , :" . , t The excellfHcj of th»'D»{lriHf. It « concemmg the ;.».r a»dcmmii »f Cf'rifi- It may be amfhficdbythe truth of it, the^«»f««>r of it. the umverfAlny of it, the f #^ 'DJrin,, their warrantand gr*»»d for tt, theM'S of Jt. the vmety ef matter comprehended '«««""•,. f ■ - 4 Their4>,V »fthis DoUrine, being /r./r^'-'f'^ '«/'•*- unto his Jp>filet,mth our eyes r^efa^ ^'T^flhTto fe hi. exceuelf^ndglor, -^^-rcbj heM «^«/f J^^-^f^ '^Z the Sonne <,/ C.rfind Savtonr of the world. Jhae .^^''^.'n jejiiein Cbrifi. even whilft he lived upon ^eff'*-^ which ^Ljefty wa/in fomc meafure *#/.. Fhe ^Pfi^'f;'''^ him d divert timet , zni ^(icvdrvers mamert. Liey heath by hie KcfHrreUion, at ht. ACcnfon Vc^ fT. 4? MMi -e , r — ■ ' — Veife 1 7. Godjl^cciall) reyeales him/elfe i 0 his children. 1 77 gefture and countenance, Ihcy f aw it \vy\h the eyes of their 'tody^lheyfa-MP it with the eyes offatth. But in thup/ace , our ylpofile fpeaketh oUns orvne, together with lames and lohns, fcetHT ofChrifi^ \\H\9ihe Tva4 tranfgnred hefore themm the Mount ; as we may perceive out oF the 18 'verfe of this Chapter, where it h laid, and thi^ vojcs which came dorvne from heaven^ yve heard , when we were with him in the holy aiofint, In this place I fay, thofe three JpoftUs beheld the glory and Ala je fly of Chrifi, Whence t\v<5 things maybe oWerved. 1 ThitG^d after a jpec tall manner doth r eve ale himfelfe unto his owne children^ which he doth not unto others^ ycsi^ of. ten he doth after a morefpeciall manner^reveale himfelfe unto fomefew of his children than nnto others , as the particular infiances, O^ Henoch ^Noah^Mofes , Abraham, Simeon,yjii\\ 0 thers^i^o fucEiciently confirme-^^nd thm alfo in this place, nn- to Peter James ^znd lohn^Sftch its are tnofl familiar with ^od^ gad is mofl familiar with them : Such as doe moft acquaint themfelves with God ; G'^^doth mcft acquaint himfelfe with them. Our SAviour doth not now manifcft himfelfe after the JpeciAlltn2iViV\QY , as he did unto thefe our Apo files. Yet not- withfl:anding,if we will acquaint owt f elves with him , and walks in his wayes, bein§ humble and meek^e, hu Spirit [hall reft upon us , 2 That Gods children hehold And obferve that in Chrifl, which others doc not. The Princes of this '(^orld knew him not, Herod when \itfa'p.' him, defpifed him^ fet him at naught. But the Apo flies thcyyW hi4 LMajefty,thdr eyes were opened to them it was given to difcerne. Pray we therefore unto god, to open our 9^J-,whereby we may behold the excellency of Chnfl difcerne his glory, evea beftow upon us a/r«^and lively faith ^ whereby wee may perceive that in ^^?*//?, which worldlmas doe net. OfthetMnsfl:* gu ration, wee may rcade Mat.17.1. Aiar.9.2,Luc, 9.28» O*/: God after afpeciail n3an« net doth rc- vealebimfelfe Hnto his owHc children. Vf0. Z>.Gods chils dren behold and obferve thatinChiift which others doe not, lohni.io. 1 Cor.2. Luc,2Ml« Vfe. N Vcrfe ■rvn^HVB I ■ Jul A^roofe ofChnfts^lmous Majeflie.Cha^. i . I Vcrf. 1 7- P^^ ^^ received from god the Father, honour and glerjf yn'hen there came fuch avejce to htm, from the excellent glory : This 14 my beloved Sonne ^.in yphom I am ypellfleafed, 1 8 ^nd thi^ voycewhich came from heaven y^e heard yfhen we vflere with him in the holy Mount, Our Afofile h2iV\Viginthtlafi fart o^tht former verfe^ tc- ftificd of himfelfe and lV^JO other Afo files , that yi>ith their eyes, they hadfeene the Majefiy of Chrifi^^y^r\ that excellency and glor J ,yf hereby hedidmanifeft himfelfe to be the Sonne of g§dy the Saviour •fthe fPorld-^ he doth now in thefe verfes evidently confirme and frove the fame. This froofe accor- ding to the two farts of the ajfertion , With our eyes y^e fa-w his Majefiy^ doth alfo confift of tivo farts, whercof the for-' merdoth conccrne Chrtfis Afajefiy : th^ latter ^thtmanif e- flation of this Majefiy unto them, ^" Touching the Majejlj efChrifi^ he froveth it by the Te- fiimony of God the Fat her , in thefc words: For he received of God the Father^ honour and glory ^ "when there came fuch a voyce to him fiom the excellent gl^^y> This is my "Beloved Sonne in Kvhom I am weH f leafed, that is, He received an ho- nourable and glorious tefiimony , fiom his mofi excellent and glorious Father^ by this voyce which came from heaven^ This IS my "Beloved Sonne in y^hom lam ye ell f leafed. Touching the mamfefiation of this Majefiy unto him , and histwofeHoTv-Apofiles, hcf^ovethit from their hearing of this voyce "which cdme from heaven in thefe Words, And this voyce tvhich came from heaven ^e heard^ Vfkcn ype were with him in the holy Mount. Touching the/(?r?»^ /^^>^^r (^ giory.gtmngfiod the i^^- fy^frjlijti^ the excellent glorj y as ^^f^^j; abfolutely md moft , ^erfeftly gloriom, the Cod ofghry^ yea, Clorj itfelfe : recet- viKgJefm Chnfi,thc Sonne ofGody the Samour of the world, J What :be Father did ^^'/o^ upon the Sonne^TinA what the Sonne received of the Father ^ honour ^^d, glory ^ that is,*^ ^^- mKrable and glorious tejhmony , whereby hi^ excellency and | iJ^fajcfij did fldinely affeare nnto his Difciples. 4 At yi>hat time he received thii honour and glory of the Father , at the Tranjifguration, 5 The w(?Af u my beloved Sonne > in whom I am weR f leafed* Of thefe, briefly, and in order ^ at the pleafure otgod. For the i ,the Reafon vvhcrby f ^pojf/e/did apprehend,^ I were induccci to conaeivc of the BxeeHency and Ma^efly of Chrtfr, was the teftimony which God the Father gave ^/>w from heaven^, after a miraculow and extraordinary manner. This did both induce them 10 apprehend 2ind conceive of the ^^7^/7 of C^r/y?, and likewire^w^«>/<^??^^ them , to tefiifie what they hady^^«^, and to publijh that for rr«f^, whereof they h^d (o Jure 2nd certainc grounds Whence may be no* ted, I That thtDoBrine of the Apo fries concerning the (Jl^tam jefty and Excellency of Chriflyismofrfuret certaine and true. i They doe not relate any thing unto ui^ but that whereof they h^iveffijficient ground and warrant, as Our Apoftle tcftificth in ihe former verfe^ We have not followed cunningly devifed fables, whenwe made hnowne unto you the power andcomminfr of our Lord lefus Chrifr Jbutwere eye-wttne^es of his Afajcm fly. But mi§hty^«^ fay. Were yee not //(fr^riWi^i* Was it not fome counterfeit or ^V^^^^V^^W^fhcw which yc beheld? What could yeefec in him , but bafenefje , ignominy , in- firmities / Our Apofrle anfwereth , Wee tejflifie] nothing, but that which is truth, neither were we deceived ourfelves^ neither got we about to deceive ethers', we did fee his Mayfly whilft he ypa4 transfigured before us. The teftimony which Na Cod\ The reafon which mov4«l theApoftles to conceive of ths excellency efChrii^. ^.The Do- ftrineofth* Apoftles C0B3 cerning the Mareftieand excellency of Chriftjis moft furejcertainc and true. mm^mi.m'1 •«MW*«* D, Gods tcftitf mony from hffuven confirm mcdthofeAs poftles in their faith in the Mcfliah. Vfes of the former^ I s VCt% of the lattsr. I Godincur hearings gaue himfrcm heaven doth a^nredlyper- fwade m ofthetrnthofthefame. 2 That the faith of thefe Afojtles concerning the Mejfiah ^ rpa4 confirmed bj thistefiimonj which God (rave unto hps Son from heaven. They did formerly beleeve in Chrift, they had many lets and -pull-backes to rvithdrav:' them from their fatth in Chrift. God doth miracnlGufj confrme thefa.me,for their fakes God gave this Teji:tm9ny unto his Sonne , from henveh, ty^n to confrme thdr jfidgement ^ touchmg the Afef/l ah SLVidiht^ir faith in him, whereof they made /i5/w the Sonne of (J od , the Saviour of the world,the cnely Mediator betweeneijod and Ad[an» Of the formerJ'^^Wjthere nfes may be made. . 1 To eftecme and reverence this DoBrtne of the ApofiUs, tonch'mgthQ Excellency 2Lnd Majefiy of (^hrifi , as being a Do^rine o^truthy having an undonited warrant and ground for the fame, 2 Toconforme curfelvcs and our BoBrine, unto the v^^oi?/^j-,and their Dty^r/W^ being careful! not to propound or deliver any thing for truth, which is not the trnth o£God, whereof wee have not a yvarrant out q£ the Word of Cjod, 3 To rejed every T>oBrine, which we fin^e ofpofite and contrary uutothis *Do^rine of the ApcHles. Though an An^ gell did f reach it ; ihou^^nultitudes did beleeve it ; though It might feeme to have forcible arguments to confrme it , ytX. \ let usrejcd;it,as contrary to the undeubted truth of god, here delivered bv the ApofileSy which had the perfeB know- ledge oftkismyBery^SLtidv^erc our Saviours moH f^^t^fnH mtnejjes, -, Of the letter, thcCc I To admire the love of God towards his owne children, in affording them fuch?w^4??^^ to furthcr_ them in their /^Z- vntioH. This love oF God,%s it was manifcfted unto the Apo- files ^tthsLt time, fohnvcvje experience hereof at this time. This.Hiliory being left in record for our insiruUton^ 1 To Verfe 1 7.- 7^^ what reJpeEls God is a Father. -- I - — — - — - 2 To make the lame nfe of this vponderfu/lworkc of ^^'^ . here recorded ,which the yfpcfi/esdid^Vf^^ v^crcpfrpfft at the j doi?tg thereof, namely, to apprehend^ ^eleeve and cojiceive of the Sxcellencj and U\/[ajePcy of Chrifi lefm. As our SaViofir ipake unto the /^^t?/?/^, after they had heard the vojce from heaven ^{l h^.ve both glorified it^ d,ViAW\]\gl<>^*f^eit againe) This voycecame nothecnufe ofmc, bnt for jour fakfs*^Q\{^Y ^ that this voyce here recoried^fVM aifofor our fakes , that wee may hcleeve m Chrisl lefui. Thus of the_/jri?. For the2, theP^?j^«j-here mentioned are Cjod the fa^ thcr,the moll excellent And olorious God^ S^^'^^^g ^ ^^^ /f/^ Chrisihn Sonne receiving oi^imj^onotir and ^/». Tlat God ps mofl excellent ar.d glcrioi^s,n\2Ly be proved by rcTinifold tefiimonies o( Scripture O Lordy our Lord (faith ^Da.vid) how excellent is thy Name in all the e<;.rth, vpho htzftfet thy glory above the heavens I And againt J Gird thy [word upon thy thigh ^ O mofl miahty rpith thy glory, and thy Majefite^ And againe. The glory of the Lord [hall endure for ever. And againe, Tea , thej [hall fing in the wayes of the Lor d>^ for great m the glory of the Lord. Th?: Lord is moil excellent zndglorioui, both in regard of himfelfe^'^nd in regai d oi others. In regard of himfelfei he U glory itfelfe, effent tally glorious. In regard of others , what glory ih't)' have, tt is derived frovn htm. The Lord is moft excellent and glorious in hisperfcn, in his N^me^ in his love^ in his promifes, in his Word, in hhjf^dgements^ in his fVorks^ in his Rewards, in his Kingdome, in his ^ower, \w hisT^lace oi habitation y yf^2i^\w every thing which ViXVJ be attributed unto )^/>^. He is mo[l'glortom in hhperfen, being the God of Heavengcrd Earth, the Maker znAl'referver of all things. He is moll^/e, both covvarcfs his Sonne Chrifi lefus, ftiled the Sonne of his Love , and to- wards tu, for hisy^i^jfo loving iis,as to hefleifv him upon as, that through hii death we might live. Re is mod glorious in his promifes , they all. heino- in Chrifi lefus, Tea,and Amen, moW prr e zndtnfallihle\ \x\o'^glorions\n his Word, conver- ting fome, confounding others^ Moft glorious in his it^dge- mentSy overthrowing i hem , that nfe up agairift him-j niolt ^^/r/jK? thisglorious God! that fo with open face ( as in a cleereglafje ) ivee may Ifehold the gl^ry of the Lord\ yea, that the Lord may arife upon us y and his glory may befeene upon us. Thus o£tht:fccond. For the :?, What the Father did beftow upon the Sonne ^ho* nour andg^ory^ he received of hi^m an honourable and trlorious tefltmony, nvhercin God the Father did publiksly avouch him for his Sonne, Whence ttvo things may be obferved, 1 1 bat this tfflimony whuh God the Father gave unto his Sonne ^ did redound unto h^s honour and glory, for hereby bee was acknowledged xo be the Sonne of God, hereby the Church was commanded to heare him, and hereby the ylpoftles were fu'ithtv confirmed in ihexx faith on him, yea, coniidering >^ thefafljion of his countenance W4S changed, f Wl^face did [bine as the Sunne, that his raiment was white and gUfiering^thata ^righ^ioud overjhadowed him, that Mofes and Elias talked ^ithhtm, that fuch an audible voyce was heard from heaven tOHching him^ bow could they be but the more confirmed in N 4 their iTira.^iKf. Vfe. I Pral.24.8. 2 What the Ft- ther did be:: flow upon the Sonnpjhonour and glory. ZP.Theteftis monyvvhich God thr Fa- ther gave unto his Sonne^did redound unto his honour and glory. Mac.i7*l.*c. I §4 The Father alwayes carefnll of his Sonne, Ghap. i P.God be- ftowcth upon his children (uchtkingsas doemoHitood uHio their good. Mat.il 27» Mat.i8.l8. Pfalzi.lo. Mat.l2.l8. !ohn 1 .2 2, Luc.2j.29. ■ The time when he received this honour and glory of the Father,when there came a voyce,<3<:c. D.God was alvvaysikC^re- fallofChrift. Pfal.2.7- Vfe. £) .God hath hiio'vwetime vvhercinke will honour hlschildren, ■ Vfi.. The manner hovvChrift: recjcivcd this Te/limony when there cameifitcha I voytCj&c. Godspevvcr i and wircdomc raanifeflcd herein. their f^ifh f how coald they but the more ghri fie him? 2 ^h2il^od hfloweth Hfonhis owne chUdren, fuch things AS doemoft tend unto their good, aS here in the giorifying of Chrifi, whereby the Afoftles did the more efteeme of htm, the move ^eieeve in htm; yea,and w^fg- dome, ox glorification . Thus of the third, ^ For the 4,the time when he received this honor and glory of the Father, even tv hen there came fuch a vojce fi'om. heaven, namely P^^///^ he was transfigured l^efore hisT)ifcipleSy\vh\ch being' compared with Oods dealing towards Chrip, both be^ fere and aften this rt me pimply cth, 1 That God was alv/ayes carefull of him, a great comfort unt© thememhers ^2is. he W^S caref till of the head fo will he not be unmindfullofm thememhers. 2 Thzt God hath his time and fea/on to put honour upon his children, though for a time he fuffcr them to be debafed andfcorned. We fee it in this example o'[ Chrifl, The exaTn^ pies Mo Q(I«,rathcr than he fKould want honor, god would honor hiii),by extraordinary meanes. Thus of tbe^r. For the 6, the matter or Teftimony it felfe. This i^ my be- loved Sonne ^in -whom I am well f leafed^ whereunto the three Evangelifis^ LMatthey^, Afarke, and Lnke, ^dde.heare him. This is my beloved Sonne, inrohoml am tvell f leafed -y heare himiy^"^^ nvor ds owx ^f 0 file mv^t leave out , as being nece^a^ rily imflyediti the former fart ofthefieech,(JPov ifChrifl be thebelovedSoHof Godjthen certainly we ought to heare him) or eHc, bccaufc he knew that they were exprejfedin the fore- mentioned places y on yvhich this Scripture had a necejfary dc- pcndancc^^^fj' being as a Comment to cxplaine This, Every Word of this Tefiimony, feemeth to be emphatically Thi tjoe whoBj the ypor/ddoth de^ifeyrejeflyContemne,This yoaiAfa- fiey^thc Some ohheVtrgin LMarj , reputed the Sonne of lofcph, even this man who isprefent before you ; I s, at this pr^fent .really .trtiely ^undeubtedlj ,yi^ SoNNE, coeojuall^con- fubfiaKtialiy and cocternall, with fliy filfey my naturall and /^; 7»y Sonne by the grace of union, as w^/e;?;, ;^ Sonne, who amt^e Lord of Lords y the C^iak^r of heaven andearth. my beloved Sonne,, as being moft worthy of all others to be beloved, as being my ffatur all Sonne, begotten Q^me'ixQvsxeverlafltng, as being infinitely filled with the fiy^feofmy love^zs being the meanes whereby my /tf'^^ \^ derived unto ethers, and /-/^^^ become beloved ^ as being ^;^«? whom I have in refpedl of his humane nature, adorned , and qurJiiied with p//j above all others. In whom , in which beloved Sonne, the Sonne of my love, I, which a«n zpurejooly, mighty , and;>^/^/// G TIrtteftimony it Cclfe, This is my be- loved S onne in whoa3,&c. Mat ^ 1^7, ■M i86 Poure parts of this Te/li- I 1 3 f 4 O.Chriftis both God and man in one perfcn. Reafen, Vffo 1 A or the manner how we ought to ^^fly this benefit^ heare him. Concerning the i, the Perfon of Chrtfi is defcribed in thefe words. This u my Sonne^ Which point out his manhood, his godhead ^ and the unien of both in one perfon. His manhood, in the vvordT'^^; his^f^^^^^^;/, in thefe words, u »zySon^cvcn my natural Son-^iht nnion o^both in the whole phrafc, This is my Son. So C^rifi the Son of God^is both god and man, in one ferfon^e Q,o^& not el fe have bccne the Re- deemer OiAfankinde, the Medtatonr betweene God and Man. For the Redeemer muft be both man^ bccaufe n%an hzd finned, ^nd Gods jufiice did require, that that /^^^ w^^J^^"^, which had/«^^^, {liould htfunifhed ^oxfinne. God , to uphold and fuftaine the manhood, to overcome and vanquifh death , ro take away the weight difinne, to -facifie the wrath of an infi~ mte God, to deftroy the tyranny of the Divell , to reflore the Image cfCjod in us. Hence it follower h J 1 That C^rifl is aferfeEi Redeemer ^ the onely ^^Mediatonr betweene God and man. 2 That the death ofGhrifi is afufficient price for our re~ demption^ht being not onely man , but alfo God, the blood which he [hed being ftiled the blood of God. 5 That we are efneere kjnred and alliance unto Chrifi, he having taken upon himjCven our nature, become man^like nn- to us, in all things, finne onely excepted. 4 That therefore we muft beleeve, as well, that he is man, zs God,yc^3 both god aud man tn one perfon^ relying uponl him^ t tmuimm VcrCi y.God wellpleafed ^tthm^hi and through Qhrifl. i S7 him as our ondy Medtatour ^ difclaimirg ail otbcr advocates, (iAngels,Satnts,mertts,2A\di\\^hkj', comforting our fdves 'mih^afftirance o^thcvertHc oi \x\s death, and being care * full not to dipjyh\Mthe Lord'yA^gKixh etherwtfe. It was propheeted ot Chrift,^^ hath neither forme nor beauty ', when wc (hall fee htm, there Jhali be no forme, that we pjculdde fire him. Yet doth the Father telUfreofhim, Thist^ my Sonne, implying> that, he is net apiamedofhis owne children, how poorc foever , dejpifed ^con- temned, derided by worldUngs,2LS iht^^^^f^^^ Ot Laz.arifs, the poore Publican ^vjiih others, doc,witnej]e. Such arc net alwayes mSi mtferable cafe whom the world doth rejef^jYi^y^ rather thofe are moft mtfcrable whom the i»^ and through Chrifi, wc enjoy ?/;^/». He is beloved oFgody after an e^eaall manner, as being the hrightnefje of ^ods glory, the exfrejle Im^ge of his ferfon*^ aS bein^^ mcft innocent^ who never tranfgrejed the will of the P^.^^cT at any rzw^, fimfiing thffperks which wm gi^v en him to doe^Q^Qn laying downe hUUfe^ that he might taks ^f ^p againe. He was alwayes beloved oigod^ yea, even then, when hee feemcd to bee tao&forfaken^as he hanged upon the Croj]e, Though G^d fufFered him to live (ofoore in this vcorld^ ib dejptfed,i'o tvronged : though he faffered ^i»* to die fuch an ig?tomini- 0H4 death, yet^did he /^'z^^ him, ontward things being no evi- dent figne of gods hatred. Hence we are taught, 1 To admire Gods love towards^, in that he would give his S^nne whom hee loved fo dcarely for our redemp^ tion, 2 To be carefull left we offend Chrifi lefpu , the beloved cfhii TAtheY,\z^ voe draw upon Q\xvfelves,^Q^ havyjudge- ?^nts of God, the hatredjWrath, zxiA indignation of tke Fa- ther. Thus o{ the fecond. Concerning the 3 , the benefit which wee receive by Chrifi, InhimGod Is well pUafed with m , he was firfi well pleafed with A/ w,refpeding and efteeming highly of him, at all times : omifecondly ,in him is well pleafed with us , he being I the propitiation for our fnnesy who hath made peace through I the blood of his Croffe ^ and reconciled all things, in heaven and earth* Hence we may conceive, r Mans miferable eff^ate without Chrtfl, God is difplea- fed with >^^>»3 there's ^^»^/>?V betweene God and him. This was the efiate and condition , even of the befi of us all^ I for by nature we were the children of wrath, as well 04 others, I This'is thceftate of^/<^fucbas /^^'^ without C^r^;^,of which ' niitnberiseveryf^p^^^^^^^finner^ every man and woman which \ 'J*'*J^-i-3f-itf-^<.#^T«fi-^ig«Pli»i%u»i»i»«.iii II II \v we muft apprehend the preceding benefit, by hearing him, i;vhich (though not here) is expre^ed by three Evangciifis, VVhenct note, thztfuch as would receiue any benefit by Chrtjl, muft- be lee re m htm ; trtve eare unto him • be rtiled by him -^become conformable unto his holy and hea- venly ypilL Thusofthc/t^r^/7,and'b of the former praofe, which concerneth ih^Majefty of (fhnft. Touching the latter pr oof e, which concerneth the manife- JlatioKofthps CMajeJ^ie of Chrtfi unto the^po files, its laide downe in the 1 8 verfe in thefc words, and this voyce, rehich came from heaven, ive heard vphen ive ypere with him in the holyiJMoHm.^ How was it polTible, but that they fheuldtake notice of it, feeing there was fuch an extraordinary ^nd mi- raeulous vojce^^xoxn heaven preclaiming />jthey themfelves ^ attentive and diligent in w^^i»^ it, and Chnf^ himfelfe had ^Azvithen apart iTX(^ that CMoHntaine to manifefl it unto them ? In ihis pr 0 of e three things are to beconfidcrcd. i Their hearing Ioh.I.2i?* II0I1.2.I. Col. 1, 14* Z>. SucJias wojild receive aiy benefit and profit by Chriil muft And this yoyccvffl beard. ftle« heard this voycc. ^. We ou^ht to fceare Gods Word readily, carefWUyj&c. Aft. 1(5^4.. lohii I o«27» Ic^n8.4.7« Vfi. hearing of this voyce, and thki voyce yvhich came from heaven, we hearJ. ^ The time when they did heare it^ tvhen ype were together with him. 3 l)[fifUceyjh^xtlhcy did heare it , m the holy Mount, For the I , And this voyce if^ee heard^ To heare in the Scrip, tttres^ dgnifieth efpccially rvfo things^ either zfiuh/efe bare hearing,^\\\Q\i\^ ©nely with the omy^ardfenff of the eare^ as Tricked men hcAre the IVord f reached ; or a fruit fnH and efeflfia/l hearing,\vhcn there is a willing affent in the minde, to the Word f reached, with 2iirme purpofe to ebey^ as 6^a^/ children heare the fame, IhvLS did the tiy^f^^^les hear eth^ voyce, thti^^tedtateJVordofGod. They heard iz,readtly, carefully^ attentively.. They bcleeved^ and j'^z'tf rrr^^t/* to ^^<«/^ which they did ^^^r^. ^hz"^ yeeldedz willing ^/T^^/" in their mindes thereunto, witli zfirme furfofcj to become obe-^ dient to the fame, Thcyi^^^^'^^dihBX.Jefw Chrift was the Sonne of god y the Saviour ^f the World, they did fubmit themfelves to Chrifi^g^s to their heavenly and ferfeEi Schooler, fftafler, thus hearing hioi, whom ^od willed them to heare: neither were they unmindfnU of what they did heare ^m. con- tinually remembred the fame, and therefore 9 even many yeer cs after , be fait h. And this voy ceyve heard. Hence we arc taught, I HowtohearethefVordof God. ^ fVhat fife to make of the fame ? Touching the former j^wbitherfoever vjcgee, with y^hom ( though not bodily as the ^^ divers things might bee noted. O bferve Verfe2o, Gods^refencefanBifieth. 19; Obierve we onely thefe two. 1 Jhzz whertiveprefc?7t cur filves Ipefort Gody(rHr hearts and itjfcSlions ought to meunt uf §n high* 2 That whitherfoever the L«rd comineth,he fanSlifleth the fame by hi^ f re fence. "t^oyf the Lord is alwates prefeU with his owne children , therefore profeding our felves to be Gods chtldre»y\\c mudnotpoXHteib.c fUces wherein wc are by owxfinnes^ efpecially Gods SanElnary ,his holy Temple , by fl€ep^fig^lA^iy^g,^V\.ix!c\lilike,m^Vm% the hoHfe of prajer , a denne of theevts. Thus of the third , and fo of the latter .^roofe. Verf. J p. IVehave alfo a hiorefure rrerd effrcphecy, rrhere- unto yee dee tvcll, th^tyee take heed, as unto a light, thatjhineth in a darke place, untiU the day dawne^ and the daj^ftarre arife tnyonr hearts ^ Having already ^r^T'^^ the oSirt»e, both from the teftimony ^fthe Apofiles themfelves^ and the tefii- mony of God the Father from heaven^ he doth now in thefe r^ordj confirms the fame by the tefitmony of the preceding prophets, unto whom the lewes did alwayes %iw^ mofl credit ^ and greatefi re^eU, JVee have alfo (faith he) 7" a mcrefnre rford ofprophecie,^s if he Hiould have faid, e need not dt^ruft me in commending the Gojpel nnto yon, forbef\des9uroyfne,andthe teftimony of Cjod htmftlfe ^ our T)oEirine hath alfo the teftimony of the Prophets , yvhom yon admit yvithout any acception. They t eft if e and be are wttneffe unto the truth of the Gojpel which we preach, Search them dt^- ligentlyyourDofirtne agreeth with theirs : theirsyjhuts tno out ours J neither curs^theirs : for as they confrme each other ^ by each others teftimonies, ^uefi. But whjdoth omtAp9ftle name the ^oElrsne of the T^rophets^a morefirme orfure^oElrine ? for was not that x/ obftrvcd.. I a ffifitive, and fo the meaning to be , we have a very fnre yfiord of the Profhets, Others thinkc, that here the compara-^ five is taken for th^fuferUtive , and fo the meaning to bee, fas it^rendred Vi\ our geneva *BMes ) ivehave a mofl fnre ypord of the Prophets, But raking the fVordf as they are in the Text ^we have A more fnre yf or d of Prophecy ^cr a more pire prophet icaUyoBrd,\\\t'j inay be underftood^ as fpoken, cither in oppoJitioH unto 5 DaBrine difalfe Teachers, thus. Thongh thejfoEovp dece%veable fables ^yet i»e have a more fur e rpord of the "l^rophets : or in rcg2Lvd of that voyce which came from heaven^ not becaufe the reord of the Prophets was more true, but becaufe it veas of more authority with the people unto y^hom Teter wrote y who did greatly reverence and efieeme thc^oSlrine ofiht'Prophets^^s being tratrted up ard f^^- /^??^,men perchance might hare found {omefaffU at their prea^hingy albeit in very deed no lefife obedience , and faith ^ ou g h f to hav e bee ne ^ven to the oney than t o t he other , all proceeding forth cA' one Spirit of truth. The particular parts to be confidcrcd y^rc three, j The harmony and confent, which is betueene the 1>oEirine of the tyfpcfiles, nnitht ^o^rine of the^rophets , together with the certainty and truth of either of them , in thefe wordcs, iVe have aifo a more fur e word of prophecie. 2 A commen - dation of fuch as had continued, together with an incitement unto them, ftill to attend unto the ^oElrine of the Trophets^ in thefe words, JVhereuntoyee doe well that jeetaks heede, ^ Kcom?nendation of this ^0 Elrine whizveunto t\\ey lliould attend, taken from the fitiltty of the fame, in thefe words;^ unto a li^ht that fbineth in a darke place ^Pintill the day, dawne, 4?id the day -fiarrearife in ysur hearts*. For \ For the i , fVc h^ve alfo a more fare word offrofhecie, two olffervatiotts may be gathared^ The/^-/ is this, that The DoElrine of the Prophets l^td donvne in the oldTefla^ meat, confirmethyConfenteth and agrttth ^ ypith the ^eBrine of the Afofiles contained tn the Neiv, Our Saviour confir- meth itj Search the Serif tures^f or tn themjee thtnke to have eternal! /tfe, and thej are they which tej^tfie of me. Saint Paul COnfirmcth it, ferfvpadtng the lerves yphich -were at K'^me^con- cernino lefni^ both out of the Law of Mofes , and ont of the Prophets y from morning till evening, O ur Apofilc confirmer h ityexhortmg unto hohneffe, from ihTX freceft m the Law, Be ye holy, for I Am holy, 1 his will be more app^.rant by compa- ring Scripture vjilh Scripture y places oi rht Old Teflament, with ^//tfe-j of the A^^n», and that in particular ^ concerning Chrifi ^his birth ; Vnto you is borne thii day in the Citie of David , a Saviour, faith the New , For unto w a child i£ borne, unto us a, Sonne u given, faith the Old, His Mother a Virgin : Before they came together , fhe ypM found with chtldeoftheholy Ghofi , laith the New, Behold a Virgin {hall be with childe, and (hall bring forth a, Sonne , faith the Old* His Name, and thoupyalt call his name Iefus,for he p? all fave his people fom their fnnes^faLuh thtf ^^^^^ ^nd they pjail call his Name Imanuely which being interpreted, is God with 144, faith the Old.Thii fs my beloved Son, faith the New: The Lordfaid unto me, thou art my Sonne , thu day have I begotten r/?^fr/2>»/ofwhoai hccame,Luc,\.'^2.Rev.^.ylfa,ij,j, ler.i^,^. Ruth.^.i^, The wcrkes which our Saviour did , Luc, 722, JJa. 35.5. I mightinfianceth^ (itnc in many other particulars , as his riding unto lerufalem on an (iAp , the bad entertainment which he hsd of his owne Nation, his Wingbetrayed by lu- d^y his death, the piercing ofhisfde, the cafling lots for his garments ^hisT>ifciples forfakingh\myY{\.h refurreSlton , his tAfcention, and the like. All which together with many O 2 other WtVavealfo a more fure word of Pros ph«cy, Z>.TneDo- (ftrineofthe Prophtfts, COn- firmcth, cons ienceth and agreech with eke Doo^rine of the Prophets laid dovpne in the Old Tc flame nt^is an efbeciaH furtherance for the under ft anding of the Do^irtne of the Apoftles in the I^ew, ^ 1h2Ltaswewouldthrcughljknov> the New^ -we muft be dthgent tn the diligent reading and meditation of the Old^ Thus of the i obfervatisn. Ihefecond is this, that The JVord of God contained in the Old and New^Tcfinment is of infallible truth, moft fure and certaine. Our Saviour confirmed it, Frr//;'//^^' unto you y till hedven and- earth pajfe^ onrjot, or-ene tittle [hall tn no "Pcifepa^e fom the Law^ till all be fulfilled. Andagainc, heaven and earth pj all pa ^e ar^ayybut mj words (hall not pa[[e away , Hence is the IVord aikd, the ff'ord of truth ; confirmed alfo by miracles y and fealed.mth the blood ofthoufandsoi C^Urtyres. lY^i^truth mTLyhz^v^^x^"^ confirmed, i From the ^«- thoro£ityGodythc Cod of truth, yca^ truth it felfj, whofc TV ifed ome 3ind power is infinite y and therefore both k»oweth, and is able to bring to p^jj^, whatfoever he willeth. 2 From the «w/-^^r contained therein,thc tmmutablf and every way fufi^cientfysimeofPietie,righteoHfnejfe, and divine worjhtp. ^ From the efe^s which worketh in us, being, i , Know- lcdge,& fo truth in the underfianding. i.the truth ofworjbtp, 3 Truih in the hearty without hyptcrifiepvgHile, in the per- formance Verfe 1 9- "DoHhttngre^nhended. >97 formancc olQ^/^sfervice, 4 Trnth in our c&nverfation^znd. hehAvtoHT towards men. The >ffis of this point zxtfourcfsld. YoiInflrttBUny \ fVhutfoever the Lord, hath jpoken in the Scnptvre, is true, whatiocvcr he hsith prdmifedot threat- ned^ fliaJl undoubtedly be accompltficd in his oTj^ne time. 2 fVhatfoever is Utd downe in the Word, oHght to be helee* ved by us^ as the undoubted truth of ^od^ though it make both again ft our /'^^/j/- and .f/^^y^/r^r/»^, continuing impenitent, thou {halt everlafiingly pcrifli* For Confolation, unto the children oiGod, which beleeve xht Scriptures^ vvhich refi and repofc thcmfdves upon the many Iweet and comfortable promt fes contained therein, which delight in the hearing, reading^znd medttation of the X\\tfame. They are the Word of truth , moft infallible , fur c ' ^dcertaine. Artthoix troubled when thou confidereft the many troubles oi<^ods Church ? remember a moft fure and <^crtaine JVord, the gates of hell Ihall not prevaile againfi her. And againe , That many are the troubles of the righteof^ , ^'^t the Lord deltvereth him out of them alt. Art thou much ^Jaultedby wsLuy grievous temptations, fothat ihoxx k^towtfi 05 not VfcofInftru= clion* I VfirofRepre" heniion, I 2 i VfeofConfo- Ittion. I X Cor.lo.I3 Rom.S.i. VfeofExhor' Ution* I 2 Whereunto yc« I doe vvtU chat yee take heed. i not what courfe to take •** remember,a mofifure and certaine T»ordyGodisfaithfuU,rfhotvillrnot ft^ffer thee to be tempted above that which thou art able to beare j Art thoii afraid of condemmtion ? remember, a mofi fure and certaine word. There ts no condemnation to them that are in Chrifi lefii^. The like may be faicl of other p^mr;^/^^/. For Exhortation y . Vnto fuch as continue in xhdr: finnes ^ confidcr that the Word of God is moft fure and certaine : and therefore in time make your ^eace with God : be reconci- led unto htm in the blood of Chrtfi , other wife, thoti fhalt ^ndhy experience, xh^ certainty q^ Gods Word, 'm thy fure and certaine confufion. Many a time haR thou frophaned Gods Sabbath.blajphemed his Name, abufed thy i^elk by intempe- rancy, \n gluttory and drunkennejfe, made the members of Chrtfi, to be the members of an harlot by adultery and ipphoredome^ thtis defjlmg the Temple of the holy Ghoft.choa- ked the motions of 6' />^> within thee , through thy covet oufne (fe , and Wdrldlj-mindedne^e,dejrauded^\\A wrong- ed thy neighbour, by cruelty, oppreffion,u/ury^ theft ^-^mi fuch unjufi dealings, negle^ed both pub like devotion in the houfe oi^od, and private m thine QVJrv^familte, briefly g©ne afiray from the way es of God, I'K^pcnt theref or e g^nd amend, elfe ( as I (aid before) thou flialt find by experience the certainty of gods JVordmthmtntlQr: confufion. 2 Vnto fuch as are the children of god: continue, perfeverc, goc on in beleeving thi: Word of G^d ; admit no T^o^rine which doth not agree v\i:h the fame, in all thine ^'^^"^^^j' follow th^ fame^ be guided and ruled thereby, It will not deceive thee, its a mofi fure and' certaine Word; Thus of thc 2 obfervation, and Co of the firfi part of the verfe. For the 2, wheruntoyee doe well that yee take heed. Our dy^pofiledothin the f^^mCjCommend them for their continue. »ng in this1>oUrine^ inciting them unto ^further attcndaece uponthey^A^f^as if hernouldhavefaid,^^?^?^ hearings a jfen- ting and obeying the doUrine of the prophets ^j our continuance and diligence therein, 'journ^aiting and attendance upon the hearing andreadmg dfthefame^{ for all thofe are in the or't- ginall "V \ Veife 1 9 An enco'Vragement for '^eU- doers. 199 gtnall woxd, to take heed, implyed ) is fraife-worthy , com- mendA^le, profit abUy yea, csceytable in the fight ofgod.Hw- iuhtdothboihcGmmendthcjuhje^, about which they did employ tbemfdvfs, as being /^i7^f^W ^^^^ ^^ "^^^^^ their attendance, 2rA\\k^V^i(t themfelves y which did care- f filly ilarch^readcand heare ih^fame. Wisccmmendmg their prefect attendance upon the DcElrme of the prophets , im- portcch, that notoneiy they hud done well formerly^ in taking heede thereunto ybnt alfoJhoHld doe welLftiU to take heed nnto the fame. The Obfervations arifing from hence are trpo, The/r/? is this, that Snch as doe ivell, ought to he confirmed , And encouraged, in their well-doing, T hus was Ruth by "BoaZy all the Citie of my people y doth know that thou art a vertuous woman. Thus VJ3,sNMthanielby ouv Sav tour Chrtfl, behold an Ifraelite in- deed in whom is no guile. Thus was Cornelim by an ay^ngel of Cod, Thy prayers and thine almes are come up for a me- moriall before God, Thus Saint P^/^/ confirmed and encoura- gedjboth the Corinthians , Now I commend you brethren, that you remember me in all things ^and k^eepe the Ordinances as I deUvercdthemuntoyou. The Phil!-pptans,notwithJlandin^ yee have well done ^thatyee did co?nmunicate with my affli^It- on/. And ihQ Thejfalontans , Tee become followers of us , and of the Lord^ having received the Word in much afili^ion^with joy tn the holy ^hofi^fo that ye were erifampUs to ^d that he- leeve in C^fafidonia and. Achaia, Thus alfo our Apoflle in this place. The i^^^T^^j- hereof arc the fe. i Becaufe of the many /^/-j- andtmpedimentSywh'ichCuch^sdoewell ^ have to wtthdraw them from well-doing, fuch msflefl/y lufts, inward temptati- ^nr, outward crones and aJjiin:ions,tht evill example of world- j liygs, their mticemcnts and allurements on the one piirt^x}c\t\x ncfking^firrndering SipA reviling on the other , xht feemina- dijficu/ty in the performance of holy duties,xhQ Apoft-afie and backs fitding of trsany Profejfors^ thsbad reward which they j have many a time even from thofe to whom they have beene • Z?,SucIi as ^oc well ought to be encouraged and confirmefil in their well- doing, Ruth^j.U. I oh,?, 47. A(a.io»4. I Cof.ir.2< Phil4.T4.» lThefi:i,C^. RcAfons^ I ■Mbi ZOO Commendations for t^eU-doersi Chap, i , 2 3 O^jVS: Soht» A(a.l2.22. SoIhU moft kinde, and i^enefictall. 2 Becaufe vertne the more it is frAifed and commended the more it encrcAfeth^ ^ Becaufe the numBer of fach as dae y^^ell^vi^fevo, are but an hrndfull , jn cotnparifon of thofe many millions which w^/^ in the w'^^^j ofdamnation, 4 Becaule oftentimes even fuch as ^<7^ wc//, partly through the ffihi/tj of the "Btvell, and partly through zjealonfie ofthemfelvesy call their aEltons- iato ^ffeflioytfiymQ^ j times ^i?;5^^r/»g- whether or not they arc^ Anfyv. Such effeEls may be wrought in Hypocrites (as ap- pearetb by the example oi Herod ) but for luch as are trucly humhhd^ and have thelcsft fparke of true and favtng grace within them , though they be commended for their good worses f yet doe they neither become remiffe nor vaine-glo^ nioHs, but rather more carefully and watchf^H over them- fclves 5 left they loft thdr good n^me,zndlhzt g<^dopijiion which the S^mts have of them. Ok But this may feemc or be taken as fUttery, and there- fore it were better not to cemmend at all ? (iy^njw, I A needfnlldHtie commanded hy Qod, is n§t to he left undone y in regard of the opinions y eonjeciures , and diffe- rent jndaem^Ms of men ah out the fame. For then every dutj were to be negletled^ becaufe there is . not any dutte fo wcU j&^//^rw^^, , which fome dee not mtfmterpret and mifcon^ firue. 2 That the judgements of fuch are t^eak^^^^udi mlfinformed I which account fuch w^^r/? commendations to be flattery, r I feeing. riirfiiKMi.i.ji-i Ycr£i p. Cornmendatms for ip ell- doers. ZQl {z(t\V\ojiAtterjiidvtceyvherebymen are foethed Hf in their fiyiHes,extolledahovemeafHre , fratfed Above that which ui tnthem, ^romri'htch^bothihz Frcphets zt^- ^pc/t/es were free,asa\lc^^i fhould bc, efpccially the Preachers of Gods iVord, lhi$kiyci\\fartly ^QvrefrehenJion,2iXiA f^rtly for exhor- tation. For Refrehenfton, i unto fuch as doing nothing tvorthj of c 0 mmendatt 9 ft yj^t doe exceedingly afe^ the fame. 2 Vnto fuch as arc partia/l in their commendation , magnifying even fma/l things in fuperiars, vilifying even j^^-i?^^ things in infe- rtours. 3 Vnto (iich ZSjufitfie thQ 'a^icked ^ condemning tbx godiy. 4 Vnto fuch as endevour t© vptthdrarv them from yfelUdeing w hich employ themfclves about ^tfame, 5 Vn- to fuch 2LS judge thofe ^or fiattjeries, which upon occafion arc fomewhat large in the commendation of fuch as doe welly For Sxhortati4n^ i Let us behcreby incited, to endevour and labour to ^'y^ that which is good. There's not any one which deth not naturally ^i^cdicommendation, not any. thing can commend us, cither in our life or after our death,, unkffe we be Jr(f//-/^7^/o/7Wf;53 examining the fame, by the rule of gods Wordy that hereby we may k2inK,bothwhen,whomy and for what to commend : lefl otbtrvv ife wcfaile in our dutley cal- \[r,^blac(^ywhtte ; and eileemirg fuch well-doerjy^^'\\QiQ lives zxtvnok irreligious. Thus of the i obfervation* Thf/^ay, are they, that he are, after ward ccmmeth the T>i^ veil, andtaketh av>ay the iVord om of their hearts , left they fhotildbeleeve, andbefaved. Yea, [^hearing were ff^ffictent not many Chnftians^OiildhQCondemned, 2 Its not enono-h to heare and heleeve the Word of^od, unlejje r^fe doe alfo obey thefante^ bleffed are they that heare the if^ord of God, (^ faith our Saviour) andk^epett^nndbe ye doers of the Word ( faith S.aint lames ) and not hearers onely, deceiving your owne felveSyfor if any heare the word, and doe it not, he Ps lik^ unto a rnan that beholdeth his natur all face in a glajfe ^for yfihcn he hath confideredhimfelfehe goeth hisway, and forgetteth im^ mediately what manner a one he was. | Its not enongh to heare,believe,andobey for a time, Hnleffe we continue tn ta- king heed thereunto. This our ^^'^^^^^^ telkth us, but they that are ontheflones, are they which when they have heard, receive the Word withpy^but they have no rootes, which for a while beleeve, but in the time of tern ft at ion go e away^oiwhich number was Herod ^ he knew that lehn the "Baptifl w^ a jufi 'fnan,andanholy, a.nd reverenced him, and when he heard him ^ he~did many things^ and heard htm gladly, but tn vaine,hc did not ferfeuere. To this end our Saviour faid to them that be- leevcdinhim^ ifye continue in my Word^ (heariag,belceviog and obeying the fame J ye are vertly my Difctples , and [hall know the truth \ and the truth [hall maksy ^^ fr^^ ,^11 thoi^e I (ay muft concurre, hearing, beleeving obeying the Word^ wi:h ferfevsranceinatt ending Xi^QXiy^tfa''}'ie, Such as doe thu* take heed unto the Word , doe that which is fraife-worthy, xyd commendable in regivd cf ^en f profitable and beneficiaU unto themfielves , fleafar^t and acce-ptable in the fight of ^od. This m'\y be diverfiy con fi'-med, i "F/om the many f''-- cepsanA exhortations given us iri charge, to heare , beleeve, ■^'bey, and attend up an the hearing , reading , and preaching ofthef^'^?"<^ofG'-5i, fuchasthefe: heare therefore, 0 Ifrael andtak^ heed to doeit^ that it may go e well with thee^ Search the Vcrri ^.The contemners of Cods Word cur fed. 205 the Scriptures ♦ Let everj man befnift tc heare. 2 Frcm the rrany commi nations & threatnings againft (uch as do not /?f God. The very mentioning o^ this thz'ivpra^ife^ i$ nofmall commendation unto them. 4 FrOtt) the dignitte^ excellency ^ and utilitie of the ^ord of God, The dignity of it appearing from the author thereof, the nature of it, the matter contai- ned therein, with the anticjuitte and perpetuitieo^ the fame. Ihc excellency , from the happy condjtionof/^r^as have />, the»f//^r^^/^e{lateofr^<>/J? which want />. The utility by the£nan}/^?»^A>»^ivelland hps members oppofe th em f elves againfi it, then thus taking heed thereunto,we doewell, ^^^ the formerMtrue dr apparent ,th erf ore thus taking heed thernntoiwe do that wch is good. This {&x.\V^partly for Reprehenfion^ znd fart/y for £xhfirtatio»0 For ReprehfnJtoHy unto iiich, as partly in ihtiv judgement, par t/y in their pra^ife oppofe this truth oi God. In their judgement y of which there are divers forts. IhcTapiJf-s thinke that Lay-people ought net to fear ch or reade the Scrips tures. Atheifisthiv^^zxh^X. the leafi time yvhtch is ^ent in hearing or reading ofthelVord of God to he too much , many are of opinion thAtthere is too much preaching norf a dayes^ too much gadding to Sermons. In their praBife , of which alfo there are divers forts* We h^vc fome which neither at- tend upon the hearing nor reading of the Word of ^od , yea, if they be at Church in their bodies jihdr hearts, arc not there, bttt aboBt their floridly profits and pleafures. Others there arc, who although they ^^^^ and beleeve the Word, yet are not «^thereunto,as there are others , which /^-^ ^-^ay from the fame^ contemners of the Word, deriders of f^ch as t&kc heed unto the Word I ycZyfuchzsgive care unto fables, preferring the fame thereunto. For Exhortation, Be encouraged to goe on and perfevere in heanngyheleeving^axA obeying the W<^yd of God, in doing this tkou^ »«•»> ■!«i HMM iWBTII wasi i»«-n ■»■ > VcxCz I . The IVord ajljminglight. 205 thou docft 2 £00 drpork^^ thoiiart a rpell-doer. This yvorke {% both laypfnll2Lnd necdfull, both f leaf ant andfrofitah/.e, fct thy fclfe about ihzfamc. No rime better. rpent>no7rcr^tf bringing fitch commo»^, wichout excluding ox fbut ting owxfuccee ding time ; Whence \k Would follow, that although they did ^tf^»^ upon the hearing and reading ohhtTrophets y\xx\ti\\ that clearer Doflrine of the Gojp^ll were made knowne unto them , yet even afterward, they might make /(/^ of they^wf, Others, underftand by a darke place y the VjhoXe c our fe of our Itfe^ whilfl we are in this world,whereintheJVordofGoding€nerall, the DoShine of the Prophets mparticularyOS a Lan^horne leadeth m to Chrift, ^ndpomtcth him unto us, wherefore we pj all have cor.tir.uai ^fe^ untiR the day dawne^ that is, the day of judgement come^ the i^s unto alight that fliincth in a da rice place, untillthcday d aw ne,and ' the day?ftarre ^rife in your hsarts. Mtae zo6 Gods Word is a light. I Cor. 13 ♦12, lob. 8. 12* Z>.G©dsWord is alight that Hiinecb in a <}arkeplace« Pfalii^. loS Ioii.3.i4« the day of eternity .-vpherein we Jhall attaine a ferfe^ knory^ ledge ofGody and fee him face to face i of which the ^foj^le Saint T^mhI fpeaketb , l^or now wee fee throngh a giajfe^ darkelj^butthenwefhAli fee facets face ^ and the daj^fiarre arife in your hearts, zhzt is, and either Chrifl , who is called the light ^ and brought heavenly light int€ the world , manifefh himfelfe m^ifi ferfeBlj nnto hs, or the light of glory he infn^ fed into our hearts, fvherehywejha^know god , as wee are l^owneofhim, In which Expofttion, the word untill^ notcth a determinate time, with an exclnfion or fiut ting out of the fucceeding time: for t til the day of judgement there is /^/^.aftcr that day, there fliall be no further ufe of the Serif tures. Of thefe two ( omif ting to mention ethers ) I prcferre the lafi ; becaufc they to whom our ^poftle wrote, f ccme to have had at this time, a grc^Ltmeafure o^ knowledge, this being the fe- cond time that he had written unto them. And therefore fas I faid before) I takc,that our Afeflle by the former words, as unto a light that (h met h tn a darke place , commendeth the "DoEtrine about which they didcmploy thcmfelves , and by the Utter, unttti the day dawne,and the day -ft ar re appear e in your hearts, /hewcth how long there was to be an ufe of the fame. Touching the//f which wee reape thereby throughout the whole courfe of our lives, namely, that wee are thereby guided^ dtreVted^ and eniightned. It Has a light thatfljineth tn a darke place. Thy fVord(Mth *Davtd ) tsa Lanthorne mtto my feet , and a light unto my path. The marginal note being this, Of our fives we are but dar^enejfe, and cannot fee ^ except we be lightnedwith Gods JVord, For the Commandement is a Lanthorne , and inftrU" [lion a lights fairh Solomon, by the commandement {^2\x}c\ the genevav\QX.t)m^mm%lhQ,WordofGod, and by inflruUion, the preaching and declaration ofthefar»e , which is commit- ted unto the Churchy This is the condemnation ( faith our So- vteur)that Itght isccme into the wtrld,and men loved darke* uejfe rather than light. Thii Vcrf 1 9. Oods Word ii a light. zoy This may be confirmed by divers rettfons. 1 Becaufe as the Itght is moft necdfull^ox the dtreSiten of our aSitofts^ feeing they which jr^/)^ I »<^^y'i^??^r4^z/^;?r;/?'^ there was not any formerly fuppofed to be there. So alfo the IVord of god. $ Becaufe as by the light (hining in darl^nefe, the things which arc lefi, appeare and ^refoHftd. So by the JVord^wt which were lojt TLtcfoHud. 6 Becaufe as the %^f fliining in darkeneffe , maketh men ^fhamed of many their darkeznA obfcure nvorkes , whereof in the rrtip~ ted: Sothefri?r^thoughitbe/'than z blind man to judge of colours* 3 Ih^t fuch as are unworthy of this light ^ which doe either freferre ■IM umatm -•«*■ Verfe 20. We mufl labour for light, 209 4. Mat. 5. KTj Rom. I3» 13, vreferre their owneJHclgemcnts hcfore it^ cr refuje to be ruled by it, or are urttljA'rikjfuil for the fame ; or mtngle this light v.'tth their owne -inventions^ or jet therr^feli^es again ft it , la- bouring bjallmcanes to extingmpj the fame, 4 ^hxallofttrsny^ft endcvour to become the children of light ^ having oiii hearts enitghtnedby this light ; bting ^»- Ughtned^ not to r e-inthr all Q>i\r icivCS in darkenejfe : but to waUie as the children a flight, our light fo [himng before men^ that they bcholdina our good workcs^ maj glorife our Father which IS m heaven ; yeajbcing enlightned^ziiA ypalking hone ft- ly 06 in the day^ we tnull pray unto 5^ell,{J\^tofes^ whouato the levoes was covered^ \.% unto us , unv ailed , rhe legali types are now accompUfhed, a greater knowledge hath befallen us ythcnthcvc diid former ages y and fliould wee not make ufe of it, fhould our thankefulnejje be lefTe, yea,in mofl noneat2{[L Thusofthe/,What(bever hnow imper- feftinusfliaU then attain e pcrfciftior* J Cor, 1 3.9. Re of on. Vfe* lUv.lllOi How the Of the Saints future per f Elton. Chap . 1 . ■ ■-^^^TT ■ I I I _ ■ 1 ] - I - I • I Th^iti After the day of judgement ^ there p: all he no more pffe of the ScriftH'f es. They arc ^ a light fhinmg in a darke f lace, Hnttil the day dawne^ yea, they Hiall be of fome ufe, even upon this day ^hut after xht judgement is ended , there {hall be no tnore fa' Vid wonderful! things. Si^ch as ai e the unitte of the Godhead: th^Trmity of the ^Perfons; {he Creation of the world : the Incarnation of Chrijl, and the If ks- I In regard of the ^^^- P 2 » '^ Knpning this firhjucc. Interpretation, O. The Scrip- tures require interpreration *nd expofition. Nch.8»3. L11c.23.i7, ^^.^.lU Reafons» I Pral.;i9.i8.^ / ztz The perJpkuitieofGods Word. 3 I Cor. 2.144 loh. 3.4.. 5 I Cor. 12,30* Luc. 4. 17^ Simil. I Cor,2.i5'. Eph. 1. 17- Pro, 1.4. ner ofwritinffy many abflrnfe fhrafes 2iVt therein, divers He- bratfmss, grecifmes, fundry Metafhors ^Allegories y Ironies, with oihtvtrofes'^.ni figures, 3 In regard cf ^/^(t/} which doQerrom^uJlj/ handle the Scriptures, to maintaine their ^^e^ ^-ejles, and{o deceive Cmiplc people thM they may erre with them. 4 In regard of our owne natHrallblindne^e, whereby of our felves we b^comtHn cap able o^jpiritptalt things^asthe Apofile Paul witneffeth, and the example oiNicodemni fuf- BciQwtiy CO nfir met h. 5 In regard that the i'^r//?^/^/"^ is that r/^/^5 according to which all our <^^i^;?^ are to ht fqputred^ which therefore Is to be made per^icuom and pi aiy^e nnto us, left otherwife we runne headloyig unto our owne deflruEht. on, for which caufe there were in the Primitive Church , ibchas had the^//r oUnterpretation ; and for this caufe our Saviour Chrifl , having read in the Sj^agogue^thc^'i of Ifaiah^and I verfe. He cUfed the books, and gave it againe to the (^JWimflerjexpounding the place Hnt9 his (ty^uditors* This fer vet h /^^r^^J' for Reprehenfion^ ^uA partly for Sx- hortation. For Reprehenfion, unto fuch as either complaine znAflum- ble at the perjpicuity: or difficulty of Gods fVard , SiBning ei- \ t her on ihtr'fghtor: the left hand:, not remembring that in TQ.g2iYd of ihQ per jptcuity thereof 3 it may be compared to a Foard, ever which a Lambe may y>pa:de^ and in regard of its difficulties to a Sea in which an Elephant mzyfypimme. True itis,t\\2iittsho\hhardzndplaine^ difficult and per^icuom^ but differently. Its perffiicuous and plaine to the fpirituaJl" man,\\tdifcerneth all things, unto him is given of God y the Spirit of Revelation, Hereby the eyes of his under ft anding are opened, unto him the profound myfteri^s of the Scriptures are unfolded^Q may difceme rhem tobe/^,though he cannot fullj conceive how they fliould bey7>, unt© f"«^h , the Wordis a iidht unto their feet, and a Lamhorne unto their pathes , cn- hghtningtheeyesr)fiheir«W^^7?^^^i>^> ^ tt giveth unto thefimfle{harpeneffieofwit,andtd the child y k>''Otvl^dge and difcretim. %y r^i: contrary , its hard ^n^ difficult unto the c ar nail and naturaU man. Such holy things belong not unto hogges Veife 2 o, T7;e Divels j^olicie. 213 ho^s yor dogSy I fit he hid tt is hid to thern who are lofi ,tn -whom the God of {hii world hath blmded thetr mmdes. Its hard, hwtunlo themwho hciKg unlearned and anfiahle -^ y?refl the Scrtvtures unto their o'tvne deflrnSlton^ uherc by the tvay^\^c may oCferve the cyiCtcdir.Q^folicte, ^n^fuhttlty of theT>evill about this potnt Such as are nnleamed, he witlidravveth from the fiudji oHhc Scriptures, making them Meeve that they are lb hardznd diff cult ^that it will be but loftlahour^to em- ploy any time in ^Qftudy Qi'them^ which lejfon too too »?/i- Hjf, hsivc loo vjcli learned, Againe, fuch as arc learned hee maketh to contemne,:ind dcfiifethttn, becaufe of their per^ jpicuity, and plainaeffe, I hcy are not (o hardy but that the humbls and obedient heart may conceive them , neither fo plaine^but that they have v\i&tdoi Interpretation, For Exhortation , as well unto us all in generally as unto both Preachers 2iV\d People in particular, Vnto us all ingenerall, 1 Let us reverence & eftcem y Pf^ord of CJod laid dow n in the Scriptures ^^ls needing interpretation • 7 h^ us not curfonly or ca^e lefty reade the Script ptres^ b\i. with great ^i/;^r 3 . 4 I ! 214 In particular unto Prea- chers. Vnto people. No prophecle of the Scrips turesisofany private inter- pretation. £?. The Scrip- ture is not of of any private iacer^ietation. Reafonu pfe. Mans fi?it cannot interpret Scr ipture. Chap, i . Vnto Treachers , to be diligent in tVx: private reading of the Scriptures, ufmg all the helpes , whereby in fu^/tke thxy m2iy tnt erf ret the fame, but eipecialiypr/ry(:r, whereby thck reading vciVj he fmHtficd ^ and tbey affified by Gods Spirit. Vnto l-'eop/e^ to Attend upon this ordinance of preaching ^ to reverence and cftseine the /^^5, to conceive the necejptj of Rreackcrs, praying unt© 6hiQh. is not according to ihtrWord ofGod^ to be a private motion or interpretation I nolhutxh^Xp^ivate particular perfns ^ may rightly expound the Scriptures being illuminated by the Spi^ rit of god , which other wife ^one are able to con- ceive. Hereof amongft many others, there may be rendred a tvpo- fold reafon. i Becaufe thus^ any thing might be made of the i'cr//'/-/^^^/,asa;/<5y^of^^Ar(?,itiT)ight be /-//rA?^^ every Tvay , V 01' hy the f elf e-fame phce o£ Scripture whereby yve prove the performance o^ Gods fervice, ^isthis,thar OPfanwas not the syfuthor of the Scriptures, it came not hy the will of man. Though holy men wqi:q the Pen. men, yet were they not the Authourso^'th^fAme. They ^^^nV^nothiHg but by the injptration of the holy ^hofi. They did not write or fay, Thiu faith Mofes, Samuel, ^avid^ Ifaiah, &c. But, thus faith the Lord, yea, tht falfe Prophets, that they might gaine ere due unto their falfe prophecies , did not avouch themfclves^ViX. I he Lord to be the ^yfuthor of their vanities^ ^ym^,th\i^ faith the Lord^^jhewihe Lord bid them fpeakc no fuch thing. Saint 7-^^/^/ doth diredy confirme this point, but I certifie you brethren, that the Cjojpel which was preached of me, is not after man : for I neither received it of man , nei- ther was I taught it. That man I fay, was not the tAmhour of the Scriptures, may be confirmed both from the nature of the Scriptures^ P4 the I ( For the Pro* phefie Came not inOJdtmae by the will of man. i^.Minwas not the Au- thor of the Scriptures* Galil.li* Proofes* I 2l6 t s I The Scripture Very perfeEi. Chap . i the matter cQwuincd therein, md the condtttm ofthofc which Tivrote the fame. Touching the nature ©f the Scriftures^ they are hcly, ffire^, perfcBy heavinlj , and therefore could nor proceed from finfulln^an-^ ^orfuch as the caufe ts^fmh the efcEi mptfi needs be^ and therefore, if m^n had beene the t^Iuthor of the fame, they ypouldhave beene corrfift^iw^ure,im-perfcEi,fitf£rj{HoMs iyifome place i.defdlive in ^r^f rx,whichto iay of the^ScWp- tures,\jjc'ct great blajphemy, Tt)uching tht matter contained therein, icdothno|cflc confirmetWfarjd-e, foi tt fetteth oat the corruption of man hyfiiine, l\\^foHnt aine and originall thereof , the pfinifhment o^ ihtfame^ both in this /f/ to come. It fetteth forth ^^ndlx^tih 6 fen moft admirable im profound \^m%i, faiTe aboue the reach of humane reafon. It doth r\otgi>V€ v^ay unto any onefnne^ but clc^rcly for buldeth ally yea , xhtfiile and phrafe there of is plaine a»d ftmpU , without affeU;ation^ and ye^ffill of grace and Majeftie, To(?ching the condition of i he T^ en-men or Writers of the Scriptures, though r/;^^ were»^f?^ of God , having their r^/- //>/^ froo) C'tf^, (landin.!^ ?«^/?/)' for God, fan flified of God,gtnd fet apart to this /?«?/y caking of Frophecie and Apo(lle(hip.^ de- vout and j(?o&rine taught, and d^ily prayer unto Cfod , a gift vvhereof;ff?»^>frr ^^ /^/~ Jperrce with the Scriptures, 6 VntO fuch aS hinder peo- j pie from reading the Scriptures. j Vnto ihch as call m (]U(ftioni\:QXxuXX\o^iht Scriptures, 8 VntO fuch Zs adde thereunto, o^ tak^ficm the fame, YorExhcrtation, 1 Let us learnc to admire the wtfe-. domezndgoodnejfe of (yod toW'Xy'ds us m the writing of his IVord, ano prefervaticH ohhtfame. For hereby we arc the more f^^'Z/^^/^W in the undoubted ^/^//f/; of it, as all make ac- countj that things done in blacke and white are mofi fure. Hereby its the h^tttvpreferved^vovn bciv.gcorrupted. Here- ^y'Xf^Q have a remedy againft om naturall forget fulnejfe. Here-. by JMzuj,$C, Ut,^6,2i, Vfes of Rf.prC' heniien« I 5 4 7 8 tAZion, I 220 Tips Scripture mtift chief ely\he imbraceiSZhz'OA. § ^7 we difcerne err ours zndherefies. Hereby wee /-/j^f? »f?/-/rff ofthe|><7Aa>andy^^r/7r;'ofthc^/^^ an ayfngell of light. And hereby the w/7/ of 6^^<7 is made more common^ for hookes and ivritmgs may Bnh eajily he differ fed -whether the voyce of the Teachers cannot come; and alf© be read in private by Chrifli ans^ when they arc a fart from their Teachers. Let us obferve the difference betwceae the Scriptures, and all other y^ritings, ^htScriftures 2lQnc2iVzfree komerroHr , all other wW- ^/^j*/ arc fubjefl unto erronr j yea, W/*;^ ^'i^ftiH of ^r- The Scriptures are to be beleeved on their tf^>?^ fr^ fpcaketh with us i\x them: frj a- gaine, theyijaverr oncly fo farre as they confent with the Scrtpu/res J and zve confirmed by them. The Scriptures ondy^rcperfeH:^ whereunto it i$ not Urf- fnli to ^ its v?icked to detraEl. 5 Let us be diligent in hearings reading/earching^meditA' ting, beleeving,efieeming, obeying, and leading our /x'Z'^/ an- fwcrable unto the ^^npr/^r^j-, being thanksfuH unto G^(»^ for them, afluring our fclves of the undoubted truth of the fame, and re;eding every 1>o^rine which is repugnant there- unto. Great comfort might we finde in this pra^ife , whether in projperitie or in adverfitie,^ the fVard being a rule unto us^in both, 4 Letusfiandfor the Scriptures, neither rejecling ^^e/^ which are <«^w/>/^^ into the C<^»^;?, neither receiving thofe which are Apocryphall ^ not admitted into the fame • yea, though both the ivrttings of the ancient Fathers , the deter-- minatton of divers generall Councels , and the praUife of «iany learned men , might feeme to induce us thereunto i £i^r the authoritie o£ the Serif tuy-es, doth not depend on the approbation^ cither of Fathers or Councels. This were a r !VcrC2 1 . Tray er medfuUi ' ■ ■ ■ ■ - ■ caufe, n©t for his owne : yea, the Church her felfe is faid to be i'Hild.ed upon the foundation of the Prophets and Afofiles, even the ^^Eln^e delivered by them, K Seeing God is the Authora.i i>ciC Scriptures, let US bee iJ-^^^^Z with ^/;» in T^-^/^^, that ^^ would bee pleafcd by his Spirit, to r eve ale unto n6 his fn// contained therein. 221 Eph.2,20, J I "? i- CHAP. II. SttAfofile having in the Ufi f^rt of the former Chapter , confirmed the truth of his ^DoElrine by a threefold Teftimony \ Namely, by his oKvne^zwdi the Tejttmonj oftw& ether Jpofiles Yjhich were prefent at the trAnsfigHrationo^ Chrtfi ,by the Te^imony of God, the Father^ who in a veycefrcm heaven teftiii- cd o^ himJi2iYv[\2,^This U mj Beloved Sonne, in v;hom lam nvellpleafed ; and by the t ftimouy of the former Prophets, who foretold, ?ind confirmed tht fe If e-pime things ^ doth mihis Chapter, yeelda reafon of his former ^ ._, DoUrine^ fliewiug tht caufe why he did thus ftrengthen^nd \ of this Chap* confirme them, in the trath znd<:ertaintj of the fame , even r^^ ^^^"^ ^^ hecaufe he fore f aw , that they were to he a faulted by a number offalfe Teachers, who fpringing up from time to time , would oppofe the truth ofkU DoElrme^ endevourinff by all mennes, to withdraw them from the fame. This is apparent from the very fi^fl words of this Chapter, ^ut there were falfe T^ro- phets alfo among the people^ euen as there aifo [hali be falfe Teachers among you^^sif he fhould have faid, as formerly *inder the law, whilfi the ft ate and policie cfthe lewes wa4 yt landing, there were not onely true prophets , teaching them the Tf}e coliercRcs 24 AtlirecfoM ciu:y required I 2 Z^.TIieymuft: taJrc notice uf falfe teachers. I Tim. 5*. 6^ Reafofjj, 2 The dutig of Treacher:, Chap, I j the. truth of God, yvhofe T^oBrme they were to receive'^ but aU fofdfe Prophets^opfofing themfilves agcunfi the truth of God, rrhom they were not to beleeve j even fo alfo there [hall bee amoKgfh joHunder the Cjoffcl f^lfe Teachers, which frivtly rpUlbrinqtn falfe herefies^corr^r^andina and (rAine-Cayina- the trHthwkictj I havetdf^-ght yoH, enaevonrinq^ by all ry^eanes to maks y OH foHow their ^ermcious way es. Them, you mnfi not receive, or beleeve. The T>oUrine which I have taught yon, is the trnth of God^I have fnffi-ctentlj confirmed it nnto yqa . -/ have the r/i-ore cndevoured to fettle and ground you therein, in regard offuchfrofane and blajphen^cpis fedncers ^fuch fernici- oHs and. hnrrfnllfalfe Teachers which will off of e it , ^nd (roe about to withdraw you from the fame. From this out Apofiles fraHife ^ the TrcAchers ©f Cods JVord^ may learne a threefold daty. 1 'To take'^^oticeeffalfeTeachers, 2 Togt ve their feo fie warnm ■ f wiiiw ■^U>Mj^*i-M*M Vei fe I . Markes offalfe Teachers. zi^ offortunitie to fednce x}:[zfimfU^ who for the rnofi part arc I mrft carefully when the Preachers of Gods fVord , are moft care/ejfe. • Oi;. The Profhets and Jpofi/es had the ^//f of Prophecy, the 5/?/r/> ciRevch.tion^they could dtfcerne the Spirits, vvho wcrt rr//«?, who y^trtfa/fr Teachers, this we want, chere- forc it fcv mcth imp'JJHle io\ tbe T^reacht^rs efGods Word to dtfcerne them50r f^/^^ ;?^^^re' of them. ^»/w. Although 'J reavhers he not properly Prophets ^zn^ God doih I'Ot revede hiiufe'fe unto them m vifions and dreantes, as he did unto "Prophets, of old, and to the Apofiles yet cvcnihey ytr^^y dificrr/e oi B fa^fi Teacher; that is, of fk^h a one, that maintaineth an err our rehtch overturneth true faith and Keligten , which is a fundament all erronr -^ who dothcndevOUi to withdraw men fi-om the true faith and Re- ligion, perfrv fading them both in private and publtke to heleeve what hee teacheth , fuch a one I fay , the l^rea- ihers of Gods fVord,w2iy dtfcerne by thcfe markes ( for as our Saviour laithj by their fruit thcymay behnowne^ I He is not called of God^ but as lude affrmeth, creepeth into the Church, like thofe of whom leremy wrireth, I have notfent them, neither did I cammand them ^ yet they prophecy in my Name» 2 He dcVivtrtth^x^drmirx^Liutxh corrupt ^c Sir tne, contrary to the. D^^/?r/W of the Holy Scriptures , the com- mandements of the Lhw^ anci the prcmifes of the G'fpell^ 3 //e'dothinhis/^^^/'/??^?nd preaching, aime at his ewne glory ynotfervtng the Lord , but hh oi-vne belly. By thefe tokens I fay, not onely Trf^c.^^rj", but even peofh likewise fas they are bound) may take notice offalfe Teachers, 2 I fay, to give warning offalfe Teachers, whi-n they doe p^rc eive them, according to the pra^ife both of the Trophets and Afoflles, Whereoftherei?^/«/o;f/ejayberendred, t Thatrheymay make k appear e, that they ^xefaithfull/hepheards.fin h^ that is an hireling andn'it thcfhepheard, whofe Qwne the fheepe are not^feeth the Wolfe comming,and leaveth the, fheepe , and fly- cth, and the Wolfe catcheth themyAndfgattereth the fieepe. Q^ 2 fhut Ob. Solut, Marfcs where* by to diTcerne af*ireTca= chers« Mat.7,{6. I lude 4.. Ier.l4.141, Rom,i6.i8* />.Thsy mu/l give-'arnifjg cfEal/eTta- chersjvvfaen they dow' per- CtivejJicBj. Keajon. ! Iohnio^!2. ^^••eafc=^'*i^*a^^»' 226 Z?.P resellers lEuil be (o inuch the more carcfnllin flicngthning and confiimirg thcif p^ople^s in likelihood th«y -areto be aflaultrdby talfe Teachers* Ad. 20. 3 1 • 1 ' im 4. 6. Rev. 1 2,1 2. iPet.5.8, rfi. T lie argument of ehis Chap= tcr. T)^^ carefulnejfe of Preachers. Chap . . Trsrceparts obfeivedfaere ID, 2 That by this orieaiics thi^y m-^j fave their owne fonUs, 5 That their /^^/'^'^ may the bet(er ^r;»^3lldfr^/?4r^thcm- lclves againft/^ with fuch AS in matters of Religion, obfltnately -oppofe themfelvcs '_ Qji againfi, Threepartfcu- iarsobferved in thefe veifes. I Bat there we re falfe pro- phets alfo a- mongthe pco- ple,evcn as, there ihall be falft Teachers alfo among D The Church of Cod asic hath bccne, fo is,and ihall b;alTiulted by falfe Tea - 228 KtZ/'e Teachers before Cbr i/i. Chap, z . FalTe Tea- chers before th3 Rev.:.l4. I King.- 8. 2 (J. I King, 2 2.7. Neh.6.10. Amos 7. 10. P aire Tea- c'-efs (incc hii /.rcSBlion. Mas^S 4,24.1 agawfi the truth of god, revealed in his Word , and preached hy hk Servants, Yea, comparing the time of the Gojpell, with xh^time o^Xihc Law, the ttme before Chrifl uas borne, withtber/^y^-^fincehis^/V/-/;, wemay^«flfiveirm Paradife ^ Ba~ U^.m. in the dajes cfC^'fofes-^ the Priefts of Baal,m the dayes VikSliasx the Pr/^'/j- of the ^^ot'i'x in the ^ayes of Mtcaiah: Shemaiah^ in the dayf s ok Nehe-tniah: Hananiah in the dayes o^ leremiah : Am,^.z.iah, the Prieft o(7i ctht/ in rhe dayes of <*Amos, with others, who wtY tfalje Teachers -^ and preached heretical! and erronious ^DoBrine. But after his <*Afeenfion, rhey bci^an xo.encrecfe exceedingly ,th^ix number bccomming in a manner innumerable^ even in the very dayCS of the Apo~ fvla, I hey l>egan to jp^i''^^ '^'P* In the firfl f^cntury or hundreth yeere , vere Simon Afa- gus^Afenander, Ebiofiy Cerinthus,3,n6 ihc ISlJrolaitans. In thcfecond^ihvvc v^'ere Saturmmis,Ba/ilides,Carpocrates, Fa- le m inns ,M^^ir CHS , (fclorba^HS^ Heracleon, Gnoftici, (ferdon, Afartion, Tf.tianU4, Sncratit<& , J\4oy:taniiS , In the third, there were Artolyrita, Alogi, Adamiani, Theodatiani, Afei- chifedeciani^ Bardefianifldi,valefi], (iy^fiflolici, Origeniani, A: tem-en.Phlcefait hath beene a'^d is, (o/ballk be t-ne condition o^Gods Church 'jntill the ccmmim of Chrlfi, There pjallarife (f^ith our Saviour) Veife 1 rThefeducingj^iritsofHeretickes. 229 fJfeChyifts.^ndfiffe Prophets, and p7ail {hevf great ft gnes andvrondcrs^info much that if tt rverepojfi^/e, they /halt de. ceive thi very Eled:, Now the Sptrttjpeaketh exfrefiy (^faith Saint Paul)thatin the Utter times fome (hall depart from the faith ^giving heedtofeductngfpirits, anddo^rtnes of T> evils, jpeaking Ijes m hypoerife. And againe, that in the lafi dayes, peritious times Jhall ceme,&c. For ofthi^fort are they which creepe into houfes^ andleade captive fmple women laden with fmnes, and led with divers Infts, "whichpUces a$ they might h^vchccn apply edto times bdtonzoHrsy fo they may be ap- ply ed unto onrs , and may bee alfa underftood of future times* The Reafons hereof are four ef old, i In regard of God^ that his LovCy wife dome. Power, and luftice^ may be mani- fefied unto us^hislovejinexercifing us thus y left otherwife we fhould runne on in finne ; his Wifedome in confounding the polltcie o^ the adverfaries ; his Power in preferving his owne, and pumfiing thofc adverfaries ; his luftice in giving fuch over, to be deluded hyfalfe Teachers , which will not be obedient ^ and conformable unto the truth. How many even o^^ods children have been zzftrife in the time o£ peace, who have in dangerous times banded themfelvcs together i^m^f^'lfe teachers ? A mamfeflation of Gods love , how many of(7^^/dearer^//^r^«^/ , who wsisflyedy and ! ^^//Tr^ by the King of 7^^//r • Taulus Samofatenus , who 1 Vizsftricksff with leprofie ^ i^maz^iah the Tr^V/ of Bethel, \ ^ (^ 3 wh6 \ I Tim^A.l, 2Tim.3.i,(J, Reafons* X . 1 2^0 ^ inc. 7. 1 7. Ier.28.i7, 2 rhcC2» IIj J2. Oppofers of true T^eligion. Chap, 2 . 3 sCor 1I4I9. IIob.2»I9. iVfcsof Inftrus I 7^/^(7 ^^^ /■« a polluted land, whole wife hecAme nn Harlot in the Citie, and his [onncs ^.nd daughters fell ^y the /word , affd hu Land yoiii divided hy Itne, HAnaniah, who dyed the fame jvere, as having made the />f'^?/>/^ tr lift m a he. Finally, Saint "Taut faith, And for this canfe, God [hall fend them firong de^ lufions, that they [houldbeleeve a lie, that they all mif^ht bee damned, who belceved net the trufh, hut had fleafptre in un^ right eouf^e^c, 2 In regird ofth<:^^vtlly vvbofe malice znd tyranny to- ward s»^az»j^W as there is no religion, yphich is not oppofed , yea, infome ^o'mts^by fome of their owne^cQ, , as may bee feene amongft ^^apijls, ^.^ 4 Yniofnch as have btene the ^ivcls tnftrHmer.ts in trou- bling the Chnrch of ^^^. by Kvhom he both /?^^^ and doth fo muchprd'z/^/7^. Doft thou goc ^^7 o;?^ many others in the gifts oinatnre^ leamiffg, 2Lnd the /iks ^ thou oughr eft to be fo much the more thanksff^H unto ged for them, employing the fame for the good 0^ his (^hurch. Thhic ^pofiafe is the ^rr^77(?«of the/^//ofw^^^, of the ruine ©f thouf^nds ; for what fay they ? tS'/^r^ a one who u a great man, learned^ much reJpeSied, and the Itkcj freacheth fkch andfnch ^oHrine^ 'ffhich you gain e- fay ^ may roe not as rpell, ( yea, rather J h- leeve him than y oh f k^oy^^th not he the truth as y^ell as ytfu? doth not he love his ^ypnefonle^ as -well as you doe yours ? and the like. So following their blind guides they ferifh with them. 5 Vnto fuch as doe not tf^^ofe themfelves againft falfe teachers, notwithftanding their offofition unto the truth oi^od, Cj^/ij/fi' fet himfeife againft Jannes and lam- he s ; Eltas fet himfelfe againft 'Baals TrieJ}s ; Peter againft Simon Magus ; 1?at*l agaiuft Elir»as -, John againft Ehion ; Auguftine againft the ^ onattfts, and C^lanachees ; no k (Te caule have yf>e to fet oxxvfi^ves agaiRft/^//^ teachers^ the ene- mies oi Gods truth. 6 Vnto fuch as being daily i^-^r/;^^, and nvilled to take heed unto themfelves , doe notwithflandifig y«jff>^ themfelves to be/^tW^/^ 5 as daily experience {hew- etb. For Exhortation, I Let US be truely thankefu/l anto God, for his great goodneffe and love , manifefted towards his C^«ri/?inpr/>'> of difcretion, being daily converfant in the reading oi gods Word^t\¥SCi we may the bettertrythejpiriti, 4 Let us la- bour me- Vcr£ 1 . Thefuhtilty offalfe Teachers. *H bourandcndevourintimCjbcthto ccrfrme cut f elves and others in tbc trftth ofCjcd^ yea, to reduce thofe , \\ hich arc zXxtzcyfedHced. 5 Ltt us be carcfnll 2nd ffatchfkll , left at , ienrnirg^^Kdgenter.t ^eloquence, or the Itks y following the ^tf<7^^C0uniell of the Afoftle Paul, kt nothing te done through flrife or *¥ at ne^gl or y ,hm in iow/tnejfe ofmtnd^ let each efteeme ether, better than thcmfelves,6 Let US manfully .courage oujij ^ and valiantly oppofeoDr felvcs agaipft/^Z/f Teachers, oEhrine. Their proper'- rfV^beingi diligence, znd 2 fi^^filty in broaching their er-^ reurs; diligence in that they bring them in , even ir>to the Church of God, to rphich formerly they roere unknorcne ; fub^ tilty in tlai they dee privily bring them in. The nature of \\it\i T>o^r in e ^^htiv\gho\\\ dangerous : as being a damnable or deadly doUrineyZn heretic all doUrine ,2i doUrine QovXX^iy lothevfill of God J revealed in his iVord^ impious, the Afi- thorsxher^of denying the Lord that bought them , Chrifi le^ fHs,by TV hem they were redeemed ; which fiords arc not to be under ftood abfdutelj, as if they had been indeed redeemed iy Chrifi, or Ghrift had effe^uallydy^f or them^ for then one ofthefe^w'^'abfurditics would follow, that, either the £leEi may 'PW.2«3t WIio privily fliali bring in daicnableor deadly herefics, even denying the Lord that bought them* 2^4 Tl^etrmQhurch is notHeretkaU.Qhz^^z^ ind hereticail DoArinc is not the Do- ctrine of the trueChtirch but intruded And brought in by fake tea- chers. Proof«. T 1 Tim, r. 1 3. Tit.2.1,7. I Cor.j.li* mAy totally and finally fall away, or, that Chrijt dyed for Re^ probates ^ both which zr^faijc but they are to be underjfood, 'either according to the judgement ofthefefaife teachers ^who no doubt thought and affirmed that they were redeemed by C^r//?,or,accordingf^ that opinion v^hich others had oi them, thinJking that they were the children of God^ or according to the rule of Charity, which ftiould be ia every one of us, evea Xoejieemeevery particular per fon to be redeemed by Qh^ifi f^hichimbraceth and prof ejfeth the Chrijlian faith ^ in. whom wedoenotfeeabfolHteJignes, and evident marines ^ that hee hath finned thatfinne which is to death; becaufc although for the prefent tbi^y may walke otherwi/e than becommeth the Q^^fi^ll: yet WC k^ow not how fo one G fid y which hath the hearts of all men in his hand, will tnme their hearts: the con^ dition of Gods children before their converjion being the/^w^ with the ^^^^^<^, alloF^, being by nature, the children of wrath. Or finally in regard that in a large fenfe , all to whom the 9''j^^//commeth, may be faid to be bought by him ; yea , all ^c»ihtC2L\i{cthtpricehyhxmpayed, isfufficient to ranfomc all ; neither is it by any default there in, th2it any perifh , but through their owne wicksdneffe and unbelief e. From this particular^-^^r^ ohfervations may bee gathe- red. The/^y? is this, that Erroneous and Heretic allT) oBrinc ^ i4 not the doElrine of the true Churchy hnt intruded and brought in by falfe tea- chers. This may be dtverfiy confirmed. I From the «^f^r^ of the Churches DoElrine ^ together with xh% foundation of th^ fame, Th^ T> 0 Fir i ne o( the ^hurch is z found DoFlrine, accovdiDgto thdit of ^^int 'Paul y Hold fafl the forme of found words which thou hafi heard, of me. And sgaine. Speaks thou the things which become found T)o^ Urine, And againe, In Do Shrine. {hewing uncorntpne (fe, gra- Z'ityyfincerity, found fpeech , that cannot be condemned. The foundation thereof, is, Chrifi lefus, for other foundation can ^0 man lay, than that ps laid, which is lefm C^^^ft' If then the YcrC I . Tke true Church oppofeth Herejie, *?5 xhc^oBrine of the Church he found and i^holefome , and if Uwtyii Chrifl \^tlht fofindatton of the r^me , how can herefe loxQ" cted frcm the/^^^ ? doth a fc.ntaine fend forth at the fame flacefwectivatcr and hitter ? c^nthe fgge tree beare Olive hemes ^ either a Vincfigges f can the Church be both oi^od^ and not of God f Every Jpirit (faith Saint John ) that eonfef- , lohn^^t. fetk that lefta C^rtfi ts come in the flejh^ u of God ^ and every fpirit that confejfeth not that lefus Chrifl u come in the flejh, u H»t of God. If ihe C^Hrch be o^CjoBrine of the (^hurch, that there are onely tvro Sacraments , ordained and inflituted by Chrifl ; that marriage is honourable among fl all men : that the EleB can- not fall away totally andfna/iy : that Chriftians a^i^ht to bee fubyeB ts (JMagtflrateSy Rulers^ andfuch as God hathfct 9V^er them: ih^iour Saviour Chrift is both God and man in one ferfon^ all \vhich aie o^fofed by Heretickes yfoiric opfoflng one^ foBne another. Therefore is not their doBrine ^ the ^D o- Elrine of the Church ; yea, how is itpoffible that it fhould be, and yet continue : our Saviour hiinlelfe sffirming/^/rf if a Kmadome be divided Again fl it felfe^ thatkinT^ome cannct Mitr j.24* fland'j and if a houfe be divided agatnfl ttfelfe^thatheufe cannot fland, 3 By ^particular InduBion of all thofe hcrefles which havebcene komlYt beginnings 1 will mflance bat in a few, Tlic wcrfjipptfig of Images^ bad its original from Simon Ma- gus^ the frfl Hereticjue ifter the Afcenfion of Chrtfl. The here fie of the plurality ofG^ds, had its enginall from Valentt-"- nw.Cerdcn and Marcien^\stvz (tAuthors of the opinion oftveo ^^^^J, denying the fr//f^ oi^hnfls humanenature, and of ^ ^ fufertng. The Ebtonitcs and (t/4rians denyed, the ^Divim^y ^fC^^^fl- Tattanus was the Author oiihcfeB Sncratita. So cal- ^- 2|^ — , -- — - — — — — I I The diligence of fatfeTeachers. Cl^ap. 2. iTim.jei^, rfe. I ZJ.Falfe tea- chers are both diligent and {ubtileinbroa' cbing their errours. Diligent. ,fwamm C^lQ&tl^ecaufe they al^fiained from H^ine, and eating of flefi^ and creatures qnickned with a fenfttive ^life , condemning marriage, and hlafpheming the E fifties of *7'^/^/. The like may belaid of ^- fullwatchmenmi\\\,hoHfeoi god. As »z/^?^ preceding ^^^, there hath been made great ofpojitiofi 3g2'\n&herejtes,^ndhereti^f^es. Notwuhot-it great danger, and much dijpcfthj/ have here fie s beene intrude i andpubLke- [yprofe(Jed',yc'i^dn;/mbcr oif^(/e teachers have beene by godly C^fagiflrates condemned to the death , executed for their frrcz/rj- ; yet notwkhftanding doc ihty yet continue ( as £or merly) di/igent TindinduJIrieus in broaching their ^?'- rours foivtng cheir C'^^H^ ^"^ T^y'^J in ^ods field. Neither is it any -vponder, feeing they are the c/?5/r^«r^^ thefelves .fednce others. Hereof may be rendred ^ifixefoldrea^^.n, 1 In regard of the ftAture oi i]\dv do^rine , it is evill; yea, I take, that evea their covifciences^ imtill they be feared as with an het yron, tftformed them ohhcftme. Now our Saviour teUeth us, that every one that doth eifill , hateth the ^^ght, neither commeth to the lights lefi his deeds fionld be re^ proved or difcovered. 2 In regard of the ofpoJitioK which they k^ow will bee rnade againfi them, and their doBrine by the Preachers of Gods TVord. 5 In regard of the dagger which happily may take holde on them at the BvUpHb/ication of their DoUrine^ whereby their Dotlrine not onely may bee quite extingnijhed, and crnfied in the very Jhell, but their perfons likcwife indango- red. 4 In regard oftvLch faith full watchmen as arc in the Church which are canfull to vrie into every ccmer to difcover \ them. 5 In regard, that the longer they continue undifcovered, they may pervert the ?w^?'^, gathering in the meane time a fa^ion^ by which ihey may bee able to refefifuch as doe e?/- pofethcm, 6 In regard that whilft they are undifcevered, they may dtf cover \vh2it{oevcr fia^deth in their ^j'^^, and X2i:X notice oifnch as are chiefefl on the contrary fart , obferving their nature yjftdgementjearningfieffds^nd the iike^^W which may fiandthem^ingreatflecd afterwai'd. Kence we r-rc taught, 1 T hat fatfe teachers are exceeding dangerous, they want neither w///nor meanes to bring their p fir pofes to pajfc , they 2i^QHnweAried inihtiv eyill fi>ayes , they are induftrious an J diligent m broaching their err ours , fftbtilez'^A crafty in con- cealing the fame. They arc skilfulihunterSy knowing how to c»ver'\ Vcrfi. Henfie damnable. 2^9 cover their pns, expert Foievlers^ knowing rehere to fet and how to hide their nets\ Tvary Fipiers, knowing how to trimmc their hookes. An open enemie is not halfe fo dange^ rOMi^as ^» f*»ky^cyvne enemy^diforrutgneenemj not halfe fo danaerhUS^ as a domeflicjnefoe, from whom we expc^^o Cucb matter. Never u as ''David in lo great danger^ as when ^^" /«>/^w and aAc hit ophe I con^pirt^ againft htmy tht former his Sorf'rte, ih^ latter hisfuppofcdfieMd.-ncithcr hath the Church been at any /"//w^ more endangered, than by fuch as have z?/^- r.Ww*^ grcatefl /^^'^ an'othc w*?//?^^ thereof. 2 T hat f z/^ry o^^e of Hi ought tope diligent andindufirictis in the performance of qood duties ^ (tcing fal/e teachers are {o diligent, in doing that which is evill, their diligence may incite ««''J'- yea? confidering their diligence and fabtiltie ^ it ftands ui' ia hand to be ■watchfHll,wary, and eircfimfpeSt,Tvife as Serpents, carefuM, left at any time AVe bcfeduced. For this caufeaifc'*'^ ''^^^[^ «of familiarly converfe with falfe 7V^- f /-;crj, obferving that connfcll of Saint lohn*^ If there come any unto you , and bring not this'Do^rine, receive him not to houfe ^neither hid him Godfpeed, '^* 5 That the preci/e time v^hen err ours crept into the Church, c^nn9t abfolHtely be determined. Thus oi:thcfecond» Ihc third 1% this, that Herefies which fxlfe'Teachers intrude and bring into the (fhurch , are damnable and deadly^ rohich privily bring in damnable and deadly herefies. Hence are they calied doElrines pfDevils,liesfpokeninhypocrifie, ThisS^intTW fhe.veth j cLarely, ty^nd their word will eat as doth a Cc.nker : ("or Gangrene) ofnhom is Hymen^us and Philetm. They are damnable ^^m deadly in divers refpecls. i Be- caufe they are odious and hatefull in the fight ofGod» 2 Be- caufe they withdraw men and wOiDen from God. ^ Becaufe they proceed from t\\^T)evili,ih^ enemy of manktnde , the broachers o^th^ fame, being ^en of corrupt minds ^ reprobate concerning the faith ^ having their confcience feared with an \ hot iron, 4 Becaufe they arc contrary to the truth of God, reveciledmSw^Word^ contrary to found ^XiA whoUfome Do- \ firine. I lohn 10. traded and brought into f^e :/:urch, arc damnable and deadly. 1 Tira.4.1. 2 Tini.2.l7, Re^ifons. I T Tis3.4.?. 2 Tin-«3.J. 4 l^O Hoip to judge ofUerefte^. Chap.2. Vfi. D.Palfe Tea- chcisb> brings ing in Aich damnable and deadly here- fie8,deny tbe Lord that bought chen3. lude 4,« ^Inne. % Becaufe tbey bring ^hcfam€. Touching the l , Chrifi is denyed tryo manner ofyoayes^wi- warc*Iy,3nd oL:twa)dly5 Im^ardly, when men and women doe in their hearts fcojfe the Religion of ^hrift^ having their hearts fayrefromhim,when as in the meane time ^ they doe out' wardly profejfe themfelves to be his ^Difciples , of lucb the fjord{Ye'^e^^yh\%'Prophet , our Saviour cbfcrving the fame o^th§feinhn day es. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lippfs , but their heart isfarrfom me. So alfo when men vainelj trufi in worldly things, net truftino- and repefingall ccr.fiden-ce in Ghrifi^they deny Chrifi, as lob ckerely ihevvcth: yea, ail r^o^i. inwardly deny Chrifi ^ which remaine impenitent, which fiom their very hearts doe not beleevc in him : of v^'hichfort Jeremiah Cluift is de- nyed two man nerofvyayes. Mat.i^cBi -'J»S*^ ^ — — -^ — ~ Verfe 2. Howfeducers deny Chrtfl. 241 Exod.^.2» 7f r^wt^^ complaineth in Z??^ time. They have dcnyedthe^ Ier,5.i2 Lord^ andfaid it is not he^ neither JhaR the flagne come upon Hi, neither (hall we fee /word or famine, Omreardly^ Chrtfi is denyedtW9 manner efj^ayesyhy word and by deed. In T^ord and prof Jfion, and thar bcthof "Pagans ^lewes^ and Chnfttans, Tagans, who are not fo much as yiPithin the skjrts of his Church J outward menf^crs o^ the fame, who (with Phara- oh) (ay in the fridc of their hearts^ ivho ts the Lord ^ th^t we pjould kjfOTv him? Aw^Xjwho deny him to be the true ^JMef fiah^ the Savtonr of the world, (fhrifttans, and that either of frailty and infrmttie , or of prefumption and knoTvledge^ of fiailty and mjirmttie ,zs xmUY fearefnU Profefors, when r/7^c/^ <> ^r/»f of Chri§:. 1 By wtthftan- ding ihe w^4»fjcf that/^Jr^rof C^n^, whereby hewould fin^ifi^thtxv hearts \xnto oh edifrtce,.. The fw^/> of his Z^^- demftitn is ivelcomi to them, but they will not hatrc to doc with its , yfhichfanBifieth and renneth the inward mzvi^fHfdHeth finnc, ^nd^f^kkneththc life of f/o^i in them. 5 By deny inghirf*^hdience,vihichsis to ^ Lord is #/«ff unr© ^/>» ; they are the enemies which will not rW A» who hath bccne (b i^W^ unto you , who hath redeemed you by bis oyone py ecious blood: oh beiofatle and lament the generall apofiafie and backf-fliding in thcfe our ^'^^^f/ , that now when the Gojpell ftiineth £0 cleerely^ Chrifl Hiouldbe To much deny ed, fo tn^nyfeducers, fo »i/««!7 feducedy fo many Ax^/»^ in ^thetfme and Eficurifme , even as if there were no Ci&^-f/?. Though others deny htm , yet let u^ acknowledge him, refo^ieingin thefc dangerous dayes ( as the holy CMartyrs did in the time o^perfecution) zofiand for the defence of gods truth, nox [hrmking from Chrifi^ though forthcy^w?^ we were tolaydoypneoutlii^es. Thus of the R 2 fourth. Heb.(j.cr. Heb,io.29. 244 DeHruflm the rewardofHeretiques. Ch:xp. And bring up- on themfclvcs f*viftdeftru3: 61 ion. D. The r«- \^ ard of here-i tiques isfwift dyiiru£lioii. Vfi foHrth,2Lnd (oo^ihcfecondf articular ^\z\dt dovvne in thcfe words, who pri vily (halt bring in damnable herefies^ denying even the- Lord that bought them^ Concerning the 3 , the fruit which they reape by thefe their damnable herefies^ they bring upon themfelves^fyptft de- ftruBion. They haft en God ^Ois it were to inflidt his judge- ments upon them^ycZyZnd Jpeedtly are they inflt^ed^ even be- fore/^//^2"f/^r/?^r/ are aware; 5^^?^/ judgements doe upon thc/udden fcaze upon them^ The obfervatiotTs arifing from hence arc two, The/^/?isthis,that l^he revpard of Hereti^ues iifivift deftruBion^ Gods judge- ments are o^two forts, fuch as are infiided in this life , luch asfhall be inflicfled in the Ife to come ; both which may bee underfloodhQXC. The judgements which are inflicted upon them here in this life, arc divers^ fome ordinary ^{cnK extra^ ordinary ; Ordinary , as when they are deprived of their goods, lofe their credit e and reputation, are imprifoned , con^ d.emnedyandare by thecourfe of Law executed for their er~ rours. Extraordinary, when they are given over unto all manner ofwickednejfe, wh^n judgement upon judgement doth take hold on them, when xheir confciences torment them. Hell gofeth for them ^ ^Death feaz^eth upon them at unawares, ^^^/;^j- brafl: afunder, his bowels gutliing out. Mont anus, l^aulus Samofatcnus, Manes ^Mahomet, divert of the F^^^/ oiRome, h^vQ unnaturally ended their dayes. So alfd they are noxfee ^^om judgements , u}V)n body,foule, name , eflate^ pofleritie. The Judgements of God in the life t,o come^ are mofl fearefull, for if the wielded fhall be tormented ac- cording to their workss, thzn falfe Teachers, being rricked in the very htghrfl degree, muIt endure the very extremitie of torments. This is the portion of their cup ; this is thefuit of their labours ; rhis is the reward of their err ours* Hence it foliovveth, "^ T That Godwillnotfuffer heretic^es to goe unpunipjed. He is a juft God, who as^^ bvoaQ)[\l judgements on Pharaoh^ Saul, (iAdontz.€dek^, tAchan, Agagjiot their horrible impie- tijeSi » ■«*" ■■ ■ - Verfe 2, FalfeTeachers hring deflrnSlion tothemfeylcs.ij^t^ tics ^cvtxw^htnt^i^y f^^red no(wc\\matur, fo will hce in his own© time hn\\2, J wift deflrudiioH. onfa/fe Teachers, They may flounjh for a/?>wc, but in the end deftrnEiten fhall {^ZZC Vi^on them. As the remarkeahU examples of Steven gardtnerfDo^or Story ^ Vi\l\\divers others, mentioned in the iooke oi the M^rtyres, doe fuificicntly confirme, 2 That thercfoi c we mufi he carefnH to pJHune the compa- ny offalfe Teachers, ( zsthcJ/rac/itts were to depart fiom the Tents of Corah) Iclt being partakers with them in their herclies, wee alfopcrtake with them inthtitdeflrH^ien. Thus of the /^y?. -* The/^-f ^«^]s this.that FalfeTeachers bringuponthemfelves this fyvift defrHlH- on. They themfelves arc the Authonrs of their owne mifertes^ ihQlvoKvnew'irkescoViditmViC themfelves* The further they doe ru'/tne in their herefes, the nigher doc they draw (Jods judgements upon themfelves. By x\\^fame meanes , r^hereby they thinke to game mof^^ they loie mofl, as Spiders they are taken iw the fame webbe which they weave. They are accejfa- ries^ and fhall be purafjed as acce^aries unto their Owne <^^^/^,unto their ownt dcfiruUion. Hence we are taught. I To admire C7oBrine offalfe teachers, as procee- ding from/^r^,which are their owne greatefl enemies , which bring upon themfelves deftruflton , deftru(!^ion both of body znd foule. Thus of i he fecond^ and fo of the thirdf articular, laid downe in this verfe. Vcrf. C, ^ndmany ^Ij all folloipfi their pernicUm wayes , by reafon of whom th^ way of truth fhall be evill jpo- ken of, 5 AnJ. through covet oufnejfe [hall they with fained \ Num. I (j. 27, ZJ.Falfc Tea- ckors bring up on thcaifelvcs fvrifc deftrus tV y^-ih 3. repetition of the f>ff»ifoment,which {lral\/ea^?^On them, Jhey,ai:C defer wed j i from the nhm~ bcr oiihciv followers, and ?fuinjf fiall follow their fernicioas c r UfcivioHS v:ayes . 2 From xhtefcct which their ^oElnne worl.vr/,t^aC they may make mcrehandi<,e of th^fe whom they dee fcduee. Th'tir pumfhment, its sgaine reiterated-v^hofe judsrement now of alon(T time lingereth not ^ a'rid their damnation finmhreth not, Ihc (^ jf^dgen^ents which God hath of old ordained and preparediovfhem, fhzll undoubtedly (^ how prolperou5 ^e- ver their eftate fceme to be ) be infltEied upon them^zhcylhak be condemned znd trrmented with the ^Devill and his Angels world without ^^^V Touching the former, which containeth a difcription of falfe Teachers, it conlifleih ( as yee have heard ) ofj^*^^ par- ticulars, of which I entend nowatthe j&/^^/>«r^of^c^to fpeake in orders Concerning the. i- many fhallfolloyfi thsir fcmiciotu, or Ca s its Veife 2. Falfe drclrms ^zer^ fruit full. 247 dingfruiifuU. its read uifcme copies) Ufcivinus wajcs , that is , many Pja// nicicus or Ur (pcfedticcdh them : many pjall embrace their do^nne tenA *v*o"*vva)€s. dm^ to dcflru^iort and vpantonnc (fe. Their doU:rtrte ihall not 1 O.The Dos te}i-u:t/ejje, but exceedtng fi-uttfff/i : through thdr di/ige nee \ ^""len^^^^^*^ mdfHbttlty, they (la^ I pervert a multttHde ; thtix fchooie {hall btxhrov.^h\\ fHrnipjcdviiih Schotlers. They /liall not want Jkch as u ill heare^ bcleeve^ mAintame ^countenance, and ajfifl \^KV^mx!^^hroachingdi x!^^\x err ours. One vvoiiid thiijkc tl'.at the very nature of their doUnne fliould drtvemtn froji them, asbtingdamnab/e, hurtf/t/!,perniciof^,3,nd deadly, but hy x\\t contrary ^tvtwhercby xSxZ'^ dravif diicipks unto them^ TKAij following their pernicious wayes ; Was not the doElrine oi j^rtHs damnable, vvho denied the T)tetie of Chrtfl f yet a number, both o^ ^ourtters^^ipjops, ando- natus^wlth others. But leaving/crw^r times, wc our f elves in thefe dayes , fee the accompli/hment of this Prophecie^ what a number of followers hath ay^ntichrifi the Pope of Rome ? are there not even whcle l^ingdomes, v\ hich n^eare the markeofthc^eafi ^ vvhjch ^ot?^ their fe^^^ unto this Idola^ troHs Baal f what a multitude oi followers have lefuites and Seminary Triefls, his Agents in every Countrey ? Yea,what ^number 0^ Re cufants arc here, even amongft our f elves, ^vhich dayly partake of their Topifh trumpery f I could in- fiance further the great number of Anab apt ift- s ^F ami lifts ^Ar- R 4 minions. Rev. 2 l^. 248 Wbomfulje Teachers feduce. ReafoTU, In regaf t3 of the Teachers. mifiUfts ^wit)fi ethers.hy all which ir would appeare,that w^- nj follow thff-pernictomwajes off alfe teachers , but that the former zr^ faff cunt. The Reafons hcreoFare fartly in regard of the TcAchers, />4r//j in regard of f/?^/^ whom they ^^^^i^, zndpart/j ia re- gard of the do^lrinc which they doe teach. Touching the "TV^f/j^rcf^they are (us ye /^^^r^ in the/cr- mer verfe) both diligent and fnhtile in broaching their ^r- rp after them many *T>ifciples f. yea^no ni<3re y^onder, then for a skilfullfifier to catch f»anj fifies, a skilfull Fowler to catch many birds. Touching the perfcnsfeduced, they are for the ?nofi part icnorant^ neeltgent^tnconftant, cnrioui, lafcivioHi , iontem- ners ofgodstVord,rej^eners.ofmensperfo?tS3'xV^\^hlQ\i may 6e eafily feduccd. 1 I fay,the/^w^r^»^,thcy may bcea(ily/^^«^^eale^ learning and humility, than others doe. Now^ the multitude CidV\{-\{^m2,^ For the mod part O^ ignorant, negligent^ curious^ tnconfiant , l.afciviou^ perfon, contenmerys ot Gods tVord^ re^eElers ofmens^erfons^ i'uch alfo being i'he common objeH: o^falfe teachers^ its ao wonder that many f 6 How their pernitiom i^ayes. Touching the doHrine which they r^^^/.', it tendeth unto I fie/ljlyzndcarnall liberty, \Zs^ lafctviom 2Lnd rrant on doctrine. They allure through the lufis of the fie fi, through much wan- tonne^e,fromifeng liberty unto fuch as follow them , which doElrine of all others, h mo^pleafng unto the corrupt mind of »^^», which cannot ^^/We" the y^^^/(^ ^Do^nne of Gods Word ZScontradiBing thdr pie afures : no wonder then though that I many follow their perniciom or lafcivioHS wayes. Hence Incoft/lant^ Mat.2i.9,i Iuciei2, Lafcivious. Contemners of Gods Word. 2 "Iim.4.,4^ Re/pc7?. Concerning the 2 , the #<^ which the D^^^/a?^ of>//^ reticherswOiVt^Vmthemfelves, in their /W/^Tr*' he opened his month in hlajphemy agatnfi God, to bUf- pheml hus Name, and hisTahemacle^ and them that dwelt in heaven, K\\d^g^'mt,hefaith,IfavPawcmanfuHponA Scar-- let cdonred heaf^^fnU of names of bhfphemy. Did not Ehton fpcake evtll of Chrifl\x\d his GcJpeH^ whzn hcdenjedthe T>eitieofCuK I s t ,'^iirmm^that heewas oncly man be- gotten betweene lofeph and Mary ,ind that the obfervation of Mofcs Law,yvai nece^arpo eternalllife, and that ;^^ part of the New Jeftament was Canonicall Scripture , except Saint (Jlfatthewes Gofpell r WcrcnotCerdon aud Afartton blaf^ fhemers of Chrifl^ by denying the verity of his humane na- ture ^md tht truth ofhlsfufferings ? Did not TAtuxnm ,by condemning the Epifiles of F^.ulf and according to Saint Johns iov^^Lrfrfifhecte, doth not ^ntechrift the *Tope of Rome blajpheme Prrtfi2indhis glorioPU Gojpel ? docnothis i ^ffents bUjpherffe ihzfame, by detraUing from Chrift , and afcribing inter cefion to Ange/s^Saint;,gc(\d the like. Hcrcofm^iV be rendrcd ^threefold reafon^ I Becaufe they j are y^«r/r^r//j'.opporiteand contrary unto C^rz/, fo repug- ' »ant that thei e can be no communion betweene them ^ fo lon^ mhtvmaintatn€{\xchpofitions. 2 Bccaufe they arc nor ^^/^ ^ to ByCwIiom 60 whom the way of truth lljall of. ^ D.FalCetesis cherg blaC pheme the way oftruth Chtift and his hojy Gnfpe JJ, XTim.1,28, ^«v.i7.j. ^e^fotii. I 252 Death due to Heretiques. Cba Kqw,i6,9^ Vfi. I p,2 Its'IawfulUo inflia death upon Hcre- tiqucsjperfi- fhing in their herefies* Scriptures coni firming it, DeutJ3c^, to confute tbis his doEirine, this r^aj oitrnth, like unto thofe men, which w^hcnthej n*ere fchorched with great heat , blafm fhemedthe ?Iame cf ^od^andrefented 'dot 1 9 give him gUry, This is often hid do wne in the hooke of the C^fartyrs , that n^henthe Ferfe<:Hters were not able to confute their Anfrvetars, they f/^^;^ rage derailed at them,fcoffed and mocked their Re- ligion, 3 Bcfcaufe ^^r^^^ they vvotiid (as often ir comrneth to pafle} yoithdr^cw fuch from ^hrifiyZnd true Religion which proftilejandhavealikingtothey^w^, by working mthem :xxihatred of ChriJI-^nd his D o^rine. Hence we may perceive. 1 Wovjf^^i^iciom, impom , anil damnable falfe teachers are, it cannot content them to oe wicked , unlefle they exceed in the fame y unlefTe ^.^i?^ doe dire^ly oppose themfelves againfl Ch^(f^ himftlfe, and tht truth of ^^od, revealed in his w^<9r/^, Werc't not ^.fawcjpart tor a foore meanfubjeB coj^?^)^ againft the K^^g, much more to curfe him, fcofFe at him, make sijejf at hislaudable Lawes f much more is it to be ad- mired, th^t poor e creatures {[louidrife up againft their Crea- tor, filly vpormes, againft Chrifl, the Sonne oi €od, 2 How Magiflrates ought to deale with falfe teachers^ CKQmsmxhblajphemersQ^Chrtfi , and true Religion-^ yct herein there is great wifedome required , f®r feme blafpheme o^ ignorance and mfirmitie, oth^vs of knovQledge and prefurap- tion^ fome beingadmoMiJhed 2nd perfwaded to / to f^pp^fc our y^/z/^j againfl: the l>U^hemers of the ^od of heaven ? 3 That/rf^ Teachers are not the ?Hen which they pretend themfelves to he \ though thcy make zjhey?^ o^z^eale , a prs- fefftono? Chrifiiamty , yet arc they indeed hUj^hemers of Chnfi, andof hisglorioHi gojpell^ 2 Thwythztfuchof are the foUowers of falfe Teachers^ fpeake evill ofChnfi andof hi^ GofpeH* They are mtfcho/lers^ They ^htckely imitate both the fpeeches and aftisns of their Teafhersy btmgmside 'P^*J}^ites by fa/feTeachers, thcy arc made twofold^mere the children efHeU than themfelves • The 'Freveri^e u verifie/i in them, like Pajkor ^ like People, Hkc Alafier ylikc SchoHer; zsihtfeducers , fo alfo the fed f^ced fpeake evill of Chrtf^ ^ and of his Gojpell, Menander the Scholler was no lefe^ycz,movC hlafphemoHS, than Simon Ma- gHi his Afafter. CMarcm, no leffe Iflajphemous than his .^^- jf e-?- Valenttnui, Sabellttu no /^jf^ hlajphemom than feis (J^^- j^^f- Noetm* Hereby as by a moft evident r<'^« wee may difcerne fuch as are feduced , even by their following the manners oithofe by w'^^Jw^ they* ^rt feduced , as the Scrths and i'^^^rny^^j renounced Chrifi, cry ei,crueifie htm y did re- vile and ;wor;^<^^^^^J'p^^^^-f •' laying,and ^i'?;/^ as they are direEhed by theo:),/hemj agamfi [hriji. *55 Hereof may be rcndrcd a fearefold rcafon. i Left they JCtafi»j* «•■ 9 -ff *• ^ ^ ^ 1* /^ * '^% f ' lliould be Hfhr aided With ^poflafic^ and incenfi^ncy in Reii gton, 2 left there fliould be given any eccafion unto ethers to hofe that yet they may riturne from their i'#wi> , and give edpe unto go^dceunfeBy 5 left they fiiould fccrae to be ^^d fchoiersyinthcdive/sfchco/e,or ftill tOf^etAwe any c^rrejp^n- demy with Chri/znd true Religion, 4 That Arrrijf they may gainc credit e and rf/«r^f>tf« with their T'e-^(r/;^/,and/4r/f#>»' difcifles, as being no /^iP? the children of the *T>pvtli , the enc - mies o^C^rt^ then themfelves. Hence we arc taught. To be cxcccdin^Tf atchfiiH and CArefnH, left wc be fednced by falfi teachers y and fo become bUjihemers of C/fer// , and his GoJpeX. There is no finne which doth/^ ;»//r/? offend C*?^, tsthisjiftneo^^^afihemy : none io beloved of thcF^^her, as is this 5*w^ of his l^ve-^hc will not then leave this /wf^ un- punifhed. fvhat is there in C^^i[/? or his Go^ell, yoorthy of refrehenjlon ? nothing his very enemies acknowledged , that they found nofanlt in htm, that never manfpake *s hedid, and x\it Afofile witncffeth of th^^of^el,^ it is the p^wer of God fin- to fdlvatiento every one that heleevc'h» Should not we then be eircMmfft^Eltoav.oydiht traps ^(raitSQ^falfe teachers ^^^ Tve become blasphemers ofChrtJI^yand his glcriotu GoipelL 5 Thui that 'By reafon of the bad life and converfation of falfi Teachers , the Apoftafie and backe-flidtng of their fol- loyfers. Other carnaH and nnregenerate perfons doe speake evili of ^hrijl-^ ^indef his holy Gosf ell. Hereby zn occajion i% ojfered unto t hem to fiumble^t the do^rine of Chrifi lefus^ to rejeEt and de^tfe the yoay of truth. This may be confirmed by the prallifeefthc Spanifi Triefis and thek followers in thefVefi Indies for thefe manyyeeres.as their owne htflorianSy report. Through their b-ad life and converfathnxheiv tvhore^ dome, cruelty, oppreffron, theft, drmkennejfe, perjury, ^nd the ^»^,the Infidel! Indians continued in their irreligiw reUg-i^n, Abhorring, cMrfing,blaff>heming Chrlfttnityand Chnflians. Bwt.confidering j thokfalfe teachers zre hypocrites , make zfatre &c goodly fiow o£an outward profeffion, we Hiay for eur better edification^ CODCCivc the do^rme VAOie generally , thus Through 2 Vji. Ioh.7.46.; RoiD.i.X(5. Z>.By reafon ofthc bad life and conver/a« tion of filft teacherjjthe Apoftaj'ie of their fdllower* other usrcge- neratepenoiu tai.e scca^on to fpcake cvill ofChriftand kishoIyQoC- MM \ >V •-»••» ^.Through the Apoftalie, backefiiding and evil 1 1 tfe of Profeflors unrcgenerate and carnall perfons/peaKC evillof Chrift, and his holy ^Gofpel. 2 Sam,I2.r4* Ezek.36.to. Rom. 3 6.20. I Tim.9.1. Tit,i.5. Vfe. KQm.l.ll* Col. <]..$'( Through the ayfpofiafie, ^ack^fltd-tng, apid\eviH life ofTro- feffors^ unre generate ^dcarva/lperfons^Jpeak^ evi/lof^hrtfi- and hii helj. GojpelL By thps deed (^faid Nathan unto *I>avidJ thou haft^ given great occafion finto the enemies of the Lord to blafhheme, ^nd when they entred into the heathen , rohether they went ({'Xi^S^kiel) they frofhaned my holy Name ^ for ' theNameofGod is^lajphemedamongtheGentiles through you faith Saint ^auL f lence he writethumo Timothy, Let as ma^ ny feyv ants 06 are under the yoke ^ count their owne Mafters worthy of all honour^ that the Name efGod and hu ^DoElrine be not blajphemed.So unto Titus ^that they may teach theyontr women to be difcreet^ chafte, keepers at home ^ good, obe^ diem to their oivne husbands, that the Word of God be not blajphemeel. Thus , whcn ff^ch , as fJ'^fep themfelves Chriflians , enemies unto wicksdnefje , doe ^^^'T^ things r^hich are againfl theii* frofejfion , as foSow drun^ennejfe^ whoredome^ or the [ike naughtinejje^thcy give occafion unto unto.others to Ipeakf^giinii their frofeffion : for what may they fay. Such a one mal^eth a great jhew^he or fhe , cr they pretend great pur tty^and Jtncerity, yet there's none mere proud^ vaineglorioHi, covetous ymali€tou4\^ lafcivioHSy and the lik^. Such as are thus^ doe they not give occafion unto the enemies oiGodtoblajfhemef \ Hence we are taught. So to carry ourfelvcs, as thatjuftly no exception may be ta- ken againfl us, let not o\r: profejfion andp^'^^^f/Q-difagree, make not a flow of that which is not r^ithm thee. Thou which teacheft another, teach alfo thyfelfe ; Thou that prea^ chejh a man (hould notfieale^ doe not thoU fieale ; Thou that fayefi a man {hould not commit ndultery, doe ytot thou commit adultery '^ Thou that abhorrefi idoles^ d^e not commit facri- ledge '^ Thou that make fl thy boafi of the Layfi, doe not by breaking thereof ^dtfhonour God' ^ Oh my beloved^ I befeech you towalke circumfpeElly to^ Mpards them which are without^ we have many eyes beholding us, ready to prie ( if they could j into the veryfecrets of ouf hekrts. l}oQmthingt\itltiotQ^h\xtthAt whereof yon h^LVC a warrant warrant, from God^ JVord^-rvalk^efo, as that you fteed not carr\, who hho/d and ohferve your atii^ns. Be not either hUfphe^ mers BfChrifl, ovanoceapon unto others to bUjfhemcA here isnot^Huppole) <^«7of you, but if jr^ were dctnaunded, \\:htl\\t\' ycehelccve in G"^, n^hcther vee are redcmed by C^rtfi^ whether yee doe ohhorre fnine , whether yee are the cruey^r'(y^«^jof^^<^, but would ^;^/S??rr ; yea, then 1 fay tni- to ^i^^r^ our other manifold fmncs f Is it a fmall thing in your eyes, ihat the great, glorious , anci fearer full Nameof€ody {hould bc by reafon oi'you^ twiWJpokjn of? Ufareth with ^^, as with many /impie beafts , which being pnrfuedby Hunters, hide their heads , thinking that then they cannot he [pied. So doe we oft.n/^/?^ through covetofifneffe, (fove- toufneffe works^h this He of thccves. Thus finally doth ^ntichrifl the Pope of Rome^ doe lefmtes ^Seminary Priefts^ and other his Popipj agents^ through couetoufne^e they te^h iuch pcmtcioHS Jplajphemow and herettca/l do flnKc, as they doe. This aiaketh the L^ffd to fwarme with fuch ^L'^nfiltitude o^ thofe Locnfis, This ma-, keth them compare both Sea and Land. This mak eth them alpire to Bifl^oprpckes^ Cardwalfinp ; yea, to the very Chair e of ayfnttchrtfl , the ^^opedome. What moved Sampfon a C^/fonke of S* Francis ofCMtlUme , (who had gathered fo many thoufands of gold in divers Countries , by his Topijh trnrnpey ies, as idi the ^•'''r/tf/ greatly rfondered^c that monfhrj loprofer-dbovQ the fumme of 12 coco Duckats in one day to Buy thzP of edome f amhitiom covet oupneffe,. Whar mo- ved (far din all Wo I fey So earneftly and importunately to affeU the Popedeme ? (in (b much that he threatned to works the Emperour greatyvQe,becaufe he hadit not^ ambitious cove- torffhefje. This is the ground and caufe of moft erronrs m Pofery 'y yea, ifit were not for this, Antechrifls Kingdome Would quickely fall \ it being the very ftliar which uphol- deth and maintatneth the fame. This \% the originall of their Vurgatory \ Auricular Confeffi^u\ Prayer for the dead •^ of their T^/'^-f Sufremacy and^ rerogatives ; of their Pardons 2iX\d Indulgences \ of their Sacraments of Orders, and Pen- ance • of their Sacrifice of the Majfe ; of their Relicjues and Canoniz^ation of Saints, znd the//%; whereby both 7i9w and informer ages, they have heaped up innumerable r/r^fj-. This may be/«r^W confirmed by thc(e three Reafins. I Becaufe the mofi^ditt of the err ours which they teach, tend to ih^enriching ofthemfelves, as 1 have alrc^-dy inftarced in Popery, a Bccaufe where there is i^o^ope ofgaine, they arc tsenfiov? ,^\\A unwillingto trouble themselves, witneiTe the cendition and efiate of fuch as ^xcpervertedhyfalfe teachers }> they arc for the ^^^'T? p^^rt, fuch as are wealthy , and have^^^?'^ eff-ate, 5 BeCiuic falfe teachers (xhnw^leamed ) are de^ fiitute o^^irituall underfiandino-, dull in heavenly things^ an evident and dired tokcn,that they are covetous, i -u.v. Si Thcrc- Af^tsand Mo; numcnts* Reafons* I •«•*.*■ I 'WWMK^WWnM^M iTiRV<5 10. Io'1i7-2l. I Sam. 8. 5 « I Sam 2 ^ I T. j lICing.2i ema^, his for faking of him '^ of Feltx^ hildetaining of him in prtfon, zxid fending often for him, ?nd \ thou finds the //%; fo alfo its the trtginall of falfeBo- \ Urme, Hence itfollotveth, I Jh^falfe Teachers doe not of confrienCf or deftre they have to advance Gods glory , teaihfuch damnable d.oSlrinf, takefuch faines by Sea and Land to bre^ich the fame ; but of eovetoiifne^e. Their covetom hearts incite them to ufe fuc\\ jyayesand neanes, w hereby ,^^rWx;/'«^ ^r^^?r/,they may moft tnrich themftlves, iTii S made the Monk^s ofBoxe/jt to frame flich an artific tall Image, whichfmi/edat ^\Qliberall^fiowned at fiich as offered ffartngly. This maintained that goodly jhrine i^f Thomas 'Becket, the Ar rh- trait or SX C^r.terbury, | This was the-^r^^W of thofe fuppofed miracles^ done by | Roods & Images in this Land in thQ day es of Popery^ <) poore ] fmplepcopk travailing rliirFe: (as r> doe eafly obtaine the fame : is there any confcience. here ? any d^fxre to glorifie God r 2 Ih^t the eftate and condition of faife Teachers ii excee^ dingvpo full and miferable, Thcy ^^//^/^thcmfelves the onely hapfy cnen of the rporld^ yet who more mtferahle then they? mifirable in regard of rheiVy^'/y/t^ •, of their hodyes, of their /<>- flerity of their ^avid , that our hearts may not be ft upon covetoufnejfe Thus of the third. Concerning the 4, the manner how faife Teachers doe /'«- fnare ^nAfeducethQixfoiio^versflt is through fained words ^ reafons which in appearance (he me to be good and fubfianti- ally but indeed 'M'c not^ nothing icjje then true , nothing elfe hut deceiveble. This the y^pofi/e 1'ahi [heweth. For they that afefuchyferve not our Lord lefus Chrifi,but their ovone belly y and by goody^ords , and f aire jpeeches^ deceive the hearts e fo monftroHi xki^tf ew \so\AA embrace }^^vts> Therefore dee tbey fweeten their bttttr pills, with Tuch fained fatre v^ords. For this caufe even a number o^thti^ fi^owers, are in mofl thi^.gs ignorant oithtiv opinions, Ihh^ hooke \^trt not batted ^ the net V ere not htd, the pit were not covered , they could not cafch {vchftoreoffifies ^nd fowles , feduce fo many fimp/e fcu/esj as they doe; yea, and the nature o( p f op /e is (ach , thit they are nioft eaf/y withdrawne from the truth by this j^/^^»i'/,u'hich/^//^7V^f^^J from the baptising and r'inging oi'Bells ; from their disfenfations to marrj^v^ tiMes prohibited by them, in degrees forbidden, by Gods Law ; from the lewes, whofe Synagogues they tol- I 3 mcrcha-^dK^c of/ou. THePopIOi Clergy of iH others the mol cunning Merchants, Inflanccdin divers particu- lars. I 264 Topi^) Wares: Chap.i iirousrobe fusehe? inform medofPopi;!^ VVares,tii2y i reads M^tfa*'^ I /^ in his I CGmnion 1 Places,pa.g. Rtmant Ponti" SdierdoteSj th(iYa,pre(€ii 1 cetlt^m eft ^£^ Urate I f^om S hew es ^uhhksXy alUwed ^ from the Reliques oidead men, for the mofipart coHHterfeJt,znd fuch //^^. O- ther Aierchants fdl thofe /^/?7g"/ w<^^ they have f^^flh oughts or chained through their Indtiflrjy but they cither fell thofe things which are not their ow^^e", or which are not at aH, O- ther CA/ter chant s{{^\ reall commodities unto their cuflomers, permitting them th^free ufe of the lame, but they often felt the very afpecl of a thing,fcarce permitting their followers to behold ih^ fame. Other Merchants doe commonly />// one thing to f';^^' man, but th^y fell one (Jl^afe tomany men^ yea, /2^^«j times they have fo mnltifli^d the ReUques oi Saints^ as that they have made Adonfierso^ them , with divers hands, feet^ and the like, thereby to encreafe their gaines. Other Merchants (^ofomtimes refi and ceafe from their bi^fin^^e^wx. they r^j^ not at ^//, being moft i^ufe at thofe tir/tes , wherein I through thtir memes others are moft tdle. Other Merchants have certainep/^cfx, where theyj^^^^-^ kcepc their Mart^ conveying their rpares thither, not without great charges, but thej^ wherefoever it feemef b^^'<7^ uato them> hang foi th the:r 'i^ares ^m^ik'nig any place famous, by their cmnterfeite Reliques ^2CCii forged miracles, OthQV Merchants doe expofe thcirwayes to feli^ without compelling any to^f^y them ^ but they compell men and wo^men to bf^y theirs, under pawe of SxcommHnication, and fnaUcondemnation^ Finally, whereas in moft places ^ any man may^iy zxAfell^^ and {q playtht Merchant , its not fo amongfl them, VnElion and Shaving XXiw^precede, which without money cannot be obtained^ and 2Liftthey wytih^wcunaing ^Merchants ? Doe they Hot make ?nerchandi<-z,e ofzhc'rfollowers ? Arc they not more ready to receive ^ than to give f At Rome which {hould bQ the place of holinejfe^th^feate o£ him which SiSirmcth himfelfe to be the SHCccfjr o/Saint Peter^ ( but is indeed the fffccejfor of Simo?t L^fagiis)\vh^:is there elfe but MerchAndifing people foi their money (if ihty have^«7)(jhall there have Agnm *Dei, Cauc-fiXes^Holy Water ^zvAthtlik^traJb. What elfe I fay i% Rome, bu' tht place wherein Temples ^riefis^ Altars^ holy thingSjfire^ftankjncenfe, prayers. Heavenly ea^ Godhimfelfe murdtrer. ^Hl" db. Vcrf^. Topifh Wares. 26^ 1 TiVtfaledlef TherCytbc1>rH}ikard ^thclVhorenfongery the murthererAovntonej may htahfolved; ^^^, which is more) 1 AftsandMoa chafie znA continent Triefis Art comfelled to pay tribute for """^cnr, (^oncnhines^ which being fayed , they mzy abft^ine or not abfiainej zs they thinkt good, Doenotchey mzk^ nf ere han- di^e oHhtir follower J y\vhcnthcy(icn(c^uch Law es, where- . by themrelvcsare/^Wf/?^^, their: fo Mowers impoveri/hed i'w*^^ is moft evident in Toperjf. How w^«7 have through their perfwajiany endowed their Popifh Church , with faire lands ^ thereby dijtnheriting their children, depriving them of their due patrimony ? How many have through their meanes, through their/ith draw- ing thtm^romChrifl. The Qy^po files abftaincd from being chargeable, even in thofe things wherein they might have heenechargeable, I hai/e coveted no mans Siluer ^ or Gold, or Apparell^(^ faith Saint Paul) yea, you jourfelves know^that thefe hands have minifired unto my neccjfities , and to them that were with me. And againej-F^r jr^ remember brethren our labour and travaile :^for labouring night and dayjbecaufe wee WQuld not be chargeable unto any ofyoHy we preached unto yon the ^ojpel of god. And againe , Neither did we eate any mans bread fornonght \ but wrought with labour and tra- vaile night and day, that we might not be chargeable unto any o^ynu. The Vfel I A(a«ao.33. rThefl:2,9. aThcin3,8, mm* mm mimm Hn fulMiii .1 m t'H I.*' I " 266 Fatfe teachers mujl be aVoyded. Chap. 2. ■, U^UlC.iC^ Their panifli- Qsent whefe . iudgementnow efalong tim* lingreth not^ and their dator- mtion flam- brethnot. Why our A - poftle mentio- ncch the famco I The /% doc wc reade of the holy Prophets , CMeJes faith, Ihavc not taken fo much M An A^f from them, Samn-- el faith , Behffid, here am I : if ear e record of me before the L'irdyand before his anointed: whofe Oxehave I taken? or whofe cA^e have 1 taken f or of whefe hand have I received any brihcy to klinde mine ejes therewith^ and Irtill refiorc I ityoH f 2 That n^ j fight to be exceeding care full Jefifalfe teachers doe intraf Hi, andfo Tve become theiy merchandtfe. They are too canning For US '^ they can bnj cheafe, ^itidfe/l deare : it is | bcft for Hs to have no dealing with them ^ left by bargaining with thecn, wc imfoverijh omfelves^ and become flavcs uw- totht^ivellx Let us I fay, have no ^^^//«j^ with them; let Hs neither bny norfe/l with theinj for if we doe, thej will un- doubtedly circumvent hs i If they buy of us, it is ouvfoules, which they infeSl by pernicious flf«>' in wealth excee-^ •«^ I MU\ Vcrf^ . Falfi Teachers are fun of judgements. I exceedingly, being ^fftjted and ccnntenAnced by the men of of this rvorld, yet potwithllanding G0ds judgements , il^all fedije uponthem^^ndiVfho A\xt\y Cdnfidering the ftme^ would he offended gLixhoii frosperity f and feeing their judgement Un^rethnoty ihtiv damnation flumhreth not ^ have not wee ya^caufetoremove ^x^ArPlthdrayp qvlx felves in time, from ihsTents o? thofe wicked men. Tkis connfeU gave ^JMofes unto the />f£?;j/ ^68 ^ -^ _ _ . — ^^'^"^^'^~"*r~iiinni"M"iii«wiii Falfe teachers hurt themfebes. Chap, z ludcYer.if; s '% the Lordconfume y^ith the Sfirit of the mouthy and [halt de^ firey with the Mghtneffe of his camming* Wee ( fait'b Zecha^ rUh) HHto the idle Shefheard^ that leaveth the fiocke , the fwofdfijall he ufoft his arme^ and upon his right eje ; his arme [haUbe cleanedrjed up^ and his right eye [halt he utterly darken ned 6^(?^willnot/^V/ let them alone, they [hall proceed n9 further, their foUy P^all be manifeji unto sll men,^^^heirs alfo The Reafon of the certainty of this their fHnl[hment tnay be taken from the decree of god ; whereof Saint lude make th mention , when he faith, that they were oraainedofoldyto this condemnation^ of old, even before all worlds ; whofe condemn nation^ albeit it be oi God forefeene znd ordained , yet are they condemned^ not b tcaufe God hdilh for efeene it, but bc- caufe themfelves in their time, ufe meanes, whereby they de^ ferve juft condemnation : and lo by their wickedneffe bring t® paffethe etemall counfell ofGod, touching their deftru^li^ on. Now the decree of God is moft certaine, jirme, cenfianty ^:>djfable ; and therefore /^^^ Teachers fbaU undoubtedly be punifhed. Hence we may perceive, I That God doth take notice of the pnnes of falfe teachers* though they fleepe 2^x\d [lumber in finne , yet their judgemen lingreth not, their damnation [lumhreth not* 2 The miferable efiate of falfe teachers , notwithftanding of all thofe pleafures which they enjoy, their houre-gla{je runneth, thck judgement lingreth not, their damnation fium^ breth not* g How m\MAiyfalfe hachers are enemies unto themfelves, by continuing in their impenitency , tkey draw upon them- felves heavy ZXiifeare full judgements. 4 Tht equity oiGod in the execution of his judgements GCi falfe Teachers , as they haften th& damnation of others. So God hafieneth theirs : their judgement lingreth not , their damnation [lumbreth not. ^ 5 lihttjudgements both here and hereafter, doe not feaze on falfe teachers at unawares ^ by chance, zt\d for tune , but are effeB/ mm^mmmaJmm jVcrf ^ . Examples of judgement on Heretickes. 26^ ejf'cfls of Q^ds decree y infli tainlybcde. ftroycd. Vfe. Thus by this Reafcnit foUo^^ cth not that Gods judgements [Ij aliunde Hot edl J feaz^e on his ovpne children , becauie '"hey fca- zed on the e>/?^^^/j" which /r^^f^; but this followeth , that as God^ared not the KM m y -'w-'i. i^i"*'-"* ■-'■*c>tft»»p ■* I i»f m ^Ti^'^i^^w ««»«»^*.^'«M^-^-r ' 27^ ^er/i'vera?Ke ingoodneffe. Cbap. 2" ForifGod fpared net the Angt'lsthac ilnned< I Tim, 5. 2 1. JD.None cm perfeverein goodnefTe, whom God doth not up- hold by his holy and hea* venly Spirit, Vfe. I downe to hell, delivered unt'^ chaines ofdark^nejje^to he refer- ved unto j ndgement. Concerning the i^th^fcrfons which fmned^wcr c the Angels, whofe office was t(^ be the me^engers of god ^ l^fland round ^y out him as^nenddnts, ready to bcfent forth at hispleafkre for the execution of his will in all parrs of the world. This was their office in the creation-^ hereunto they werc^^rf^and deputed, which the Sle^l Angels (^as Saint P/?«/fl:ileth them J doe now ^hoW^^ performe , They are invifihle fulpfiancesjha^ ving being, life^fenfe^and underfiandtng , and ar^ not me ere equalities ,m9t ions ,evill AJfellions ^Qi bad cogitations, ^s the Sa-' ^-^c'^j- aifirmed. Thofe^W/j^imj- may evenj'^/' fitly 6e ter- med iiAngels, that \s^ mejjengers: ^or fuch alfo ^od fends us ^ffengers to doe his wt/l, for probation ohhc godly, and for plaguing the ungodly, fo oftzs he pleafeth, A s touching their »ature and fubfiance^ they are oi(jod, by w^ is the ^'^^^w^ and caufe of o\xr perfsverance. Hence it follow eth, \ fhzttheeflate and condition of wicked perfons is e^Ccee-. dingwiferablefmzs much as they are not upholden by the Spirit Verfe 4.2S{of to bepujfed up through anygtfcs, 275 Spirit of ^od, and fo doe daily fall awaj, from ^od, from thekfrofcffioTtJ'rcm thdr Reltgtoyi,fren\ the out.vard/fr- formnnceoigoodworks^'t Notvuthftanding ail their faire y^firr/, yet can they not p.'r/^'z^dTf, as wanting the ajp^ance o^ gods Spirit , though relying upon their QVinQ firength^ ih^yljoafl \\y\t\\T^ctcryt\\2itthcugh a/l others would forfake Chrifl, yet they wt-Unot^ but ftili r/f^z/<* unto htm, adhere unto Chrtfitan Rehgton.ytt (ball they /^/^ ^^27 , as did frsnd Tendleton ( for all his ^ragges) imto Idolatry Sind fffperfiiti- OK. Neither in the ineane time is God to be hUmed in that hee doth not beftow his i'p/Wfom?'/Vii:f^?w^», becaufe he is an ahfolute Lord^ not hurtd todoe any more , than he himfelfc wtiieth.^ 5 That the eflate ofQods children is exceeding haffy and ^lejfed^as having Gods Spirit beftoi^ed upon them , where- with they are tipholdenyio chat they cannot finally and totally fMldiWZ)'. 0(f, if the Angels in their innocency and excellency fell wholly and utterly from God, much more may flnfull men (\hs:\\:^^.beleevers) whoUv/^^ from God^ and utterly cue themfclves by /»w^ from ^^^*//? i* Anfw, T here's not the lame reafon of the ^r^r^ of ere at i^ on^gLSO^tncgraceofregeneratton, i(yc that cotnxnoih farre fhort of thi^i by the/^^^w^r the creature had a /j^-w'^r , either to fland or fall, to /f ^*Wf with Qod^ or depart from ^;>«i , this powc^«^ is, that None ought to be puffed up with any gift ^ either of body 9r minde, wherein they exceii others. The Angels at their creation were eiicelientand olorious creatures , ^\{0{t glory & excellency is oiitaexpref^ed^vx Scripture ^ vvhoft attendance T upon 1 Mat.2(>.3j. A£lsandMo» nucicocfe Ob. SoIhU ZJ.N'oneeught 10 b? puffed up wick any gift cither •>£" body or itindc, whertin cbcy ec cell others. I Y Vfi. 274 TSloexceUency in us exempsfrompnijhment.Qhz^.il upon ^ody is a fart oHhdvglorjy as it ihali be of ill^ through their orone defanlt^ averting themfelves from God, and revolting fi om bis love^ and from obedience due to him. . None, 1 fay, OHght to befHJfeduf yvkh any gift either of bed) or minde, yvherein they excell others ; Becaiife \^God doe but tvithdrarp hisprefence^^Wtnthofe will turne unto their oyvners ruine, goltahs ftrength 5 oyfchitophels wiredome 5 Ahfaloms beau- ty ; NabalsnchtSyConfirme the f^me. Be \vc cv^r^//^// there fore left thokgifts whereby wee may and fhould moft g/orifie god^ turne unto the dtpoononr ct his Name, knowledge , vptfedome, learnings beamy, flrenffth, and the//^^. T>\^ the Angels fall, notwithflanding of their ex- eellencjy feare we Jeft w'^ alfo/«//. Ler their fft»ett&ch w to ber^r^//^//, kft>r^alfo/;^«^:Ietusyi[/^^5 our owne ^^^i^^- neffe^ ack^ovfl edge 0]jiv tmp erf eEiion , even in our befl gifts\ Thus rporking out our falvationin feare and trembling. Thus of the fecond. The ^^/>^ is thisjthac No beauty, glory, or exceUency of the creature, can exempt it fiom the pumfiment 9ffnne y falling thereunto, What^rf^- ^^r^more exceHent and glorious than were thofe Angels^ yet, notwithftanding they/«»*?^^j G^j^'inflicleth his judgements on them, Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar, great Kings. Hoph- ;?^ and T^htneas^ the Lords l^riefts, had experience hereof. yeajG^^doth mox^feverely infiid his judger/tents upon fuch, than he<^^/^^ upon others, as the Cedars of Lebanon arc more fubjetluntothe fierce Tvindes, than the low fhrubs of the Vai- ley ; and high Caftles and T^'i^ers more endangered by Tern- pefis,tban. the lost Cottages, Hereof may be rendr ed2i three fold Re afon, i Becaufe Qod is not zrejfeiler ofperfons, will not beare with fnne in ^ny, 2 Becaufe Godisjfijl-iti the execution of his jfsdgntents, thofc which zre indued with e;rearcft^///'Xj being bound unto grea- teft thafikefulnej]e,:&nd to leade their A'Z^'?-^ moO: carefully-znd conjcionably, g Becaufe cife there would be given nberty and Z>. No beaut)', glory or ex- cellfiDcy of thfl creaturc,can exempt it tiom the punifiircent of finne falling thereunto. Rc^fen^ I Vetfe4. >/ingel$ ftnnt^hy little mentiontcL 275 (ind ficcdome to fimte. Let us be carcfnll therefore not to fre tcKcidny prerogative o\ frivtUdge , m reJpcCt O^ OUV gtfu, thereby zo connrjue \r\firjne ^h\MZO ery}pl'>y X.hf.m to the glory of God, afTiiringoiir/f/c'^.fchatifwecloe/^^*? againft God, they {hall not be able to exempt us from pumfimfHt. Thus oi t\\t third ohfcrvatton ^ and io o( the firfiparticu- /rtr. Concerning the 2, the/^// and/^«^ of the Angels , the ground and f<^/ir/> of thoic judgements which were irtfiifled upon rhem^imp/yed mihc word fiyfned, God jpared nat the Angels that finned. Touching this fall or finne of the ^^^^^/j^jthe Scripture rpeakcth;/^^n»^/y,and that not without reafon^ becaufc they cannot r c pent ^t hey cannot ttirne,thQXt is no hope of falvation for any of them ^k hich/ivell,andthe lufis of your father yee willdoe^ he was a murthercr from the beginninf, and abode not in the truth, bccastfe there u no truth in him. Not a no. vice, lefl beiy?(r lifted up T>?ith pride, he fall into the condem- nation of the T^iveU. Hj^e zAngels ivhtch k£ft not their firfi eflate^but left their owne habitation , hee hath referved in everlafling chaines , under darkjneffe ^ unfi the judgement ofthe great day. From which places ic appeartth that the fifi whereby they did offend (7^^,vasefpecially />^^^^,through which they fell fi'om their firfi efiate ^ and left their owne T2 ' habitation. Vft. That finned, Why the Seripturcfpea- icethfofpas ringly of the finne ofthe Angels* A policy ofthe Divell. lob 4«^ 8« Ioh.3«44.. I Tim.3 *C» Iude5. / 2y6 The Jngels ho^ permitted to fall Chap. : Ifa. 14.11.? Ezek,i8.l2« Luc.io*l8* Why Go<3per» RiitCttd the Afis: Pral.7?,^9, lTjn2*^,2l. hAhitAtion, voluntarily departing from their originali condi. tion, neither y?^^^^^/ in that /w.f^^ of (7^^, wherein they vvererr^^^r^, thcmklvcs being the /^,unle{re we Ihould faj,that as man by his fall htckQ all ih^ ten commandements^ fo, that divers finnes ^^[^ concurre ivi this xhdvfaU', that even in one inftant of their decliningythey fell into <^// manner imfietie and tingodllne^e, into all wilfnll rebeltiGn againfl 6"^^ their onely CM^k^r, Whatlbevertheir/«;/^*was, itsevii^cnt enough both hy Serif tare and exf erk nee tthaXih^y finned Siwi^iTt fallen ^ ard that of ^^^t'»?/}/'5'^r- flexitie, qtc guarded ^defended, mdpreteBed in ajfii^ion , ^^fi- fireffe^mdmifry. 5 Thatthofef^'//7/^/>/>J• being through their /^// become f«.?;w>^unro C^?^. wil ende*.'our by all?»^^;?/ to fetthemfehes agaiort the r/^i/ir^,*? of 0'^^, which therefore fhould r(j7^/^ us op from ficurity and cjirdefnejfe, ftirre us up unto vigilancy and Veife 4. Tbe^m'tpment of the bad Jngels. 277 and watcbfnlrtejfe , left un^vcares we become a frej unto them. To \h\send we i^^MiXfrcfarc fpirituall rveafons.^s well dcfe7^five as offenfive, whereby refifttng them , they may _/?^> fiom tis. Great is xhcixagiUtie^ ihtixftibtiltte , their power, their ?naitceXo much the z?? or^ had w?^ need to l^e w^.tchfnll, 4 Tobewailc thoi'cfinriesm our (elves, which occafioned, the Angels ruine, />r/^^, f wx^j', rebellidrt: Apofiafie, or the A^f . The aAngels finntd ; Xf ^ /^^^^ thatfiandsth take heed lefi hee fall. TI1US oi the fecond panic filar , Concerning the 3, thdv pfimJhment,got{ cafithem downe to Hell, delivered them unto chaines ofdarkfuejfe to he refer- tjed urn (y judgement^ This pftftifiment is twofold: that which conctrncih tfyl^ life , and that which concerneth the life to come. Touching their /'^»'j^wrw^i^/^/ which flialiy> The former concer- neth the defiruEiion of the old world, in thefc words, andj^^- red not the old world, but brought in the floods upon the world of the ungodly. The Utter , the prefervation of '^^oah^ and his/rfw/Ty, in thefe words, "Bmfaved Noah , the eighth perfon^ a Preacher of righteoufneffe. Concerning the i, three things are to bee confidered, I The perfons punifhcd , the old world, 2 Ihc ground or caufeof their pumfimenty implycd in the word, ungodly, 5 The pumjhment it felfc, God brought in the flood upon them T 4 For Tkefitfteflcof the exanople, I Tfvo particu- lars coniideied ia tliiflgxani? pic, I zSoMultkude ofjtmers exempts not from pum^ment.Ch3..2 Thcperfons pani(lied,are the old world* I Sam.i5 28. lolh.7.24.. Gsn,l^.24. D.HvenaTTul- titude et'fin ' j nersjparraking together in (innearenot exertjptedfrom Godsludge- mcDCS. Exod.12,37* 1 i Num.! 4ft 2.5. I King. 1 9. 5 J For the i , the ferfons pHmJhed were the old wcrU , fo cal- led.not becaufe Godm^dc a -^ew world, but becaule the rvorld Teemed .^5^^jthemfelves,when they were vanquijhed ^y the Ro^ manes. Ui\t here yjc &nd a generall delnge , over-fprcading the whole earthy all mankind drowned therewith , God fpa- ring neither oldnovyong, rich, novp^^^^^ a terrible and feare- full example o^Gods juftice. W hence may be gathered chat, £ven a mult%tHde offnners partaking together inflnne,are not exempted from Godsjud^^entents : he Jpared not the old werjd, wherein no doubt there were many millions of people of every ^g^, frate and condition-. As they banded rhemfelves together againft G^^^; So ^^^ did fet himfelfe againll: the?^, 35 smongil themfelves there was an unlformitie v^ finning againft (jod, fo they had an uniformity in punip^mcnt from God, ilKii' multitude Wcis nsythcr fie It emorfifeg^rd unto them. This may 6e confirmed by divers other example/. The Ifraelites when they departed ®ut of ^gypt were about (^ooooo.that were .^^/^^b elides ^/^//^r^;^, of them all.not above t'ppo t\\Xxtd\iito'C\^z land sf Canaan^ even Calebthefonnele- phnnneh^zxtd Io(hua thefonne of Nttn\ Of the men o{BethJhe- rriepj that looked into xhtArks of the Lord , there were 50000.^^/^1^70. men, whom' the Lord fmote, that thcv dyed. Of tbe.c-'^y?'^'^^-^ vvhich h^fieged ler^fakn^Jjlajpheming the Lord God o\ heaven ^ -m -Ana el of the Lord went out -and fmote fta I mil nil V crfi5 . Tyea/ons why multitude exempts not. 281 fntote in their camfe, 185000. The Syrians wbich hUfphe^ mcd iht ^od o^ Ifraelj faying,r/?^/V ^ods are Gods eftloe htHs, therefore Tvere they fi'/'onger the}irce, hut let us fight again fl them tn the p/atne, and Jnrelj rpee Jhakhe flronger thenthejf, cvca ihofc I fay, iiotwithftaRding they filled the vphslecLun- try, were flaine of the children oF Ifrael ( pitcmng before themlikc two Ittt/e flockes oi: Kids) :o the '^um^er <7/ioooo footmen in one day. Woe (faith Ifaiah) 10 the multttHde of ma- ny people, whu'h make a ntyfe, like the noyfe of the Seas, and to the ru fling of Nations, that makearuflingUk^ the ru fling of mighty yip at ers, God flail rebuke r/?fw,c^f. Though che iS";?^^- w?/^/,tuough the Sphejians wcrQmany m number, though ibcTrophets o( Baal filled th^ houfe oi' a aal ftom the one endto the other, yec did ^ods judgements feiz,e upon them. So here, although of the old world,i\\t number, no ihubv, wzs exceeding great ^ yd theh multitude \\2iS no ffffficient fle Iter to free them from Gods judgements. - The /^^^/^A/jhcreo fare thefe. i Becaufe when a multi- tude cf/^;?^;'/ doc partake together in frnne, GodismoR diflonouredy his Sabbt^thestnoiiprophanedy hi^Gofpel moft fcandaltz,ed y his threatntngsl^^ercjpeEled ^ his jfidgements ' lefle fJoted, his Word andfervants mofl contemned, 2 Be- caufc there is kft little or np hope of any fptture amendment; there being amocgil a multitude^ fo many provocations unto fmne : one infetHng znothtr ydrawing them on unto the com- mitting of the fame, g B( cauie , though all the v.^orldQid combine themf^ Ives together againd CJody yet are thty not ■able 107^ ithfl and his judgements- yea , though they were all deflroyed, ^od 76 able of the veryficnes to r.itfe up children f}nto aAb^^hain, Oftentimes Kings arc glnd topajfe by, and TTT-ink^ at many enormities of th:ir rebellious fubje^is , partly, hot bemg oi fnfficier:t fhength znd px>W€r to punifli fo many^ paitly terng unwilling, fo much by their overthrow to y^ea- %>?''themfeives , but ir is otherWife with 5'^<^5 hce hath both abilitie to ptrnifl ihe tranfgreprs of the L>iw , neither necdeth hee to feare the ivantef rhem , hee being able to raife up ethers .( more profitable Jriftruments 1 King. 2 0.2 3 J »9. or ^CAjiy.jz, Reafons, I Pro.i«Il, Wat-S*?. "•i^ f**}»^ 4 Mg.T3,27« Bz^luxt^iff Vfe. I for the advanceme-nto^hlsghry) m ih&iv fUces, 4 Bccaufe comtrtonlj, where there's a mHlntude^ there is aUo fecnntj and carelefnep,'m evident/^w^orfome eminent judgement. As the peopUo(Lachj btingfecfiresind care/effe ^vcre upon tliQ ffiddra deftroyed by the 2>i^*?«; fo when finners become care/efe zndfecHre^( zs where there*s a mnlttt/ide^ they dacj then doe 5^^^/ j udgements fcaze upon them. This the Prtfhet /vvitnefleth. ThefeofU of the Land have nfed opfreffion , and exercifed rohberj , And hcive vexed the foere And needy , yea, thej have opprefed the granger y^rongfully y and JfoHght for amttn amongfi them that fionid make Hp the hedge, andfiand tn the gap before me, for the land^ that I [hould not defiroj it ; but I found none. Therefore have J porpr^d oHt mine indignation upon them ^ I havt confumed them r^ith the fire ofmj wrath j their oyvne yvaj have I recom- fenced upon their owne heads ^ faith the Lord God, 5 Becaufc it were tnjufiice in God to punidi /«« ofHeH^ bring new fafliions, dcvifc?*^^ oathcs, and the i^ks y he fliall net want fuchas willendcvourto outftrip him in his ownc invention: I well, yet notvvitbftanding th\xs following the multitude in I cvilli wee cauft come to judgement. Let multitudes band I thenn" Vcrf 5 •7"/'^^ exa??2pk of the multitude injufficicnt. 28^ ■] chemfclvts together: let them take counfcll ^guinfitht Lord, Atjdagatnft hu Chrtfi, C/eh^I and Ammon , tind tyfrnalf^ geg and CMAgeg^ Tnrkc and l^ofe^ with other the Churches enemies; ^^'^^ doth huiUugh thcaa to fcorne , afld vvill m bis ovvnc ttfne'm^i^ his judgemefitsupcn them, 2 Thdlthe eMMmfle of the multitHde ii an infuffcient ar» gttment, either thrrekjf to excufe enr ewnefinrtes, or to draw others tntgjtnne y^ind yet is not a little ufed to either end. \ Some excufe thtirfinnes by the^Af^^f/?/^ of the mn/titHde^for, lay chcy jff^ch ahJ fuch doe thus iive^ and vphy may not I ? have not they afonle tofave af weU at I ^ but this is all onc, as if a thief € fhould excufe his theft by telling that there vtert divers other thecves be fides himfelfe\ I fuppoTc fuch ZXiexcufc would XiOl ferve his tnrne. Is there any fo fffad^s would wil- lingly, beimprtfonedy banified, or executed , bccaufe fuch things have befallen othersl neither (honldwe fo much hate our (elves, be enemies unto our ov^ncfalvatjony as to thruft our felvcs into H-f^ with the ?»«//'/> W^. Others alledge the examfle and fraSlife of the multitude to draw men and wo- men into f^^ne^ as the hUody Terfecuters in the dayes of ^lueene Marte^ GardneryBonneryVJith others j they ufed thi^ as their maine argument, Are not aH the ivorld of our Religi. cn^doenottheKtngythe Slueene , the NobiUtie ^ theyphole T^arliamentyWith an uniforme confent embrace the fame f 3 That ypc ought not to fafitcn our felves hke unto the yptrld, or conferwe our felves according to the cuft^me of the multitude. KjMy Sonne ( faith Solomon ) iffnners doe entife thee , confent thou not , Lct US not , I fay > follow the multitude in evilL The ^/wr/ wherein we doe now l*t^^ arc r^'/i5^,wchaveplentifu]I/^^-^offuchas^jJ^»^ in every ki>*de O^finnejdrunke^nefe^maltcepvhtredome.covetoufneffeyfwed" ring, and the // V* Be we therefore fo much the oiore tfary^ walking circumjfpeniy,becaufe the dajes are eviH ; afTuring our felves, that i^Cod doth nox fiare even the multttude,nci- ther will he /pare particular perjonsfnning againfl him •• have vit finned with the multitude, let us in time repent , left wcc be partakers together in />//wi/^»^;j^ 5 let fis in time forfakc fnne^ 5 Prdvj.It^ Epluj.ij, ^ /■ ^^ 284 S'inm the cauje ofpunljhment. Chap, .! ? Tfic ground of their puntili- tnent imply ed in the word uogodljt Ibid.verf. 1 1. ;Mat,fi4..38» lPet.^20. -O. Sinne is the caufeof thoft ludgements which God infliftetfi on mtn aad wo^ men. /»;?(?, left by th^fame we doe both defiroy our f elves , and ^^^/> which are mod: deare unto /^, 1 hus of tVic perfom pu- niilied, the o/d world. For the 2 , t]xzgr9t*-fid or c^ftf/> ofthdvp^ntfiment, its im- plyed in rbe word ungodly, even rheir w^;?j md great fmnes^ •thereby they did o^end the A£::yfh J of God, They did /??«^ againll Qod, and therefore ^^ mtiictcd \i\^]%dgements on /^^^^^. Their/^»^ J" are mentioned in ^^^'^^j places o^Scrip- ture^Vcid ^edfaw (^(mhCMofes) that the wickednejfe of n%fin T^as great in the earth, and that every imagination of the , i heights of his heart tvas onety evill conttntiaHy. And againe The earth alfo nias corrHpt before God, and the earth was fiU led with vielence. For as in the day es that were before the flood ( faith 0ur Saviour^ they were eating and drinking^marrying, and giving in marriage , nntill the day , that Noah entered tn* to the Ar](e, and \neyfi not untill the flood came , and tool^ them all away ^fop^aU alfo the comming of the Sonne ef man be, whichfometime ( faith Saint l^eter ) were difobedient, when once the long-fnffering of 6od, waited in the dayes of Noah, while the ty^r^e wa4 a pre faring , wherein few y.t hat is, eight foules werefaved by water, from which places, it ap- peareth, that the finnes of the old world , were efpecially a generallperverfnejje and corrnftion of Nature, an inordinate love ofpleafHres^carnallfecHrity and carelefne^e, difobedience and contempt of the Word of (jod preached by Noah , all which were y^t ground and canfe of this fcarefull delnge. Whence two things may be noted^ They^?-/isthis,that, ( Stnneisthe caufe of thofe judgement s^which God infiEleth upon men and women. It wavS the groundsiX^di caufe ofthe di- //^^f which 6'd?^brou2;ht upon the tf/^K?are of the old Ti;orldsfimes. 285 /o«^, he will not fparc us aiwayes. Let us not with the old , wor/^i;bufe9 of the/^^wr. Thusof ihe//*/. The/^ /« /;^«^ , unadvifedly , lightly, or wantonly to fattsfie their carnall lufts, and appetite^ like bruit beafis that have no undefiandintr^but reverenthydif- creetly, advifedlj ,foberly ^ and in the feare of C/od , gr e At cir- eumjpiliionis required, about this;^y> oi pleafures ^ when^ where, znc after "P^hat manner to ufe the fame. li - We mufi be carefullat all times to avoydcarnall pcurity and CfiLreltfm^e, we mufi not blejfe cur fclves^ tneurevill courfes^ abilainc trom theijniiesof theoldviotld, I Cor.io.ii« Perverfiicffe and corruptis onofKatHtc. Inordinate love of plea- Carnalir.cu- riricand care? I z26 Cntempt ofGodsWord. Cbap.2- Ditboeaience and contcmp: of Gods V^'ofd. Vfe, courfes^vpemtiftnof^ntfarrefromHithe evilldAj \ we cnuft | not ioltve^ as if the: e were ro be no recl^oniKg for had livers, but mull alvvayes/^^^ in awe of the^r^^f and terrible God^ •ofthofe trany and great j«.^^f;;?f;?r/,which he h.»th prepared for the ivork^rs o^iicisjHitie, 4 VVe »^/i^/? »^^ ^^ dif obedient^ or contemners of gods Word, but both beleeve it, and 'jbej ihe fa^Tie. Doth (jod bid us re- pent as ci ouv /iHnes,abfiaiKe from wickedftcffe , walks in his wayes^ and the //^^ •'' we muf^ give obedience unto the/^w^". But aias,althoL)gh thofefinnes brought Gods judgements on the old world, yti doe we goe on in the fame. The Imagi- nations ofoHr heart are onelj evill continually, as were theirs-^ our hearts are as ^/?^ and wicked as r^f />/ vvere ; out of ours doe proceed, adulteries^ murthers ^ and the /^V'^soutof theirs: looKe into thine ov^w^confcience^ it tellethchee no ^horedome ? doth the covet oh^ pcrfon forlake his Covetoufnejfe ? doth the Thiefe fieale no mere f the Ljer lie no m^'re f the Vfry^'f' tpprejfc no more ? the Sypearer five are no more ? wh^t doth your conjcience anfwtre ? Doenot //i?, deceive not thifie owne/tf«/^ 3 Idee yet continue in my drnnkenneffe^ rphoredome, fwearing, theft, Ijing^ epprejfion. Is it io r is there not thtn a gti.^t contempt of the ^ord of god i*Oh t2ke notice of thofc your fnnes :bc grieved intimc for them^ left your impenitency provoke Gods wrath and in- dignation- Thus oi the ground or caufc of their puntjhment. For the 3 , Thtnpumfhment^ god brought in th^ flood up- on them,Noah preached unto them for the "Jpace ot an hun- dred and twenty yeares. god waited all this time for their converfien and amendment ^ they did noXrepent, when this time was expired, God brought in the flood u^on them. This hiftory is iargdy recorded in th(t feventh Chapter of genefis, verf 1 1 , 1 2^ 1 7^1 8,ip,2 Oj2 J ,22,2 5324. All the fount aines of *4 he great deepcKvere broken up, and the windoy^pes of heaven were qpencd^ whereby zWflcfi pcrifhed , {v^'m^ Noah , and they which were with htm in the Arke, From this circwnfiance divers things may benoted,name- lyy the Author; the matter; the time '^ and the e^uttie of tVis punishment. Tht" Author was G"^^,whence note^that Judgements cannot feiz^e upon mank^nde ^ untill that god fend them^ hee brought in this J^^e^ upon the eldworld^ Whence Their puTiiHi- ment brought in the flood{ -p uponchem. "•i"** The Authotir of it God. DIudgemcnts cannot (eize 288 r- ' III Godsjud (cements not aboayes alike. Chap apon man* icinde,untiil chat God fefid them. Vfe. The matterj ths flood. D Qodhath v^iicty of iudgemcnts to m^i^ oa thevvotkers ef iniquitie. Gen. 19.29* I Sam.7.10. Exod.14,27, numb 21^.324 Vfe. D God in the esceucionof \^U ludgcments doth not dcale alike with every finner. ; 2 Sam.7,14., Vfe* The time aftK the fpacc of lioycares. D.God will notalwaycs Whence as tbcTr/r^^^niay hcternficd, (oihe god/j may re^ cetve much comfort, ihat troubles cannct talvc hdd on them^ till G^^ will, which when hee rvilleth ^ fliall tnrne to our gvtzt g96d,allthingsrvorkingtogethsr for the hfito fuch as love God, The mAtter was ^ped of water. Whence note, I ThAt God hath varietie cf jtidgimettts to inftSi on the y^erk^rs of imcjHitie,t:vth judgements hoih n^any ^nSgreat^ hcis the Lord of Lords, the GodofcArmtes, all creatures sirc 2Lthiscommand,rcz6ytocx€catthi$yf>ili,fi^^ to deftroy the Sodomites.Haileflones to bear d3 vnc tbcfP htlifiims, xhcSea to overflow the EgjpttAfts, the Sarth to rvvalloiv Corah, ^Da- than, aad AbitAm, Sipod here to dro wnc the world cfthe un- godly. Stand we therefore in awe of this ^0^, Itt us hur^^tkle our felves under hts mighty hand ; even in this Land wee have had within ihtic few ycares experience ot divers hczvy judg- ments, flAguejAmtne^inundattGH of waters, and the/fi^.Lcc thofc ftirre us up tore fentAnce Act us fmne no morcjefia worfe thing light en us, a That God in the execution of his judgments doth not deaU alike with every finner ; Some he handkch movchardlyAhm ethers : fome hec doth longer excrcilc under troubles^^th^ others, and there are not ^few, whom by his judgements he doth/^^^^r/7dcrtrov,as this prefent example fhewcth : he dealt ocherwifc with ^4«/, than with ^o/^^»^«, he tooke his w/frf;from5^«Ainw(?ra^asalovingF^^/?^r chalhfing ^'- Whence we may learne c^en to befcech God, through C/f;r///^/^,thatifhehath/'«rp.^^ co lay his rod wpon "S fas he hath already laid it uDon others) he would be pkakd to chafitfe m with the rod of mm, as he did S^domon, ev en out of a farherly f //^7 and cowfafflon, not utterly to dcftroy us , as hedid theo/^^j'i'r/^. ,„ " t ^ The time was after theTpacc of 1 2oyeres.Whence notethat, ThoHih Godbe^^rewithfinnersforAlong time , jet at the r thev remaming^^p^^^^^^O' his judgements flail Oee ^ tnjiicted leH(rth ( they Ver . 6. Gods judgements are equall. 2S9 infltSled tifen them : as manifold examples in Script urcffuch as chat ot the Sodomites^ thac of the Ifradites \\\ the Wilder- ne[fe , that of ihc lewes bcfoic their deftruElion by the Ro^ w^»/) doeconfirtne. Whence we may /^^»^ not to /Jr^yT/;^^ upon ^ods pati- enccand long fufferirg, concluding fiom hence ^ that bccaufe God hath boine vv ith ui for a /^«g time, he will therefore ftill beare with us , notwidiflancling o^ our gieac fmnes. The ^^»rr^rjriatherfolloweth, thatbecaule he hath fpared usfo long, and wehavcnotvvithftanding continued m finne, he will therefore affuredly enter into judgement agatnfl m-^SiS h^^ in^ jealous of hti owneglorj ^ and who cannot al^tde'imfenj- tent [mners, Jbc eijuitjf of his punifhrnents^ it's likewife apparent, as ihdrfoules were droivned \n the pleafnres o{ fnne ^ fo now were their bodies by ^ifloodof r^ater. Oh the eejuitj oiGod I He isjufi in all his way es, and holy in all his work^s, the exam- ples Gi Tharaohj Saul, Adomajedek^^ '^Z^i,y vvith others doe evidei^tly confirmethis/*o/>7f. ^eale not with us , O Lord, accordij-ig to the rigour ofthyjufiice, 1 hus of ihtir punifl^ mcnt,2i\'xiiooh\x fir fi part. Concerning the 2 , The prefcrvation of Noah and his Family, \r\ th- fe words, hut faved Noah the eighth perfon , a l^reacher ofrtghteoufneJfe;in which v* ords , three things are robe con< dered* 1 The pavid. Saint Peter , Saint T;?»/, with others whom GevtlU the ^^r/^,and their owne Lufis^Aot diilyf^rfecute. Be not dilmayec or difcouraged, the ran:?e God w ho pre fc rved Noah from drowningjis able zoprefervexho^e in J mid:! q£ dangers. Fan Ver . 6Meanes ofjS[pahs preferyation tlpofold. 291 For Sxhortation unto every one of us , Let us cnderour to be the ehtldrsn o^God. Being Gods children, let us fheiter our'Ct\\'tsun6cvhi^freteElion^ z&nx'mg our fc/ves ^ that if he he ortonrfidc^ nothmr [hollar evciile agatnfi pts. Fortfiej, the meanes whereby '^sah and his Familie were prcicrvcd, they were cither outward or tnward ; out^ Ward, by the Arke, inward, hy Faith. ^^^ commanded Noah ro eiakc an c^r^^,he heleevingGods ^romtfe, and oheytng his commartdement, was freferved therein. Soinetiine the Lord pr<4'crvccb wtthont meanes, yea, con- trary to meanes. Sometimes againe by very fmallandrveake meanes, ashere,w'hofoever were out of the Arks > pcriftied, all that wctctheretn were faved. We muft not tyc C<7^ unto meanes , but how fmall or weake (bever the meanes be, rclye upon th^ promtje of ^od, pcviormki^r^athccommandeth^ foafluring our fclves of the accompUJhment of w^batfoever he ^romifeth, Thisv^r;^f may bea RiTjpeoi the Church, JVhofoever dejfffeth mee [hall periflf , Tvhftjoever are the true members thereof [hall be -preferyed from the fearefull deluge of Gods wrath. Thus of ihe/^f r^ or Ufr enfamfle , whereby our ex/jpf the Cities-, au^ that which grew upon the ground, 1 The caufe OX ground o^tharpum/hment, implyedinthewordw;^;^;?^/;'. 3 The punifimentin^idicd upon them* T^^^V Cities were turned into ajhes, and condemned with an overthrow, 4 The end why Cjod inflicted this judgement on them^ih2iX they might he^^an enfample to them that after Jhould live ungtdly. For the i, the fubjei} of thhpunifiment , \A^rC the Cities of Sodome and Gomorrah^ Admah, Zeboim , together with the Inhabitants of the fame, the whole lanA oft he Tlatne^and wloatfoever was therein^ Thofe I fay,vVere the 7^%^ of this punifhment. Whence divers obfervatiens may be gathered. I Thatfuch 04 are partakers together infinne, fhatt be par ^ takers to f ether cfpHniJhment. The people of Sodome, ^o- morrah j UUkaAB^aKalBi «> Vcr. 6,foflo^ers of others fins ^j^urtake their ^mlfhment .191^ punifhment. VTcsofReprc? hen/ion.J morrah, Admah, and Zchoim, did ( asitfeemeth j foUeKv gctherinffn, one another infinne, and therefore did all fartak^ together in ' toget?fc7in^ fHmfhment, which Saint //^^^ cUarcly cxpreffeth. Sven^ Sodome and Gemorrah^ And the Cities about them , rphich in Itke manner a^ they did J committed and followed flrange flefi^ are f€t forth for an exum^U^aHd fnf^r the vengeance of eter^ nail fire. The two preceding examples : with the Ifraelites com- mitting Idolatry ^ihc Benjdmites pznzkinv^ with the men of Gtl;eah,thtPrieJl-sot'Baal,iy^ha^,^nd Iczjiifel ^ (iding to- gether, con^rme the fame. It C^rv^zh partly foi reprehenfion , znA partly for cxhortati^ en, YorReprehevf^on^imtQ^iich^sp^rt^kf with i^ick^d per- fonsin their /««^j-, and yet would not partake with them in thdrpfimfhrnents. ] sit not e^^'w^// that thcy \Nhic\\ far take O^ lh\: imagined gaiiie ^o^ thQ ktijm% pleafnr es , fhoald aifo partake of the ce^^t jine l^ffe oi the undoubted paine. By Law f neb as are acceffary u:uo mnrther, arc pnnifhed as the ?«?//>•- therers thcmfehes. Though tbou art not the Invent er^ yet if thou artthe/i?^o7r^r, though chou art not the J?r/?, which haft committed y/;?»^, yet if thou doeft corDtnit finne ^ though thou art not *yo<^o;w^ and ^^worr^^, yet if thou art Admah^ ^nd Zeifotm^ Gods judgements (h^llsii^oicizQ on thee,' what though thou art not the fi^fi Swear er^TJrunkard, Adulterer^ Covetous perfon, Lyer, Thief e^ or the /%; Neither art lihe to be the la^^ (asit*s in yO\AV common ^ though T)evillifh proverbe)yetifthou"R'^/>^''/inthore/»«f/ , thou ihak not V^O)'Stpuntfhment. Von Exhortation, ;?s yewpuld not partake o^ thofe jud^re^ ments\which fhall btinfliEleion tht uyigodly , be not parta^ ^^^•/, together with them infnne, doe not /:'^7£fns on oxIkxS' It's written cf ihtftrari'Te wo'rnan^ thfit her houfe enclmeth unto deaths and her -pcithcs unto the dead.none that go e unto her rcturne agair.e,. neither tak^ they hold ofthepathes of life. \ t's written of the wicked, Thatthewickedfiallhcfitoffficm the e^rth ^ and the trarfgrc^arsp^All he rooted out cfity T hat the curfe of the Lord is tn the houfe of the wkJ^cd ; That the e^d of the Har^ lot ii httter OA Tvormerpood, pjar-pe a4 a trpo edged fh> or d ,irhofc feet goe doTvne to deaths (^ndfieps tal^ hold on Hell ; and wi:h whom\\\\Q{oK,\t\' con: mitt eth adultery ^ Ucketh under flan- ding, deflroyeth hii orrnefoule Dt noc given UWlOfridefThe Lord will deftrey the houfe of the proud ; Pride goeth before defjru^ion, and an hawty fpirtt before a fail. Be not parta- kers T^ith otheis indrur.k^nnejfe, tor the drunkard and q^lut- ton pjallctnie tofoverty. Be not covetoiu ,fcr, he that by VJury and mijuf^ gaine encreafeth his fuhfi^ance, [hall gather It for htm th^t will pitty the poor e, Brit fly? the Apcflle Paul fairhj Knowyee not that the unrightecH-i p^all not inherit the KtngdomeofGodf 'Pe not deceived z neither fornicators ^ ncr tdzlaters^nor adfiltererSynor effeminate j nor abufcrs of themfelves with manktnde ^ nor theeves , ncr covetous , nor drunk^trds ^nor revilers ^ n9r extortioners ^ fh^-^ll inherite the Kingdime of god. Should we not then be carefnll to avcyd thoic and the \\]<.^ finnes, Wouldft :hou not be/?^ -iped with adulterers? Be not an rf^/z/f^r^r^partake not u ith the uno-od- ly in thur wicksdnejfe, as thou would ft not f4r/^;^wirb them in thdrpum/hments. It was Saint Pauls couni'cU unto Ttmothcm Be not partaker of othcrmens finnes? It was the voyce from heaven which lohnh^ai'd, Qern^ cut of her my people ^ thatyee be not partakjrs of her finnes^ andthatyee r^- ceive rot of her plagues, , 2 Th3t the finnes of men and vpor*ien bring Godsjudgn^ents^ net one ly upon therafelve s ,in foule and, body^but alfo upon their children, upon their Cities yUpon their houfes , upon the L^.nd . yphereinth'^ylive • upon their goods ^ and fuch things as be- le'f'g unto thitn. This, with tie prc^cedicK^ example o^ thc^2>^r/ through their Treafo. t^int their who'^^ /'/i?(9<^. 2 T hat /> V HfHdlfor roic ked men to have fuch as fallow them in their ivtckcdneffe, Sodomeund ^omorr^h gOQb(^hrty<*yfd- mah and ZebotmioMo^N th^vfcrmctom vvaycs,a/?^/»/- which our times doe HiiHcieiuiyconlirme, l£ Demetrtm fct him- ftlFc againft P^/// , hte fliall Inot waut the craft/men to alTift him: a "Drmkard fiiallnot hclx companions^ neither fiich di^f allow other/^^^J"- Oil the pronencfe of Mankinde imto/^«^ / Oh that wee were as e^refuU in the imitation ofiihe venues q£ the godly y and religions, as the wicked are in their imttation of the «^- godly and impious, ^4 'Xhzt neither the multitude of fmners, partaking toge- ther iH^nnc^doth exempt them from Gods judgements^ neither yet the beauty, llory ^ or excellency of the creature , doth ex- empt it from the punipjment of fmne , beinff fubjeEl there- unto. This example proveth it, neither thf nupsbcr of the Scdo- mites, neither the pleafantnefje of their Land fre^ them ^vomppif^i foment. But o£ this formerly, 5 lih^tfuch as fhould be moft thanks full unto (Jed, for the mofi partyprovemofl unthankefulL The Sodomites in rc- fpC(5l of the number, of their habitation,^ of thtir riches , and the//^blelTi!jgs,Q-iould have exprejjed their thanksfulnejfe unto God by thdi' obedience URto his commandements , but they proved wholly unthanksf^ll, rebellious ^flubborne , difo- bedient. Ihxsfinne we have caufe to bewayle in our felves. ^od hath beftowed upon as, manifold bleffmgs and favours , A Land f owing with milke and honey ^ a'3onndin^ t lent fully , with ^wr^ thing neceflaiy for us ^ moiQjpectaily wee have ' V4 Qods Vf€. Altsvfuall fortheungods ly to have fuch SLi follow rhcm in their finnes. Aft.19.20. Vfe. D.A multitude partaking in finne^is not cxem, ted from Gods /udgemcms, neither doe any their out- ward pnviltds ges exempt them from the fame. fliuuld be naoft thanki full unco Godjfort'ic moil pare prcvt iKoft unthaokcfuli. r/f. 1^6 What the Scdomit€sftmes were. Chap. 2 .' • Tlie ground of their pu - niflimenc im- plied in the word ungod^j Whcr the fins oftheSodo- /citsswere. Gen.i3a3* Gen.i8<20« Gcds lots .'wmtms, us dayly unto rcpcfitaf^ee , gods iVord plentifully, plainely and peiipicaoufly preached acnoi.gO: us, andyu^Ja^ docT^^ lemZiiK u?7tha'/iksf}iIL Ob that our eyes were openedy whereby we might both perceive our inarati- tiide,2X\d anaend iV.tp.me. Thus of mc/r/?. For the 2, xh^ ground ovcaufeof their ptinijhment , their many and grea^ /«;?nck£d, and [inner s before the Lord ex- ceedmgly. And againe, Becaafc the cry of Sodome and Go^ morrah is great ^ and becaufc their finne is very grievom. And againe , but before they lay doyenne, the men of the (^ttie^even the men of Sodome compared the hcufe round, both old and yong, all the people f'om every qiiarter , and they called unto Lot, and faid unto him^ Where are the men y^htch came into thee thts night ^ ^vir.g them cut'unt') us that rvee may k^ow them, \Vh©CD Lot having admoniflied, the} anfwered. This one fellow came in to fojourne ^ and he iZ'ill needs be a ludq^e, now irtll we deale vrorfe rrtth thee^ than r^ith them , and they prea fed fore upon the man^ even Lot, a^dcameneere to brcake thedocre. Afterward'* being by the Angels flricken with blmdneffe, they weaned, themfelves to find the doore : yea. Lot having fpokcn to hlsfonnes in Law, about the defiruBi- <'^ of the Citie^ hifeer/ied as one that mocksd^ The fjew of the countenance ( idizh Ifaiah ^ doth witnejfe agairjt them, and they declare their finne as Sodome^ and they hide it not, behold ( faith Esiekjel) this 'ivas the intquitj of thy ffier So- dome y pride, ff'J.'-cjfe of bread ^ and abundance of idlene^e was in her, and inh.r daughter^ neither did [he flrengthen the hand of the pff ore and needy, and they "were haughty , and com- mttted abhomination before me^ therefore ItOfike them away^ 04 Ifawgood, In the dayes of Lot f faith our Saviour ) they Gen. 1 9*4'* Ibid.ver.^. Ibid.ver.l i . Ibid.ver.14. Ifa.3,9. Ezck. 1(^.4.9. i Luk.iy.iS^' I eate, { Vcrf.6 . The greatnejfe of the Sodomites ftmes. 397 lude 7. lPet,2.7,S. The gtcat:s ncflecfth^ir finnospafC.;; eatf^they dranke ^t hey bought, they fold ^ they planted , they iftiilded \ They gt^ve themfelves &ver to fornication (iaiih lude ) and going after fir an gef.ep9^ hew 06 vexed ( laith our ^y^fofile) m the enjmng verfi , tvtth the filthy converfation of the wicked, for that righteous man dwelltng amongfi them^ infeein^ and hearing, icxed his righteens foule from day to day mth their -^nlawfiill deeds. By all rrhich k appearcth.that thcfimies of the Sodomites were efpeciaUy, I pride orhangh- tinefje, 2 fulnejje ofhread^ that iSj cxceffive eating and drin- kj^g^ 5 td/enejfe, 4 unmercifiilneffe, and contempt of- the poore. J Fornication, adultery ^ and the unnatura/l going af- tQV ft range fejh, C Security and carelefnejfe, j Impudency ivfinntng, % Contempt and dif obedience of thofe htavcnly admonitions preached by Lot, Thofc 1 fciy u ere their finnes, the ground and caufe of their dcfirullicn, 1 hus what their finnes K\^rC' Touching the latter, xhtgreatnejfe of their finnes. This might bo, declared by flievving the evils q^ pride ,drunkennes ^ gluttonny,idlene^e^'whoredome,fecHrity, impidency in fin- \ cukrized. »ing,^t]d contempt of (jods Word ^ ( ot which Go^-yvilling^ 1 yet ihall htare )but ^oixh^prefent conceive we the great- f^^jje o^thGir fnne £iom thck particulars,. I Becaufe ^^9' arefaid to bcftnners agamft the Lord exceedingly , that their cry rroi great, their pnne being very grieve h6» 2 Becaufe they \j^jQrt given ovt^ untofo many divers Sind fever aHfmncs, as well in their communication^ as converfation, | Becaufe thcfe thtiv ftnnes w^ere umverfall ^ they being all ir.fecled therewith, f. om the higheft unto th'^ Icweft , both ycng and «'/<^, if there had been hut ten righteoi^s prr/hns 2i[mongil them ^^?;^^/ of the Sodomite»s excecdin^^ great , which were the ground and ir^»/^ of their deftru- Bion, Hereof osay be made a threefo/d aCe. For IrflruElion, i{ pride, fulncffe o^ bread , idlenejje , «;/- Jnerctfulnejje 2i):\^eontempt o{i]\Q foore^ nncleannejfe ^ yphore- ' dome, fee Hr it J, impude^cy in finning, with the c<>nt€mpt and difobedtence o^ Gods Word ^ brought deftrnBton upon the Sodomites^ were the^^/'/7'?<^ unto «/, Heare the Word of the Lord, yee Rulers ofSodome,give eare unto the Law ofeur (jod,yeapeopleof^omorrah, 1 Vntof /?*/vq\q\\x\^ conclude \\\2X ]t'idgements fliall not take hold on them. Oh x\\Q.folicie of the Devill, to fuch I fly , that it puill he eaficr for Sodome and Gomorrah tn the day of -^udge- merit ^ thanfer them. For it is not eyioptgh tO ah^aine from th'^fe. it in the mca.nex\v[\e we follow ^'^Z:?^^/. One finne un- repented is fHfficient to bring ajttiner to HdL It*6 not enongh to abfiaine from open impetj^ to live ctvtlly^ not i:o be ^ft'r/^;*-/- i^r^', oppreJforyfwearer.j covet chs per fen, or the //^, if in the meane timechere be not a confcionahls waikm'g before (jod, inthQ performance o^ holj duties. Though thou abfiatncfi- from th^^Jinnes o^Sodome^ yet if thou doeft no\ profit by the C^^f/JftheZ-f/^of^r/fc^? be* not within ^^ljortatton^ I unto examination; Yea have heard uhatthe/;?^^j were, and that becaufe of them, the Sodomites were deftroyed ; be pleafed therefore to enter into a narrow ^/^^^/^t/; of your lelves, that fo ycu m.iy k^ow^ whether their finnes^ are not y ours ', Ikdge your [elves left ye be judged^ defcend into the. very bonome of your hearts, zdiTdt no cxcufe, \a\(\c\\ will not paffe for currant^ before the ludqe cfali the world. To further von into this fearch^ You muTt impartially make application oi Goas fVord, take notice therein of the divevsjfignes and m^.rkes whereby tTiole thdrfinnes may be k!?9v?ne, t Vnto humi- liation, if after a nd^nov^ fcarch of your fclves, you fiud your fcl-e^ 299 MaMo.ij. Vr« of Exhor- tation, anC ^ to reforme whatioever is aimijfe : how mtulofdever \\\oi\ hall relpefbed the fame. Art thou given unto /^nWe-, cxpreffingthe fame, cither by ihy gefiureov vefiure, bythy fpeecher ox aElions , reforme ih^ fame , remembring the humtllty of thy Saviour, Thine owne^^^/^;?fjfort our life isy how u?ifit v. c are made thereby to performc the duties of our calling, v/h^Ltdifeafes it breedeth , how it jQiortneth the dayes, how nature is contented with a little^ how healthy thole are which eate leaft, v. hat hurt the exam^ fie of gluttons doth unto others, v[A the like. Art thou given unto idlenejfe, reforme it. remembring that ;W/ bring with it ^famine of the rs^^r^, and pro- voke the X«^/^^ them, or having committed them , not continue in the Atw, left we alfo bring gods heavy and fearcfiiU judgements on QUrfehes* Yklht b eft meanes to avoyde them , adding thereunto daily prayer unto 9'^fes. Then the Lord (laithhe) rawed ttpon Sodome and uvoh Cjomerrah, ^rimfioM And fire from the Lord om of heaven, and he over^ threw thofe Cities^ And all the Tlaine^ and all the Inhabttants efthe Cities y and that which greiv upon the ground. Artd againe ; ^nd that the ivhole land thereof ubrimji one and fait, andhurningy that is ngtfovfen, nor beareth, nor any grap grower h thereinjikethe overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah^ Admah^and Zebctm, which the Lord overthrew m his anger, andinhiswrath. So //^^^ alibrpeaketh of tbe/^w^, even as Sodome and Gomorrah, and the Citttes abont them in like man^ ner ^ giving therrtf elves over to for meat ion, ^nd going after flrangefepj, arefet forth for an example, [tigering the ven- geance of eternaH fire, "^voai which fUces It appcareth, that their pun ifhment^ vvas not oncly temporally but is likewifc etemalL As their bodies were bnrnt v^khfire^ together with their Citties2Lnd goods; So (h^tllthejf both in body and foule be tormented in the^r^ o^helly with the ^evill and his -^»- ^f/^, world wit ho ucr?7^. god puniQrktA them with an vtter defolation, a fi:^.all overthrow, he turned thetr Cities into Afbes, Hence divers things may be obferved. I . '^h^t great finnes bring great judgement s^ The Sodomits VQfrtlJeatJtnners, thcrt f ore Qod condemneth them with an overthrow jturneth themfelves, and their Citties into Apjes, The examples q{ Er^ and Onam^Nadab and Abihu Jeroboam^ and Ahab, confirme rhtfame. Be we carefuH therefore to | avoyde, finnes &: cfpcciallyT^fr^ as do mofi- dishonour ^od^ & offend his w^;f//>,not that I would have any to bccarelefc even oiffifch as {ecm^fmall, for even the /f^/ finne, defer- veththt great eft judgements that can be imagined^ as being committed againft the majef^te of an infinite God^ neythcr will God pafTe by the leaft iinne unrepented. Oh that our adulterers, drunkards ^fwearers, extortioners^ and the Uk^ fcandalous livers ^ would but take notice hereof^ that fuch grcstfwnes bring great judgements^ 1 * That 2. That Q&d 16 equitll in the execHtiori of hts jHdgements, Thus dcalc he with the Sodomits, God doth recomfence their ofvnewaj Hf on thetr oypne heads ^ as they burnt in nftff at ff rail Jurt one towards another-, So by fire were thsjf and their O- ties tnrn&dintoafljes. TUt examples o^ tyfdoniiK>cdek^^ l-'ha- roahySati/Joaif,ConR\sr.Qthl.hf:fame ; let this be a meanes to withdraw vis^xotu every [mnc^i left ^o^ in ;/^^*f^ requite us inth«y^wr kincic. l^runkards have often beene drowned^ mnrtherers k^Hed, opprejfers beeome poore^ whoremongers received fuch difeafes from their whores^ that they could ne- ver be rid of; deceivers httViZ deceived ; yea and often thofe which hav e ufcd /»»jCjr, but neythcr is the manner ^XiOiy^tcontinuance2S.'^^* The godlte ZTQchaJ}-i~ fed in love^ the wicksd in anger, the godlte s piiniHiments end in this ///>, the '^^ickcds continue world without cnde ; judgements infixed upon them in this life, ^eing but fore-run. ners of thofe judgements, which fhall be tnfiiEled upon them hereafter, 1 he Sodomites were notonely punipjed with tem^ porall^xty bat alfoj^r^ cternall* If the ungodly efcape pu- nijljmem in tbi:^ Itfe^ they ihall heffi^re of it in the Itfi to come. Hence we ar? taught, To betvatle the eflate o(w icl^d men, to refrainefroTD wick- ednefTcjto .z??^^^ to ^^^,that we may not be pu;tified with the TPickfdi Oh let the mednation^znd conf deration of this point watbdraw; every one of you homfffne, why willyee die O yee houfe ofjfrael ? why will ye have Gods judgements powred out upon jou? doe yee not tremble at the judgements to come? God\\SL'A\\itxZvarietieoV]Hdgements, doft thou ^Z- fend him ? doft iho^lyefaeare^fleale ^profane gods Sabbath? Z?, God is equall in the execution 0^ his ludgC" mftirs. Vfi. D,God in the execution o^ his/udgemcntf doth diflfercnt- ly deale with his owne criil- dren.and wicked per- rons* Vff. Erck.j 3. II. The endewhy Godinflk^ted his /udgetnents upon them that they might bs an example to them that after fhould jive ungodly, AGodi judg- ments on the wicked arc al- foforthcad= roonitioaand inftrudlion of others Prov.l^.:^. PrQY.24.30. ^ 04 Cods judgements on others^ teach m. Chap.24 art thou an adnherer^ a covet em ferfon, proud, vainglorions ortheA^^,as ^^^ can here ("if hefce it good) meete wjth theeby ficks^efj^^p^ine ,fovertie,o!C the like ^.ffiiElions^ fo £hall he Hnd&tihedlj (^[^ ihoacontinuefi inchy ftnnes) meete with thee in \}i\^life to come, when tho^.fh^Jt fujfer the vemeance fifeten;4iifire^Jhi\so£thc 5. For the 4. ihe ettde why God infiiiled thisJHdgemefit upon then), that they might be an ex- ample to them that after [hould Itv^ ungodly, that is, that others taking notice of the judgement which GedtnfiiSled upon them^fer their finnes , might ahftaine fronj- fmne^ itfi the like ■judgements feafe upoyt themj elves. Whence may begathercd,that Thofe judgements which God infliBeth on Jtnners, are not one ly for thsir pumfhment.but Hksvpife fr>r the admonition and tnftrud:ien of others. Smite a f corner {f.2i\K\i Rdomon^ and the ftmple will hew are ^\\\ZX.h, the fimple will beware by ano- ther s punifhment , And againe, / went by the field ofthefloih^ fud^ and by the vineyard of the man voyd of under flanding, and loeitypo^s all grow ne ov cr with thornes , and nettles had co- vered the face there of ^and the ft-cne thereof was broken dovpne, then I faw and confider edit well. I looked upon it^ andrecei'* ved^nJlruSlion. (t^nd the ludars (faith Mojfes) Jhatl m^ke inqmfltion, andbehsld^ Ifthewitneffebeafalfewitne^e^aud hath tedified fal fly againfi hi^ brother, then fhall yee doe unto him, at he had thouq^ht to have done unto hi^ brother, fo {halt thou put evitlaw^y f'om among you, and thofe which remaine ^ fhall heare and fear e, and (haE henceforth commit no more any fuch evill among you. And ag une, ^nd alt the men of the Ct^ tie,Jhallflone himwithfi'ones^that he dte,(xn~zx\m2^ tbe Stub- bornsfonne^ Sojhalt thou put evill away from amongyou^ and all Ifrad [hall heare and feare, Th s the Apcjlle Ta^l co.ifir- lUtlh. But with many of them Cfodiv as not wellpleafed; for they were overthrowTje in the fVtlderne^fe, now theje things were our examples, to the intent that we fiould not lufi after evill thi*fgs as they alfo lufied, and againc,f^9 are written for our admonition^ upon whom the ends of the world are co?ne»Vor ihibCdMk ^ueeneVafiti waf puaiflied, that aH others might give Dcut.i^.iS. De«t.2i«2i. I Cor.io 5. Ibid.ver.Ii* .. , <* ■^ ■ ' Vcr. 6. Gods judgements onfomcy teach others. 505 Vfe of Rcpre- kenfion. 3 give thetr huslfands htnourf ifoth te greAt dnd fmall. This' -^ - made MaIo loath to give h\s jonnger (oanc SheUth asai hnsifAnd ZoThAmar, bccaafc of the (Hiden and nnexfeEled Gen.jg. u. death oF£r, and Ondn, his v^j^o Elder fo:< hit f, her foruaer ^f^f- (fAndsy ♦ T he ReAfon is, bccaufc god by fiich ExAmples^ doth fhe \v RcaJok. unto us his Se-yeritte againft Sinns^ they being as it weic OchUr 01 reAllSfrmons ai;ainlUhc/««f/ of the Sonnes of 1 This ferveth^^rr/^ for refrehenfion^ zn^fArtiy for Exhor^ tAtioH. For Reprchenfion. i. Vnto fuch as noakc no ufe o^thcpf^»tfif»e»ts inflicled upon others, 2. Vnto the 7*^ pifis which vvith-hcld the Scriptures from the /4»>/>, where- by they are unacc^uAinted with thofe jndjremeMts of Gad , there recorded. 3. Vnto fuch as complAine chat they want meanes of infiruSlioH, when as notwithftanding the >?'/j«/d' jE^r//? can produce examples o^ Gods judgements infiiiled upon every kjnde of Sinne^ drnnkene^e jT'^eAring^ Pridc^ €ovetoufne^€ ^mnrthcr^ mAltce^ T^erjurie, andthe/;i(^: by allTvhtch they may itceivcinflrHnion* For exhorcation.Seeing thofc \Hdgemcnts which C^^inflicl* eth onfinners are not onely for l\\tixpPint(hmsnT^\M'i^.{ofor the Admonition z\\6. tnftrH^ion of others , learnc ">^^ therefore to receive fnftru^ionh'^ them ^ even by akflaininff from fuch fimtes y 04 broHghtxho^Q judgements upon A^rw. To this ^W let usfrAme for our ownc If en -fit a C-it^l.guco^ Gods judge- ments upon others, taking not C(ioii\\Q Jeverdit examples, which either ^^V;W or human hillorics, yea or our ow;ic experience can afford unto us* Art ih.'>'-i 2.drHy:k^rd ? le member Ben^d^dgnd hi* two an J thirtie CAptatnes, Ar thou ccvetQUs ? rctr.ember Cehcz^i. Arc thon a frophamr of Gods SAb^^th ? re member the mAn th^t gAt'.ered flickes ihcreon. An thou ^^-^^ kfjlidcr? remember Lots rtf^. \i'X thou proud!' remember T^buch-tdne^^.-ir, Art ihv)n a LjAr ? rea ciiibrr AnaniAs and Sap^hira^ Art thou ^yimhtnoui ? remember Haman. Neichtr arc we ondy to t .ke notice of Gods judge- ments inflided upon the ^^/f the fame, his prcfcrvacion, antj commen- dation. I And delivs,- ! red ;uft Lot D« God doth pre(erve and deliver the Ver . 7. The godly l^hich termed righteous. i 507 rained ^re and 'Brim^tne upon the Sodomites^ turning their Cutties into jifhes^ and condemning them with an ovtrthrow, yet he delivered jufi Lot, Beheld (faith the Tfatmift) his eye iiufonthemthtttfeArehim, end ufon them that trttfl in his mercieyto deliver their foules from death ^ and to prefer Ve tliem in famine y 3ir\dz%2i\x\c, This fo ore man crjed, and the Lord heard htm, andfaved him out of all his troubles \ and againe, many are the trouhles of thertghteoui, hut the Lord deliver eth htm out of them all. This aUo may be e confirmed by thc'examples c^^ Abraham^ lofeph^ lob, David^ Af or decay, 'Peter^ Fau^ ^ \\ ith ^arietie oi^ others. They WTC righteom, and fo were no leflc prefer ved, then Lot u as, *^/7?. But how c^n any be (ayd to be righteous, or in what re^eSls is Lot here tcvvncdajuf- and righteous man ? Anfyp, Neither /.^ in their particular calling. 2. in regard of their walking in the righ- teoHswaycs o£God. 5. in regard that fZ-'^j are Sanfftfied by gods Spirit ^2ind have the righteoufneffe o£ C hrijl [wputtd upon them, and thus it) Scripture arc Lot, 2{oah, lob^Za- ehariahand Elizabeth ^natxicd juftaad rtghteofu, ObjeB, But the righteotu are not alwayes dfJivered from thofc judgements which are infixed upon the ungodly ? Anfw, WhenC^rffcethit^^yr forhis owne Children, to. be delivered^ be doth even vifbly deliver them , as were Tfavid, Hez^kiah, Mofis,ax)dtbxlik^',bux when he Jeth xhTLtafli^ions m ly tend unto their greater good.he doth even fmte them wirhthey^w^jas he doth others, but differently^ them in/ot'^jOrhersin'J'rr^^/:^; prefcTving them even in the midfi- of troubles; So th:i!: rheir troubles fliall not tvorke their overthrow ^)qz and if ^^ take them away by death , hec doth it for their greater good, ^efi. But why doth Ci^t^fA^;/^ preferveand deliver the righteoM? X a Jnfyv. rigliteouj from thoft judgements vvhich are in- the righteouf. Pral.j3.i3. pral.i4..tf'. pral.34. 19, Inwhat **«• fpe<5isGodi Children ara termed righte- ovts* I 2 5 Ob. Sol. Why GoJ j prefcrvcth tlic ; rightcota. I 5oS Marks of a ri^yteom men. Chap, 2.' In regard of biriifelfe. I 2 Efay. 65. 9. Iiidg.!o.l6« 4 £ Kingai9, 5 Eaek. if> i». In regard of iiis-ChilJfcn.* I Pfat.^i, 14. •k 3 4 i In rfga'd c'' the wicked, I 1 ^ . ( ri^hreousnsan 1 lob. 17.9. 4 5 4 /^;?/r». I. in regard of himfelfe 2. fn regard o^\\\% QhiL \drcn. 5. in regard of the Tvick^d. To n gard of ^/Vw/^/fr. i. \^icM^heh2ilhpremifedtodehverihpm, laS^upn Tfuinthe d^-J oftrcHble\ S ere ill I deliver thee, 2, becaufc hce ioveth the^. But hecAufe the Lord loved jeu.andbecaufehei iv$Hld keej>e the Oath which he h/td fworne unto jcur Fathers, the Lord hath brctight joH ont with a mightj hand, and delivered J OH ePiiofthe honfe of bondage, from the hand^f *Tharoah KtngofEfjp.. 3. becaufc /^r doth ^^wf/ff^/yJ" Vii^them'm their troubles, ]n all their troubles ({mh Ifatah) he was tre/4~ bled, litsfaHletvus grieved for the mi ferie of IfraeL 4^, for ihimxHifefiation o^ hisporrerj that <«// the wcr/d may krion* that there is a Godin JfraeL 5,that thereby hc may reape ho^ notirznd glorie. In regard of his Children, r. bicaufe they love him. 2. becaufe they put their trujl and confidence m him, 3. bccanie \r. tronbh they call upon hfm. 4. that both they afld ethers alfo may be encouraged to depend upon him^ \n regard ^y^the mcked, i. left, they fhould have occafisn to blafpheme tliQ glonousnameo^ G&d, 2. leaft they fhould />/?/// over che godly, and trample them Kinder fooote, 5. that the J may alfo leame to repent them of their Jinnes , and prropid themfclves under ^<7iVj:.prote^ion* ., Hence we are taught. I. To get a particular affurance that we are ;«/? and rf^^- rf,7f^5Cliat wcare of the number ef (jods Children, having ot?r numcs -written in thebooke of life : chat thus^ we may bee afjured oi Gods protecflion, j .Sj^^fi- f'V \vhat r^eams may I get this ajfure nee f j Anfvif. By ihde infallible marl^ i. nni v erf aU obedience I «;;/^ ^// (jods Lommandcmrntswox. unto ^^^ alone,or fome/?^# Like unto the obedience of Herod ^ 2 . A particular and T/'f ^^- allajme in ^z^frj thing at che advancement of Gods glory, g . perfever^nceit\w til doings ^^ Brothevfy^iove, '^, 'Bo/dnejje in Cods eatife 6< inward SanHtfication acxomparried with an QHtwardcenfcionable performance of the dtities, of OUT generall and particular cAlling, as ^^^7 have relation unto ♦, God ^ our neighhursy or ourfelves. a. In f/w^ */ troubles, whither ^'•^M'W, otim^^d^ I^U ritu^ll or temferalL to r/^;?^^ unto Cjod for ^zjr^d-. ^ . To afcribe the honour and glory uf our deliverance^ un- to ^«y^our fclvcs egainft Gods Children, in as much ^%God by his fpirituall^^^yW^^c-f proiecleth r^^w. Thus^/thc a* ObfervAtion* Thcjec^ndis this, that The converfation of -wicked prfons ^is filthj y And their deeds unlatv fully fit hie in the ejies oi^od: oi good men wholly oib- horridy VnlawFull> ^ being againft the X^/r of God , the iawesoimen, the /aw of natH^-e, Such is the converfation^ fuch^LVC the deedes^ oi drun^ay ds ^ whoremongers y gluttons , and the like, compared therefore in Scripture to Hogs and ^oggesy whence it follovveth. 2, That God cannot abide the converfation and deeds of mcked men, they are abhomtnation in his fight y and no won- der, in "^ rK)t /«^/V^ the cleere light of the Stinney fuch as the w/V- ^<^ themfel . es often ^re ajhamed oflF,/^ not worthy comment datioM, v/ho fo foH&yveth ;hem , and approveth the fame, maketh (7, whereby you mighr /^mftek:i5^/cAthfome^^ndug/j Toade\ Hovv- foever thou cfteemefi i.f/ime^ it isxrertaine that Jtmi is Z^^/-^- /^^^^ a;id u£/y\ i cmovc from ^r the lecming ple^fures which f^ccocnpsnic /r, and thou jQiait phindy fercetve, undoubted jf^dgcme/^ts^TW\dmg it, pull o^it^ cover, and thou ftialt di-. (cerneits '^-^ghftr fe,t\]Q D^veii pganteth it (as whores do their /^r^/)th:?xicm-^y bee emertamed, bdngm its owne mture loatWome^ 2iitkcj are. Thou iovcft to have thy face^ h^nds^ ando»herj?^r/^/ofthy body f/tf^r^, endevour efpeeiaily for inward fan^ificatioft.lhusoF the 2. Obfervatien, The rW is tb 1^5 that. Gods (Children are vexed with the filthy converfation of the vcicksd: do even vexe their fe files from day to ,daj i^ith their unla-wful deeds [fivers ofvpaters^^'iixSx David)gH[h out of mine eyes becaufe they keepe not thy law, Oh how the infidelity, dtfo^ bedic -ee and ocher/«»^/ of the Jeippes troubled ©ur Savi^ our Chrifl froro time to timel Oh how B^mans pride vexed, good Mor dee ay\0\\ how that abhominablci^^of the Ifraelttifb man with the Alidianitifh woman vexed good Thinees \ Yea no doubt even in thefe dayes^ as the ungodly doe "Pcittingly and fi>itlingly by their Sinms , ayme at the vexaiion oiGeds Children, io they are indeed vexed at the fame* The ^f^T^^J hereof are thefe. !♦ becaufe ^od ^ heereby difhonored^ 2» becaufe ^^^^^^ the T>iveUs kingdome is^»- creafed, 3 . becaufe hereby Gods word js defptfed, 4. becaufe hcercby others 7(rt encouraged loji^ne, 5, htC^vSt they behold and perceive f^^w* to continue in finne^ and fo to approve^ and I ike oFiht fame, (>. Becaufe they k^ci^ not how to reclaime them from the/^w^. Hence we may percei^' e. It;. A mainc difference betweene tht godly md the ungodly; the Godly they greeve at the finnes of others ; the ungodly^ they make ajeft^znd laugh at the fame. An evident markf, thzt the former are the firvants of Cody the latter ^ carnall I 1 - .^i.»i ■-.. . 1.^ m ■! ■■■! I. ■» ,, . I ^ Ver . 7. Dangerous Jt^euing w ith the wicked, 5 1 1 & unreffenerAte pcrfons. This /> the ungfMies piadlife, even in thcfe our ddjes^XtX. them behold a drHni^ardfiaggermg & ree^ linff to and t'ro, 1ft them obler-'e a m^n or w arc which doc o^ff^rfofe (\nncby drMHk£mnefejJweari.ng, filthy commnnication^ and theAifL^, even that r/'^r^^^ they may ^'fAv C^*^/ children; well. They CMWiOtchnfehulht vexed at fiich dotngs, butw^^ unto them hj whom thej Are vexed ; they fiali have th^'ir rr- ward^ even perpetM^/i vexation pn the fire ofheli. Thus of the ^,obferVAtion, The fourth is thiSjthat Irs hftrtfuU and danger otufor Gods thildren to d-well aniengft wUk^dperfons, Z.»'*tf unto me (faith the Pfalmift) that I remaine in iJHefech, and dwell in the Tents of Kedar*^ myfoule hath too long dwelt with htm that hateth peace. The exanjples of Abraham in Ge- rar.oHlfaae amongft the Fhilifitms^ of Jofeph in Egypt yCon- firmethey^»^. The reafons hereof arc thefe- 1 Hecauf:^ they fliill be of- "aulted by evill coim(c\s and examples^ 2 Tlev (\ia.^Abeen' dangered in thQirconfctenses, lives, 2indefiates. 3 They fh all be fffany times taken away in the fame common calamities which taketh hold on the wicked. This ferveth/^rr/y for re- prehenjton^znd partly £or exhortation. For Reprehenjlon unto fuch as afeSi the company of the an. ■ X4 .^^^(y - fi r.Its hurtful! and dangerous for God* chil drei todwtll amongfl wick- ed perfors. Pfal.UO.J. Gen.20.2. Gen.:' •z* Gen. 4.^. 1 5 . Ke fons. I '^TcoFRcprc- henfion. y^ Mkia^ihfc II lilt Vfe of Exhort. Ok Solnt* ■^ The benefit which fcvea the ungodly reape by i he comp;>nie of Gods Cnil" drcn. J^^ lob. 22.30. I 512 The company of Cods Children profitable. Chap. 2 . godly yZslth^odweUzmong^t them^o^tQwremoving ^romfuch fUceSy where tliey are 7?^^,to y«f^ /'/^f^/ where ihty are v^hokfoHie is {o much greater then theirs \^jh\Q\\ rcoiove from healthfutl to ^«^^^/^7^?»^ dwellings, as the m^^Z/^^^ of the foule is to be preferred unto the i^elffcre of ihe i^ody. For exhortation, let us as much as in us lyeth k^ej^e onr felves from this Hntoward generation^ neyther affeFlmer ihe comfanj, nov imitating t\\Qconverfation of t\\^ nngodly^ Oh. But the ungodly are fo many ,tht'n nnmher {o great y\o dtjpcrfed that in noflace we can b^ free oU hem? ^An, If as yet thou art noifetledjihon maitft male choyce of luch a fiace, wherein their ;?;^»/^^r is /^^/, if already thou Mtfet/ed^ having the »^/;?//^r;'of the word, ^nd dwelling atnongikfuch in whom thou doeft not fee evident fignes of reprobation^ I fuppofc thou art not hound loren^ove , but being/2» perfecuted amongft them^ as that thou canil not Itvein p^ce^ thou maift get thee Hnt0 fome other p/>«^^. Sj^cf^^ But may the yvkked fay, we defre them not to ^w'd'^ amongft t^, we h^A.rather have their roome then their company ? Anjw. Howfocver thou efieemefl of them they &^ herfes andcharets of Ifrael, they i^i?r; The Lord (inoweth how to deliver the godly out &f temptations, that is, the Lordhath beene long praBifedin favin>r and deltverine; the riirhteoui : he is not iz- n»rant,b.jth when :tnd how to deliver them : he wanteth net varietie of meanes for their prefervatipn, when hee himfelfe willetht Hee can qmckliefet them at liberty , hce knovveth what Tv/o parts' of thefinnc. The Lord Itnowcch how to deliver the godly out of te*nptatio' s. 514 Tl:>e^odliesdeli providence and permtjfion^ crones and troubles doe ceaze upon hisovvnc Children, for their good, To when he willeth, hec^n ; and when he fceth ^t jit^ he w hit free and de^ liver them from thefame^ For the underftanding of this point, t'nefe /, before judgements doe come, fuch as plague, famine, rrarre, capti^ z'/'y, and the //^f, of which ^A/^^^peaketh. The righteoiu U taken away from the evill to come. Of which good loflah had experience, to whom Huldah the Trophetefe fent this mejfage-, Behold I will gather thee {iw^ the Lord) to thy Fathers, and thou {halt be gathered to thy grave in peace; neither fhall thine eyes fee all the evdl that I will bring upon this I Vcrfp. Meanes ofthegodlies dd't^try. ?»5 thiiflace^artdHfan thctnh.thitants of the famf^2*whQn he doth mtrAcuUHJly receive him in ihat very midft O^danger^oi deli^ ver chtm troin (uch dangers y as have ^^^^w hold on them , W from the ^rw/V of the Sjrians , and the tyrdnmcall cruelty of idolatrous Uz^abel-^ Peter^ from /wprj/^w^^ifwr, and immmenc death I 3. when hecbe- ftowethupon his owne Child en fuch a meAptre of j^/Wr«- 4^rtfw/rfr/cut. I?.5 1 Chfon«32, prove them, that it may be knowne what is in them, whether good or bad. This hedotb diverfe wayes, fometimes,by pro- ^^mj, of which ^^/fpeaketbj behold, lyftHcanfe bread to rainefrom heaven to joH , and the people JhaH goe out and gather : that, that i^f efficient for every day, that I may prove them vphither they will walkein my Law , or not. Sometimes by adverfitie^ of which in the booke of Judges. I will no more cafi oHt before them any of the Nations , which Jofhua left when he died, that through them 1 may pr ove Ifrael^whc^ ther they wiH kfepe theway of the Lord, to walk^ therein , as their fathers kept it^ or not: ibmetimes by falfe frophets, of which ^^/^jfpeaketh from God: Thou [halt mt hearken unto the words of that ^rophet^ or that dreamer of dreames : for the hordyour Godprovethyou, to kjfow whether you love the Lord your Cjod, with aUyour heart and wUh all your fouleiSometiwts by permitting^zhcm to fall into Jome cne or other Jfnne, as T>avid in adulterie. Lot in incefi, and iSrelike. Therefore is \tfo.\Aofhez,ekiah,hGwbeit in the bufme^eof the ambajfadors of the Princes of Babylon^ who fent urdo htm^ to enquire of the Wonders that was done inthi land ^ Cjod left him^ to trie him» that he might l^ow^ all that was in his heart, ThmlGiy.Godprovethus^ not as though he had neede of anyl Vcrfp. Se'verall forts of temptations. ?»7 SLnytriJi tok^ofv zny o^Hs d\\^ but that we our fclves may thereby kr^cwih^: l^ctter v\hot is tnns, and laying afide all ^ nrrcgiinct and vain e ;>^>'/w'rf/tfw, biimlny {ubm\t cur fclves unio 9W. Which way (o ever the Lcrdi^oth tempt us , hee aymtth therein ac our ^e^^. Whxh the Apofile lames luiiiciently proverb, fs) i-g; "Ble^cd is the m^.n that endureth temptatio/:,f^r when he mr^ed^ he p}f.ll receive the crowne of life ^ which the Lord bath promt fed to them that love him^ 2. Siitan\%{i\^Xjdtemft\}[)!^godlj, and be temptet h v^htn he moveth us to lc^^e(^od, and that o(?ei(iencs ^ which wte owe unto him anj wny^ whea hcproveth and inciteth us un- tcsfme, by all meanes polHble, when hce ffith us by lubtle f^gg^^^ons ^ that -^^^X grace may be [hahrn out of our hearts, and nothing left, but ihe branne and r/;^j9^i?oF corruption. Thus was our Safiour Tempted, Thus was David tempted when he numbrcd the people. And oF this Saint Taul Ipea- kcth. Tor this caHfcy-Pfhin I conld no longer forbeare ^ ^fi^^y that I might know of jfo fir faith, lefi ihe tempter had temp- ted you, in any fort. Touching the manner ho A' he tcmptcth, \l\^ either by afjnming uito himitl^'eiome outward fb^.pie and likcneffe^ or by prefenti*fo- objeHs unto us, Or by infi:im mingihc corruption of our nature , or by mjeQing evill fftf- g^fii-cns. Touching the w^f^^r of his temptations , it is ifciples to continue in thtf^ith affirmed th^t t hr ough 7nany affitElionsy^^emufl enter inte the ktngdome ofGodjZnd againe, writing unto Timothy he hith, \ yea and all that t^ill live godly tn Chrtft leffu, P^^ll f^ffer j perfccutions ^ according to that of T>avid, M^ny arethe troubles of the righteoHi, Their ovvne/^/?/ likcwire/^^/'- fiahkv his -t,?^/-", yet were not J^^^ from temptations, yea our Saviour himfd^twnswot exempted f-om 'htfame. Had cot others alfo triall ofcruell mo eki^ gs ,& [comings ^je a moreover of bonds Andtmprifonments?were they not fi:oned, fanven afun" der, tempted ^fiaine with the frptrdididthey not wander about tn ««aWMBi Vci'lTf;. The godly lt>hyfnhjeH to temptations. ^ i p tor/f^c^i[ed ? wandred they not r/i defcrts^ aKd-inmoHnraines , And tn dens and caves of the earth. The Reap>m hci"eot\are fuhrcfald ^ ill regard of God) themf elves ; S atari; and t he w o : Id . -v In regard oiGod. i .bccaulc he /oveth uSj^.bccaufe he vvoald prove us,3 .becatife he ivouki ma'/iifefl his love ^ power in our deliverance^ becaule he u OjIcI have i^ to dr..r; majo unto him* iQ. regard o^ou-ifdves^ I . thac wee rnay become like un- to Chrtft^ 2 . that our vcrtues inay be exerctfcd^ 3 . that wee may be embaldned 10 ler v'c God^g^. that ^^ iPay not bcc con- demns^ here after ^ 5. chat we may bte -wcir.ncdi^om the plea- fibres oithiiWjrldy 6 > that we may ai?fiaine kom finne^-j, that we may btffinSitfied partakers ei: \\v^ holme jfe. 8. that we m^y k^epc hps Comman dements. In regard of the Dtveli who bateth us, and fecketb our ^^'^^•//7rcK',cndevoiireLhby all meanes poHiblc to vexeus, trotthle ns, and brLng crones upon ta* la regai'd ofthc w^r/<;^ , which likcwife iiatingus, dotb not coiictoperfecute tis Foi righteoufne.jfe (ake* The fffes hereof aicf our efo/d. For IrJlryMioH i that crojj^es and troubles are no figne of ^ods hatred , orot reprobation, as by the contrary^ ^*^- yp/ird -prGS^critieis no figne of Gods love or of eleclion. Fof even the hulieft have had tnoil croffes'^^ca TPickrdcfi :no^pro- f^eritj, 2 . that vpc ought net to be af^am^d ofthcfe^vphUh are f^xer a fi dttnder trouble s\ but to remember them that are in bonds ^as though ype -vcere bound with them, and them that are in^ffi^ton^oftfwewere a/fo affli&edt/ethe body. ^, thjt wee ought to a ford all the helps and comfort wee can one to an- other by p'-aying, ftrengrhening , exhorting^ confirmiP.g, andthelike. 4« ^.^^ we ought to prepare our f elves for trou- ^/rj,a{rLiring our (elves that the godly in this prefent world arefubjeB to temptations. V'or Reprchenjion i. Vnto fucb, asin theiime of//^^^^'''- /'/^^donotfi>muchas dreameof^^i/ifr/ir/f, farre unlike ua- tof',wbichinthe rime of zcalme , prepare thsir Rvafan, In regard of God. I 2 3 4 In rcgird of our ftives. I 2 3 4 5 Hcb. 12, 10. 8 Pfal 1 1 9.7'. In regard ot Saran* fn;regardof the WorJd, VfeoUnftKu tion. I 2 ' Aa,i4.22 Vfci of Rep, I i -\ JIO The godly ^hj fubjeEl to temj^tations. Cbap.2' Mat.i^.22. Gen.2I«2Z* I VfeofGonfo- lation. Heb. 1 2.4. Vfc of Exhor- tation. i\ic\Ttacl^liyigs2Lgiin^ the cnknng fiorme* The ncglcd of i\i\s eonJlderanoHy occafioncth their ^^^^f^^^^^t.l^f^dgin^, and impatience, whea trouhles^ whether poverty, fck»ejfe, or the A/(f feafc upon r/7f;». 2. unto fuch Tisfinmlfle at tk^crofjas and troubles wherewith Chrijtians arc exerctfed ; which re- flifcto walke in thefc t?^^*?/ of God, becaule of cbofe tron^ ^les, like unto :hat rich man chat came to Chrifi, who would notdenj htmfelfe^ UkcupChrtJ^-s Crofe, and Follow ^^>w; vaine and foolifh man, god in his infinite wifcdorm hath 2i^^ pointed th*it thro Hgh many affit^isns Vfg mf*ft enter into the Kingdome of Gdd,\\Q\W thtn darefi thou oppof- the fame t either maft thou thus,eire flialt thou never enter into heaven. Z* unto fuch as doe;»^^^ of men and women according to their prober it pe and adverjltie^ concluding , that Ged loveth the former, hateth the Utter , as Abintslech judgcth that ^'id was with Abraham , btcaufc he did outwardly /^ro^^^-, and (jedeon thought God was not with himfelfe or the Ifi-a- eiites,bzczu(t thcy w^erc fo ofprejfed by the Uiiidiamtes-^ Thoic arc fa/fe rtiiej, (or (zs I have laid beforc)evcn the hslieft have had mod crojfes; the Jf/V %<^^Agreateft frojperitie. For confolation unto C^^^j// children groaning under the heavic burden of temptations. Thou art no orherwifc trou- bled, then others of 9 as to have a long and tedtom ficknclle, to bee im- prifoned and reviled for the canfe of Chrtfi^ to have our hnf. kands, iViveSj (^htldreriy Fnertds , taken fiv?ay by death , and thz like , thus obferving our owne tvams^ and tmferfeBionsi and fo amending the fame, preparing with 2]\ faith, frndence, frajer, patience, coHragey^erfeverance, and the likeChrifti- an weapons, whereby to vanquifli our owne corruption^ that we may hold out,not/4/W under our troubles, 2 . in the time of temptation let us behave our felves as the Children of Cjod I doth God tempt us r" let us be ^s gold tried in the iire\ d.. th the \yiw^\\temp us ? Utusrejlfi him, that he may flte from Hs, and refift him by the Word of (jod , faith , and prajer ; by vvhich rveafons we fhall ^{^iircdiy pi'^vatle ; doth the world tempt us? letusoppofeour/^/^^/ againft it, that by faith we may overcome the whole fVorld * doe out owne lufis tempt us} let us not yeeld^ but dayly/i^^^;/^, and mor- tifie the fame. Thus of the i ohfervation, Thefecond is t his, that The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godlie out of Temp- tation, By \{\vs\AyYaham, Ifaac, Jacob, lofeph , thzlfrae* lites, Mordecay, T^avid, 'Daniel*^ widi thoufands others h^vQbecnt deliver ed» HQk^owethj^sbcingmoi^wffe^ even wifedome it felfe , as being mofi: powerfuil ^ even power it fetfc. He knoweth at what time it will bee fittefi to dcliv'er his owne Children from their troubles , and like wife how to bring the fame to pafle according to his owne will , for his Childrciis good. He wanreth not diverfe v^ayes and meanes to worke their deliverance , he can worke by weake meanes , without meanes, yea contrary to all meanes ,• for And ^'J'^f^^Z/it is , tfct^^^ fhould /^.T!itre fltall be a day of ;udgemenc I whtrein the I unjuft flullbe puni* fticd. Pral.9.7, Heb.9,27. i tbc'Dit'^/Zfecketh by hhtemftathns ^ to ^^/r^^ them, and the y^orld to adde ajfli^iou^ untoaffiti}io>f,^, Becaufe their enemies are rr/rr// as Ljons^craftie as Foxes^ Hence may we perceive. I. Thcwonderfiillj^i'w^rof^e'^ able to rem'ive even the greatc ft temptation, and which is of longefi continuance, able to deliHer the Godlj/^ even from a )r^r/5 of enemies , ban- ding rhemfdves together againft them. ^ The vanitie of the fingod/j/ in fetting themfelves againft (7^^/ Children, devifing by aii meanes how to ^r(?jf' may Hndergoe their trouyUs, as k»oyving that not onely ^^^ is the author o{ them, and that he /^//^-f/^ them for the ^r^, bat alfo chat ^Z?*?/ fhal! eontinue no /<7»^^r then ^^<[7 may tendt i\r,^ to their f^**^, and that ^//«r^forfficrlyaI!edjfd5may be proved, i From mans refurreSlion. a From the ^«^ why ^oi created him. 9 From tbofe reafons for which God hnh appointed tbcyiw^,which ire the manifefiation of his ;*/^>^,and declaration of his mer* cj. This our Creede confirroeth, yea mens oyvne confcience after the commijfion of (inncsjaffenteth thereunto j the dro-w- ning of the oldrvorld^ the overthrow ofSodomy^nd defiru^i- §n oilerufalemj with the ^^rf;f«/^r judgements which God infli<5lethonevery^^»by w^conlidcr^/7Af, bcfoie it be too late, in time retjrnc unto the Lord your (]od^ The very t err our oFthis day flioiild incite thee hereunto^ If it hzterrible to behold one burnings \f terrible, thefiingsofcon/cience ; l( feltx trembled hea- ring of the judgements to come^ If Gods children hzvQ bccne Y 2 afraid Iude«i4« 1 Cor.r. 8. lude 6» Proofes, I 2 I 4 S 6 Vfef. I Aa.2f.2^« 5 24 77>^ wigodly referred unto ptmijhment Chap.2.' uctg,(>«22.» 3- Luk*2l.34. Z). The un/uft aienowre'er- ved under pa - niihmtntjuns to the day of ittdgcnaeat. affraid^tth^fightok one good Afjgell^ how great ^i[\ bee the terroHr of this ^^^^ -^w hat quaking and trembling amongft mckfd men i' beholding the /«^^^ inflaming fire accompanied with his glorious \ feafe upon thee. This «3^^/isuacertaine,toteachus to bee continually prepared for tht fame. Certaine itisthir it will not be long e-e it come, moll oitho^c fignes vs hiLJi preceede it, hdv,^ fulfilled. Such ZS th^ univerfall preaching of the G off ell ^ the cruell J7^r/^r»- tionof gods ferv ants y the general afoftafie of menandwo^ rnen^ xhe^evelation ofoy^nttchrifiyWarres/um.orsofwarres, famine ,peflilcnce /arthquaks m divers phctsfalfe T^rophets Qndf'^lfe Chrtfls^ deceiving manie^ the calling of the lewes, the co/dnejje and fecuritie of the florid ^ xht Jhakina of the powers of heavens^ ecclipfes of the "^unne and AI$one^ and the like. Is it any r^^j^^ that we fliould d.ferre our repentance ^ and put ^> »- penitencie^e,^ tbou be brought into ludge mem. Oh treafure not up. wrath upon thyfelfe againli the day of wrath 1 Remem- ber that exhortation isk Our Saviour^ (*yind taki hcede to your fclves^ lefi at any time your hearts he overcharged with fur^ fettina and druuk^nneffe ^and the cares of this life ^(m'dxV^ it well) and that day come upon you unawares^ \h:<:^s ottbe firft. VoYtht'i The un'pifl are now referved under puniflment.. unto the day of judgement. By unjufl^ we mav underftand all fuch impenitent per fins as are eythcr already dead^ or at this frefent alive ^ Ver. 10. TIpe wicked refer-'V-: J for pun ijhinent. 525 Slncfi* What funifhrnsnt have wicked men that are dead ? iiAiifw. Let Dives tell you. They are tsrmentedin thtfire cfheHy they have notfo much rvater as to coote their tongue. They h^ve no hove cf any redemption or deliverance ji'oTr} thence, yea their pnnescleAve ntito their i?oH€s^lie dorwey^ith them in the dnj}, Sllfffi* What puiiiniment have wicked mtn which are a/ive, doe not they How in wedlth^ abound in riches^ have ihxs'i»6rld2iX.rpillf Anfw, Even while they live they are fumfhed^ and \^ it were nothing elfe, its their ^nnip^ment to be referved unto fHniJhment^ Sl^fl* But is there no ycay to eft ape ? ey^nfw. Whither fhould xhcy flte^ God being both omni- frefefft^and omnipotent -^though they (iullcdil unto the moun- tames 10 cover them^ and to the hills xofaM npon them^ yet (hall they not have their dejire: I know no other way where- by they may ffi^pe , but by faith in Chrifi, and unfaincd re- fentanccy whilft they are here alive. If they trade not in this path ^thc LordyWhich is mod fi^tfi, and moli powerfu/l^k^oW' eth hoTv to referve them nnder punishment to lfepunsfied,^htiv pre fent great ?7es,znd cunnino^poltcie fl-,all notjfreethctti from ihc/ame. Hence ic follow eth 1 Thatihcdjfigements which the Lord in^lMih upon zhc ungodly whilit they are ^//-z/^jand after they are dead, are 1 hut fore-runners o^thoCc ever laJ^ingtormentSy whereof they {h^\[ partaks on the «»/72';^^/if,inthefe words, but chiefly thetnth^t walkj after theflejh, which having relation unto thc/afi part p/thetormeiZ'^r/^( which concerneth the miferab I e c^^tc of ^»jufi hverSy that in thisiife, they are referzrd under pte^ nijhment^ unto the judgements of the great day, and upon that dajJhaH receive fentence of condemnation^ to be punifhed) note unto m that the eflAte of falft teachers is much more danger om^ tiien ths condition of Other ungodly perfons. t Wc have a defer ipt ion of their kj^»ds^ which may be reduced into two erders or rankes^ for eytherthey are Epicures ^or they are lihertins'^eptcures, which walks after the flejh in the lufi of uncle annexe, chat is, "which fet and order the courfe of their Itfe^ after their owne corrupt ajfeElions , following them as their guides ; which run 'after flepjlj and filthy lufts ; which as bruit bcaflswaxe wanton ; which obey the fie fb ; which ferve their owne bellies ; doing whatfoever is pleafing in their eyes ; which 2l\X given over unto unreafonahle, and t^nnaturall lufi-s^ whereby they are altogether defiled \ which as bruit beafls (defpiling Uwfull m<}i honefl mariagej I '.ve according to their owne appetite and df fire, contrary beth toreafon and judge- ment : Lwcrtmes^ and that bcib in regard of their jW^^- Tnent^OiV^d in rcg3rd of their pr.iclifi. In regard of thtir judge, ment. They dcf^ifc goverment^lhc.iiSi{^^t^'^ originall-fPord fignificth) they c onceive an eviH opinion rfall Urdfbtp^ govcr- menty civillpoi-^cr.artddcminifn, they teach and bcleeve the Chriftians mder the JsJcw Teflamenr, are m longer to be un^ der magiftracie^ andav.thoritie.but thetr neckj to be eafed of \ that J oak::. In regard of their r-^7(/?, Jheyare not afr.:ide \ to ] Ver. 1 o.The qualities ofLibcrtims and Epicures. ^27 PCil,Su6, HelM3.4. to Ipcah^ evill of dignities .[.hx is, although th^j cannot [hake off government, (tor ni 1 thcy,'vvili ibey, they mull reeds be under authority) yti they doe rr'.amf'fl their malice agiitrftit, inreviii^'fgthcm tlhit arc in amhomj. They are not ^ffr^id '-f Gods ]ud<>^cm cuts v:htchmij j^^jliyfeafe en them for their con^ tempt. The J feare not to fpedke eziil of Kings ^J nnoes^ijfiagi'' ftratTS^ he they never fo great in authority, T hey feare Wyf to cu'rfe themjhoth tmvfrrdlj in their hearts , and outwardly with thctr mouths, thoncrh the Lord hath fet them in hvs oroneroome and place, fitting them with (peaall and pecu/Mr gifts^in^WQ'- rabie co their places, hono'irirg them vvich more then ordi- narie titles, fucha^s G cds^Lords, and here glories^o^- dignities. Of both kinds there is no (mail number in the popifi Churchy yea it leeintth that our Afofih in this ipUce^ dc-tli efpeciall}^ ayme at them^ for as on the ene p'.n^ they walh^ after thefl:[h tnthe lufi- ofuncleannefje, condemning manage in the ^^^'^gy^ \N\{\(:}?.\\ie Afofile w^.xV'X^Y.honoHrAklc amongft all men, iea- . ding tl"eir lives h^firntcation^ adnlterie, inccfi-, and Sodemi^ \ trte^ (3iS:\KirOs\'ne hifionans licovd) io on the other fart^ ihty depi/e g-9Verrment.Jpe/.ks evi/l of fuch a^s are in autho~ ^■^{75 aiiiimc that the Clergie u exeK^pted fiom temforall Uwes^ antl there: fore fell: thispiefcj:! Text fliould m^keany thing aLMinll: them, thty underihtui by Gcverment^ our Smu^ viour Ghrifi^^.vd hjsvicar (as the} call liim; tl:c Pop:-, wi:h juch at are tn authority under htm, whcrebv they Vv/ouJd in- fer^c, t\vcK Protfjlaritsart th:^fe Heretic kj here fj:ok-u cf, ir^ I that they dcfl^ife^ and fpeake eztilof the *Popcs (jovernment. 3 . We have ri«o the natnrc an.l ejttalittes of th ^le Epicures, be Libert ins fetdowne. For i they are prefumptuom or bcld^ tbcy dare d^oe^ny thing though never f o dangerous, or -rrickc ITep^hI^ ed. Are they not held v. hich^a^r^ (contrary both to G^ds \ Libertmes, LaWjZWik mans Z^^^pubiickly hi/ciw abominable ftlthinejfe? I Prefu'^jptioni. arc they not hold, which dajjcuot oftely fpeake a^^ainft ^-j- vernmentyhin curfe'ii ;Tict On^'/^, ttil 'unte againft it ; not oncly/^jbut pufz-'^WiT/^z-^rfW/on the Lords anmmttd, wit- ncfTc the violent deaths of divers Princes, and great mcn# Thtit fi^f^es are (innss of contumacie, proceeding from a Y 4 flubborne Tlic nature end qualities and ^28 J'he qHalities of Llhr tines and Epicure. Chap. 2 . Selfsvrille^. WaIRe after thefleni,&c. Z^Faffc teach, crs wallte after the flcilj in the luft of undca- Icr«J«7«^. Ezek.2^«2o. Epfi.^-,!!. Phit.3.i8, (lubboine and malicious ^/^ of God. From th e i?^^ ri/ thus divided and expounded , /ft^n:^d now tell you rfeeping^ that they are enemies of the crofe of(^hrifi, rvhofe Cjod is th^ir heU lie^ and rjhofe glory is their Jhame^ n^ho minde earthly things. And ZigW^tJetHO manbeguilejouef the rereardyin a voluntary humility y I r^ Vcrf lo. Falje teachers walke after the fie (h. 529 hUrTnilitjy And rvorJhipKg of Angels, intrnding intothofe things -which he hath not fcene^ vatncly pufc up, by hhflefiie minde, SodMovhtApoftie lude ^ lik(}vife alfi thofe filth j dreames , def/cthe flefh^^aKd agatncythefe he they vpho fepa- rate themfclves^fenf Hall y having notthe fpirit^ Thus walk.*- Simoft mafitiij CermthoMSj and the T^coUttans , even in the fuay es o( xh(: zy^^ofiles, ^s the €cclefu^jlical/hiji cries doe re- cord. Thus WAlkt thofe Heretivkss, which were named ty^damiani, havini> their conventicles in places under the grofindjboihmeamdwomen undoathin{? themfelves there, and ^biding naked afcer the fiinilicude of Adam and Ettah^ before their////. Ihus r^alkt others, which were named Thrfes, whic h abflained not from "whoredon^e^ but from fro- creation o^ Children^ that they might feeme to htc chaf^, T bi^s wnlke our fi^melijfs^ claimcing a ccmmunitie in every thing, and (oof ^«z/(f/. Not to trouble you with more ^a:- amflesy take one for all. Thus doth the Popp? clergie walke (as their pr^decejforos have done formerly) even after the fie/lj^ inthe/ufiofuncleancge. Their dfo(^r;;^f and fra^tfe tellifie thefanne. They teath ^thztPncfls may keepe Concnbins, hut net marrie; They teach that Jhwes may he tolerated^ yea tve readeof^^^rwr^d'/o«rr^, that he permitted the whole /<«- miiy o^tht cardinal I of Saint Lucia to u^cSodomie in the thrcthst moneths of the yeare, Inne^ /^/^^and Augufi, and of yi/exander the fxt mother Pope, that he licenced Cardie nali PetrHi MeHdo:^ay to abufe th. ^odj of his o^'ns bafe fonne as //he had hene his wtfe-^ and oF luliui the third, ano^ ther Pope, {rflho dyed in the d^yes of Qjieene ^farie ^ for whom fo m^^nv *T)irqes, hear!'es, and Funeralls were comman- dedtoho. had ai^d celebrated in all (^hnrches of this Land by the forefi id .,^f^;?^, and hcsconnceli,) that bee procured one Hieronimfu Mntins a Sodomite^ by writing to dtfend him in his Sodcmitne, (which he uCed with one Innocentius a youth^\yhov[\ he create i Cardtnall) whole writings hte ap- proved hyh^hntlsi Vniexwhom florifhedtht aArchhtf^op 0^ BeHevent a Fhrcntine, named loannei a CcijaJ)cane of the V opes chamber^ aad ^leX^legate to the Venetians-^ wh > well declaring Iude,C» 3* V.19. Acts and mo numcnt* ?30 1 ^■^^^^■^•^■■■tta^e^ Vndemnejfe a/TopiJJ? Clergte. Cbap.2 declaring the fruite o^th^t filthy fee, fo Farre forgot both ho^ neftie and nature^ that hc was not afiamed^ not onely to fiay the filthy Sodomite himfclfe^and to hafi openly of the/en^, butaffotooke nponhim rood inipudcntl}^ m Italian meter to fee fourth tbepr^^/^^ an4 c^mmendati'jn of that bcaftly /;/- tquitie^ faying, thxt he himfelfe never nfed other. And as for their praHife, it is altogether jj/^^xV, and abominable, Af- ter that Ayifelr/^m ^^rMipyo^ o\^ Canter bery (^as witneiTeth Mailer Fcx in his ads ^«^ moftpiments) had by an <=?^ inhi- bited Priefls to «i^r,»-i, which was quickly r^//^^/>«ag3ine, and fothar curfed vice paffed fee without pumfiment, the Romijhchrgie wall.ing ftill af^ ter thsficjh^ m the Ih^ of unci earns [fe. Thi-J feemeth to have beenc the catife that they maJc at fo many Abhies, vaults un- dtr the ^r<;f^;>'ijeading from the Abbie to the Nunnery^ which never vva.svericf^rre off, even that thcj might the f^^^'e fcciircly i^dlkj after thcflejh, in the Itift of uncleanneffe, \V\tr^^,e, hercofthoj'ir^f^and execrable life of their rehgi^ oHi Orders : fii!l of all feditie^ and found out by KingHe^i- ?7 the eighth his '^'^//^rvrid in thtirownc rcgiftcrs aifo re- cordedjio horrille to be heard Jlo incredible to be helceved^ {q ftinli^rg before thzf^ce of Gcd and man^ tliat no m.r vaile it i-SjifCJWj- vengeance from heaven provoked, wotild not fuffcr one itone or r>^bnument of thofc abhomiHalle hvuJU, to be f^r-'iplticl^ed do'Auc; witneHc this rtalaie, witncffe hereof the heads o{ 5ico murtljCied infants, whivh in the dayes of gregorie the i, v^ere found in a certaine pord, I might iiKewife wfianceih^ examples of divers Bifjops^Deans^Cardi^ ??^//. cvcnm this {'a-^aland, which in ihe dayes of popery dtdthm rralks' after the £efy in the Ikft cf uncleannefe^ but what time would not ferve to relate a^l, nay thofe feea^e not Worth the regarding, feeing even of the l^opes themfeives, which ftile themfelves the vicars of Chrifi, and that they eanneterre^ fo monfiroui things are by credible authors VQ^ corded, as that 13* of th^m were open adulterers ^^^ pub- like 1 IVcrfio. T^omes filthy undeannejfe. ?? hkc rrhorernortgers^l [.notorious Sodomites ^i^, tncef^mvu per- fons, 7. which by rhc mctines o^MAylon attained to the }>nfe^ dtme^^itie which was a 7r#w^*t,whoas [hee went on froeejpoft died in childifed^/^, -^which \vcxi:h^tids^\^,\\^^ were begotten in '/?'^^?"<^^'>w^&: did thcmfelves live accordingly. 7, And is not Rcme it Icife (which the f^ftfts (lile the mrftreffe ofthf "worid^ {hcrpondcr of tht dtrth^ihceterHAllcitte) the Jtffl^e ^f 4U ftnne. Of w/7(7«i thatof the'Prop^r^may be fay d; In thee have thejf difcovcrsd their fathers nakcdnejfe '^ in thee have they htimbled her ^thzt 'pVAS fet A^artforfollntion-^ ^nd one hath committed ahhominatien with his neighhonrs yvife^ and another hath Uvfdij defied his danahter in iaw, and another in thee hath humbled hisfficr^ his fathers d^.ughter, Thele Stewes a e in every freet^ which the P^pf («nt oF his ownc former experiefice no ^onbtyO^ the neccjfitj thereof) tolerats for^A', batcfpccially that his Clergie rfiay avoyd th't fcu'e and dctcftabley/«« with other mens mveiyQifiventj whoorcs. There their l^riefls , and Cardtn^ds QhAfh.ines ^ even at y:otne d^ay gce to tvhoores^ by whom the Pope yearely receivdhnolmali^'^^w^. That/^://^ teAchers diOt thus rrdke after the fefi in the iufi of uncle anneffe maybe further confirmed by xheCercafons, X becaufethey minde earthly things, the things of i\\efiefh\ 'XhQy ((luh Saint Taul ) that are after the fiefb^ doe minde the things of the flejh. Tbatthe/ do:; miiide the things ofihe fle{h,as their ownc conftieme can tell them i/'^ardly : (q by tht\trvords ^vA works s^ i'^ doth evidently ci'Dugh :ppea-c outwardly y for neither doe the one orlhe othrr^ favour of .heaven or heavenly things, 2 Sccaufe by their dj&rtne they magnifiethey?-./^, dndb/zhc/ ex,-:, ^r.p/fs they provoke »?(Gt to walke after the fief?. Cbap.2 J Rotn.Ci.K;, Vreoflnftitu- tion. The m'lCery of fuchas walke after the flefb. I Kon3.?.i» Rom. 8.13. I Cor^ij.jo* j //r/j -^ennance as they fee fit ^ can ahfolue from the fame , and they themfelves live accordingly, 3. Becaufe they doe not cppofe thcmfdvcs agalnft their camall and fikhy Itt-fis , but yecld unro rhe motions and affeElionso^ the T^wf ^ Therefore (^ according to Saint Tauls rule , ^«ojv >^f not , that towhomyee yeeldjour [elves Servants to obey , his fer^ vants yee are to whonj- yee obey^ feeing falfe teachers yceld unro the morions of their If^fis^ yea and that readily, they 7j?^% after xk\tfame. ■ The ufes of this point are two twofold. For InfirnElion^ Behold the miferahle^ wofull^ and wretch^ edeftate of falfe teach ers^ they arefuch as VJzWat after the pfhy in the luft of uncle anneffe. Sj^^fl' But what hurt receive they hereby^ m^iyfome fay ? ft^^/i^. I They ^r^«cf in Chrtfh Ufus , they have no fel- l(n>;Jhtp or Communion with hiri^ , they are not members of this body , branches of this Vine ^ flones built upon this foundation , which Saint T^x// confirmeth , where lie (^^(c'lbc fuch a3 are in Chrtfi leftu, to be i'uch as 'P^alke not after the fie pj^ but after the Spirit, 2 that their cafi is fearefnil^ becaufe they cannot pleafe ^od : every thing that thcyjpeake , thrnke, or ^tf^", di(pleaiing/7:>^ : This alfo Saint P^/// confirmeth. So then they that are tn the fiejh (zli^t is, "ivalkedftertheficfi?) cannot pie afe God^ g. that they fLail have nop'-trt with Gcdin his Kingdome^hul be partakers of the/7r/^'^/^' and his Avigels^ this like- wife the fime y^pofile conErtUQth, for jf ye live after the fie fh yefhalldy^, andagainc, now this I fay brethren , tW^^j^ and bloody can-^ot. inherit the kingdoms of God , are they not then in a woftiil and karefull cafe f Imagine that it were your ;;nesto know whe- ther we.wal({c affefithefleHb i 2 Meanes to be ufed that we raay not walbe afctt: theflcin. 1 2 2 Cor.zo.^. 4 Rom. 13;. 1 4. 2 Cor.io.J. I Pct.^.j. Z>.Fa]fctea- chcrsdefpiTe I » ,1 I 534 Falfe teachers defpi/e^o'ventment. government, and ars not affraid to fpeake evill of Thofe which are in author!' tie. lad, V. 8 • iThcflCl.j. 4* llom>i3*i*5< 7* 1 Pfit.2.13 RotnJJ.Itta 1 PetitJ^. Tnftanccd in Aniichriftand his adherents Whofe do- (flrina. ^eake eyiil ^ft^hofe which are in anthoritie. Taks one froofe for all. Ltke^ifia^fothefe filthy dreames defile the fie fi, de^ f^ifeDomimon , andjpe^ks cvillofdif^mties. This may bee uUi^ztikood gen er ally oizW falfe teachers^ a9 well Anabaf* tijis , as others , but more fpecially, of Anttchrifl the Pope of Rome^ SLixdhis Rsmi/h Cleygie, who both defpifc Govern-^ ment^and doe fpeake evilt offuch as are in authoritie , here- by declaring hi mfelfe to be /W manoffinne , the Sonne of perdttion{oixlo\iby the Apoftle7^^/^/, htoffofeth and fx^ altcih himfelfe , above all that is called Gsd, er that is wor-^ fhiped, herein manifcftly contradi^ing the vpord of ^^^, which faith; Let every fonle be fubje^l to the higher f (fivers , and ^giinZtye mufi needs befubje^, not onely fer wrath , hut alfo for Gonfcience fake, and againe, render therefore to aff their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due '^i;ufiome , to whom CU' fiome'^feare.to whom feare; honour y to whom honour. And 7L%z\nQyfubmtt ycur felves to every ordinance of man forthi Lords fake jwhether it be ro the King, as fufreme , or untO governors yOS unto them that are fent by him for the puni/h- ment of evilt doers, and for thepraife of them that doe well, yea ;(> was in his dovfer jAnd his right yboth to creM and depofe Kings and Emfe- rOHrs, InnoeentiHi the 5 , did nc ceafe to ferjecnte Phi/if, as being e/e^fd by the 'Trinccs ©t Germany ^ againit his ypill ; boafting that cither ^<^^^«/^ talfj Philips crowns' And King- dome from htm, or Philip fhtuld deprive him of his Popedome, Alexander the 3. ^tthxsfecte upon Fredenk^ the Emperours nccke^2Lbi\(\ng this place o^ ScriptHre^ thou (hfiit tread upon the Lyon and Adder ^ Clement the 6^told[ht Orators oF Ztlt doe both, Cjed faith, ^^i'^ ^'^/■^ Oy^r , thatrphich ts C^fars : They notwith- a^indm^yvithholdit. 6W faich, ktevery/*^/^^^ ftibjcB to the higher foT»ersy They {2iy,'>ive are exempted, vj^Q are free from all temforail jurifdiilton , and 1*'?// ^^^ ^^^ bon/d to any. 3 ,;^-^' ^OX Exhortation, \, Let tis abhorre ^ni Jhunne falfQ tea* chers.jWkh their abhominable do^rins and /?^-<«^//^ touching Magtflracie^ 2. Let US gtve unto dejar, thofe things which belong unto htm^ Let us hot\\fray for htm , and ff^b- mit o\xt i^\\ es nnto his government , to cfFc/^J which 5'<^^givethancc/^/^',h0iv coiiM wee leade a (^f^iet and a peaceable life} which the ey^pojlle Paul doth in- tiaiateuhcn he(^\lh,I exhort therefore^ that firfi of all ^ fup^ plications prayers^ inter rejfions , and giuing of than^es , be m*idt for allmen-j for Kings ^ and all that are in authoritie, that live may lead, a cjuict and a peaceable life , in all go dime ^e and homfty. Submit vve therefore ourfclves iinto them^ It is the will oiGcd^ wee mu^i doe it, even of confcience , f«r the Lords fake, ^b]\.-^mQ XvQVofw earing, breaking of Go Jj Sab -> bath^ adultery , r»Hrther ^theft , nfttrie , as being not onely forbidden by Gods Law , but by the -STm^/, agreeable to the fame^ Frequer.t the hot^fe of Gad, be reverent and diligent in hearing the Word oiGod^ be frequent in the receiving of the Sacrament, performe your dutie one towards antnher , as be- ing commanded both by G^^/ ^4>r, and the Kims. But a- las Vcr.io. ' FdjeTeachersprefiim^tuoui. ??5> lasic appeareth by ©ur wercisanddflhrtf, that wc" doe but liule ^/fr# either for 9^^ or the f^f^g^ how litrle a»c thofc ^4^/1^/// regarded , whichconcerne/w^^n«^, drnnkennfffc^ wh^redome, theft ^om dayly e:tfertenee can tcil us , tbofejtns hc[x\^{^Qcamm9n, as if there were neither Ctd nor Ktf*g* Thus of I he. 2. obfervAtton. Ihttbtrd isthi5,thac Falfe tcAcbers Are ^refumpHom ^ And felfe-nvilUd , They arc btldandftAnd ufon their onvne conceite. Take an example or tyvo for the pr^tj/e hereof. Zedek^ah the Sor*ne of C/^'enA- antnh went necre^Andfmote (J^f^CAtah on the cheeky yAndfaid^ which WAj went the Spirit of the Lord from mee to (peaks ^^' to thee ^ wasV^noKprefumptfionj aiad bolde} was hce not /e/fe-wilkdjiuriddldfiandfipdnhiJ^oi^ne conceit , not being afi/rmed to fpeake fuch words y or affratd to doe fuch an a^ in zht prefence o^ tvvo Kinas f Ihtfalfe Trofhet HAnaniah, hti\^?^felfewtHed ; atidfianding upon hps owne e^nceept , did boldly ^^n'^ preftimptHOffJly coHtradid hremiah^ prophecying fAlfeh o'it^i^rettirne of the vejjelis of the houfe of the Ltrd^ \ and oi'Ifconiah, Thus wzs Stmon A^a^ftt , who would have \ bo fight the gifts of the holy Ghoft^for mony, StK:h were Ari- \m, MAtiiche w ^Eutiches ,2inA^oxa\tt beretircks, Thusarethe Pope and his P opt JhC/ergie, boldly intruding therrjjelves even the courts oi Princes, Ihiilfr^A ff^chers arc prefumptuoui znAfclfe-willed , may further appeare by theie two Re^fins^ i. Their reAdmefje to accomplifh chtir ownQ fend -dnd fiivtlou^ decrees. , fiat fttes^ and Canons. 2 « their Mnrvtlhngtiejfe 'o ac-mitof any opinion repugnant unto their oyyne, or not deviftd by thcmfives. 1 hf^y ^vc re.tdie and wiJii^g to accornplilli and performe their c)r;t<*, as plea flng themfeives, proceeding from thef/f- felvcs. They arc nnwilitng to Icsne uato others, cirhcr true , as is the >!?/// oF^^Wrevea'cd in his#tfr^ ^ or falfe, as bc^in^ deviled by others^ and therefore we rcade of diV)i^dt 'T^^pes, which fofoonc as /■^^j' w^r^fetled^ abroga^^ed ihc decnes of theiri'^'^^^r of Stroudby Rcchfirr ^iich eentention arofe berwcene TioUerKmal^ and ^oBrr Chadftj , about the frefcnce of C'/b-//? in the 4$"^- crament , the <'^/<3 sffirfBing that he was there m iinantttie and qHaii.k ^ xhz&ther denying the fatTie, ^ teacher Si Bee not prefHrnptuom , as they are , fiand\\Qi upon your ownc conceit, as they dee , remembring thi's<9?2i?tl?iing fa fiiificient mctive tCT Ver.l I. To ^e/^z/e Go/V«r/// ?^4firr/and 0thers deljpilc L^a^tfiracte, The 9^fiyv4tiiHs arifing from faen(^, are />"<». Thc/r/ is this, that The rekeils whtch (j»ds hsly Angels give tmto Magifirats, A^f csndemne fAlft teachers in thctr centemft of them, I proovc it r^«/. \ithe frailtje And hehaviour of fdlft tea- chers ^ tewdrds Maviftrats^ he contrary nnto the frA^ife And hhAvitur «fthe holy Angds, then the jrdUife AndhthAvionr of tht h^ly Angelx doe ctndemne the frABife and heha- vio»r effdlfe teAihers ^ IfecAnfe the heiy[ty^ngels CAnn§t fnne, doc nothing IfHt whdt is Agree Able unto the "^i^ of^od, and zz^ altogether ruled by the direBion of his Sfirit, But theprAilife and (fehavionr of falfe teachers towards m^f^gi^ grates ^14 contrary unf the-praEiife and hhavionr of the holy -^nf^-ir//, which may bee th«s proved, i. falfe teachers de- fpife them, yifhich the holy Angels d*c not. l. filfc teachers doc not confidcr the exceieuae, and emifteneie of their fla- eesy which the holy Angels doe. ^ • falfe tethers revile them, curfethenijjf^^^tf^t'/^ of them, which the holy Angels doe not, 4. falfc teachers fccke their rulney and defiru^ion by all tnfancs poOiblc, contrary to the pra^lfe o^ the holy Angels ^ Therefore the praffife^ hhavionr of the holj Angels towards Aiagiftrats in re^eUing them^^Qx\\ condemne (^ reproove the praSIt/eznd i^ehavionr effalfe teachers in contemning them. Thsitfalfe teachers doc defpifc Magifirates, revile, ciirfe, and fpcakc evillcf them, neither conlider the excellencie of thcir/^«a> of their p/^r^/ , but feeking by all mcAnes peHiblc their mine , is evident enough by the "Do^rinerndpraH-tfec^ the ^ope and liis Topipj Clergie^ leftfitSySemenariePrie/^Symdoihers (as in divevCe particu- lars] have formerly Gicwcd ) who are neither afiamed to ] »;r;>^againft their amthority, nor affraidto re_ffi the fame, fpcz^ j kins ^"^'/^ of their Z//^"^^', contemning their places^ reviling their ^^^y^^^* That the hdy^ngeh doe not thus behave themfelvcs towards /^/^^if/r^^^j^is no icffe cleerc. They doc not def^tfe them, they doc not revile^ cnrfe or ^eake eviS of Z 4 th^m. VVfctKts Ab- geIs, they dee not feckf thQir deftruhhon ,= they doe duely confider both xhzexcellencie oixhtvi prfcns , and eminencie OiXhdv pf^^ces y They ^ringnot (iaith our Afofile) railing accfipition agAtnfi them , before the Lordn Although they behold'their aBions and doings^ and ohferve much yvicked- nefeinmAmeofthem^ yet they bring not railifig acetic fat ion againfi: them, they doe not dijpraife or bUme, the power and Authoritie, which God h^xhgiven them, they didnotfet themf elves againft them, though at this time ly herein S2.intFeter wrote this Epiftle^ (perfecmio» b^in^ by/^^^^raifedagainftthe godly) they might feeme to have had fufficicnt ground for the fame. Although ^hab^ was wicked, one which hid folde himfelfe to nverke evill in the fght of the Lord, zw Idolater , zfiedder of inno- cent bloody and what not , 3 et none of the holy Angels brought any railing accufati'^n againft him, his MaflerihQ ^Divell ivhom he bad fo \Qx\2^ferved, was the deviferzndac- computer ohhoCc meanes ^ whereby heedid^/5f. Yea Vw- poffible it is that the holy Angels rhould bccothermfi difpo- fed towards cJ^^^^z/r^^r^/^ for they are without finnc, and this contempt 0? Magifirates is a fin, they know that gevern- mentis the ordinance o^CiodydXidtb^X, Magiflrates arc his- vicc'frerents on earthy Hence may we perceive I Uow. inexeufablefalfe teachers are^ which having the very ^^^^^J" as a /?-«/^/-fr;j^ going before them, whereby they may leame their duty towards magifirates^ yet follow not they7?;».-, atthegicac^^jy, this /^^^^^-w^fli all be a witnejfe againft rif?». ~ 2 H<^w prefhmptHom andfelfe^ccnceite^d they are, which had rather follow the conceits and devices of their owne braine^ then imitate the holy Angels ^ which dare doc that^ which the holy Angels dare net \ which arc not affiraid to difpar age government contrary to Godsfptll, which the holy >f^^Maa Vcrf 1 1 . Ofthf power, of the Angels. 345 bwt rtverently c{icQ^rM\o^ them ^ Icarne we by their exam- i ^ies 10 f erf or me this dm is. We hav t ^att ernes on ^^r/-^, VV'C have examples from Heaven, io willing and readie our (jod iiyto further m in hi.s WAjes, Thus of the firft ohfervMion. The rccond i.sthi', chat Th^ Angels are mighty and foTverffill creatnres, Thcy are creatures of a Snbffient 'fjature(2i:\d therefore not mcere quA' litieSyCogitationS'yand motions, raifed by Godtn mentor hap- py events, froceedtng from God, which was the errour of the Saduces) created by God of nothing, in the very beginning of the world, as the ^falmifi witneifeth. -Por he Cdmmandsd^ and they ypere created, and the Afo^IcTaul^ by htm were all things created which are in heaven , and vphtch ^re in earthy things vtfible and invifble, yshethtr be thrones, or dominions, orprtncifalittes^erfowers^ That they T^XQ flighty ^ndfower^ fuH creatures, is noleffc cleere. The Ffalmifi aUo witnefTeth it, blefeyee the Lordyee his Angels^ that excell infirength^ OT that are mighty in ftrength. Hence they are called the hofl of heaven ; and by the *(according to the originally the Angels of his power ^ which the fignifcAtion of the n^.me Gabriel^ the flrcngtb &f God, evidently im^orteth. Thus here being compared with w^« (although never fo mighty zndp9werfull) they are fay d to exceede t\\im in m^ght 2ind power, l^hzzihc Angels 2itc mighty z.vA porperfnll crearurcs, may be frnth^r confirmed by tbeie exaraples^ When the J"^- domites prejjedfbre upen JLot^and came neere to brea\e the doore Qfthe houfe^ the ^Alngels fmote ther^ with blmdneffe^ both fmall and great , fo that they wearied themfclves tofinde thedoore. When the Egyptians purfued 2iiizz ih^ Ifrae I ttes^ the Angel of God, which went before the campe of Ifrael, re- moved and "went behinde them^ and the piliar of the cloud went from before their face^ and flood behind them, whereby the Egyptians could not come at them* When lerufalem was , hardly bcfi^ed by the Ajfyrians under Rahfeceh, their Gene^ ra H wIiJcIi rtt greater in power and might. X?,The Angels are triightyand povveriuUcrea* rure«. Pral.1418.5, Col.1,1^. pral.l0 5.2«. 1 King,22'l9. Col. 1. 1(5. Ephe.i.21. 2 Thcflf.i.j. Gen. 19. 1X4 £xod,i4 19. 2KiDg.i9.35. . ^ 46 The power of the Angels h:w reciuljlte. 1 CIiron.3!4 All. 12 7. Aft.i2.25. R«m. 12.7.8. NeedefuII it is that the Ans gclsilioulciiie powerfulUnd mighty crea- tu es. X In regard of their office* Heb,i:i4.. Pral.91.ri, I2« r^eif, after the frajer o^Hez^fkjsh, it C4me to faff th/tt niwht, thdt the (tAn^fUfthe Lordwent eHty4nd fmote in thecAmpe of the A^jrtans I? 5003. dttd when thej Arofs early in the mormng,yehoU they were all dead cor pes. The Lord Cent an Angel which cut cjfaH the migm^y men •fvaloHre^and the lea^ derSy^nd captaines^in the camfe of the King ^f^Jfyrta^ fa he rethrned with p9(tme of face t§ hit owne Und^ Whcti Peter wot imfrifoned by Herod, (found with two chaines, watched by SoHldterswithin,zrii Keepers without^ as ^fi^^pf SLppoin- ted for the Jl^ffghtery Ifehold an Angel of the Lord delivered him\ when Herod in hit pride had taken the honour due t« Qody immediatly the iyfngel of the Lord fmote him^ and hc wot eaten of the wormes^andgave up the ghofi, Finallj wee reade, that there wot warre tn heaven^ CMichael and hit An. gelsfotightagavifi tke Dragon, and the dragon fought and hit Angels , and prevailed not , neyther wdi their place foHnddny more in heaven. And that they fhould be r/»«/ is very expedient, ii cytVer we cx^nfidcr the offige about which they are employed ^ or the neede which y^e have of them. Touching the ^Jfce ah^uC which they arc tmployed, it i% for the accompli fiinggtnd main- taining ofthefafety aad falvation of Gods eleU, by whom they arc delivered out of danger^ defended ^gain^ the a jjaults Oi Sathan^'dXidi hatred of wickedmen. This the ayfpoftle fhcw- cth. Are they not all minifiring Spirits fent forth to mintjter t9 them that pjaH be heir es of falvation f This o^ce x}\zyper^ forme both in our life^ at our death, and after our refureH-ion, In cmrlfe by dire6ltng^protemng^dcfemding,comforting^ heL piKgzx\d fiirrtng U4 up toperforme holy duties^ for OJXV fakes Hfo executing Gods judgements upon the wicked, to which purpofe the Pfalmifi Cpczkcthihefialigive his Angels charge ever thee , to k^epe thee inaH thy wayes, thty fh2i[\beare thee up in their hands left thou dafh thy foot e againft a ft one* At our death, v^yscixmg for /^and weak- nefic to he/pe out fJi'fs. Touching the dangers whereuflto we arc fub/ccff , they arc of dtvers forts, and of «very lort many, m^ny temftrAlI^tnsLny/pifiturtlldin^tTs; n\my fro- ceedtng from the T>i veH^ iDany fron:^ the yvorld , onany fv om our ovvnc lnfts , fo tbatas Ddvid iaich , m^nj ^.retlee tron- yUi of the right eow ^ WC DUy fjy , m^nj are the dangers tf offloen^hteo^ts* Touching our owne inahtlitj and •;vea^cnc(Te to helpe our fr/ves^it's no k((capp4rant^QXpQiicr:C(i doth every day flicvv it,of our fdves wee are unable to rcfift the l^^'^ft one tempta- tion , or avoide the leap one danger , being defended and de- liverd, vjcm^y izy^not unt» «/, net nntoHs, httnt Hnt9 thy name give the p-aife, % Hence wc may learne !♦ To conceive of the miqht andp^^y^nr of Cjod^by the might and power of the Anaels , for if cherc be fuch AJajcfii-e, emt— nencte, mi^ht and power in the creature : what maicfly, emt^ nencie, might md pcwer^ is h the Creator} A$ the ^lt*ecne of Shelf a conceived O^ Solomons great ne^c, by ihc order ^ ^^pp,:^ r ell y'^nd fitting o^his fervants, and the like, (b by thec?^^;//7-(?/j,vvhich are Gods mi^tfiers to execute vengeance on the nnaodlj^ t Tobz tncourafedind comforted, asainft the manifold affaults of ^/ff/?», the world and our owne^^y^, we indeed are rpeak^, thofe our cnemics/r/^ their owrc cor- rupt ^/i?^/"^;//, are taken of the T>ivell by tneir herefies, and afterwards ^''/^^7'?^ for ^i^^r. 5. zs brute beafls caft them- fclves many a time into danger ^\\\\^r\ they needeViO^X^ 10 rhefe m^ny^iHtnglj call themfelvcs into Smans Jnares ^ wilUnglj haftening their owne perditio^n, 6. as brute beafls (efpt-ci- slly fuch as are ypilde and ravenous ) defiroy thofe whom they takfy fuch as Lyons, iVol'ves, and the Itke, and are for the fame l^y mexiyailly defiroy ed : fo falfe teachers vvhich by their ?49__ I They are ) as naturall brucc be ails tiiadttu beta- ken anodes ftro)€ thou maycll bee compared to ^ Lyon ovTtgar : art thou ^drunkard} thou may 11: h^fliled^^ filthy Hog^zrt thou a content hiu per f on hh:m ma.lt be ccmparsd unio a mrring degge , as f^^g^^g^nt Mi- niflers •"wusf^m wmmmmy^f Vcrf 1 2 . The igmra^ice offalfe Teachtrs, ?5» rtificrs, imiodnmhe ^ogges ^ that anrnt hark^^ Be v.t:carcfu!li\v>z tojcfembie brute hafis in their ^^z^- tifinfjje^ \d\ wc pfri/h in. oarownc corrnptton^ NeithiT let l^s imitate /^^ teachers ^ \\]tht\\ hrntsjhneffe , for as their duflrine is i doBrine oUi^righreoufni'[je,(Q ih^y fi^ll receive the reyvArd Q^HHrighteokijncjfe^ Accojding to their T^orks y their r^^^ges (hail he payed thtift 10 tht/«//. In thcfc /f«/ ^oughtziEphrp44 -^fameltfts ^ ^yiabaptifis^ 'fapifls^ with others^ \k Wt yearned to benvAre 0^ thern^ for mo(t ctrCuiiiC it is , ^^^/ /■Z-'^' ^^^ made for the mdfi part to be taken and dffiroyed , fjall peri/h tn their o'opne corrftptioH^Afid receive the f-cwardofHttriohteotifne^c. Thus of their brntsfineffe, 7 heir ignorance, andraf^neffe, '^hcyfieaks cviH of the things they nnderfiand K^r.Theargurr.ent maybe thus framed. }'or amanto give fentence y unci condemne that yfhtih hee knojveth net, nor underflanciethy is a point of great ignorance , foiiie^injttflice^ and rafjne ^e.but thefe men condemning C\fa- ^iflracie^ cendemne a thing which they doe not k^ow , or tin* derfland, and therefore ai ej^flh acctifcd of ignorance. foRy ^m- i ufiice^andrapjneffe^ Neither onely doe they fpeal^ evill of (J^/?^^/?r/?r/> which f hey ^»«7i^not, butsllb'^f the Vi^ord of ^odtt/eife,andoidivtrfe the tnoik ffdflantiali principles, an^^ articles o^owx religion. This their/^«e together. The lewcs k^iew not Chrift, (^Ov if they had kriowne him^ they ivould not have crucified the Lord of glory ) yec they ccaled not to Jp^^ks ^"^'/^ ofhim^ fonae naming him a^^tv/'j'^r^ibme calling him Beel- ^cbnb, and the /%. In the dayes of S^eene Mary, the holy mar tyres fpcakc evil I of the things they under? {land not,and fo arcignos rant and taflu I Cor. 1,23: Aft.j doe they not Jpeaks ^'^^^^ ^f thofe things which they under ft And not f Oimen and women there are two f&rts', Some underftand, fome doe not under (land : offuch as doe not underfi and there ^Xk, two forts ^ fomc oifrailty reglevTtingthc me^iies by which they rhoului^*)^', fome oiprefumption , not onely wittingly but wilfuHy y • contemning true knowledge, of wh©m we may reade in lo^. They wiH none (^fthe knowledge of^ods wayes. Such doe not onely refufe to know Gods revealed wilL necd- fuH to theiry^/i^'«^?V», buty^tlfally ewbi^ce fancies , ahd/^- ■perfiitions in opinions jeipccizWy in fuch things as they nei- ther doe nor can underjlandj^uch are thof^ here meant. They advance themf elves in thmgs they never Jaw, They ipeake evill of thofethi'igs which they dee not under fland 3 ihey un- derfland not things^ eithtr in their .'''^v^ caufes^^s that they proceedefrom Cjod , or ill the due meafiire of thcir worth, rightly diichaiging /■/;f ;» \iorr^.\!Qitit\xA\bleffmgs ^ orhewto /^j^ them aright, according toCW^ r^tll , and yet doe they ^ecike e V ill o^rSxem. Letthis teach \\i. to get knowledge in the firfiphce^ that rightly ^'^o'w^^^^thiQgs, we may accordingly judge &£ them. There Vcr . 1 5 . The mtem^erande offalje Teachers 555 There is a natiirall knowledge ^ a rcafonable knowledge , and a fpirituall knowledge^ this i^ft isthatibrw/;^^ wcmuft/<'^;^ given unto any kinde of intemperance^ thou dotlt with falfe teachers riot in the day time. Is thine heart fet upon the things of this world ? doeft thou feeke the ri^orU , more then Cjod } doeil thou efieeme gainetoht ^odlineffe ? art thou ////plodding, how to inrich thy felfe, though with thy neighbours hurt ? thou 2im.riGtoHs ferfon,2x\i\xn\tScin time thonrefentefi , {halt h^^tno j^art orprtion with God^ in his Kingdome. Thus of their intemperance, Their hjf'ocrijie ; (pots they are and hlemifies , porting them/elves with their owne deceivings , while they feafi with yoH y that is, when as by being amongfi: the chrifiians in the holy banquets which the Church, keefeth , they would feeme by that meanes to ^e true members of the (^hurch^ yet they are indeed but [pots and blemfies. In your holy feafi s they ft\a4 members of the ^hur^h^ wherea. indeed they are but fpots ^andfo deceive you, of whom Saint lude alfo fpeaketh , thefe are pots inyourfeafts oflove^ when they feafi with you without all feare feeding themfelves^ In the primitive Church it was a cufiome to have a feaft be- fore the Lords Supper made by the Communicdnts , unto whicli/^f^^. brought/? ^;:27,ronie bread^{Qmt wine^{oxx\t milke ^ and every ©neaccording to their ability contributing y2>wf thing thereunto, called therefore love-feafis ^ becaufe they were herein to teftifie their mutuall love among themfelves : as alfo to the poore who hereby wcrcreleived^ and to the mi^ nifiery ft fdie , which was by thefe feafis partly maintai- ned. Vnto thole feafisthcfcfalfe teachers c^Lmt^oJitwardiy ieeming to be good Chrifiians^ but inwardly delighting them- felves with their o wne deceivirtgs^ whom G^d difeovered to h^ counterfeits ^[pots y (orrockj) and blotts. They came that they might hide their vilUnie : by comming G-od did bewray their ^averi e^ From I From this circHmfiance diverfe things might be noted. I. ih^tfaifetffachers would gladly [fe efieemed and ^cconn-^ ted of others ^true members of Gods Church; and therefore they will even c onf or me thcmCclwcs to the ferform^ince o^ many outward duties. 2# T\\\t fulfe teachers^ how foeyer they would hUnde the ejeseftheword'y yetiirenot ignorant of their suvne hyfocrU fe» 5. Th^it it doth rejoyce falfe teachers exceedingly tobeac^ countedholy^devout andrehgiopu: they delight t» their de- ceivings, 4. That God yvi^ bewray hypocrites^ notmthfianding of^U thetrfaire pretences. Asrockj^ndJpQ4tf} cannot bee W, fo fhall not their hypocrifie^ ^ 5. That/rf//V teachers are dangerous andfcandalotu to Gods Churchy dangerous , 2iS b^'m^ rocks \ fcandalo us , as beinj ^ots , mdblotts; no lefl'e unfeemely then are thofe which cleave unto the cloathes of drun^iords . 6. That all fuch as profejfe themfelves members ofChrifi, are not true (fhri^ians. ButIeavingthofe,lcarnG wee from ^^/^ their hyp^rrifie and fraud to cndevour for uprightnejje and fncerity ; wouldcft thou be accounted a true hearted Chrifiian ? be fo indeed , wouldcft thou h^accounted a member of Chrtfv} be fo indeed, Artthou otherwife f god wiU 2iK.9ne time 01 other bewray thine byfocrifie. Haft thou beene ^jpot and blemip? unto Gods Church ? by true repentance wafi it away. Haft thou beenc ^dfy^earer^ drunkard^ adulterer, covetousperfon, ('apply it every one ofyou unto your fslvesj thou haft bc^ne zblot, ^fpot, Sir ock^ repent, andhcc grieved for the fame [ Oh let the glory o^Cjod be dtareunto us I dilgrace not weourpr^ . fejfionhy Viwin^fcandalou/ly 2isfpotts2Lnd blotts :^oi' thisca.jfe letusalwayes ^r^j that Chnfi our head may fanUi fie ^ ^ and cleanfe us by the reajhing ofwaterjhrou^h the wordy that hce may ?nake us unto himfe If e a glorioles Church, not having Jpot or wrinkle, or any fuch thing.but that we may be holy andwith- out blame. Aa 2 Verf. I Obf.Falfcteas •hers would be accounted true hearted Chriftians. Obf.Thcyarc net ignorant ofthfiir ©wne hypociifie. Obf. Itrc/oy» ccth them to be eflecmcd feligious. Obf God will bewray their hyp«crifie. Oi^r.Theyare dangerous and (candalousto Gods Church Obf. Every outward pro- f cflbr is not atrueChriftkx an- Vfe. Epk.j.2(j. 27- /' p-J«.-jWj.^il ■■J»1^WP« ^56 The lafctyiou/nejfe offalfe 1 etchers. Chap.2 Vcrf. 24- Having ^)^^ fnllof^AdHltery , And that cdnnet ce afe fromfinne , begmlmg unfi Abie foul es : an hedrt they have exercifed ivith covetoiu frA^ifes • curfed Children, 15. T^ hich have ferfaken the right way ^ and are gone aflr^j .follow the way of Balaam, thefonne efBofor rphs loved the wages oj Unrightefiufhejfe, 1 6. But \va.i rebuked for hus tniqmtie ; the dnmbe tAffe peaking with mans voyce^forbids the madneffe of the Prophet^ * Two part icus larsfcidowne inthcfeverrss. 1 2 Fiveparticuc* larsinthepio- poficionwhcre by thofc lawl«$ libertines are ciefcrib.d. iTHcir Ufci- vioy^ncffit,h4» Ying«J«fiill of adultery and tbti can? notceafefcon Our Jfoflle in ihtt^verfes , gccth on in tbc fame ft^gu^ r/ient, lively painting, ^nd pointing out the fame perfoHsil^cy confill: o(two parts, i , a Pr^pojltion, laide downe in the 14.. and beginning of the i^.verfe; 2»z confirmation thcvQo(> hid downe in the reft: of the 1 5 ♦ and 1 6. verfes. Concerning the I . \\\Qpropofitton, It confiftcth of diver fe particulars, whereof the I. concerncth thch ^^fdviou/neff^e, having eycsfull of adult erie, and that cannot ceafefromefinne-y the 5. 1-Kird4ceitfulnejfe, beguiling nnfiablefouleSy theg- thtix tevetoufneffe, an heart they have exercifed with cove- toHspraUifes'^ the 4. thtlrUfihappinejJe, they are curfed chil- dren, or children of curfe ^ the $. their y^pcfiafte, which havefcrfaken the right way , and are g9ne afiray , Oftbcfc in order^ Thetrlacivioufneffe, Having eyes full of adulter ie ^ and that CAHKct ceafefi-dm Jtnne^yjhzrc wch^vc both the kinde ofit^adultery, the fubje^ orityXhdr eyes, thtmeafure ofit, fun, having eyes full of adultery ; theit f^^g^^Jf^ in Jt> 3nd that cannttceafefromfinne. In which Tj'^r^^^ our /^pofilecondcm' nctb/^/'^y^men, asfhewing, even in their behaviour 2if\d I ciHHtenance, :ir\snfat table and unmeafureablelufr , as if hec (hould ha vc faid,/^^7 dee alwayes thinks of their where dome, and adulteries y their Infi can by n$ meanes befatisfied^or wea- ried j they are intemperatly and violently carried after their / asd^/r^ unto others to become naught with ihem^or which ufe prettd^ vmne , and gaftdie apparrell , u hereby to era angle others with their iove ; er which goe many a mile for nothing el^e but lofee arid tv> b^fecne^ or which [ji^cwanton gefiure , making a tin- klmg with their feere whilft they i^^lke in ihtftreetf^ going v\ itb/^^fr^^^out necks ^&c. Sometimes againe , it is com- onitted^^i^ both before 6od^ad man, when the outivArd aU doth Accompj^nj- the fecret intention of the hearty . the.jif^" ntfTe of which daylye?{pdriencc\/?*/rr/>, Jbcfcech you, beware of all thofe uzeanes v^h^rthy this vice is committed , orcontinued^ efpe- cially watch over your/^«/^j',which(as the gun p^W^^r that licth in thc/>^««^ will (Quickly i^/W/^ that which is within, watch ©vcr youreyes^praying wiih 'T>avtd,turneawaj mine eyes from regardtngvaniry^Scv/iihlob^making a covenant with ffiy eyeSy why then Jhonld I thinke on a Matd. David by ca- fting his ejes on Bathfheba^ became an adult enr , as through the fame occafion Potiphars wife lufted after lofeph. The eyet ure (u windojves whereby this v/ceis l:t in 3 God ] Aa 4 ccn- ?59 ) ^'A- MaU« J^ Pro.y.iSu tfWiqlced naen cndevour to'aiake others aUo partakers of their wicfl k«///-^r/Wjf of contin&ncie to ufe/VjWanting it,t0 mar^ Tie ; and you that are »?^m let the fa>lls oi others , bee a war- ning for tts, how many {itnple /<7///f / have beene. taken an d caught from time to time by their baits ^ They have baits of /jro//, ^/i/>/ ofpleafUre^baits of flefhiv liberty. Oh let US trie /^i^/» and their doctrine, by the to^i^ch-ftone of ^^^^ vr<7r ofrvicksdnefff thoidvtpvcH over, which f^r- fnke Gcdandtrfith, deceitffilneffe foilowcth their UfcivU oHfneJffy covet ^ufne^e their deceitfulne^c^ aad/i other ^ vices their covetoufneffe, Touciiing this /-««/,l have already fpoken at large, upon thefc v(, Olds o? the third verfe , and throngh covet oujhejfe , pjAli they r?ith fxined fiords make merck^ndtfe of you, for the prefent conjider wc thefe 3. things, i. that this vice ©f covet tffifneff'e is rooted ialhckvcvy hearts, 2. that they doc continue in the (acne, making afi occufdtion thereof. ^ . that they are skilfall l^iihoit fraSiifes whereby to cacrcafc riches. Touching the i . it is rooted in thh'r he^rt , implying , zs well the injurie and wrong which they did Unto God , in de- nying him his r/^^/-, their ^<'4r/-, and bellowing it ufonbi^ enemie^ covetoufhefe-^ as their wofull and mifcrabic eftate^ their hearts being ruled by covet oHfnejfe-^ii being fo rooted ii\ them J as that it can^ hardly bcremoved^ Touching the 2. They doe exercife themfelves in Cove^ toftfnejfe^ they make ^ trade and occupation thereof, imply mg as well their »^^//>c;^(r^of 6^^^^ Law ^ as their efleeming and accounting the exerctfe of^ covetoufne^e to beUfvfuM, Touching the 3 . they are ski^fu/i in their covetoils pra-^ fl-ifes, as being for a /^*f time trained up therein , which is meft apparent in P^pfn^t They have bad fuch J^'^infuch praciifes^^s that they got unto themfclves, the f^irefif at tefi^ and moi\ p/eofant places of the land, money, by Tardons^ In» dnlgences^ Fargatorie, M^jfcsy auricular confeffion^ IDtrges^ Reltques^^Aptiftng of Bells, and what not. Learnc wc f-om hence tohewareo^themy that neither wc become like wwio them in regard of our foules , having ^^^r/zexercifed wich covet 0144 praSiiJeSy neither become a \ prey unto them in redeceiving one another, through covc- tiru/hejfe docnot u»doe&nd undermine one another. But a- las , our hearts are too much exercifed with covetous pra^i- fcs, I Vcrf 1 4. The Coyetoufnejfe effalfe Teachers. ^62 fes, as experience fhcvveth In onany particulars. It's a C0ve~ toHs praCUf^ to worhe upon Go Js Sahhath-^ It*s a covetous pr^iftt/e to buy ^b^apfy ^nd {dideare^ lljll l^r.gin^ ai^d i^au tingioxzde^reyeere , fov^ greater price, Ic pKK'Cvdcch of covftoufneffe to »'//?' that the Sahbath vJi^xtovcr , aS the /fv^/, whom the 7V<7^^^^ tax cth for the fame, It*s a pprefe. It's a covetot^sprnUtfe to make the (f/>/?/«^ /w^/? , and thtfiekf/ gvtzt, fa/Jifing the hAlUnces by M^ceit , t© buy with a btggcr^ ^ndifell with a /^jj^r meafure, I might infldncez number oFfuch prallifes , thcy are fo r//>, that but 2Lfcrp can clcci e them/elves of thc/^'w^. Thus is the prAtiife Q^fa/fe teachers : h'.crcin doc they dayly exercife thetriclvcs; even in that which \s the reote otall evill ; Oh that we yvere fieefr§mthefam?, Thu^ of their Covetou/hejje. Their Hnhappincjfe , ih^y are curfcd Children^ or the chil- dren of cur fes ; For the rrords may bee taken as well aEiively. that x\iO] cnrft others ; as f^fff^ely ^ that they themfelves are dCCHrfed, I. I fay , the}^ are curfed children, as being odioiu^hatefnK and detefiabieir, the fl^bt o^God^znd g'iod n-en, as betng out C^ih^ favour ok G od\fef crated frsm Chrtjt jaiid from eter- ftalifalvation, as htiv^^appoittted ix^i ordained \}X\X.q dcflrnEli^ *^, They arc cur fed m regard oF iht:ir el>atc hecre , as it ist and iiK regard of thenr cltatt l^'reafterzs it (hail be. Touching thch prefect ef ate in this///'^(/^» for they have not any priviledge or right ^ unto any of Gods creatures', their nche^, hoftorsjpleafures. preferments , fhail turne unto th^ir further condemnation, all things workc together f^r their hurt and detriment , Their ownc>J«<^i^ fliall bt^sz Spiders "^^b^ wherewith they 0-iall bee/^^^i^;;, Coi doth even in this Itff > inflid hcavie , and ftarefull judgements upon r^^iw , clpccially thcy :it^ gwtt^ovcrunto ^irituall blindnejje , unto hardnejfe cf heart, and impenitencie ; ^^^f^ at the length /<'^- /^^^ upon them, whereby they are deprived ofall their;^'^^, pleafures f refits, pre ferment Sy which were their enelyhzppi- ' nt^t^ Touch- Am«s8.;« 4. Their nn- happincfff, thcy are cur- fcd cViildren or the children ofcurfcf, Cuil^d. In regard o f their efiatf faert* •tJ^ 364 Tn regard oi their eftate hereafter* M^.t;il$«4l. Why they are cecarHK] of Qod. Deut.27.15;, Ibidr 16, Ibid.l8. Ibid. IP* Leu.20io« D«ut42 7» i4» Deut.27.15, Pfal 1 19.12. Icr.ii.$« Ief.1745- O^* 5i>/. 77;f unhappinejje cffalfe Teachrs. Cliap. 2* iWfcii rtfrf^lMii Touching their dlate in the /ifezo come, it is by infimite de- grees more horrible zndfeArefnH, Then h$rrors and terrors ChzlltakehoUoHthem^ they fiiall bee prcfented before the TribHnAll fedte of the great InAge, All their dUions fliaU then be vieyfiid \ all their/^f r^^*" liall then be difcovered ; all their | herrible impieties ar d Abhominati9ns here committed^ {hall be there in the/^^^ of W4« and Angel^ wAnifefied^ Then it /Lall clcerely appeare that they are turfed children when it fiiallbefaid unto them, ^ds judg- ments upon our fe/ves. Thus t!i:ey are cpirfed,cmfcd, 2, J fay, they are Children of cnrfe , they fill themfelves for Cci&love ofmonj^ to curfe they care not whom , God or Tf^aif, yea they doe even c«>y^ one another-^ and draw GoAs curfi upon themfeves, GodiVith, Thou P^lt not curfe the ruler of thy fcofle, They notwithftanding doc £*«?>'> him. curfed CatHf; curftng Shemcis. This IS mod: apparent in Po. fery, curfes 2Xt mo^ freejuent smongft them, what Tro. tejtant Prince or f^ate hath not beenc excommunicated by xht^ofeoiR^me? Excommunication abufidhi^ith beene the chiefemeanes to enlarge their fatrimonie contrary unto a3 efifuitie, andhonefiy, thus were the Emferours Fredrick^ and H«'^rf,thus was Luther excommunicated , yea wee readeoi diverfe who after their death have beene excommunicated by them , fuch is T^tlj , Hunns , and diver fi of the 'P»f€5 themfelves i Hence we may learne I. Not to h afraid <'f the curfes of falfe teachers, they are hfuall Vfe. Deut.2t.l6. Childreuof carfc. Exod. 22.28. Vfi. I \ w- ^66 The ^pojlajfie offalfe Teachers, Ch ap . :? • Gena2.3.r^ Numb. 14, 9 fl ^.Thelr Apo- ftafie, which have forfaken the right way Xoh.l4..6« P fa!, 1 1 9* ^y^^// wirhthem. I^avid was not the worfc that Sime md Ge/iahcurfed him, neither fliall wee, though both the Dive// and Pope y with etther ot thdv ^gefits , excoiiiaiuni- cate and ^f^rfe us-, for a c^nfele^e curfe jhall mt light , yea and hing cur fed by them for Gods caufe ^ God will curfe them that cHrfe m . And as "Balaam ^aid o^ Ifraelj cur fed is hee that curCrth thee, fo may we {^.y /:Hrfe dare they , that curfe m-^yeoi blcffed arewewhenmen Jhall ^evileus^ andferfecHteui , and Jballfay all manner of evill agatn^ U4 falfely^for Chrtflsfal^, ype have caufe to rejoyce and be exceeding glad , for (rreat is onr revpard in heaven^ 2, To abftainc from mrfng; doe not imitate falfeff^^f^^^r^ in this horribk vice^ Its too f^fuaH dmongd moft men» Doc not with falfe teachers either curfe God or tnan , lell thou draw upon thy fdfethe curfe o^g^d. Some are notaffrayed to curfe Magtfirates, fomc are {ounreafcnable that upon the leafieccaf on thty eur fe thtlr beafts.^ iomc fo unnatur all, th^t they curfe themfelvesy thcwfoules, bodjes, husbands , wives ^ Chi/dren, even thofe which arc moft deere unto them. Ic*s comcHon with/^?^^, to fay, a^^lague light on them^ 2LV€n^ ge ance take them , and the likf. Oh my beloved , ^^^7^ arc farre froai Chriftian^eeches^ nay ,they are altogether diabo- lic all , therefore in the /^^?'^ of God amend them , abftainc from them, be not with thefetnerij the children ofcurfe^ThiUS of their unhafpine^e. Their ^^pofiacte ; r:>hich have forfake^J- the right way, and are gone .firay ',ihiiC is, which have forfak^en Chrtfi lefus, and histvord/denyingtoyeeld obedience thereunto , and fo have runne into errors and vices , by following their owne fancies » Our Saviour witnclTcth of himfelfe^ lam the way, the truth ^ and the life 'y no man commeth unto the Father^ but-by me, a right way, diredly leading unto God , and th^t both becaufe hedoth conjoyne m unto Goethe Father, he being the medi^ atorhtt\vtcVi^God^ndman ,^S'A(o bec^'ifebe doth dnecl and lead us in the r^ay of Cj^^ds Commandements , teaching and intruding f^ in the/^w*^. Soalfothc ^y^r^/ trv§ things may be noted, i . their averfi- on itovngoad, they haveforfakfn the right yfinj, 2, their cen- verjton untt' ei/ill^ and are gone nfiray , Whence ^w»^ oifervAtions may be gathered. The/?-/ is this, that Such Airfithdrawthetr hearts from ^od ^ departing jrom his fer vice and from jeelding obedience unto hii eommande' mentSy arc j^p^fi/tts, backe[ltders, for fakirs of the right rvaj ; as fGr example, Ifa Chrtfitan turne lew^ or Turke, or Idola- tfir^t is a backcfider^ a for faker oPthe right way, as it is f aid of the Ifraelites, Thejferved Baaltm, and forj'ooks ^^^ Lsrd God of their Fathers^ and againe, Ifrael forfooke the firong God^that madet hem, 1 fa profefor of Gods truth ; one that makes feme confeience of his r^ayes, blaming, in others fwea- nng^ lyings Sabbath breakings and the like finnes. If fuch a one^l lav, give himfelfe over to fepjly liberty , bccomming an adulterer^ TiViV^horemon^er ^ a drtmhaydy a covetous perfon^ or the//^^,heis an apoftate from Cod^ and his truth ; -a for fa- ker of the right way. Hence itfolloweth ^ 1 . That the cftate ef falfe teachers and their foUorpers is unhappy andmiferable^iov a moraent ane all pleafure ^t\\ty have ^^dleff^epaine, they draw bacl^e unto perdition^ faith the Apo- file unto the Hebrewes, ThsH hafi troden downe all them that errefom thy flatutes^ faith Davids 2. Th^X. we ought carefully to avotde Apoflafe and back^ flidingi we muil not with draw our hearts from Cod, or for- fake the right way. Take/«r/^c'x , partly from others. In OUT feives^ ouv corruption oi nature^ the Uberty which we /-^^ unto our felves'm finning, our unfetlednefe mdiH€onfcience,Q\xx love oHh^VJOxl^, and the /%♦ From! others^ Allurements, provocations, thre^tes^ promifes^feMreof torments and tortures^ and the like. The «?emas^ ludas, doc cleerely (hew. IVhofo leaveth the pAth tf uprightnejfe^jhali walke in the y^ayes ofdarkenej^e, 1 he reajon is evident, bccaufc Gods fTord is the right yfiAj^ whcrcunto fo long as we hold our (civcs, wcc arc m the right r? ay ^iiovsi which folbonc t%^t fwerve^ wcc^^tf^- firAy. Wherefore I ex hortyou all to kccpc you in the right way : lofe it not, for it is not very cafily found , wouldft thou bee kfpt £rotn crrourinjudgementyfromimpiety in life and c^n^ ver/Ation, keepe thee in thu w^j'jwalke according to th^^^/me oiheAven^othctWiitiiithoviferfa' efi Ged.ht \V}^]ferfak£theeyby which weAnes^hovL flialt fail in Ap9flafiey as» well, into errtr injudgemfntf as impiety, iPi life. Thus of their Apcfiafie , and fo of the Frop^^ fiticH. C9n^ VerCi 5. A Defcriptton tf 'Balaam. 569 Concerning the 2. the ctn fir mat ton ©f the Frofofitton , hide downe in the reft of the 15. and 16. verfes ^ andthit from the examfle of *BAUAm, Such ^w 3dUam wm in the time efthe LAW,f»ch Are they in the time ef the GoJffeH, 04 hee was dfalfe Pr^fhety fo zxzthey falfe teachers \ jnhewMco- zretojUyioayethejy a( he for money wepi/d have curfed Gods peopUyio doe they y^S'ivas his counfeHy nnro Ba/aI^, {oh their prafli/e-jSc as Qods judgements feafed on htm, fo (hAllthey Alfo enthem:yt'3if^rther the comfArifen is moft/^jboth in rcfped o{thc/ig>^ifieAtic>n of the words y BalaAm^SL VAtue feofle^tc Bo- foryCArnali'y & becaufc as^« him there yfAi a. defre of promotion Andriehes^C^ A malieioHs mind Againfi Godsfeople^ fo is there in the heretickj here prophecied of^as ts ApfarAnt in the pApacie, They having f orfaken the right wAy , whom follow they ? BAlAAm\ they follow hi4 way ^ a»d what was his way ? It was Ambition^ Tride , c$vet9ufhejfe, and would they (^men as it fecmeth oinote and leAming) for fake God , to follow fuchao»irr was not p^^/ls\tpy^fit}x.\\o\\ Qnccvct6HS,ls it p/e^fure thou^itiafcivioM,ls iz honour? th:u dxt ambitious j ]s it re^ "f ^^^^?thou ivtma/iciousAh it vayiayiLe?:hou 3.tZcoKrentiow,Js it hoiines?thou art ?"^/i^f>w,;o(,keir:to thine owue heart w*^'^ thou deed liktbeaJ^yGod.or "BaalyKht w/^y efgodjor the way O^BalaAmyZnd occcrciingl) j^a^^ odhuf/fe. In this confirmation we have aliv^ely defcription o^ Balaam. I From his n^me Balaam. 2 Froi;! his k^nred, or pleace o( birth ^ Bifor^ ^. From the gr eat ncffco^ his Z?-/?;^ , the way ofBAlaam, 4. froo) tbe ground o^ hh wtckedn'^e ^ who /ci/^^ the wages of unrightoufnejfe. ^. froiD the reward which he reaped ^^^r^*^^, he ^^ rebuked for iniquitie , r/;'(f ^ - d wmbe Aiconfirinati' of theprecet= ding dcfcripr tionorpros pofition from the example of Balaam. The fitnciTc of the example. A mas ttiay Icrca? tures. <5.Ftom his offic ,aprO' pher. Obf. Oftea t^ofe tliat uiould be guides unto o: thers preve ftutnbling blockei. Obf. Gods ordii'ances muftbeduly performed,! ks^ for his mi^uitte, yet comimed he in the ptme, as many ot n^, being againc and ^^dixiQrebHhjd for ovivfinnes, doe yet continue therein. 2. Thn oftentimes even wife men Are trAnJported beyond themfelves with mndfts^ ^^^^^g ^^^^ Agninfl: ' I^or the (7» He is deferibed from his office , hec was a 'Fro^ phet bnt zf^Jfeone ; though hc fpake trfie things , yet hee Ipake them not trnelj, that is, with ^fincereminde^ht fought himfclfe^ not ^od^ prophccying for g^^ft^y not Gods glory ^ though he was called of God zofrofhecj, yet did he not righ-^ ly ferfermehlso^ce^ Hence note we two things. I. That oftentimes th^fe^ T^hich bee lights And gnidet unto others^ prove ftumbltng hloekss tinto them. As here BdAAin for the love of many ^ profaned and ^bnfed his office, 2. That ifs not fufficient to f erf or me Gods ordinAnces ^ nnle^e they bee duely And rightly performed ^ hee ^r^- fhecied, but failing in the TerfarmAnee of this office wzspu- I mfhed. Be we therefore carcfnll in hearingthc y^^rd , praying unto CodjSc perforn^ing the h'ke duties^ according to his orone will^ as well in regard ofths matter , as tht manner oi doingthc fame. VerH 17. Thefe are weK^ without WAter , Qlonds thkt are carried With a tempefl^ to whom the mifi' »f dar^nefe, u refervedfor ever* l%» Forjvhentheyfpeake great fwelling words efvA* nity^ they allure through the luft of t'hefiefi , through much wantottne^e , thofe th^ were sleuHe efeapcd ^ Verfi 5.* Fdje Teachers t^ells yi^ithont water. 575 efcdpddfiom them that live in err$r. IQ, while they fromtfe them liher tie they themfelves Are thefervants ofcorruftitn : for of whom a man fi0verC9me , ofthef^me ishee broHgkt in (^^n- daere^ Followetb in thefe verfes a further dtflinSlion of the fame /►^r/J«/, wherein rtv^r/jtw^/ are to be coafidered. i. zfropo- fthn, laide downe in the 1 7 vcrfc. 2* a confirmattort of the Uwc laide downe in the x 8, and 19. verfes^ The fropofitton containeth two things. 1 the natnrf, 2 ; tkcrewArdo^ f^lfe teachers. Their nature is expreffcdbya rwi/i^/^j/ fimilitudcj whereof thc/^:^ condemncth their ^^r- rennejje, and unfruttfpiheQe^ tbey are welts witheut water : thcfecondthtixinconf^ancie a»d vartayicn'>(fe , chnds that are carried with a tempefi. That is, thej are veid^ 0fwh6/e^ fame do^rine ; they boafi of krt9wledge , but are deftttnte thereof i emptie, having nothing tlfe^but a metre fieWy though it*sthevfe2indprofertyo^we!ls t tominifter water mdraine for the fife of man and bea^^ and of clouds to carric w^r^^ and raifte for the ufe of the earth, yet fome TveHs arc without rfa- fer. Come Clouds v/ithout raine , even fo though all teachers OM^ltohc fitted J and fi&ed with ft ore of wholefo»e do- Brine , torntniftery dtftti^ droppe, and p^wr^? it Out for the f^fe of the C^nrch, yet are thofe /<«//> teachers utterly dt^i- tutQ thereof. And againe, as thofer/o^^j without yvater are light, zmd fitter for nothing then to be carried zbouzof winde with^tempeft, fo thefc are altogether variable gindincon- fiant, carried about with every blafi of ftrange doBrine \ their reward ; to ^hom the mi ft of dar keneffe is refervcd for ever , even that utter dark^ncfe,that eternall darkjnejfei thitblacke darkeneffei thztf^^efufl and uncomfortable eftate of the dam- ned tn hedj which ks the ab fence and want of heavenly light , darkenejfe that may befelt^ The confirmation is laide downe in the 18 and ip verfes i wherein is Cxprw'fTed, that a^weHsjJlure thirftie pajfengers thereunto , and cloudes whifhfweH by thewtnde mak,e an ofer Bb 3 / Afurtkordc- fcription of the(jimeper- fonsconfi/ling of a propor- tion and carl" firmation of tbe fam?. Two partku£ Iar3 in tlie pr^pofitiofl,' tU Mature, and reward of faUe cea- chcr. The confif ; mauoii. ^j6 Fal/e Teachp's wells without '^ater. Chap.i^ ofrainetorefrefij thethirfii^egroftndyfo thofe men dr^iw many after them, a^ ho f tug to attaine feme great thing hy them^ but when all comes to di-, thej pr&ve votde and emftie ^ wells Tvith- '^Ht "water. Clouds that are carried with atempef}. Herein we may take notice, both of th^fedncers^tht manner of rheir reducing, tbep/>/>/ have them) that is, who made fome [herv of goodne^e and reformat ton jOi f according to oixxtranflatioH) thofe that wsrecleane efc aped from them who live in err our ; which arc not to be iinderftoody; ???/?/; and ahfolutely, but in outward apparance^\nx.\\z\xowne, and in v: ^judgement of others ; for m-oft certaine it is that the eletlcannot fall away totally and finally. Ihc means whctcby they are feducedy are by the vaine ^/o^ rtoHs doSrine of their teachors • by the plaufible doEhriyie which they diOe teach. They fpeahs great fwcUing worAs of vanitie, they allure through fiepjly lufis , through much wan^ tonne jfe ; promifing libertie and freedome nnto aU their foL lowers. The vanitieandf«llie o^thefcmen confifteth in two par- tlcdlars. I . in/'ro;w/^»^that, ivhich they are not able to por- formc,even//^^r/«>, when as they themfelvcs are in bon- dage ^ overcome , of thtir owm corruption, 2. in making their followers believe that true Hbertie confifteth inafree^ domeSvom outward obedience znifubje^Hon uJUXo magtfiratSy which is nothing (o , it confifting in a freedome frora finne^ neither can thofe bee accounted /^^ 577 I Ihis'P rophecie wc finde accompliflied in rAdayes, both by the P9ftfi clergie^ by the feli of liher tines , and by the fdmtlie of love. The Popijtj cUrgie teach their hearers , that thtj may bcAlfU tofftttsfie thejufitce of Gsd forthetr fmnes^ jea and merite life everUfiing^ and that msny of them ean performeyporkes ef [ufererogAtioHy which the vent L/ttv of God dttth not reqmre of them. Thcy jpeAke thefwetltng Kfords ofvanitte^ extolling virginttie^znd (peaking oFthe merit thereof, thus putting downethe/^/V^ cfChrtft, and making vpay indecdc to a hfe^ in all /at/ and flthineffe^ Tht I ther tines aJlo and/if »*r/i/?/, they dot fondly afTure their Difciplcs,th2it thcy [hdU bi illHminate and detfedy thfts making them the Children of the *Divelijfevenfolde more then they tvere before. But for all the outward /^r» that they make, they are»^//j wtthoHt water, clonds carried with a tempeft ; whoie vrOrds are great fyfellingwtrds oivanitie \ whofe doBrine tendeth altogether unto ^<«?'»^// and /^/^'/y //^^ry' , which cndevour by all meanes to withdraw thofe from the truth, who make aipr^feJftonoHhcfame^ Vjho promt fe unto their /^fh rcith ice^ andwherein thefnew ii hid ; bnt in time they are dryed up wtth heate, and are cenfumed^ and ivhen It u hot, they pAie out of their places% like the brambles mtWr i^O^z^hs i<^tham, Ifyeeyo'illindeeddnnnt rneking ever yen ^ come and put your trufi under my p?adoy9\ like the fig-tree which our Saviour faw in the way ^ when he tfo^ hungry , he came to it y and feund nothing thereon ^but leaves onely. Like the ty^gyptian forces, which by thetr inchantments feemed to doe? as UHofes did miracnloHJly by ^ods power 9 and the en^ ehanters ef £gjpt ^did likewife with theirferceries , where the marginall note is thi^.m outward afpearance.Sc after that thefeven dajes were ended,[i\ic untO CorahyDathan^zni ^bi" ram, vj\iO feemed to be care full oi ths-'t^elf Are of Cjeds people ^ but indeed were not. Of this nutnhcrwzs Balaam ^who being mofl Ambitiotu and covetous y yet fcen:ied defirom t® die the death efthe righteom^ and that his lafi end might bee like hii. Of this number were thoTrtefis of Baal, wno having taken the onebuHoclie that was given them^prepared it , called upon the name k£ Baal {xovt\mernin(i^ till no one ^ leaping upon the Altar tlMt was made, cry in fr lew de, and cutting themf elves , as their r?Mnncrwas v*ith knives and launcers, till thebUod gujhed- out upon them. Of this number was Zidkiah i^q. fbnne of Chcnaanah, who made him horns efiren, and faid ^ thus faith the L^.rd^with thefe Jhalt thau pupy thezyframits^ untillthoti. haft confumedthem, yea fo vainegUrious, and au-. dacioHi he was, that hefmote the true Prophet ^JUicaiah on the cheekf ifaying^when went thepirit of the Lord from me^ te fp.eake unto thee. Thus the wicked (faith the marginall n©tej would feemey that none were i^the favour of God , but they^ andthat God hath given hk graces t9Hone f^much 06 unta them \ TT'- "■^^'•"■W Ven 17 Falfe Teachers li^ouldjeeme what they are not, ^yp Col 2.8. Matth, 7.1^, Mark. I ^.C, iThcCl.^! thctn^ of this numlfer was the Prophet hlHnani.ok whom /ry<^//f Pw«/ipeaketb, i^^^^^^ i«m8.i.' /^y? r/^^r^" ^^^ z?;*^ /A**^ ^^///?j^^ have the if aj^-fnh- fiance, 0\i lhi$ nnmh er ^ixc lefnits, Monkfs^ Friers, femi^ nary ^>riefis^^^feU O^ Libertines ^xSxz fame lie oflove,yz^ An- tic hrifi himfelfc the P<^}>e of Rome, who fg commmg is by theefm fe^uaH working of Satan yWith all hisfoKver.O- fgnes^and lying wtndersyhe pretendeth h§lines,yzt favoureth & worketh wick:: ednejle yhimicUe being that wjckjd rxtan, the child of perdition* Tho Reafons hereof are thefe. i becaufe they d©e afFcdl fraife and commendation ^thcy would b€applaf*dedo£othci'Sy and therefore as the Scribes and Pharifes faP.ed, pia^-ed^gave almcstobcjcenerfmen, {o docth^y, 2 Becaule thus tljey may the movceafilj and readily deceive^ for under ^pretence of Ijoltnefe and fan^itie^ they draw Difeip/es after ^hem, 3 Becaufe no doubt, even their confctence doth convince them, that howfoever ihey doe othervviCc//W,yet that they ought to walke'inihtp^^ths ofgodlincf[e» Hence we may perceive. 1 The dijftmttlation and hypocrifie offalfe teachers, and the vanity ^fthofi which ^v^ Seduced by them, w hat fo ever they pretend, they have no fefindnejfem them, ^nd v^hofo ever are fedaced by them /.re earned away with a fxeWy wherein there 26. no fub fiance at all, 2 The dMtietcqmvtd o£ the preachers o£6'ods word^nztnC' •ly to have knowledge, fmcerity ^ihtf^bfiance of that, where- of Others have onely thtjhew^ They mufi: be able /^^ ^^^^^^ wifilfeme and found do firine^ The T^r lefts Itps fK>otild prefer ve Redfcns* I Vfe. X Tj'm.?. Mal.2 7. 1^0 The end of falfe Teachers do brines. Cb know/edge. They muii ft ot if e at clouds with onttv /iter, occ^i-. : fioning the barrennejfe of gods field, but muft fo r^^c^, that through the operation of g^^^jr Sfirit^ tht graces o^ faith ^ re- pentance^ 2Lnd 0^ediefice^ m2y be dropped into the hearts of the hearers, ^ I How^^^^/^//allofusoughttobe in avoydiKg^ as wdl the p€i'vei(cdoBrif7e, a£ the corrupt manners of falle teachers, aU 14 not gold that glifiereth^ neither all d^Elrine^which is de- livered from truth: Oh that we would by the toncbfione of Gods v?ordtrj the Spirits ^ whether they are of God or not Itlct lis not imitate thccs in our pradife, by making a pjew of ho- linejfe^ftirity,'\Vi^fincerityy being indeed iny^ardly unholy ^im- pure^ and hypocritically for this is but to provoke ^od^ unto lurther t^rath and indignation ; pretended fanUtty , being double iniquity^ Thusoftbe firft obfervation. ^htfecond is tfeis,that The doBrine offalfe teacher 5 tendeth unto carnaRandfieJh- ly liberty, hereby all their follor^ers are entangled va^feduced^ i<^x even fr^e dome and liberty from performing nece^ary and good duties ispleafing unto mans corrupt nature. This might be confirmed by infianctng divers points of their pcrnitieus doflrine^dich as of free will, purgatory ^ fennance, iwyocation of Saints, md ih^ltke, whereby people arc foothed iwfinne^ drawneor continued in err our , but that heretofore J have handled thtfame^ and thus doe f alfe Teachers in thefe dayes, entangle Civapl^foules* Hence may be perceived, 1 The difference bctweene the yvord of^od, and herefes, betweene the true preachers of^ods r/ord, and falfe teachers^ Gods word giveth no liberty to finne, dotk n@t footh up peo- ple in their ^viM re ayes, '\^ not agreeable and pleafm^ unto mens corrupted ^^/-/^r^, whereas by the contrary, {^{q and erronious d^ [inne^ doth give liberty to fim^, joething up people in their w^ckednejfe^is moft agreeable znA plealing un- to mens corrupt nature, 2 Thar we ought to be carefull and watchfully IcPi wee be circumvented through th^ flattering and alluring do5irtne of falfe\ rine of falfe Teaches len^ deth unto car* nail and fleflis ly iibcrcy. Vfe. I VcrCi 8. Every frofejfor notaperfeverer. 981 ^SilCc Teachers, the ff^eetcfi drinke is not alw^^iyes the rvholfe^ meft, neither that doB>-ine which agreeth hcji , rvith onr cor- VHfted nature ^mofij>rofitAhle; xh^xfalve \f:\\\c\\ hiteth mo:!, \healeth the v^ounC^foencfi^ ar*d that doUrir^e which frtcketh \ US ffioft, deaUth moll: pUtnely vvith us, is wofi f ji our ^iz/^». taae. Compare 7(^athans Sermon preachtd unto *Davu-!, mththztoi'Zidk^ah preached unto ^hah, and you iliall quickly lee the dtference^ and which was mo^frofitahUiNa- than went ronndly to worke, thou art the man, what was the tlfne ? David refented, Zidktah (pzk^fleaftng words, p/an- ftble do^lrine^ Thus faith the Lord, gee up nnto Kamath tn Gi-^ lead^andfrc^ir^ what was the ij[i^e-? he went and perified. Thus o^ the fecondolffertiation^ Thc^^/>"z^^^//«^/^, after vvards /^// intothe/^^*^. yitnc^SHQlboCt exhortations, let htm that thinksth he fian- deth, take heede left hefaH, IVorke out your owne falvation \with fear e and trembling, l^ajfethe time of your fojorning her gin fear e^^^ that of Our Saviour, but he that [haHindureto the end, thefamefhaUbefarved. Of this number was that riclo man that catKC unto Chrtfi, hziv^bidfeH and give un- to tl§e poere^ he went zv^Tcy for row full. Of this number was Z)^«?<«^^of whomP>«»* writeth unto Timothy, DemAs hath fcr- 1 Sam. 12.7, 13. lKing.22.IX 3 7* D, Many may gocagreat way in the courfcofgod* lifie^fcandat the length fall avvay. 1 Tim.cj. I, Matth,24.I2- Exod.i(j.3, Gcn.i9.2(;. RutlM.14. 1 Ccr.l0.l2. Phil.i.i:. lPet.1,17. Math.24«i3. Luk.i8.j8. 2 Ti!B.4« 10. I I ma 5 S 2 Terjeyerance aJ^eciaB note o/G^ds children.Chz Mace h,26, ^5. Reafiffs> I I 6 u&uic^iS fsrfakei^ me^ loAving leved thii frefent world^ aad id depAf^ ted unto The^AlonicA^ Of \hi\S yinm^er was Indas who for thirty peeces ef filver betrayed C^rifi^ Of this number arc \?ihQ\i^'inHltttHdes in thcfeour tefe,n^~ vcr^ui/tupon^furefouHdatiojf^ t Bccaule they did never fincereiy m^ks confcience oit\{ziriv4jes ^ liHt oncly for fbme hy-rejpef^. 3 Becaufe they doc take more /ii^erty unto thcm- felvcs, than ^ods children izvQidifieftfi»g with m^ny things, which a good C0n[cieftce would not tolerdte. 4 Becaufe their hearts are fo carried after this ytorld, and the fleafures hereof, that in eomfarifon of them they doc little efeeme cy- ih^t religion Or htneflie, 5 Becaufe thcy did never firmely purpofe or refol ve to fuffer any thing for the caufe ofChri/t, and therefore when iw the y^^y towards heaven^ they mectc with manifold era ffes and affli^itns^ fuchas poverty jjlander, lofTc of gcods^imprifonmenty haniptment, the hatred of the z^^f^ofthisTytf^'/^jandthc/^^, they cannot abide to gocon* 6 Becaufe 5^#^doth withdraw from^^^w, even that which thcy feemed to have; ofaUf@rt5 of people^ Godcan leafi abide hy peer its ,dtffemblers , Vfavering minded ferf§ns^ and there- tore when htperceiveth that fuch have a name that they are altve, when as they are ]3,VLXdead,x.o be counted holy, religi^ ow^ frofejfors, when they are nothing fo , he doth unvaile them, ^maketh them to be knoyone in their owne c&lours, whereby it atfeareth, tbey were never truly converted. 7 Be- caale they are not 'yvatchfuRo^ their ewne wayes^ thcy rely too much upon their owne vits and t^r^ngth, faying with Peter J thoughaMfiould ferfakethee, yet ypiH, not I, there- tore they become even a ready /r/?^ unt9 the DiveU^mi their evfticc&rruftidrt. Hence 1 / ahMts Ver« 17 Terfeverance an ejfeciallnote of Gods chiWen^ 581 Hence we art taiiglic I That ferfeverance y u the ^rincif^ill note ypherehy Gods childrenmay he difcerncd fram hjfocrtts. If yee contiMue m my word,(iikh our Saviofir) then arc yee my dtfiipies indeed* and againe, he that indurcth unto the end^ fhallbe f^ved.Th^y went oat fiom tu (Taith YAsi:>eloved dtfitple) hut they were not of Hi : for tf they had heene of m, they rponld no doubt have continued yvith m : but they went out ^t hat they might be mamfefi th^t they were not nil of ui, A ^ormdiil hypocrite (cowpzrcdhy our Saviour to thcftonie^r^^W, which re- Ctivcih the word with joy, belceveth for a time, but in the time of temptation fatteth away ^ he may be indued with /^«- dcrJtanding2iXk. 3 Eecaufeftichasw^^t ^^^ are not^^o/^jf^ fobriety. and yet upon the l^afi OQcdifxou^ 2irtdr^wnQtodrunken''^'e(je'f which profcffe /f«^j* and Indai fot{2kQx\God, znd^good caufe, for the love ofprche- minencie, and worldly treafurcs ? have not othersSov feare firfaken Cjideon, and (jods people ^ are not thoufands wave- ring and inconfiant, when. asnotv\ithilanding the ^poflle Cxhorreth us to kec-fe the prrfeffion of cur hope without vave- fifigy and ti Continue^ grounded and flabh\hedtn' the faith. 'What will it availethce to 'come to Church^ to heare the yvsri ? to read the Scriptures i* to pray unto God ? nothing . at all without perfeverancc^ nay, without it, they {hall turne UHtO Rom. II. 22* Heb.io.3?. Heb.10.59. VTc oflnftru' Nu«,J2. 12, Vfeof Rcpre- henllon unto fuchasfall away. G0I.I.23 1 84 1 Fec,2,2i. Tloehapj^lnejfeofthe godly fire. Cha.j. VntoTucbas have not yet begua to walkein tlic naycsof God« Vfe of Canfo' lation. Iam.l.6« Pral.84,7. Pro.4.,1?, unto thy further cond€7rtftation. It h^d beene better for thee fiottohaveknownethevpay ofrighteoufneffe^ then after thou h^fh kji6Wfteit to turrtefrom the holj Cemandements given un^ to thee. May eft thou not behold, the Sume^ the Moone the Starves, the Elements, the SeA^ they continue m the /^r^ wherein they were ?»^^ith cords of vanity^ and finne as it were with Cart-ropes.; in whom Jinne hath dominion'^^^2\rA whom iniquity hath prevailed. Elifia nvat angrie with Icafh beacufe he Jhot but thrtce^inA then ceafed^ but wee may comflaine^ that the woftfart of us have not as yetbeguniofjooteztsW^ not To much as one s-^?'^^»' againft o\xvfi*ines^ being in^^'Z'^ and //^^»^with our owne corrupt wayes. ForconfoUtion, Happy and bleffed is the efiate and condi^ tiffnof Gods children, Thty continue-^ 7 heir goodne(fe is not as the morning dne^ that g^^eth away ^ they are not like the rpavesoftheSea^ whtch are driven and toffed of thejvinds. \htv are not Idie (hifps tojf^d to and fro ^ but are butlt on a fur e foundation^ They rralk^ framftrength tefirength. They goe forward ^ their vj^yfiineth ^ the light, that Jhineth more and Ycr.zo.Happmes of the Godly through perfe^erance; 385 | 4Hd mire unto the ferfefi dajf, Thcy dre n$t of the numher of\ r^o/^of whom Saint lohn Ipeaketh, tkej r^ent «Ht front w^bnt they rvere not tfrnxifthey had bene of m^they would hdveeonti- nuedwtthM. ObjeSi, But I hive faSeft away exceedingly ^ I grow y^orfe and tforfe ! I am not lb carefu/l mow , m I have beene : not Co confcfoff able in the performance of holy duttes , as I have ifeene : my faith, ^eale,love, k^iowledge , and thc like graces doc not encreafe; I have committed fuch and fuch /«w/, cv en CinQelmoL^efrofeJfionoHhe truth '^ I am as covetous, maltciOM , Ufcfviotis , as ever I y^as ; ind therefore I h^vefaHen away , am a backcfider^ an Afofiate from jinffv. This thy complaint is cither true or falfe , {(trne^ then I counfell thee in time to r»w»^, with true and unfained repentance , be- I wayling thine ^y^pofiafie and backsliding , that fo I thou maycft^^i^iWobtaine C?^^/ faveur. David fell , T^^^fr fdlyManajfes did f carefully fall away , but they lay not fl-illy I they continued noiin xheix pnnes , thcy trady repented Oi the i/^w^, fomuft^^<>«- Haft thou ^^/ by f^ifft^g, game by I ^^^(?;?^<<»r^ ; re de erne the time '^ if /-^^ thou doelt , then fay I to thy Comfort y chou ftiait not b? cafl off ^ the Lj haft nov f chcaufe to be tronbled., though thou doft not fcele that r/C!ti not light, r{i^t oher^fore it ^ not in ths firmament , or of the that it's ^^'J^ at ail , or of £ loh,zA9 Ob. Solnh What we niait; doe^ lias ving fallen a* way. 'y-oHnd , bei. :^ covered v ith /'w^jv trees in ninrer^ thac, bceaulA^ thev have lio /^.^'z^^j o ■p'« ''^•' 01 C'c them Simil. .A. ■««*■ 11* I' ^86 Hol^to present Apojlajie • Chap . 2 ' Oi. So/. What wee irufl doc fea- ring that we iluii >al away. I P«t. I« 2j ur.32.39. Sol, know, if wee brlong unto God* Vfc ef Exhor- ratioQ. them, they are dead^ were not fuch afeSiions, ridicnlom f fo were It CO fay, that becaufe gods favour is not {o apparent at one time as at another Mc hath therefore whollie wiihdrawnc the fame ^ when tbofc Cloudy^ (fent for our humiliation^ and m"^'//) fliali be removed^ it will appearc , that even r^^» wee h'lvc mgy^ff^ mgod/inejfc Oi?]t^^. Butcondder vvirh thy fclfethe dnyly ^yfpofl^fie znAl>dck,jltding ofTrofefors^ I fcarc that I alfo Jhallfali-ar way. Anfw, iAhhO)jfearefto\'ffijpeElefi ihinc ovvnee^o/wr fie , be fo much the more watchfrli^ and carefnH y left thou ^ or la- ment for thy/^^^^/ committed, imagine, adultery , drHnken- »ejfe^ theft y malice j or the //^t^, ftiU^^*»^ on in the fame, as yettboM belongft not unto God, thy cafi^fearefnH siudmife* rable. Tor Exhortation. Hence , let all of us be provoked , not onely to frfak£ our evill wayes, and make a good beginnings I bucalfo havin g begun well to goe ^jn and continue. \t^ it not folly (^r^ith our Saviour) for d man to begin to build a tower ^ unlejfefirfi helf^dw, whether he hath /ufficient to end it , or for ^ VerfiS. Bow to prevent A^rjlafte. 587 for a King to under t4ik^ a ivarre, Hn/efehebathfirfi prepared provtfidn to nMintaine it? no lefle folly is ic to hegm co rvarre agaiucthe-DiVW/.thewcr/^, and the_^f/^, and at tbe very prft enc0unter^ iojeeld: what a pjame were it, for zfouidter to <2rw ^jf, as D.y«'<«r^it; fhall the T/r^ffZ/V^j- continue in the wi/dernejfe 40. yetres,/^^//«^dayly a^ainft their ^;?/, that they an^i^hc enter into the /nndo^ Canaan j and fhould not we in our fpi rituall warrefitre , that wee may enjojf our celeftiall Canaan f As the Philofopher Crates being richy and fearing that riches would hinder hx^ findie in Phu iofophte, xhvcw ih^miiizoxbx Sea ^ whereby his minde was much more ^uiet, lo whatfoevery may or is //)^ to withdraw us from perieverance, muft be mov'd^v.d pnt away, vvhi:ther the love of this rporld ifeare oFman ; pl^afnre injtnne ; cor^ yuption in the hearty infidelttj/; the enticing or fedftcing of otherSyOr 2niy other -J ^ozif \vc enter talne any of them, wee cannot continue y fuchashave heavie burthens upon their backesy cannot continue iri runnings or thofe w hich have /^r- r^r/on their /^^ -fin walking, ro more can th^y continue in Wf^-^<7/;/j-, which either lovethepraifeofmen more then the prayfeefGod.ovVjhkhfearemenmore then G'd , Of which give thenff elves over to thepleafure of finne , though but of «» 3 88 2 Safn.(^.22* Rom 8»l8. Phil.2.1^ I Cor»i© i3* Z). Such as are cyercoweof li fine are bond llavflstherc- unto, Ioh.8,^4, I Who cannot perfeVere, Chap.2 imfrifonment, &c. Yet iventth^y on , thtyferfeverednnto iht end-, though WC be Jl^ftdercd, mocked, hated, yet muft WC not fAinty but even refolne wi^h "David, when he was mocked by Michol to be yet mere humhle^ to mak^ fliK a further and iwxlhtif^ogre^e in the courie ofgod/inefje I Heaven it worth aHthefaines^rpecantak^forit, the momentaneaR troubles of thii life are not comfarAipLe nnte that exceeding freight ofglom ry, OHC minute in heaven u afufficieut recomfenee , for all the ferfeCHtionSj trenhles^ a^iUtons^ which wee doC here endure for th(tfame. And becaufc o^ our feives wee are not ab/e to perfevere, no not the /eafi fpace of time, we fbould therefore rnnne unto ^od^ befeeching him T^ho v?erketh inM y both the wiH and the deed of his good fteafure^ to per forme \k{i%g99d Tverks T^hich h^ hath begun in m^ untillthcday of lefm Chrifi*^ imto fr Ay er vJtmnh2id<^^ hearing 2iVidi readings and medita* tion o^Gods Word^ confer ejnee with the children of God , zfet^ led refolmion toperfevere and continue , notwithftanding of ail lets and impediments ^ an exAminAtion of our judgement^ ajfeBion^ and pra^tfe in %OQ>^r^^f:, fufpicion of our owne ■»eakenel]e,and the like. Neither muft we thinke it fuiBcicnt once onely to ufe thofe meanes, or once to remove thofe lets, but we mud continually take hccdc^lefiat any time, there be inany of Its ^ an evill hearty and unfaithfully to depart away from the living god y afTuring our /^/t^^/, that notwith- ftanding ofall r;;?^r eftate , and how theyare/^rfij/therefren). 2 1,ndt pre fent efiate, diXiAby what «rif4»^/ they fell thereinto. Concerning their firmer efiate , itislaidc downe ia th'fe words, if After they have efcaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge sfthe Lord and Saviour lefus Chrift, a loathfomc ^xk^ filthy e(i-ate, as being fubjefl unto the p*?//*^- ti^ns imi mi Verf. 1 5>. A Defcription of Balaam, J9I tioHsofthcyvsrId, even their 'i^orld/y 2Lndfl/rI;>jf vkes^ the fiMHcs both Q^doilrine^ and itfe , whcreunto the i^orld was given, filthy and abhominablc in thtmfelves, making them alio /0 At h/bme vfhich were entangled thenrvith ^ for what arc the /fffi of the eyes , the /«/ <>/ ^^^ j^<^i^, and the fride of ^ff^y but the follHtions of this wi?r/^ ? and all fuch as arc gi- ven unto them , or any branch of them, fuch as covetoufnejje Ufcivioufne^t , mAlice , fride orthQliks > are defied with X\KfoUutt9ns o^the world ^ are under the dommioH of the frwce of i}[\i^ yvorldy are not g9verii'd nor dtre^ed by the j^/>;> of trntk , but^ wickedfiefet An eftare exceeding <^^^^«w , from which wen and women can hardly be r/W« as the word »'<'//,to looke for Godsglorie , more then hisowne^4/>r^, he fliall not want both outward zvA inward lets to hold him AiW'mcsv^toufnejfe. Thusofall other fnnes, fo dangerous they arc, that o»^can be hardly rid of the fame. An efiate from which no man can be feed, either by philo/o- phyibyc^rnillzndftefilyreafon, by the w/> ^nd poltcte , of vfan, or by any other meanes , excepdng onely the ^^^^k*- ledge of our Lord and SAViour (fhrifl Icfm. This ('as the Sunne) defpifeth the clouds and darksnefe of ignorance and err our. This k^o'ivledgeofChnJt, obtained by the Gof- peH efChrifly doth plainly lliew the vileneffe , and odioufneffe Q^finne, and {^o withdravvech them , at leaf from the ffth- Itcke performance of the fame Thus of their former efiate, Concerningihdi: ^veknleflate^il is laide downe m thefc C c 4 word s ] 59* ^^^ toefcape the 'Worlds pellntms. Ghap.i words ^tre againe entangled therein ^ and overcome : wherein we have boih their temptation^ their jeelding unto the ter^ptation 'y and by what m^eanes they fall into the fame. Their temptation ^ the world ; being loath to /^/i'fucha/^r^^;, finding it felfe^r/Vz/^i/ to bee \ deprived oi luch fervtle {nbjeEis i^ prefenteth unto them n^^^/y^^t/fr either profits ok pkafure it feemeth to have ^ offering to their ufe'ii ielfe, and whatfoever it hath, it/4- menteth sind i^ewaj/Ieth their j^//; it pretendeth grtsit care for their recover ie ; it t^ileth them of the dpffictiltie of their pre(entro/^/^of/if^, how that hereby th^y deprive them- itives of all their -^orldlj profits and pleafures ^ how they mw^bi&f^irtwe II unto whoring^ dicing, drink^fig^fwearingi lying, companie keeping, and the //^, how that hut ^ few walkein thisvoay, and that is every yvhere eviH lp«ken of theirj^^/^^/V^^ unto the temptation^ chcy are overcome, not being built upon the rocke , they are not able to endure the flormie winds *y their former profejfion b^ing raeercly hjpo^ critically their hypocrijte bewrayeth it/^/fi? bythdvrelapfe, having tryedthefute at the barre ofi car nail 2xA fie fhly reafon^ truth is condemned^ fHfprefedfalfehoodbtingexalted.cofin- tenancedi having givGnbut 2 f^tv bUives , they yeeld'^thc world agafne beconamethi/i^^r,theii con^uerour.Thc means vjherc" by they are overcome, are by entangling themfelves with the things of this worlds IhtfimilitHde may bee taken , (as the originall word importeth J from a ^^W, which being drawne into tlie net by the ^^/>^, becommcch enfnared therem ; the more \tflrugleth^xS\ttfafier it i$ tjed ^ one thred being con- fhdwoxo another. Even fo are w&rldhngs (at the ikft free as birds flying\:\x}cit ay re"^ bcin^allHred by Come bay t^ of honour^ profit , pleafure y they come into the net ^ and are enfnaredy wherein the /o;^^^r they continne ^ the fi^yc they fkrivc to fatisfie^ th^irambitioHs , luxffriow , and covetous de fires, th^fpirther they zXQinfnared , the more they are in- trapped: thdx minds become fo i'^^^^^ with cwr;^, and continuing r^^fm;^. Not that hereby I excufe ihQfnne of ignorance, or that, confidcring how prone wc are to/^A'^Tj^^jr from (7^^, it were better for «/to continue in ignordnc^^ then to Ubsnr for kno-^ledge , for even^;^;^tfr^;?f which have fa^en^ continuing therein^ notvvithftanding of all {.ht^dmvmtions and threatmngs of (7d>^j word^ u hicb is not farre fron^ 1 htfi»ne agatnfl the ho- ly Chofi, if not a dtrcfi branch of the/^w^, to fuch I fav , //7^i> latter end uvorfe, then their beginnings It had beene better for fuch not to have k^or^ne the waj of rtghteoufneffe^ then After they have knoypne it to turne from the holy Cummande- ments delivered unto them. This oar Saviour confirmf.ch, when the uneleane ^irit is gone out ef a man^ he walketh through dry places, fcekingrefi^ and findeth none. Then he f^yd^Iwttlrcturnf Hnto my honfe, from whence I came out, and whej^ he is corae ^ h: findeth it empty ^ fwept a'dd garnip}" ed^ thingocth he^ amitaketh with htmfelfe feven other (pi rtts, m&re Wicked thenhimfclfe^ and they enter in^ and dwell there, and the Ufifiate of that man is worfe than thefirfl^ and agiinc ; <^nd thatf^rvart which l^ew his lords will, ayrd pre- pared not him-felfe^ neyther did according to his will, f?aU be beaten with mrnyfiripes. To this purpoie SJiint lames fpeak- eth. Therefore to him that knoweth to doe good, and d&,th it notjto him it i^ finne^ and ouv Saviour tcllcth us, th^^it no man havingpHt hii hand to the F lough, and looketh backe, is fit fir thek^ngdomeofGod, This the ^^p'flle unro the Hebrewes \vitv\(t{{tX.h ^ for it is impoffrble for thofe who were once etiUght^ ned, and have tiffed of the heavenly gift, and were xr^ade partak:rs of the holy C^hoft:^ and havetafled the good word of God, and the powers of theworld to come, tf they fyallfaH'a^ way tc be rented againe by repentance,' feeing thry cructfieto therafilvesthefonne of Godafcfh, and put him to an epen I Heb.ic.25. fiame. Anda^aine, Ifwe fmne wilfully, after we have re- ceived the knowledge of the truth ^ there remaineth no more ficrific e fir fins ^ but a cert aine fearef till loo^ng fir judge' nient and fierce indignation^ which fiaH devour e the ad ue^fa- ries. Thus was it with Achitophel,^\i\i lud.ts, with Dema<, wich' Lulf.1247, f jf6 Reafons* I Luc.12.48. 2 Vfe of Inflru: ^ion* Tfae danger ofrclapfesio finne. ^elapfe inftnne hofi? dangerous. v^ithih^ Scrihes zx\d,PharifeeSy mxhHymenensznK Alexan^ der, with lulian the Apoftate, as it (hall be with all (uchfro^ f^jf^^^>^s impenitently govi on laxhcivfimes^ The Reafons hereof arc thefe three, I Becaufe they finnc againil thei ' knowledge^ for nnto whom foever much is given , of him fiall be mnch required:, and to rvhom m^n have committed mtich , of him they rpill aske the more. 2 Their ingratitude and unthankefftlneffe ^ cruci- fytng unto themfelvesy the Sonne of Gody ajrefh, putting him to anofenjhame, contemning and defpifing the good gfts beftovved upon them, 5 Becaufe of the wrong which by thcivfall they doe unto God^ his T»ordy religion^ the p-ofefien o^fnceritj znd truth. They make the «^/» that re/apfes are exceeding hurtfuli and danger 0 hi ^ better to have three divers fcl^ejfes^ and three Overall wounds, xhzn twice one ficknejfe ^ one part twice wounded, TheeflateofZ/^Wx^iJ/, *i better then theeftate o( Chrtfii^ anSfdenying the faith. The eftate of Cuchzs continue in igno- rance is better then their, which leaving for a tir»e abflained from/'/^^^^jdoe z^dAn^faHtherein, continue in the fame. The finne is greater, th^ pHKifament fnuch moVQ fearefuli* Such defpife knowledge ; fuch contemne the Cro^e okChnfl, fuch make the »'<7''/<^ their C^'^j andwil!C7>- Z'^// ! from an holy frofejjien , to profhannejfe^ thus (hewing thy felfe ffnthankffuH unto (7^^, what fhould wee nor give to obraine grace , to get ^ods favour ? nothing fliould fo tntangle ^ , as that for the love thereof wee Thould reje(S both God and grace. Oh /■^^re" /> ;7^ lo^e to the lo^e of grace \ to the lojfe of (jods favour \ ro rume to the ruine of the foulel what 'Pi'iU it advantage m , to gaine the vphole World , with the lojfe of our foules / Teli mec now { anfvver thine owne fclfe in thy cenfcience) whether art thou not notv entangled , yea overcome hj worldly foHurions \ whe- ther hafl thoH not turned fom the h9ly Commandement given unto thee f whether hall thou not 'vith the I^ogge returned to thy vcmite, and with the Sow that woi wa^ Jhed to thy wallowi-fig in the mire} how arc thine ajfeEli- ons bent ? how doelt thoorld harK becne corrupted, full cf ma- ny impedtments y which might t^ithdraw men and women froo? the conrfe o^ godltneffe^ yet at no time more corrupt^ iROre nvicked^ or more dang-erons, then in thefc /^/^d-r dajes, No'»v ^/-^^ Divelikath great wrath, kp^rvirj^ that he hath ^ut afhorttime. Now doth he ^f the ^oJpeH 33 the oncly true doEtrine ^ confirmed by the Teftimome of the Profhets , and of the ftApcJtUs of lefns Clorijt, verf.i. The f^rt <• to be confidered are 'yvo, i An incitation to re- ceive the doEirine now to be delivered^in thefe words .* /^at Second Ep^ftiehloved^ I now writi f^nto yen, in both which Iftirre npyour fnre minds by way of remembrance ^ % A per^ fif'^ftoH to perfft in the trMth,which before they had received, in ihefe wordSj that ye may be mindfnll of the words "whf^h were^oken before by the holy Tropheti^ andofthe Comman- dement of us the Apo files of the Lord & SAvionr :^oth which are enforced by a /»'tf/?/^argemenT;the/5r;»fr,drawnc from ths condition oi the perfons-/ he latter from the nature of the things. The conditien of the perfens^ both writer , and hearer. The /trgumerj^^d^^wne from the writer , is urged for the Fathers care and the Chtldrens profite , the jipoftles love, andthe^^/^^fx'^rj good. /> may be thus framed, whatfoever proceedethfrom truth, faith, love^ a care ofyoHrfoules, and a defireofygurfalvation^ ou^ht to be heard^accepted yandre-^ ceived . but that which I write now unto you ^ proceedeth fiom truth, faith Jove ^ a careof your [elves ^ And anearnefl defre of your falvation , forewarning you of your enemies ap- proach, and prcparirgyou againft the comming of your forrow^,and and therefore it ought to be hMrd , accepted , and received of you. The argument drawne fr om the quality of the hearer ^ may be thus framed* Ture minds ought to entertaine no^ things but found and fine ere doflrine , and therefore mufire^ ceive ^ y cr. I . Minifters mnfi hye their peoble. 405 ceive into them nothing bpn finceritie and furitie of do^ ftrine. Ihc other argument enforcing the /'r^/^^r.? is taken from the nature QfzhQ things ihd^ are written*^ vrged from the antiquity and cafent of the Scripture^ after this fort. The doUrine that can bring cnfiome and acquaintance jer it's plea^ age and antiquitie for its yf arrant^ the prophets anA Apojhles for the authors of the fime ^muji: he carefully kept, hartily vpeU come^ throughly rememhredy duelj received^ and inwardly in- grafted into yoUy hut the things which I now write and de- clare unto you ^ are neither firange for acquaintance , nor neiv for their age : but the fame that were foretold by the Prophets prophecied by our Savior^ and delivered by ^is Apoftles. And therefore you ought accordingly to ejteeme of the fame. The obfervationzxiCixig from hence ^^y be gathcrcd,/?^rr- Ij from the writer: partly from the perfons to whom hee writeth j ^ndpartly from the matter which he writeth unto them. 1 Concerning the writer diirerfe things may bee noted, i \hisafFed:ion,/'rf^»/-, which empleyeth his Talent unto his Afafiers greatefi advantage. They muft ufe both />r^^f^/;f^, T^^p^^j ivriting 3 yea every other lawfull and commendable ^^^,whercby to gainc/^»/^x unto C^ods Kingdome. If God belr^oweth ^ gift ^hc taketh notice how it *^cmpIoycd, whether it be let ru/t, or hid in a napkine, ox put to the l^efi ufe for the advancement of his gl^ry. Oh the great geodneffe and /p^^ of 6"^?^ towards his C^«rf^, from time to time, in railing up 'Frophets^ Evange^ lifis,^yfpo^l€S, ^oEiors y 2inA Pafters : ci[\^tvj'mg fo^^ o( them as with th^gift of preachings fo with the g^t ofyfri- ting g'jod bookes : wherein, they Ifeing now dead, doe yet ^take unto us ^ as if they were alive ^ by which meancs the Kingdome of Antichrift hath received his deadly wound, Thusoiih^feand. FonliQ 3. his diligence , This Jecond Epiftle I now write unto you ^ he wrote one before , now alfo hccwriteth another, of the fame matter , to the fame Perfons. Whence may be gathered. I * That thofe faile exceedingly , which rejeB thisEpifile canonicali ',thc ayffither ofthc former ^ being alfo tbe^^^^^^r ofthis, ^^/^beingofalikc authority^ inf^ired by ihtfumt Jpirit , written by the fame zyfpofilei true it is, that thepeft- nin g V Verf I . freachers mufi he painefulL i«lfca««MMa^, no whit unwerthy of an A po files fpirir , or lad and cbiefcly, to hisowne witnefTc , word znd warrant , the douh will eajtlj be diff&Ived, and we aflured it is Saint Feters worke. 2. Thatthc/>^^^^«?/?/y yvhom we are called , fiirre U4 Hp dujlj unto the diligent performance of our calling* Thus of the third. F^^the4. Hisyfifedomey tofitrre Hp joHr minds bj/ way of remembrance, Hce confidered what was mod needfHll for them^ accordingly exhorting them thereunto* Whence may be giihercd, that '• Tht preachers of Gods V/ord mufi in their fermons and wri- tings ^j me e^ccialh at thofe things which are mo fi profit able unto their people. If they ohferve mthem the want of this or th At grace ; the continuance \\\ this or that (inne , they muft accordingly exhorr^utozhc former ^ dehort from the latter^ perfwade to^e'^'^^'^i difuiade from vice : yea feeing the na- tnre 0^ man is diverfe^ ihey mull fo accommodate themfeives unto all, that (b much as in them lycth, they may w inne all : {otaQZ^e/ecifre , and fo in d/.nger of prefnmption , feme arc yffffeted\yj Satan:, and (b in danger oi dtfperation , fome are fi.y'X^tfttlf p? £\xch good infir^fli9nszsh^ve formerly beene dmvered\^to them ^ and fo have neede of admontftons : Dd 4 ' ff^'" APreacbers ninftbe p^iin- fuU and dills gpnt. in1.28.i3. Vfe. His wifedome t'5 ftltreup their purt minds. D.Pfsachcrs rauft erp€ cis ally ayrac at thoferhings which are moft profita- ble for their people. i y /^ 40 8 Gods eleB haVe neede to ie^toU of their duty . Chap . | I Your pure O, EvenGo^s ek^ liave need to be put in reiod of their duty. Aa.l3.42« Simil* Thattlicy might be mindful] of fcorners of thefc daycs, who make hght of ^^^«^ words, and iTmall ac- count of ^6^/>i^^r)^/, calling tV em ^^^^^Z^^^^"?* J, and making equA^ with them the inventions of w^»V notvvithftanding that their werds are mighty in oferation , fweeter then the honey for the tAfi^ and more bright feme then a I Ant home for thteyes'^ Z way of /tfe to /cade us from the fiadoiv of death, and sfword to wound our enemies in the way^ yea a fire t hat ^W/^r^inusgocd defr-es, confumeth and hurneth up our iniquities \ Oh hovv many in the fe Qm w;^% ^ forfake the ffsuntaine of It'^ing waters (ihedoSlrtneof the Prophets ind j^fofiUs) and dtgge rotten eefiems unto -themfelves , give eare unto fables, untothtdoBrtne of Dtveks '^ thus reje^ing the antiquitie ^ ef truth:, embracing the novelty ot err our * Thus of the firft. Ihefeeondisthls^that ,'■ ■ It's not enougktQ read Hods W^rd.or t» hearc the fame read^ pre A' D, Thedo- drineofthc gofptllisthe onely certaine and true do< ^rine, Vfe. t •t u' T" 410 MindefulneJJe of Gods Wordrequired. Cha. j . ZJ.Iti notes nough to beareorread Gods word, unleile wc be miodfuil of the fame. SimiL lam. 1*2 j « t;y9i a 1 f reached^ tr exfoHnded, uft/ejfe alfo -me ksepe it in minde and fo he doers of the fume y ic*snot lufficient that the /^^^r bee /2»j?;?^ in thej^r^^Wj unlcffeicbe 2i\{oha,rrovped^ the word is thc/eed, ^ur hearts arc the gronnd^ meditation is the ^^r- r owing of the/^'^^j '^ thefowles of heaven are hnfiein pckinw Uffuchfeede as theyjinde nnharrowed , fe the IHvell to fle.Je from tit thefe fr^jit ahl e admemtions andcounfeis ^ which by meditation and pratiife we have not made ^ur gwne^ If any man he an hearer of the word (faith Saint lames) and not a do^ er, he u like unto a man heholding his natmaR face in aglaffe^ for he heholdeth himfelfe, and goeth avpaj ^ and flraightway fergetteth , what manner of man he was. Wherefore Jet us not onely^^^r^, but bee mindfull alfo ef thofe things which we i^^heare ^ let us meditate u^on the ffime^izy, and night, let us not leave it -^ till we have xnade it our owne; let m digefl it, and Uy it up in our hearts ; k t us efieemeit^ as a moll ^XQCiOusperle^ nchtreaffsre, and inefti- w.abkjeweU. But alas, the w^/Zf/^/ZignorancejCarelefneflcjaad negligence of people in thefe oar d^yes , is too , too eommon^ they fcorne to be taught^ and yet know nothing ; the word takcthnortf«/^^in^^^cje(5led:, and leffe the ffrmvrfy that is not remembred , and memsrie without rumi* nating, U like Hnn$ a cla^edhooke without reading, Qh let US delight to reade ihtfcripturcs in private , to heare the faqae f'fad^ preached or expovnded in puitlike xcptzting , what ei- ther we read our felrcs, or heare by others , dayly praying unto CS^ to further us in this chriftiau exercije , that being frequent hearers o£thi\$d9firine of the holy Prophets and tyf- p9 files, we may dayly hzmindfulio^ihcftme. Thus of the 2. and fo of the matter which we wrote , as alfo of the Treface of this Chapter. Wf Yerf^ 3. Knowledging this fir fi, that there fhaU come in the lafl dayes , fcoffers , walking after their owne lufis. 4. And faying, where is the Promife of his comming? for f nee the Fathers feU a fleepe y all things con- tinue 06 they were fr^m the hginniftg of the Crea- tion^ Thefe verfes continue thefecond particular which is to be confidered'in the firfi pare of this Chapter: namely, a Prophe- fie touching Spicures^ which Wiulddeny the camming ofChrtfi lefus I 4>« SimiL rr 412 A ^ropJmicaB defer ij)tkn of Eft ernes . Ch ap* J } Ap'op'necicall defcription of Epicures 1 , F rom the tittle wherein they would abound, in the USt ^ares. i.h aa tkeir riature^fcoffers walking kiict their owxu lufts* ^ . F torn their bIa(phemous £pe£ch;SjV*vhere is the promire ef his coo^ ming? 4. From their ridiculoosreas font© con- firmethtir opinion, for fince the fa:= thers/ell a- fleepe^Sfc, hfpu, the end of the world , the revpt^rd of the godly, Andpti^ nifhmeHtofthe wicked, Thofe hee dejcrtheth^ i From the time wherein tbcy would abound in the Chnrch ^ in the Ufi dajes^i'Mis, in general!, from rbc arcenfion oi Chrtfi unto the ^WoFthe world ^huxmoi^fpec tally in the ^^^J-immediatly f^oing I^eforexh^ commingi£ Chnfi. 2 From thdi nature fcoffer s, walking after thetr ^y^nelufis^ fcofers, thatis ,^^7 thatfcome aE religion , and m^ke a, mo: ks of godlineffe and good men , which jc^ at the threatni^ngi, and admsnitions of Gods JVordjfroud/j/fc&rmng whatfoever is contained they ein walking afcer their ownelults, that is, fetting and ordering the coHrfe of their life , y$th m regard of doHrine and manner Sy according to their owne corrupt reafon and affeSli. ons^ foilowtngthemas thetr guides. ^ From their bla^he. moM^eeches^ivhere u the fromife of his comming ? that is when (hall thofe things he accomplished and fulfilled, tvhich le^ fm ofj^xiareth hath foretold? when will he come to judge^ ment, as he f aid he would ? as if they had more plai'nely faid, altthe promifes and threatnings ef the vford are vaine-^ and there [hall neither he a refurre^ton of the dead , nei^er any judgement at all, ^ From the ridiculom reafon , allcdged by them^ to confirme their opinion , and countenance this their errour^ For fince the fathers fell a feepe f/^j' :hey) (^that is, dyed) all things continue as they yoere fom the beginning sf the (fr eat ton. It may be thus framed. If the world hath al- readie endured for many t^ges, it p? all alfo endure for ever, and fa by coyifequem^Chrifl jhall not ccme to defray the -world neither (h^Jl thrre bee any judgememt. But the world hath all- ready endured many ages , many thoufands of yeeres. There- fore it i^^//^//o endure for ever. This argument (learned in ihtfchooles o^ Epicures^ Galen^ Plinius, I was nQveafcks , therefore T (hail «f x'(?r be feks. I am not yet ; were not fuch conclufionsr idicu/om} fit»*o be faugh ed^t? The like is this oF thole Epicures. The 7?>^r/^ hath yet continued , therefore f> fhail continue : for, when G^/^/r appointed r/>wof this Trophejte ^ yea how needfuli it is that wee iliould take notice of the fame, knowing thi^frfi-^ ovthijfirjl underfiandythat there fialceme in the /afi d ay e s fc offer s^which is to be referred as well unto z/;^, that we (liquid takenotice hereof as unto the ex^^y?/(?, warning us of the ^'arae. The ohfervationsdixi^iug from the whole are^'s^^. The firj^ is this, that Both preachers /indpecple [hofildt^k^ notice of f coffers 4h4 mockers, o^fuch ^sfioffezt ^od ,hiswordi thruth^ children, religio.tj and goodnejfe; k^otving thkfirft : a word o^ attention or dirc(5lion, \^^yvc\^^.reference as well unto the teachers ^^ hearers, but beloved ('faith lude^ remember ye the ivords which Tvere^oken nf the jlpofiles of our Lord lefm (^hnfi ^ how that they told you there Should be mockers in the Ufi time, who wouldw^lke after their owne ungodly lufis: he did take notice of them , he defres them alio to doe the like. So alfo the jlpofile Tauly having written unto Timothy , touching the w^»»^r/ of the la[l: times, concludcth , If thou put the brethren in remembrance ofthefe things ^ thou pialt bee a good minifter oflefm Chrtfi , znAagaine willeth him to t^ke no^ ticeo^th^fame. This^novp (^^ithhe) that in the Uft dayes^ periHofa times fia/l come ^ for this cau^e they are foretold unto w,and recorded\nfiripture^»««r;>« againft tbe/^w and offering him^vinegar andfayins^, if thou be the Ktng of tbelewes, fave thy felfe, 8 Otfuch z.sferve God in hypocrfls, vjhofcpra^ife , zndpro- fejjiondoedifagree, which nit religion , giszcloakf to cover their ungodUneffe.whefay in their hearts there k no (jod , al- though outwardly they make apr of ejfidn of his name, like unr to the lewes of whom the Lord complaincth by his Prophet^ I this people draweth nigh unto mcfn'tth their lips, but their heart I ^^- 29- 1 ) . isfarrefrom me. Lziily ^offuch as continue and^^^ onin their f ^ ftnsy notwihftanding all the admonitions & thrcacnings of^sds ' ""^'"^ * ^*' Word, like unto thofe covetom Tharifes^ who having heard our Saviour Preaching againfl covetoufnejfe^ derided him^ all AA,i7.j 2. 7 Luc.2i.3^* 8 ^._>< MMaAlikMbi 416 ^afiflsjcojfers of Gad, Cb ap.^1 Papiftsalfo arefcolEgfs of God, The Uft dayes Z>«T here hath netbcenc any tiaasfopeflircd withfcofferi and (corners ^ of religion as' tfcelaft dayes. 2Tim,3«i* Iud«.18/' ^2Mv}\\ic\\ fever aH^ forts of peofU are ^Uint mockers and feeders o^^od^xi^gooine^e, by all which it appearnh that there arc whole cjuitirudes oifcoffers rndfiorners inthefe our ^^^'f /♦] And yet all this while I have not fpokeone word of the Pa^ifisy who are no leffe /corners and Tnockers of G^?^^/ , then (?r^» tobec Si Saviour o( himfe/fe^ by tuerkingfaivauou X they acknow- ledge ^^?^ the mediator betwecnc (^od and man^ and yet pi^ay unto thtSaiKts, to bee their intercsforsy what is t^^", but to make a ???^% o£(^hrifi t They acknowleHgcthe/^r/f- /^^rd-j to be the rvord ofQod^ yet no tranjlation mud bee ufed but their ow ne, no fe fife allowed, but that which the Pope au» thorizeth, and fettethdownc, and what is this but to make a mocks oi ^^^^ Word /" As I hope you are not of this order offcfirfiers , fo alfo endevmr and labour , that you bee not of ^y^y the* other orders, take notice o^jeur felves , take notice of ^r^^^^r/jthat both you your felves may amend, and like- wife mayfirive for tt[€ amendment of others. Thus of the firfi. The/e-f Wis this, that There hath net beene any time f@ peftred with fc offers and fcomers ^f religion , as the la fi dayes^ from the Afcenfionof (^hrifi Knto his fecond commmf unto 'judgement. Yea the «/^^.^r that^^^drswcth, xhtmore thlsn^^mber encreafeth, her ecfSaint7^«/enforD3c thus* Th^k^ow alfo, that in the lafi dajesperilom times fo all come ^ for m^nJbaHbee loners of their oTfnefelveSy&c. And Saint lude putteth the people in mind e, that ^/^^ t^pofiles of our Lord lefta Chrift told them, there {hopild he mockers in the lafi time ^ ivho (hould -walks ^fter their oyvne ungodly Infis, 1 bis our owne exprri- ence, cor/^paredwithfuch things as we finde recorded inp/V- ceding ages, confiroieth. All people are eitke" Irfdels or Chrtfiians'fif Infidels, then ^rclhcy fcofers 2indfc orders , as weUl / iM* WcT.'^.TheJslaJidayes moftpepred wttb/coffers. 417 /^ww/jthen are they cichcr Taptfis or T^roteftants. i k Papifls, then arc they (as yechnve heard )/r(?j^rwr/,Uoth o^Qod, of Chrift^ o\ h'ibf^ord^ of us his fervAntSy and our fsrvtngoi\\\m. X'tfrotcflantsthenare thej \.\xq\\ vvhicb doe ejther make a y^n v^ goditmjfe , or which msiktno Jhew at #c//. Oi thofe which Xd^k'^uofrof'JJiom^^ fincertty^ there are fornec^f^^j?/, others^'»/^%rrf-fj /w^^^i- rers, whoremongers ^(^c, all which are yWwrr/ a id ^^^^c^^rj ofC/^^: Ifthey raakeailiew of^^^^wfjjr, tncn doe they it, ey therm hjpocrifie, or in/«i in />nz'^/-^ doth noc agree with their fHhlikeprofrJJion, as thole which oHtwardljf pretend furtty aiid holtne^e^ and their ^f/?^^ to advance Gods glor}', bur in- Tvard/jf ZTtdefi/edwiih monflropu abhominations, living in malice^ covetoufneffe^ adultery ^ and the like, all thofe ] fay, Ct<'>gcihcr vviLh luth as were irentioncd in the preceding doftn^ej bewg/cofcrs dLY^dfcorners^ it (-olloweth, th?.t there r^ematneth onely a few ,a handfHliyvhUh in pHrtty and fmcerity y^orJhtpGod, and therefore that vve m^y truly fay i\\dX.there haih not beene any age Co feflred with feoffers and mockers ^as this /4/?,ve3 thefe times ^herein vpe live. The /^f^/^»^ hereof are the fe. i Btcaure/?^rd'y5' circ^m^eStly , in an holy reverence^^% well of God,^s hii werd^hu trmh.reli^ gion Ver. 2 . Scoffers ofTieligton walke after their oTi?ne lufis. 4 1 9 fi^n^ and^*9^ meft^ not partaking with fcofers tn6fcorncrs vaihuabhomiHahlezxiAdetefiabUdnw^, Thusofchc 2. The tktrd fs thii^ that Scfjfers and [corners of Religion fvalke after their ovne lujl, that is,/^f ^i*d order the conrfe of their Ufe^ both tn regard of do^rine and manners ^according to thetr owne corrupt reafon and aftH-tons , following them 44 their guide. This SJnde ConHruicth in the firementionedpUcc, that there fhonldbe mockers tn the Uft timet whtchflould rvalue after thetr ewne ungodly Infts, This our owne experience con^rtn^thfiorners and mockers of religion are intr arable ^ doc b\xl]^ fi at,and de- ride the btrt ctunfeU which is given then} out oi Gods word , viiW. follow their owne l^fis and affeElions without controle. ment* • ThzReafon is plaine, even becaufcthcy have the contempt o( Gods vjotA grounded 'mxhtmMii^vm^ftilly xtioh^4i not to y e eld ohcAicnc^ thereunto^ whereby iccott)methtopafre,that the inordinate and evill motions of their inner man, again!} the/^^ of^od, zsz branch or frutte proceeding frooi their but doe agame recover themfelves. v;hcrC2k3 by the contrary, fcorners and f coffers of religion^ yea all uh- regenerate and reprobate perfons^ they live in thetr finnes ,thcj arefLives unto their corruptions^ they tvalke ^fter their ififi - , they doe readily yeeld to temptations^ they give their co/ffent urn e them, they doe liberally fmne^ they doe lye fitll in finne, Ee 1 and Wallciog after their ownc lufts. ZP.ScoiTersand fcornen of religion Walkeafttr theirowQC^ lufts. Reafon. Vfc. \ ^ MMiMM mkmti 42 o 7" he godly though they haVe luftyet liye not therein. C . /I andfogoe on in thi>awaj vphich leadethto damnation^ Oh cbe Math,! 5,14. I loh.xaf. luHor concu- pifcentfin evry one. OrgiD^l. Aauall. Rom i?^/4f a^rer thy /«/i, jf thou tvaikefl aricr thy ////j*, thou doelt /?5/^ follow Cjody neyrhir continuing in ihas: r(9/2!r/^,canrt /<7//e>?? him ; cOfifidtT V, hatS^/'i'^^^laith, lovnot the world, my i her the things that are m the world, if Any man love the rrorld^the love of the father ^ is not inhUfn^for all that u in the worlds the lufl of the fief j^ the lufl of the eyes^ and the frideoflfe^ is not of the father^ but is ef the world, and the world ^a^eth away ^ and the Infts thereof, but he that doth the will ofCjGd,ahtdethfor ever, Tf wc walk£ af er our Infls ih^lo7/e oi God is not in vs, wee walke after thofe things w hkhproceede nor frotn Godj and ivh!ch will vam/h away, which will not alwayes continue.. Our lufi-s are as wtlde Colts which tmiik bt broke ax fi> ft, or rife they v. ill afterward prove intractable^ we vnui}: fub due th^m. get the mafiery over them, and then wci^^/Zfiaae them infome mi:Siiiivcferviceab/e unto Uiy w or kjf^g together for our good, Btfo'-c I leave this/?^/'«^,takt we notice of chcfe three things obfervable ^rom the fam^ I 1 hat there is lufl or concupfcence in every one, there- fore it is fayd ^<:r^5 wiiich walke after their owne lufl s. This is of two forts, Originall;\nd AtlualL Ihi: former being the fountaine 2indroote of all oiher ff^f^es. The latter tYa^ finite of ihc corruption ofoui hearts^ Tht former is an impotcncy 9ftht heart :whereby it is inordmatly dtj^ofed to the defire of this or that evilly of which SMmes Ipcakah, every man when he is tempted is drawen. away by his owne concufifcence, Ihc I fitter i^ every inordinate and evill motion of the inner man again f; the law ofGod^s^hich^ringeth a^ a brf^nch ixom the i«aM*< fci4x«»*— tn^oa MAMMMrftfi^M iMMkaHpM* 1 Ver. yThe hearts ojfcojfersfiHd * ith ungodly lujis, 421 5 the former rfltff^, of which S.'^^w/ Zf^ not finne ratine in joHrmort(r.K bodies, thatyee JhoM obey it in theluftssfit, where by lufis a* e meant, the flames and motions of Infls fpringing from the /wf/itis/^^^^"^,an(l fomctimc voluntary:^ the farmer is the /r/? motion cfthe mindc conceived J;fttiivith' out cenfent^thii Utter is t)\Q motion covceived^-with confent^ fHrpofe Mnd deliberation^ both which ^i^finfuU, The confix derattoKiji which is enough to <^/<»?^//^^^'?^theinas their Ec 3 Viokftt Vfi. I e«r.7.i« Oifhiockttt of 9e/^r on the d^iy o^ judgement. The Z)^z/r/f I fay, I i^w^ww^this, dothby«iiBf meanes oppofe and ^*»^r4^/^ the /4w^,pcrfwacling, that 9r/;(rr it (hall not be tt^H^ or not lo feene as we imAgme^ev not lo extreme and feArefHH as \%fi^f' />e/^^,and that the /««/y^»r^w^£haIl notalwAjes continucjand the like. Hence we arc t4$tght» I That (howlbever the 'DmiSf and his inftrHments con- tradid and gainefay the/2rw^,yct) there Jhall bendAj ofjtidg- ment^rcberem aMfeepie fia/l apfeAre before the tribtinali feate efGod^ drtd every ma» Jhall be rewarded according to hU rforkes\ "CcA godly TkiiotXi^^y^troicksd condemned, the godly conveyed into hedven^iht yfick^d thr uft into hell, gods wtfr^telleth itfiods children belccvc it, the wicked tremble at it, t he Btvell by his infiruments gAinfuyeth the fame ^ 1 That the do^rine of the Uft JHdgemeni is mofl needefull to be tnught And leArned in theft Up dayes. The Divell cn- devourcth to lull aSAjleepe in the bed of fecttrity* Cir,r\QAbourt- deth, wickcdneffe incredfethy Gods children condemned^ the vjickt4iCommeyided^ all which/^„ ..i/ .i-.^»^- ^ .... - v.>'- I , The wonderfull providence of God , in the-nfaintenance And prefervation of thofe things which hee hath createdythc- Sunne,theMo ore ^^atfiarres Jfeafl;s,^fkes fowles J^earbes .trees ^ men^zxiii the Itke. A clccre demonftrAtton of his Veity , an I evident » Re4f§ns» I lob. 7.24^ I Sana. 16.6. 2 1 Cor,2*i4.« Vfe. I All thing? continue, &c. Obf Gods providence in the prcrfcrva- tion ofbii creacuros* •'-H ^ >r 4z6 Death is but aJJeepe, Cha.j! FelUflwpe. ObC.Dtxihis but a fieepe. t^/^. Pro5,24* I Heb,9i27. ObC The Wic- ked abufo G9ds blcfTiags to the dif- hoBoiir df hh name. evident argument to f^^':^^' that hee is €ed^ 3. That 4f^f A « l^ut ajleepe^ and «f^»/ ^/^«;^ , ^ ^fitiift^ afleefe^ a comparilon v^iy freo^nent m tbc fcnprnres beth of hc<9/^^r being the brother of iveX, doceycnabufe (7f><;^> bleHfings, his/^^ unto»^», his prcvi. denceovzv all his Creatures, lo upheld ^nd countenance them iniheir rrr^»r/. Thus in r^/^ place doe thofe fceffers and fcorncrsofC/^^jj^^^/^againft him with his oy^nt tveapons , abufingthe worke of Qods providence, and prefervation ^ whereof they fliould have wade this nfe, evenftill to bee thankefui unto Qod^zud ftiil lo depend upon him. Thus of the 1 particular. Verf. 5 . -f^^ fhii they are vpillingly ignorant cf, that by the Wq^^ */ Qod the heavens were of olde • and t}el Vcr.5 A confutation of /coders. 4^7 the earth Jhirtding ont of the water , and in thewa* ter, 0, iVherety the yporld that then tPOf^if.'ing overfigy^ed Tvith water fertfhed, 7. But the heavens and the earth Ti>hich are new f?j the fame word^are l^ft in iore^ refer eved nnto fire agatnfi the day of judgement , aud perdition of nn^ godly men, Thefev^[lhth^tyi>o following verfes containc the third particnlar to be ohferved in the f-ormcr part of this chapter ^ mir\€\y&C0nfrtattonoffuchfcofferf andfcorners, already mentioned, which deny, that the world iliall bee deftroyed, that our Saviour fliall come unto judgement : whofc ridica- lousr^V^'* of this their blafphcmous ajfertten vizsthu, be- caufc the r<7«r/^ of nature, \snoi»z\\oney as it was from the j Ipegtnning. It was thus eoncluderl, ifthc world hath already endured for many ^^(?/, it fhall alfo endure for ever ^ and fo by confeqnent neither fhall x\\troorld bee d-^ftroyed, neither ^^\\q\^X Saviour QQmt\XCVX.O judgement. %\xX.l\\tcoHrfe ofna^ tHre is all one as it was from the beginning , the world hath ahcady endured for unany ages, Therefore ir (h.^il ilili indurc, it (liail never be deOjoyed , there fhall bee no judgement at all* 'Wxviargnment o\xn y^pofile dQnycthj fhewins? ihc falfe- hood AS well of the T^r&poftion , as of the ^fumfnon, IhtT^rofojition is this,iflhe i^orld\\2ilh already endptred for many age , it (liallalfo endure for ever; our ^pflU aiifwe- rcch, not foi becauleas^^'ii^ was able by his yp^rd to create x\\tyvorld,7SiAaH things therein, fo^^is able by the fame word to dijfolue and ?eflroy */". This is implkd jn thefe words, by the word of God the heavens were of olde ^ and the earthfiandtn^ otit 'if the ivater.and in the water; by his word, tbatlSjhis decree ^ordmance^ will^ and beck^, (zs \hQword is elftwhere taken j he w^^^tfthein, he Generated , and divided I them, he m^de the t^nhappeare^ the waters being gathered together in one place^ The -efore by the fame rpord, heei^^ble to dear oy the war Id ^ which het then created, Thishepro- veih A coflfutatioB eftheprecet- dcng rrgii- nsenr of thoft fcoffVri dtnjt ingthe conj' ning of Chrift. Thefalfebeod of the propo* Hcb.I«i* wy 428 Why Epicursdeny Chip comming. Cbap.2 The falfcliooa ef the a flump - tion. Twoj^artico:: lat parti cor? iidcred. I vcth bythe tefiimony of their o^ntconfcience^i:\ thefe words, fsrthisthej arei»illmgtj ignorant of ^ that is, they \ytoyif thU truth^ereafilym.ty know tt out of the Scriptures ^ but they di^emUe, they are v^ilUngly ignorant there af -^ they doeef pirfefeffippreffe thefam^'. 'Yht A fHmption isihis^th^ cetir'^e o^ natHre isall o:ie asit was from che h ginning of the Creation^ '"he florid ijith al- ready endured for mmy ages. Om z^^p-jfilc dcnyeth ic. T/i^- world that thenwa6 (^'aith HcJ ^^^^^ oversowed n^ith water- perijhed. Jt may be thus framed* Iff nee the creation , r)^<- world hath lte€ne de^royed^ then the conrfe of things U not a& ^ns^ as from the beginning of the creation , i^Ht in the dajes of Noahy the world that then was , being overf^wed with water, perijhed^th^it is^tke waters retHrmng unto their former place: this world ^ that is to fay .this beautie of the earth which we fee ^ and all Uvtng creatures^ which live upon the earth, perijhed, Th^TtiOit alt things continue not as they werefrfim the hegin^ ning of the creation. Thus the adverfarte beiog confutedyOar tApofile^QXh from hisowncr^f^/c'^y a'dedged againft thent, soncludein the j verfe, that the heavens and the earthy which are now by the fame word yare kept in fiore, referved mnt§ freagainP the day of judgement ^ and perdition of ungodly men, he pronounceth, ^f^y^ ^^^t irfhallnot he harder for God t^ burne heaven andearth with f re tn that day which is appoin* ted for the defiruGton of the wtckfd( which thing he Will alio iot)thenitwasforhtm in times pafi to m^tkethem with his enely word ^ and afterward to ovcrv.'hrlme them- with water^ Theparticular/''*^^-^' tobeconfidered 2XQ.two, \ ^cerfuta^ tion oferrour 2 an ajfeveration o£i he truth . i he confutati^ lHr<^ll ii.m Jcr : and the d^ eotr.e, /)'/ir^. The ajfevcr.^itionoi the ^r;*//? is iak e Qowae in thv 7 verle, whcreiaour Apolilcdiclareth, tharihis uond, vcUTvedby gods \MoL^.i^(hA\.^l^^h*i^^y o^]tidgemejt^ and fcrdtnon of ungodly men, be dcftrojed Dy fiie. k'roin either p.ari one obfervatian may he gathered. From the fi'^-fi, th», that The Word oj God reve.^led in thefcriptftres is the ordi^aric And c j^ eci all nrj e arte s both to he prsfijrvsd from :rroHr , and 0 confute all err omoiri* opinions. To be prefer ved f rem crrour, imphed in theie wo^ ds^ for thu they wilUng/y are ignorAnt of, that by the Iff' or d ofCjod, the heavens we're of eld ^ and the e.\rth flandtng out of the WAtcr, and in the w^ter as if heel fliould have faid , tf thofe feoffors and tjccck^ers ^ which deny (fhrtfis fecond ccmming unto judgement , or that there fiall be an e:'fi the daj of judp^em^nt^and pcrditien of ur.nodly men, hence I fay, \lfolioweth cieerely, tha: the roord of God, rcveaUd m the 4,19 For this they are w.llingly ifefioraac of, D. T ne word i' d 111 cue fcrj. turei ii t>ic oitii' arie and ci^merroHry and to confute hH err onions oftnions, ThuSainv7^W conhroicth, v. hen bee laith, aH fcrtpture is given b) in^iration of God^ and ts frejita^lc for doUrine for rcfroofe^for corretiion ^ for in^rntitontn righteoufneff'e that the man of god mtij be perfeEl^ thronghiy furmfhed nnto aH good workes* T bu > did oui Savi ^ur c^niatt c ht Sadnces wliicK denied the refurreUioH^ye doe erre f »'« forts of reafons. The former may bee taken from the I commendation if the trnth^zs that it hfleafant^profitahle^con^ f^antfic tht like. The /atterfyo:r) the danger of errcnr^zs that it is hurtful] for ifodjyfoHie^eflate^frends,^ the Hks- A^aine; to I How to con= cenfnte the adverfarie , cither Fapijt, Fameltf^, Anabaptifi or ^utcjthc ads thelikc, thereisnoeaficr^noT^rtfr, no readier way then the | ^"^*'"« fcriptures./^ Bccaufe there is nothing t^^/V^ can fo much convince the confbience, as dotrth (7r;^j -w^jr^^, our <»r«^, if WC runne into erreur ^others onttnftingy^i their err our » This prevailed fofarrewi^h King v/^r;/>^^,thac when T^^/ faid anto him, K.tng Agrtppa belcevtft thou the Prophets? I know that thoH he lecv:'fi '"ha: heanf vered, almoin thouper* pptdefir me to Ife afhrt^fian ; ye3 and wh^n th.y rrere gone ajidc^ thi^y talked hetrvecne thsmfelves , fayirg, th^j mzn dvth nothing -worthy of dfa:h tr of hjnds^ to thtS puroole Ipea- keth rfje Abbot Pannnrmtta^ (as Mafier Fcx relarech) 'i^ould ((nth. he J rather heUi:v one Lay p^rfan , Ifringing fo? htm anthority of Script- Hra , then m H.^tv^rfali cofCfteeU.that or- dainnh o*- d-.fi^nh a thtn^ ^^ithfUi- Scripture, Hereof mnj bi. made a twt^f^id ilcjOne For 3 How to be prefrrvcd from erromw A^,26,27. Ibid.? I, 'jumtrrj, p, 111. 43* T^o forts of IX nor an ts . ■ifa^ CI na P? VfeofReprc' henfion. Two (ortsof ignorancs. X Pfd,257. Pfal.? 8i5 VfeofExhor tation* For Re^reheyijton^ Vncpail iuch as are ignorant of Gods' word laide downe irs the fcrtptures, Ir ic jte the ejpeciall meancs, whereby to />/-^/^?-z/^ us trom ^^-^^^r , whereby we may h^taole co «/?/? our iclvcs againit gods ^n^mx^s ^ con- futing.zxi^ convincing ihern, why llioulu ^.nj oFus bee. igm^ r^;?/ofit:,efpecially mthisfun-Jhrn? o^ :\ic Qvfp'ell ^ thus e-AT- ;j9/^|- oiufi/ves into da )gcr, when vve Meecte notsbeing ^;^>^^^ giwdfilent: inthccm^eof^hrifi, v^heaas Oi.hefwite w^artrj'ht bi:cof€ragiotu ? Ignorants oixc oi' two{oiis. I Sucli as con- cinue ignorant, by reaiba of the lacive o^ih'Mzheipf whercDy they raighractai fie unco i^?^i9W^c3[^ if, namely the f reaching o[ the^/r^, adoiiniftrationot iXicfacr ardent ^ co,-ifertnee vJich 6^<9^/childten,and the//%. 2 inch as are yptlfullj i.^^notanc, as doe i^tlfHlly and of itc purpofe ^jf^^ th^ fame j having (hs msanes whereby they might atcame kl^otv ledge ^ buc contem- ning \vi6 dejptfing ihe fame, which wa> che /i>'^r which mtnjeldome repent) v' hich notwithilanding wil! not iland i^sinftcedeoy^foxtGods judgement Iciite. Ignorance in the fcrtptures is wo excnfe ior a Divine , neither C2in ignorance inchi 'iH'^nitie excufe iht (^hrifiian\ ignorance n-^onnegli^ gence^ ihdC.not got f^f^P^'^tfi^d ^ yet herewith in tbele daves are too too many infeEled , tootooiD^nyajfe^ed. As the ^dder [[oppclh her eares at the fweeteft charmer.^ io they at the moft wholfome admonition, rcfufingto undf:rfi,,nd.^ pieafing themfelves iorh is their /^A)' ; withholding? uicir eje:£iom beholding the light ^ ani their minds from dif:crn^ ni'rg the truth, t^^nother For Exhortation^ Viito everyone of us in AeftA^/and pcruiom : >4-^ l««M*Mtf««a0A«l**«a^kiMMMlta Ver.7. Tl}e creation of the world ^ijrc. 4? 9 For ExhsrratioHMntocvcry one of us in thck ^afi and/?»^ in the truth, confute all erronious opinions. Oh that wee could truly /<7i^^ them, /^« of Saints, reading the 3. Chapter of the /^».of the werldfm thefe words, l^y the word ofGod/he hea- F f vens yens and the earth which arc novvj&c. Z?.Asby Gods decrc«thc hea- vens and tha earth were created in the bcgmning.and they rfcer the earth was drovTned,(b by the (rinne tbcy ara refer- vcd,&:c. .1 ■ Ml ■ i i^»£•^/^/, the^^r/^^ and the >i'^^ in his fr^^r»r?«^ draweth Gods JHdgementsufon the creatures^ fuch iS the natnre of God^ fuch is the nature o1 fnne. For the 2 that no element, no creature can he ^r of table unto w, -without the ef^eciall blcjfingof God ^ both rfater and fire zre profitable, yet did the ^*^/^ perifii by water, ^nd fhall be ^ Ff a confumed Vfe I The drfttuAi- on of the old world in the dayesef Noah Thi things de- ft roycd, the heavens and the earth, and h«w. Theirteanes whartbjthey fver« dcftroy- ed,by water Gcn.3.lJ« Vfe. 1 \ '■^^i^mmtmm^i^ 45 The Iporlipall be deftroyed. on atthelaft /udgemcnt. The matter to be deftroyed, the heavens and the earth which are now. How they are nowupholdea by the word of God. By what n-. cam they a.allbc deftroyjd by fire. A t what time. The lot of the wicked e a that day. Vfe. Reafons* 2 I corjfumed by fire. Thus cf che 2 part. Touching the 3. The d^firui7iono( thispvcfcnfiyoy/d^t thelaftjudgementj/'z^f things may be noted, i The m^jter to bee deftroyed, r he heavens and' the earth 'cchichdre^norp not differing in y^^/^^f^ from thofe which were (before, but in quality. 2 How they aveior: the prefe??t Hpho/den^cy en h the decr£e^ordivance,yvtll'andhecke cfGw' ... . f. — «»-»^^ TI.-M i»»^ MBkMAMU '«< -^ ■«»» - Ver.8 . PF^jf C/^ri/J^ comming is delay ed. 437 hcnfion. fExhor i at it wast© maVc the w^r/^^, the pet cannot vvithflAnd thc-l totter, nor ihc creatftres thck Creator; ^ la regard of the reward which is frwmifsd unro the ^odly^ che pHKipJincHt which (haU bcinfltfted upon the y^tck/d, it the »'^>/4 fhould not have an f»dy and C/^r//? covnc unto judge mefit , how ihould eythcr the godiy bcc rewarded or the nngodlj fu- ntjhed ? This fcrvcih p^rf/jr for reprehenfion, ^^r^/jr for exhor- tation. ^torR^prchenJion^ I Vntofuchasy^^j^^and mocks ^l Chnfis €ommtr:g [jntvjfidgem^nt^ as de^jr chat the w'^yr/^ (hall have an endy "lOc conildiiiiig cythei the infinite power c^God, or :hc Hitch^.^gcAifl^^eQe \jf his decree, 2 Vnro fbch as ffcleeving tfeis dy^nne^y ct rcm^irit r»i/^f<>w,hcaping up m/r^j , w hich fhall be conjl^med bv /r^. "^Qi Exhortation, be perjwaded oi the certainety of this ^<*«r divinc^^w'^^, '^ God created thevforU, and dtd formerly dc- ""<*"• y?r^^ ;> hyyvater^ fojhallhe defiroy it by fire. Continue not in ihyfiri'/tes, for iht. e fliall come a <3f<«^ ©f paiment for all, whtnthouihalt becahcdtoan ^c-connt and rrw'^r^^?^ accor- ding to thy >?'J'«tf day* Finally if they fhould fay unto us, that although the day o( judgement (hall be, yet wcc ncede not feare it, feeing there are fo many thoughts, iom2iny rvorkes of tn^viy that if they (hould all bee diJcuQed and called to an account ^ even a thoufand yeares would not fuifice hereunto, and yet the Scripture nacncth onclya^^^j' of judgement, fo that by neceflary confequent many things fnoiild be con :€aled from the ludgrd, is more then a thoufand yearcs with «/, thus doe thofe Spyders fuck poyfn from this fveet hearbe. Thus of the former anfwer. The lartf r Touching the te/^r, it (hcweth the true r^/t/^ why the l^eni.g Ff4 z:^,.^ V'^^niewufe ( 44^ Chri/i reftraining his commin^^O'c. Chap. { wh-'tlie Lord <^othdferre { Rev.6.11. Lord6oihdefcrre hbccmming; he « nst jlack^ concerning hkpromife,aife^e men coftfnjlacknejje^vctcu count fuch fl^cke which linger an«^' put off to doe a thing btyond the af pointed and ^^^ time, Ood is not ilich a flAcke one, he is not one ih^tnrglencthhisfeafon to coint Uter tbcn he Oiould, hec KviWfure/j com;', bccaufe he hath promifed^ and that neyther foo'fier^noi later ^ then he hath/r^/s^//^^/, Sji^fi- But then i^hy dorb ^^ nor come out of bane! ? (*^»fw, EcvQiibccavSLh^uJong fHfering to us^rvard^ net willing that a-aj of us p^ould ptrifh, hm that all of Hi fhould con^ to repentance:, that is, bccaufe ^e doth patiently waite till the ele^tlje (;roHght to repentance J left any of them fhould peripjy tilithcirnHmher be ACCompli[hedy according to that of the revelation^ and they crjed with a loude veyce^ ^"^J^^ly hoTv long O Lordi holy and true deft thonftot jfidge and avenge our blood on them-y that dwell en the earth ? andtt was fay d un^ to them^ that they fhould reft yet for a little feafon, untiS their feHow fervants alfo^ and their brethren that fhould be killed A4 they were fhonld be fulftlledy fo that the words here are thus to be undcrflood, he is long fftffering to us-ward, us rrhow he hath called^ and dsth call by his Gojpel^ not willing that 'any (to wit dins) fhould perifh.bm that aR of us ^(whom he caHeth) fhould come to repentance. This expo ft ion as it agreeth with^he truth revealed m divers places ok Scripture^ fowith the \cope of this pUce^ for our cx//?^//^? wrote this unto the eleEl,2i$ is apparent by the beginning ok the Epiftle^ yea ihtwordswxvt not Co proper ^ if they were not fhus to be underflood. Befide, God is fayd to will^ny thing^anthropo^ pathos ^ after the manner ofmtn, as he is fayd to >'epent, to be greeved^QiX to be angry Xo here to will the falvation of all, be- canfe he affordeth wnto them cbe«;T^;«(otes ofuniyerfality horn to he rtjlrained. 44 1 & faved/)[?^ hviyfff k^ndnes of the Lord moving the to repentance. This z^^^/.G od doth Botmejiure times and fcac Tons according torhe corrupt Judgenaene o^ man. Gtn,47, Amo8.?«5« ofalli^W/ , U'ho being predefiiyj^.ted unto falvation are in /;w^ efftclually <^'^^^'^^- To iefeil?;hi- and the like errours, from this aiiu the like paces oi fcrtfture ^ :his commong^d tTiKrule m^ik havep/^r^, tnat iiOvt.s «.f nrAverfditj, as, *//, rffh At [never, And the like , muft be refiratned to the matter in hand,2kSy a^hatfocverjie fiall A^keefthe Father in my name, t\\^t\S,vphatfo€Ver according to my v^hL ib, ffhaifoever they (the Thftrifees) hidyofi- doe^ thjit doe^ to wit", according to the Lavp of Mofes, So, thej thatheleeved had all things common^ thoxis^all things l^ypftill ^ and for necejptie; all the TPorld taxed, that is, all under the dominion ejQafar, under which 2l great part of the r^orld was not ^all things are I aw full for me (hilh the j^pofik) thati.% all things in themfelves in* different ^(o [hnfi gave himfelfe a ranfom for all, thztisy fer all forts oipe0ple, lb by allm thiz place, our jipofile mcanes, all the ele^y which were in their time to repent, and lo to be faved 3 for whole fakes, and not in flackr^efe , as the mockers accounted, he deferred his jadgetncnts, the ZorW (faith hcc) i^ lings [offering towards w ^ oppodng us as the eleiltothe reproiate^ ftcffcrs ziGod, both in his tiford ^ andtvorkfJ. Thus of the latter ^ and fo of the meaning of the words* The ohfervations arifimgfrem both aref&ttre, Ihefirfifsthis^ that, Qod doth not meafnre times and feaf on s according to the corrupt judgement ofma,n\ unto a (inner lying iwfinne, a long time leeaittby^^^^;unto zfirtner afflicfled for his/»n^j a/hort tioie (ccmethlongi when wcconfider the time to come , 2 few 5*ceres fecDie many ; v/hen wee call to mii:de the time paft, m any yeeres leeme/^ TV, twenty yeerespaft feetre but a pjort time, fo many to come, a very long time. Tacol^ being demanded o{Tharoah how old he was , anfwered, the dayes oftheyeerescfmy filgrimage are 1^0 yeeres, few and evtll have the dayes of the yeeres of my life heene: his dayes, though w^«/, fcemed to ^i;w bur fiT^-, when will the new moone be gene (^[3i\i^l\\e Ifraelites) th.it wem^y {'^ corned and the Sabbath th^t yve mayfet forth wheate, even tbsitfif^rt time Vcn 8 c How God meafuresfeafons and times. 445 1 tlm^^alioted unto Go^skrvkc ieemcd unto them exceeding /cwf, as no doubt our fubhath doth unto many of us, but thus dc to not (/^(^ y:iC^gc^ he is noz fubjeEt unto time) the Icngefi and th^{h§rteft dmc ; p^fi.or to foiwf , is all <^>?^ with him , iviih T^l^am one daj is a4 a thoufundyecres^ ^nd a thoU' fandjeeres as ene d^j^ The refit fon hereof ts chis^ hecAUfc he is mfynte and etcrndU, ^f^Qjf^ hcvvas bcfoierifne, in his hand is c\rtry time and />4/o«. time was ntddeanti is ccntmned by /7*>», for w^Tf ,not For him- plfe^\Z rememhreth al ihings paU,he tAketk notice of al things ^refent^t knov^eth'sS thingi tortf»»f /lothin^ is hid from him; hcfolloiveth hisownceterna/I and unc^A^gedble purpofe^ Hence diverfe things may bcgathrrcd I. 1 hat th(,^^ffgth,di fiance. And csntinHance of time , doth not works ^^ God a forgetfu/ne ffe oftu.And his fromtfes made unto H4^ when Ad^.m and ^'^f fell , they had a fromife of the MeJfiAh; when Abraham was commanded to forfaks his Gtu.j.iy, o\fjnt CO Hntr J, he bad ?k fromife of the L^«^ of ^^i^^^A^ ; when ^*"'i2- /• /(?c<7^ wentdovvneinto Egjft ^ahzddi fromife oHht retume °* '^^•♦* ofhis/>^j7 f(om thence, many ^/r»^/^''^^.- the rphorcmonger ^ how ©ftcn hcc hath defiled and finned a- ** gainft Gcn.43.25. 444 Godcalltth to minde /Inne, Cb Pfal.(>C.S. :' \ Gc\i,tp4l0i gai'if^ his o^a^Uj yihiextfirtioaer hos!^ oftcn,&: man) he hith vprof^^ed,^ ihc like, our godn^kzh them all y^rmen ia thc^tf^ remmt^ ber notag^mfi tu fsrmsr tniquittcs^ oi f A;^ mi^u^kies of our %* That ^^ «//^^^ «^^ r<> refine at the deUy 9/ Gids fro- ^{f^^y meaiuiing ch^an oy cmr carnaH and corrupt ./•^dge- Dii^Ht, he is nc>t then ^^fA^^^^ao J r4;/Y/^^r ofu^^, when hec deiajftth ^^01 all things ^xc'jahU unto hupr$z"dertce^ it WtJrC mor: // that WC llioulsi with (ilence and reverence \x\ affu- rtd coff^e/tce^v^&bc for thtdccumfiijhmentiafhisyomifes, 4. That we f^f^^jHhtfit ^nr vfiiis Hnt9 Gsds , ^/^r /jr /^^ length and Jhortne ^e ofttme , ^cdis the gf*ider of r/'/Wi?, bc- fto wing t hereof aponfime^ more^ upon others /^j^^, whether ^f give us, w«^^ or little -^more otle^e, we oiuft be content, cndcvouring to employ what we have, in hi^fervice. Finite creAtHres, C^nuot be like an infinit god^ iiiOtvsi\\creatures,\i^t anetcraall^^?^, yet herein let uo imitate our infinire^^^, our etcrnali/'^f^^r, that as with him SLthonfand yeeres arc but as cne day, one daj as a thonfand yeeres , fo it coay bee K^ith us, Gv^nejteeming the fhorteft time in Ji»ne to bee as a thoHpindyttits, tht longefi time io the the performance of G odsfrr vie e y2iS ont 63iy m^Y y^ minute of an heure^ as no //»^atali« ii«r«^ ferved/^'Z'r« yeeres for Rachel , and ^/^^j^ feemed unto ^*'w but a/^»dayes, for the lo'ye hce bare to her.Mwe did trucly love (jod we would not be w'^^' '^^ in the ferfermante ot his/^r w^,efteemiug the Sabbath the longcft day of the iveeke, that ^c?/^r»>»^ is this,, ihat Gfid doth not through jlackneffe deferre the fromife of his commiftg , hf*t fiayethu-yitillthe affointed time, <^ods chil- dren in this world, among l-l many others, ^rcff^^jeH^ unto a twofold trouble, the one at the ypickeds frofperity • the other , at their owne ^dvcrfitie , both ^tone and ttit ^thsr^ doe not a /;/^/^//^ , as call upon me in the day of trouble and I will deliver thee , there is nO precife time fet downe, o fthis fort is this promife of comming unto judgement t There is no p^rf/V/^/<«r time fet downe, where- in this jWj-^«fffi/fliall be, neither as j'ff is the generaU con- vcrfionef tbe/^w^^/, which muft needs precede Qhrifs /2rrtfW comming unto judgement, tie hath promifed to come , and fhall certain^Iy come , but when he will come^ is uncertainty he cannot be challenged for the nefleih and breach oi\{isfromife^ unlcffe a certaine time had bccne fet downe (which wcrfcalready paft^ wherein hce promifcth to come ^to judgements »■>*••• i - ai .-' . » The The Lord it net flaek,&c. Z>.God doth nottlueugh /lacknei2« dcx ferrechcpro Kifc of hig ccaurLg^but Aaycth ufihll the appointed time. Gen. 1 8. T. Pral.jo.iJ. \ — \ henfion. 1 446 Gods hn^^fufferance inches to repentance . Chap . 7 The reafons hereof are thefe. i « Becaufe Gr^s^/ decree is immHta^U\h\spm^oicHHchangeal?le^ if he came before the apfointed timQ > then hec muil nctis reverfc his decree chzng^hxsff^rpofe, z Becaufe to dcferre the ptfr^^-wj^r^c*? of goodnefethro'jgh/lackyiefe^ is a/;^;^^, wbereunto ^^^(being, ^^^ffom all finaes) cannot be/^^;^- jufice in 6'(?^ to pani/h us for owv facknep , if hcc himfelfe ! failed in the fame, 4 Becauleit is <5^tf^ which ^^wr^ and ^^ of delay, of the l^reach ofhispromifes^ repining , murmuring, aad grudging &t the fufpfifid truth of the /i«^^: wouldeft thouhayc him cooje before the time appointed , and decreed in (^eds privie counfell? wouldftthou have him to be mutMe aad change- ^^/tf like unto thy fclfe? rather thou fhouldefl ff^yraee this time ofrefentauce : ufing thy time well to the gl«rjf of God^ and doing go 9^ whilft thou haft time. Thou knovvcft not yphen he will come, employ thy talent unto thy makers ut- moft /J^^t'^tw^^X^ > w4«j cccafions doe wee negU^:^ many SLrtaContihit^fpcrtHmtte of we^ doing, praying, hearing the word , vifiting the ficke , relieving the neceditics ef the po9re,and the like, ycTLheake mdiny ^fromife which wee (hQ\Adh2i\tperformed , but it's HOtfo with^*^^, hee doth not through fiackneffe , deferrc thcpromlfe of his coMming, buln^aiteth ixntillthc appointed dmc. FerexhortatioHj i. Let us not ufe flacl^ejfe iti the per- formance o^oorpromifes untoC^d, but with zWreadtneQe, without any ^f^j/VdcftrfC the ;»r9;f^y2r of bis commmg, \ 2 Ltt"us learhc patiently to u aitc Gsds leafurc , neither ^^- ' fining againfl his not comming, or btMgtrjdtjfereiJt whether ; become^ or not , Oh let as py^jf unto him to J^f^fleyt his com- , miifg , that we may be translated out of this Wf of mifiric. , and may enter into our M^flvrs joy. g Let us comfort our Tciv^S withthe w/i/-/'^?^of the certalntte of his commtng^ \ when the ^^^'w^^r of the eleSl Q[\i[\heAC€omdltfied^x!ii^i\ ftall this day comeytl]Qi)r9mrfeoihi^comn9^ng beperfcrmed. 1 bus offhe/^ie Tpa^e- of 4it« 1 20 yeeres fhoiild have provoked th^m unto repe}^fanc'e\ ^liu'& dealt the £^o^<^ With the Ifra/ites, but they and etir fathers (^{aith the LeVit) hzyt dealt proudly ^ andhardnedt^oeirheckes , And hardened not to thy corftmandements , apdrefufedto obey : nettheri^ere »»^ndffi/iof the wonders whtch"'tk^fi~ ekdfl amene- them: bnt hardnfd their nee kj^ and in their ytbelitoK appointed ftCap^ S But Is long fiifFering, jifc, D.Goddoth by his patience and long fuffcringintice es unco rtpen- tanc€« jloel 2.12,13. R«m,2.4:, I J?ct.3.2o, Neh,9,icr.l7. tame V i f ' r 44S r> , aa •'•ilk^lUkfe.riiCaiaa itrmii •iti^mt Gods long-fufering incites to repentance. Chap. 5] £xod,}4. 6* The confide- ration hereof an excellent meanes to in- cite us uato repentance ins ftancedin particolar* I 4 tdin td retnrne Hnt4 their bonAage^ bnt thsfi Art x Gad,^ ready \ iofardoH , graclsM a^td msrcifni ^/l)iv to anger^ and of /rreat kindnefe,andfdrfo7kfl^thsmn9t^2ii\iwh]/{:o} CVQnx.Ofr&^ voks tht^nntorc^p-fit^r:^. Ttiisisthe »a^^ of the L^rd ^ndthc Lard fafedby hefort him, ani frdclatm^d, the Lord ^ the Lord h9 iK>iU render to every man accerdingtokii deeds, Doft thou thinke that godwW flill bearc with thee ^ hee will not. It \^ long ere he begin, .when he heginneth^t will qf^ickely make an zndMhfeete are as ieade^hx^ hands as Ircnfiod id^eaiow^^ the Lord revengeth ^nd if furiom'. the Lord wik take vengeance onhUadverfaries ^ & he referveth wrath for his enemies ^the Lord inflow to anger y and great inpor^er , and will not at all acqnit the wicked. Be carefull therefore in time, doc not further tempt Gody by your impenitenciey fay not thus within your hearts ^ I have continuedin this courfe of lifethefe many yeareSy in coveto'uf- ni[Je,in drunkennejfe,in maiice.and the likejhAVe vrofight^C^ played upon the Lords day, and yet never fared the worfe for it ^ I have flillhad wherewith to doe my tHrne, O-c, For that will ccme npon thee in one houre, which did never hefall thee before. Your ovinc experience may confirmc^A^,! doubt not bl:t thatyc have c^y^rz'f^ many, uhich have long continued in drunkennejfe^wohredome^ theft ^ and th^likey who though for a time they (eemed outwardly zoprofper^ yet at the length came topoverty :fff ame,2iviif ear efuH ends. That which pro' Qa verbiallj Vfe of Repre- hen (ion. Rom.2.5'.(5'4 r\6. fer6,[idf€. 45 Go ^3' longfufferance a token of his loye. Chap . 5 . VTeofExhors tation. I a N©t willing thatf*ny,&c. D.God* lovf towards His owne children isimfpcakc? able. \ Vfe. I 2 3 4 verhtAUj wc Tay ofpridf, fride wiUhAve a fdtl, we cnay ^/T^^; unto Allforts oi imfenitencie. Another. Tor Sxhortatiort. I To admire Gods love who hath beene all this while lb patient towards us. i To be truly thAnkem fnH, unto him for this his fdttence and longfnjfering, 3 To re- pentm o^ our Jtnjtes , and truly returne unto hicn, and that w/7/i»^/7,rpecdily,fincerely,\vith allour hearts,(oulcs, andaf- fc(flionj>,for this caufeconfider we the f/thines o^fm^the dm- ger ofJin^o(\\hztj[ood\MtnTCthGrtby deprlvedyof what tvils pojfejfed. Oh that we had a ixxxtfightti y>«/ifef our /»/, with mtinfained hatred and tan [hall he revealed. The ddj of the Lord lefffs. The day ofjf^gement^ The day of God, And here it is called the day of the Lord.hsc^afc upon It the Lord will Q^pecisilly manifefl his omnipotencie, wife^ d^me^power,goodnejfe^jufriee and the Uk^, abfolving the^^^- ly, condemning the /^«'^»i«i ■•» r»«»— tjifcUfc, 2 Thc/r.1.5. 8 ReafotiS* I Vcr. I o. The day of the Lord mil certainely come. 45 ? if/ejfcdnefe • wMcb" being a part oi Gods image the Bivell hath cleftroyed, which 6'6'<^(wlio is mightier then the T>iveil) Ci\o\x\drefiorff^ and that upon this day, 6 From our re/kr- ^ reBion from the dead, 7 From the j^/^iV^, tr-fith xu\^ood- m ^ Ttefe ofgod^ which requireth thatir may goc full ryc/^ vvith goodi^nievilly with f^^ evilly according to that of S. 7^/?///, It is arigkteouithinj^Tvith (^ad, to recomfence tribulatioKto them that troftl?leyon^ And t0 y»tt ivho Aretronbledyrefi with ui:,yi;hc& the L^rd lefm {hull he revealed from heaven ivith his j^ighty ^Kgcls^ yca this is #;2ut -^hj dofl thou judge thybrether f or why dofithonfetat naught thy i^r other ? we Jhall aU ft and before the judgement feat of (^hrifl, 2 That the efiate of the un^ 'g^dly and gffdly fhall bee r/?^^^^^ from that which it is «tf7?^; uow'thcurtgodlj rcjoyce, but the irj^y (hall end \nforr4^w^ t\\6\' mirth iumotirning'^ now the j^^^/^ weef e, but their greefe fhail er^d injoy ; thcyfsw in teAres, hut they psali reape tnjoy, 3 That all ot'usfhouici /rand ;r^/4r^ our Iclves for thi^^^y ; it's not long crc the hridegroome will comey wee mud with the/^^/W let our fclvcs for his «^ y p/^r ^^ ^m 'Ifcnne^e ,and the cares thintef •^ Ver.io.The certainety of the day of judgement, r?" Confolation.Ynto the children of (7tf^,& that both in re- gard of God, 8c in regard of themfelvesAn regard of 6'<7^,who v/iWthett efpecially mumfeft himfelfe, in bis glorious *r/ri- ifutes^ and vindicate his owne ^/^r/, avenging himfelfe on his 4^t/^r/^r;>/.In regard of our/^/^'^/jbccaule then we fhalU/-. tMne2Ln ablblutc freedome from all thofe things which doe «a^ trouble or greeve us, whereof we arc now much affraid; for example, wc are '^^y^ greevcd at Jinne^ now aff^ulted by the ^ivelly now \\i danger to be entfi.ngled by rhe v<7r/J, or bewitched by they^f^^^, now \ve have a combats betweene the fi^pj and the Jpirn ; now we are compared about with ^r^y/if- b/es and crojfesj now the r;r«y> of C^^it/? is oppofed and ma^ iigmdy now the Cnrcho'tGodis perfecHted and perplexed, now wcfeare both our owne and the (pHckejltdtng q[^ other s, now the wicked triumph, injoying their pie afnres, pro fits, honsffrssLndihtlikfy now Gods Sabbath is prophaned, his word dcvidtdy hisf^rvants perfecfited^ fitt»ecncvQaCing> peo^ plehzQoxnmmgworfe^ndyvorfe, but beloved, whcnrW^^^ commeth,as undoubtedly it »^/7/ come, all thefe things fhall be cIsAngedi thou fhalt finne no mere^ the Divell fhall ;>rf- z/^;7«fagainft thee no more, neyther ilialt thou ftand in any /)/rrWfearcofthe world, and the Itk^y wh^t foule indued but with the l<^afi fparke ofgrace^ dorh not;^^ at the renjem^ ^r^«fr of thofe things, doth not pi'.jfionatly breake out,fay- in^-iCome Lordlefui^ For Exhortation. Vntoallofus in^^;?^r^//, unto both the godly and nn^odly in particnUr, Vnto allot us in generalU i To ajfnre our (elves of the certainty of this day^ 2 To be hQVtby withdrawne fromjinne, and ?'fj^ the wtf^i(7»/ thereunto, 3 Toprepare our klves by' faith andrepentance for the fame, 4. Not to doe ^»y thing ' ^ g 4 now, SimtL Vr« of conCb- Ution* In ffffgardof God. In regard of ourfelves* VfeofExhor: cation. In general!. I 2 4 ^ I 456 Thedayofthehordli^iUcemefuddenly. Chap.3 In particular unco the god^ (Vntotheun- godly. ".<; .iSi I ;Eccl8niI.9. \ fieTe,&c. Thed&yoUhe Lord wi'l coraeasa thcefeinthe h'ight, ' ; , I TbeC j,2i 3 •4. WOW yvh€r€of\f^Qn€fde to ^^ ^I^amedot ^ffrHidhcrc&Ficr to render an account. Vnto the ^^^-^ i r^/j/«^ not at tht frojperity of the wicked, comfort your Telves with the /w^^?io« of this ^^/, waite patiently the Xhoufcs, lands, friends or fuch /% things which thou fo much eftecmefi, Jh\n of the certainty. For the 2. Thtfr^ddennejfe o^this-l^fi judgement^ the day of the Lord will CO r/^e as a theefe in the night, a fhrafe jfed both by out Saviour Qhrifh, and ^SPaul^ to exprcffe they»^- dennejfe of this day. As theeves commonly when they are not lookt for, io /hall 6e the comming of this day, when the un- ^^y^/jchinke nothing /, yea as unto thole, which being afieefe are arcaked by the comming of theeves, there is great feare, horrour 2i[\dterrour, fofliallthis day bee unto thcfe which are fplritually afleefejead in their/^^^/- ^^^fir But fnalithis^^7 come ^^vvhenlocvcr/;^ doth ^£?w^. Hence /w^ things may be gathered. I That //■ u Hncertaine at what time the d^y of judgement fhaUbe. Owx Saviokv \\\KS\'^i\{^ A^rmeth fo oiuch. T:Ht of that day and houre knoweth no ma,n,no not the Angels of hen- ven^hnt my Father cnclj, yca neither the i'owwi? himfelfe, but the Father^ There is nothing move cert^tne then that it fj/ill be, nothing more uncertaine^ then when it fliali be. This /e the k^ngdome to Jfracl^ anfa-ered. It h not for y oh to knov; the times andfeafonSy which the Father hath put tn his owne poW' ^r, Itismovcfafefor us to ffib^it OUT Tv: Is unto the wiHo^ God^ to bel eeve {Q^ZVtC2iS Script Hrehr\}i\ revealed unto US, not feeling- for knowledge above mefifw-.e^ of thofe things whereof we hive no w'^rr^ew^. Vnto the godly itwdl be wci- come Avhenfocverit commeth^ as untc the unjodly unwelcome. \ • \i\ Vfe. I Marie. 13.32. Why Cod keepctbfroBi us the know - lecgeofihii I 2 4 A£l i.^./. 458 Luc,2l.34i Mat.24.4>:. Mar.I3.3?. To prepare fcr the day of the Lord. Chap . 5 Ibid.$7« Luc. 12.40. Why we ought CO be prepared and watch for this daj. I Luc,iZ»37. 1 Luc«i2.4.7. Ifthe^^^/^' did know the ^«'r^'^/«^ rime of i>, it might per- zdvcntarci^reede inihcmficuritj ', i^ tht nngodlj y pr^fntftf^ tioHy if were nor to come iov^long time j or de^eration if within ^ifiort while : therefore hath God in his rvif^ dome concealed the/^:'^^. 2. That *ris the dutie ofeVerj [hriflian to be prepared and rvatchf&r th^daj, i^fi it take htm at uKaw^res. It's o\xx Sa* vionrsiy^ivicoiinfelli and tcik^ heedetoyourfelves, ieafi at a»y time jfofir hearts he overcharged with drnnk^ne^e ^ and fm-fetinff ^and the c Ares of thii life and fo that day ceme ufon J OH at unawares^ for as a fkare it fhall come upon aH them that dwell upon the face of the earth , watch yee therefore and fray alw ayes ^ that ye may be counted worthy to cfcafe ^U thefe thin as that [hall come ts paffe, and to ftand before the Sonne of mankind againe, watch therefore^ for je know not at what hoHreyQur Lord doth C9 me ^hnt know thii^ that if the geodman of the houfe had kpowne in what watch the theefe would come \ he would have watched^ and would not have fujferedhis houfe to be broken up : And againe ; watch yee therefore (for yee know not when themafter of the h^ufe cem^ meth, at efcn^ or at midnight, or at the cock^crowing , or in the morning) left camming fuddenly he findethyou Jleeping : I neythcruas this (aid unto them onely, but unco all, and "i^hat I fay unto yeu^Ifay unto all, watch ^ Thus alfo at^^o- ther time« 'Be yee therefore ready alfo^for the Sonne of man commeth at an heure, when ye thirJie not. To enforce the performance oi this duty there are two rca- fons. The I. ma}^ be taken from the ^/e'jj^^eftatc, andhap^ pie condition of thofe which doe >^^/^^^", exprcfTed by ^fmi- ■iitude^ blejfed are thofe fervants , whom the Lord when he commeth fiallfinde watching ; verely I fay unto you, that hee [hall fftrd himfelfe,and make them to fit downe to meate , and will cone forth and ferve them, &c. They [hall enter into their mafl:ers joy y T^^f r^ they fhall remaine world without end. The 2. may be ^^^« from the miferable ^nadunhappie condition of thofe, which ^?r, cxprcfled h'kewife 1 by the forartcr Similitude^ but and if that fervant fay in his \ heart Vcr 8, The day oJtheLords comming^mt knowne. 459" heart ^ my Lord dtUjeth his commiytg^ and f jail begin to be ate the man fcrvants and maidens^ and to eatc.anddrinke , aKdbedrnnkjn, the Lord of that fervant will come tnadaj^ yrhenhe look^th net for htm^ and at an honre rvhcn hee U not aware , and wtS appoint htm his portion with the unbthevers ^ of which alfo we may reade \\\ the ^pocaljps. If therefore Rcu^i.g. thoM pjallnct watch , I wilt come on thee ai a theefe , and thoH [halt not know J tvhat hottre I wtll come upon thee» So then, bad wc« i^olneedex.o Thatch, confidcring that this day will come tipon the fttdden , uiltrk the ^odlj, which watch, joyfull ; unto the wicked, which zxtficure and carelejfe, ter- rible. Wherefore (to conclude this p^^/W) Ibefeech you all in thc/<^rfr^of(76>^tobecarefull, ctrcHmfpeEl , and watchfully T^'^rkt^g out jonrfalvation with /^ouId ycatchi O mj beloved be car ef all and watch, when yoii doe mod ceafe froai7i^,then yoini^atch ajoIl,then you are moft careffi/l^ ye art mod ready ^ bcCt prepared tor the cemming of Chrifl^ watch leffs for thefe earthly things. ^ore (or fplr it nalL A man may Thatch all his daycs for the world, dc yet never be rfcH5bcL\vho fowaitethfor C/jn/ fliallstthe length enjoy hi?^:^j\;hzt iiChrifi dij ce?ne when thou zxi in thy dead fle^pi, even ^^ri'^;^/?^ m thy/^/jwhen thou diXt committing the very a^-i o^ fornication, adultery, mmther, or the ^^4f > Would not x}c\f-€arehe heavie^thy awaking fearefuU ? In time therefore watch, by performing your duty towards God , and towards yourneighbour, that when he commeth he may finde you Jo doing. Thus ofth^ffiddennejfe. For the ^, The cor7fei^uents q£ this judgements I the hea* vens fhzWpaff^edway with a great nojfe, not as being reduced into nothing ^ hut changed intoaw^i^ forme, of which the ; Pfahnilt fpeaketh of eld, thou hafl Uidethe foundation \ of the earth, and the heavens are the yporke of thy hands , f they p3 all per i[h , hut thou {halt indure^ yea aE of them fiall j waxe old 04 a garment , as avef^ure [halt thofi change them, ' andthcy fi^llbe changed, z The el erne nt fh all melt with fer- vent heate, 3 The earth with the workes that are therein fiall be burnt up . Thofc are the confequents of the Ufljudge* ment,h^ve recorded. It's not my pur^pofe curioufly to determine of the forme and m.rnner of this judgement , either of the fire wherewith the J?'^;/^ nialibeburntup, or oi the things which iliall be confumed therohyj'-'bferuc we onely for the /^^^y^^^^^'^' things from hence. 2. Thit the CO mming of Chrifi unto judgement , [hall be mc^tiUuf^rioUi andgleriom, a.That \ ..^•m. VcrH I ojbe comming ofChriJl tojudgemtnt gloriows. a(^ 1 ' That thofe things ychich are nov? in mofi cjlimatten ntth men i fliall bee at the day of judgement , confumed with fire, . y ouching iht for me r, i\\c: eommr/Jg of ChriJI: tuto judge.' "meat pyi^ll be moji illtifriom and glorwm. The Sonne of nhin pjallcomeinhis glory ^ and all the holy ^ylngels nvith him, thenfjaQ he fit a^on the throne ^f his glory : The Lord leftts fly all be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels , ^n faming fire, takiyig vengeance on them that k^ow not God^and that obey no-t the Gojpe/l of our Lord lefus Chrifl^He fljall come to be glorified in his Saints ^and to be admired m all them that beleeve in that day. This may be confirmed , both by the Terfon of the Judge ; by the Perfons whom he iliall;^^^^^ ; by the end why be doih judge ; by xh^folemne r/ianner oi th" judgement^ and by his ajfiftants in the fame. This ferveth as to reprove thofe^ which doe now dif- efteemc of C^?^//? , fo to ?>?a//^ Q^giory. Thusof the/^rw^p^, * T'^uchtngtho. latter, Thofe thin as which are no^v in mofi efiimation with the men of this worlds [hall be at the day of judgement confumed with fire , tho earth alfo and the worlds that are therein fjall be burnt up\- this may beeuuderftoodof fo}nc xhmgs t-otally and abfolutely, as of houfcs, and the likej of ^ dcftroyed, but refined , neitbei)the creatures therein altoge^ ^W confumed, for (^asSaint rWfaithJ theearncft e,vpe5}a^ tion of^he creature waiteth for the mamfefiattoK of the S&nne efCjod; heeauft the creature itfelfe alfofi^allbe delive- red from the bondage of corruption ^ into the glorious liberty ofthefonnes efCjod, Howfoever we underfiand Ahc words, certainehis, that thofe things which are now in moft efttma^ tion with the men- ofthisi^^rld^ Hiall be at the day of judge^ »?^w? confumed WithjSrf. 1 D.Ths com- roiiigof Chtidunio iudgcrtient i^iallbe moft iJIuilriousand glorious. Mar. 25. 3 1. 2 Their. 1 . 7. 10. Reafons con- firm ngjt. V/e. I 2 D. Thofe thingswbich are now in moft cftinut: tion, wixh the men of this wcrldll.all at the day cf /udgement bee confjnccd n ith (ire, Rom, 8, 19. A reafon con- Hrnsingit. I Mac.lS.a^* 4 Col. 5^2. Hoi^ /lir/e heaven exceQeth earth. Chap. ^ I prove itthos. The things of this i^^^r/d which are in greatefl account with men^ are either the /«/ of the eyes(xhit \sS\:iC\\2iSicndnnlofrefite ox riches) or the In fi «f tht flefi ("that is jfnchas f^7?4^nto]p/^^>^^) or the/>rfd^//-,withdravving your hekrts ^affe^ions more and more from th^ fams^ conSdering that tt will not advantage a man though he Jheuld game the whole world, and Isfe his orvne foule, 2 To fet your hearts on heaven and heavenly things, according to that of Saint *P^«/, fet your affeclions on things above ^Kot on things sn the earth, VVhdt com^ari^ fon is becwcene heaven and earth, betwcenetbe things above zndthc things be/ow ?^ Thok Sire gold ^ chcfe are ^r^j^r; thofe arc the fubflance, thefe but the fiaddow , in thoicjoyyin thefe forroyp-yin thofc contentment , in thefe none, in thofe; hap- pinejfe^ in ihrSc mifericy nay , the whole rpor/disnot dble lo fat i s fie onz foul e ^ 3. not to be eagar in the fur fute ohh^^Q earthly things, they are obtained by labour^ P^jj^JI^^ infeare^ may vanifij away before sve be aware, 4 Bee eager \w the furfuite oi heavenly things, pace your treafure there ^ whete neither the Tt^'ith can cenfume ^ or the theefe digae through andfteale-y thus of the confequentsaithtlafi judge- ment. j Verf» II# Seeing then that all thefe things fiaS be difolued. \ what manner of-perfens ought yee to be in all holy con- verfation and gs dime ffe-? The doElrine or what we are to believe touching the laft judgement being laide downe in the preceding verfc, it remai-, neth to handle the ufes of the ffimf , laide downe in this and the enfumg vcrfes , being fonre in number^ as I fliewcd 3/cu in the refolnnon ot the }rccfdiHg vcifc. ThcA/ ufe being unto /'^Wr/^afid /'/e'rj' is laide downe in r^^ verle, wkercin our Apo(i:U trom the confideration of the generall ^;jf^//^^/(?«> renovation , and /'^^^4^/^« of all things on the duy o\}fidgement ^ doth by way ot" t»terrogatton fliew us , that wee alio ought now to be renucd^ /*^i^^ purified^ feeing then thM aK thefe thiyigsfhMl be dtjfolned^ the heavens p^Jfe AKPaj v^iihA great nojfe , the elements melt with fervent heatCjthe earth alfo and the workes that are therein , Ifnrnt up (whtch are without fnne^^ what manner of per fans ought ye e to bein aliholj converfation and godlinefft / how much »fore have yee neede o'i purifying^ w hicb doe To much finne agaiuft God ; how carefuU^i-ioui^ yee bee, that ye may nojv bee puri- fied? leftonthat^f«^r^//day of/^^rtA'i;^:^, ye bee found ^/»- pffre,yo\x ought by all meanes to let your felves about the /?^- iormance of they^^"?". The parts to be confidered SiVQ two, I An exhortation unto /'«^///e'and^/^//T^jyc'^{>jallhearej But there JhalibeageneraH dijfolusionofall things at the day of judge- f^^nty Therefore ^//^/?f tret^endevourbyallmeanes, tobe m all holy converfation andgodltnefje. From Thtvfcs of thcptccceding cio(^)ijeofcho laft /udg- J he fir A unto puritic and pi«tic. Two parti corjfidcicd. An exhortati: onacci A reafoa thereof. Seeing; tlicn thacallthcre things fliaH be dinToIucdj&c, Z?. The con- ficJeratfon of the undoubted diflolution of thefc things on the day of /udgement fhould incite us unto holi- nefle. lCor.H.58. Phil.3.20. I Their. 5.<, 1 Pet.'4r.7« Re^foris, I ■Roa),i4. lo. 12- 1 Cor. 5, 10. 2 From thofc two pares, this one ehfervation may be gathe- red, that ' T he conJiderMisn of the cert nine and nndonhted dif&/fitlon of the elements, and creatures in the day of judgement , Jhonld incite and provoke all chrifiians to hee in aH holy converfation and^odline if e. rightly to perf or me their duty both towards G**?^, and their Netghb9Hri This Saint T'^/// confirmcthin diverfe of his Epifiles ^ having ififormed ihc Corinthians o( the changing of them that fliall he found alive on the /afl day, he concludeth , therefore my beloved brethren , beyeflredfafi^ unmoveable, alwayes aboundinginthetvorkeofthe Lord^ for oi much 04 you hnovo your labour is not in vaine in the Lord* Of his ovvnepr4^V^,hercin htrpriteth unto the Philippians^ for our conversation is in heaven , from whence alfo wee Uoke for the Saviour the Lord lefus Chrifi^ who fiaH change tur vile bodies ^that it may befafhioned like unto his gloriom bodyy according to the yp or king, whereby he is able even to fub due all things unto himf elf c, Thusalfo infiru^ing the Theffalo" nians touching thtday of judgement, he concludeth, there" fore let hs notjleepe as doe others , but let us watch and befo- ber. Thus alio our ^c^^y?/^, but the end of all things it at hand, be ye therefore fob er^ and watch unto prayer^ c^c^ The reafons here of are thefe. i Becaufe when this diffo^ lution commech, we fhall be called to an account both of the performance o^Quvdutiezowsu'ds^odj and our duty towards ouvneighbour^of Oiiv words ^ of ouviv or kes, yea cf the very thoughts ef our heart. We fiall all fiand before the judge^ mentfeatofChnft^^vQr^ oneof-us fhall give account of him^ felfeio God, We muft all appear e before the judgement feate ofChrifi, that every one m/>y receive the things done in kis bo- dy 5 according to that he hath done^ .whether it be good or bad^ yea of every idle word that . men [hall jpeake , they fhall give account thereof anthedayof judgement, 2 Becaufe for the prefent through the corruption of Our 'nature thofe are the efpeciall/^^J-vvhich)m/>^^^^ usfrom ^^^, which k^eepeu^ both from p^^'?^ and fi,whereasC7e?^ did make the ^Z^- ments and ordained his creatures for our ufe 5 that by the * * fame Ver.I I .Ourjtnnes the caufc of the 'Worlds dijjoluttou. 46 5 fame wc might be the If^ficr enabled to doe him fervics^ we \ ahufe them to the dtfioyiour of his name, ihw^ fighttfjg againft hitn with his oTvrte weapons, wc take fuch fUaffire m them , zicio^jf^^^d with them, have our henrts fo glued unto them, that Vitt&mn o\x): dutj bcthto ^od and our net^h- ^ Becatife QUf /wwjpj" are ihc cafife of their dijfo/fitioH,yca thef/«//*'^/V^ they were created, I if man had not/»»^^they ihould hzvi^ continued in that^r*'. ginaUbcauiy wkerein they were created. And i(^od did not Tvaite for 0U1: repentance^ they fhould have becnc dtjfoived CTCthiSyfortheearneftexpe^ationsfthe creature, ryatteth for the manifefiatien of the Sonne s of God. 4 Bccaufe if we doe not«o%»leadeanholy r/^,to begi». Thus fliaUwe lofe our r^n^W,tbus (hail we be deprived of further hope of any true r£'/'^«/^^;;tr J yea thus may wq ajfure oar fdvcsof everlafitng torments in the fire of he'/, 5 Be- CSiufctht things which fliallbe then dtjfolved ^ were ra.^.de for //if, mzdcfubjefl unto corruption by oin' f^nnes^ {hall bee thcnpurged, renewed, and refined, now if they fnall be then renucd, have not we much more neede of renovation ? ifthcfe things (liall become ne7¥, how much more (hould we become new creatures } Here is the onely difference, Our renovati- on mufl: be now^ theirs fhall be on the day of judgement, we muftfoyz^our fclves^^w, as that wc may dq inhabitants of the new lerufalem, VnlefTe we be new renewed ^ndfan^tfied, Hh unlciTc: Roto. 8. 20. Rom.8,19, 4 ;} An illu^l rati- on of the prececding three oarticu iars. I TVierefl'.all be a dilloluti'dn of the crcaturs. Ua.oS'17- pral.iol.25. M4th.24,3 J. 4 66 ^^/ holy conVerfation required In Qhri/iians.Chzi^. 2 • iinlelTe we Ifecome m Chrifi n€W creatnres^ unlefTe wee be clothed with om -redding garments^ \AQmake nut ^'iho/yufe of the dij^'Jutlon of all things^ Seeing then th.t allthefethmtrs p^all be di^olvedy what wmint. r offerfons ought we to bem all holy convcrfaion and godltnejle f For rhe furth:;r iliujl-r.it ion of hi^ point, three things are to be confidcred. i That there Jh all be a dtjfolmion of the crea- rures. 2 Thsr CJod doth require ofm, to be in all holy conver^ fatton and godJine^e^ to ferf.rme Our dnty both towards himfelfe 'And tow^x^s om neighbour ^ Thsi< he would /jave us through the corjidcratton ofthedijfolution of the/e thing's to performe the fame. F^or the I There fhall be a diffolution of the creatures^ for behold I create nev^ heavens and a new earthy and the former (Ijfdl not beremembred],nor come unto minde, iaith the Lord hy Ifaiah. Of old hafl thoft lay d the foundation of tht earthy and the heavens are the works of thy hands , they fhall pertp^, but thoH pjalt indure, yea all of them fhallwaxe old as a gar^ n^ent,. as a vefiure fhalt thou change them and they fhall be changed^ laith the Tfalmifi, Heaven and earth fhall paff'e I away, faith our SAviour, Howfoever to cur dimmeand un^ \ flable fight, thy thty are. they arc/^^j^^ unto vanity, their eftate is changing mid fleeting z^ we, (o thy (holi be diffolved^ and tl'iar both ^ovour a nd tl.eir ewne gord. For the 2 G^d doth require ^fi^^^ to be in all holy eonver- Jation andgodlmeffe*^ rightly te f erf or me cur duty both to ^ wards God, and towards our neiqhhoftrs. This Is the /^«??»^ and abridgem ent of the whole law , Th'S is the commandcm ment bother Godj and his fonne Chrifi lefus, to l^'^e the Lord our Cjod' c^c, and our neighbour as onrflf'*, God doth injlrnU us in b^t ^, he bUjjeth ih: perforffters oiboth, he pu- ttifjeth 2 God dosli require of us to be mall holy Converfa tion and god- Ver. 10 Kot tofet our affeSlions on things below. 4^7 ftijhahzh. ne^leB oieyther, he would ^^ve us to be in all holy converp.tion\r\Y*.^2ir^ijimerty toUgod/j and reltgiom in regard o^ htnffe/fe. The /^^w^^ Comprehending tempe- ranee modeflj ^fohriety^ vtgilancte, co»flancie y whtrcrvvich ih^^odiy odni,f^rmihedy :xxK.cArefHilbotWmx\\tv:T*'ords aiid actons Kiot to give ofence\x\Xo the Chnrch of (^od-^ The Mat- ter comprchendingthofe dnties which concerne the tvorfhip O^god, iijch as ihc fiftdy o'i frajtrtg,reading,hearwg thor^?^^ prtached,w^^/Mf/;?^ot A^Z/chings, watchfr/nejje m hisfer- z//'c^,and the //%. The ^«f without &iC other isinfufficuftt, niy it is ir/ipojfille, I hit the one (hould be ivithoptt the other, they goe together, accompany oiaq another, our converfatton muft outwardlyhc holy arid///r/r, V/e muli be temferate^fober, modefl, andthe/%,eire howcan we approve our felv'csto helo^gimto God ? how can we draw others unto God ? how can wedoe^o^^inthe Church o^ God? how can \\Qa^ flame from giving ^jf^«r^ unto others •** our converfationnwx^ bee in ^rc?»;/^ of (y^^ looke for new heavens and anew earthy wherein dwelleth righteoufneffe, Thc/'i^rr/tobeconfidered are r/7reing on fire frail be dtjfelved, and the elements fhall melt with fervent heate^^ there fiall be new heAvens and new earth. Aftertbis^^7,intho{e new heavens and new t3iiihjhall dwellrighteoufn ejfe . Concerning the i what wc are to doe before this day,ftiled here by a »;pe(fl the commtng thereof. Touching the /^?^^, for unfainedr^- ^ [Ver.i 2.' ^ WhatfuUbe done on thk day. 471 fentance. Qh JfrMtlfrefaretomeetethe Lordthy God, Oh h2i{\:cn the commt^g oi this day, baften unto the comrmng thereof, why doft thou deUy fo long ? Why doft thojco«- tinue^nd^ocon in thine infidelity} Why doft thou /J/^/^ofF thy repentance from ^^7 to ^^7 ? forfakc your finnes and ^^- hominations, commit not thofe thiiigs whzrcoi hereafter you needc to be afraid 01 afhamed. Doth (/^^^ ^^y?tf« ht^ camming unto Hi, Oh letut hafim our going unto htm, let US not give ^^r3 hnt they ivhich are written in the lamhes books cf life. Others take the ahftraEh for the concrete jufi, which isalfo true, for without are doggs and forcer ers^and whoremongers, and ma rtherers^ and Idolaters and whofoever Uveth and ma- kith a Ije» Thenjhall the righteous fitne forth as the Sunne in the ki'^gdcn^e of their father, Beth may t e mderftood herc,f;f the^e new heavens, the right com fhall dwell ^ among f them ho^ thing htit righteoHfneffe^ where dfo is Qhrift eur righteouf neffe, . Hence divtrs things may be gathered, I The difference betweene th^ godlj on earth, as th'ey are now, and the goalj in heaven, as they [haft he hereafter.Now \^^2LKZunrtghteotts^ we doe many things which are unrigh- teoHSy vve arc in the midfi of an unrighteous people, vjtlive in an unrighteous agQ^DUlhereafter^ vve fhall be wholly fieede diiht far/^e, 2. Thx dtjferenceyyttM^tznttht godly \n heaven ^ and the wicked in hell, with the /atterthtve is nothing but unrighte^ oufneffe, as wifh the former there <^^f//^/^ abfolute ri^^- teeufneffe. ^. ThQimfoJfihiiity o^ ih^ wicked s releafc o^ torments, they being wholly unrightcoub-. . 4 The certain tie of the per pctuall happinefe of Gods ChiL drenrlhcy 2iT^ there where righteoufne^edwelieth, %. The nature of God, who cannot indure unci f an » neffe, 6. That aH of us fliould endevour in time to bee jufi and righteous y as were loh, Zachariah, Eli^aheth, with diver fe others* ev€nhy.gettingihtrighteeufnelfeoi(^hriJi- imputed unto tis, wouldeftthouben^^^f^/// in/7^^'y^?^ with an ^;?^^- ^^»/ and perfe^ righteoiifneffei thou muft bee here righteous^ thoij ^__ L VcrH 1 4, Ju exhortativi to innocencie. 47 i thou mild here attaine rightcoufnefTt', perfeft though not ifs- ^ herent(\\'h\chi'> j»fiifi^^^i(^^) tnherent though not perfe^^ v^hichisfan^ificAtion, 'Be righteous here in tim-Cy that joh m^y be righteous hereafiei tor ever, he righteous in y9ttr thuoghts^&ejujl myoHr werds^bejufl in j'jpir yporkes^every way righteom that y oh he at the length inheritors cf thofe new heoi' vens O' new earth, wherein dwetleth right eoufneffe. Thus of the 2 ufe, VeA'f. 14. wherefore heleve A feeingyee loek^ for fnch things be diligent thatjee may bee found of htm m peace ^ yvithoutjpoty and blameleffe. ThefewW/concaine the third ^{q of the preceding do- ^rine s which is unXo irtftocencie o^ life , as we are nccor- ding to the promife of God to Uoks for new heavens and a new earthy wherein dwelleth right eoufneffe , fo wee mufl: havealfoa/^^'^/^andfruitfulUjfif^of this hope, wee uauft endevour chat whenfoever tlie bridegroome cometh , when- focver the Lord will be pleafedto call upon us , we may bee foundeofhimrin peace iippithouifpot and blameleffcy that is , it) the fweete and comfortable qnietne^e , and tranqmllitie of ^onfcience , -which is the immediate fruite of our attonement yvith god i and peace alfo with others yhavingour foules and , eonfciences wafhed and fprinkied with the bloedvf (fhrifl, be- ing beawtified and cloathed with his right eoufneffe, which IS hereby imputation, ;3nd fhall be hereafter m p^rfeflton , for it is he that hath giuen himfelfefor us , that hee might fat is fie andclenfe us with the wafhing of water by the word, that has ^^ghtprefent putd himfelfe a glorious Churchy not having Jpot or wrinkje^or any fuch thing, but that we fhould bee holy and without blemifh, The/'^rfj- tobeconfidered are^wut jpot^^ndhlameiejje. Touching iht former we mufi Uhour and endevour te be in peace ^ pe:^ce is of diverfe fortSj there*s/?^^if^//, provoked him to tvrath and indignation ag^inft MS ; let us therefore feeks attotiement wi h him, how can we looks for any ^^^JP^g either ^irhuaU or temporally any good or projperous fucceflc upon our affaires which we doe «Wfr/^^% , being thus at enmitie with God rviU the creatures be on our fide y or for us ; the ^r eat or being againfi m : The very flarres in their courfes fought againfl Sifcra^ How can we /(?»^ th^t our fonnes {hall be as plants grotvneup inthetr youth ^that our daughters Jhouldbee as cor 0> ner flone s policed after the fimilitude of a palace -, that our g(sr. tmam garners [h on Li be f nil, Affording aH mnnner afflore , rhit our f;eel)e fiokld iirini^ forth thcujivndsj and ten thcti-funds. in our fireetes , that our Oxen pjonld hefirong to Ubour , that there fjQuid be no breakinoi in. or going out , . chat shcn^ spyould he no . cor»p/aininginpnrjtrcetis, how can wCiIfav', kookc ^Qtthofe' \At?i\\\%s^ being thus at variance with Cjod ? nay rather wee may look^ for crones and cnrfes, inregard of i\\q. enmity be- tweencus. ObjeEl, But we are not at variance with Cjod ? h^e lovcth us , and we /v^'f himj- we have healthy wealth, peace, p/entj^ and prober tty^ which zXQfignes of his love unto us, Wtc con:e to Churchy we (ay our Prayers, we have zgoodminde to (7^'^, whicliare/^?:?^/ of our /tJt'^ towards him, why then doeyc^ trotiblt your ielfe in bidding us be at peace with 6"^?^ •, feeing betweiene him aod /«jthere i^ no varia?ice f • Anfiv, As touching tho{c'^^2^^>»^j«^<^ things, hsalth^Tve^.hh, and the /x'^f' they are not r^ffalitble fignes oi^-^ds love, for even the wicked may and doe <^«/J^^ the cha^ fiifement of our peace .^ being jvfi^fied by faith y wehavcp^eace With Cod:, throHgh our Lord lefm Chrijt* "But now, m Chrift lefus Ok SoL Outward blclTinga are not infallibla love to us, ojr Our perfor- mance of OMt? ward duties oFourlove tos wards Him, ^ra.5'7.21. How to beat peace with God, ira.9 6, R.om,5.i. 47P ^eace l^ith our Nei^hhours requiftte. Chap . ? ■i^^^M^^VI^MW Eph Mj« Cotcl. SO' In peace wiili our Neigh- bours' 1 Their.:?..! I. 2 Theff ^♦IZ. Zech-g.19. Luc 2.14* pral,jQl-7. I Pfal.IJM. 2 4 1 lefHsyeewhofomctimcstperefarre off ^ are made nigh kj the . blood o/Chrifi,fcr he is otirfeace, who hath made both one^and hath broken downe thi -middle yvall of fiirtitionbetrpeene us ^ having abolijbed m the jh/h -the enmitic^ even the Lai» of (^ommartdements , contained tn ord.inar>ces^ for to make in hfmlclfe of- Kw^mtyone new man, fo making peace , and that he might reconcile bot h finto God in one body ^ by the crofjir^ having flaine the enmity thereby^ And ^•Jamt, and having miade^eace through the bloodof his cro^e^ hy him to recon- cile all things unto himfelfe , by htm I fay , ivhether they be things in earthy or things in heaven, and ynu that were fome^ times alienated y and enemies in your mtnde by wicked worker y yet new hath he reconciledinthe body of his fiefh through death, tofreftntycuholj andunblameable^ aud unre^r one able in his fights if by a tmeand lively faith we can take hold on Chrifh^ Cjod vjiilbtc reconciled untO«^ in and through A'/w?. T hus of our peace with God, 2. JVe mufi labour to beat ff^ce with our T^ighboftrs ^ to be in miicuail concord and agreement with our ChriiUan brethren , fludie to be quiet faith Saint Taul ^ andagaine, we commaund and exhort you by eur Lord Jefus Chrift , that yee workewith quietne^e^lovethe truth and peace, faith Za^ chariah, ft eke peace faith the Pfalmifl : havefeace one with anothsrCnith our Saviour. This was a ^art of the Angels Song, en earth, peace^ This our Saviour wiHiCth to bis T>i- fciples , peace bee unto you, This Davids vaoXto^ I am for peace. The ReafoHs hereof are thefe, I Becaufe this is q fruit e of ths Jpirit^ 2. Btczii(t it \? good and p'leafant f&r brethren to dwell tefTcther in unitie, 2 Eecaiife ihc dtvell doth fo much oppofe'ix* 4 Bt'caufeofthofe many niiferits as well here^i; hereafter, Linto thofe that want ir. For the ill^if ration o^ this point ^Imi^hi iliew you that there nnuft be ^ncsconcmicall peace, be tW'cene the husband ^xht ii^z/ef^betweene tfic parents and the childreny haw ccnc the Majler and th^ fervant, a po- ////rW/peare, betweenethc magijfrate anf'/^^y^*^} hit\- a-i e the/'^/6r/andhis/(?f^% berwccne ^{^ighbcur znd ^fgh- bourl Vcr 1 4 TcAcc ofconfciencc how and by whom obtained* 479 ^Gfir^ but :hn 1 hu^e heretofore handled the fame. I 1 his pence fo iriLich offojed^ doe I » . Ver.l4,Ho«? fa difceme fomd peace ofconfcience. 48 1 ^ejt. But how fhall I know whether or not I have pace eicertfcience ? Anfiv. From the ground of it, which is a^Hrance of Gods favour, from the mfanes whereby it is furchafed^ faith in C^rifl^ f cm the effsEls o^kyfiirtruaJl j&y arid^/^^«,wich dfffiifience and hatred froQi (intie. Ohjetl, Butn^aylamelay, I know an f^/ w're never tioubled in cunicience* I Tini4,2( Ffi ThcTccond, W'C njufl la- bour to ^c feu id vvith- ouCtpntand bia.-nclo^e. Nuti].23»2S* Eph.5.a7» V:Ji. RcY.jtiSft ■ ■ ■■ ■ ,,, -- II ■, I, 48 % Hera? to dijcernefmnd peace ofconfcience. Ghap . 2 * or IhallbQ here After, here gods children ■qx^ without^^?^ and f^lamelej[e^x\olhy ferfeHionhiM by imfutation. They being clothed whhihcrighteoufneffe o^ Chri^y ^ve accepted of God, and efieemed of him righteous , he feeth no iniquity in /<«- coh^ nortrdnfgreffioninlfrael^ hereafter weOn-alib/perf eSI- Ij without J^c/^ 2^Vi'^bUmele^e^^gave himfelfefor his Churchy that he might fan ^t fie and cleanfe it with the wajhing of -wa- ter hj the wordy that he mi^ht frefent it H>it9 himfelfe a gleri^ ous^^hnrch^ nor having fiot or wrinkle sr any fach thing , i?Ht thatitlhouldbeheljand ypithout blemijh^ After the refur^ reEiionJ^s now there is none ^'] ir^pntation) \x\ the body of the Church fhall not ftiche the lead finne or fiaine of old Adam^ not io much as is ^ {inzW^ot in a garment ^ or a ivrinm kl<^inihcface, becaufe all fiiall be moR pf^re and glorious^ there being a celeftiali hrightnefje in the Church triumphant, With ^/*,andfo of the I part, the how doe they Jf end their time ? even infnne and wic^dnejfe,zbout the profits gmd plea- fures of this falfe worlds they are diligent in th^fe thiiig« wherein they (hould be negligent^ and are negligent in thofc things wherein they fiiould be diligent t Thus of the 2 pArt. li % For Tlie winner how it is to be perform«d< It muft be withdilli- gcncc. ■ 1 Vfe. fejatMBSMfe^fiifaBMaft I* M r 1 vmmtwMi^itmimi^tm^itammmtiiitiiiittKitmitiim ■MhaaaMMMMl* J The meanes whereby to enf orme it cur expeftati- onsof thofe new heavens > Tit. 24IM2, 15* D. Out €Xi pesf^ation of thoffe new hea- vens, an cfpe* ciail further rrncethat we iBay bd foun^ witfeout fpot an^i blaii^ekfte I 2 3 I Vfe of Hffpre- fejiifion. I Heb.il.i^. To he diligent in Gods worjhip* Chap.3^ For the 3 the memes whereby we may actaine unto the ferformmee of the former, <^^y our exje^ation of thofe neyp heavens^ and new earth, vherein dwelleth right eofifmfje^ ypher^fore i^ cloved, feeing yee lookefor fuch things ^be dilifrent thatyeemtP.) befotindofhtminfeace without ^ot ^ndhlame- /^ffe, as if he fliouid have fayd, (Jod doth require of jau to be inT^e^ice^vfiithcut f^ot and bUmele^e^ there is net A readier way to bringjGH unto this^ then by a cominuali meditation, and earnefl cxpe^ationcfthe life t9 come^ whereby God d.othfiirre you up to be diligent herein^ that he maypndeyouthm^ and fo beflow heaven Hfonyeu, Hereunto 2L%\Qtt\\S,TaHlyforthe grace of Ged that bringeth faivation . hath appeared to all men ^teaching 14S^ that denying ung'odlincffe, and ys or Idly iufisy we [hould, Itvefeberly^ righte&ujly^ and godly in this frefent world^looking for the ble^ed hope, and the glorious appearing of that- great Gody andour Saviour lefm Chrtfl. Our expdia" tion of (I {zy^hofe new heavcns^ofthe life to come^of the gene-* rail renovation andre figuration of all things upon the day of judgement^ is an ef^eciall furtherance to fiirre up our dili* gence, that Vffe may be found of him in peace ^ i^ithiut Ipot and blamelejfe. The iv^^y^?;?? J- hereof are thefc i Fec3ufeofthcjG^/^«^, coniidently n^atting and ci&pcding. for the y^w^, they would not by denjing Q^rift embrace this nverU^ or io-feare odhclt lives Forfake theii Religton^ i Vnto thofe which doo(asthcy i'^y ) /ooke (or thok things , which ^eUcve that fuch things (liall ^ 7, worth and ex- cellencies that it's to be admired thzi our hearts arc not moic affeEled therewitb,th:n they arCjthat we efteer^e thecn fo lit. tie as v. e doc ythditwcprcferrethQdftngh I fly uleamrcs or this world before tliem. Beca-ufcwcdoe notex'ped ^hcm as wee ^ould, therefore///^ we fo little diliijence to bt foHrtdo^him .npeape yjithmtlpop. znd blofnelejfe^^ z. 'LQtt\xQcpntempLmon- ■ ' lis ^^^ V{c of Eshdi: tatioA. I C0l.j.2a I I I Gof.s.?. .^^ k«a:»irii "'*■ ■ .»»_.^ 486 Motives to the performance of holy duties. Ch^^ , ^ and mediation ot thofe things,worke in us an earftefi^nd con- ftant endcvcur , fo to frame the courfe of our A/*?, as ^ hat we doenoti^^pW'z/^ourieivesoftlie end of our hofe^ //?ffalva-. tion of our foules. Doeft thou boaft of thy hope^Tvherexhen is thyfraBife ? Doft thou looke for fnch things, why then art thou not diligent to hcfonnd of him infeace^ roithout Jpot^ dnd iflamelejfe f Why doft thou not labour for jnfttfic^jton by faith in C^rifl ? W hy doft thou not endeavour tor recon^ \ ciliatioH with (jod through himj Why feelefi thou not for reconciliation with thy nei^hbouri'^Yiy doft thou not finve for the true and fetled peace oiconfcience^ which proceedeth from &n ajff4ra;'fce of 6Wj' favour ? Why doft thou not ^^- ,^ai}fff from /ifi^e^ repent thee oi thy former finnes, take hold on the righteopifneffe q^Chrift lejm^ as a freciom gar» I «ij'<7j the I From our jipoftles /^t/(?andr<». Touching the/wi»^c!oclrineof the JpeftlcT^aul accomt.helccve^^nd aJfurfMjf perfwade oar khcs^th^z hispa^ tienc^ and l^f^g f^f'^^^^^g tendeth unto om falvation. Ih^p^^^/tobeconlidercdarej^/^rr. i A duetie^ account thatthelongfufferingofjheLordisfalvAtien. 2 AcoyifirmM^ tioH oi ihis dhtj by the tefiim:/t]i of the Ap/f/ZePan^^xyho had yrrittcH unto ^/r^j^ of the (clfey^w^ things, 5 A ctimmen- d/itio»ofP^.u/m\dhisT^ntings, everipfybm that all ficuld comet e repintanhe. Tct fcrtj dayes (cried Unah) and Ntniveh Ihallbc defiroycd, why were they norpr?/ them of thcir/.«^^^jretiime untothe Z*r<^, and ^^/w^/*? themfclves under his mighty hand. The patience and long-fujfering of the Lerd^ tended unto their /i/f^r>>«, Tony yeeres long (faith thcLord)have I c$nt€ndcdif^tth this generAtton.andJ'atd they are a people that erre in heart ^or thfy have notk^oTvne tny y*aies ^cowXd^ he not ere thattime\\%M^ defircyed ^/j^^hemighr; why then doth he delay ? why did he not execute the fierce- Meffrofhisvfrathiinto them.' even that by his ;>^/i>»r^ and l*Hg'fufferi?tg\\t might draw th^tn unto repentance ^ at leaft waycs /^/i v^ them inexcHfabUf[hisf^acioMcfft6i it yfrought in the >J^^j»/?» of Samaria ^ in Zache>u, in Nicodemm^ in Mary Magdalen An the theeft at the right ^wa/^, in three thiM~ /and, whom Peter converted at one y^rwr.« , thfi patience , and ^ongfnffering of the Zo>-^ tended unto their falvation^ Oh the deepenejfe ef the riches, both of the rpifedome and] kngyvUdge of God I how unfearchable are hu itidgemtnts, and hk 19 ay espajl finding out ! The Reafons hereof are thefe* i . Bccaufe the /Lor^ neither defi^royeth nox delightethinxh^ death o^ finners. Have I any dejire that the roicked Jhould die , faith the Lord god ? or fia&henotlive.ifheretfirnefi'om ki^ Tvayes. And againe ; 04 I live faith the Lord G§d, I defire not the death of tire wicl^ed^ bnt that the vficked tffrne fiom his way, and live, tnrne yon, turne y OH ^ from your evillvpAyes^ for why r'ill yee die ^ O yee hiHfeoflfraeU dothnotthe Z^?^'^ defire or delight in onr dfath f yea for this caufe doth he many times fparc us,when mo&JHftly we deferve to die, it followetb, that the long" fitfering o( th^ Lord^ tsndeth unto out falv ation , and that the Lord is patient towards m» to draiif us unto >'^- fcHtance^ ObjeS, But then ^^wcommeth ittopajfe , that i6m*rtie pcrifli. Anfw. Bccaufe they abufe the fafUttcc aad I^Hg-CuScmg of loBah.J '4-4 PCil9^.10.l Rwtt.II«iS Reafons^ I Oi^ ■MMH MCHte 490 How to knm that fife keto reffl the Lord , though we ihould o^pofe our felvcs vvich all our mighr. He can doe whatfocver he tvtlleth : he is omnipotent , moft ^^7^, etcrnoll , iyifinite , the Lord of hoofis, the ^od of Armies y Whence it remaineth /^^^ and evident y that Chnftions fhould account^ heleeve^ and o^uredly ferfwode themfelves , that the fotiente , And lon^'fuffering of the Lord tendetk unto their fdlva^ titn* The ufes hereof are threefold. For Infiru^iofiy Behold the great odmiroyie , and unfpcak- able, love of ^#^ towards «>/f«^W, he is fatient y 2i\\d, long* />jf hard a thing it h t9 bridle our impatience in ajfe&i^n, when we give place unto oHr ovone wj/7/and aff'e5iions ^ where- in if C^^be picaled tocroffe us, then with lonah we toks Oiij WGwifi in our heart to dye^ It is better for me ("faith hec) /o die^ thento live ^ he mttr mured at Cjods patience towards ^I^neveh ; when lames and lohn faw that the Samaritans would not receive Chrifi , they faid, Lord , wtlt thon that Vie 0! Inilrus we Vr« ©f Repre- hjniion. I 2 Agaioft thoCe which nmr- irur at Gods patience, 1 King. I9.IJ.. lonah. 4« j . maaisrm / .£^ tt^ 49» T^e ahufers of Gods jjatlmce . 1 . ■ K«Blt1I.2P. Agalnft tHofc which abaSb God piciencd andloDgiu£e- SimiL wi commdndthat fre tome downe from heaven , andconpime them, even as Eiias did ^ whom Our Saviour turning about rebuked , faying , yee know not ofuvhat Jpirif jee are of , for t her Sonne of man is net come to defroymens iives^ bnttofave th^m. To allfuvh it may be anfwered^ that v^c ought to fub^ mit our wiHs unto the wiliofgod , contenting our felves with whatfo^verfleafethhim, wemuft notbefuchy^^i?r^^. Vcrf 15. IVho dej^ife Cods patience* Anfw, Doeft notr^^^deipife it.** v^hofoevcr brcAketh the Lawcs and C 0 m?niindem':nt s of God , eohtinHing in the farnc y^'ithoHt refcntance, not jeelding obedience nr.to the manifold Admonitions of Gods H^ or d , he is a defpifer of the fatienee, and lortg-fftfering ^fgod, \^y this rnle if \vc WG'uld fric and' f^;*wjWoiirfeIves, I fuppofcthat all of us lliould finde that we have abufed the patience and ^ong-fuffering of ^*^ ne^. leUtng as well our dntj cowards God^ comprehended in the frfi foure Commaundcrnents , as our dutj towards our 2{eighboHr^ m ihcfixe lafi. Though wc would denieit , our rverkes doe cleerclj prove it ; and a tree i^ knownc by the frnite , would /w^^ir/V?^ , IdoUtrie the pro fanat ion of Gods Sabbath ^difcerd , malice^ -iyhoredomo ^ dr^inkenejfe ^ theft, covetoufnejje.^nd the /% , would thofe finnes^ I fay be. To rife if wc did noZabfifethQpatier.ee and long-fu firing o^God? no afluredly , thofe/^^^^j are the fi-f^jts of our abfifi of 5«^x patience, and contempt of his /^«^ fuffering. F'yr Exhortation, \, Toexprefie our thank^fnineffe unto C^^for his patience and long-fr^jfering , whereof -0 hat fo ever we enjoy, whether j^'^V/VW/ or temporal^fuch^as^^^//^, ■ivea/th ,' the y^ord preached, and the /%, are undoubted fiffitesmdefe^s. 2. Notto abufe Gods patience, thereby taking ???(7rGods patience to terJ, unto oVit falva- tion^ that we may 7?/// make nfe ^hh^fame^ but to ^'f// the Dit/- tie more then name unto you. I . The confent and agreement of the aAfofiles in their dsBrtKe^SzintPau/ C^p^kc of the/^w^ things whereof Saint Pr^rd'^inthey^»<^ doftrine, yea th^t fnch z^ preach ' and teach any ds^rine, repugnant unto the doSirine of the ty^foflleszxc not gnided by the dtreElion of Gods ^ir%t^ of which nnmher^ vve may nnmber P^ififis^ AnAbafttflsy P/e- MeltJtSy Brians ^and the like^ whofe doEirine i% for the moil: part repugnant to the dafin^eo£the ^poJHes, It were much ^etter^ that as Saint Peter and Saint Tanl taught the/^w^ things. To according to their apofiolkkf do- drine , thofe would agree with Ui in the ttrntie oi faith y yea and from hence we may Icarnc alfo to rejeil every do^rine ve^ugX\7iVVi untothe doilrine of the Apofiles ^ a coHnfellv^hich Saint P^^/ga^e unto the Ga/athians , hut though that wee or an AngeH from heaven , preach unto you otherwife then thatyee have received , let him be accurfed ; as f^e Jfaid he^ forCyfo faid fve agayne ^ if ^-^J ^^^ preach to you other- ypife, then that yee have received ^ Uthimbe accurfed^ 2, Kow«^^^^//itis,that vjcfiouldbc infiru^edlnthoCs j things which conceme our falv at io ft. The Jpoftles, Peter ^md ' Paul irrite unto them of the fame things : what ! could theyfinde no neiv matter to tvrite unto them .^ no new in- vention, wherewith toacquaintthemf noy they s^txzlcd hythe Jpirit of Cdd.^ndCo wrt^te fuch things, which would be moh profitable untoiheirfalvation^ Hence GaIl»So9« D.Itisnetfd- fulltbatwe fliould be ins ftmded in thofe tliiflgi which cons' I xeme ourUl I v&tion. ->«»«■ Ver. 5 1 ; TJ^^e Word pro fit ahh for all. Hence the C^inificrs uf Gods word may learn^^ not fo much to flt^ife men as lofleafe CJod, not to fee k^ app^a fife un- ^to themfelves, by ^^^^^^-^'^^ abroad new DoHrw^es^ repug- nant unto the - ?^^atid^^w£' people, then for others, yet in the^^«#^ rail the fame are profitable unto alh. Whence itiolloweth, that eva^ the f riptures which rpere fi long fince written, and that unto ethers^ are alfo needfull And profitahle unto us, -profitable for our uifirHliion , admoni- tion^ correUion^ conflation and the like, 4. The humility of our ^/J^/^vlthough he was one much, refpefled by our Saviour Chrif^, v^ great cfiimation vvith ?he Church of God, by whofe minifirie the Lord did convert thQufands,yzlhQ\sx\Q>taJhamed to confir me his doBrine by tht don:rine of Paul -^ an Jpoflle oiequall authority with himfelfe. ThusZ>^??/>/was/^^«f;?t in reading the Prophet leremiak^ [Daniel (^ faith hcj undcrflood hy bookes^ the num- ^^r of they e(res,Kvher€of the Lord had fpoi^n unto Jeremiah the Prophet ^thAt he would accomplifi feventy jaercs in the defc' 495 vfi- Z?« The fame pointsofdos ftrinc which which are profii able for one people are proHtable alfo foranothcr, Vf€. Obf. Peter notailiamed to reade and alledge the writrngsof Paul.. Dan.9.2* /' Kflmmiitatm'Smtm^l^tltltt 4tji6 '*"" ""Tl t, —Kil ">»«■ Out Apoflle PsuU Gal«2,4;, Vfi. Gal.2,II* i^r^. Peters commendation o/S -Paul. Chap, ? Ac*«>re?ing to the vvif dome, ^.Tbe Apo= ii:les different farms ofwns tirg proceca dcd o^ Gods Spirits, l^uofi cf /er-ff/a/em,thou%hhce was an exceUem ProfhetyQt htda^h' eftcrea/ed in knov.kdge^ by leading the Scriptures. iSthv-Pope wcrcthc traQ pfccefjors oF SainC Peter , and /e4 his/ifffZsP^^<^rdidy he would not f^rferrehisoM^nt decrees before the Scripures^ ox hinder Gods people from tht^rea^ din^o^ the Scriptures, Yca if all Preachers were of Peters mi idcjthey {hould not fo much doate on their owf>c workes defpt/ingtheworkjlG^others^yC^ dtfdaining to Ipokc upon the fame, 5 The wifedcme ^vAdefcriptimt of this our Afofile Tanl belike by diverfe was much difcomaiendcd , as if ^/> ^&- Brine hzd not agreed with the doEirinf of the other Apoftles^ and chat by meanes of/^^ brethren of whom Saint i'^/^/ himfelfej'^^%/^^ : him our Apofile both commcndech and /a^^/^Wf/-/; again ft their calumnies , An example worth the imitatimhoth o( peopleboth of preach frsgindpe&ple, Jf wee obferve any, wrongfully ^r^^A?c"our beloved brother Pauljjrethren borh by grace and calling, Bctweene them two there had beene an hote ccntention.butthQ caufe bein^ Chrifls they were quick- ly reconciled , P^/'^^'ng doubt i)0th fteing and acknowiedg" ina his errour^ ^ Hence we m2,ylearne to ^ury in oblivion^ oMfirife^ emulati- on zv^contentio-a^\7^\\ich hath at any time beene bctweene^ and • ^ That the £/>f7^/^j o^Paul, were written before r^« of i'^f^r, a wonder full w(?r%ol: Ged, he that was /.{/?convcited doth even exceede in labour and pai»effe/»e^ey now rvrttmg unto tf;^^ people^then unto another, and that lo^atne them un- to Chrifl lefvUy he was as a sktlfnU Merchant y redeewtngthc time which he h^djpent, 2iS formerly he was painefuU and Ae- Wiw in^r4»'/>;^mcnfrom Chrifl, io now he is much more laborioui in gaming men unto Chrifl, in converting the from their evill waycs, to turne unto the Z-»^^. Thus of the 2. and 3 .part. ^- Concerning the 4. Our j1 fifties judgement touching the writings oiTanl, together with the unlearned and nnjUble ihdrabufff o£ the fame. In which are fame things hard to be finderftood, y^hich they that are Hnlearmd and nnflable wrefl, as they doe alfo the other Scriptures unto thetr owne deflmhi' on* The meaning whereof is this, that amengfl thofe things which are written of Paul, divers are high And profonnd, hard to be Hnderflood,yet not m regard 01 thefelves^bnt by rea^ Conof Hs, which cannot of our felvcs2ilt2iiu^Hnto the kr^owlcdge ofthem.rvhich therefore fuch as are unlearned & unflable » reft unto their owne deftruaton, 04 they doe alfo otherScrmures^ Hence divers things may be ob fervid, I That altfuch as would reope benefit l,y the Scriptures mud ' labour and endevour for a true fana.fied k^.y^Udge, y^hereby ' XytlT^^^- they may dive into thevery deepefl mjftenes of the fame, 2s that Our Apoftlej judgement z- bout Pauls writiflgswith thcunlcarneds abufc ef them in whic:' are fonae things hard to be un= dcrftood, &c» D. Such as ures iruft of the Trinity, of the Incarnation of Chrift, of the 'day of | ^^^^ ^ ^^"^^"i ;W^.«5i,«,^andthe%,y€awcemuftpr^7 unto ^.^ that he fhtmf __^ K k would ' \^±A 7/ 49 8 ' J^aifijiperyertersefthefcri^tures. Chap. 9 D. Sacb ai wreft the fcriptures are cither igno- rant or unfta- Ue^ or both. P.Thefcriftf turesare then wreAed when they are made to prove every thing>to cen:; firme every errour. /?. Theigijos rant tc unftac bic offer vio- lence unto the whole ticrip- tures. ^i Such as pervert the fctiptuTc, Ij wreft them, ! untotheic ' owne dc- ftruii>ion. Tfaercripturc* I are not Co ob- j fcure, but that I they may be I thefaithfulir wouldbc p/eafed to ^eflojp upon «/ his Spinp whereby wee mayundelfiaad the/^z^^. 2 Ih^xf/ich 44 wrefi and fervert the Scriptures^. are eyther ignorant or Huftahie, or ifcth ignor^.nt And unflMe, Some are ignorant. Others are lenmedy yet f^^fi^^/e^othcts both />- nor ant 2iHdiHnft able, iiichzvcFapifis, Anabaptifisy fameiifls, and the like. 5 That the Scriptures are then wrefled a>2d perverted .when thej aremade 04 anofeofwaxetoturnf every way, to prove everything though never fo erroniotu,if aRemonfirant alledge Scriptures 10 prove that the eUEi may fall avv^iy totally and finally^ he pervert eth the Script ure-^ If a 7*^///? allcdgc 5c-^->/?- /^i/r^ For the defence oi par gator j, invocation of Saints ^ and theA%,he perverteth the Script ures*^ If an >^r;^;7 alledge Scripture to prove, that Chn/lis not /^'^i' 6^meHs, contrary unco the truth of (^ods 7¥ord. 4 ^hzi fuch 06 are ignorant and unft-ak'c doe not one/y Tvrefi and pervert fome few places in Taul, but alfo ojfer vio- lence unto the other Scriptures , M if every Scripture ferved their turne^ % That fuch as pervert the Scriptur^s.wrefi them upsn their owne d€flrun;ion^ that which nzofi pleafeth rhcin/urnerh mofl unto their dijpleafure. god at the great day OiaJl call them to an account, all th^ cur fes,^nd plagues mentioned in the Scrip- tures {hall feafe upon them, as both adding unto, and taking from the rpord of God, But leaving thofe, confider we for the prefent this one que- (k\ov\y'»hcther the Scripture be fo ob fcure ^ that it cannot be underftood by the faithfully yea even in thofe things which are needefuRtoJal vat ion, though it be diligently ^ devoutly reade by them \ ox whether tt be net fo plaine, that it may be under - fioodby thefaithfuli^Tve affirme it, th(^ Papifis deny it. That it is fo plaine, as that tt may be underftood of ^^ fuch as are endowed with the Spirit of Gcd, which feriou fly and devoutly reade they^?»^> eipccially in thofe ihi\i%s vvhichare needefuU |Ver.i5« Tkefcripture wherein eafie^ wherein hard^^ 499 IcedeffiRmKO oux f^li^'^t ion ^ and f^rr^/V^tf unto tnjcp^Wjr. may hQ}>rovedhyt\\c(trearons. I ^Qcm^t the Vford of the Lord ts ^Hre, a light unto onrfeete, and a Untborne nnto our faths , which glvcth light to our eyes, andto the fmple fiarpe^iejfe of Wit.andto thechilde kr-'^T^^^^g^ ^^^ ^^ifcretton ^ a A^k that fljirtethin A darkj^lAce^That which in ttfilfe i^ cleareyCamot be fatd to he obfcnre^hm the Scriptnre is in itfelfe cleere, and if it be hid, tt ii hrd to them roho are loft, in whom the god of this world hath blinded their mwds. Therefore cannot be fkyd to beohfcure^ 1 Bccaiife ifrbe5cWpr«r^J wcrcfo £'^/t'«r^, that they could not b^fuit fully read of (a^^^/pcuplc^thcn the *$*/?/- n>of(7cicyther could not write flainely oi: would not, but both thokzt^ abfurd , the former zv^uing impotencic^ 'the /atterbdngagainfi the ^nd why they were written, 3 Bc- caufc^-Z/^invaineare wew^'Wto enquire to the Law andto the Tejlimoniey'di-idtofearch the Scriptures, 4 Bqc^luCc elfe it would follow that god did j^^'^i^^ feme things, which he Would not have to be underftood. 5 Bccaufc aH Scripture k prof table for doBrine, for reproofe, for correction, for in- JiruEliOfiinrighteenfHeffe, 6 Bccaufe clfc the word of God, W^rc not the word of truth, forS.fW faith, hethat u jpin^ tua/l,^i/cery/eth all things, zndS, lohn faiih, butyee have an oyntment from that holy one, and kj^ffwaH things, and / have net written unto you, beeaufe yeehnow not the truth, but be- catffeyee know it. True it is that mfundry rcfpcifls the Scrip- tures may be f;iyd to be hard, as i in regard of the matter, msiny profound, and dcepe myfteries hongcontained therein, which David callcth wondrow things, 2 In regard of the manner o'iwriting,v[\2Xi\t abfirufe phrafcs, divers hebratfmes, iwndxy metaphor s,z,ndtbt like, being therein^ g' In regard ofihcp^rfons who heare or reade the Scriptures, for the moft part arc n;iturall men y which therefore cannot perceive them, 4 In regard of the manner oi fearching^ many carelefly and curfortly reading the fame, when as thepromife of finding is vozdetoth(^fewhofeekeas for gold, and fear ch as for trea- fures. Neyther hath Godxhws ordered them without jfffi and weighty reafons, fuch as to declare unto mau his naturall Kk 2 blind- pral.i9.«. Pfal. 119. 105. Pro Ip4« 2Pct.I»ip, I Cor«4> j. 2 Ifa.S.lo, lohn y.3^* 4 s I Cor.i.iy, fn what res fpeftsthc fcrcpture aat be faid co be bard. I Pra].ii9,i8. lCor,2.i4« 4 Pro.2.4.5# "Why they trt fohard. I 2 \ w 500 ^nwhatreJpeB the Scriptures are hard. Chap. 2 . 5 6 ! Vfi. The fourth life ef the pre- cee^^r/^?-/Wf the fbrcfayd^«ry, but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jeftu Chrifi, ^ The clofe or fiuttiug up of the whole Efifile, to him be glory both noTvandfor ever y<*y^men. Concerning the i. Th&exhortation^ beware lefi yee alfo being led away with theerrour of the wicked, fall from your ownefiedfafineJfe^divQrs things might be oblcrved. I That there are a great many which doe fall away from their Chrifiian prof effien. This is implyed in the word alfo, bewarelefi yee alfo fall fiomyour owne fiedfafinefe, as if he fhould havefayd, although that others fufer themfclves to befeduced, and fo fall away, yet be yee watchfuH over your felves^ that yee maj not be ltl{e unto them, of this number K k 3 were 501 of the fame. Being unto watehfiilnefTe pcrftvcranctf, the grox-wth in gracc,&c. Fourefarts« I 2 3 The exhorta- tion beware left yee al(b, dec. Z5.Thcrcare agreatniany which fall away from their Chfifti? an prcfeftion* I 7ff ja*».- -M.'m.J^ U. e 502 Terfea^erancem^odlinejlje very hard. Chap.j D, The fallf I of others us more care- full of oar feives. I Cor. 10.12. faciant a'ieaA perscula C4W tuv>, Bsware. ZJ.Itiscvcce- ^ir.^hard and difScultcogoe OR£nGpcrfC5 vere in the coHrfeof god- lineiTe. Phil. 2. 11. D The un- godly b) their crronious do- £frinc endes vour to with- cJf an' rnrn ard wotE€P from the truth of God. SKQtt^Demoi and ludas ,HjfmendUs ^^u^ Alexander, and thoU" fands in thefe our dayes, which feeming to be flarres fixed in ih^ firmament of Cf?^, fall /?7??^^ from their frofeJJ'ion. Of thole there arc /^^w^", whichfrf//awayr<7r/i^^andj?;2/?2^,being mecTQreprol^ates^ others which doe fa/i away, but in part onely, and For a time, who arc even ^eds children, w ho rf^if/- fertng fr©ff) the/?ezs much in danger as ethers f ^'^ fraile g^nd weakf, zs'jthersf as natural! v/*^;^^ untoay^p'-fiafie, 2iS others ? dos others fall away nnce pope- rie, athetfme,prophanenes^z-\di\\cltke^'aLr\d have not vve great reafon to ^CSive OUT feives f happie are they -whom other mens harmes doe make to hcT^are. 3 That it is exceeding hard atid difficult to gee on and per- fcvere in the courfe of godlinejje, which is implytd i^y^ the WGi'di^eware, for if there were no danger, norfia-re offailing away , ihu caveat e vjZTQffiperjitiom, This is clear e by thofc many ptilbacks^ which we meete withal! in our journey to- W^i ds heaven, the divell, thcTr>orld, tha fle/h , every hifl, eve- tyfinnc) ^v cry corruption, drunkennejje, pride, vaine glory, _ CGVet oufne Ife .rfhoredome ,zy\d thtlike- Oh if we did but duly confider /"/^^^T^ things, that (o according to %.Tauls counfell vvee might ivorke ont our falvation with feare and trem* bling. . - 4. ^\i'dXypickedmenlfy their heretic all and err onions do- Urine endeavour to tvithdraw men ^womenfom the truth of (jod, 2 point Co evident, as that it needeth r^o proofe, Baals Priefts did not w^rr importune 2?W co^^^^*^ them, then Icfuifts , feminarie Priefts , and (uch others doe that wcc may •taaaki «HM Ver.17. The danger of men feducedy 505 may give ^^^'^ unto their doftrine, would god wc were as deafe towards thcir doSfhfte, as *B^4l was at the cries of his frieftsl Ohhowwrf^f/arc dailykdaway by rA^rw, even as fieepemtothcflaughter I Oh ho W ^«f/^ thofe ungodlj, law- /^/-f,and iVr^A^f ^«^ perfons ai e (as the*n^/«/i^ n'W fignifi- eth) to infeEi and tnfatuate fimpkfou/es. Of this fort are they rphtch creefe into houfes, and ieAdecaftivc flllie vpomen laden with finne Jed away with divers lufis, jSji^ft. But how are hackefltder^ drawcn ay^aj from their former profefTion. Anfw, B} lavrlefje and irreligious Teachers, S^^fi' Whatmeanes doe tholb lawle^e and irreligijM teachers njef ' Anfyv, Heretic all ai\d erronious doctrine. Sj^^fl* W hat effeB doth their err$mou4 doflrine vforke in their hearts, tAnfw, \X.leadeth them aypaj^ it changeth and altereth their ;/5r<^^^7»f;?/^ and underftanding- S^efl, W hac is the efeEl o^ their leading a\jvay. Anfw, Ihcy fall from their ewne ftedfaflne^e^fom all thofe graces znA good things, V^hichformerlyih^y feemeJ to have, Thofe are the endevcurs^ rhe end and ay me of falle Teachers ia uttering I heir 1.2. toTimothy, this charge / commit unto thee Sonne Timothy , according to the prophecies which went before of thee, that j thon by them, m^ghteftwarre a good warrefare^ holding faith I ^-nd a good confcience, Thushehimfelfe did. I have fought a good fight 5 / havefinified my conrfe ; / have k^pt the faith ^ •, henceforththereislaydup for me a crowne of righteoufneffe ^ vphich the Lcrd the riffht€0>4i Judge fhall aive me at that day, O ill Chvi[iian CO urfe o{ life is compared inico a warrefarey unto a jcrney, pnto a/^r'z//V> and as they fhall be here- j after lTinai4.8, Reafons, 1 The Iiappines ofdicliaspsr- (evcre. r^- Wcr.lj. The happineffe offuch asperfevere. 505 after in the fife to come. In this life. I Becaufe W^^^ they approve zhcmkUcs to be the children of God., Our Saviour aifirmeth it, tfye cdntmne tn my word, then are ye my Di- Tciplcs indeed - it beinS the note of a riahteeus man to hold on hiiway, 2 Bccaufe^/^^/ are \nx\\z favour ok yodygi-eztcour'- tiers with him, and can ohaine of him any thing that fhall be profitable for them. Qui Saviopir avouching it, Ifyee a. hide in me ^ and my words abide in yon ^ ye fhall ashe whatyee willy and it [hall be done unto you, ^ Becaufe they are fruit- fulixn good w orkes, he that abidcth in ?;^^(l3ith our Sayiour) and I tnhim, the fame bringeth for'h much finite, 4 Be- caufe ^^ry may ajfure themfclves of Salvation, according tjb that of our Saviour , but he that [hall indure unto the end^We fameflsallbefaved^^xA of S.Iohn^ b e thou faith full unto death ^ and I will give thee the erowne of life. And againc^ he that overcommethjhallnot be huit of the fecond death * And a- gaine, he that overcommeth the fame fhall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the boo^ of life • but I wiSconfejfe his name before my father^ and before hu Angels, This comforted S^Paul, I have fought a good fight ^I have flnifiedmy cemfe, I havt kept the faith, hence forth there is lay d up f*>r me a erowne of righteoufneffc which the Lord the righteous ludge [hall give me at that day. Thus of the eflatexn thisiiic. In the life to come, they Hiall enjoys true and reall pcffcf^ (ion of all ?^ the fociety and fellow/hip of falfe teachers, giving eare uncatheir errours^ ap- plauding and ejteeming the fame^ For Exhortation , Endcvour and labour to perfevere and continue in the truth of (jod^ Fall not away from your owne Jledfaftneffe , lofc not your reward , de- prive not your felves of thcp''^V that being di^ r^^^^ by them, vvcmay per fever e and continue inthc truth oi[God, Thus of the iecond. Concerningthe^, The w^/««^J whereby we rnay performe the forefaiii duty^yccld ebcdtence unto our Apoflies exhortari- onA^y growing w\ grace ^'xn<^ in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour I efm Chrift, wiihoux. whtih k\c cdnnoK continue by which wemay/j^r/'iJz^t'r^, Such as g^'ow in grace and in the kriotvledge of Chrtf , r^oe continue, fiich as doe not :\msencreafey^ot dayly decreafe , fuchas doe notthusgoe forvoard^xh^y doe dayly goe back^ardy hWing a Way from their Qwmftedfaftnejfe; The objervations ariiingfrom hence are two. . The frft is this ^xhat Cjods grace is the chief e andefbecioiUn^Anes to ks^pe wfrom Aprfiafie, The ^p'^ftle to the Hebrewes proveih it , bee not Carried about wtth dtvcrfe and fir an ge Ao^rines f faith hcc) for it is a good thina, that the heart be eftablijhed with grace The Lords fpeech unto Saint P^^/implieth fo nmct\'/ny gr^ce is ^.Thcddmo- nitro s and Warnings of Gods Word fliould intice Tisunto pcrfc- verancc in tk courfeofgod; lineiTe. rfi. The nr fanes vvb«r«by to" perf c rue the fbrcfaidcduty, growing in grace and knowledge of Chrift. i5.Goc?f grace tbcelpecaJi mearcsto keepe us from ApoAafie. Heb n.9. 1 Cor.I2.9, 2 Tim.;. J,' umm miim»m mmmm^ 508 ChriftunsmuftgroiP in eA waters, which v/ €re fir/ zo the ankles ^ then to the ^;W/, then a nverzh^t he could not paJfeovQriWC^rcrftnners and fo muft hc/d on incur fffintnaU racfy fo runningthat roe may ohame-^ the C0r/te growcth on by degrees unto the harz/efi^ fo mutt »^. 7'^(f tree planted by the Rivers of waters is fruitfully fo muft y^ehe\2i%roicked \\i^\\ ^\\d fiducerswaxevporfe andworfe^de- ceiving and being deceived, fo mufl: 'Poe grow better and ^^N /■ er grace, y Becaufe elfe God will withdraw from«^, the very meanes oi grace ^ depriving us of the fame^ as being «;^»'^^*^^7th^reof« 6 BQCznfcgfouth in grace is a note of the tritth of grace ^ But the path ofthejufi is Oi the Jhining light, thatjhineth more and more unto the per^ fe^ day* ^^e(J:. what maft wc doe, that we may grew in grace^ and in the knowledge of Chrifi ^ Anfw, 1 We mull avoyd all thofe things which hinder oiivgrouth, z Wemuft//y^allthofew^/^«^J',whichmay fur- ther the /4Wf, Touching che/^^r^^^^r^therc arc divers things j which hinder . our growth in grace, and in the knowledge of ChrifiyZS nama* ly. I Want encourage in rejtfling the temptations of the Iji- viU, 1 The /^z'Wof the meanes ^ by whofe bleffing alone, it becommeth /<»^^/ and ^r^favids houfe waxed llrongcr and ftronger, and Sauls weaker and weaker ) doth grace overcome nature or not , ' vertus vanquifh vice ? whe- ther'art ihoa not ftronger in faith , prayer^ love, and the liks^ thtn heretofore, thou haft h^enc? Whether thou art not w«r^ careful! to ^f£'7^finne, more deftrous to van^uifi t[\\ corruptions, mortcarelefje of tht things ohh'isvcorld, Tvtth ajfured confcieHce^ cafling thy felfc on ^od ? thofe alfo Fimtierwuei of grace. I lP«t2.2» 3 4 5 C0I.2.19. 6 7 Signci of tbe growth ia grace. I ^ S 4 5 6 zSam.j.i* $12 Thejtgnes of growth In grace. ok Sol. Vre of Repte- htn^on. Iob.2E.i4. 3 4 2Chr.28.12* Vfe of Exhors tacios. I lolli. 10.13. Pfal. jtJ.j* J alfo being/^??^/ oF the grouth in ^ ^•rfr^r. (?^;^^. But may fome fay , furc I have not gro-wne in griic^ y and in thtkj^iowUdgeoiChrifi lefm ^ I made as great fiew ^oxmzxXy ^slAotney^j&c, Anfvp. If thou art an hypocrite ^ thou haft iuActA no growth m grace ^ nay, no^r^^^ at ail; if atruer^//^7, if they make feme ^»^>?'^^'^l'hcw, though in the meane time they doe qmckly ^^^^ away from the fame, -^ Vnto fhofe which arc flothfu//^ lazie, wearie in well-doing. 4 Vnto thofe which I'peake againft grace and ksioyy ledge , ferfecuting fuch as have them , and fee-- .kifig to deprive others of the meanes whereby to attaine I them , even the preaching of Gcds Wordy the \\o\y fcrif- t fires , in a knorfne tongue , and the Hk?* % Vnto thofe which with :^^^^ , gronfv vporfe and 7r , groKving headflrong in every fmne ^ growing more obfiinate in drunks^effe , whoredome , fivearing and the //'^ which/^^^?w^ part, as in ^?;/f5 what it 15,78. Reafons infor- cing it579,mcanes to obtaine it,/^/i/.(igncs todifcerneit,/^/:^" Chrijf, xciic Godjthe Saviour of the eled, 21. his comming in the flelli certainej 175.] L 1 both 1 V'' mnmmtm TheTable. both God and man in one perCon, i8^. j .through him God pleafcd with us, 187. 1 1 8 S.how to pront by him . i .1 9. why Epi- cures deny his ommin^.^zS.the Jodrine of Chrifts commiijj to'^ judgement migh- tily opporedj4ii. 4^5. why its delayed, 437.440.it (hail be glorious, 46 1. wc muft waite for iC54^9.mij2i^ie3 power, domini- on, and praife bslongeth unto him, <^ 1 4. Church) the true Church not hereticall> 234.135, Compiinie) the benefit of Chrifts compa^ nie, X 9 Lconverfation with the godly , how profitable, 3 11. Conver fat tony an holy convcrfation re- quired in Chi iftians546^. Covetoufieffcy the ground of hercfie, 257.25 8.2 jp. the roote of all evilly 2 60. 370.37i.howtoavoydit z6i. *Day, the day of the Lord will come,45i. 452.453.454.455. benefits arifing fiom the ccrtainety hereof3453.it will come fuddenly, 45^. 457. why God kecpeth from us the knowledge thereof,457. why we ought to watch for it, 458. the confc- quents thereof, 460. how to haften the comming heieof3470. what: (hall be done hereon,47i. Z>e meanes of the godlies deli- verie,3 14.3 15. 'Denp how feducers deny Chrift, 242 Hereticks dejiiers of him, 24 2. 'Diligencei diligence to bee ufed in get- ting grace,^3 .why God requires diligence in the apprchenfion,and application of his benefits^ in our mortification, and in the increafe of ft)irituall graces, <^4.<^5 .^^. re- quired of minifters, 1 3 6.in Gods childrenj 483. 'Divine nature^ the godly partakers of the divine nature, 5 5 . what to be undcr- ftood thereby,iija/. I "Do^rinCiiy^o Rules whereby to difceine o^ev'sry doarins,i7 1. the more plaufible, tn;; more permciotis, 172. the dodrineof falLe teachers deceivable,i7 3. thefumme of the Apoftlcs Doariae, 17:*. 17^. the do^rine of the Gofpel,onely certaine;,4op. 2?a«^/iagjreprehcnded, 197. Bpicure^y a prophsticall defcciptipn of thcm,4 12. EpifiUyihc o:cafion,argument,and parts of this Epiftle,4. 5- its canonicall, 406. that to the Hebrewes S.PauU^^^j, Errour iho^ to be prefer ved from erroiir , F^fWj,its worth, i^.the caufes^ cfFeds, rabjed,properties,objeva,and«xcellencies thereof, 16.17. "like precious in all, 18. obtained through Gods providence, 2®. and Chrifts righteoiifn£ire,2i. It furthers both grace and glory,4 3. it cannot ftand alone,68. increafe therein required,^^. it with other graces needfull,7o, what jufti- fyingfaithis, 71* Reafons enforcing it, z^ii. meanes to obtaine it,72.fignes to dif- ccrne it jibid. -Fti//, what we muft doc having fallen, 38J. Fai/e Teachers, markes of them, 215. their fubtiltie, 233. 237. their diligence, 23how we are with- dtawne from goodne{rc,40i. Govemminty to difpife it how great a a finne,34.i.34i. Gr^ice, who are defirous that others ifliould partake thereof, 24. the grace and favour of God,the ckecfcft goodthing,2 8. grace bcftowed by degrees, 29 .6 i.how ob- tained, incrcafed,and continued, 3^1. the cleft partakers of grace and glory, 43 ^ Gods graces as a golden chaine,^/. how dangerous tolacke grace, 3 6. want of grace the caufe of worldlineffej^o.hope of glory an incitement unto grace,i 17. tlie graces of (Gods Spirit worth our bc{l indevoursj^^. Gro^thi Chriftians muft grew in every grace, 509. in which mere crpecially,iJ/^. Ictts of growth in gr.ice, 510. furtheran- ces and lignes,5 i x. ditiercnces betweenc grovTth in the godly and ungodly, 513. k Heaven^how obtained, 126, how farre heaven excellcth earth, 46 2. 46 5 . to waitc for heaven fittcthus for it,474. He'fefiCyHeretic}^!, the Church alwayes oppofcd by Hcrcticks, tX7. 2.18.229.230. 231.Z32. Here(icdamnable,239, how to judge of it,240. God detefteth Hcreticks, 2 43,deil:ru(flion their reward, 244. 267, 271. they themfelves auAors thereof, 2 4 ^. 258. adefcriptionof them,2 46. their do- Arinefruitfull,2 47. who are feduccd by thetn,248.249. they arc blafphemcrs of the truth, 252. death their due, 252. death hath beene often infliftcd upon them, 2 f 3 . their followers blafphemers of Chiift, 254-Mf. Holy duties, the utiliticof holy duties.an incitement thereunto, 130.131. 132.1^3. holy duties alwayes to bee rcmemb'rcd, 1 64.motives to the performance of them, 485.486.487.458. Jgnoranccy Ignorants, ignorance why compared unto darkneifc, 88. want of grace the caufe of ignorance ^ 8 9. two forts of ignorant S543 2. Jmage, what the image of God in man was, 5 4 how loiiyibidyhovy reparcd, 5 5. Impcnitenty fuch are flavcs to finne, 3 89 . Judgemeatfy Gods judgements not al- wayes alrke,288.alwayesequall,289. 303. great finnes bring great judgements, 302. what ufe to be made of thcm,304.30f . there fhall be a day of judgement, 3 23. Kjngdomei the neceffitie, utilitiC; exccl- lencie, and meanes, whereby Gods king- dome may be obtained, 1 2 8 . 1 29. I(Jnredy a. fpirituall kinred amongft Chriftians,io8.i09. JQioWi Kjioyviedgcy what wcc are to know touching God, and his Son Chrift, 3 1 .how to obtaine the knowledge of Gpd , andhisSonneChriftj3 2. meanes to pre- vent unfnutfulncirc in the knowledge of Chrift j8 1 . what knowledge is, 7 3 . Rca- fons to inforcc kiibid. mcancs to obtaine U 3 it. /r ■ ^r The Table, \ 11,74. one ^gne to ciifcernc it, ihid. the na- ture^ciici, and efftfts of true knowledge, 8 1, how and what we oaght to know^S g . obedience an infallible figne of faving knowledge^ 84. how it's iurcheied, 05. knowledge why compaicd to light, 8 8, finnes of knowledge greater than thofeof ignorance, 3^3. how, feverely pumfl^d, LongfiiffeTing, Gods longfuffering in- cites to repentance, 446, the fame a token of his love, 449.4 JO, how Gods longfuf- fering tendeth untofalvation,48 8, Lo'i/e, how to know that we love God, 490. Ma^l^rat5> motives to inforce obedi- ence unto magiftrats, J 5 7 • S 3 8 . Ma72, his ejlate fraile and brittle. 146. 147. Merchants iiht popifh clergie moft cun- ning merchants, 26 5 .264.1^5. Mercies, ungodly livers forgetfull of Gods mercies, 99. forgc-tfalneiTe of them agreat (inne,ioo. Minifiers, their calling honorable and painefull, 10. in what things miaiiiers muft manifeil: themfelves to be the fer- vams of Chnft, 1 1. motives to incite them to pcrforme their lervice:, 15. they muft h.ive a warrant from Chrift, 14. and bee tl>e fervants of Chrift , 1 5 . they muft not be negligent in their caUing, 134.1^5. their workes a daily worke, 1 79. i g 8 . the duty reqiiiied of them an incitement unto people to performe theirs, 141. theloife of a faithful 1 minifter what a judgement it IS , 1 5 2. 1 5 3 .when they muft be moft pain- full, 155 .carefulneffe rcc^uired in them for their peoples future good, 160.161 ,(care- Icfneiie pur for their carefulneffe I pray you amend it^ th€y are to preach nothing but Gods truth, 170. they muft love thea- people ,40 5 . every way endevour for their good, 406. inuft be painefull and difcreet, 407. A/oy/i/frtf/(7>2,hovvneedfa]l,6z. difficult, i W.other graces to be added thereunto,6 3 . MuLtitude ^TVAximM^t of linners exeniptcth nottrom puniftimem, 28o.why,28i. the example ot the multitude infufficient, 28 2. N(jwe,what ufe to make of our names, 7 ' Na»/3,meanes of his prefervation, 29 1 ; Office, the cheefeft oftices of the Church arc for the fervice thereof, 1 5 . Patience, v\h2it it is, 75. Reafonstoin- forcc it, i^/i. meancs to obtaine it^ 76. fignes to djfccrne it,ibid.\who deipife Gods patience, 493. Peace, peace of confcience where it is, 29. peace required of Chnftians, 475. 47^- how to be at peace wth God, 477. without neighbour 5,479. with our owne , confciences, 480. how to difcerne found peace of confcience. 48 1 .48 2.48 3 . Per zj/; 5 why fo many perifli,489. Peter, his diligence in the execution of his minii^eriall fuii^ion,2.5. why he pretixeth his name, 8. and mentioneth ^hat he was the fervant of Chrift,9 . Perfeverance , the certainty of the Saints perfeverance, 1 10. 1 1 1 . from God, 112. 113. from Chri(t,ii4. the holy Ghoft,iij.the word of God, ii 6. the children of God, ibid, objeftions anfwe- icd,i 18. profitable ufes thereof, 1 19.120. how to perfevcre in goodnefTcj 272. not every profefibr a pcrfeverer, 381. perfeve- rance anote of Gods children, 382.383. required in weldocrs, 3 8 2.perfcverince m godlines hard, 50 2. the happineflc of perfe- vcrers,50 5. Gods word incites thereunto, 507. Pleafures, lawful! plcafure, not to be fought a^tcr with all diligence, 64. PoUutionii the pollutions of the world how dangerous ^ 3 90 . 3 9 1 . how to efcape theinj3y2. Preachers, the fpcciall fervants of Chrift, 9. they are to take notice of fal.'e teachers and give w^i'ning of them, 2 24.215 Dr~' Tl^e Tahle. 9M^m I i^M i X Freferve, God can prefcivc his owne in the midft of danger > 190 ■ Promifes , vt\2ny piomifes beftowedon the godly ,45 . God the giver of them, ri'/i, diverfly confirroed, 46. differences be- twcencthcm and mens promifes ji^i^i^. the dfvers kinds of them, 47. differences be - tweencthem,48. the comfortable ufe of thcm,rW. how God performeth them, 49. on Whom be flowed :, rW. v\'hy bc- ftowed.50. they arc mod great and pi- Rome s^{t]:iy uncleannc^'c, 5:0. Splints ythcix future perfeaion,iio. ^cq^tTi-, divers forrs of them, 415. Pa- piftsfcoffersofGod,4i6.thefe lail dayes moftpcftercd with them, 417.418. they walke after their owne lufts,4i9. their hearts filled therewith, 42i,flaves there- unto, i^/i. ^<:r/p/Mrej-,the Scriptures require enter- pictation,iii.noCmadebyman,zij.per- ^ed,2i6.God the author of them, 217.10 bee imbraced, 220. wherein eafie/ and >vnereinhard,499.^oo. Seduce i the danger of mc* fcduccd. Service ,^i^c\j\iit% in performing Gods ferviccobjc^lcdand anfwercd, 122.125. God flirthereth his owne children ii\thc performance thereof, 1 2.4. 1 2, ^ . Sinne,rma naturally defiled therewTkh 92.95 .Chnfts bloodf the oncly meanes to purge tt,95. who truly clenfcd therefrom 97- ^ ^ SodemCi what the Sodomits finnes were 2 96.thegreatnefl'e of them5297. howpu-" niihedj^oi. Sfirituallj fpirituall . things belong to Gods children, 2$. )iey are^he befl things, 27. what temperance is,v 4«teafons to inforce it, ibid, meanes to obtainc it^7 5. fignes to difcerne it, ibid. Temptations, feverall forts of them, 516. 5 1 7 . the godly fubjeft to them ,518. why fubjeftj 3 19.520. how needfull that the Lordftiould know how to delivci* them out of them, 5 21. Tefiament , the agreement bctwecnc the old and new Tcftament, 1 94. 1 9 y. Truth, ther's but one truth, 139. the do^rine of the Apoflles moll certame and true, 179. /'^frrKe,what it is,72. reafons to inforce it, iW,mcanes to obcaine it,7 3. fignes^to difcerne it,i^/i. Vncle annexe, mans naturall unclean- neffc univerfall,44. L'/2^ot//)', their con verfation filty, 3C9. their wayes vcxe the godly. 310. dange- rous to convcrfc with them,3ii.refeived unto judgement, 5 24.32^. Vniverfitity i notes of univerfality how to be reftrained,44 1 . well doers to be en- couraged, 19 ■7.200. 201. IVeU-doerSy who they are that cannot continue in wel Idoing, 387.388. Word, its to be obeyed wlvlft God con- tinueth the preachtirs , thereof, 150. i^ I ^4. 1 5 5. the certainety and truch there- of. MUBCE^lkA The Table. qlji%6. i^i. 16^. how to keepe it in minde5l^3^;continuancc thereof a pledge of Godsjbve, 165, how to heareitiic;©. what ^fc to .bcc made ^thereof, 191. its intallibjjr tVuc, 19^. potfeverance in hearii^g and reading there orre qui red, 20 1. loi^fluning light, 2^65,206. excelling li3nt,2o8. the ^rfpicuity thereof* 212. mindefulnefTe thereof reaiiired.410. 411. a prefervative againft t\i\\y^^z<^. the word profitable im;iill;549 5. "^ '■ " JVcrld, tlif^ld worlds iinnes, 285. how God created the world, 434. 4 g 5.-: I the world (hall be d£il:royed3436. the cer- tainty of the worlds dilTolution/46^. qur finn«5 the caufe thereof, 46 5. »•». th<- FINIS ^■T-t.^ ^p # v*- #